Bab 147: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [147]
His eyes were fixed on the Resistance camp in the distance, a hint of amusement in his tone.
"They're getting really cocky over there. Lady Kujou, how are you holding back? If it were me, I'd have already led the charge to wipe them out."
"..."
[+1 Frustration Value from Kujou Sara]
Kujou Sara's brows furrowed. If it hadn't been for Luo Qing's betrayal, she would have taken Nazuchi Beach long ago. And now he had the nerve to taunt her?
"Why haven't I launched an attack?"
Kujou Sara snorted. "I'm sure Lord Luo Qing already knows the reason."
"Of course I do. That's why I'm here—to ease your worries, Lady Kujou."
Luo Qing's smile remained easygoing as he leaned closer to Sara's ear, whispering,
"How about this? This time, I won't help the Resistance. How about you capture a few of them, just like they did, and make them dance?"
"..."
Kujou Sara was momentarily speechless. This traitor keeps switching sides just to make prisoners dance?
How can anyone be this absurd?
"What's wrong, Lady Kujou? Not interested?"
Luo Qing folded his arms, his tone nonchalant. "If you're not up for it, I can always head back to the Resistance. Their commander seems more than happy to collaborate with me~"
The threat was clear: if Sara refused, he'd simply go back to aiding the Resistance.
"You..."
Kujou Sara's eyes narrowed as she grasped his implications. She was torn—her principles wouldn't let her indulge in such frivolous behavior on a battlefield. Yet, if she refused to work with Luo Qing, she'd have no hope of victory.
After a long moment of deliberation, Kujou Sara made her decision. She'd swallow her pride for the greater good—defeating the Resistance was more important.
"What do you want me to do?"
"It's simple,"
Luo Qing gestured toward the dancing prisoners in front of the Resistance camp, then patted Teresa on the shoulder.
"Just make sure the captured prisoners are still able to move. Leave the rest to my capable assistant here~"
"..."
[+1 Frustration Value from Teresa]
Teresa didn't need to guess. Lord Luo Qing was definitely going to make her teach another round of dancing.
She felt a pang of frustration.
Years ago, she had graduated from the recruits' training camp with flying colors and joined the Electro Cicin Mage unit, quickly making a name for herself with her outstanding abilities. But she had let her curiosity get the better of her and sneaked into a wealthy lord's quarters, catching him mid-change—and getting caught herself.
Since then, her career had nosedived, relegated to guarding a lonely post in Guyun Stone Forest, spending her days outsmarting Hilichurls.
She had hoped that serving under Luo Qing would revive her career.
Instead, she had become his personal dance instructor, tasked with teaching anyone and everyone to dance.
Come on!
She was an Electro Cicin Mage! A member of an elite combat unit!
And not just any member—Teresa was one of the best! The kind who could take on ten at a time!
What kind of elite warrior spends her days as a dance teacher?!
"Lord Luo Qing, um... I..."
Teresa fidgeted, clearly reluctant to go through another round of dance lessons.
"What's the matter?"
Luo Qing turned back, his gaze meeting hers.
"N-Nothing..."
Teresa looked down.
Forget it...
She'd already committed to serving Lord Luo Qing. If he wanted her to teach dancing, so be it...
Little did Luo Qing know what was running through Teresa's mind. After discussing the details of the attack with Kujou Sara, he left Teresa behind in the camp and made his way back to the Resistance camp.
...
At the Resistance Camp
Following Luo Qing's instructions, Gorou had spent the night training the captured soldiers. At dawn, he paraded them out again, using their forced performance to taunt the Shogunate troops.
With Luo Qing's assistance, the Resistance barely had to lift a finger to win their skirmishes. It was almost too easy compared to their previous struggles.
Gorou stood at the front of the formation, holding a telescope to monitor the Shogunate's movements. Within the camp, soldiers were bustling about, gathering in formation. It seemed they were preparing for an attack.
"Bring the prisoners back! Everyone, prepare for battle!"
Gorou's voice rang out as he began organizing the troops.
The fight was imminent—he wouldn't risk keeping the prisoners exposed any longer. As soon as they were safely returned to the camp, he turned his full attention to rallying the Resistance for the coming clash.
Soon, the Shogunate soldiers marched out from their camp, advancing toward Nazuchi Beach.
Leading them, as always, was the Shogunate's general, Kujou Sara.
Gorou's heart tightened as he saw the overwhelming number of troops on the opposite side.
"Whoa, getting nervous? Your tail's all puffed up."
A teasing voice came from beside him. Startled, Gorou lowered his telescope and turned to see Luo Qing standing casually at his side.
"When did you—"
"Oh, come on, does it matter when I got here?"
Luo Qing moved closer, patting Gorou on the shoulder while gesturing at the enemy ranks.
"Relax, I'm here. Just focus on leading your men. I guarantee by the end of today, you'll have twice the number of prisoners."
"..."
Though Luo Qing's words were reassuring, Gorou couldn't help feeling like he was being humored—like a child being told a bedtime story.
"You're helping us just so the prisoners can dance?"
"Of course. Don't you think they look great doing it? Just focus on the battle—I've got your back."
With a playful grin, Luo Qing gave Gorou another pat on the shoulder and vanished from sight.
"This guy..."
Gorou shook his head, choosing to ignore whatever scheme Luo Qing might be planning and focusing instead on the preparations for battle.
Moments Later
On the shores of Nazuchi Beach, the two armies squared off once again.
As was tradition, the skirmish began with a one-on-one duel.
While Gorou pondered who to send for the challenge, Lumine and Paimon stepped forward once more. This time, however, they were joined by another figure—Tepei.
In the distance, Luo Qing watched the scene unfold. After a brief conversation between Lumine and Gorou, she stepped up to represent the Resistance in the duel.
As expected, Lumine dominated the fight, taking down three challengers with ease.
Left with no choice, Kujou Sara ordered her troops to attack.
As the chaotic battle erupted, the Resistance began to falter under the superior numbers of the Shogunate forces.
It was only then that Gorou realized—
Luo Qing wasn't helping them.
He wasn't even on the battlefield!
I knew it! That guy can't be trusted!
But there was no time to dwell on it.
"Everyone, fall back!"
Gorou's voice cut through the fray.
But Kujou Sara was not about to let the opportunity slip. She immediately ordered a pursuit.
Stragglers from the Resistance were quickly captured by the Shogunate.
Gorou watched the chaotic retreat with a tight frown. Suddenly, a shout came from behind.
He turned to see a woman wielding a massive black blade taller than herself, leaping into the thick of the Shogunate ranks.
Lightning crackled, and several Shogunate soldiers were instantly sent flying.
---
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
Posture and water check! Remember this is a fan translation!
If you wish to support me or read ahead here's a link! [patreon.com/WiseTL]
Bab 148: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [148] [DDD!]
December Double Drop!
---
The sudden arrival of The Crux's mercenaries instantly shifted the tide of the battle.
With their involvement, the previously struggling resistance forces were reinvigorated, launching a fierce counterattack against the Shogunate forces.
The Crux, known for years of fighting sea monsters and pirates on the high seas, displayed combat skills that were on par with the Shogunate's soldiers. With both Beidou and Kazuha—wielders of Vision—ripping through the Shogunate's ranks, the battlefield quickly turned in favor of the resistance.
For a moment, Kujou Sara's gaze lingered on the white-haired boy amidst the chaos, her thoughts wandering.
"Retreat, everyone!"
The morale of her troops had plummeted, and to continue fighting would only lead to further casualties. She had no choice but to order a retreat.
After suffering two consecutive defeats at Tatarasuna, her composure was starting to crack.
Even as she ordered the retreat, her eyes darted across the battlefield, searching for any sign of Luo Qing.
He had already caused her so much trouble in the past, and now she was convinced that this unexpected reinforcement of the resistance had something to do with him!
It had to be him who went and found help for the resistance!
She had thought it was strange when Luo Qing promised not to intervene directly—so his idea of not helping was to find allies for them?
...
Meanwhile...
Hiding within a sunken ship along Nazuchi Beach, Luo Qing watched the scene unfold. Suddenly, he received another notification from his system.
[Frustration Value from Kujou Sara +1 +1 +1...]
"Hmm?"
Luo Qing was baffled, looking down at the withdrawing Shogunate forces below.
What did I do to make that girl mad again? I didn't even step in!
And those mercenaries had nothing to do with him.
How did this get pinned on me?
...
With the Shogunate forces losing their will to fight, they quickly retreated. On the other side, the resistance, having suffered casualties of their own, chose not to pursue.
As the battle came to an end, The Crux's mercenaries regrouped with the resistance fighters, taking a break together. A few familiar faces caught Luo Qing's eye, chatting with the Traveler.
From the look on the Traveler's face, it seemed she was quite surprised that Beidou and her crew had come to Tatarasuna to support the resistance.
Typically, mercenaries only fight when they have the upper hand, avoiding risky ventures at all costs.
For Beidou to bring her crew here and side with the resistance—it was hard to say what her motives were.
Having stood up Gorou earlier, Luo Qing knew showing up now wouldn't earn him any friendly faces. So, after glancing down at the cheerful conversation below, he turned away and headed back to the Shogunate's camp.
After two consecutive defeats and losing many soldiers as prisoners, the Shogunate's morale was at an all-time low. Even Kujou Sara herself seemed at a loss for how to restore their fighting spirit.
For her, Luo Qing was an insurmountable obstacle.
As long as he remained at Tatarasuna, any standard tactics against the resistance would be useless.
Kujou Sara sat inside the war tent, deep in thought, trying to figure out how to handle the "Luo Qing problem."
Not long after, Luo Qing casually strolled into the tent from outside, as if nothing had happened.
"What are you doing here again?"
Kujou Sara's voice was icy.
She swore she would never trust another word out of his mouth.
"Just thought I'd help Kujou-dono ease some of your troubles~"
"?"
[Frustration Value from Kujou Sara +1]
"Hmph. Everything you've done, I've already reported back to Inazuma City. The Raiden Shogun herself will decide your fate. I wonder if you'll be able to laugh as easily when the time comes."
Kujou Sara's expression was stern, clearly believing that as long as she truthfully reported Luo Qing's actions, the Shogun would deal with him appropriately—most likely by unleashing a bolt of lightning to turn him to ashes.
"Hahaha, whatever happens, happens," Luo Qing shrugged nonchalantly, finding her angry expression somewhat amusing.
He wondered how Kujou Sara would react if she learned just how close he had gotten to the Shogun. What if he kissed the Shogun right in front of her, exchanging a mouthful of saliva?
Knowing her personality, she might just break on the spot.
Hehe, that's even more thrilling than an NTR scenario.
"Tell me, what nonsense are you trying to sell me this time?" Kujou Sara huffed, leaning back slightly and crossing her arms defensively over her chest.
"Hmph. I'm not going to believe a single word you say. You might as well give up!"
"Is that so..." Luo Qing leaned back slightly, deep in thought, before continuing.
"Then, if I told you that the reinforcements on the other side had nothing to do with me, would you believe that?"
"What do you think?"
Kujou Sara's face was as cold as ice.
From the look on her face alone, Luo Qing could tell she had already made up her mind—she was convinced he had called in reinforcements for the resistance.
"Whether you believe it or not, those mercenaries from Liyue have nothing to do with me... Well, maybe just a little."
"Anyway, the agreement we made is still in effect, Kujou-dono~"
Luo Qing got up slowly, walking over to Kujou Sara and narrowing his eyes slightly.
"I'll leave Teresa in your capable hands. If you capture any more prisoners, please be sure to send them her way for... training~"
With quite a ways to go before his next big pull, Luo Qing did feel a bit guilty about messing with Kujou Sara's mental state like this, but he had to gather Frustration Values somehow.
"And why would I follow your instructions?"
Kujou Sara frowned, thinking to herself, You went to help the resistance, yet you expect me to cooperate with you in training prisoners? You think you can play both sides?
"Because it affects whether or not I'll switch sides to the resistance, of course~"
Luo Qing's smile widened, and he unexpectedly flicked Kujou Sara's forehead with a light tap, making her step back in alarm.
Startled, she instinctively reached for her bow, her wings spread in a defensive stance.
"Whoa, why so tense? I'm not going to eat you~"
Luo Qing chuckled before turning and leaving the tent.
He had delivered his threat clearly.
Now, Kujou Sara was left with two choices:
Either follow his instructions—handing over any captured soldiers to Teresa for training—and gain his cooperation in a fair fight against the resistance.
Or hold onto her sense of duty and refuse to play along, but in doing so, make Luo Qing her full-fledged adversary.
For Luo Qing, it didn't matter either way.
He was only at Tatarasuna's frontlines to collect Frustration Values, after all.
Who he helped didn't concern him in the slightest.
With his objective achieved, Luo Qing left the Shogunate's camp, ready to go fishing again.
Once his presence was completely gone, Kujou Sara finally exhaled and lowered her guard.
She had fought alongside Luo Qing several times now, but it was the first time she had felt genuine killing intent from him.
As a Tengu, she could sense it—the same aura a god possessed.
If Luo Qing fully sided with the resistance, then with just the current Shogunate forces at Tatarasuna, they wouldn't stand a chance.
---
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
Posture and water check! Remember this is a fan translation!
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 Anda mungkin juga menyukai
Komentar Paragraf