"!"
Beside them, Yonggao looked at his wife with an expression of quiet resignation.
Kokomi merely nodded lightly, signaling for the woman to continue.
"If we reconcile with them, wouldn't that mean the god who once protected us died for nothing!"
The old woman's voice rang out loudly, full of conviction.
"Your god invaded—!"
The Shogun's instinctive response escaped before she could stop herself.
Pat...
But as if she had foreseen it, Kokomi subtly reached out and clasped the Shogun's hand, giving her fingers a small, calming squeeze.
"...Haa."
Feeling that soft touch, the Shogun fell silent again, averting her gaze with a restrained chill in her eyes.
"Alright, alright~! What era do you think this is? Still talking about war? Why can't we just live in peace for once?!"
Yonggao scolded his wife with a sigh, clearly weary of her stubbornness.
"I know, I know! It's just... sigh... we can't afford to look too soft. We can't just yield so easily!"
The old woman protested again, unwilling to back down.
"(Hmph... still playing the 'victim.')"
The Shogun muttered under her breath, a quiet, scornful laugh escaping her.
'Protecting'? How convenient. Even if Orobashi claimed it was an unavoidable act, the truth remains—he invaded Inazuma and killed Ei's friend. His sins cannot be absolved. Your god invaded another's land, and you think yourselves the wronged ones? If Orobashi—who once knelt and apologized—heard such foolish words, wouldn't he turn in his grave?
Truly... they've learned nothing. How merciful Ei must have been to spare them.
"So please, Lady Sangonomiya, you must think carefully about this."
"I understand. I'll reconsider it carefully and handle the matter properly."
Kokomi's voice remained calm, though she could feel the Shogun's hand trembling with repressed anger. In response, she gently rubbed the back of that hand in reassurance while keeping her expression composed before the elderly couple.
"Ah, that's good... I'll leave it in your care, then."
The old woman finally smiled in satisfaction. To the Shogun, however, that smile was irritating enough to make her hand twitch toward her sword. But she stopped herself—why waste anger on an ignorant mortal? There would be more moments like this ahead, she was sure. In fact, witnessing such ignorance was part of why she had come—to see the true hearts of Watatsumi's people.
"Alright. I have other matters to attend to. We'll be going now."
Kokomi bowed politely before taking the Shogun's hand and leading her away.
"..."
The Shogun followed quietly, her mood still heavy.
Once they reached a secluded corner, Kokomi turned back to her. Her eyes were soft but complicated.
"I'm sorry, Shogun-sama."
She lowered her head and gave a deep bow.
"...You don't need to apologize. This isn't your fault."
The Shogun shook her head, leaning back lightly against a nearby wall.
"But... as their leader, I..."
"I already knew. I've long been aware of what the people of Watatsumi think of Narukami Island. When I came here, I was prepared for it—but hearing such arrogant words firsthand... it's still infuriating."
She sighed quietly, her gaze drifting down to her black silk-clad feet. The tip of her heel traced idly through the grass below.
"..."
Kokomi followed her gaze for a moment, then sighed softly and leaned against the wall beside her.
"There's something I've been meaning to tell you. At first, Watatsumi Island didn't revere you the way the shogunate did, but we still respected you as a divine being. Yet ever since that one strike—when Lord Orobashi was slain—our relationship with the shogunate has grown strained. The bias between our people only deepened."
Kokomi's voice was quiet and reflective.
"But even so, Orobashi's invasion was a mistake. No matter the reason... it was wrong."
She sighed again, her tone heavy with honesty.
"They only see the result, not the cause... sigh... blind faith like that is misguided as well."
"This time, during the peace talks, I planned to discuss this very issue with the Tenryou Commission. I was still organizing my words, since it's part of the negotiations... but your timely arrival, Shogun-sama, allows me to address it directly with the god herself. In a way, this is a form of 'healing at the root.' It puts my heart at ease."
Kokomi let out a quiet sigh.
"Haa... some grudges must be put to rest someday."
She stepped closer, her expression serious as she faced the Shogun.
"Is that what you truly think?"
The Shogun asked.
"Mmh, yes, though... what I'm about to say may sound disrespectful to the Great Lord of Watatsumi. Still, I want to tell you, and I hope you'll listen."
Kokomi leaned close, her soft lips near the Shogun's ear as she whispered in a sweet, breathy voice.
"..."
The Shogun said nothing, silently giving her full attention.
"Shogun-sama... compared to the Great Lord of Watatsumi, I care more about my people. My personal faith is not what matters most."
Tap~
Kokomi raised a hand, gently resting it against the Shogun's waist, drawing closer.
"As the 'Divine Priestess,' it's my duty to guide my people—to show them the right path, not lead them into despair. Watatsumi Island is weak. That's a truth they neither know nor wish to face. Peace talks are the only right choice now. I want them to live happily—not in constant fear of invasion."
"!"
The Shogun turned slightly, meeting the girl's gaze from only inches away, a faint look of surprise crossing her face.
"Have you come to understand me a little better now, Shogun-sama?"
Kokomi smiled faintly, her expression serene yet laced with quiet self-mockery.
"I have. I thought you were the honest type."
The Shogun teased lightly.
"Shogun-sama... no one is entirely what they seem."
Kokomi replied with a soft laugh.
"...You said before that you weren't two-faced. Were you lying to me, little trickster~?"
The Shogun half-pouted, half-teased.
"Hehe... words like that depend on the situation. Toward you, of course, I'm sincere inside and out. But when it comes to work... that's another story~"
As she spoke, her violet eyes softened, her breath brushing faintly across the Shogun's lips. The space between them seemed to shrink, the atmosphere growing warm and ambiguous.
"...Our faces are almost touching///"
The Shogun muttered quietly, her cheeks flushed as she turned away.
"Ah—sorry..."
Kokomi quickly released her and stepped back, brushing her bangs to hide the faint blush still lingering on her cheeks.
"Haa... let's go."
The Shogun averted her gaze as well, resuming her walk. Kokomi smiled softly and followed, the two of them once again moving along the quiet path toward Sangonomiya Shrine.
"What does the Divine Priestess usually do?"
The Shogun asked out of curiosity. She knew what shrine maidens did—she was familiar enough with Yae Miko—but she wondered how Kokomi's role differed.
"Mostly faith-related duties... and a few mundane tasks like—"
Kokomi walked beside her at an easy pace, her tone relaxed, as if chatting casually.
"Lady Sangonomiya?! Oh my, I didn't expect to see you here!"
"Uh..."
Kokomi sighed softly, pressing her fingers to her temple before turning to face the approaching woman with her usual composure.
"Miss Shiori, is something the matter?"
She asked politely.
The Shogun could sense that, here on Watatsumi Island, the Divine Priestess was as well-known as the Raiden Shogun was on Narukami—perhaps even more beloved. She was something of a public icon.
"My daughter applied for the shrine maiden selection this year! If she could serve at the Sangonomiya Shrine, I'd be overjoyed. Lady Sangonomiya is so kind—I'm sure you'd treat her well."
The woman, Shiori, spoke with excitement, her eyes bright with anticipation—a clear hint at wanting special favor. The implication was obvious: please help her get in.
"Mmm—"
Kokomi hummed softly, her tone gentle but uncertain, though she showed no sign of irritation.
"I always tell my daughter she should learn from you whenever she has the chance. You're so young, yet so capable and graceful... She's always looked up to you as her role model, Lady Sangonomiya~!"
Her words carried another subtle meaning: not just entry into the shrine, but perhaps a place under Kokomi's direct supervision.
Kokomi remained silent throughout the woman's flurry of flattery, simply listening with her usual patience. When the woman finally finished, Kokomi spoke calmly.
"If she joins the shrine, I'll make sure to look after her."
She said simply.
"Um... if possible, could you perhaps... put in a word of recommendation?"
The woman asked hesitantly.
"Alright. I'll take a look when the time comes."
Kokomi agreed without fuss, her tone decisive.
"Oh—thank you so much, Lady Sangonomiya!"
"..."
The Shogun stared silently at the woman, her expression caught between disbelief and amusement.
If she had any more enthusiasm, she'd probably try to hand Kokomi a gift box or two right here. So this is what open bribery looks like...
And yet—Kokomi didn't seem the least bit annoyed. She didn't reject or argue, didn't sigh or scold—she simply smiled, accepted, and moved on. She'd been like that since the start: calm, patient, endlessly understanding.
...Is she just bad at saying no?
The Shogun wondered quietly, watching her companion. If she keeps working like this nonstop, how long can her body hold out?
"(Lady Sangonomiya, about this year's agricultural shortfall, I'd like to report—)"
"(Lady Sangonomiya, who is this guest? A friend of yours? Will she be staying on Watatsumi Island?)"
"(Lady Sangonomiya, about tonight's banquet—)"
"(Lady Sangonomiya!)" ×N
…
Leading the Shogun through the streets, Kokomi could hardly hide her exhaustion. Every few steps, someone would stop her to ask a question—each one long, complicated, and impossible to answer quickly. By the time she finished responding, the sun would have set and the tea gone cold.
It was a disaster. She had meant to escort the Shogun straight to the shrine, but the crowd made that impossible. The path was blocked on all sides, and she couldn't just ignore the people—it would be rude, especially in front of the Shogun. Yet her companion's expression had already shifted into one of thinly veiled exasperation.
"Lady Sangonomiya, please, we still have to—" ×N
The voices kept coming from every direction.
"Haa... everyone, please quiet down for a moment. I'm quite busy right now."
For the first time that day, Kokomi stopped walking and addressed the crowd firmly. It was, perhaps, the first time the Shogun had seen her turn someone away.
"Uh…" ×N
The crowd fell silent at once, looking sheepish and embarrassed.
"However, if you have issues or suggestions, please write them in a report and send them to the Sangonomiya Shrine. When I have time, I'll review and respond to them personally."
She offered them an alternative, as she always did. Most people of Watatsumi knew that if they submitted written petitions, the Divine Priestess herself would eventually review and answer them.
"Ah… understood." ×N
Thankfully, they didn't press further. They understood how busy Lady Sangonomiya always was. It wasn't often she visited in person—seeing her today had simply excited them too much.
"Phew..."
Once the crowd dispersed, Kokomi let out a weary sigh, rubbing her temple.
"—Like these?"
The Shogun finished the sentence Kokomi hadn't been able to earlier, referring back to her earlier question: 'What kind of work does the Divine Priestess usually do?'
"Yes, exactly... little matters like these. Haa... small things that still require my personal attention."
Kokomi's tone was light but drained, the weariness showing through.
"If I weren't here, would you really answer them one by one again today?"
The Shogun teased.
"Perhaps... but it's still better than being cooped up in my room signing documents all day, don't you think? And besides, I couldn't just abandon you, could I? Compared to their questions, you are far more important to me."
Kokomi replied with a gentle smile, her voice teasing but soft.
"Pfft... you say that like it's sweet."
The Shogun rolled her eyes and strode past her, though her tone had lost its usual edge. Instead of coldness, there was something faintly bashful in it. Kokomi smiled to herself and followed closely, feeling a small warmth bloom in her chest.
As they approached the towering coral spires of Sangonomiya Shrine, Kokomi glanced toward the purple-haired woman beside her.
"Shogun-sama, in a moment I'll take you to—"
Before she could finish, they were interrupted again.
Tap, tap~!
A young shrine maiden in blue and white robes hurried toward them and bowed deeply to Kokomi.
"Lady Sangonomiya, there's something I must report!"
"Haa... what is it?"
Kokomi sighed softly but kept her tone patient.
"A shipment of ceremonial tools hasn't arrived yet. I'm worried it may have been stolen..."
The maiden spoke nervously.
"Oh... those? I've already recovered them. There's no need to worry."
Kokomi replied. Her voice was calm, but the Shogun could hear the fatigue hidden beneath her measured tone—her words carried a faint weakness, as if her strength was slowly wearing thin.
"Really?! As expected of you, Lady Sangonomiya—you're incredible!"
The maiden exclaimed with bright admiration.
Seriously, is there no one here who can take initiative when it matters? Must she handle everything herself? If something's missing, go look for it! Don't just stand there waiting for her to solve it all.
The Shogun sighed inwardly, feeling a mix of frustration and concern. Truthfully, she was starting to worry about the young priestess's health.
Still, she could understand why. Watatsumi Island wasn't like Narukami Island or the Shogunate—there were no auxiliary commissions like the Tri-Commission. In her case, the Kanjou, Tenryou, and Yashiro Commissions handled much of the workload for her. Ayaka and her brother, especially, were remarkably capable. But for the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi, there was no such structure. Everything ultimately ended up on Kokomi's desk.
Realizing this, the Shogun found herself softening a little.
"I've already sorted through the latest reports and placed them on your desk."
The conversation ahead of her continued while she was lost in thought.
"Also, according to the schedule, there's another meeting today—on developing the textile industry."
The shrine maiden glanced down at her notes before closing the booklet and addressing Kokomi again.
"...The schedule? Right now?"
Kokomi's tone faltered, her face showing a mix of reluctance and exhaustion. She glanced sideways at the woman beside her—how was she supposed to host her guest and attend a meeting at the same time?
"Yes, the two delegates from afar are already waiting for you."
The maiden nodded.
"Haa... alright. You can go ahead first."
Kokomi nodded tiredly, dismissing her gently.
"Understood, Lady Sangonomiya. We'll await your arrival."
With a polite bow, the maiden retreated, leaving the two alone again.
"..." ×2
Silence settled briefly between them.
"Shogun-sama, I…"
Kokomi began, her expression conflicted—unsure how to explain.
"—Go on."
The Shogun cut in smoothly, her tone calm and decisive.
"Eh?"
Kokomi blinked.
"You have duties to attend to, don't you? Go. Don't let work pile up."
The Shogun's tone carried no annoyance—only understanding.
"But... you've just arrived. I had planned to—"
"It's fine. I can look around on my own. It's not like I'll get lost."
She waved her hand casually. She wasn't the type to demand constant company anyway.
"Mm... alright then. Oh—here."
Kokomi reached into her pocket and produced a small, round badge engraved with the emblem of the Watatsumi dragon's claw. She handed it to the Shogun.
"Take this with you. Show it at the Sangonomiya Shrine, and they'll let you in. I've already arranged a room for your stay."
"...A room?"
The Shogun blinked.
"Of course. You weren't planning to leave tonight, were you?"
Kokomi asked carefully, her tone tinged with a faint, almost shy hesitation.
"No, I'm just surprised. Haa... understood."
The Shogun accepted the badge and tucked it safely away.
"I was hoping to show you more of Watatsumi Island, but I suppose that'll have to wait until after I finish my work."
By then, it'll probably be dark... sigh.
She felt a pang of disappointment but quickly brushed it aside. Work came first—always. If she ignored it, it would only pile up until it became unbearable.
"Don't worry about me. Go handle your duties. I'll be here when you return."
The Shogun smiled faintly as she said it. Her tone was gentle now—familiar. Their relationship had grown noticeably closer.
"Mm..."
Kokomi nodded softly, then turned to leave.
"...Sangonomiya."
"?"
Kokomi paused and looked back at her.
"Good luck with your work."
The Shogun said simply.
"...Hehe, thank you."
Kokomi froze for a moment, then smiled—a sweet, genuine smile that brightened her features.
Our bond deepened again today, she thought. Someday, I'll make her call me 'Kokomi'... and one day, I'll make her act all soft and clingy with me, too~!
No matter what, she wouldn't lose to those other girls who'd already earned a place in the Shogun's heart. Even if she started late, she'd catch up.
With that cheerful thought, she turned and walked toward the meeting hall, the warmth in her heart carrying her steps forward. But first—she had to finish her work. Sigh~
"..."
Watching her slender figure disappear into the distance, the Shogun found herself briefly dazed. She sighed softly, turning her gaze to the shimmering cliffs and the azure sea surrounding them. Iridescent bubbles drifted past her line of sight, sparkling in the light.
For a fleeting moment, she forgot why she had come here in the first place.