Omniscius II [Genshin Impact]

76: Before Her Excellency

"Soleil Rheingold, you are declared a war criminal and will be arrested for the crimes you've committed against the nation of Inazuma. Surrender yourself and do not resist."

Kujou Sara tensely anticipated that Soleil would fight back, so she was standing guard.

However, to her surprise, Soleil raised her hands in surrender and in a casual manner.

"I'm not sure how my interests are hurting any of your citizens, but sure," Soleil said, "Are we going to Narukami Island?"

"Yes. Your actions are considered to be grave atrocities to the safety of the nation. You will be brought to Tenshukaku and will be judged before a selected panel," Kujou Sara explained.

"Brilliant," Soleil smirked, "Let's get going, then."

Kujou Sara did not sense any hostility in Soleil. Despite her doubts, she carried out her orders to her people.

"Prepare the ship! We are returning to Narukami at once," she commanded. "But General, what of the escaped detainee?" A soldier asked.

"There will be no need to find her. We have our person of interest and we are to bring her before the Shogunate as ordered," Kujou Sara said dismissively.

She turned to Gorou and Sangonomiya Kokomi. "Thank you for your cooperation. We appreciate the help and assistance you've lent us," she said.

"The sentiments are mutual, General. Safe journeys back to Narukami Island," Kokomi replied. Kujou Sara nodded.

"Move out!"

Soleil's wrists were bound behind her in tight knots of ropes. She passed by Kokomi and Gorou, who both looked at her apprehensively.

But Kokomi had a look of concern and sympathy, almost asking a question with a gaze. Does Soleil's arrest mean that their truce ended at last?

Soleil smiled and winked. Not yet. Theirs was a battle of conviction, and she was not one to back down.

"Her trial... The almighty Shogun will be present, won't she?" Kazuha asked. "That's what I heard," Gorou muttered, "Not even Soleil will be able to escape a god's judgment."

Soleil's arrest meant that peace was theirs to take. Still, there was doubt and fear for the scholar's fate.

Kokomi led her people back to Watatsumi Island to recuperate, and Kazuha parted ways, both of them wondering what the outcome of the trial will be.

The ships sailed, and Seirai was once again void of life, the stormclouds rolling and swirling with thunder that never stopped rumbling.

Once again, the graveyard of the Thunderbird was silenced. The heart of Seirai stopped beating.

The gray horizons obscured the view of the world beyond the borders of Inazuma. Soleil stood by the edge, admiring the view, blatantly ignoring the wary glares pointed at her by the soldiers.

"You're silent. Have you run out of playful quips?" Kujou Sara asked, approaching the scholar. Soleil sighed.

"I didn't. It's just that your soldiers aren't very happy to share my humor. It's a tough crowd," she replied.

"Can you blame them? The kind of games you find 'amusing' involve violence and large-scale war," Kujou Sara crossed her arms, "No one finds it funny."

"Hehe. I'm sure Yae Miko would think otherwise. This kind of thing is right up her alley," Soleil giggled. "Guuji Yae has nothing to do with this," Kujou Sara frowned.

"Don't pretend like you know nothing," Soleil said, "She reached out to me very recently, you know? From the sound of it, she was quite amused and pleased."