Makoto and Miko did not appear directly.
Firstly, Xiao and the others came this time mainly to support the Liyue merchants. Handling this matter first was the correct approach.
Secondly…
Miko had mentioned that although Inazuma was currently in chaos and the upper ranks corrupt, there were still many capable people.
Kujou Sara was a general of great utility, strong in ability and fiercely loyal.
In addition, Kamisato Ayato was also intelligent, almost cunning, and deeply devoted to Inazuma. He had formerly held the reputation of Inazuma's chief steward.
Not to mention other matters, just these two, Kujou Sara and Kamisato Ayato, were enough for Makoto to rely on.
Once she regained control of Inazuma, Ayato could assist in political administration and handle various tasks with efficiency.
Kujou Sara could focus on suppressing monsters within Inazuma and managing the country's external military affairs.
One handled internal matters, the other external; with Makoto overseeing the overall direction, Inazuma would undoubtedly flourish.
Makoto would not need to be overly busy.
Kujou Sara could even lead teams to Liyue to handle exploration there.
These two were highly recommended by Miko as Makoto's subordinates. Naturally, Makoto also wanted to take this opportunity to assess Kujou Sara's capabilities: how she would respond to the approaching Liyue army, how she would handle accountability, and how she would manage this situation.
For now, although the matter was not yet resolved, Kujou Sara's attitude greatly pleased Makoto.
Even facing an overwhelming force, she did not abase herself, maintaining Inazuma's dignity.
Even regarding the Kanjou Commission's mistakes, she did not shirk responsibility, objectively linking their actions to Inazuma.
In this regard alone, Kujou Sara impressed Makoto greatly.
"How is she, Makoto?"
Miko asked with a playful smile, and Makoto nodded with a gentle laugh.
"She's fine, a capable general."
"Of course!" Miko said, idly counting on her fingers.
"If it were the Tenryou or Kanjou Commissions handling this, they'd probably be passing the blame around."
Makoto did not reply, though her expression showed slight displeasure.
"Among the three commissions, the Yashiro Commission is okay with Kamisato Ayato overseeing it, but the Kanjou and Tenryou Commissions are problematic.
Once you regain control of Inazuma, the first thing you'll have to do is address corruption in these two commissions.
"Kujou Sara currently manages the Vision Hunt Decree, suppresses the rebel forces, and clears out monsters. She handles many of Inazuma's affairs.
Her capability is unquestionable; you can directly make her the overseer of the Tenryou Commission.
"But for the Kanjou Commission, you'll need to figure out a way yourself."
Hearing this, Makoto sighed and nodded.
"Let's see first. I want to know what Kujou Sara will do to appease the Liyue army pressing down from above."
…
Below, Kujou Sara anxiously watched the dragons circling in the sky.
With the Raiden Shogun absent, these dragons could easily overturn the whole island.
But if she came, Kujou Sara felt that things could escalate quickly.
For now, all she could do was think about how to resolve this situation first.
Xiao looked at Kujou Sara, remained silent for a moment, and then spoke softly:
"Should Inazuma be held responsible for the actions of the Kanjou Commission?"
Kujou Sara replied in a firm voice:
"The actions of the Kanjou Commission originate from Inazuma, so naturally Inazuma bears responsibility.
However, their distortion of the Shogun's intentions, deceiving superiors and exploiting foreign merchants at will, that is the personal agenda of the Hiiragi clan.
The Kanjou Commission has affected relations between the two nations and brought shame to Inazuma.
They must bear their own losses, and the Shogun will also impose appropriate punishment.
This matter, Conqueror of Demons, you need not worry.
"As for the specific accounts, Captain Beidou of the Liyue Alcor has already obtained the ledgers. This matter can be handed over through her."
Xiao's expression remained unreadable, but the oppressive aura of the dragons clearly lessened.
Kujou Sara exhaled in relief. It seemed there was no need for battle.
Glancing at the surrounding Shogunate soldiers, although their bodies were tense and they maintained a combat stance, Kujou Sara knew they were no longer capable of fighting.
From their eyes, she could tell whether their tension was due to fighting spirit or fear.
Kujou Sara did not blame them.
If she were an ordinary person, seeing Liyue's adepti and so many dragon riders, she too would be afraid, unable to summon the will to fight.
These were enemies no human could contend with; even ordinary Archons would struggle.
But Kujou Sara represented the honor of the Raiden Shogun. She could not be afraid, nor could she retreat.
She could not evade responsibility, nor bring enemies to Inazuma.
Maintaining this composure was a crucial question Kujou Sara needed to consider.
Makoto nodded softly:
"Indeed, a capable general."
Miko grinned and nodded:
"Did you really think I could fool you?"
Xiao remained silent for a moment, then said softly:
"For three days, the Liyue Dragon Riders will remain stationed in the waters outside Inazuma.
After three days, if the compensation from Liyue merchants is not delivered, the Dragon Riders themselves will demand it from Inazuma."
Kujou Sara steadied herself and said seriously:
"The Inazuma authorities will urge the Hiiragi clan of the Kanjou Commission. However, the Liyue garrison is not allowed to remain in Inazuma's waters!
This is Inazuma's bottom line, it must not be breached!"
Makoto was satisfied, her admiration clear in her eyes.
No matter what other qualities Kujou Sara had, the fact that she could stand firm in front of such a formidable dragon force already proved she was a mature general.
Xiao did not act aggressively either and nodded, about to say something.
In the distance, a powerful flash of lightning suddenly erupted.
The immense energy swept across the entire island as the thunder coalesced into the figure of the Raiden Shogun.
Her expression was indifferent, with thunder forming a ring behind her.
The Raiden Shogun had arrived.
The sudden change did not panic the Shogunate soldiers.
They trusted their own abilities—and trusted Zhongli even more.
~~----------------------
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