Omniscius II [Genshin Impact]

63: Roles to Play

The Sakoku Decree. The nation could only relate that term to dark events that transpired within the borders of Inazuma. First, it was related to the Vision Hunt Decree. But now, it was the sign of a ongoing war away from the normal citizens' eyes.

"My. What a dramatic turn of events. First, it was the war between Vision bearers and the Tenryou Commission. Now, the Inazuman Alliance against the Fatui," Miko said, "Come to think of it, wasn't Soleil involved in both events?"

"She had always been at the eye of the storm," Ayato muttered. "And one that you kept so close yet so far away from you," Miko glanced at him.

"Hm?" Her brows rose in surprise, "You look quite exhausted, Yashiro Commissioner. Well...not as pale as your darling sister. Where is she, by the way?"

"I had our housekeeper escort her home. Too many things happening at the same time is too much for her," Ayato replied.

"So you chose to bear the burden alone as usual. I see you never changed after all these years," Miko shook her head in dismay.

"The gravity of the situation is not something I want her to be worrying about. Especially after she learned that Soleil is not only involved, but also the heart of the issue," Ayato said.

"Mm, yes. Your little sister must be in quite of a shock," Yae Miko said, "So that also means that she was not aware of what happened all those years ago?"

"..."

"Well, that's unfortunate. You know you can't shelter her forever. You said you'd be able to convince Soleil to change her methods, yet here we are, subjected to the Sakoku Decree once more because of her," Miko stated seriously, "It's only a matter of time before the nature of your family's history comes to light."

"It wasn't Soleil's fault. You know that, Guuji Yae," there was firmness in Ayato's words as he responded, "She shouldn't be fighting battles she did not start, nor should she be paying for the crimes she did not commit."

"Yet she actively chose to take his side," Miko's amethyst eyes narrowed, "You are letting your emotions get the best of you. Think, Ayato. Would Soleil take the Fatui's side if she didn't stand to benefit from it?"

Ayato gripped his hands into a tight fist, unwilling to answer. Miko noticed this and sighed, like an exhausted teacher dealing with a rebellious student.

"Soleil is not guiltless. She has done things in this nation that would've warranted her arrest a long time ago were she not a child at the time," Miko said softly, "You of all people should know this. You were there to see it firsthand."

Ayato could no longer keep up appearances. He sighed heavily and held his forehead, resting his elbow on the table with his brows furrowed and eyes closed.

It was unbecoming of the Yashiro Commissioner, one of the three most important people after the Raiden Shogun. The mental overload for the past month was getting to him now it was at its peak.

Poor child. The weight of his position forcing him into a neutral stance is colliding with the sentiments of his heart, Miko thought. When will you ever know rest, Kamisato Ayato?

"Everything was in her favor until those ships appeared," Ayato said, trying his best to recompose himself and sit upright, "Soleil knew it was important to keep the events under wraps, so she couldn't have asked for reinforcements."

"You're right. It's not like the little minx, and I doubt those were 'reinforcements' at all," Yae Miko mused, "They were sent here, yes, but it is not under Soleil's request or that Harbinger with her."

"Then that means..." Ayato trailed off.

"Heh. You should know that the Fatui may seem impenetrable on the outside, but there are plenty of cracks inside," Yae Miko stated, "Most of them originating from the Fatui Harbingers themselves."