Genshin Impact: Joining the Genius Society

Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Ayaka’s Concern

”It seems the resistance matter is more pressing. Then I shall not trouble my lord further.”

As Kamisato Ayato rose, he cast Ayaka a subtle glance.

With his sharp mind, it wasn’t hard to deduce why the resistance strategist would suddenly request peace talks.

Clearly, during the time Ayaka had returned home, she had once again contacted the rebels in secret— and this time, revealed more details about the dream.

How else could one explain the timing of such a request?

On the surface, the resistance were weak.

But morally, they held the higher ground.

After all, they fought against the Vision Hunt Decree and Sakoku Decree—measures that were far from righteous.

Ayaka caught her brother’s gaze.

The bond they shared since childhood let her instantly understand his meaning.

”Sara, what is your opinion on this matter?”

Kujou Sara furrowed her brow, deep in thought.

If her view was sought— did that not mean this was no simple affair?

Surely, someone like Su Ran—who could improve even the Shogun herself—wasn’t seeking her counsel.

Perhaps... this was a test?

”My lord, I believe there must be something suspicious here.”

”Oh? Such as...?”

Su Ran’s eyes locked on hers, as if to dig out her reasoning.

Suspicious? But in what way?

Why would Sangonomiya Kokomi suddenly abandon rebellion?

”Most likely because the resistance has been losing too many battles. If the war drags on, they will suffer greater losses. Watatsumi Island’s resources are insufficient. They cannot match the Shogunate’s.”

Indeed, prolonged war would exhaust them.

But Sara failed to consider the third party—the Fatui.

Without Fatui aid, how could Watatsumi forces have fought the Shogunate to a standstill?

Even if they lost more often than they won, victories still came— and those were not born from Watatsumi’s strength alone.

”Not a bad analysis,” Su Ran nodded.

”Well then, if that ornamental fish wishes to meet, let her meet. Hm... she wants to see the Shogun, doesn’t she?”

He suddenly recalled— Inazuma’s ruler was still the Raiden Shogun.

Who exactly did Kokomi want to face?

”The strategist only requested an audience with the current ruler of the Shogunate.”

And who was that, if not Su Ran himself?

Even Sara could see that the Shogun obeyed his every word.

When she reported this matter yesterday, the Shogun had only said, ’We’ll wait for Su Ran’s return.’

If even the Shogun deferred to him, what else could Sara do?

”It seems little Kokomi has gathered plenty of intelligence... though I wonder how she came by it all.”

Only a handful even knew of Su Ran’s existence.

Aside from the Shogun, there was the little Shogun... and Yae Miko.

Sara’s eyes flicked toward Ayaka, who was bowing her head guiltily.

Eight or nine chances out of ten—it was her.

She didn’t think Yae Miko, as Narukami’s shrine maiden, would conspire against her own god.

But Lady Kamisato... had her suspicions written all over her face.

Still, seeing the sly curve of Su Ran’s lips, Sara guessed this was merely another part of their play.

So she chose not to expose her.

”Sara, make preparations. I’d like to see how that ornamental fish performs.”

”Yes! Sara obeys!”

Task received, she turned to leave.

”Wait.”

Just as she was about to step out, leaving Su Ran and Ayaka to their privacy, she was halted.

”My lord... what is it?”

”Kujou Takayuki has been imprisoned for deceiving the Shogun, colluding with outsiders, and betraying her trust. He may be your foster father, but you should visit him when you have the time.”

”...What?”

Sara stared, dumbfounded.

How could this be?

Just days ago, she had seen him trying to persuade the Shogun to retract her decrees.

And now—he was a traitor in chains?

And from such a reliable source, no less.

”The clan head... betray the Shogun? Impossible!”

If anyone knew Kujou Takayuki’s loyalty, it was her.

It was as fanatical as her own.

How could he be unfaithful?

”There must be some mistake! To my knowledge, his devotion to the Shogun is unshakable.”

Ayaka also looked stunned.

Though she disliked Takayuki, even she admitted— his loyalty to the Shogun was beyond doubt.

”Is that so? Yet he colluded with the Fatui.”

”...But my lord, aren’t you a Fatui Harbinger?”

An executive of the Fatui— who had seized the Shogun herself, sharing her divine authority.

”Indeed. Which is why the one who decreed his imprisonment... was the Shogun, not me.”

Sara had no words left.

If it had been Su Ran’s decision, she might have thought there was some scheme at play.

But if it was the Shogun’s order... then there was no escaping it.

”Do not worry. Though Takayuki was disloyal, your own faithfulness is trusted—by both myself and the Shogun.”

”...Sara will never betray that trust!”

She saluted crisply, then left Tenshukaku with a heavy heart.

”Lord Su Ran, is this truly wise?”

Ayaka couldn’t understand his reasoning.

He was a Fatui Harbinger— so why tear down his own facade?

Why contradict himself so?

”Are you worried the other Harbingers will scold me? That the Tsaritsa will punish me?”

He lifted a finger, hooked it beneath her chin, and tilted it up.

”I’m glad you worry for me, Ayaka. But relax. The Tsaritsa won’t blame me. As for the others... I couldn’t care less. My fists are stronger.”

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