Chapter 142: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [142]
She didn't seem too pleased with his answer.
Luo Qing had taken advantage of her so many times, yet he had never brought her any gifts. So, she closed her eyes again, pretending Luo Qing wasn't there.
"Shogun?"
Luo Qing circled her, confused by her sudden silence and "mysterious master" act.
But he wasn't one to let things slide, so without warning, he cupped the Raiden Shogun's face and kissed her deeply.
Her eyes shot open in surprise.
"Mmm…"
After a few seconds, she pushed him away, gasping for air.
"What are you doing?"
"Ah? So now you'll talk to me?"
"...?"
The Raiden Shogun suddenly felt a strong urge to cut him down. How could this man constantly say such outrageous things?
"Well, what choice did I have when you were ignoring me?"
Luo Qing smiled playfully, ruffling her hair as if soothing her.
"If you don't want me inside, at least help me take these to her."
He placed the two bags of light novels and desserts at her feet. After all, Kamisato Ayaka was still waiting outside the Tenshukaku, so skipping his visit to the Plane of Euthymia would save him time.
"You're leaving already?"
The Raiden Shogun was puzzled.
The night was still young, and judging by Luo Qing's usual antics, shouldn't he have stuck around to pester her for a while longer?
"I'm meeting a friend later,"
Luo Qing said as he stroked her head gently.
"See you tomorrow, Shogun."
Before she could respond, Luo Qing had already left the Tenshukaku. He didn't want to keep Ayaka waiting in the cold for too long.
After he was gone, the Raiden Shogun glanced at the two bags of light novels and desserts, her brow furrowing slightly.
After a brief exchange of words with her counterpart in the Plane of Euthymia, she waved her hand, tossing the bags into the inner world.
Ever since Luo Qing had raised the affection meter between her and Ei, the two had started finding each other more and more unbearable, constantly bickering over things—usually about Luo Qing or eternity.
They argued almost every day now, always about something related to him or their conflicting ideals.
Just as she was about to return to her meditation, a thought struck her, recalling Luo Qing's comment about meeting a friend.
A friend? In Inazuma? He was from Snezhnaya—what friend could he possibly have here?
Something felt off.
After pondering for a moment, she sent a thought to Ei in the Plane of Euthymia.
"Use the Eye of Corruption and check on him."
"Huh?"
Ei was confused.
"Why would I watch him? I've got nothing better to do?"
The Raiden Shogun calmly explained, "He said he's meeting a friend. I want to know who that friend is."
"… Are you serious?"
Ei found the whole situation amusing. She thought the Shogun was being overly controlling. Did she really need to spy on him just because he was meeting someone?
But the Shogun didn't mind Ei's teasing, patiently adding,
"I have a feeling… that friend is a girl."
"...?"
...
Meanwhile, outside the Tenshukaku.
Kamisato Ayaka stood at the base of the Statue of the Omnipresent God, gazing up thoughtfully at the imposing figure.
She had chosen to wear a light blue kimono when she left the house with her brother Kamisato Ayato earlier. Now, as the night's cold wind slipped through the gap between her neck and collar, she shivered slightly.
Rubbing her shoulders, Ayaka glanced back at the Tenshukaku.
Luo Qing had been gone for a while now. Normally, dignitaries lived in the lower levels—how long could it possibly take?
As she mused, a familiar figure emerged from the gates, waving toward her.
"Is it really that cold?"
Luo Qing asked softly when he saw Ayaka holding her shoulders.
Wasn't she a Cryo Vision holder? Could she even feel the cold?
"It's nothing,"
Ayaka shook her head.
"The wind just slipped into my clothes, and it felt a little chilly..."
"Ah..."
Luo Qing glanced down at her outfit—a light blue kimono, so thin it looked like a gentle tug on the sash would send the whole thing sliding down, exposing her smooth, delicate skin underneath.
If he got a little closer, he might even catch a glimpse of the mysterious landscape hidden beneath the folds of her collar.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Luo Qing shook his head and slipped off his coat, draping it over Ayaka's shoulders.
"N-No, it's fine,"
Ayaka blushed, feeling a surge of warmth—not from the coat itself, but from the sweetness of the gesture.
Her voice brightened slightly.
"So... where are we going next?"
"Going? Where else could we go?"
Luo Qing found her question a bit endearing.
It was already late at night—most of the shops in Hanamizaka were closing down. Where did she think they could go?
With a mischievous smile, he bent down, his face nearing hers.
"So, Miss Kamisato, where do you think we should go at this hour?"
"Ah...?"
Ayaka was flustered.
It finally dawned on her how late it had gotten. After wandering Hanamizaka with Luo Qing and waiting outside Tenshukaku for so long, the streets had all but emptied.
There wasn't really anywhere left to go.
"I guess..."
Ayaka hesitated, unwilling to part ways now that they had finally reunited.
"It's getting late. How about I walk you home? Though I doubt you need anyone to protect you..."
Luo Qing said casually as he started walking toward Komore Teahouse.
Ayaka watched his back for a moment, her mind a little dazed, before hurrying to catch up.
As they walked, she spoke softly.
"Luo Qing, you don't need to call me Miss Kamisato…"
Luo Qing chuckled, "Oh? So what should I call you?"
"Just... just call me Ayaka,"
she mumbled, her face flushing pink as she lowered her head.
"Alright then, Ayaka."
Luo Qing smiled, finding her embarrassed demeanor quite adorable.
"Mm…"
They walked side by side through the quiet streets of Hanamizaka, and soon enough, they arrived at the entrance to Komore Teahouse.
Standing by the door were the teahouse's hostess, Kaji, and Kamisato Ayato himself, both of whom had clearly been waiting for some time.
It seemed like they had been worried that Ayaka might not come home tonight.
Seeing her brother and the teahouse hostess waiting, Ayaka understood that their time together was coming to an end. It was time to say goodbye to Luo Qing, at least for now.
---
T/N: KAJIAJFI
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
Posture and water check! Remember this is a fan translation!
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Chapter 143: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [143]
Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, Kamisato Ayaka turned to Luo Qing.
"Luo Qing, I guess this is goodbye for now..."
"Yeah, get some rest. You've had a long day,"
Luo Qing smiled, giving Ayaka's brother, Kamisato Ayato, a quick nod before preparing to leave.
But Ayaka suddenly grabbed the corner of his coat, her face showing a trace of unease.
"What's wrong, Ayaka?"
"Luo Qing, I'm sorry."
"Hmm?"
"I mean... I'm sorry about what happened before,"
Ayaka said softly, lowering her gaze.
"Before, I was so indecisive... because of my brother and my own hesitation, I kept giving you mixed signals."
"Oh, that?"
Luo Qing chuckled lightly.
"Don't worry about it, Ayaka. I understand."
If Kamisato Ayato wasn't standing right there, he probably would've patted Ayaka's head to comfort her.
"So... can we still see each other often?"
"Of course, but I'll be traveling for a while. I won't be in Inazuma that much."
"Then... can I invite you to Komore Teahouse again to... play the hotpot game?"
Ayaka asked with a shy smile.
"Uh... sure, after my trip."
"Mm!"
Ayaka's expression brightened, clearly pleased with his answer.
"Then I'll see you next time, Luo Qing!"
"Yeah, see you next time."
"Mm!"
With that, Ayaka turned around and began walking back toward the Komore Teahouse.
But she only managed a few steps before she spun back, sprinting toward Luo Qing.
Right in front of Ayato and the teahouse's hostess, Kaji, Ayaka suddenly spread her arms and wrapped them around Luo Qing's waist, pressing her face against his chest.
Ayato's fists clenched so tightly, they practically trembled.
"Ahem... Ayaka?"
Under the intense stare of Ayato, Luo Qing felt as if he were being sliced by a thousand invisible daggers. He definitely hadn't expected Ayaka to pull such a sudden move.
"Luo Qing, you won't suddenly disappear without saying goodbye... right?"
Ayaka's voice was muffled against his chest.
"How could I? I'm not that kind of person."
"...Okay."
After a long moment, Ayaka finally released him, lifting her face from his chest.
"Well then... see you next time."
Without giving Luo Qing a chance to respond, she quickly turned and ran inside the teahouse, leaving Ayato and Kaji standing awkwardly by the entrance.
Even Luo Qing was momentarily stunned.
He never thought the typically reserved Ayaka would make such a bold move.
Who would've guessed that Ayaka had such a straightforward side to her?
It seemed that just a little bit of distance had made her drop her defenses so quickly.
With a soft sigh, Luo Qing met Ayato's darkening gaze, shrugged, and then walked off toward his safehouse, ready to get a good night's sleep before heading back to Tatarasuna the next day to continue training the Shogunate's captives.
As he left, a deep purple Eye of Corruption materialized behind him. It had been following him since the moment he exited the Tenshukaku, transmitting everything it witnessed directly to Ei and the Raiden Shogun's consciousness...
...
"I think it's time to teach him a lesson..."
"Agreed. Just don't kill him."
...
Hanamizaka — Winter's Rest Inn
Returning to his room, Luo Qing felt an overwhelming sense of fatigue wash over him.
He opened the door, ready to collapse into bed and enjoy a deep sleep, only to find Rosalyne lounging on his tatami mat, reading a light novel.
"Rosalyne, don't you have your own room? Why are you always crashing in mine and hogging my bed?"
"This room has the best lighting,"
Rosalyne replied nonchalantly, closing her book. Even though Luo Qing never showed her the slightest bit of respect—not even addressing her as "Lady Rosalyne"—she endured it.
Because, unfortunately for her, she couldn't beat him.
"What are you even doing here? Weren't you supposed to be at Tatarasuna?"
Rosalyne pouted, but Luo Qing remained unmoved.
"Did you tell Ayaka that I'd gone back to Snezhnaya and wouldn't be coming back?"
"No, I just said it was a possibility. Did that little girl actually believe it?"
"Next time, keep your mouth shut, or I'll make sure you do."
"Look at you, not even grateful when I helped you out,"
Rosalyne huffed, gathering her light novels and desserts before storming out of his room.
As she exited, she muttered,
"Hmph, who needs your room anyway?"
She slammed the door behind her in a silent protest against Luo Qing.
"That woman... I'll deal with you someday,"
Luo Qing muttered under his breath as he shook out the tatami to rid it of Rosalyne's lingering scent.
He dropped onto his pillow, closed his eyes, and just as sleep started to take hold, a surge of Electro energy flooded the room, making his hair stand on end.
"What now...?"
Groggy and irritated, Luo Qing opened his eyes only to see a deep purple Eye of Corruption forming in the air above him.
It cracked open, revealing a long, white leg sheathed in dark purple thigh-highs slowly stepping through.
"Shogun?"
Luo Qing was stunned. Was the Raiden Shogun really so desperate that she'd come for a midnight visit?
But the thought fled as quickly as it came when he saw the cold, electric light in her eyes and the katana gripped tightly in her hand.
Uh-oh. She's here to kill me!
Luo Qing swallowed hard, ready to ask what he had done to deserve such wrath.
Before he could get a word out, the Raiden Shogun swung her blade without warning, slicing his tatami mat in half. The violent sparks filled the room, scattering bits of shredded tatami all over.
"Damn it, Shogun, are you serious?!"
Thank goodness he had activated Temporal Zero, narrowly avoiding being cleaved in two.
"What did I do wrong? Why are you trying to kill me?"
"Hmph, you tell me!"
The Shogun's cold snort was followed by another slash.
She was precise—her strikes were controlled, just enough to slice Luo Qing in two without bringing down the entire house.
"Son of a—!"
The room descended into chaos. Luo Qing darted around, dodging her relentless attacks, while the Shogun chased him through the room, turning his furniture into splinters with every strike.
Next door, Rosalyne's brow furrowed as she heard the commotion.
What on earth was Luo Qing up to now?
She had barely managed to start her light novel, and now he was causing a ruckus in the middle of the night?
This was the last straw!
With an irritated huff, Rosalyne slammed her book shut, slipped on her slippers, and stormed to Luo Qing's room.
Swinging open the door, she was about to give him a piece of her mind when she froze at the sight before her.
Was she still dreaming?
There, in the middle of the room, was the Raiden Shogun, straddling Luo Qing, her blade poised to plunge into his stomach.
---
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
Posture and water check! Remember this is a fan translation!
If you wish to support me or read ahead here's a link! [patreon.com/WiseTL]
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