Genshin Impact: I'm just a mortal

Chapter 225: Chapter 224: Resolve and Uncertainty



Watatsumi Island.

The Coral Palace.

A priestess hurriedly rushed to Kokomi's study, knocking urgently on the door.

"Kokomi-sama!"

Hearing the urgent knocking and anxious voice outside, Kokomi frowned slightly. "Come in."

The study door opened, and the priestess entered briskly.

"Kokomi-sama, the person has been apprehended."

Upon hearing this, Kokomi's gaze shifted from the military book in her hand. "Take me to see them."

"Yes, ma'am!"

.......

On the open grounds outside the Coral Palace, heavily armed soldiers stood guard. A man stood in the center, his hands and feet shackled.

Kokomi walked forward with the priestess, her steps calm and measured. The surrounding soldiers, upon seeing Kokomi, saluted respectfully.

The shackled man also saw Kokomi. His expression remained indifferent, as if he had already accepted his fate.

Kokomi stopped in front of him, her gaze steady as she studied him briefly. Then, in a soft but commanding tone, she asked:

"So, you're the one spreading rhetoric against peace talks and stirring unrest, is that correct?"

The man hesitated for a moment before responding:

"It was me," the man admitted.

"Why did you do this?" Kokomi continued to press.

"We are the people of Lord Orobashi," he replied, his voice filled with fervor. "It was by Lord Orobashi's protection that Watatsumi Island has survived to this day. Lord Orobashi died under the blade of the Electro Archon. How could we ever agree to peace talks with her? If Lord Orobashi knew, he would never forgive us!"

The soldiers present were well-trained and disciplined; his words did not shake their resolve. Yet Kokomi let out a soft sigh.

She said gently, "Do you know why Lord Orobashi chose to launch the eastern expedition in the first place?"

The man looked at her silently, waiting.

"It was because Watatsumi Island was flourishing, its population growing rapidly. But the island's resources were no longer sufficient to sustain our people. That is why Lord Orobashi made the resolute decision to lead us in seeking new territories."

"Lord Orobashi did not favor war. Why, then, would he choose to start one?"

"Because Lord Orobashi cared deeply for his people. Everything he did was for us!" the man responded passionately. "Kokomi-sama, please don't forget—you are the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island!"

"I have not forgotten," Kokomi replied firmly. "It is precisely because of that role that I wish for the war to end as soon as possible."

She took a deep breath, her voice steady as she continued, "I often ask myself: When Lord Orobashi chose to embark on the eastern expedition, was it truly his heart's desire?"

Her question cast a shadow of doubt over those present.

Some soldiers exchanged glances, uncertain of the answer.

After a pause, Kokomi continued, "Lord Orobashi was not a deity who excelled in battle. Undertaking the eastern expedition would inevitably lead to confrontation with the Electro Archon. I believe Lord Orobashi understood the extent of the Raiden Shogun's strength far better than we ever could."

"Yet, even when faced with a formidable enemy, Lord Orobashi still chose to undertake the eastern expedition, fully aware that the outcome could very likely be defeat.

"We all know the result of that decision—Lord Orobashi fell at Yashiori Island, and Watatsumi Island's survival was secured.

"Since then, tensions between us and the Shogunate have persisted, leading us to where we are today.

"But have you ever considered that the eastern expedition might have been a choice Lord Orobashi had no other option but to make? That it wasn't merely about expansion, but driven by deeper, unknown reasons beyond what you or I could comprehend?

"Now, our people live uneasy lives because of this ongoing war. Watatsumi Island has lost its former tranquility. Is this truly the future Lord Orobashi would have wanted?

"Could it be that we have long strayed from the path Lord Orobashi envisioned? And if he could see the state of things today, what would he think?"

As Kokomi's words settled into the air, a sense of gravity enveloped the scene, and the soldiers couldn't help but ponder the questions she had raised.

Could there truly have been unknown truths hidden behind all that had transpired back then?

After a brief pause, Kokomi continued:

"Upon closer reflection, there's something peculiar. Why didn't the Raiden Shogun launch a counterattack on Watatsumi Island after Lord Orobashi's death? Why did she allow Watatsumi Island to continue its development?

"At that time, Watatsumi Island had lost Lord Orobashi. If the Raiden Shogun had chosen to retaliate, the outcome would have been clear.

"A capable leader, one who wishes to secure their nation's future and eliminate potential threats, would find it perfectly reasonable to launch a counteroffensive in such circumstances. Yet, the Raiden Shogun didn't. Instead, she allowed Watatsumi Island to grow into what it is today."

"It's possible that the Raiden Shogun simply didn't think too much about it, or perhaps she never even considered Watatsumi Island to be worth her attention!" The man in shackles spoke with a trace of agitation.

"You don't even believe your own words," Kokomi replied calmly. "The Raiden Shogun has ruled for so many years, managing Inazuma with precision and fostering its prosperity. Her capabilities are beyond question. Would she make such a mistake?

"The only plausible explanation is that the Raiden Shogun intentionally refrained from launching a counterattack on Watatsumi Island. Perhaps she is the one who knows the hidden truth."

"...Kokomi-sama, I can't accept your perspective. Don't forget, Lord Orobashi was slain by the Raiden Shogun, and Watatsumi Island has always been under his protection. As the people of Watatsumi Island, the Raiden Shogun is our enemy!"

Kokomi closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before speaking to the soldiers beside her:

"Take him away," Kokomi ordered, her tone calm but firm. "Follow the trail and uncover any accomplices."

"Yes, ma'am!"

The soldiers escorted the prisoner away. Gradually, the area emptied as the soldiers returned to their posts and the shrine maidens departed.

Kokomi stood alone, her expression a complex mixture of emotions.

After a long pause, she raised her gaze to the sky. In her eyes, there was a blend of confusion and determination.

........

In the afternoon, Kokomi arrived at Yashiori Island.

She silently approached the remains of Orobashi, standing there without uttering a word.

The sky grew dim as clouds gradually gathered above.

The howling wind swept through, causing Kokomi's long hair to dance wildly in the breeze.

It seemed like rain was imminent.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling upset?" A familiar voice suddenly broke the silence.

Kokomi turned toward the voice and saw Yuxie standing beside her.

"Yuxie, when did you…"

"I came to Yashiori Island for a walk, and didn't expect to run into you, so I thought I'd come over and say hello," Yuxie said with a smile. "Are you here to visit the grave of Orobashi, Lady Kokomi?"

Kokomi gave a faint, bitter smile, then looked up at the massive skeleton in front of her. "There are some things that leave me feeling lost, so I came to ask Orobashi for answers."

"Have you found any answers?" Yuxie asked.

Kokomi silently gave a wry shake of her head. "Not yet."

"Some things can't be rushed. You have to believe in yourself. You must be a qualified 'Divine Priestess.' If the previous 'Divine Priestess' and Orobashi were able to see you, they would surely say the same thing."

Kokomi fell into silence, looking at Yuxie. Her heart was filled with mixed emotions, and she wanted to say something, but couldn't find the words.

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