Bab 102: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [102]
Evening came, signaling the end of training.
After the students finished their usual hour of group dance, Luo Qing dismissed them to rest. He exchanged a glance with Ayaka, and the two quietly left the Tenryou Commission together.
Earlier, after his visit to Tenshukaku, Luo Qing had informed Ayaka that she would be able to meet with Raiden Shogun that evening. Although Ei had agreed, she also imposed a condition: Ayaka had to go alone. Luo Qing would not be allowed to stay during their conversation.
Because of this, Luo Qing simply gave Ayaka a few words of encouragement and let her head up by herself.
On Ayaka's side, despite having mentally prepared herself the previous night, her heart still fluttered with nerves when she found out that she would truly have the opportunity to request the abolishment of the Vision Hunt Decree directly from the Shogun.
Standing at the entrance of Tenshukaku, she took a deep breath, gave Luo Qing a determined nod, and stepped through the towering doors.
Since she was young, Ayaka had rarely met the Shogun in person. Matters of state were usually handled by her brother, and this was the first time she would have a private audience with the Raiden Shogun.
After informing the attendants of her identity, they no longer stopped her as they had in the past. Instead, they gave a respectful bow and led her into the Shogun's chamber.
When the door opened, the sight before her left Ayaka feeling a bit confused.
On the dais sat the legendary Raiden Shogun, her hands poised in a meditative gesture, eyes closed in deep concentration. And beside her, much to Ayaka's surprise, stood Luo Qing, the very person who had been cheering her on just moments before outside the Tenshukaku gate. He seemed to be quietly muttering something to the Shogun.
"I'm telling you, don't be too harsh... and don't just stay silent... She's coming here all alone, you know... If you make her cry, it's going to be a mess to comfort her..."
"Don't put on that cold act... Just give her some kind of response..."
Luo Qing was well aware of the Shogun's stern and sometimes harsh demeanor. Knowing her straightforward personality, he felt it necessary to offer a bit of advice and support for Ayaka's sake.
As the door creaked open, Raiden Shogun's eyes flicked open, casting a glance at Luo Qing, as if to ask: What are you still doing here?
"..."
"Remember what I said!" Luo Qing urged one last time, before reluctantly exiting the room. He exchanged a reassuring nod with Ayaka as he passed her, then walked out.
As the door closed behind him, Ayaka turned her gaze back to the Shogun, who had now risen from her seat, standing above her with the imposing presence of a god overseeing her people.
"What is it?"
Those two simple words carried an overwhelming weight, causing Ayaka's chest to tighten. Even breathing seemed difficult under such pressure. But she had come this far—there was no turning back.
Taking a deep breath, Ayaka straightened up and said firmly, "Shogun, I have come here to request the abolishment of the Vision Hunt Decree!"
The core of their discussion was the abolishment of the Vision Hunt Decree, touching on political matters at the top and the lives of the common folk below. In Ayaka's mind, the Shogun had to have been influenced by the Tenryou Commission and the Kanjou Commission to enact such a decree.
If she could honestly convey the suffering and pain it had caused the people, perhaps she could persuade the Shogun to cancel it, restoring the peace of their past.
But soon enough, she realized that the Vision Hunt Decree was not the result of manipulation from the Tenryou or Kanjou Commission. It was the Shogun's own decision. She was well aware of the decree's consequences, yet chose to persist.
Luo Qing stood outside the door, listening intently. Thanks to his enhanced senses, he didn't need to press his ear against the wall to hear the conversation inside.
As Ayaka's voice grew quieter and more uncertain, laced with hints of desperation, he knew the discussion was nearing its end.
He wasn't particularly surprised by the outcome. If the Shogun could be swayed by Ayaka's words alone, then there would be no need for Lumine or that cunning fox to get involved later.
Soon after, a stern reprimand echoed from the Shogun's chamber, signaling the conclusion of their dialogue. The attendant beside Luo Qing pushed the door open and stepped inside.
Through the crack, Luo Qing could see Ayaka's slumped shoulders. Her posture alone spoke volumes about her despair.
He glanced up at the Shogun, who remained as aloof as ever, her expression unreadable, as if she bore no responsibility.
The Shogun had dismissed them, and Ayaka, acknowledging her failure, bowed deeply and left the room with the attendant.
As she turned around, Luo Qing noticed the faint trace of a tear clinging to the corner of Ayaka's eye.
Damn... She really cried...
"Honestly..."
Luo Qing shot a reproachful glance at the Shogun, thinking, I told you to go easy on her. How could you end up making her cry?
"Master... Let's go back..."
Ayaka's head hung low, her pale blue bangs hiding her eyes. It was impossible to tell if her emotions were more rooted in disappointment or pain.
"Alright..."
Luo Qing glanced one last time at the Shogun, silently vowing to settle this score later.
Outside Tenshukaku, they passed the Statue of the Omnipresent God. Ayaka couldn't help but look back at it.
"Master... Do you think the Shogun's Vision Hunt Decree is truly right?"
"What do you think, Ayaka?" Luo Qing asked in return.
"I don't understand what the Shogun means by eternity... All I see is how the Vision Hunt Decree has turned so many lives upside down... how people have even lost their lives because of it..."
Even now, she struggled to grasp why the Shogun clung so stubbornly to the decree. Why were Visions seen as a threat to eternity?
They had existed for so long already.
"So, Ayaka, you still wish to bring down the Vision Hunt Decree, don't you?"
"Yes... but I don't know what to do anymore..."
The Shogun's expression during their conversation, along with the opposition she'd faced from the Tenryou and Kanjou Commissions, left Ayaka feeling lost.
She had once believed the decree's true enemies were the Tenryou and Kanjou Commissions. Now she understood—her greatest adversary was the Shogun herself.
"Don't lose hope."
Luo Qing gently ruffled Ayaka's hair. "I've seen a sign. In the not-so-distant future, a traveler from Liyue will arrive in Inazuma. She'll stand by your side and help bring down the Vision Hunt Decree."
"A sign? A traveler?"
Remembering the Shogun's unyielding stance, a flicker of doubt and sadness crossed Ayaka's face.
"Do you truly believe there will be a day when the Vision Hunt Decree is overturned?"
"Absolutely. My predictions have never been wrong."
Luo Qing gave her a comforting smile, ruffling her hair a little more.
"A traveler... from Liyue..."
Ayaka lowered her head, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty.
...
---
Translator's Note
Hi, peasants! I'm so excited to share Star Rail: Starting with a Lyre, Living off Busking! Our favorite carefree bard, Venti, takes center stage in this Honkai: Star Rail adventure, landing in Belobog—the last bastion of preservation on Jarilo VI. With the fire inside fading and winds growing stagnant, can the spirit of freedom and the breeze of change rise once more?
If you're a fan of Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail, you're gonna love this one. There's music, rebellion, and all the freedom-loving energy Venti brings to the table! Also, I've got two more stories lined up after this, so keep an eye out. As always, thank you so much for your support—y'all are the best!
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 103: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [103]
Inside the Shabukyo Headquarters.
Finally done with the endless documents piling up from the Shabukyo's daily reports, Ayato Kamisato stretched his arms and prepared to take a short break before handling the next round of external affairs.
Suddenly, a small hooded figure leapt gracefully through the wide-open window, landing steadily in front of him.
"Sayu?" Ayato blinked in surprise.
Hadn't he assigned this little ninja to follow his sister? Why had she returned?
"Did something happen to Ayaka?" Ayato asked, concern clear in his voice.
Sayu hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing her words before responding in a calm tone, "M-Miss Ayaka... she's with that Luo Qing guy now!"
"Uh?" Ayato's mind went blank, confusion spreading across his face.
What do you mean 'with'? You better explain yourself!
"Take your time, Sayu. Start from the beginning and tell me everything," he urged, trying to stay calm.
"Well... um... it's like this..." Sayu took a deep breath, reorganizing her thoughts. She then detailed how the Raiden Shogun had called for a sword training session, revealing that the mysterious swordsman was Luo Qing, and that Ayaka had been publicly pulled into a very close embrace by him.
"I see..." Ayato murmured, stroking his chin thoughtfully, his brows furrowed.
He understood his sister's personality well. If Ayaka felt no fondness for someone, she would never tolerate such ambiguous behavior, much less blush about it.
He glanced at the discs Luo Qing had sent him. Ayato had envisioned numerous scenarios in which Luo Qing might approach his sister, but this... this was not one of them.
Ayato trusted in Ayaka's character—she was not one to develop feelings for someone so casually, and certainly not a man who had pulled her into his arms without hesitation. If she had responded this way, it could only mean one thing: Luo Qing already held a significant place in her heart.
But how had Luo Qing managed it? Hadn't he sent Sayu to warn Ayaka?
This wouldn't do. No matter what, he had to go to Inazuma City himself and meet this Luo Qing in person!
"Banma," Ayato called out, and moments later, a bespectacled young man stepped into the room.
"You called, Master Kamisato?"
"While I'm away, I want you to manage the affairs of the Shabukyo."
"Master Kamisato, you're leaving?"
"Yes," Ayato nodded, his eyes reflecting a determination. "I'm heading to Inazuma City."
A week later.
Today was a day Luo Qing had eagerly awaited.
After what seemed like an eternity, Kura-san had finally delivered the much-anticipated set of training outfits.
Just seeing those blue shorts and white form-fitting tops made him envision Ayaka under the sun, moving with grace.
That morning, Luo Qing called the students to gather at the training grounds half an hour earlier than usual.
The young swordsmen, their faces puzzled, watched as Luo Qing gestured for Theresa and Kujou Sara to hand out the training outfits.
They were confused as they held the unique-looking clothing in their hands, unsure of Luo Qing's intentions.
"Alright, everyone," Luo Qing announced with a broad smile, "From today onward, whenever we do our warm-up exercises, you'll be required to wear these training outfits!"
The announcement left the students in shock.
The boys were more or less unfazed—their outfits were simple and straightforward, just shorts and a short-sleeved top. It wasn't anything unusual for them.
But for the girls... it was a different story.
The snug shorts and tight tops made them blush just by looking at them.
For the traditionally modest Inazuma girls, Luo Qing's training outfits felt a bit too revealing. Wearing them in private was one thing, but standing in the middle of the training grounds, surrounded by so many people, made them all feel shy.
But Kujou Sara's earlier decree echoed in their minds: Luo Qing's commands were to be followed without question.
So, despite their embarrassment, they gritted their teeth and put on the outfits.
Among them, Ayaka Kamisato's thoughts were different from the other girls'.
When she first saw the training outfit, a suspicion crept into her mind.
Could it be that Luo Qing specifically wanted to see me in this outfit but was too shy to ask directly, so he made everyone wear it?
Ayaka looked at the garment in her hands, then stole a quick glance at Luo Qing.
Their eyes met.
There's no need to guess anymore, she thought.
He must have designed these outfits just to see her wear them!
Ayaka's face grew warm as she buried her head in the fabric, debating whether or not to put it on.
Ever since the ice had been broken between them, she and Luo Qing had become closer, visiting the Komore Teahouse together almost daily, speaking freely about anything and everything. It had reached a point where she no longer felt uncomfortable when Luo Qing occasionally pinched her cheeks or playfully tousled her hair.
She'd always rationalized it as harmless teasing between friends—nothing more. But holding this outfit in her hands made her doubt that interpretation.
Deep down, there was a part of her that wanted to put it on just to ask Luo Qing if she looked good in it.
Having read plenty of romance light novels since childhood, she was familiar with these kinds of feelings and what they might signify.
But Luo Qing was with the Fatui...
Could she really allow herself to feel this way?
After a long moment of hesitation, Ayaka looked up at Luo Qing with a sudden, determined expression. She gave him a gentle smile, nodded, and then hurried off to the changing room, clutching the outfit to her chest.
"Uh... what was that about..."
Luo Qing scratched his head, puzzled by Ayaka's fleeting smile.
Why did she look so solemn about putting on the training outfit?
Just as he was pondering, the door to the changing room opened again.
Ayaka stepped out, dressed in the light blue, form-fitting shorts. The white, snug top accentuated her graceful curves, with her dainty white socks tied with red ribbons at the back. Her cheeks were tinged with a rosy blush, and she avoided meeting Luo Qing's gaze.
...
Luo Qing's breath hitched as he took in the sight.
Absolutely adorable.
Cute girls truly shine in training outfits!
If only she could step on me a few times... or sit on my lap...
No, stop, stop thinking like that!
When everyone had finished changing, the boys finally realized the true intention behind their master's directive.
This was it—Master Luo Qing's true goal revealed!
The girls present were all dedicated swordswomen, their figures toned from years of training. Every single one looked stunning in the training outfits, capturing the boys' attention and leaving them slack-jawed.
Calling him "Master" suddenly didn't feel like a bad deal at all!
---
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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