"Snap."
Bai Luo snapped his fingers, and Tatyana, who was standing nearby, immediately understood and produced a pre-drafted contract.
"Sign this contract, and I will no longer pursue the matters concerning Mora and Igor. At the same time, I will also provide aid to Watatsumi Island in the name of the Fatui Harbinger, 'The Balladeer.'"
Paper and pen were placed beside Sangonomiya Kokomi as Bai Luo leisurely returned to his seat.
Hm? You ask why use The Balladeer's name?
Doesn't aiding Watatsumi Island require money? If he used The Instructor's name, wouldn't he have to pay out of his own pocket?
Using The Balladeer's name is different.
When the time comes, even if funds are deducted, it'll be The Balladeer's money—nothing to do with The Instructor.
After struggling internally for a while, Sangonomiya Kokomi picked up the contract Bai Luo had given her.
But as she read, her expression grew increasingly puzzled.
This... is really the Fatui's demand?
The terms of the contract were simple: once she signed, the Fatui would not only provide aid to Watatsumi Island but also help open new sea routes, establishing trade channels with Ritou.
Due to the Sakoku Decree, the oppressed international merchants would be more than willing to trade with them.
Not only that, the Fatui would also assist in developing Watatsumi Island—helping cultivate farmland, transport military equipment, and spread knowledge.
All Watatsumi Island had to do in return was allow the Fatui to station there and unconditionally support the Fatui's recruitment efforts on the island.
Moreover, this recruitment wouldn't be forced but entirely voluntary.
What exactly are the Fatui after?
"So, Miss Sangonomiya, will you sign? Or will you sign? Or perhaps... will you sign?"
"..."
Did you even give me a second option?
"This matter concerns Watatsumi Island's development. I hope The Instructor will grant us more time for discussion."
The terms were indeed tempting, but Sangonomiya Kokomi didn't sign immediately.
As the leader of a faction, she could see further than most.
She had heard of the Fatui's actions in Inazuma City.
What she feared more was that the Fatui would gradually erode her influence on Watatsumi Island, eventually sidelining her and taking full control of the island.
By then... whether this contract would still hold any weight would no longer be up to her.
"My time is very valuable, and I can't waste it on pointless waiting. I happen to have a close relationship with the current Tenryou Commission's General, Kujou Sara. I'm sure the Kujou Clan of the Shogunate... would be more than happy to cooperate with us in taking over Watatsumi Island."
Bai Luo chuckled lightly as he spoke.
Sangonomiya Kokomi knew he wasn't bluffing.
Given the Fatui's usual methods, he absolutely would do such a thing.
What's more, rumors had long circulated about The Instructor's... questionable relationship with that General, Kujou Sara.
"Please... treat the people of Watatsumi with kindness."
With a bitter smile, Sangonomiya Kokomi picked up the pen.
Did she even have a choice?
Of course, she could heroically reject this contract and watch as the Fatui joined forces with the Shogunate's army to crush Watatsumi Island.
Just look at what happened recently with the Tatarigami—a single Fatui spy's whispers nearly doomed Watatsumi Island.
If they fully supported the Shogunate's army...
For Watatsumi Island, it would be utter annihilation.
But the so-called "support" promised in the contract was like the description of a Sunsettia in an almanac—"fragrant and sweet."
Only when you actually tasted it would you realize—
What a load of crap! It's so sour it'll kill you!
After weighing her options, she tremblingly signed her name.
A faint golden glow, representing Geo, lit up—signifying that the contract was now officially in effect.
Would Sangonomiya Kokomi regret this?
Once she replenished her energy, she would absolutely regret signing this contract.
It's like when someone loses an argument and later, while replaying it in their head, they suddenly think of the perfect comeback.
If only I'd said that! Then they'd have nothing to say!
But by then, it's already too late.
Why did Bai Luo send Tatyana ahead first?
Because he knew about Sangonomiya Kokomi's energy mechanic.
First, Tatyana overwhelmed and drained her, then he suddenly arrived to apply even more pressure.
This one-two punch left Sangonomiya Kokomi dazed and confused, leading her to sign the contract in a haze.
All that can be said is... the little fish still has much to learn.
"The contract is sealed. Should you break it, the wrath of the rock will descend upon you. This is a contract personally certified by Morax. If you go back on your word, that god will personally deliver divine punishment."
"..."
Meanwhile, at the Third-Round Knockout in Liyue, a certain elderly gentleman spat out his tea mid-sip while listening to a storyteller.
Bai Luo's contract?!
Regardless of how the God of Contracts felt about this, back on Watatsumi Island, Sangonomiya Kokomi could only sigh silently.
All she could do now was pray that the Fatui would truly treat Watatsumi Island as kindly as the contract promised.
"If there's nothing else, the two of you may leave. The night is late, and I wish to rest early."
After being tormented by Bai Luo all evening, her head was pounding, and she could barely stand.
All she wanted was to sleep.
But then, to her surprise, Bai Luo produced another contract and placed it before her.
"What is the meaning of this?"
Clenching her fists, Sangonomiya Kokomi glared at Bailuo with fury in her eyes.
Had he already decided to betray her the moment the ink dried?
Was this the extent of the Fatui's integrity?
"A confidentiality agreement. You must strictly keep all details of this meeting—including everything that happens after we leave this room—secret. Do not disclose any of it to any sentient being, be they dead, alive, canine, or piscine."
Bai Luo showed her the contents of the contract. As he said, it was just a simple nondisclosure agreement with no additional clauses.
Sangonomiya Kokomi had participated in similar negotiations before and understood the need for confidentiality.
But this was the first time she'd encountered someone as strict as The Instructor, who demanded a signed agreement.
But since she'd already signed the first one, what was one more?
So, with exhaustion weighing on her, she nodded and picked up the pen again, signing her name.
Only after the contract took effect did Bai Luo nod in satisfaction.
After carefully storing both contracts away, he smiled at Sangonomiya Kokomi.
"There's one thing I forgot to mention, Miss Sangonomiya. The 'Battousai' who's been staying on Watatsumi Island all this time... was actually me."
"???"
Seeing her expression that screamed, "Are you fucking kidding me?", Bai Luo knew she still held deep trust in Battousai
So...
He took out a dagger and lightly tapped his own head with it.
In an instant, a dazzling crimson filled Sangonomiya Kokomi's widening pupils—accompanied by a faint, familiar plum blossom fragrance.
Snap!
The pen in Sangonomiya Kokomi's hand couldn't withstand the force of her grip and snapped in two.
"You... I..."