Her deep purple stockings exposed a glimpse of pale, soft skin—delicate and smooth.
"Well then, I won't hold back~"
Luo Qing chuckled lightly as he leaned back against the Raiden Shogun and slowly lay down.
The next moment, the back of his head met a warm, soft sensation—it was like the best pillow in the world.
"Mmm... Ah..."
The thighs were a sensitive area for any girl, and this was the first time the Raiden Shogun had been touched in such a forbidden, sensitive place by a man. The moment Luo Qing settled in, she couldn't suppress a light moan.
Even though she was a puppet of the God of Thunder, right now, she felt a shudder run through her entire body as if electrified.
"Ah, this is nice..."
Luo Qing closed his eyes and let out a heartfelt sigh.
There was no denying it—a lap pillow was pure bliss.
Sensing eyes on him, Luo Qing opened his own to find the Raiden Shogun looking down at him, her face tinged with a rosy blush.
Caught in the act, she quickly averted her gaze, pretending to admire the scenery around them.
Her shy and flustered expression was worlds apart from the cold and aloof General she usually presented.
"Hey, General, while I had my eyes closed, were you peeking at me just now~?"
Luo Qing teased with a playful grin.
"I..."
The Raiden Shogun glanced away, the blush on her face deepening.
"So, General, can you look at me when you talk?"
"This..."
"Hm?"
"Alright..."
The Raiden Shogun's body was stiff as she slowly lowered her head, meeting Luo Qing's gaze.
At that moment, their eyes locked—her heartbeat quickened, filled with a growing desire.
I want...
...
After lying there for a while.
Seeing that the Raiden Shogun was comfortable with providing a lap pillow, Luo Qing decided it was time to push things further.
After savoring the warmth of her lap for a little longer, he sat up and patted his own thigh.
"Well then, it's my turn to give you a lap pillow now, General~"
"Eh...?!"
The Raiden Shogun looked shocked, glancing at his lap before swallowing nervously.
She had managed Inazuma in place of Ei for centuries, but never before had she experienced such a turbulent surge of emotions.
"Come on, don't be shy~"
Luo Qing patted his thigh again.
He could only enjoy lying down passively, but if she lay down... she'd be entirely at his mercy.
"Mhm..."
With a slightly stiff movement, the Raiden Shogun nodded.
Her body tense, she slowly lay down. From the moment she was created until now, she had never given or received a lap pillow.
As she touched Luo Qing's thigh, her heart raced, and a warmth spread throughout her body.
Luo Qing's thigh wasn't as soft as a woman's, a bit firmer—a poor pillow choice, perhaps.
But as a position...
"A little higher."
"Mhm..."
Following Luo Qing's instructions, the Raiden Shogun adjusted herself, resting her head higher on his thigh.
She had barely settled when, without warning, Luo Qing's hands cupped her cheeks, his fingers gently tracing her soft, pale skin.
"What are you..."
"Shh~ Don't speak~"
"Mmm..."
Luo Qing looked down at the Raiden Shogun, their eyes meeting once again.
But she couldn't hold his gaze for more than a second, immediately looking away, her embarrassment clear.
Ah... that sweet shyness...
Seeing the Raiden Shogun's reaction, Luo Qing's mind began to race.
Physical intimacy between couples usually progresses from light to deep, and since she didn't seem to mind the lap pillow, he considered testing the next step.
After a moment's thought, he held her cheeks firmly, ensuring she couldn't turn away.
Their eyes met once more, and a silent understanding seemed to pass between them.
There's a chance!
Excitement welled up in Luo Qing's chest. He swallowed hard and slowly lowered his head.
Their faces drew closer, and their breaths mingled as they were about to touch.
But just as they were about to kiss, the Raiden Shogun's expression suddenly changed.
She swiftly pulled away from Luo Qing's embrace, a mix of shame and anger flashing in her eyes.
Before he could react, she slapped him hard across the face and retreated several paces, clutching her chest to prevent her robe from slipping off her shoulders.
Luo Qing had tried to undress her without her noticing!
The knot of her sash had almost been untied. Had she not reacted quickly, he might have succeeded.
"You're too much, trying to undress me...!"
The Raiden Shogun glared at Luo Qing, her eyes burning with both fury and embarrassment.
"Ahem... I didn't mean to... It's just a force of habit..."
"A habit?"
"Ahem, well, I'm very skilled at... removing clothes..."
Luo Qing looked a bit sheepish. He wasn't sure why he did it either.
They were supposed to test out a simple kiss, but before he knew it, his hands had slipped to the knot at her back.
I've never undressed a girl in a kimono before...
Why did it feel so familiar?
"..."
[Frustration Value +1 from the Raiden Shogun]
"Leave now."
The Raiden Shogun readjusted her sash and pulled her collar up, turning her back to Luo Qing.
Her purpose was to govern Inazuma, not to engage in this flirtatious behavior with Luo Qing.
If she didn't use her anger now to drive him away, she knew she'd soon be too weak to resist. Then, she'd never be able to leave Tenshukaku, abandoning her responsibilities.
After all, someone was still watching her from the Plane of Euthymia.
"Oh? Sending me away so soon, General~?"
Luo Qing crossed his arms and teased, "Could it be that you can't bear to see me go~?"
"I'm only granting your wish to leave," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, still facing away from him.
She couldn't afford to look at him—not now. If she did, she feared her resolve would crumble entirely.
"Alright then, I'll come visit you next time, General~"
Luo Qing gave a lighthearted smile, then turned and leapt from the balcony, heading towards Hanamizaka.
He had stayed in Tenshukaku long enough. While the affection cards had raised the Shogun's and Ei's goodwill to a level where physical contact was possible, he still had concerns.
He wouldn't act recklessly with forced affection while he wasn't strong enough to definitively control both the Shogun and Ei.
Like just now—trying to undress the Raiden Shogun. No one knew if she was wearing anything underneath. If she hadn't been, it might have ended in a lot more than a slap.
After Luo Qing left.
The Raiden Shogun returned to her high seat, glancing briefly at the balcony to confirm that he was truly gone.
A strange sense of loss welled up in her heart.
---
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
Posture and water check!
If you wish to support me or read ahead here's a link! [patreon.com/WiseTL]
Meanwhile...
After leaving Tenshukaku, Luo Qing made his way back to his safe house.
Even though it was late at night, the Hanamizaka night market was still bustling. The streets were crowded with people, the shops on both sides brightly lit, adding to the lively atmosphere.
As Luo Qing strolled down the street, he drew a lot of attention.
After the commotion at the Vision Hunt Ceremony, word of Luo Qing and Lumine's exploits had spread throughout Inazuma City. Some even speculated that it wouldn't be long before he was publicly executed.
But now, here he was, walking freely through Hanamizaka as if nothing had happened.
This surprised the citizens of Inazuma, leading them to speculate about his relationship with the Shogun. After all, he had openly defied her will, and yet he remained unscathed.
Luo Qing, unfazed by the stares, grabbed some snacks from a food stall and made his way back to his safe house.
As he reached his room, he heard faint voices coming from inside. Curious, he paused outside the door to listen in on what his subordinates were saying.
Inside, the four who had been sent back by Luo Qing were gathered in his room. They were eating a late-night meal, celebrating their master's survival, and drinking heavily while gossiping about Luo Qing.
The four were completely engrossed in their conversation, unaware that their boss was eavesdropping just outside.
"Do you think Master Luo Qing really managed to win over the Shogun?" whispered Teresa.
"Of course he did! When I was around, the Raiden Shogun even came looking for him in the middle of the night. Who knows what they were up to the whole time?" Natalia chimed in.
"But that's the legendary Raiden Shogun we're talking about! She's on the same level as Her Majesty the Tsaritsa! If Master Luo Qing could win her over, then doesn't that mean he could also... you know... with the Tsaritsa too?" Sergei speculated boldly.
"Shhh... Sergei! You can't say things like that! Lady Rosalyne might be awake next door, reading light novels. If she hears you, we're done for!" Igor quickly interrupted.
"I'm just saying, who would have thought Master Luo Qing was that fierce? What do you think the Shogun saw in him?" Sergei continued.
"Uh, maybe he's... good in bed? I've heard him mumble about something called the Awei Eighteen Moves..." Teresa speculated quietly.
"Or maybe... he's just, you know, well-endowed? I've seen him in the morning sometimes and... well, let's just say it's hard to miss..." Natalia added with a knowing look.
"Yeah, that could be it... Maybe the Shogun likes that kind of thing," Sergei nodded.
"Could be, could be..." Igor agreed.
"Judging by how eager Master Luo Qing looked earlier, I'd bet tonight will be another night of passion," Teresa said excitedly.
"Do you think gods can get pregnant?"
"No idea... Probably, right?"
...
Outside the door, Luo Qing was speechless.
[Frustration Value +1 from Luo Qing]
This is how my subordinates talk about me?
Have I gone too easy on them lately?
Swinging the door open, Luo Qing found the four of them lounging on his sleeping mat, drinking and cracking sunflower seeds.
"..."
The four froze, staring at their master in shock. They couldn't believe he was standing there.
Shouldn't he be busy... with the Raiden Shogun?
"Good evening, Master Luo Qing!"
After a brief moment of silence, the four of them scrambled to stand up, saluting him with the traditional gesture of the Fatui.
"You four..."
Luo Qing was about to reprimand them when he heard hurried footsteps from down the hallway. Suddenly, Rosalyne's head peeked out from behind a door.
"What's with all the noise in the middle of the night?! Don't you all have work tomorrow?!"
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Luo Qing?! You actually made it back!"
Seeing Luo Qing at the doorway, Rosalyne seemed genuinely surprised.
"Yes, is that a problem?" Luo Qing replied with a slight smile. "What's this, Rosalyne? Were you worried about me?"
"Hmph, I was worried you'd embarrass Her Majesty by dying in Inazuma!"
With that, Rosalyne gave a disdainful snort and slammed her door shut. A muffled voice came from the other side.
"Keep it down, or I'll burn every one of you to a crisp!"
Luo Qing felt a little awkward.
I mean, my subordinates are watching... She doesn't have to be so blunt.
Guess I'll have to... "train" her properly later.
"Sit down," he ordered, stepping into the room and shutting the door behind him.
Though Luo Qing had told them to sit, none of them dared to move. They continued to stand at attention, waiting for his lecture.
"Teresa."
Luo Qing took a sip of the local sake, eyeing Teresa calmly. "How did you know I'm... good?"
"Ah..."
Teresa lowered her head, fidgeting nervously. She couldn't understand why he wasn't spending the night with the Raiden Shogun and had returned to catch them instead.
"M-Master... I... I was just guessing..."
"You were guessing? Or would you like to find out for yourself?"
"Ah?! Is that... an option?" Teresa's eyes widened with surprise.
"?"
[Frustration Value +1 from Luo Qing]
What kind of subordinate always wants to jump their boss's bones?!
"Tomorrow, you'll perform a two-hour dance in front of the Statue of the Omnipresent God. Public square style."
"Ah... Yes, Master..."
[Frustration Value +1 from Teresa]
Ignoring Teresa's crestfallen expression, Luo Qing turned to Natalia.
"Natalia, seems like you have a habit of peeking at me in the mornings, huh?"
"..."
Natalia looked embarrassed.
It wasn't like she wanted to see anything.
But being the one responsible for managing Luo Qing's daily routine, sometimes the morning... situation was hard to miss.
"M-Master... It's not like I did it on purpose... Wait, what happened to your face? Did someone hit you?"
"..."
[Frustration Value +1 from Luo Qing]
"Don't ask questions you're not supposed to. Tomorrow, you'll join Teresa for the dance."
"Ugh..."
[Frustration Value +1 from Natalia]
"Igor, Sergei—you two think this is funny, don't you? You're joining them."
"..."
[Frustration Value +1 from Igor]
[Frustration Value +1 from Sergei]
"All right, sit down."
"Understood, Master."
After hearing their punishment, the four finally dared to sit. They raised their glasses in a toast, drinking the strong Snezhnayan liquor with a renewed sense of respect.
No matter what, their master was still alive and well, not facing execution.
That was definitely worth celebrating, and they raised their glasses high.
---
✧ Webnovel Readers, It's Holiday Time! ✧
Starting Dec 2nd, I'll be posting FOUR chapters a day for a whole week! 🎁 Let's celebrate the season together with lots of reading fun! (≧▽≦)
As always, thank you SO much for your support! (。・ω・。)ノ♡ You guys inspire me to keep going, and I'm so excited to share even more novels with you all. Let's make this a story-packed season!
Thank you for the reviews!
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
Posture and water check!
If you wish to support me or read ahead here's a link! [patreon.com/WiseTL]
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