"Mr. Yun Fan, please enjoy some tea." In the Sangonomiya reception hall, the young priestess personally brewed a cup of high-quality Watatsumi tea and served it to Yun Fan with a smile.
"You're too kind, Miss Sangonomiya." The silver-haired young man took the teacup from her and, imitating Zhongli's elegance, took a sip.
Hmm, bitter and astringent. I guess I'm just not cut out for tea. Yun Fan thought to himself, but outwardly he said, "Hmm, excellent tea. It rivals the finest teas of Liyue."
"Hehe, thank you for the praise, adeptus." Kokomi smiled sweetly, her cheeks slightly flushed, like a shy girl next door who had just been complimented by an elder.
...Women are truly born actresses. Yun Fan thought to himself. If he didn't know Kokomi's true personality, he might have been fooled. In Inazuma, Yae Miko and Sangonomiya Kokomi were both known for their cunning. Combined, their scheming could outpace Tartaglia by miles.
"Is this your first time visiting Watatsumi Island, adeptus? How about I act as your guide and show you around?" After Yun Fan finished his tea, Kokomi bowed slightly and offered to take him on a tour of the island.
"Wouldn't that be too much trouble?" Yun Fan hesitated, though he was just playing hard to get. If he agreed too readily, it might raise suspicions, making it harder to get closer to Kokomi.
This five-star "ornamental fish" might not be edible, but just looking at her every day would be a treat.
"You're too modest. For someone of your esteemed status, it's only proper for Watatsumi Island to extend the utmost courtesy."
"Hahaha, then I'll trouble you, Miss Sangonomiya Kokomi." Yun Fan laughed heartily, then with a wave of his hand, golden Mora poured out of his sleeve like a rushing river, clattering to the ground and quickly filling the reception hall.
"For the next while, I plan to stay on Watatsumi Island. Here's one billion Mora for my expenses during my stay. If there's any left, consider it a tip for the two of you." Yun Fan waved at Kokomi and Gorou, acting like a big spender. In truth, this one billion Mora was only a tenth of what the Void Archives had given him. Plus, with Morax's Gnosis in his possession, he could easily cause inflation in Teyvat's economy if he wanted!
"This, this..." Gorou picked up a Mora coin, bit it with his sharp canine teeth to confirm its authenticity, and couldn't hide his shock.
It wasn't just him. Even Kokomi was stunned. After all, the young priestess was just a nineteen-year-old girl. Since taking up her position, she had been constantly worrying about Watatsumi Island's financial deficits. She had never seen so much money before. This one billion Mora could cover half a year's worth of military expenses for the resistance!
"This... Immortal Phoenix, we..." Kokomi bit her lip, wanting to refuse, but the words wouldn't come out.
She didn't believe this one billion Mora was just a "tip." The man before her surely had other intentions. But even knowing this, Kokomi found it hard to refuse. Watatsumi Island was simply too poor!
"I told you, just call me Yun Fan." Yun Fan interrupted Kokomi. "One billion Mora is insignificant to me, but for Watatsumi Island, it might be a lifeline. The reason I'm helping you is because of my past friendship with Orobashi." Yun Fan used his usual tactic of name-dropping, and it had to be said, this move was quite effective in most situations.
"Is that so?" Kokomi nodded thoughtfully. She had read in ancient texts that the great god Orobashi was originally a deity from Liyue. After being defeated by the Geo Archon Morax, he came to Inazuma to establish himself.
Though this history was ancient and hard to verify, the Immortal Phoenix before her was clearly wealthy, so it couldn't be a lie. After all, she couldn't think of anything on Watatsumi Island worth one billion Mora.
With this in mind, Kokomi placed her hands over her abdomen and bowed to Yun Fan. "The Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island, Sangonomiya Kokomi, thanks the Immortal Phoenix on behalf of Orobashi."
"Hmm." Yun Fan nodded in satisfaction, then helped Kokomi up. "No need for formalities. I'll be troubling you for the next while."
"Please rest assured, I will ensure Watatsumi Island provides you with the best service."
Kokomi's smile was genuine now, no longer the polite facade she often wore. This man was willing to help Watatsumi Island so sincerely. If she continued with her fake smiles, wouldn't that be too hypocritical?
Seeing the "ornamental fish" smile so beautifully and genuinely, Yun Fan's heart stirred, and without thinking, he blurted out, "The best service? Does that include sleeping with me?"
"..."
"..."
As soon as Yun Fan spoke, Kokomi's smile froze, and Gorou's brain short-circuited. The room fell into an awkward silence.
Yun Fan himself was extremely embarrassed, wishing he could crawl into a hole. Why did he have to say what he was thinking out loud? Now things were awkward.
However, it wasn't just Yun Fan who was conflicted. Kokomi was also deep in thought. Should she refuse the adeptus's request? If she did, this life-saving one billion Mora might slip away. But if she agreed, she would lose the most precious thing a girl could have. No matter what she chose, there would be gains and losses.
"Ahem, slip of the tongue. What I meant to say was, 'Is anything possible?' I just misspoke. Please don't take it to heart, Miss Sangonomiya." Yun Fan coughed lightly, his face calm as if he hadn't just said something outrageous.
"O-Oh? Hehe, I didn't take it to heart." Seeing Yun Fan give her an out, Kokomi quickly brushed it off. If they dwelled on it, things would only get more awkward.
Though still feeling uneasy, Kokomi forced a smile and invited Yun Fan.
"In that case, please follow me, Mr. Yun Fan."