Omniscius II [Genshin Impact]

77: How Do You Plead?

Ghosts of the past began haunting the halls of Tenshukaku as the trial was set in motion.

Everything confused Soleil even if she looked calm on the surface. They were bringing up the events related to Ayato's inauguration as the Yashiro Commissioner, which was a rather dark segment of the past.

To bring it up means risking the exposure of the fact that a few clans tried to orchestrate the fall of the Yashiro Commission. Some of them came from the Tenryou Commission, in fact.

"How do you plead?" Yae Miko asked. Soleil was thinking behind her poker face.

"Hm... Let's say I'm innocent," Soleil smiled, "I want to hear more details about the nature of these 'crimes' I've committed."

What are they trying to do by bringing up these irrelevant matters not concerned with her activity in Seirai?

"In that case, I will go first," Kujou Kamaji said. The Raiden Shogun watched silently, and everyone's attention focused on the Tenryou Commissioner.

"It is known among the people inside this hall that Soleil Rheingold, a reputable scholar, has been conducting suspicious activities in the southern islands of Inazuma, which escalated into a war with Sangonomiya Kokomi's forces. This war would not have been possible without the support of the Fatui, who did not hesitate to bring unannounced warships into our territory," Kujou Kamaji stated.

"This incident alone should have given us the right to question Snezhnaya. To bring warships into another nation's sea means a declaration of war. However, we learned later from our spies that the Fatui was waging war in Soleil Rheingold's favor, just so she may gain entry into Seirai Island," Kujou Kamaji said.

"Yes, the Fatui did not do anything hostile to us personally. But to conduct their business in our waters and to attack Watatsumi... That is different. We've had disagreements with Watatsumi Island in the past, but they have become our allies that acted for the sake of Inazuma. Allowing foreigners with too much political power to play around is unacceptable. The involvement of a Fatui Harbinger cannot be ignored," Kujou Kamaji continued.

"And what do we know of the Fatui's behavior now?" the Raiden Shogun asked. "They have retreated with their Harbinger and were summoned back to Snezhnaya by their Archon, Almighty Shogun," Kujou Kamaji answered.

"Then the matter has been resolved," the Raiden Shogun said. "Not yet, Almighty Shogun. The Fatui is not the problem here. They weren't involved in the first place until Soleil Rheingold called on their support and made them act in their interests. She must pay for this act of waging war," Kujou Kamaji said.

"In other words, we are to make Soleil Rheingold pay for not only involving the Fatui, but also every other action and attack they made 'in her interest'," the Raiden Shogun said.

"Yes, Almighty Shogun," Kujou Kamaji answered. "I see," the Raiden Shogun said blankly and looked at Soleil.

"What do you have to say in your defense?" she asked. Soleil shrugged, "Who knows?Maybe it's tru–"

"May I present an argument, Your Excellency?"

Soleil turned to the side in confusion when Shinobu decided to cut her off. What was Shinobu even doing in there?

"Shinobu," Soleil said. "Is this argument spoken in behalf of the accused and an attempt to defend her?" The Raiden Shogun asked.

"Yes, Almighty Shogun," Shinobu said respectfully and stepped forward, "I am Shinobu, and I would like to represent Soleil Rheingold's case as her lawyer."

"What?" Kujou Kamaji and the others were surprised. "This is a trial. The defendant is given the privilege of having a lawyer," the Raiden Shogun said, "I will allow it."