"That person, if capable of placing the package at your home without a sound, is surely capable of replacing the sleeping draught with a fatal poison. While not your intentional fault, the fact remains that poison was administered, nearly costing the lives of dozens of resistance soldiers. This crime cannot be overlooked. I require an explanation, and those poisoned soldiers deserve justice..."
Kokomi surmised that the person who kidnapped Takumi's son must have swapped the sleeping draught for a deadly poison while Takumi was unconscious from testing the medicine.
Even though Takumi did not intend to kill, merely sprinkling sleeping draught onto the food was an unforgivable offense.
If the resistance soldiers fell unconscious from consuming food laced with sleeping draught and were subsequently attacked and killed by enemy forces in their camp, Takumi would still be considered indirectly responsible for their deaths.
Regardless of the circumstances, Takumi could not escape this responsibility.
"Lady Kokomi, I know I am guilty, and only death can atone for my sins. However, I do not wish to die so meaninglessly. Please grant me permission, I request to join the frontline suicide squad and die fighting for Watatsumi Island!"
Takumi knelt on the ground, weeping bitterly.
"Granted!"
Kokomi nodded, her heart feeling even heavier after learning the truth, not lighter.
"Thank you, Lady Kokomi. Takumi is guilty and now goes to atone. Please do not blame my innocent son!"
Takumi kowtowed twice and then, led by Gorou, turned to leave.
The wind howls, the Yi River is cold; a hero departs, never to return.
This was a journey to certain death.
After the soldiers left, Kokomi sat on the cushion with a dazed expression, unsure if she had done the right thing.
"Kokomi, you've done your best. Life is often filled with more disappointments than successes. Just follow your heart's guidance!"
Fuyumi stepped forward and gently comforted her.
"Thank you, Fuyumi. I'm alright now. Please wait for me a while; once I finish these documents, I'll make you sushi."
Hearing Fuyumi's words of comfort, Kokomi's dazed gaze gradually cleared. She smiled slightly, indicating she was fine.
"The sushi isn't urgent. It can wait until you're done. I'll go explore outside for a bit..."
Fuyumi glanced at the towering stack of documents on Kokomi's desk, realizing it would likely take until late at night to finish.
He decided to take this opportunity to go out and take a stroll, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Watatsumi Island.
He also planned to slack off a bit, take a short break.
On a cliffside of Watatsumi Island, Fuyumi sat quietly by the edge.
Purple lightning crackled around him, but it seemed to deliberately avoid him, dissipating into the void whenever it was about to strike.
Initially, he found the spectacle novel, but after watching for a long time, it became rather dull.
Fuyumi stretched. After observing the lightning for so long, his understanding of its power had deepened, so it wasn't a wasted trip.
It was time to head back. Night was falling; Kokomi should be done with her work by now.
Fuyumi returned to the main hall. As the captain of Watatsumi Island's special task force, the 'Shark Squadron,' the guards did not impede him and let him pass directly.
The hall was very quiet. Kokomi seemed to have fallen asleep from exhaustion.
Listening closely, one could faintly hear her soft breathing in her sleep.
Fuyumi's heart stirred. He tiptoed softly to Kokomi's side.
Just as he was about to drape a jacket over her, Fuyumi noticed a mysterious book pressed under her arm.
Driven by curiosity, Fuyumi gently lifted Kokomi's arm and pulled out the book.
[Secret Diary]
[Argued with the trade representatives all afternoon today. Energy Value -4: wap.kanshu伍.net
The nation is in ruins and needs them to facilitate the flow of goods, but they mustn't be allowed to profit from it...]
[Spent the entire day handling state affairs at my desk today. Energy Value -3:
Tonight I have to rush to prepare the next batch of sachets. I hope it won't be too late, as I have to go out for an inspection tomorrow...]
[There was a strong wind outside today. Energy Value -2:
It's about to rain. I hope the storms are gentler this time, allowing the fishermen to return safely...]
[Many people approached me again today. Energy Value -3:
Looking at their sincere eyes, I am always reminded of the day I succeeded the Narukami Ogosho. So many years have passed, have I lived up to their expectations?]
[A powerful ally joined the resistance today. Energy Value +4:
His name is Fuyumi. He is immensely powerful. I have appointed him captain of Watatsumi Island's special task force, the 'Shark Squadron.' With his joining, I believe our chances of overthrowing the Vision Hunt Decree have significantly increased...]
[Learned of the conspiracy between the Tenryou Commission and the Fatui today from Fuyumi. Energy -5:
Kujou Takayuki prioritizes personal gain, disregarding the lives of innocent civilians. Utterly despicable!!!]
[Investigated the cause of the disappearing food supplies with Fuyumi today. Energy +3:
I was rescued by Fuyumi from the Nobushi and Electro Whopperflowers. Having Fuyumi around makes me feel incredibly secure...]
[Bathed in Fuyumi's hot spring and discussed military strategy with him today. Energy +7:
That immortal artifact called the Serenitea Pot is truly wonderful. The hot springs were so comfortable, they made me fall asleep. Fuyumi's warm hospitality and precious military strategy sharing are greatly appreciated. It's worth mentioning, that roasted rabbit was incredibly delicious. I wonder when I'll be able to taste such a delicious meal again...] kanδん
[Frontline soldiers were poisoned today. Energy -4:
The abhorrent poisoning incident plunged the resistance into crisis. Fortunately, with Fuyumi's help, the poisoned soldiers were successfully detoxified...]
[Purchased food supplies from the fleet today. Energy +4:
Thanks to Fuyumi's assistance, I was able to buy more food and even contact Captain Beidou from Liyue...
I sometimes wonder, did heaven send Fuyumi to save me because I've been working so hard? He is truly reliable and dependable. I've found myself relying on him quite a bit now...]
[Caught the 'traitor' who poisoned the food today. Energy -3:
Things don't seem as simple as I thought. Alas, as Fuyumi said, life is often filled with more disappointments than successes...]
[Promised to make sushi for Fuyumi today, but the work is not yet finished. Energy -3:
Since I've already promised Fuyumi, I can't keep him waiting too long. I need to speed up my work. Oh, and what kind of sushi should I make later? Quail egg sushi is convenient and tasty, but I wonder if Fuyumi will like it?]
...
Just as Fuyumi was engrossed in reading the diary, Kokomi, who had fallen asleep on the desk, suddenly blinked her eyebrows and woke from her dream...