Kujou Sara felt uneasy, fearing that she might receive an order to slaughter those people.
After waiting for a moment,
the Shogun's command came.
"Forget it. No need to investigate."
"But those Visions are still glowing."
"I said it's not necessary."
Ei's tone was somewhat cold.
She was decisive and acted alone.
But with her sister's instructions in the past, and Kitsune Saiguu's dying words later, both of them cherished the people.
No matter what, Ei could not bring herself to act.
Kujou Sara let out a sigh of relief and quickly responded,
"Yes, Shogun."
Seeing that there was nothing more,
Kujou Sara slowly withdrew.
After stepping outside, her mood became extremely heavy.
Yesterday, this general had not slept all night, running across various parts of Yashiori Island.
Although she had only conducted a brief investigation,
the results shattered her composure.
If even one piece of information had been false, it would have been better. Unfortunately, every single detail was completely true.
"Father, brother…"
"Your futures are completely ruined."
Having committed such atrocities, their endings were already decided.
At this moment, Kujou Sara had no mind to think about that. What she considered was how to reverse the current situation.
Inazuma was already riddled with damage.
As a sinner, she had to salvage something.
Otherwise, she truly had no face to continue holding her current position.
Mount Yougou.
Su Han was discussing business matters with Ningguang.
When the topic turned to him obtaining development rights for an island, she immediately became interested.
"What do you plan to do with it?"
"For now, I don't have a concrete idea. I'll wait until the nation opens up. Maybe I'll develop it into a tourist island, or perhaps an industrial island."
Seirai Island's environment was actually quite good overall.
Although it currently had the lingering resentment of the Thunderbird, to Su Han, that was nothing difficult.
The reason he considered developing it into an industrial island was precisely because of that resentment. If it could be sealed and utilized,
it would provide a massive amount of electricity.
This was one of the main sources of energy for industrialization.
All kinds of factories relied on electricity.
"A tourist island?" Ningguang murmured, then asked, "Have you considered transportation?"
Even a scenic destination needed convenient access.
Otherwise, ordinary people could not afford to go. The money from nobles alone would not be enough to sustain an island's revenue.
Su Han chuckled. "I have some ideas about that. You've heard of the sea train, right?"
"Of course. Are you saying you have the technology for it?"
"Not exactly, but opening a route shouldn't be a problem."
Su Han did not possess sea train technology.
However, he had the Gravity Fruit. If he developed it further, he might be able to construct an underwater tunnel or a sea route using gravity.
With trains in place, transportation would not be an issue.
And tourists would naturally be willing to come.
Ningguang calculated the risks and shook her head. "I don't think it will work well. The main issue is the distance. If the location were Watatsumi Island, it might be feasible."
Seirai Island was too remote.
From Liyue, one would have to pass countless islands to reach Inazuma.
Watatsumi Island, however, reduced the journey by nearly two-thirds.
Su Han's eyes lit up. "You're right, I almost forgot about Watatsumi Island. How about we develop that instead?"
Setting aside that chaotic night, his contributions to Watatsumi Island were significant.
If the nation opened,
Watatsumi Island could become a major trade hub.
With Liyue in front and Inazuma behind,
its geographical advantage as a transit point was tremendous.
More importantly, the scenery was exceptionally beautiful.
"I heard you stayed there for a while before. You should have a good relationship with their leader. Why not ask? I think this is feasible."
"Alright, I'll ask now."
Thinking about it carefully,
it had been a week since he left Watatsumi Island.
Aside from a brief exchange that day, they had not communicated.
Now was a good time to contact her.
Watatsumi Island.
Sangonomiya Shrine.
Bedroom.
The girl leaned over a wooden bucket, vomiting.
A shrine maiden stood beside her holding a cup of water, her eyes full of concern.
"My lady, are you alright?"
After vomiting for a while, Sangonomiya Kokomi wiped the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief and gently shook her head. "Don't worry, it's just a normal reaction."
For ordinary women, morning sickness usually began around one and a half to two months.
But her situation was special.
Not only had she taken special medicine, her physique was also different from that of a human.
So starting three days ago, her symptoms had intensified.
Today alone, she had already vomited four times.
"But this doesn't look like you're fine. Should we contact Mr. Su Han?"
"No, we must not tell him."
Sangonomiya Kokomi's expression changed drastically.
That night had been her mistake.
Moreover, Su Han had already done enough. She did not want to trouble him further.
Otherwise, it might seem like she was trying to use it as leverage.
The shrine maiden serving her was extremely anxious, thinking: You're already pregnant, what is there to feel embarrassed about?
Besides, Mr. Su Han is capable and resourceful.
If he could help more, the people would benefit as well.
Sangonomiya Kokomi understood this too, but her pride as a woman prevented her from taking the initiative.
At that moment, the Den Den Mushi in her arms rang.
When she saw it was Su Han calling,
she felt a sudden sense of joy.
"Su Han?"
"It's me. How have you been recently?"
His voice was as gentle as ever.
Sangonomiya Kokomi, who had been feeling gloomy, immediately felt happier.
"I've been doing well. Watatsumi Island is quite stable."
The internal traitors had been eliminated.
The battle lines had been consolidated.
Along with the increase in prestige,
Watatsumi Island had never been so united.
If not for the pregnancy, she would have woken up smiling every day.
"What about your side?"
"As for me, things are progressing quickly. There's something I want to discuss with you. It will affect Watatsumi Island's future."
"Hm? What is it?"
Upon hearing that it concerned the island's future,
Sangonomiya Kokomi became serious.
Su Han quickly explained the island development plan, including labor issues and future prospects.
"If we can establish a sea train route, Watatsumi Island will become an important transit hub. Your place has beautiful scenery and abundant resources. What do you think?"
Sangonomiya Kokomi had not expected such an opportunity and immediately agreed.
"I agree to developing Watatsumi Island, but we don't have enough manpower or funds."
It was a good thing someone was willing to develop it, but she had to clarify their situation.
Su Han did not mind and smiled. "Don't worry, we'll handle everything. As for profits, how about giving you thirty percent of the total revenue? Not including labor wages."
"Thirty percent is perfectly fine."
Sangonomiya Kokomi did not feel the share was low.
Because she had considered many factors.
Developing an island required enormous funds and manpower, which Watatsumi Island lacked.
Although thirty percent seemed small,
in reality, the island was poor and underdeveloped.
Without development, it would remain that way forever.
Without bargaining power, there was no initiative.
Additionally, Su Han was providing employment opportunities, which meant long-term income. The people would be grateful.
Su Han did not expect the deal to be settled so easily, so he continued discussing further details.
For example, wages.
For example, building education and medical facilities.
"Economic prosperity alone isn't enough to strengthen Watatsumi Island. Education is the most important. I plan to establish an academy and hire scholars from Fontaine."
"Is that true? That's wonderful."
Sangonomiya Kokomi had not expected so many benefits.
Education.
Yes, this was the most crucial aspect.
The people of Watatsumi Island were simple and honest, but precisely because of that, they were easily manipulated.
If everyone were as literate as she was, they would not be so easily incited.
"Don't rush to thank me. This is your choice. Hatred is not a good thing. Strive toward happiness. By the way, there's one more thing I want to ask."
"Please go ahead."
"If the Sakoku Decree ends, I hope you will personally lead Watatsumi's officials to Narukami Island to apologize."
This was something Sangonomiya Kokomi had not expected.
But it was extremely important.
In the past, Orobashi had died.
Before his death, he requested Raiden Ei to accept the people of Watatsumi Island.
The benevolent Electro Archon agreed.
She even allowed them to continue worshipping their old god.
However, that tolerance was repaid not with gratitude, but with hatred.
That was truly inappropriate.
If this matter was not resolved,
after peace returned, Watatsumi Island would be the first to face consequences.
Sangonomiya Kokomi said, "I understand. When the nation opens, I will lead people to apologize. However, could you… ugh…"
She was about to ask if Su Han could accompany her,
but nausea struck again.
The morning sickness returned.
Mount Yougou.
Listening to the sound of vomiting through the Den Den Mushi, Su Han was full of confusion.
What was going on?
They were already close enough that she did not even avoid vomiting?
But that was fine, it would make future cooperation easier.
Su Han never considered it to be pregnancy.
After all, conceiving in one attempt was already absurd, and it had only been a week.
He naturally did not think in that direction.
When her voice weakened,
Su Han could not help but tease, "Did you eat something expired? I remember sending quite a lot of food. Try eating something fresh."
"That's none of your business."
Click.
The call ended.
Su Han was puzzled. He felt he had said nothing wrong.
"Sigh, women are really hard to understand."
Since the cooperation was settled,
everything else did not matter.
Watatsumi Island.
Sangonomiya Kokomi herself did not know why she felt angry. It had been just an ordinary remark.
But she still felt annoyed.
The shrine maiden beside her remained calm and did not even bother persuading her.
Mr. Su Han was really dense.
A woman.
Vomiting.
Angry.
Did he really not make the connection?
Well, in any case, at this rate, they would meet again someday.
By then, when her belly had grown, he would naturally understand everything.
Hopefully that day would come soon.
Just after the call ended,
another one came in.
This time, it was Xingqiu.
It had been a long time since they last spoke, and today was just a coincidence.
As soon as the call connected,
Su Han heard Xingqiu urging for updates.
"Why hasn't the manga arrived yet? My stock is almost gone. Did something happen?"
"Yes… it's hard to explain in a few words."
He had originally gone for business,
but ended up gaining a wife and even getting drugged.
Just thinking about it made him want to cry.
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