Everyone's hearts ached at the sight, and their eyes reddened one by one.
"I'm sorry, Shogun. This is the last time I'll lie to you. Forgive me."
"I forgive you... I forgive you..." Zebu cried out in despair, tears streaming down her face.
"Please... open the barrier..."
"I promise I won't fight... I just want to hold you one last time..."
Sadly, a lie that childish would not have fooled even a child.
"Don't cry, Shogun. This is my destiny. It's what I was born for," Xiu Yuan comforted her.
"That's not true... it shouldn't be like this... why should you have to bear everything from the moment you're born..."
"I'm the head of the Tenryou Commission. Protecting our home and country is what the Tenryou Commission does. This is my duty."
As he spoke, Xiu Yuan turned his gaze to Jintai, a gentle smile appearing on his face. "Jintai, serve the Shogun well from now on, and keep Inazuma safe."
Jintai's eyes were red as well, but no tears fell. He stood straight and answered firmly, "Yes, sir!"
Xiu Yuan looked over his subordinates aboard the large ships and nodded with deep satisfaction. "Good. Very good. Even facing tens of thousands of monsters, you stood up bravely to defend your home and country, to protect the land behind you."
"I'm very proud to have you as my subordinates. There are no cowards among my men. Every one of you is a true man of unyielding resolve."
"It's a shame. I had so many fine men under me, yet I never properly led you."
"Do you all still remember the Tenryou Commission's declaration?" Xiu Yuan looked hopefully at his armored, spear-bearing subordinates.
"We remember!"
Every member of the Tenryou Commission answered with reddened eyes.
"**We are Inazuma's spear, and we