Chapter 93: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [93]
After a brief rest, Luo Qing headed back to Tenshukaku.
It was the same old routine: Time Zero, flipping over the balcony rail.
"I've told you before—stop climbing up the balcony and use the front entrance!"
The moment she heard footsteps on the balcony, the Raiden Shogun's brows furrowed.
She didn't even need to turn around to know it was Luo Qing, up to his antics again.
After all, she was the acting leader of an entire nation.
Couldn't Luo Qing show her just a little bit of the respect she deserved?!
"Your guards downstairs wouldn't let me in, so what choice did I have?"
Luo Qing chuckled as he casually seated himself before the Raiden Shogun.
"Speak. What do you want?"
The Raiden Shogun closed her eyes, replying in a detached voice.
The best way to maintain her composure around Luo Qing was to avoid looking at that infuriatingly smug face of his.
Looking at him was just asking for frustration.
"Didn't Ei ask me to teach you all a breathing technique? I came here the moment I got back to talk to you about it."
"..."
The Raiden Shogun slowly opened her eyes and said in a low voice, "She told me to warn you—if you call her Ei one more time, I'm to cut off a certain part of your anatomy."
"..."
For some reason, Luo Qing suddenly felt a chill below his waist.
"Ahem, that's not important. What matters is that I'm here to keep my promise. So, have you decided who's going to receive my guidance... uh, I mean, training?"
"..."
For reasons unknown, the Raiden Shogun couldn't shake the feeling that Luo Qing was oddly eager.
"Why are you in such a hurry?"
"What are you saying?"
Luo Qing waved his hand nonchalantly, playing the role of an old friend.
"It's not about being in a rush. I just want to honor Miss Ei's request!"
"..."
The Raiden Shogun's gaze turned distant, as if she were conversing with Ei in the Plane of Euthymia.
After a moment, she spoke.
"We need to select the candidates. I'll inform you once the decision is made."
"You're holding a selection?"
Luo Qing was puzzled. He didn't realize the process would be so stringent.
"How long will it take?"
"We need to gather the best swordsmen from all over Inazuma. It will take at least half a month."
"Half a month?! That long?!"
"Hmph, you seem eager."
The Raiden Shogun's cold snort was full of sarcasm.
She knew Luo Qing had ulterior motives, but Ei's command prevented her from intervening.
Luo Qing nodded. "Of course, I'm eager to prove my loyalty to Miss Ei."
"..."
"Gathering the young elite swordsmen of Inazuma takes time. That's just how it is, no matter how urgent you feel."
With that, the Raiden Shogun closed her eyes once more.
"If you have nothing else to say, you may leave."
"Hey, come on," Luo Qing slapped his thigh, continuing, "Can't I at least stay and chat, get to know you better, build a bit of rapport?!"
"..."
[+1 Frustration Value from the Raiden Shogun]
...
Seeing the Raiden Shogun's anger on the verge of erupting, Luo Qing knew there was no point in pushing it. He left Tenshukaku.
He figured he could make up for the delay by being extra attentive when training those so-called young and talented swordsmen.
As he passed by the Komore Teahouse...
Just like before, the hostess, Konda Kuro, spotted him before he even got close.
Though she greeted him with a smile, Luo Qing could tell—even with his limited social skills—that Kamisato Ayaka still had no desire to see him.
So, he returned to his residence instead.
Back in his room...
Luo Qing couldn't even be bothered to look at the mess of blankets and tatami mats.
He'd been away for a while, and who knew what Teresa had been doing to ruin the place.
For a moment, he regretted the impulsive decision to bring Teresa into his team.
What kind of subordinate spends their time messing with their boss's bedding?!
...
"Explain to me—why are you constantly messing with my bed?"
Luo Qing sat at the tea table, his tone calm.
Across from him, Teresa sat on her knees, head bowed low to the floor.
"Um... well... Lord Luo Qing, I... I just couldn't help myself..."
Teresa stammered, avoiding eye contact with Luo Qing.
"You've been here for a while. Haven't you heard stories from Natalia about what happens to people who irritate me?"
"Ah... um..."
Teresa's face went blank as she remembered.
Natalia and the others had indeed shared tales of how Lord Luo Qing had tormented them in the past.
Hiss...
Ah...
"S-Sorry, Lord Luo Qing, I won't do it again..."
But I totally will.
Teresa thought to herself.
"Fine. If it happens again, you'll see what I'll do to you."
Seeing Teresa's seemingly sincere apology, Luo Qing decided to let it go.
Teresa had been kneeling there for most of the afternoon; any longer, and it would count as punishment.
"Did anything happen while I was away?"
"Thank you, Lord Luo Qing!"
Teresa sprang to her feet, ignoring her sore knees, and hurried to report.
"Lord Luo Qing, I had my little ones keep an eye on her while you were away. She stayed in Inazuma City the whole time, visiting Tenshukaku twice, only to leave disappointed both times. According to reliable sources, she proposed abolishing the Vision Hunt Decree, but her suggestions were rejected by the Tenryou Commission!"
Teresa's voice was loud and clear.
"She went twice?"
Luo Qing was a bit surprised.
"Yes! Other than that, she hasn't done anything significant!"
Teresa added enthusiastically, clearly fishing for praise.
"..."
"Tell me, do you like her or something, Lord Luo Qing?"
Teresa leaned forward, eyes full of curiosity.
"..."
Luo Qing looked up and smiled.
"If you keep prying into my business, you'll find yourself back in the wilderness, playing with those Shogunate soldiers~."
...
The Next Day at the Komore Teahouse.
It had been nearly a month since Luo Qing's brief conversation with Kamisato Ayaka from across the street.
Last night, Kuro had mentioned seeing him pass by the teahouse again, reminding Ayaka that it had been a long time since she last saw Luo Qing.
He was the first boy she had ever found so easy to talk to.
If it weren't for her brother's orders, she might have often invited Luo Qing to the teahouse for chats over tea.
Unfortunately, Luo Qing was a Snezhnayan—and a Fatui at that.
She knew the Fatui had a hand in the recent turmoil in Inazuma.
That meant no matter what, there was no way she could get closer to him.
Sigh. If only Luo Qing were from Inazuma.
Then, she could've had tea parties with him, shared secrets, and even rebelled against the Vision Hunt Decree... Though maybe that last part was something she should handle alone.
Kamisato Ayaka gazed out the window, feeling a pang of sadness.
Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed from downstairs. She turned to see Kuro rushing up to her.
"What's wrong? Did something happen?"
"Miss, it's about the Shogunate..."
"The Shogunate? What now?"
Ayaka's brow furrowed. Whenever the Shogunate was involved, it usually wasn't good news.
Kuro hesitated, then said seriously, "A mysterious swordsman has appeared in the Shogunate's ranks. He can perform elemental sword techniques without using a Vision. The General wants to select a group of young swordsmen to learn those techniques from him, and you've been invited to participate..."
"Huh?"
---
T/N: Bro how many fucking names does this bitch from the Teahouse have? Everytime its a new fucking name.
Kazuha --> Kasa --> Kozue --> Kuro
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
If you wish to support me or read ahead here's a link! [patreon.com/WiseTL]
Chapter 94: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [94]
Since Luo Qing had agreed with the Raiden Shogun to begin training in two weeks, he had no need to rush. So, he spent his time idling—wandering around the city, heading to the coast, setting up a small stool, casting a fishing line, and sometimes guessing Rosalyne's tastes.
Today was no different. Luo Qing was getting ready to go out and daydream by the ocean, even asking Teresa to carry the fishing gear.
But just as he opened the door, Kujou Sara blocked his way.
"Oh, if it isn't Miss Kujou. What brings you here?"
Luo Qing looked Kujou Sara up and down.
This was their third encounter, counting their brief meeting in the Raiden Shogun's chambers. He wondered how she felt about him now.
"Lord Shogun has summoned you to Tenshukaku. The selected swordsmen have all arrived."
Kujou Sara bowed her head, her expression conflicted.
Even now, she still didn't understand how things had changed so drastically. The first time they met, the Raiden Shogun had been cold and strict, ordering her to arrest Luo Qing and throw him into prison.
By the second encounter, Luo Qing could come and go from the Shogun's chambers as he pleased—even if it was by climbing the balcony, a completely disrespectful entrance!
Now, he was supposed to train Inazuma's young swordsmen.
What was the Shogun thinking?
As the Tenryou Commission's overseer of military affairs, it was Kujou Sara's responsibility to handle all logistics related to the training. She had been given a direct order from the Raiden Shogun: from the start of Luo Qing's lessons, she was to drop all other tasks and act as his personal assistant, fulfilling any reasonable request he made.
Which meant, for the duration of his training, she was to serve as his teaching aide.
This was the part that Kujou Sara found hardest to accept.
"So soon? Didn't we agree on two weeks?"
Luo Qing was surprised; there was still nearly a week until the planned start.
"Some of the swordsmen happened to be in Inazuma City, which cut down on travel time," Kujou Sara explained in a neutral tone. "They're already gathered at the Tenryou Commission. The Shogun wants you to head over as soon as possible."
"Huh..."
For some reason, Luo Qing couldn't help but think of someone when he heard "happened to be in Inazuma City."
Could she be one of them...?
"Alright then, lead the way."
Just as he was about to leave, Luo Qing paused and turned back to Teresa.
"Go grab my big phonograph and bring it along."
"The big phonograph?!"
Teresa's eyes widened in shock.
After spending so much time with Luo Qing's crew, she and Natalia had been coerced more than once into performing embarrassing dances in public under Luo Qing's whims.
The moment she heard those words, a chill went down her spine.
There was nothing scarier than those forced public dances, especially with the looks people gave them—like they were insane...
"What, is there a problem?"
"N-No, Lord Luo Qing..."
Teresa's face turned serious as she went upstairs.
Watching Teresa's fearful demeanor, Kujou Sara felt puzzled.
It was just a phonograph. What was so terrifying about that?
A moment later, Teresa returned, struggling to carry a large case almost as big as she was, her steps heavy.
After confirming that the phonograph was in good condition, Luo Qing nodded in satisfaction. He turned to Kujou Sara with a smile.
"Alright, we're good to go, Miss Kujou."
"Very well, let's proceed..."
Kujou Sara cast a quick glance at the case Teresa was carrying before turning and leading the way to Tenshukaku.
...
Not long after, the trio arrived at the Tenryou Commission's training grounds, located beneath Tenshukaku.
The practice field in front of the Commission's main gate was lined with four neat rows of young swordsmen. They had come from all corners of Inazuma at the Shogun's command, eager to learn how to wield sword techniques that could channel elemental power.
Most of them were accomplished swordsmen, well-versed in the intermediate forms but unable to use elemental energy. This limitation had prevented them from mastering advanced techniques, holding back their progress in the art of the sword.
Hearing that the Shogun had found a mysterious swordsman capable of teaching them how to harness elemental power without a Vision, many of them were excited to see who this mysterious instructor was.
Standing at the front of the crowd in the first row was Kamisato Ayaka, positioned in the center.
Her swordsmanship had long surpassed the intermediate level, but the Vision Hunt Decree had forced her to hide her true strength. Fully displaying her advanced abilities would have risked revealing her Vision, so she often held back, only demonstrating what was necessary.
It was for this reason that the Raiden Shogun had chosen her to join Luo Qing's training.
As the only one in the group with a concealed Vision, Ayaka felt a mixture of nerves and determination, but she kept her composure. Her serene demeanor remained unshaken, even when others spoke to her, embodying the grace of the Shirasagi Himegimi with every move.
Suddenly, a ripple of excitement spread through the group. Ayaka snapped back to attention, following her peers' gazes toward the entrance.
Kujou Sara entered first, followed by a man and a woman.
The man had his hands clasped casually behind his back, looking completely at ease, while the woman—purple-haired and violet-eyed—was carrying a large case with a serious expression.
Seeing the man's face, Ayaka's eyes widened in shock, her heart skipping a beat.
"Could it be... him? The mysterious swordsman is... him?!"
Meanwhile...
As soon as Luo Qing stepped through the gate, he spotted Ayaka standing at the center of the first row.
He couldn't help but smile.
After avoiding him for so long, here she was—right in front of him.
It seemed this time, there was no escaping him.
A mischievous idea popped into Luo Qing's mind.
Following Kujou Sara, he stepped up onto the platform at the front of the group, his eyes locking onto Ayaka's.
Their gazes met, and Ayaka's face flushed. She quickly looked down, unable to hold his gaze any longer.
...
Once the crowd quieted, Kujou Sara raised her voice. "Everyone, this is Mr. Luo Qing, the swordsman Lord Shogun has chosen. For the next month, you will train under his guidance."
"For this period, you will be housed at the foot of Tenshukaku. All accommodations will be provided by the Tenryou Commission. No one is permitted to leave without permission."
"Additionally, by the Shogun's decree, no one may quit halfway. Violators will face severe punishment!"
The crowd murmured in response, some expressing discontent.
But considering the Shogunate's history, this authoritarian approach wasn't surprising.
"Now, Mr. Luo Qing, it's your turn to speak."
Kujou Sara stepped aside, leaving the center of the platform to Luo Qing.
"Hmm..."
Luo Qing stepped forward, surveying the young men and women with swords strapped to their waists. He paused, then spoke loudly.
"Good morning, everyone... Hmm, why won't Miss Kamisato Ayaka look at her teacher? Is it because the teacher is too handsome for you to look at directly?"
...
---
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
If you wish to support me or read ahead here's a link! [patreon.com/WiseTL]
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