flstandardbreds Chapter 118 No Goodbye (1)
Chapter 118 No Goodbye (1)
Time continued to pass for Inazuma, and with the help of the Divine Child, Sora and Paimon obtained evidence that the head of the Tenryo Servants' family was colluding with the "Fools".
"Great! With these, we should be able to convince Kujo Sara." The wanted posters these past few days have kept Paimon up at night with worry.
"Yes, with this evidence, I believe Kujo Sara will stop pursuing you so relentlessly." The eldest daughter of the Kamisato family, Kamisato Ayaka, was also pleased to see this: (The nightmare is finally coming to an end…)
“These accounts…” Kong glanced at them briefly and immediately noticed something unusual. For example, the accounts listed the number of people who died fighting the rebels on the front lines, the situation at the front, but there was no mention of the Coral Palace. This was clearly intentionally concealed…
"Sora! Let's hurry, the appointed time is approaching." Paimon's reminder brought Sora back to his senses, and he immediately organized the evidence he had collected and headed towards Narukami Taisha.
They had made a bet with Kujo Sara: if they got the evidence, she would release them. The thought was exciting; it would solve a huge problem.
"Divine Child! We've got it!" Sora handed the evidence he had obtained to the Divine Child for review.
"Hmm... Hmm! That's right, it's definitely this one. The timing is perfect too, and the other person who keeps the promise has arrived as well." As soon as the goddess finished speaking, Kujo Sara appeared alone.
She was still wearing protective gear and armor, and it was clear that she had just come from the military camp.
"Lord Yae-no-miya, I have arrived as promised. Please rest assured, I did not bring any attendants, and no one will know about this trip."
“I knew you would keep your promise, and I suspect… you’ve been quite troubled and sleepless these past few days, haven’t you?” The priestess spoke with a hidden meaning, but Kujo Sara firmly chose to believe her patriarch: “I wouldn’t doubt my patriarch and the others like that; you’re overthinking it. So, where is the evidence I need?”
"Here, take a look for yourself." The priestess handed her the stack of documents, including the correspondence, which she carefully perused.
"...It does indeed bear the official seal of the family head, so it doesn't seem like a forgery...but it makes no mention of the resistance, the Coral Palace, or the front lines..."
"Are the soldiers who died on the front lines, and the suffering of the people here, all insignificant? They're underestimating human life! Why are they hiding this like this..."
"In order to keep this war going," Xuan Qing said quietly, appearing behind Kong.
"Wow!" Paimon was startled, but when he saw who it was, he became a little annoyed: "Qingyue!"
"...I'm sorry, I didn't expect you to take action so quickly. It seems that matter will have to be postponed..." Xuanqing immediately apologized to Paimon upon seeing this.
Is there anything I can help you with?
Hearing Kong's question, Xuan Qing did not deny it: "Yes, but I can wait until your business is finished. Let's talk about the topic of the 'Heavenly Territory Enforcer' family head colluding with outsiders to start a war without authorization."
Gensei walked to the side of the Divine Child and said to Kujo Sara, "Fundamentally, the 'Tenryo Magistrate' has always wanted to reclaim the territory of Kaiki Island because they believe it originally belonged to the Inazuma clan and should be under their control. This would also increase their power and put them in a superior position to the other magistrates."
"How could the god worshipped on Haiqi Island, who was slain by the Thunder God, possibly be convinced of your faith? The help brought by the 'Fools' gives your clan leader hope, so he will naturally agree to this aid, thus triggering the civil war in Inazuma and the surrounding areas. The 'Fools' will then reap the benefits."
"You've known all along?" Sora looked at Gensei. He hadn't understood the Kujo family's thoughts when he looked through the accounts, but after Gensei's explanation, everything made sense.
"I have a very large information network at my disposal, and I can draw conclusions by integrating this information a little."
"How about it? What you want to see, and what you don't want to see, are all laid out before you. You wouldn't... still want to run away, would you?" The priestess, still watching with amusement, observed Kujo Sara's reaction.
"The act of betrayal is unforgivable... I must confront the head of the family face to face!" The evidence was so clear in her hands that she had no choice but to believe it, but her last shred of faith sustained her and made her run back to the Kujo family.
"She ran away..." Paimon looked at Kujo Sara's retreating figure with some worry: "Should we follow her?"
"Wait a moment, little ones, take this with you." The divine child took out a talisman and handed it to them.
"This is..." Sora was also a little confused. This looked like something a girl would use.
"The amulets of Narukami Shrine are always very effective. I specially left one for you. When you encounter a difficult crisis, take it out and look at it; the crisis may just be resolved." The shrine maiden added with a mischievous smile, "Of course, you can also take it out when you miss me, okay? Maybe I'll suddenly pop up to see you?"
"Don't make fun of travelers at a time like this, Miss Fox." Paimon couldn't stand the divine child's teasing anymore.
"So, since you've appeared here, it seems... the plan has failed." The goddess's tone showed no surprise.
"It's a draw. Without a win, we can't change her mind. So we're still counting on you guys..."
"Even Grandpa Qingyue can't beat him, do we... still have any hope?" Paimon was immediately discouraged...
"Hmm? Shouldn't we take this opportunity to speed things up?" The Divine Child was a little excited: "After all, this lord said it was a draw, so Shadow must be injured as well. At this point, our chances of winning are much higher."
"Yes, then let's get moving. Oh, right, we need to deal with the 'Heavenly Commander' matter first. Let's go, Sora!"
Paimon and Sora were filled with renewed fighting spirit and left Narukami Taisha.
"Is there something important? Perhaps I can be of some help." The divine maiden spoke only after they had walked away.
"How does your witchcraft compare to that of the Fox Abode Palace?"
"How could I possibly compare to Sister Fox Palace? However, most of my magical skills were taught to me by her. I suppose I can be of some help."
"I need you ★★★★★…"
"!" The goddess was shocked at first, and she was so shocked that she couldn't even control her expression.
"What about Liyue...?"
"I've already sent them a message; everything will be fine by then." Xuan Qing looked up at the setting sun in the distance; the sun had gone down...
"It's just a nap..."
This time, there was no goodbye.
-----
"Ugh!" Xuan Yue suddenly felt a pang of panic.
"Hmm? Are you feeling unwell, young friend?" Zhongli's tone was concerned. Although the boy in front of him was unfamiliar and had even pulled him away from the audiobook stall, he couldn't bring himself to hold a grudge or feel any dissatisfaction towards the child.
"It's alright, phew... these things aren't important." Xuan Yue immediately adjusted his state and looked around. He pulled Zhong Li to the foot of Tianheng Mountain, where the terrain was complex and unlikely to be visited by anyone, making it easier to talk.
“Let’s be frank, Zhongli. No, I should say Morax.”
"Heh, young friend, what is it you've come to me in such a hurry to verify?" Zhongli remained as composed as ever, showing no sign of panic at having his identity exposed.
"Don't keep calling me 'little friend,' it sounds a bit strange... My name is Xuan Yue. Uh, have you heard of this name before?" Xuan Yue asked somewhat uncertainly.
"...It seems you're searching for the answer to your own name, young friend?" Zhongli pondered for a moment before posing the question.
"Yes...no, it's just...how should I put it? I come from another world, and somehow I ended up here..." Xuan Yue became more and more dejected as she spoke, her head hanging low.
"Then... how do you come to the conclusion that your name doesn't exist in this world?"
“Uh, I asked here… no, Xuanqing, and I found out from him. Because I was originally a part of his soul, oh! I have proof…” Xuan Yue suddenly remembered that the yin-yang hollowed-out jade pendant he always carried was still on him, and he was carrying it with him.
“No need, young friend, you must be telling the truth.” Zhongli stopped Xuan Yue from taking out the jade pendant, and then said, “According to what you said, Xuan Qing doesn’t know you exist, so you think you don’t exist here. Am I right?”
"Uh-huh."
"Memories can be forgotten, and living too long can also lead to forgetting. However, what is recorded cannot be changed. There are many ancient books in Qingce Manor; perhaps you can find the answer there."
"You don't know either?" Xuan Yue asked, puzzled.
Zhongli shook his head and said, "I also make mistakes, and I also forget things. Perhaps it's because I've lived too long and my memories have been 'worn down,' or... well, there are other reasons."
“Alright, I’ll go look for it.” Xuan Yue finished speaking and prepared to head towards Qing Ce Manor, but after walking a short distance, she turned back and called out to Zhong Li, who was about to leave.
"How do I get to Qingce Village?!"
Zhongli:……