Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Akio didn't think there was anything wrong with using the opportunity of resurrection to handle Raiden Ei and Yae Miko.
He didn't believe that, without any emotional foundation, he could simply flex his muscles and have all women, whether gods, ghosts, or demons, throw themselves at him like many protagonists in novels.
Especially someone like Raiden Ei, with her stoic personality, who had secluded herself in the Plane of Euthymia for hundreds of years, solely pursuing eternity. Even with the "Teyvat's Most Devoted" buff, it was impossible to make Raiden Ei fall in love with him in a short time.
The "Teyvat's Most Devoted" buff might work on mortal women or even a fox like Yae Miko, but it was useless in attracting the love of a deity. After all, the will of a deity was unshakable.
But Akio didn't care. He wasn't a pervert. Was it wrong to like his in-game waifus? He could take the first step and then develop feelings later, right?
As deities, they had an eternity ahead of them, enough time to witness the changes of the world and the turning of the stars. There was also enough time to warm Raiden Ei's scarred heart.
True love would be eternal!
Thinking this, Akio felt a sudden clarity, and his vision brightened.
So, it was time to start handling the mischievous fox!
Turning to look at Yae Miko beside him, she was brewing tea.
"Miko, I sensed a wounded soul within the Sacred Sakura," Akio said calmly. "Makoto, do you know her?"
"What?" Yae Miko looked up, her eyes filled with shock. She thought she had misheard and quickly asked, "Who did you say?"
"Makoto," Akio repeated.
"Lady Makoto? The Sacred Sakura?" Yae Miko stood up abruptly, her eyes filled with excitement. "Are you saying you sensed Lady Makoto's presence within the Sacred Sakura?"
"Yes," Akio nodded. "But unfortunately, this consciousness is very weak, like a candle in the wind, and could dissipate at any moment."
"..." Yae Miko didn't respond. She rushed outside and placed her hand on the Sacred Sakura, but she couldn't sense the presence she remembered.
Watching Yae Miko's reaction, Akio fell silent. The events that had transpired in Inazuma were too painful. Almost all the high-ranking warriors had perished, leaving only Raiden Ei and Yae Miko. With Raiden Ei isolating herself, it was easy to imagine how lonely Yae Miko had been over the centuries.
After standing silently under the Sacred Sakura for a long time, Yae Miko returned to the room and looked at Akio, who was calmly sipping tea. She spoke softly, "Akio… did you bring this up because you have a way to resolve it?"
"Exactly," Akio nodded. As expected of a clever woman.
"I've just regained the power of life and death. I went out to test the extent of this power in Teyvat," Akio smiled.
"Fortunately, I can resurrect anyone who has passed away, even if only a trace of their consciousness remains."
After Akio finished speaking, he noticed Yae Miko's breathing had become rapid.
Suddenly, as if realizing something, Yae Miko calmed down. She looked at Akio and said, "Then what do you want? Or rather, what do you want me to do?"
Akio bringing this up now must mean he had some demands. If he wasn't lying, then this power to resurrect the dead was of the highest order.
The position of Great Divine Official and the meager benefits that came with it were definitely not enough.
If the people of Teyvat learned of Akio's abilities, the entire continent would be shaken, and everyone would covet his power.
"What I want is actually quite simple," Akio looked at Yae Miko calmly, a faint smile on his lips.
"You want… me?" Yae Miko raised an eyebrow.
"To be precise, not just you, but also the one in Tenshukaku," Akio said bluntly. As deities, there was no need for Yae Miko and him to beat around the bush.
"Hah… your appetite is truly impressive, as expected of a deity," Yae Miko was momentarily stunned, then smirked.
"Transactions value equality. In return, I can not only resurrect Makoto but also the woman you mentioned, Kitsune Saiguu," Akio said.
"That's a truly tempting offer," Yae Miko pondered. To be honest, she was tempted. If she could bring back Lady Makoto and Lady Saiguu, any price would be worth it.
"Then, can you tell me what about me attracts you? I'm quite curious," Yae Miko suddenly looked at Akio. "What is it about me that's so outstanding that a deity would offer such a precious 'gift' to have me?"
"I've observed this world for a long time. I must admit, I'm fond of beautiful and exceptional women," Akio said. "You are one, as is the Raiden Shogun, and many other outstanding women. I like them all."
"My, my, to receive such praise from a deity truly makes me happy," Yae Miko covered her mouth with a light laugh. "But to be so blunt about your fickleness, that's so like you, Lord Akio."
"Fair ladies are what gentlemen seek, and I'm just a mortal at heart," Akio didn't mind Yae Miko calling him fickle. He was just broad-minded. Why couldn't he appreciate these high-quality women?
"..." Yae Miko was speechless. Akio had actually accepted the label of being fickle?
"However, Akio, if you can truly resurrect Lady Makoto and Lady Saiguu as you've said, I think I'd be happy to be cherished by a deity," Yae Miko suddenly said. "But resurrection is beyond my comprehension. How can I trust you?"
"Then how would you like me to prove it?" Akio asked.
"You said you can resurrect Lady Saiguu. If you can do that, I'll be yours from then on," Yae Miko thought for a moment and said seriously.
As for why not resurrect Makoto, that was Akio's strongest tool to handle Raiden Ei. As a considerate little fox, how could she ruin Akio's grand plan?
"Hahaha, fair enough," Akio nodded. "But once Lady Saiguu is resurrected, I trust you'll keep your word, right?"
He was genuinely worried Yae Miko might pull a fast one. This fox lady was quite cunning, and unless absolutely necessary, Akio didn't want to resort to force.
"Of course," Yae Miko nodded. Facing a deity, she didn't think she'd have the courage to go back on her word. Moreover, Akio agreeing to her condition of resurrecting Lady Saiguu first showed great respect for her.
"In that case, shall I resurrect Kitsune Saiguu first?" Akio was quite satisfied. It seemed Yae Miko was easy to handle after all.
"But first, I need to take you somewhere," Akio said.