Chapter 1198

The Funeral's Frieren.

"Whoa——! So handsome, Teacher Na Kexia!"

Xiu Ta Er Ke tightly clenched his fists, his heart racing along with Bai E, and he kept waving his arms in celebration.

In contrast, Frieren and Zan Yin leaned back in their chairs, letting out a long sigh of relief; the tension in their hearts finally eased.

"I told you, this guy will definitely choose the Fire Pursuit Journey."

Frieren gave Zan Yin a hard stare: "What good is saying that now? You were shaking with fear just during the vote!"

Zan Yin shrugged: "No way around it—after all, the voter was a 'big performer.' Until he tossed the shard at Bai E and them, everything was unknown. But fortunately, the outcome was good."

Especially seeing Kaines' flushed face, nothing could be more pleasing than that.

The only downside might be that Kaines didn't receive the punishment she deserved. Although her coup attempt failed, she still managed to sling a lot of mud at Aglaea and the others. Moreover, the vote for the Fire Pursuit Journey passed by a single vote, so Bai E and company must complete the Recreation of the World before the next council convenes.

Upon reflection, this vote was incredibly perilous.

"Milady Frieren, Kaines' coup failed—she probably won't make any big moves, right?" Filien asked softly from the side.

"Well, the citizens' assembly is the only means to restrain Aglaea, unless Kaines resorts to underhanded tactics—but that wouldn't threaten Aglaea, since the entire holy city is under her control." Frieren said calmly, "Unless she sets her sights on Bai E or Ti Bao—but that would be tantamount to digging her own grave; Aglaea won't spare them."

——

"Laigushi: 'Balance has been broken, the result is clear. KefaLe and Talanton above, in the name of divine ritual spectators, I see——'"

""No… Laigushi, wait……!" Kaines rushed down the stands like a madwoman, but was stopped by the guards beside her; she stomped her feet, gritted her teeth, and said, "Na Kexia… what are you doing? You're crazy.""

""I will prepare punishments fitting for you… and you must remember with that clever mind of yours what the price of betrayal is…!""

""Hahaha——!" Na Kexia faced this threat, not angry but laughing, "Do you remember? I said this is precisely one of my most precious talents.""

""You'd go so far as to act like this… just to help them complete that foolish Fire Pursuit Journey…?!""

Na Kexia snorted: "'Acting'? Wrong. Even though I'm naturally suspicious, I've always been known for my frankness. You've misunderstood me, Lady Kaines. You don't know me—I never care about your pitiful political games. Any faction, any stance—without exception, they're all jokes. My choices have never changed…… only I myself am the sole certain truth."

"Laigushi turned to advise her: 'Lady Kaines, under the watchful eyes of the citizens, we must uphold the spirit of democracy and respect the council's decision. I see——Aohema has chosen her fate. The citizens' assembly has decided to continue supporting the Fire Pursuit Journey! This resolution will also be posted before the Wall of Heroic Names, so all citizens shall know the city-state's future path.'"

Kaines was so furious she could barely stand, trembling as she pointed at Laigushi: "You…!"

""It seems someone isn't satisfied yet. Well, why don't I add a little something to this assembly? Laigushi, may I?""

Laigushi gave a slight nod: "Interesting."

Laigushi called out to the citizens about to leave, asking them to stay and hear Na Kexia's final words.

""Everyone! Just now, you decided the fate of Ulnaross with your own hands. As a supporter of the Fire Pursuit Journey, I'm also pleased to see your decision——" Na Kexia suddenly shifted tone, "but unfortunately, I still have deep doubts about this result and demand a challenge to this resolution!""

——

Genshin Impact.

As soon as Na Kexia said that, the Iron Mouth Field in Liyue Harbor instantly erupted in an uproar.

???

"Na Kexia, do you even know what you're saying?!"

"No way? Another twist?!"

"... I can't take this… Na Kexia, give me a straight answer! Are you supporting it or not?"

Hu Tao watched Na Kexia—just a minute ago still supportive, now acting conditionally on the resolution—and was as baffled as a monk trying to feel his own head, completely clueless about what Na Kexia was trying to do.

"'Sir Guest, what exactly does Na Kexia mean? If he intends to challenge this resolution, why did he just vote in favor?'"

Zhongli stroked his chin, thinking seriously: "Hmm… challenging the council's decision… at first listen it seems reasonable, but by common sense it's indeed quite unfathomable."

Xingqiu looked bewildered: "No way… Mr. Zhongli, where's the reason in that?"

"The matter under discussion in this vote was whether the Fire Pursuit Journey should continue, and Na Kexia has already given his answer. However, the problem is that this victory carries a certain amount of luck—if it weren't for Na Kexia's crucial vote, the Fire Pursuit Journey would have ended. The citizens' hearts…… still have half that remain unwon."

Zhongli lifted the hot tea on the table and gave it a gentle blow, saying, "As the saying goes, 'When aspirations are not united, achievements cannot last; when hearts are not united, even victory is perilous.' Na Kexia, though he says it's a 'challenge,' is actually seeking to spread the truth of the Fire Pursuit Journey under the guise of challenge, to set the record straight."

Chongyun nodded: "Indeed… this citizens' assembly gave me a very direct impression: through a single vote, it split the people of Aohema. Although Aglaea and her faction won, the Senate still holds many votes. This time we were lucky to have Na Kexia's support, but next time…… we might not be so fortunate."

——

""Heh……""

Aglaea let out a light laugh, seeming to have grown accustomed to Na Kexia's maneuvers.

"Tell me! Everyone here, how many dare to swear an oath to KefaLe that the end of the Recreation of the World will be, as you golden descendants claim, a beautiful new world free of disaster and madness?"

The audience below instantly fell into chaos, completely clueless about what Na Kexia was trying to do.

"Why isn't anyone raising their hand? Do I have to call on someone?" Na Kexia scanned the room, pointing at a nearby fortunate citizen: "Well then. You, the one pretending to be deep—do you dare to swear an oath before everyone here?"

That citizen scratched his head, wearing a troubled expression.

"Can't? Next. You, the one with a clueless look—yes, you—do you dare to pat your chest and guarantee to KefaLe?"

The citizen who was called on looked confused: "What's this for?"

"Hmph, waste of space! Let's try you—look, your nose is already stuck up in the air. With all that ability, do you dare to guarantee that the Fire Pursuit Journey is the best choice?" Na Kexia then pointed at a potbellied middle-aged man in the audience.

"You little brat… who are you cursing?!"

"Hahaha! Nobody can answer?" Na Kexia turned around, looking toward Bai E in the audience: "Fine. Bai E, since you've spoken so generously, let me ask: how confident are you really?"