If Liyue were to intervene officially, war between the two nations would be inevitable.

Once the nature of the situation changed, the entire continent of Teyvat would be affected.

Beidou could not be the one to carry that sin.

She could help Inazuma within her own limits, but at the end of the day—

She was a citizen of Liyue.

She couldn't betray her homeland.

If she helped Ayaka convince Ningguang, and even a single life from Liyue was lost because of that,

Beidou would live in guilt for the rest of her life.

"Sigh…"

Ningguang sighed deeply.

Looking at Ayaka, who appeared utterly lifeless, she couldn't help but feel some sympathy.

She had once lived through hardship herself—she understood all too well what Inazuma was facing now.

She knew how desperately Inazuma's people were just trying to survive.

But before she was Ningguang the person, she was Ningguang the Tianquan of Liyue.

One of the key figures of this new age of human governance.

Every move she made carried enormous consequences for the entire nation of Liyue.

"Miss Kamisato, there is no need for such sorrow,"

Ningguang said, shaking her head gently.

Still, she offered Ayaka a bit of guidance:

"As I see it, the problems of Inazuma are Inazuma's own.

So if you seek change, look not outward—but inward."

"Only by changing the Raiden Shogun's mindset can the current situation be reversed."

Ayaka's eyes lit up faintly with hope again, and she looked toward Ningguang eagerly.

"But… the Shogun has been in seclusion for a long time. The Tenryou Commission controls everything now—we can't even see her."

"And even if we could, as long as she insists on continuing the Vision Hunt Decree, the war won't end. That decree is her will alone."

Ningguang shook her head again.

"The Archons of Teyvat… at their core, all of them know how to love."

"From that truth, you must begin."

"Given Inazuma's current state, the Raiden Shogun shouldn't be blind to it.

But if she is letting the nation fall into ruin before her very eyes, then—something must be wrong."

"You must find a way to deliver the true will of Inazuma's people directly to her heart."

"The power to change everything… lies with her alone.

Not with Liyue.

Not with the Seven Nations."

"As for how to do it—you'll need to think hard.

I don't know Inazuma well enough to offer detailed suggestions."

Ningguang waved her hand dismissively and turned to Beidou:

"Of course, as Tianquan, I cannot involve myself in foreign political conflicts.

But as the master of the Jade Chamber, and as a merchant of Liyue…"

"I can sell basic materials and supplies to Inazuma.

After all, making money is only natural."

Ayaka's eyes brightened—hope returned to her heart.

"Then… Tianquan-sama, you mean—?"

"I can provide alchemical potions, food, and essential resources to Inazuma."

Ningguang took a slow sip of tea, her tone calm and composed.

"What you do with them… is your business.

Merchants don't concern themselves with how goods are used.

Money for goods—that's the rule of trade."

Ayaka thought carefully for a moment, then said softly:

"But the Sakoku Decree is still in effect…

All trade routes are controlled by the Kanjou Commission.

I'm worried these goods will be intercepted…"

Ningguang gave a faint smile.

"Intercepted?"

Ningguang chuckled lightly.

"Then I might just have to give them more credit than they deserve."

"According to Liyue's newly enacted laws, if our bulk shipments are seized by another nation's officials, Liyue has full rights to dispatch the Millelith to demand accountability, along with triple compensation."

"This is entirely in line with the contract laid down by the Geo Archon—even the Raiden Shogun would have to comply."

"If they cannot provide reasonable compensation, the Ministry of Civil Affairs has the authority to confiscate all of their assets."

"Since this doesn't constitute an act of war between nations and we're in the right, we can mobilize military force accordingly."

"Of course, Miss Kamisato—don't do anything inappropriate.

If Liyue's large shipments go missing, we will investigate to the very end."

"I'm just trying to earn some Mora. I don't want to get involved in the chaos within Inazuma."

Ayaka nodded solemnly.

"I understand! I won't act recklessly.

With this guarantee and supplies, our people will be able to hold on a little longer.

We'll have more time to find a real solution."

Ningguang smiled faintly and nodded slightly.

"In that case, you can speak to the Ministry of Civil Affairs afterward."

Seeing their conversation come to a close, Beidou cheerfully chimed in:

"How about letting the Crux Fleet handle the shipping?

Give the lads a chance to earn a little extra for their future wives."

Seeing Beidou even trying to snag this little profit, Ningguang said with mild annoyance:

"As long as you can guarantee safe delivery of the goods, I don't mind entrusting the task to you."

"Tch… Don't trust the other fleets, but don't trust the Crux either?"

Beidou muttered, clicking her tongue.

Just then, the doors suddenly burst open.

Baishi hurried inside.

Upon seeing who was in the room, she paused for a moment, then quickly walked to Ningguang's side and whispered:

"Lady Ningguang—Lord Ryen has returned. He requests your presence immediately."

~~----------------------

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