Chapter 198: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [198]
Before long, most of the Zubayr Theater's stage was smeared with an unmentionable, pale yellow semi-solid substance.
"Why did you use that...?"
For once, Makoto didn't know what to say.
All she wanted was for Luo Qing to get rid of those scholars and stop them from ruining her show.
Now, with the stage in such a state, how was the performance supposed to continue?
"What's the problem? Did I do something wrong?"
Luo Qing glanced at the three scholars lying limp in the mess they'd created, completely devoid of any sympathy.
"Weren't you the one who told me to teach them a lesson?"
"..."
"I didn't mean for the lesson to have this much... aroma." Makoto sighed, exasperated.
Meanwhile, the guards on stage finally realized that if this continued, the three scholars might actually endanger their own lives.
Enduring the stench, they hauled the scholars out of the mess and swiftly retreated from the Zubayr Theater.
They had come in like a storm and left just as quickly.
Even Nilou, who was no stranger to dramatic situations on stage, stood there in stunned silence.
What were these Akademiya people even trying to accomplish?
First, they made things difficult for the theater, and now they had literally made a mess...
Moments later, a man hurried onto the stage from backstage. When he saw the scene before him, he froze, bewildered.
"This... Nilou, where did those Akademiya people go?"
"Uh... Mr. Zubayr..."
Nilou was at a loss for words, unsure how to explain.
"They came in saying the same things as before, but then, somehow, they just started vomiting and... well..."
"...What?"
Mr. Zubayr glanced down at the unidentified liquid on the stage, his disbelief evident.
They really went all out...
After a moment of contemplation, he turned to the audience with an apologetic smile.
"Dear audience members, due to unforeseen circumstances, the performance will be temporarily postponed. Feel free to explore other parts of the Grand Bazaar for now. Once the stage has been cleaned, we'll resume the show!"
His announcement caused a stir in the crowd.
However, knowing the cause of the interruption, the audience didn't blame the theater. Instead, they vented their frustration by cursing the Akademiya for their behavior, then gradually dispersed.
---
"Well, that's the end of the show."
Makoto shrugged, giving Luo Qing a slightly annoyed look.
Standing up, she loosened her arm just enough to create a small gap.
"So, are you staying here, or are you coming with me for a walk?"
"Hmm?"
Luo Qing glanced at her expression.
Even with just a glance, he could tell Makoto wanted him to stand up and link arms with her again.
This woman...
She's just too good at this.
"My apologies for ruining Makoto's evening."
Luo Qing smiled gently, stood up, and took her arm in his, pulling her closer so their shoulders were touching.
What a joke—he wasn't one to retreat in these situations.
"So, where to next?"
"No need to wander," Makoto replied, shaking her head.
"The mood's already ruined. Let's go home."
"Alright then."
Luo Qing didn't mind.
With Makoto on his arm, he began heading toward their residence.
"By the way," Makoto suddenly tilted her head, as if something had just occurred to her.
"That red-haired girl's outfit... Should I have a couple of those made for myself?"
"Huh?"
Luo Qing blinked, not quite processing her words.
"What's that look for?"
Makoto huffed, poking his nose with her finger.
"I'll make some when we get home. And if you come back on time every night, maybe—just maybe—if I'm in a good mood, I'll wear one for you."
"..."
"If you put it that way, there are quite a few styles I'd like to see."
"Is that so?"
Makoto let out a soft hum, leaning close to whisper in his ear.
"As long as you're home on time, I can try anything you want~"
"..."
Luo Qing felt like he couldn't handle it anymore.
Makoto was just too good at teasing—it made his heart itch.
But not here, not now.
The Grand Bazaar was too crowded, making it inconvenient for him to take action.
Suppressing his emotions, Luo Qing maintained a composed expression and continued walking home.
Despite his calm demeanor, Makoto kept teasing him with her "on-time" conditions, her playful tone dripping with mischief.
Yet Luo Qing refused to react, maintaining the stoic air of a "steel-hearted" man.
Eventually, Makoto gave up, leaning against him as she hummed a tune from her homeland, and the two of them made their way home.
---
By the time they reached their door, the sky had turned completely dark.
Unlike the lively nighttime scenes of Liyue or Inazuma, Sumeru City was much quieter after dusk. Aside from the Grand Bazaar, the streets were mostly deserted, with many shops already closed for the night.
Standing at their doorstep, Luo Qing suddenly stopped in his tracks.
"What's wrong?"
Makoto looked up at him, puzzled.
Why had he stopped all of a sudden?
"Tell me, Makoto," Luo Qing said, looking down at her with a meaningful expression.
"You wouldn't blame me, would you?"
"Blame you for what—mmm!"
Before she could finish, Luo Qing leaned in and covered her soft, pink lips with his own.
The best way to tell if someone was all talk was to test them directly.
And Makoto had been dancing around his limits for a while now. He couldn't hold back any longer.
Their kiss lasted a long time, Luo Qing finally letting go after a thorough exchange.
"Whew..."
Makoto's cheeks flushed as she pressed a hand to her chest, panting lightly.
"I wasn't ready for that..."
Now she understood what Luo Qing had meant earlier.
Tilting her head, her cheeks puffed slightly in mock indignation.
"I—"
"Wait, let me—" Luo Qing started to speak, but Makoto suddenly cupped his face in her hands, locking eyes with him.
"What's wrong..."
Luo Qing saw his reflection in her deep violet eyes, momentarily entranced.
"I wasn't ready just now," Makoto said softly.
"So, let's do it again."
She rose onto her tiptoes, closed her eyes, and initiated the kiss this time.
This kiss lasted even longer. With her resolve steeled, Makoto's approach was far more assertive than before. Luo Qing could feel her intensity, their embrace growing tighter as the seconds stretched on.
By the time they finally parted, Luo Qing found himself lost in Makoto's delicate, beautiful face. He couldn't help but pull her closer into his arms, while Makoto rested her head against his chest.
They stood there, holding each other for what felt like an eternity.
Finally, Makoto spoke, her voice muffled against his chest.
"It's so good to see you again, Luo Qing."
"Yeah..."
Luo Qing's fingers gently combed through her dark purple hair.
He didn't need her to explain it—he knew the memories of the future she'd mentioned weren't so simple.
But if she didn't want to talk about it, he wouldn't force her.
Just as he was about to let go and lead her inside, a voice called out from behind them.
"Lord Luo Qing... what exactly are you two doing?"
Both turned to see Theresa standing there, a bemused expression on her face.
---
Hello! Thank you so much for reading this chapter. WiseTL has worked hard to bring these wonderful stories to you, and I'm so happy we could share this moment together! Don't you think stories are a little like dreams? Each one has its own colors and shapes, and they grow even brighter when shared with others.
If you'd like to support WiseTL, you can visit [patreon.com/WiseTL]. Even a small gesture is like sunlight and rain to a growing flower—it helps the garden of stories flourish and bloom!
-With love, Nahida 🌱
Chapter 199: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [199]
At this moment, Luo Qing's four subordinates, along with Makoto and Rosalyne, were gathered in the living room.
Luo Qing sat at the head of the table, with Makoto and Rosalyne flanking him on either side, both in their true forms. The four subordinates sat opposite them.
It had been a while since everyone had gathered together like this.
That being said...
If these fools hadn't returned at such an inconvenient time, the progress he'd made with Makoto earlier might have already led to something much more... intense in the bedroom.
---
"So, why are you all back?"
Luo Qing glanced at Theresa, who sat curled up in a corner of the sofa, her expression dejected. Turning his attention back to the others, he continued.
"Did something happen on Dottore's end?"
Since arriving in Sumeru, Luo Qing had stationed his subordinates at the workshop. Officially, it was to assist with overseeing operations, but in reality, their job was to monitor the progress of the God-Creation Plan and prevent any unforeseen incidents.
"Lord Luo Qing, the Doctor has begun assembling the body for the God of Justice. The next step will likely involve having Lord Scaramouche conduct trial operations," Natalia reported respectfully.
"However, the subsequent procedures involve classified techniques. The Doctor ordered us to leave, so now only Akademiya personnel and a few of his loyal subordinates remain to guard the workshop."
"I see. For now, remain on standby," Luo Qing replied calmly, unsurprised by Dottore dismissing his subordinates.
Still, his thoughts churned.
He had no idea how powerful the God of Justice would be, nor whether his Susanoo could stand against it.
To make matters worse, the pool for the Seeds of Nirvana hadn't rotated yet. He'd likely need to draw another batch before any progress could be made.
The key now was gathering enough frustration points in Sumeru, but it wasn't easy.
He had no authority in the Akademiya, so he couldn't just mess with the scholars.
As for the Fatui, with both Scaramouche and Dottore present, they were technically allies. Starting conflict with them was unnecessary for now.
The usual methods he'd employed in Liyue and Inazuma wouldn't work here, leaving Luo Qing at a loss.
Who could he even annoy?
Wait...
The Eremites might be an option.
After a moment of thought, Luo Qing spoke.
"Perfect timing. Pack up tonight, and tomorrow we're heading to the desert."
"The desert? What business do you have there, my lord?"
His subordinates looked confused.
The Sumeru desert was notoriously hot—what could their master possibly want there?
"Just some... community service," Luo Qing said with a sly smile.
"Alright, it's getting late. You can all head back and rest."
"As you wish, Lord Luo Qing."
As Natalia and the others stood to leave, they noticed Theresa still sulking in her corner.
They tried to pull her up, but despite their efforts, she wouldn't budge.
"..."
Natalia shot Luo Qing a helpless look.
"It's fine. You all go on ahead," Luo Qing said with a wave of his hand.
"Yes, my lord."
Natalia glanced at Theresa one last time before leaving with Sergei. She sighed inwardly.
When had Theresa become so hopelessly attached to Lord Luo Qing?
They all knew their master was a scoundrel, with countless girls outside the house. Yet Theresa remained determined, chasing after him no matter how many times he turned her down.
And now, after walking in on Luo Qing and Makoto hugging so intimately, it was no wonder she was upset.
---
Once the others had left, Luo Qing looked at Theresa, who had buried her head in her knees, and then at Makoto, who was leaning on her hand, clearly amused.
Rosalyne sat quietly, watching like a spectator enjoying the drama.
Luo Qing couldn't help but sigh.
He still didn't understand why Theresa was so fixated on him.
After learning about her background during his last visit to Snezhnaya, he had softened toward her somewhat.
Seeing her sitting there, visibly upset, Luo Qing felt a rare twinge of guilt.
He glanced at Makoto, silently signaling for advice.
If she claimed to be the main wife, surely she'd have an idea of what to do.
Makoto simply smiled, her eyes seeming to say, Do whatever you want.
"..."
Luo Qing was speechless.
If there was one thing he hated, it was cryptic responses.
"Alright then."
Makoto stood up and walked over to him, whispering softly.
"Rosalyne and I will head upstairs. This is your problem to handle~"
With that, she exchanged a knowing look with Rosalyne, and the two of them left.
"..."
Watching Makoto's figure disappear upstairs, Luo Qing was momentarily stunned.
So this is what it means to be a composed main wife...
Shaking his head, he turned back to Theresa, unsure of how to start.
To be honest, ever since learning about Theresa's past, he couldn't help but feel some degree of affection for her.
"How long are you planning to sit there sulking?" he finally asked.
"I..."
Theresa lifted her head, pouting as she looked at him.
"Even now, you don't care about me, Lord Luo Qing..."
"..."
Luo Qing sighed.
Nope, Theresa was still Theresa. She hadn't changed one bit.
He sat down beside her, letting out another sigh.
"Why do you keep chasing after me? Snezhnaya doesn't have just one man, you know."
"I only have eyes for you, my lord..." Theresa sniffled, her voice tinged with grievance.
"All my life, I've been alone. That day, I was ready to end it all... until you saved me. I didn't ask you to, but you did..."
"So this is my fault now?"
"Yes, it is!" Theresa said matter-of-factly.
"You saved me, so now I'm sticking to you!"
"..."
"And besides..."
Theresa continued, her tone softening.
"You already have so many girls around you. Adding me wouldn't hurt, would it?"
"...?"
"What makes you think I have so many? Don't make things up."
"Am I wrong?!" Theresa replied, her tone indignant.
"There's that half-adepti girl from Liyue, the immortal disciple, the god from Inazuma, and the Shogunate noble..."
"I know I'm just a little Electro Cicin Mage..."
"Even Natalia and the others have told me that you're destined for greatness. I can't compare to any of the amazing girls by your side..."
"..."
"So I don't need a title. I just want to stay by your side. Wherever you go, I'll follow. Whatever you ask, I'll do. However you want me, I'll be there..."
"..."
Luo Qing fell silent.
He had never seen someone so willing to humble themselves for him.
"You don't want anything? Aren't you afraid of regretting this?"
"What's there to regret?" Theresa puffed out her chest defiantly.
"I, Theresa, take responsibility for my decisions. I won't regret a thing!"
"..."
Seeing the determination in her eyes, Luo Qing couldn't help but question himself.
Wasn't he supposed to be the scoundrel here?
So why was he hesitating when she was offering herself so freely?
After a brief pause, he gently placed a hand on her head.
"It's late. Stay here tonight."
---
Hello! Thank you so much for reading this chapter. WiseTL has worked hard to bring these wonderful stories to you, and I'm so happy we could share this moment together! Don't you think stories are a little like dreams? Each one has its own colors and shapes, and they grow even brighter when shared with others.
If you'd like to support WiseTL, you can visit [patreon.com/WiseTL]. Even a small gesture is like sunlight and rain to a growing flower—it helps the garden of stories flourish and bloom!
-With love, Nahida 🌱
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