Chapter 404
She understands the principles.
It's more accurate to say that Living God Shrine Maiden all understand this.
His Highness Orobashi's favors towards the Umi-gi people were too great, too much for them to forget, and thus they could not view history fairly. Because Watatsumi Island disrespected the Electro Archon, the Shogunate treated the Umi-gi people coldly. Because of the Shogunate's indifference, the Umi-gi people became even more disrespectful of the Electro Archon.
The last generation of followers of Prince Orobashi started this cycle. Subsequent generations of Living God Shrine Maiden were powerless to change it, swept along by this vicious cycle, heading towards their inevitable tragic end.
It just so happens that Sangonomiya Kokomi has reached this ending.
"The General has permitted the Watatsumi Island to hold sacrifices in the name of Great Serpent God of Watatsumi, allowing Prince Orobashi to enjoy..."
"I will not deprive you of this mercy, even of the sacrificial offerings. But since Prince Orobashi, the defeated one, continues to offer sacrifices, how can the victorious general be negligent? You may continue to offer sacrifices to Prince Orobashi as you see fit, but I demand that the most solemn and magnificent Narukami Shrine be built, and that worship be performed annually. Your worship of Prince Orobashi must be performed with a higher standard, simultaneously worshipping Narukami; this is the due gift of the victor."
"...yes!"
The faith flowing in her blood made Sangonomiya Kokomi feel that every cell in her body was resisting. If even she, who fully understood the truth, felt this way, it's not hard to imagine how the majority of the sea spirits who simply believed in Orobashi would feel.
But Sangonomiya Kokomi knew that Kaguya and the Shogun had truly done everything they could to be kind and generous, leaving no room for refusal.
Sangonomiya Kokomi prostrates herself deeply, both to show submission to Narukami and to apologize to the faith in her heart.
Kaguya sighed, but showed no mercy to the pitiful, trembling, kneeling priestess. She merely coughed weakly twice and said softly:
"Ahem! The previous Umi no Kami were wrong, and the shogunate did not play a role in changing things. The remnants of history are a barrier in people's hearts, and they cannot be dissolved in a short time. But we must start to change from now on. Tell the Umi no Kami the principles I have been telling you, and start the Narukami Shrine and the worship. These are the conditions for distributing food and porridge."
"Yes, Xin Hai understands."
"Without rules, there can be no order; without food, there can be no survival. Take my soldiers and officers, take my provisions, and go to relieve the islanders. Go down."
"Yes! The people of Xinhai Watatsumi Island thank General Gui for his mercy and the Imperial Advisor!"
Sangonomiya Kokomi completely submitted, and hot tears fell to the ground.
What she thinks in her heart is not important; what is important is that for the survival of the Haizhi people, she will definitely act in accordance with her words and deeds.
For Kaguya, this is enough for now.
Sigh...
After finishing her series of exchanges with Sangonomiya Kokomi, Kaguya's body went limp, and she leaned to the side, embracing the fragrant and soft Kamisato Ayaka to replenish her "beauty energy."
"Kaguya ..."
"What's wrong?"
"Too much..."
Kamisato Ayaka kept stealing glances at the Raiden Ei on the other side.
Everyone else knew this was a shadow warrior bestowed by the General himself, his terrifying strength was self-evident, and his status was beyond question. But only Kamisato Ayaka knew that this wasn't some bestowal by the General; this was the General himself!
Kaguya leaned close to Kamisato Ayaka, glancing sideways in that direction. Then she reached out a hand, took Raiden Ei's small hand, and gently squeezed it.
"You must be tired from the journey, Ying."
"No, it's not hard work, it's all what I should do."
Raiden Ei's voice carried a hint of excitement, like a true shadow warrior who was overjoyed after being praised and cared for by his lord.
Kamisato Ayaka couldn't help but admire her. As expected of the Great Lord, she truly embodied the role of a shadow warrior, meticulous to the very core. Even without outsiders present, she maintained a flawless performance.
They acted so convincingly, it was like the real thing.
Kamisato Ayaka felt she had learned something. This must be the attitude of focus and devotion. Calligraphy, Go, Kendo—anything is good; only with this attitude can one continuously improve.
"Thank you for your guidance."
"Huh? Hmm? Oh."
Raiden Ei didn't understand, and just nodded perfunctorily. All she knew now was that her sister was holding her hand, and her sister's hand was so small and soft, it was wonderful.