People in Xumi: I am really not the Dragon King

Chapter 474 Thomas: Look, so many people are taking out loans in Hanamisaka. This is proof of their suffering…

"Listen to the request of the company's director."

Beside the pavilion, one could sense from the other person's tone that their attitude was very sincere.

The blonde girl, recalling her experiences after arriving in Inazuma, did indeed have a very good initial impression of this "White Heron Princess":

"We've heard Thomas talk about the current situation the Society is in, and we're also familiar with the Fools' style of doing things."

"The fact that they were willing to help two wanted outsiders like this makes us feel much better than the other magistrates."

"As a way of repaying the help and trust we have received, my partners and I will do our best to help complete any tasks that are within our capabilities."

".!"

"Ah, I knew you would be the best choice for the Kamisato family. Ever since I heard about your deeds, I have been looking forward to meeting you today."

"Please come over here, both of you. We can have some tea and snacks while we talk. I will explain Inazuma's current situation and the biggest obstacle on his path to seeing the gods in as much detail as possible."

Slightly relieved, having received two crucial reinforcements in this situation, the girl, who had styled her white hair into a Hime cut, finally showed a hint of joy.
She closed the tea fan in her hand, stood up from the table, and extended her hand to invite the people next to her over.

"Hmm, speaking of which, aren't we both wanted criminals right now?"

"The functions of Mingsha are related to people's livelihood, so why do you seem not to care much about that, Ayaka?"

Sitting around the tea tables inside the pavilion, Paimon was enjoying his tea and snacks when he was surprised by the harmonious atmosphere.

After discussing some basic issues, the other party, as an official, not only completely disregarded their status as wanted criminals, but this "White Heron Princess" even instructed them to address her directly as "Ayaka".

"."

Upon hearing this question about trust, he paused.
After a moment's thought, Ayaka Kamisato across from her shook her head and decided to tell him the truth:

"Hmph, to be honest, this is probably because what the Commissioner is doing is far more serious than your 'sins'."

? ? !

"—Huh?! Sins are even more serious than being wanted? Could it be that the magistrate is the real villain?"

Upon suddenly hearing these words, the white fluffy creature felt its understanding was shaken. It paused in its movements, so surprised that it even slowed down the speed at which it picked up the food.

"Perhaps. If going against the wishes of the 'majority' within the castle tower makes one a villain, then the magistrate is indeed an obstacle many want to eliminate."

With a slight sigh, thinking of the current predicament of the magistrate, Ayaka Kamisato looked at the two "villains" in front of her who were ostensibly wanted by the magistrate but were actually wanted by the Fatui, and felt a strange sense of sympathy for them:

"You two still remember the charge against you: 'a spy for the Abyss Order.' As the Abyss is an irreconcilable enemy, this is undoubtedly a charge that puts you at odds with the entire nation."

"Similarly, the company's magistrate had repeatedly petitioned against the 'Eye-hunting Edict' and the 'National Isolation Edict'."
Although all the proposals were rejected by the other two major factions based on a "majority vote," this refusal to cooperate made us a thorn in the side of all forces, including the Fools.

He paused slightly, glancing at the triple seals hanging throughout the Shinri Palace.

The white-haired girl sighed deeply, her words tinged with hesitation:

"Refusing to accept the 'cooperation' of the Fools like the other two major magistrates will lead to the Shaka magistrate facing difficulties in all aspects, and even endangering the people within the Shinto Bureau."

"But the deepest and most profound sin is probably that we are one of the three magistrates, the agents of the will of the gods."
Caught between the people and the gods, our actions at this moment have already run counter to the general's "eternity."

!!!

"—Miss, this..."

"—It doesn't matter. Having injured the Executor of the Fools, regardless of the truth, our 'reinforcements' are almost certainly unable to clear their names."

Given such similar circumstances, it's natural to be more honest with friends.

Hearing his young mistress's careless remark, Thomas wanted to speak up and remind her.
But knowing that the two travelers in front of her had no way out and that they would most likely have to join the resistance if they wanted to survive, Ayaka Kamisato was convinced that the best solution was to work with her to change the general's mind and let their god see Inazuma again.

???

"Wow, that's a lot of information. Paimon is getting a little dizzy. So, it turns out that the company magistrate didn't get along well with anyone?"

"And according to this statement, it seems you are opposing the gods, and planning to invite us to help you with that."

!!!

I never imagined that the situation in Inazuma would be so complicated, that the will of the gods and the people would differ.

Paimon, recalling the previous encounters with the Anemo and Geo gods, had assumed that even if the gods' instructions were a bit outlandish, the common people would still follow them.
"No, please rest assured."

"We do not want to oppose Lord Oogami; we simply hope to convey the true story of the common people, breaking through the blockade imposed by the Fools and the two great ministers, to the ears of the gods."

"The Grand Master sits enthroned in the castle tower, having almost never left for hundreds of years. If we don't resolve the immediate problem before seeking an audience with the gods, then any other method is tantamount to seeking death."

"Well, if the gods actually know all this and tacitly allow it to happen, does the company magistrate have any contingency plans in place?"

Having never defied the gods before, Paimon felt that agreeing to the agreement was extremely risky.
She looked at Ayaka Kamisato across from her with some doubt, wondering if the company magistrate was prepared for the worst-case scenario.

"."

"I do not know."

After a brief silence, under the surprised gazes of Ying and Paimon, the girl opposite them honestly shook her head.
Just when they thought this action was tantamount to leading the entire magistrate to their doom, Ayaka Kamisato offered her own reasons:
"The Grand Master undoubtedly loves his people, but he seems somewhat cold-hearted in his actions."

"Not only did she eliminate countless enemies who threatened Inazuma over thousands of years, but many sword techniques and forging skills still circulating among the people today were also passed down by the General."

Even the current concept of "eternity" was originally intended for Inazuma's long-term existence, and I believe she wouldn't ignore the people's wishes.

"As for what if it really is the worst-case scenario..."

Ayaka Kamisato paused slightly, a complex emotion welling up in her eyes:
"—If the Eye Hunting Decree and the Seclusion Decree are both based on the will of the gods themselves, and are not subject to change."

"At least as a society trusted by the people, it should uphold..."

Through the turmoil generated during the operation, I was able to convey to the gods the facts that "the Heavenly Commander oppresses the people under the guise of the Eye Hunting Order," "the Surveying Commander profits immensely by taking advantage of the National Isolation Order," and "the foolish masses intensify war and undermine peace under the pretense of cooperation."

These acts of deceiving the gods will not be tolerated by the General under any circumstances. In this way, even if the operation fails, at least the lives of the people will be much better than they are now, and my brother and I will not have betrayed the original intention of the Society's mission.

"."

They exchanged a glance, and he sensed in the young woman a sense of responsibility rarely seen in Inazuma officials.

While Ying and Paimon admired people who cared for the people, they were still hesitant about joining. "Um, could we consider it some more? Although the Fools are despicable, and that guy on the island who wasted our time is annoying, we want to see the gods. If we fight like this..."

"Yes, please rest assured, you both have the right to make a decision after understanding the actual situation."

"However, even if the worst-case scenario does occur, considering your positions and the past contributions of the company's head, if my brother and I make the final request, you should not be in too much danger."

The act of leading people to oppose the gods is essentially the same as suicide, only the name is different.

Given the current dire situation and having witnessed the ugliness of the two powerful officials, Ayaka Kamisato no longer believes that outsiders have an obligation to make such sacrifices for Inatsuma.

Having shown the utmost sincerity she could, she nodded to Thomas beside her and made the next steps.

The guests have departed.

He sat upright in the pavilion, watching the two reinforcements, led by Thomas, go off to have their meal.
After confirming that she was alone again, Ayaka Kamisato sighed softly, a hint of sorrow rarely seen in others appearing on her face:
"Even after serving for hundreds of years, the will of the gods is still so unfathomable."

"General, you are so powerful, can the power of mortals really change the minds of gods?"

"If only another god were willing to help."

His thoughts paused, and due to the faith of the Kamisato family for generations, he put aside the somewhat disrespectful thoughts in his heart.

No matter how I think about it, reason tells me that this is just an unrealistic wishful thinking.

Shaking her head, the white-haired girl, who felt she was just under too much pressure and wanted to escape, stopped fantasizing and decided to do everything she could in front of her first.

"Let's go, our next stop is Inazuma Castle."

"What you mean, Miss, is that you need to witness Inazuma's current situation and the gods' attitude firsthand to understand them."

If you saw "that" standing in front of the castle tower, you might understand what would happen if a "variable" like yourself suddenly met the shogun.

The backyard of the Kamisato residence, on the path leading away from here.

After the initial conversation, the two guests were invited to stay for a simple meal. Later, considering their current situation as wanted fugitives, they were given some everyday supplies as a gift.

After accepting the task of "showing the two guests a glimpse of Inazuma", Thomas planned to head to the wooden teahouse near the town.

"Are you sure this is okay? We're wanted criminals, you know. Are we really going to Inazuma Castle openly like this?"

"—Ha, don't worry, the society still has some secret sanctuaries."
The resistance on Haizhi Island is growing in number, and there are countless people currently wanted by the authorities. If I help you two with some disguise, you should be safe enough to just take a look around.”

He laughed heartily, revealing his usual confident expression.

He was very confident in his ability to conceal himself.
Even though he was a local strongman, he absolutely couldn't do something like helping them meet the general.
Having lived in Inatsuma for so many years, Thomas was certain that his trip to Inatsuma Castle would at least be safe.

"Phew, as expected of Paimon's friend, Thomas, you really make me feel at ease. It's so good to have your help."

"—Let's go. Ying and I have been curious for a long time about the differences between Inazuma Castle and the remote island, and what exactly this 'that' you're talking about is."

I patted my chest, never imagining that traveling to a country's capital would involve such a series of twists and turns.
Paimon, who had been wanted the whole way, looked at Thomas's confident demeanor and felt that they finally didn't have to live in fear anymore.

"--Recruitment! Recruitment! The resistance is doomed, the front has successfully advanced to the northwest of Musou-no-Kama, the shogunate is about to launch its final attack!"

"—Anyone with an adult male in their household should come and register immediately; now is the time to make a name for yourself!"

???

After two days of intermittent travel, they demonstrated the wonders of Liyue's magical arts to Thomas, who stared in disbelief.

But no sooner had Paimon entered Inazuma Castle than she blinked, bewildered, upon hearing what was utterly devastating news for these "potential anti-generals."

"The resistance army, formed by all the rebels, can't hold out? We're sure we'll be wiped out if we rely on just a few of us?"

"Thoma, I'm sorry, but Ying and I might..."

With a slightly apologetic wave, the white fluffy ball of fur planned to retreat at lightning speed.

“Ha, Miss Paimon, don’t worry, this final blow has been three months in the making.”

"The shogunate has indeed spent a lot on military expenses and collected taxes round after round, but has the front line been pushed to the northwest of Musou-no-Kama?"

"Ha, the rebels probably don't even know that their rear has been occupied."

For some reason, the Kamisato family had some communication with the resistance forces and were very familiar with the actual battlefield intelligence.

Having heard similar arguments countless times, Thomas deeply admired these guys' audacity.

".??"

"—Huh? Even the battle reports are fake? These guys are going too far!"

I was so shocked that my eyes widened.

Having witnessed the situations in Mondstadt and Liyue, Paimon found it hard to believe that the government and military could have become like this.

"It's not entirely fake, after all, given the strength of the Shogunate army, if they had attacked with all their might, the rebels might have been wiped out long ago, so they dared to fabricate it."

"Perhaps the continuation of war and death has some other meaning for the Fools, but that is not the issue we should be concerned with for now."

He shook his head, knowing that those two henchmen were rotten to the core.

Thomas didn't intend to list their numerous misdeeds, such as increasing taxes and arresting people if they didn't pay, but rather planned to interfere less and let the two of them see Inazuma for themselves:

"Let's go. If we want to see the most authentic lives of people in Inazuma today, then the economy and daily necessities should be the most direct channels."

"—Just ahead is the Northern Bank, which is responsible for lending money and auctioning off the houses of refugees."
See? Just based on the current level of popularity, you can probably guess the living conditions of most people.

From afar, a large crowd could be seen gathered in front of the Northern Bank, all holding loan application forms.

Standing at the very front of the group were a blonde girl and a tall, horned demon.

I'm convinced that the Fools have recently done something utterly heinous to Hanamizaka again.

Thinking that the bitterness on the faces of the people who had taken out loans was the most touching, Thomas also intended to let the two reinforcements behind him witness the darkness of the Fools.

(End of this chapter)