"I understand, please rest assured, Lady Durandal. I promise to support Lady Sangonomiya's ceasefire proposal at the next meeting."
"Hmm, I will closely monitor the next meeting. If I find out you've gone back on your word, I will not only revert you to your previous state but also make your situation even worse, understand?"
"Yes, yes. I absolutely will not go back on my word, please rest assured."
At Sangonomiya Shrine, Durandal walked out of the building, escorted by several seemingly elderly individuals who represented various factions within Sangonomiya Shrine.
Originally, when Durandal came to them, they were dismissive, determined not to agree to any of her terms, no matter what benefits she offered.
But after seeing Durandal restore the health of an elderly and ailing accomplice, they could no longer sit still.
As mentioned before, money held little appeal for such people; what they truly desired was health.
Just like Hiiragi Shinsuke, upon receiving the benefits, they immediately changed their attitude, promising to fully support Sangonomiya Kokomi in the next meeting, as per Durandal's request, even if the Fatui threatened them, it would be useless.
Thus, what should have been a troublesome matter was easily resolved by Durandal, so much so that when Durandal told Sangonomiya Kokomi about it, she suspected she was dreaming.
Durandal convinced those old fogeys just like that? Sangonomiya Kokomi knew in her heart that those people had most likely received benefits from the Fatui, and even if the Fatui's conspiracy was laid bare before them, some would still be unwilling to cease hostilities.
After all, the animosity between Sangonomiya Shrine and the Shogunate was not so easily resolved. Sangonomiya Kokomi had already prepared to override all objections at the next meeting, but she didn't expect it to be over before it even began.
"How did you do it?"
Sangonomiya Kokomi looked at Durandal curiously. Was it through violent intimidation? That was possible, but it was the crudest method. Given Durandal's wisdom, she should have adopted other methods that Sangonomiya Kokomi hadn't thought of.
"I offered them an offer they couldn't refuse. They couldn't resist the temptation, so they naturally agreed."
Durandal leisurely brewed herself a cup of tea, looking at the utterly inexperienced Sangonomiya Kokomi, shaking her head and motioning for her to also drink some tea, not to dwell too much on the issue.
Sangonomiya Kokomi hadn't fully recovered, but she could still drink tea. She indeed needed something to calm herself down right now.
"Um, what if... I mean, what if they go back on their word midway?"
Those people usually lacked common sense, but at times like this, they were as cunning as foxes. Sangonomiya Kokomi was a bit worried that they might regret it and cast negative votes during the meeting.
"They won't go back on their word. As long as they want to continue to possess 'that thing,' they must obediently follow my instructions. Otherwise, I will take it back."
"'That thing'? What is 'that thing'?" Sangonomiya Kokomi asked curiously.
But Durandal did not answer her, simply sitting there drinking tea, together with Shenhe, as if waiting for something.
Soon, Sangonomiya Kokomi knew what Durandal was waiting for. A rush of footsteps sounded, then her door was pulled open, and a graceful figure appeared in the room.
"Ya-hoo~ We're back, Kokomi. According to the mission objective, I've patrolled the areas near Sangonomiya Shrine. All those Nobushi and Fatui members have been driven away by me."
"Hmm, you've worked hard, Lumine. Come have some tea and rest."
"Hehe, this is nothing for me... Hmm?!"
This was not Sangonomiya Kokomi's voice. Lumine, realizing this, opened her eyes and saw Durandal, holding a teacup, looking at her with a slight smile.
"Durandal? Are you done with your business?"
"Just a few humans. I offered them a price that moved them, and they naturally fell for it. A few wanted to haggle, and I made them pay a small price. Overall, this negotiation was a success."
"I see, thank you for your hard work, for doing this."
Asking Durandal to specifically negotiate with those people was a bit troublesome for her. One must know that Durandal generally disliked talking to people who liked to set traps for others. Facing so many at once this time, she must have endured it with great difficulty.
Endured what? Fear? Of course not. She endured with great difficulty, suppressing the urge to strike them all down on the spot. Did those people really think she wouldn't do anything to them? Did they really think their reputation was useful?
"It's nothing. This is the most crucial part for ending this meaningless battle. I believe that after the negotiations are settled, it will be time to make peace with the Shogunate."
At this point, Durandal paused, looked at the prim and proper Sangonomiya Kokomi, and said,
"The Shogunate army will certainly agree to the proposal for negotiation. During the negotiations, both sides will definitely make demands. Have you thought about what you will demand during the negotiations, Sangonomiya Kokomi?"
Negotiations are an extremely important part. Sangonomiya Kokomi, as the highest administrator, will certainly attend in person. The Shogunate side will most likely be represented by Kujou Sara for negotiations.
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