Bab 95: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [95]
And they soon realized that he was staring at none other than Kamisato Ayaka, the eldest daughter of the Kamisato Clan and the famed Shirasagi Himegimi, standing at the center of the front row.
Hearing his words, Ayaka understood that he was speaking to her. She quickly lifted her head and apologized softly.
"I... I'm sorry, Mr. Luo Qing, I was distracted for a moment..."
"Hmm, alright. Just don't let it happen again."
Luo Qing smiled and continued.
"By order of the Shogun, I'll be teaching you all my unique sword techniques for the next month. I hope we can all get along and enjoy this time together. Don't you agree, Miss Kamisato Ayaka?"
"Y-Yes..."
Ayaka's voice was soft, her emotions conflicted.
There was no doubt that Mr. Luo Qing was upset with her for avoiding him...
"Good."
Luo Qing nodded before addressing the rest of the crowd.
"One more thing—during this month, you are all required to address me as 'Master.' Understood?"
"Yes, Master!"
The crowd responded in unison.
Most of them had been training under sword masters since they were children, and calling someone 'Master' or 'Lord' was nothing new. They weren't from Liyue, so they didn't mind the cultural implications.
Hearing the chorus of "Master" from the group, Luo Qing felt a surge of satisfaction.
But something was still missing.
He lowered his gaze to Ayaka and gave her a gentle smile.
"Did you hear me, Miss Kamisato Ayaka?"
Ayaka's cheeks turned a faint shade of red as she averted her gaze, speaking softly, "Y-Yes, M-Master..."
Hearing Ayaka's voice, Luo Qing's heart soared.
Ah.
Now it felt right.
"Alright, that's enough talk. I'm sure you're all eager to see what I can do. I'll now demonstrate the sword technique I've developed—the Breath of Thunder!"
The crowd buzzed with excitement, curious to witness this so-called Breath of Thunder.
Just as anticipation reached its peak, Luo Qing added with a mischievous grin:
"For the demonstration, I'll need a volunteer to act as my opponent. Anyone can volunteer~."
Though he said anyone could step up, it was clear to everyone who he had in mind.
Throughout the entire announcement, Luo Qing's gaze had remained fixed on Ayaka, not wavering for a second.
Suddenly, a voice from the corner of the crowd called out:
"Master! I volunteer!"
"No, you don't."
"..."
[+1 Frustration Value from Kujou Sara]
Luo Qing cut the young man off without hesitation, silently cursing the boy's lack of awareness.
Then he turned back to Ayaka, his voice soft and encouraging.
"Is there anyone who wants to volunteer~?"
"..."
Ayaka glanced around, realizing that everyone was now staring at her. Feeling the pressure, she raised her hand timidly.
"Master... I-I volunteer."
"Thank you for volunteering, Miss Kamisato Ayaka."
Luo Qing jumped down from the platform, landing gracefully in front of Ayaka. He called out to the rest of the group.
"Make some space for me, everyone! Time to put on a show!"
...
A short while later.
The center of the training ground was cleared, leaving only Kamisato Ayaka and Luo Qing.
The rest had moved to the sidelines, including Teresa and Kujou Sara, who sat cross-legged on the edge, waiting for the demonstration to begin.
"M-Master... what should I do?"
Ayaka stood at one end of the training ground, gripping her personal sword tightly, her mind racing.
On the other side, Luo Qing was practically basking in the repeated sound of Ayaka calling him "Master." It took him a moment to gather his focus. He walked over to the weapons rack, selecting a bamboo practice sword.
"Don't hold back, Miss Kamisato Ayaka. Just come at me with everything you've got!"
"Is... is that really okay?"
Ayaka hesitated, glancing nervously at Kujou Sara.
She had no idea how strong Luo Qing was. Seeing him choose only a wooden sword, she feared that she might accidentally injure him if she wasn't careful.
"It's fine! Just attack!"
Luo Qing reassured her with a laugh, holding the wooden sword at his waist in a drawing stance.
"Alright then... Master, forgive me if I offend you."
With a deep breath, Ayaka closed her eyes briefly. When she reopened them, her entire demeanor had shifted—her gaze was now focused and resolute, the shyness of before gone.
She mirrored Luo Qing's stance, her hands poised to draw her blade.
Taking a steady breath, Ayaka charged, drawing her sword in a rapid strike aimed at Luo Qing. Her movement was swift and precise.
The onlookers watched in awe. As expected of the Shirasagi Himegimi—her sword skills were nothing short of exceptional.
All eyes turned to Luo Qing.
He stood there with his eyes closed, his head bowed slightly, hands gripping the wooden sword in the same drawing stance. He hadn't moved an inch.
Just as the spectators began to question why he wasn't defending, a long breath escaped Luo Qing's lips.
A faint golden lightning crackled along with that exhale.
The next moment, a crackling sound filled the air, and a flash of lightning blurred the vision of everyone present.
In the blink of an eye, Luo Qing was right in front of Ayaka.
His bamboo sword was inches from her waist—just a few centimeters more, and it would have struck.
Even though it was only a wooden sword, everyone knew that with the momentum Luo Qing had generated, even a wooden blade would have caused serious harm had it connected.
"Eh?!"
Startled by the sudden burst of power, Ayaka instinctively tried to step back.
But since she had been mid-strike, her body lost balance. As she stumbled backward, her left foot tripped over her right, and she started to fall.
Ayaka barely had time to react.
Before she could steady herself, Luo Qing's arm shot out, catching her around the waist.
"..."
For a moment, the training grounds were silent enough to hear a pin drop.
The crowd stared in shock. So that's why he insisted on Ayaka volunteering! It was all a setup so he could grab her like that!
Master Luo Qing truly has no shame...
I wish I could...
Meanwhile, feeling the softness of Ayaka's waist, Luo Qing's tone softened. "Are you alright?"
"I..."
Their faces were just inches apart, Ayaka's blush deepening as she looked away.
"T-Thank you, Master... I'm fine."
Quickly releasing herself from his grip, she stepped back, bowing deeply from a meter away.
"Master, I admit defeat."
---
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]
Bab 96: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [96]
Kamisato Ayaka felt conflicted.
Just a moment ago, she had only slightly lost her balance. As a swordsman of Kei Den level, there was no way she would have actually fallen.
Yet, just as she was about to regain her footing, Luo Qing's hand had reached out and wrapped around her waist, holding her steady and preventing her from turning.
He had held her quite firmly—so much so that she could feel his strength through her clothes.
Could it be... Mr. Luo Qing did it on purpose?
Ugh...
"No harm done."
Luo Qing pretended as if nothing had happened, turning to address the onlookers.
"What I demonstrated just now was the first form of the Breath of Thunder technique—'Thunderclap and Flash.' This is what you'll all be learning over the next month. I hope you'll all be able to master it and make it your own."
Aside from Teresa and Kujou Sara, everyone in the crowd looked stunned.
The faint golden lightning that had crackled around Luo Qing as he drew his sword, the sheer power of that single strike—it left them all speechless.
If they could master that technique, their sword skills would improve dramatically.
Excitement spread across their faces.
Luo Qing then turned back to Kamisato Ayaka with a look of approval.
"Miss Kamisato Ayaka, your swordsmanship is quite impressive. From today onward, you'll be our class representative. Do your best, alright?"
"Huh...?"
"M-Master, what does 'class representative' mean...?"
"It means you're the senior student of the class~."
"Oh... um..."
Ayaka bowed her head, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Meanwhile, the other young swordsmen present had caught on.
It was obvious that Master Luo Qing had a thing for the Kamisato heiress, which was why he kept focusing on her!
But the Kamisato heiress didn't seem to mind. In fact, she looked a bit shy...
Could it be that the two of them were actually...?
Curiosity was in human nature, and as the crowd speculated on their relationship, Luo Qing made a grand gesture, signaling Teresa to bring up the large case.
Under everyone's gaze, Teresa reluctantly opened the case, assembling the giant phonograph and placing it on the platform.
"Alright, everyone! Line up in four rows!"
Luo Qing's command had the crowd quickly falling into formation, mirroring their earlier positions.
"As the ancients say, 'A healthy body is the foundation of revolution.'"
Standing tall on the stage, Luo Qing declared seriously, "Before we begin formal training, it's crucial to start with some daily warm-up exercises. Miss Teresa, my assistant, will now lead you in a warm-up routine!"
He gave Teresa a meaningful look.
[+1 Frustration Value from Teresa]
Understanding his command, Teresa stepped forward, her face troubled, and spoke loudly to the crowd.
"Everyone, follow along with me. I'll demonstrate each move one by one."
With the crowd's eyes on her, Teresa hit the play button on the phonograph.
Suddenly, the Tenryou Commission's courtyard was filled with an upbeat, catchy tune.
"Thump~ thump-thump-thump~ thump-thump-thump-thump, the vast horizon is my love~ the flowers bloom at the foot of the endless green mountains~ what's the rhythm that's the most groovy~?"
"..."
Except for Teresa and Luo Qing, everyone—including Kamisato Ayaka—looked utterly bewildered as they stared at Teresa.
Kujou Sara, who stood in the corner, furrowed her brow and shot a questioning, bewildered look at Luo Qing.
In response, Luo Qing merely smiled, his expression saying, Everything's under control, before stepping forward with a warm smile.
"Don't just stand there, everyone! Move along with Miss Teresa~."
He raised his voice.
"Oh, and by the way, Kujou Sara just said that if you don't follow my instructions, you'll be in trouble~."
The crowd froze, turning their gaze to Kujou Sara.
She remained silent, pretending not to notice, effectively confirming Luo Qing's statement.
"..."
[+1 Frustration Value from Kamisato Ayaka]
[+1 Frustration Value from Umekawa Koko]
[+1 Frustration Value from Shibizai Oji]
[+1 Frustration Value from Zaou Keiko]
...
[Total Frustration Value Earned: 40]
...
Seeing the notification from his system, Luo Qing smiled.
The group had forty students, and he had a full month. If he kept them busy with enough activities—like leading them out to perform group dances in Hanamizaka—he would have no trouble squeezing out more frustration points.
Adding these to his current thirty pulls, a month's time should be enough to get that resurrection armor.
Though it would be a bit tough on Miss Kamisato Ayaka...
Now that he had the Shogunate's tacit approval, the students had no choice but to follow along.
They had no other option but to mimic Teresa's movements and begin the dance.
Standing at the center of the first row, as the heiress of the Kamisato Clan and a prominent figure in the Yashiro Commission, Ayaka had no choice but to comply. She followed Teresa's lead, her movements a bit clumsy.
Ayaka was not much of a dancer. Even with something as simple as a group dance, her moves were a bit stiff compared to the others.
Meanwhile...
Luo Qing stood on the platform, pretending to scan the crowd. In reality, his eyes kept drifting back to Kamisato Ayaka.
Seeing her trying so hard to keep up—her serious yet adorably awkward attempts to follow along—made his heart melt.
If it weren't for the public setting, he would've pulled out a camera and snapped dozens of pictures of her.
But after watching for a while, Luo Qing felt like something was missing.
Observing the enthusiastic but awkwardly clad dancers, he finally realized what was off.
He approached Kujou Sara, speaking quietly.
"Miss Kujou Sara, didn't the Shogun order you to fulfill my reasonable requests?"
"Hmm?"
Kujou Sara looked him up and down, feeling a sense of foreboding at the intense look in his eyes.
"Yes, the Shogun did say that—as long as it's reasonable."
"Well, you see..."
Luo Qing pointed to the crowd on the training ground, who were still dancing awkwardly. He spoke with all seriousness.
"Don't you think they're missing something?"
"Missing... what?"
Kujou Sara was confused.
"A proper set of workout clothes!"
"...?"
"Look at them. Their kimonos are way too loose. It's not practical for dancing at all."
Luo Qing explained earnestly, "I heard there's a tailor shop in Hanamizaka called Ogura Textiles that can make custom outfits. How about you go order some for me?"
"..."
Kujou Sara's expression darkened. She had a million complaints running through her mind, but she didn't know where to start.
Was the Shogun's order for him to teach them group dancing? And now he wanted custom workout clothes?
Could he be any more outrageous?
"It's only reasonable to get them proper attire for training, right?"
Luo Qing added.
"..."
He had a point, and Kujou Sara found herself at a loss for words.
---
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]
Status Power Mingguan
200+ Peringkat
Power 
238 Power
stone 
Komentar Paragraf