Thoma excused himself to keep watch outside and left first.
Regarding the origin of the Vision Hunt Decree, Kamisato Ayaka did not elaborate much.
Because even she wasn't entirely clear about it.
"Where should I begin…"
Kamisato Ayaka hesitated for a moment.
There was simply too much to explain.
Lumine glanced around. "Let's start with this Komore Teahouse."
Yoimiya also wanted to hear the story. Although she was part of the resistance against the Vision Hunt Decree,
she had never actually learned about the origins of Komore Teahouse.
Mu Yang hadn't paid much attention to it either, only knowing it was a rendezvous point.
Kamisato Ayaka nodded and began explaining to everyone.
This place was once a fief granted to the Yashiro Commission by the Shogun.
Only the Kamisato Clan of the Yashiro Commission could plan, construct, renovate,
and even manage access to it.
All of this was due to the Yashiro Commission's unique role in overseeing ceremonial affairs.
Often, outsiders needed to be excluded.
However, as time passed,
the number of ceremonial events in the city decreased significantly.
Their ancestors then built this teahouse, which only those affiliated with the Yashiro Commission could freely enter.
"It does sound like a suitable secret base."
"Even the Tenryou Commission people can't come in?"
"Nominally, that's the case," Kamisato Ayaka said.
"So, feel free to speak openly here. Ask whatever questions you have."
Lumine's first question was, "Are there many people resisting the Vision Hunt Decree?"
This question made both Ayaka and Yoimiya somewhat uncomfortable.
"Actually… for the vast majority of people, the Vision Hunt Decree is something that doesn't concern them."
The reason was simple: very few people ever obtained Visions in the first place.
Even obtaining a Vision could invite jealousy,
let alone fighting for justice on behalf of those who lost theirs.
Thus, most civilians chose to remain indifferent.
Paimon puffed up her cheeks angrily. "How could they…? That's so frustrating."
Mu Yang, standing nearby, remarked that this was simply human nature.
[Indeed, this is human nature.]
[But they really don't owe you anything or have to help you.]
[True, not every Vision holder is like Kurosawa, who only did good deeds.]
[Even doing good deeds didn't end well for him. So tragic.]
[Most importantly, this is the Vision Hunt Decree enacted by the Raiden Shogun. What can ordinary people do but comply?]
[I shall lead the charge!]
[What a brave little soldier.]
As such, there wasn't a large-scale resistance force in Narukami Island.
Most were scattered individuals or small groups like Yoimiya.
The Yashiro Commission couldn't openly intervene either—they could only provide covert support,
offer advice, and assist where possible.
That was the extent of it.
"It sounds like this will be very difficult…"
Hearing this, Lumine couldn't help but feel it was a tough situation.
No wonder they were so eager to recruit her.
Kamisato Ayaka continued,
"However, aside from us, there is also a resistance army far in Watatsumi Island."
"A resistance army? Dedicated to opposing the Vision Hunt Decree?"
"Yes. Many who have lost their Visions—or fear losing them—have gathered under the banner of Watatsumi Island's Sangonomiya Shrine to form a resistance organization."
Kamisato Ayaka then briefly introduced the Sangonomiya Shrine.
Since ancient times, the Sangonomiya Shrine of Watatsumi Island and the Shogunate of Narukami Island had held conflicting beliefs.
Finally, Ayaka turned her gaze to Mu Yang.
"I wonder if the resistance army they lead has ulterior motives?"
Mu Yang felt there was something deliberate in her gaze.
It seemed this girl was trying to tie him to the resistance army's cause.
Sure enough, she then said,
"I heard that before coming to Narukami Island, Mr. Mu Yang had a… lengthy discussion with their leader—Lady Sangonomiya Kokomi—late into the night…"
Mu Yang was speechless. She was definitely doing this on purpose, right?
Lengthy discussion? What kind of phrasing was that?
Don't deliberately steer the conversation in that direction…
——————
Guinaifen's Livestream
Hearing this,
Little Gui, who had been drowsy from the long exposition, suddenly jolted awake.
"Who?! Who's seducing my husband?!"
"Sangonomiya Kokomi! Step forward!"
[Streamer, calm down, they're just following the script.]
[What script? She's their leader—they were probably just doing war simulations.]
[I'm mad! I'm mad!]
[What are you thinking? Mu Yang isn't that kind of guy.]
——————
Of course, Mu Yang wouldn't let her succeed.
In situations like this, the best approach was to keep things brief.
Stating the facts plainly would prevent Lumine from overthinking.
"They invited me to join the resistance. I refused."
Everyone present waited for him to continue, but Mu Yang said nothing more.
"Uh… that's it?" This single sentence clearly wasn't enough to satisfy Paimon's gossip cravings.
"Yes."
"You talked until midnight over just that?" Paimon pressed.
Damn you, Paimon. Are you just trying to pick a fight?
"She asked me about some military texts from Liyue. I'd previously discussed them with Mor—uh, Mr. Zhongli."
"So I gave her some guidance."
[Morax, was it?]
[Just a passing thought.]
[LMAO, I wonder who wrote them. Definitely not Zhongli.]
Kamisato Ayaka covered her mouth with her fan and smiled.
"Mr. Mu Yang is truly a man of many talents. Not only is he a master of martial arts, but he's also skilled in military strategy."
Hearing such praise, Mu Yang didn't know how to react.
You're the one who set me up.
Can't I just quietly maintain my cool, mysterious persona?
Lumine: "It sounds like that Sangonomiya lady is the brains of the operation."
Mu Yang nodded. "Indeed. Without her, the Watatsumi resistance would struggle to stand against the Shogunate's forces."
"Lady Kamisato, was there anything else you wanted to ask?"
Ayaka shook her head with a smile.
Lumine then moved on to her second question.
As one of the three organizations directly under the Shogun,
couldn't the Yashiro Commission openly propose abolishing the Vision Hunt Decree?
Ayaka explained that they had tried long ago.
But every time, both the Tenryou Commission and the Kanjou Commission vetoed it.
They maintained an attitude of unconditional support for the Shogun's decisions,
leaving no room for discussion.
"The Kanjou Commission, huh…" Lumine mused.
"The Tenryou Commission enforces the Vision Hunt Decree, so their staunch support makes sense."
"But what's the Kanjou Commission's motive…?"
Suddenly, Lumine had an epiphany. "Something's off!"
Ayaka asked, "What did you think of?"
"Paimon, do you remember how Chisato planned to help us?"
"Of course! She said we could escort a shipment of goods—"
Paimon's eyes widened.
"That shipment was headed to Watatsumi Island!"
Lumine had spotted the inconsistency.
"Why would the Kanjou Commission, which firmly supports the Vision Hunt Decree, send supplies to Watatsumi Island?"
"And that shipment included a lot of Crystal Marrow."
Ayaka grew more confused the more she listened.
She wasn't entirely sure what Crystal Marrow was used for.
"Thank you, Lumine. This information is very useful. I'll have the Shuumatsuban investigate."
Lumine added, "Tell them to keep an eye out for the Fatui. This might all be connected to them."