Especially when Ayaka wielded the so-called Frostbearer Staff, her strength had skyrocketed so suddenly.

To Kamisato Ayato, this world felt almost fantastical.

Perhaps it was because he had already endured too many shocks today, but strangely enough, he found himself able to accept these things.

When Ayaka finally finished speaking, Ayato paused for a moment, then said softly:

"No wonder the Three Nations of Liyue have developed so quickly. No wonder Mondstadt and Snezhnaya would sign such a life-and-death pact."

"With an entire world as their foundation… it truly is worth giving everything."

"But if I'm not mistaken… the Three Nations must also share a common enemy."

Ayaka nodded, sighing lightly.

"In fact, it isn't just the Three Nations. That enemy is one faced by all Seven Nations."

"Brother, you should know about the Khaenri'ah catastrophe five hundred years ago, right?"

Kamisato Ayato nodded, thoughtful.

"So, it's…"

Ayaka didn't elaborate further, but Ayato's brows furrowed tightly.

"If that's the case, then we really don't have much time to waste."

"Joining the alliance as soon as possible is our best path forward. Even without considering the enemy, the resources of that world alone are worth pursuing with everything we have."

In Inazuma right now, the people were struggling to survive.

Even if peace were restored, to recover the people's livelihood in a short time would be nothing less than a fantasy.

Livelihood required immense time to rebuild.

And people's hearts, too, needed immense time to gather.

But if they cooperated—if they could send people into that world to extract resources…

Then, if nothing else, the people of Inazuma could at least live without fear of hunger or poverty.

Inazuma's situation could absolutely be restored to its former state quickly after abolishing the Vision Hunt Decree and lifting the Sakoku Decree.

And from what Ayaka described, if things were handled well, Ayato was confident that within half a year, Inazuma's condition could rise to a whole new level.

Cooperation—there was no choice but to cooperate!

Fixing this thought firmly in his mind, Kamisato Ayato frowned.

According to his original plan, he would slowly heal this "illness," working with the Resistance through Lumine's identity and strength.

Step by step, they would convey the situation of Inazuma to the Raiden Shogun, and gradually turn her heart.

But now—it was clear they no longer had that kind of time.

A severe illness required strong medicine. Though it would stir up greater turmoil…

If they could directly cooperate with Liyue, such turbulence could be calmed within a month.

It was worth the risk!

Ayato rubbed his temples lightly and said in a low voice:

"I understand. But in the end, to change Inazuma's situation, it still comes down to the Shogun herself turning her heart around."

"And that… is not something easily done. At the very least, not something we ourselves can accomplish."

Ayato was simply stating the facts.

Yet hearing it left Ayaka with a heavy, bitter feeling in her heart.

After a moment of silence, she spoke softly:

"Brother… is there a way?"

Kamisato Ayato decisively shook his head and gave a bitter smile.

"You understand our current situation.

Because we opposed the Vision Hunt Decree earlier, the Shogun has already disregarded the Kamisato Clan's position.

The Tenryo and Kanjou Commissions have long been squeezing the Kamisato Clan's space to survive.

And now, after today's events, even the Kamisato Clan barely manages to protect itself—how could we possibly hope to turn the Shogun's heart?"

Ayaka's gaze darkened as she thought of her family's current situation.

In Inazuma, the Raiden Shogun's word was absolute. Anyone who defied her would pay the price—it was obvious even to a child.

Wasn't this the same principle as doing business in Liyue and ignoring Ningguang's rules?

As long as they weren't destroyed completely, it could be considered the Shogun's mercy.

But just because the Shogun ignored the Kamisato Clan didn't mean the other two Commissions would do the same.

They would jump at the chance to push the Kamisato Clan out of the center of power.

"Don't worry so much."

Ayato shook his head, speaking softly.

"Although the Kamisato Clan is in a precarious position, the other two Commissions aren't faring much better.

The Tenryo Commission's forced conscription, taxation, and resource levies have already angered the people, and the Kanjou Commission has provoked Liyue merchants.

Soon, they'll also have to deal with Liyue causing trouble—they can barely handle their own problems.

Right now, with the Shogun in seclusion, only two people can possibly see her.

And coincidentally, these two are also the key players capable of breaking the current chaos…"

Ayaka wasn't slow to understand, and she said softly,

"One of them is Kujou Sara?"

Ayato nodded.

"Kujou Sara may be from the Kujou Clan and the Shogun's most loyal general, but she is not blindly obedient.

Today, I sent her to distribute resources—she must have seen the fear of Inazuma's citizens firsthand. Now, she's likely trapped in self-doubt.

With just a small nudge, she might not betray the Shogun, but by turning a blind eye here and there, she could still make things happen.

However, contacting Kujou Sara must be done by me. Today, you've already had a conflict with her…"

Ayaka let out a small sigh, then quickly said,

"Then we'll leave it to you, brother. Is there anything we need to do?"

"Of course. You need to find the other, even more important, key player…"

Ayato smiled and nodded, directing his gaze toward the Grand Narukami Shrine.

"If we consider the whole of Inazuma, aside from the citizens, who else does the Shogun place exceptional value on…

There's only one person…"

"The Chief Shrine Maiden of the Grand Narukami Shrine.

Also the Shogun's close friend.

Yae Miko!"

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