Luo Qing looked at the Raiden Shogun, who was kneeling before him, and shook his head slightly. Why did you have to push me this far?
Forcing things like this was too crude.
He preferred to take things slow and steady.
"Alright, my dear General, can we have a proper conversation now?"
Luo Qing squatted down in front of the Raiden Shogun, leveling his gaze with hers. Then, to Teresa's shock, he reached out and patted the Shogun's head.
He petted her as if she were a purple kitten, rather than the cold and fearsome God of Thunder.
"You... I knew it was you..."
The Raiden Shogun's face turned a deep shade of red, her breath hitching softly. There was a hint of shame and anger in her eyes as she looked at Luo Qing.
"Fine, I admit it was me. But who told you to keep attacking without stopping?"
As he spoke, Luo Qing continued to gently ruffle her hair.
"How did you manage this..."
"Because I'm handsome~"
"..."
[Frustration Value +1 from the Raiden Shogun]
Confusion filled the Raiden Shogun's heart. Aren't I just a puppet? How could I have such strange feelings...
She was a being equal to the gods. How had Luo Qing done this to her?
"Luo Qing-sama, she..."
"Go get Natalia and the others. It's fine now."
"O-okay..."
...
Not long after.
The four-member rescue squad gathered in the Tenshukaku, kneeling in a row on the tatami.
Before them, Luo Qing sat on the elevated platform, his gaze complicated as he looked down at the group.
The Raiden Shogun sat beside him, her hands clasped together, looking uncharacteristically docile.
"You all..."
Luo Qing's voice was calm. "Didn't I teach you better than this? How could you be so sloppy with your intel?"
The four knelt, shivering, not daring to make a sound.
"Don't you all know my strength by now? I was eating well, drinking well, and who said I was about to be executed in public?!"
"Um..."
Teresa timidly raised her hand.
"It... it was the eldest daughter of the Yashiro Commission... She said, by Inazuman law, disturbing the Vision Hunt ceremony so severely usually warrants a public execution..."
"Yes, yes, Luo Qing-sama! She's the one who gave us the information, saying that you were being held alone in the Tenshukaku..."
"..."
[Frustration Value +1 from Luo Qing]
Luo Qing was speechless.
He didn't want to use another affection card on the Raiden Shogun.
Those cards increased affection forcibly, with no buildup.
If he used too many, it would definitely turn into a yandere situation.
Moreover, the Raiden Shogun, being a puppet with limited emotions, could react unpredictably if she ever caught him being affectionate with another woman. He did not want to face her wrath.
He could already imagine her chasing him down with a blade.
"Natalia, what did you see me doing in that mirror just now?"
"It... it looked like you were lying down, reading a light novel..."
"And do you think that's what someone about to be executed looks like?"
"Um..."
Natalia lowered her head, nervously fidgeting behind her. Then, she pointed at Teresa to deflect blame.
"My lord... It was Teresa who said... that according to Liyue's traditions, you might have been having a last meal before execution, and that we needed to hurry to rescue you before it was too late..."
"Hmm?"
Luo Qing's gaze turned to Teresa.
"I..."
"My lord... I was just worried... How was I supposed to know you could..."
Teresa looked bashful.
She never imagined that her lord's charm was so immense that he could even win over the legendary Raiden Shogun.
Moments ago, the Shogun was a cold and aloof figure, but now she had transformed into a gentle and compliant woman.
That was the God of Thunder!
"Win over who?"
"Um..."
"Alright, stand up."
Luo Qing sighed softly, his tone lightening.
"Whatever the case, your intentions were good. You can head back for now. I'll reward all of you properly when I return."
No matter what, his subordinates had risked their lives to rescue him, even daring to challenge a deity. That moved him deeply.
Though their efforts had been somewhat misplaced, he still intended to reward their loyalty.
Otherwise, what kind of leader would he be?
"Yes... My lord."
They responded in unison.
Just as they were about to leave, Teresa looked back with a concerned expression.
"What about you, my lord?"
"I have some business to take care of. I'll return later."
"Oh..."
...
After they departed.
Luo Qing turned to the Raiden Shogun, resting his chin on his hand with a playful glint in his eye.
"Thank you for sparing them, my dear General~"
"D-don't call me that..."
The Raiden Shogun's face was bright red as she looked away, casting a brief glance at Luo Qing before quickly averting her eyes.
By now, she had fully absorbed the effects of the latest affection card.
She could no longer pretend to be aloof with Luo Qing. Whenever their eyes met, she couldn't help but want to nestle into his arms.
She was the Raiden Shogun, for goodness' sake! How could she behave like this...
But... it was so hard to resist.
"Then what should I call you? My sweet little darling~?"
"Ugh... don't call me that either..."
"Alright, alright, I'll stop teasing."
Luo Qing chuckled, eager to see just how far this 52.5 affection rating could push the Raiden Shogun.
"Give me your hand."
"Wha...?"
"Your hand..."
"Mhm..."
Suppressing her inner turmoil, the Raiden Shogun slowly extended her right hand.
The moment she did, Luo Qing's fingers interlocked with hers, holding her hand firmly.
"Mmm..."
The Raiden Shogun lowered her head, not resisting at all.
Alright.
Luo Qing studied her expression and, after a moment's thought, decided to push further.
"I'm feeling a bit tired. General, could you give me a lap pillow?"
"Mhm..."
The Raiden Shogun's blush deepened, but she nodded, unable to resist.
---
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
Posture and water check!
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