As the entity overseeing Ritou's trade and tax collection, the Kanjo Commission held full authority over all duties imposed on goods. They could set the tax rates as high as they pleased.
Since the Fatui's infiltration, this taxing authority had effectively fallen under their control.
Even if the Fatui requested that taxes be collected in Crystal Marrow instead of Mora, the Kanjo Commission had no choice but to comply—sometimes even hiking the rates further to squeeze the merchants of Ritou dry.
Before leaving Ritou, as Rosalyne's stand-in, Luo Qing had to make a formal appearance at the Kanjo Commission. He needed to pass on Rosalyne's message, instructing them to increase the tax on Crystal Marrow.
With the intensifying war between the Resistance and the Shogunate, the demand for Delusions had surged. The Doctor, who was studying the creation of Delusions, wouldn't miss such an ideal opportunity for his experiments. The more people who used Delusions, the richer the research data he could gather.
Luo Qing wasn't sure how Rosalyne had managed to form an alliance with the Doctor, but he didn't care. He had little fondness for mad scientists, as long as that particular Doctor didn't cause him trouble.
The Kanjo Commission's domain, which stretched over nearly half of Ritou, was a show of wealth and influence.
As Rosalyne had described, Luo Qing and his team approached the entrance of the Kanjo Commission. With a discreet display of his Fatui insignia, the guards gave a nod and escorted them inside.
Following the guards, they were led through the front hall of the Kanjo Commission. Inside, the servants gracefully prepared tea and snacks, treating them with a level of respect that left Natalia and the others puzzled.
After all, in most other nations, the Fatui's reputation was synonymous with villainy—stories of Fatui agents kidnapping naughty children were a staple of bedtime warnings.
Even in Liyue, common folk would avoid them on sight.
When had they ever been treated like honored guests?
As they pondered, a middle-aged man entered the room.
He quickly gestured for the guards and servants to leave, sealing the door behind him.
"A pleasure to meet you. I am Hiiragi Chisato's father, Hiiragi Shinsuke, and I hope my hospitality will be to your satisfaction, Mr. Luo Qing," he said with a respectful bow.
The surprising display of courtesy from a high-ranking official left Natalia and the others astonished.
Luo Qing, however, remained unfazed. Calmly, he met Shinsuke's eyes and asked, "You know me?"
Shinsuke offered a polite smile. "Lady Rosalyne informed me in advance that another Harbinger would take her place to continue our cooperation with the Kanjo Commission. May I ask what instructions you have for us?"
"I see."
Luo Qing raised a brow, mildly impressed by the deference.
He couldn't help but wonder what kind of leverage Rosalyne had used to gain this level of obedience from Hiiragi Shinsuke.
Surely, it couldn't have been whips and candle wax...
"It's nothing major. We just need you to increase the collection of Crystal Marrow. Our purchasing price will remain unchanged, but we require more shipments. Everything else will stay the same," Luo Qing said plainly.
He suddenly felt someone's gaze upon him. Opening his emotion-tracking tool, he scanned for any eavesdroppers hidden in the room.
[Would you like to use the "Let's Meow Together" item card? Possible targets: Natalia, Igor, Sergei, Hiiragi Shinsuke, Hiiragi Chisato.]
"Ah, Mr. Hiiragi..." Luo Qing paused, speaking thoughtfully. "The young lady eavesdropping must be your daughter?"
"Eavesdropping?"
Hiiragi Shinsuke looked stunned, then his gaze shifted to the folding screen behind him. His expression grew stern.
"Chisato, eavesdropping is unbefitting of a noblewoman."
A few seconds later, a refined young woman in a kimono stepped out from behind the screen. She offered a graceful bow to everyone.
"Apologies. I am Hiiragi Chisato, greetings to all."
Turning to her father, she protested, "Father, I just happened to come looking for you. I had no intention of eavesdropping..."
"Well, since you're here, you might as well meet Mr. Luo Qing, our esteemed guest," Shinsuke said with a smile, waving her over as if to demonstrate that his daughter was trustworthy.
"Yes... Greetings, Mr. Luo Qing," Chisato said, bowing slightly. She looked at him, meeting his eyes briefly before quickly averting her gaze.
She couldn't shake the feeling that his gaze was strangely familiar—not the look of a stranger meeting someone for the first time, but more like someone who had been expecting her.
Startled by the odd familiarity, she took a small step back, lowering her head to avoid his eyes.
Of course, Luo Qing had never heard of Hiiragi Chisato before. His curiosity stemmed purely from the peculiar situation, and since Hiiragi Shinsuke seemed unconcerned, he saw no need to dig deeper.
He handed Shinsuke a letter detailing the required quantities of Crystal Marrow. It came directly from the Doctor in Snezhnaya and had passed through Rosalyne's hands before reaching him.
"The specific amounts are listed in this letter. Since Miss Hiiragi seems to have other matters to attend to, and I have more business to handle myself, I'll take my leave."
He glanced briefly at Chisato, who was half-hidden behind the folding screen, before turning to leave.
Hiiragi Shinsuke's eyes followed Luo Qing to the doorway, and then, unexpectedly, he broke into a broad smile.
"I had hoped Mr. Luo Qing would stay in Ritou for a few days so we could discuss our partnership in detail, but if you're pressed for time, I won't insist. Chisato, escort Mr. Luo Qing out for me, will you?"
"Huh?"
Chisato's eyes widened in surprise. Why was her father asking her to escort his guest when it was clearly his responsibility?
"Is that alright with you, Chisato?" Shinsuke asked again, his gaze softening.
"Yes... Yes, Father... Mr. Luo Qing, this way, please..." Chisato responded hurriedly. She shot a quick glance at Luo Qing, her thoughts racing.
Her father had always been meticulous about who he associated her with, prioritizing family reputation above all else. Yet now, he wanted her to accompany this stranger... Could it be...?
But I already have someone I care for! Why can't Father understand?
Her face flushed slightly, and she hastened her steps, purposefully keeping a safe distance from Luo Qing to avoid any unwanted attention.
Meanwhile, Luo Qing was equally bewildered. All I did was look at his daughter, and now he's sending her to escort me out?
Is he really so eager to marry her off?
Nevertheless, since things had progressed this way, Luo Qing decided to take advantage of it.
She could be quite useful...
---
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]
Even when Luo Qing asked her something, she would merely turn her head slightly to respond before immediately turning away, refusing to look him in the eyes.
It was as if he were some rogue samurai who might abduct innocent women.
"Mr. Luo Qing, this is as far as I'll escort you. I look forward to meeting you again."
With that, Chisato tried to leave, but just as she was about to take a step, Luo Qing's gaze shifted slightly, and Natalia and the others blocked her path, preventing her from going any further.
"Is there something else you need, Mr. Luo Qing?"
Chisato turned back with a forced smile, her heart pounding with unease.
This is Ritou! Right outside the Kanjo Commission! He wouldn't dare try anything here, would he?
"There is a favor I wish to ask. Would Miss Chisato be willing to assist me?"
"Well..."
Chisato hesitated, her gaze dropping as she answered softly, "What does Mr. Luo Qing need?"
"In the coming days, a blonde foreign girl and her flying pet will arrive in Ritou. For certain reasons, your father will likely try to keep them here on the island. I'd like you to help them leave Ritou and inform me when they do. Could you do that?"
"This..."
Chisato's nerves eased when she realized Luo Qing wasn't asking anything inappropriate. Regaining some composure, she asked calmly, "Aren't you and my father allies? Why would you...?"
Luo Qing smiled faintly. "Miss Chisato, my cooperation is with the Kanjo Commission on behalf of my superior. This request, however, is from me personally."
"I see... but why should I help you, Mr. Luo Qing?" Chisato asked with a hint of defiance.
"Uh..."
Luo Qing paused for a couple of seconds.
"Well, Miss Chisato, you wouldn't want your father to find out about those secret letters you've been exchanging with the second son of the Kujou family, would you?"
"What?!... How did you know about that, Mr. Luo Qing?"
[Chisato's Frustration Value +1]
Chisato paled, nervously glancing back toward the doors of the Kanjo Commission. Seeing that her father hadn't followed them out, she let out a quiet sigh of relief.
"Of course, I'm not asking you to help for nothing. As it happens, I'll be heading to Inazuma City soon. I could deliver a letter for you," Luo Qing offered enticingly.
"This..."
Chisato bit her lip, hesitating, then seemed to make up her mind. With one last wary look at the doors of the Kanjo Commission, she swiftly pulled a letter from her kimono and handed it to Luo Qing.
"Please take care of this letter, Mr. Luo Qing!"
"Wait, really...?"
Luo Qing glanced down at the letter in his hand, marveling at how boldly she carried her love letters around. She handed it over so easily!
I guess love really does make people blind!
"As for your request, I'll keep an eye out for them, but my father is quite strict, so I can't make any promises..."
"No worries, Miss Chisato. Do your best," Luo Qing said, passing the letter to Natalia.
"I'll make sure your letter reaches its destination. I'm counting on you, Miss Chisato."
Chisato bowed lightly. "Thank you... then I'll leave it in your capable hands, Mr. Luo Qing."
Her father was vehemently opposed to any communication between her and Kujou Kamaji. Even sending a simple message to the city was a gamble, risking endless interrogation.
Thus, rather than doubting Luo Qing's sincerity, she clung to the chance to reach her beloved, even if it was a long shot.
...
After parting ways with Chisato, Luo Qing and his group prepared to leave Ritou.
Natalia and the others, having learned about Chisato's forbidden romance, teased Luo Qing, urging him to open the letter and see what lovey-dovey words it contained.
Fortunately, Luo Qing, being an upright man, sternly rebuked them. Only then did Natalia abandon the idea of sneaking a peek, stuffing the letter into her luggage without further thought.
As they passed by the International Trade Association, Luo Qing caught sight of a man in a red outfit slipping through the crowd. The man pretended to be in deep conversation with a merchant, but his gaze occasionally flitted towards Luo Qing.
"Tch, still tailing me, huh..." Luo Qing muttered.
He considered it briefly before deciding that his persistent shadow deserved a little Snezhnayan surprise.
"Natalia, you guys go ahead. I'll catch up later."
"Huh? Do you have something else to do, Mr. Luo Qing?" Natalia asked, stopping alongside the others to look at him.
"I spotted an acquaintance. Go on, I'll follow shortly."
"Understood, Mr. Luo Qing," Natalia responded. Without further questions, they picked up their luggage and moved on without glancing back.
Once his companions were far enough away, Luo Qing suddenly turned, locking eyes with the man in red. His gaze was intense, almost burning.
Meanwhile...
Thoma, who had been feigning a casual chat, met Luo Qing's stare and felt an inexplicable sense of unease.
He was under orders to investigate the Kanjo Commission, searching for any incriminating evidence that could serve as leverage for the Yashiro Commission and the Kamisato family.
Upon discovering that the Kanjo Commission had switched their tax collection from Mora to Crystal Marrow—and learning from a port official that this group of foreigners, despite being new to Inazuma, had unrestricted travel permits—he began to suspect something.
When he saw Luo Qing leaving the Kanjo Commission with Hiiragi Chisato, it only confirmed his suspicions—they were definitely involved with the same underhanded dealings.
As Luo Qing approached him directly, Thoma knew he'd been caught. Resigned, he decided to stay put and face whatever would come.
He had confidence in his ability to get along with anyone—even Luo Qing. With the right words, he was sure he could gain some insight into the Fatui's intentions.
"Excuse me, sir. Do you—"
Thoma began, but Luo Qing interrupted him with a hearty greeting.
"You must be the Kamisato family's housekeeper, Mr. Thoma!"
"Uh... that's right. Is there something I can help you with?" Thoma replied, a bit off-balance.
"There's something I'd like to ask. Would you mind giving me some insight?"
"Um, what is it you want to know...?"
"Well..."
Luo Qing leaned in conspiratorially, pulling Thoma aside and lowering his voice.
"I was wondering... is the young lady of the Kamisato family still single?"
"Huh?!"
Thoma's brow furrowed, sensing this was no ordinary inquiry.
"You see, although I've never formally met Miss Kamisato, I feel a strange connection to her. I've admired her from afar for quite some time... Could you, perhaps, help me arrange a meeting?" Luo Qing said earnestly.
"..."
[Thoma's Frustration Value +1]
Thoma's mind raced, unsure how to respond.
Who starts a conversation by asking if they can meet someone's lady?!
You're way too bold!
---
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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