Looking at the young man in the distance, smiling slyly like an old fox, Paimon turned around and flew close to Lumine, whispering:

"Lumine, that must be Ayaka's brother… he looks like someone we shouldn't mess with!"

Lumine gave a slight nod without saying anything.

Kamisato Ayato, leading a large group of retainers, walked straight through the tightly packed lines of the Shogunate soldiers. Without a sound, the Kamisato family's people surrounded and protected Ayaka and the others.

"Brother."

Ayaka let out a breath of relief and nodded toward Kamisato Ayato.

Ayato glanced briefly at Lumine and Paimon, then turned his eyes toward Kujou Sara.

"It's truly rare for General Kujou to show such concern for my sister."

"However, since she's just returned from a long journey, she must be exhausted. If there are matters to discuss, perhaps it would be best to wait until after she has rested."

Kujou Sara fell silent for a moment, annoyance flickering in her heart.

With Lumine here, things were already complicated enough—she dared not act rashly.

Now that Kamisato Ayato had arrived, knowing his style, it was nearly impossible for Sara to take Ayaka away today.

But since it was a direct order from the Raiden Shogun, Kujou Sara still had to try. She said coldly:

"By order of the Shogun: Kamisato Ayaka has openly violated the Sakoku Decree. As a high-ranking member of Inazuma, she left the nation for an extended period of time. The Shogun has commanded me to apprehend her."

Ayato had long anticipated this argument. Unhurried, he gave Ayaka a light glance, then said slowly with a faint smile:

"True, my sister did breach the Sakoku Decree. But governance should not be carried out with such harsh rigidity."

"On that day, she was invited by Captain Beidou to Ritou, in order to negotiate procurement of supplies. Yet on her way, she personally witnessed Inazuma's people displaced, starving, and without shelter. In a moment of impulse, she accepted Captain Beidou's offer to accompany her to Liyue."

"Only someone from Inazuma could truly understand what the people of Inazuma need. Although it was rash, her intentions were good. For the sake of our citizens, she went personally to Liyue to seek essential supplies."

"General Kujou, even if the Shogun's decree is absolute, that does not mean it must be interpreted without compassion. After all, your own Vision has not been surrendered to the Vision Hunt Decree, has it?"

"What do you think?"

Ayato smiled pleasantly at Kujou Sara. Thɪs chapter is updated by ⓝovelFire.net

For any being with feelings, those feelings will always be their weakness.

Kujou Sara was no exception.

Though she had been adopted by the Kujou Clan from a young age, her childhood had still been marked by poverty and hardship. Because of this, she could understand—deep down—the struggles of Inazuma's common people.

It was only her absolute loyalty to the Raiden Shogun that kept her silent.

All that was needed was a small lever, and her emotions could be pried open.

As expected, Kujou Sara's gaze wavered slightly.

Ayato cast a look at Ayaka. Realizing instantly, she took out a pouch and handed it to him.

"Brother, these are the supplies I procured in Liyue—food, clothing, and other essential resources. But since my decision was made on the spur of the moment, I didn't carry enough Mora with me. As of now, I still owe Liyue… fifty billion Mora."

Kamisato Ayato spoke gently:

"It's alright. Captain Beidou will come again if she wishes, and at that time the Mora owed can be handed over to her."

"More importantly, these supplies need to be distributed quickly—they will help alleviate the hardships of Inazuma's citizens."

He paused briefly and then looked at Kujou Sara.

"However, there's quite a lot of supplies. I doubt the Kamisato family alone could distribute everything. General Kujou, I hope you don't mind helping out?"

Kujou Sara's gaze flickered, and after a moment, she nodded.

"Since it's for the people of Inazuma, of course I will help."

Ayato narrowed his eyes slightly and smiled meaningfully.

"In that case, thank you, General Kujou. But remember, these supplies were purchased specifically for the people suffering in Inazuma. I hope you won't treat them as strategic resources."

Kujou Sara frowned slightly.

"I would never! Are you implying I would embezzle them?"

"No, no, no. General Kujou, I trust your character."

Ayato shook his head slowly, his tone deepening:

"But what you consider just—does that reflect the thoughts of the Tenryou Commission?"

"…."

Kujou Sara was momentarily speechless. After a while, she was less rigid and said softly:

"I will personally take responsibility for this matter. No one else will interfere."

"That's perfect."

Ayato smiled and motioned for his retainers to escort Ayaka and the others outward.

"Today my sister has just returned. There are many things I wish to discuss with her. Regarding her leaving Inazuma without permission—though her intentions were good, I will still reprimand her."

"Afterwards, she will personally write a self-reflection. We won't trouble General Kujou any further."

He casually tossed the pouch to Kujou Sara. Feeling the concentrated adeptal energy within it, she immediately understood.

This was the divine realm technique of a Liyue adept. The fact that such a thing could be sent along with the supplies made the situation all the more remarkable.

Kamisato Ayato led Ayaka and the others outward confidently.

The Shogunate soldiers blinked, unsure whether to intervene.

Kujou Sara sighed and waved her hand.

"Let them pass!"

The soldiers breathed a sigh of relief. Though loyal to the Raiden Shogun, they did not want an all-out battle.

Especially with Lumine… even if they managed to capture her today, what then?

The three nations could come personally to demand accountability—it would be no more than handing her over.

But if the Abyss Order got involved…

Would they even reason with them?

A whole swarm of Abyss mages could appear throughout Inazuma in an instant. The Abyss mages were no ordinary force—they didn't care how many people were killed.

Moreover, even if a battle broke out, the outcome would most likely be a loss.

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