章 9: Chapter 9: Negotiating Cooperation And Scheming
"Hehe, it's understandable. I just had Kujou Sara inform the Tri-Commission. She should have just notified the Tenryou Commission by now," Liam said with a laugh as he looked at Kamisato Ayato.
Liam's words were quite intriguing, and Kamisato Ayato could sense something unusual. If Kujou Sara had already notified the Tri-Commission, why did he specifically come to the Yashiro Commission?
Ignoring what Kamisato Ayato might be thinking, Liam asked, "What do you two think of the Vision Hunt Decree?"
As soon as Liam mentioned this, even Kamisato Ayato's expression changed slightly. He locked his gaze on Liam's face, trying to understand Liam's true intentions. Unfortunately, Liam's face remained the same, full of smiles.
"Lord Liam, what do you mean by this? Since the Vision Hunt Decree is issued by the Shogun, as her subordinates, we naturally fully support it!" Kamisato Ayato said calmly.
Regardless of what he truly thought, he knew he had to show support on the surface. Liam was still a stranger to the Kamisato siblings, and he was closely associated with the Shogun. Speaking ill of the Vision Hunt Decree in front of him would be asking for trouble.
"Hehe, Miss Kamisato, do you feel the same?" Liam teased as he looked at the serious-faced Kamisato Ayaka.
"Of course, we will follow the Shogun's lead!"
"Do you two know what I think of the Vision Hunt Decree?" Liam suddenly asked.
The Kamisato siblings exchanged a glance before Kamisato Ayaka replied, "I suppose, as the Shogun's disciple, you must fully support the Vision Hunt Decree, right?"
"Hehe, it's unfortunate, but actually, I don't! In my opinion, the so-called Vision Hunt Decree is quite problematic. The Shogun has been manipulated by those with ulterior motives to create such a decree!" Liam shook his head gently.
Kamisato Ayato didn't expect Liam to say something like this. The siblings exchanged looks, but before they could respond, Liam continued, "I won't beat around the bush. I want to stop the Vision Hunt Decree from being implemented. I know you two aren't in favor of it either, so I'm here to propose a collaboration."
"Oh~! How can you be so sure that we are against the Vision Hunt Decree? Aren't you afraid I'll report your words to the Shogun?" Kamisato Ayato asked with interest, his true thoughts hidden.
"Heh~! I have a bit of talent for reading people. I've asked around about your reputations and observed you both. I trust that you genuinely care about Inazuma," Liam said with a smile. After all, you two are among the few high-ranking officials in Inazuma with a conscience. If I don't seek your help, I don't know who else to turn to!
"Hmm—, so what do you plan to do, Lord Liam?" Kamisato Ayato asked, deciding to give Liam the benefit of the doubt.
"Heh~! I have a few simple ideas. Oh, and since we're now partners, let's drop the formalities. I'll call you Ayato and Ayaka, and you can just call me Liam," Liam said cheerfully.
"Hehe, since you insist, I won't refuse. You mentioned having a plan. Can you share it with us?" Kamisato Ayato asked.
"Of course. Remember I mentioned I'm now the person in charge of the Vision Hunt Decree? Though I feel guilty towards my master, I must use this position to prevent her from making a grave mistake," Liam said with a hint of helplessness.
"Your position indeed grants you a lot of power. So, what do you intend to do?" Kamisato Ayato pondered before asking.
"I'll order the Tenryou Commission to halt the collection of Visions and then issue a public announcement across Inazuma, asking people to voluntarily surrender their Visions for half a month. During this period, you need to find craftsmen who can secretly make counterfeit Visions. Have some people hand in a few, not too many, just a small portion. Then, give me a list of those holding the fake Visions. I'll have the Tenryou Commission seize them, but make sure the resistance is intense!" Liam explained his plan and looked at Kamisato Ayato for feedback.
Kamisato Ayato thought for a moment and said, "This plan could work, but it relies on the counterfeit Visions being indistinguishable from the real ones. The quality of the forgeries is crucial!"
"That's why I need you to handle it. I'm not familiar with Inazuma's craftsmen, but as the heads of the Yashiro Commission, I'm confident you can find the right people!" Liam said, shaking his head. He knew there was an old craftsman in the storyline who could make near-perfect counterfeit Visions, but he had forgotten the name due to the long time that had passed and the craftsman's minor role.
Hearing this, Kamisato Ayato realized that only he and his sister could manage this. However, having an insider from the highest ranks of Inazuma made the task much easier than expected.
"In that case, we'll start looking for craftsmen immediately!" Kamisato Ayato nodded.
"You don't need to go, Ayato. Ayaka can handle it. Kujou Sara will probably be here soon, and you'll need to deal with her," Liam said, preventing Kamisato Ayato from leaving. He then remembered something and added, "Ayaka, you might want to talk to Yoimiya from the Naganohara family. She's lively and knows many people. She might have some leads."
"Yoimiya? Got it, I'll keep that in mind," Kamisato Ayaka nodded.
Seeing that everything was settled, Liam stood up, ready to leave.
"We've covered everything. I plan to visit the Grand Narukami Shrine next to find that pesky fox. I wonder if she's there," Liam said.
"Pesky fox? You mean Lady Yae Miko?" Kamisato Ayaka was surprised by Liam's nickname for Yae Miko.
"Who else could it be? Honestly, I don't enjoy dealing with that tricky fox!" Liam pouted.
"Hehe, I think that nickname suits Lady Yae Miko perfectly," Kamisato Ayato laughed.
"Alright, Ayato, Ayaka, I'll take my leave. Make sure to handle everything swiftly!" Liam said before his figure vanished in front of the siblings.
"Brother, why do you think he came to us?" Kamisato Ayaka asked her brother.
"If he truly wants to stop the Vision Hunt Decree, who else can he turn to? You know what the Tenryou Commission and the Kanjou Commission are like," Kamisato Ayato replied softly.
"But do you think he can be trusted?" Ayaka still had her doubts.
"Hmm, I believe he can be trusted. He has no reason to deceive us, and besides, he plans to meet the Grand Shrine Maiden. With her sharp mind, if there's anything off about him, she'll surely notice. We'll visit her tomorrow to confirm," Ayato reassured her.
"Then I'll go find Yoimiya now. This matter shouldn't be delayed," Ayaka said. She hoped Liam was genuine in his desire to oppose the Vision Hunt Decree, as it would make things much smoother.
"Yes, go ahead. If he's telling the truth, Kujou Sara will be here soon," Ayato nodded.
---
At the Grand Narukami Shrine, Liam stood atop the torii gate, looking at the broken and rugged mountain path below. "Why hasn't this shrine repaired its path? It's not meant for normal people to walk on!" he thought.
"Oh my, isn't this our esteemed prince of Inazuma? What brings you to our humble shrine?" A sweet, charming yet mischievous voice reached Liam's ears before he saw anyone.
Liam: "..."
"Tsk, this tricky fox!"
"Yae Miko, I'm here on serious business!" Liam restrained his urge to retort and spoke.
"Oh~? Here about the Vision Hunt Decree, I suppose?" Yae Miko covered her mouth as she spoke.
"Huh? How did you know?" Liam was surprised to see Yae Miko's knowing smile. This tricky fox lived up to her reputation.
"What else could be so important that you'd come personally, aside from the Vision Hunt Decree recently issued by the Shogun?" Yae Miko replied with a smile.
"Let's talk inside; this isn't the place for such discussions," she said, turning gracefully and walking away.
"Who would have thought that the little fox who once buried herself in the snow would grow up to be so sharp?" Raiden Makoto's voice echoed in Liam's mind.
"Bury herself in the snow?" Liam looked at the elegant and exceptionally sharp Yae Miko ahead in surprise. He couldn't believe she had such a silly past. If it were true, he would definitely mock her about it later!
"Have you rested enough already?" he asked Makoto.
"Yes, there's no point in lamenting anymore. We need to help the Shogun clean up this mess. Once you've restored my body, I'll have a proper talk with my dear sister myself," Raiden Makoto's voice had returned to its usual gentle tone. Despite this, Liam couldn't help but feel a bit of sympathy for his master.
Yae Miko led Liam into the shrine, had someone prepare a pot of tea, and then looked at Liam. "So, what do you need from me?"
"I want to stop the Vision Hunt Decree!" Liam said straightforwardly. Dealing with someone as sharp as Yae Miko, beating around the bush would only cause trouble for himself.
"Oh~! Aren't you the Shogun's disciple? What, even you want to rebel against her? I wonder how she would feel knowing her hard-won disciple turned out to be a traitor. This is too amusing!" Yae Miko could hardly contain her laughter.
"I'm trying to stop my master from making a mistake. Otherwise, why would I care about the lives of others?" Liam said with a helpless glance at Yae Miko.
"So, what do you propose?" Yae Miko asked, still smiling.
Liam then explained his plan and the cooperation with the Kamisato siblings.
"But this isn't enough. This plan only addresses the symptoms, not the root cause. The key is to change my master's mind. That's why I came to you," Liam shook his head.
"You should know your master's temperament by now. Changing her mind is no easy task," Yae Miko said, clearly troubled by her friend's stubbornness. Convincing Ei would likely involve a fight, but as one of the Seven Archons, few in Teyvat could match her in combat.
Liam thought of Yae Miko's skill in manipulating consciousness and spoke to Raiden Makoto in his mind, "What do you think about revealing your existence to Yae Miko?"
"I have no objections, but I've tried before. I can't leave your consciousness. What's the point of telling her?" Makoto replied.
"It's worth a shot. Your existence will eventually be known anyway, and we have no better options right now," Liam said.
"Do as you see fit. After all, you saved me. Strictly speaking, I'm yours," Makoto said.
"Don't say it like that! I did have some selfish reasons for saving you, but I'm not someone who exploits others," Liam replied.
Liam then cleared his throat and said to Yae Miko, "Hey, I heard that the Shrine Maiden once buried her head in the snow. Is that true?"
Yae Miko: "???"
Even Yae Miko was taken aback by Liam's sudden change in topic. They were just discussing how to deal with the Shogun, and now he brought up a story about her burying herself in the snow.
"Who told you that? Could it be Ei? No, she wouldn't bother with such trivial matters," Yae Miko pondered, then looked at Liam with a smile. "Tell me, who told you this?"
Liam, smiling, pointed to his head and imitated Raiden Makoto's tone, "Who would have thought that the little fox who once buried herself in the snow would grow up to be so sharp?"
Yae Miko's pupils shrank at this seemingly nonsensical statement.
"I have an old acquaintance of yours living in my head. Can you guess who it is?" Liam said with a grin.
"What's going on here?" Yae Miko's usual calm demeanor vanished as she stared intently at Liam.
Given the context of their discussion, the old acquaintance must be...
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