章 72: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [72]
Kamisato Ayaka hesitated. There were still a few days left in her journey to Inazuma City, and traveling alone, she couldn't just agree to accompany strangers, especially foreign travelers.
But after a moment's thought, considering the skill demonstrated by the girl behind Luo Qing earlier, if they had intended to harm her, they wouldn't need to resort to such pretenses.
After a brief internal struggle, Ayaka gave a gentle nod.
"Very well... I shall guide you all to Inazuma City as a gesture of gratitude for your assistance earlier."
"Then we are grateful, Miss Kamisato," Luo Qing said politely. He shot a glance at the trio behind him, and Natalya, along with the others, quickly packed up their belongings. They instinctively kept a respectful distance, giving Ayaka and Luo Qing some space to walk together.
Though they kept straight faces, the three of them felt a wave of relief.
Watching their boss flirt openly was a bit awkward, but at least his attention was off them, sparing them from another round of intense drills.
Kamisato Ayaka glanced at the trio's behavior, puzzled as to why they were keeping such a distance from her and Luo Qing. However, it wasn't her place to ask, so she simply nodded to Luo Qing and sheathed her sword, leading the way towards Inazuma City at a leisurely pace.
Luo Qing, not one to miss a golden opportunity, followed her closely, engaging Ayaka in light conversation every now and then. This was the perfect chance to learn more about the current situation in Inazuma.
A few days passed.
At first, Kamisato Ayaka had been a bit reserved whenever Luo Qing started a conversation. But as time went on, she found him far more interesting than she initially expected. He always seemed to bring up topics she loved, like the latest light novels from Yae Publishing House, tea leaf divination for love fortunes, or how to make adorable sweets.
These were things she had never shared with anyone.
With the Kamisato Clan currently undergoing a revival, Ayaka had to present her best self and carry the responsibility of her family's name alongside her brother. These small hobbies became her secret, personal joys.
Yet, this traveler she had met by chance seemed to effortlessly bring up the things she treasured in her heart, as if he could see right through her.
Normally, she was always careful with her words and actions, even when sharing her interests, maintaining proper decorum to uphold the Kamisato name.
But gradually, Ayaka found herself lowering her guard, revealing the more genuine side of herself.
"Really? Mr. Luo Qing, you've also had your fortune told about your love life?" Ayaka asked quietly, her eyes wide with curiosity.
"Of course! When I was in Liyue, a fortune-teller said I was destined to be a heartbreaker. They said the girl I would eventually fall for would be gentle and cool on the outside but passionate at heart," Luo Qing said, acting mysterious. Noticing Ayaka's interest, he leaned closer and whispered with a teasing tone:
"The fortune-teller even said that the girl I would meet in the future might just have an Ice Vision."
"I-Ice Vision?!" Ayaka was stunned, and she slowly lowered her gaze, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks.
Did Luo Qing know that she had an Ice Vision? Was he hinting at something?
But she had kept her Vision well-concealed this whole journey, never letting it show...
For a moment, Ayaka found herself replaying the conversations she had shared with Luo Qing. This foreigner had a knack for bringing up her favorite topics, even guessing secrets only she knew...
Could it be true, what he was saying...?
"But it's a shame," Luo Qing continued, feigning disappointment. "With the Vision Hunt Decree going on, I haven't seen a single person with a Vision, let alone someone with an Ice one."
He cast a sidelong glance at Ayaka, noting with amusement how she seemed increasingly flustered.
"Y-Yes, it is quite a pity... the Vision Hunt Decree..." Ayaka murmured.
Part of her wanted to tell Luo Qing that she possessed an Ice Vision herself, but reason held her back. The Decree was still in effect, and revealing her Vision could make her and the Kamisato Clan targets.
"But I think the Vision Hunt Decree might end soon. If it does, Miss Kamisato, could you help me keep an eye out for an Ice Vision wielder?" Luo Qing asked, flashing her a playful smile. "And if you could make an introduction, that'd be even better~."
"This... I-I suppose..." Ayaka stammered.
"Well then, I'll be sure to keep an eye out for you, Mr. Luo Qing."
Meanwhile...
With Luo Qing's attention firmly on Ayaka, Natalya and the others trailing behind found themselves with some free time.
When people are idle, they tend to gossip—especially when there's such juicy material right in front of them.
Watching their master's expert conversation tactics unfold step-by-step had been both enlightening and entertaining for the trio. From the initial, careful topic probing to the gradual pressing of advantage once Ayaka had relaxed, and finally ending with light, playful flirting... they were impressed.
It was clear now—Luo Qing was definitely a heartbreaker. In just a few days, he'd managed to make Ayaka blush and smile like a giddy schoolgirl.
If this trip had been as long as some of their journeys in Liyue, it wouldn't be surprising if Ayaka ended up genuinely believing that Luo Qing was her fated partner.
"Man, if you count this one, that makes three girls the boss has successfully flirted with," Igor commented in a hushed voice.
Sergei's eyes widened. "Keep your voice down! If he hears you, he'll make us do a striptease on Inazuma's main street!"
"Don't worry, they're too into their chat to notice us," Igor said with a smirk. "Who'd have thought—our boss is a real player."
"Yeah," Sergei added with a nod. "He's got skills... though it's a bit shady."
Only Natalya seemed slightly irritated, silently lamenting that despite her good looks and figure, Luo Qing had never once treated her like the girls he flirted with.
It's not like I'm as clueless as Theresa... she thought, pouting slightly as she adjusted the heavy sniper rifle still resting on her sore shoulder.
---
T/N: For some reason I made sure it's Sergei but I'm gonna keep the whole Natalia and Natalya thing Idk why I find it amusing. Oh and ANOTHER ICE VISION USER??? FIRST GANYU THEN SHENHE THEN AYAKA??? WHOS NEXT TSARISTA??
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]
章 73: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [73]
After several days of traveling together, the moment finally arrived for Luo Qing and Kamisato Ayaka to part ways upon entering Inazuma City.
Standing under the Thunder Sakura at the city's entrance, Kamisato Ayaka gave a slight nod to Luo Qing, a hint of reluctance in her expression.
"I've truly enjoyed our time together, Mr. Luo Qing. Now that we've reached Inazuma City, it seems this is where we must part ways..."
"Of course. I also had a wonderful time chatting with you, Miss Kamisato. I look forward to our next meeting~," Luo Qing replied with a casual smile.
"I feel the same... Then, until we meet again, Mr. Luo Qing."
With that, Kamisato Ayaka gave a graceful bow and turned to leave.
After taking only a few steps, she hesitated, then spun back around, stepping up to Luo Qing and speaking softly:
"If Mr. Luo Qing ever finds himself in trouble, you can find me at the Komore Teahouse in the city. I'll do my best to help you... Well, this really is goodbye for now."
She finished her words quickly, turning away before Luo Qing had a chance to respond, and walked off.
"Oh no, she's definitely fallen for him," Natalya muttered.
"Yeah, our boss is something else... Ugh, this must be the power of a player," Sergei added.
"And it seems like she's never had a crush before... Her first one ended up being our playboy boss... Tsk tsk..." Igor remarked quietly.
The trio whispered amongst themselves...
"You three, enjoying gossiping about your boss, huh?"
The moment Kamisato Ayaka was out of sight, Luo Qing spun around, fixing Natalya, Sergei, and Igor with a sharp look.
The trio, who had been acting so smug moments ago, instantly froze, panicking at how Luo Qing's hearing seemed to have improved. How had he caught them from several meters away?
"Boss, we would never...!" Sergei protested.
"We were just admiring your skillful conversation techniques!" Natalya added hastily.
"Exactly, exactly..." Igor agreed, nodding.
"Enough of that," Luo Qing cut them off with a dismissive wave, then began walking towards the outskirts of Inazuma City. With a resigned sigh, the trio followed after him.
Inazuma City was bustling, and as foreigners carrying heavy luggage, they would draw unnecessary attention if they lingered too long. So Luo Qing found a quiet spot outside the city, where they wouldn't be disturbed, and issued his orders.
"Igor, Sergei, you two are to regroup with Theresa. Keep a close watch on those warriors—make sure they don't die, understood?"
"Yes, Mr. Luo Qing!" they chorused.
"What about me, Mr. Luo Qing?" Natalya raised her hand eagerly.
"You'll stay with me in the city. There's a lot of paperwork that will require your attention later," Luo Qing replied.
"Oh... Yes, Mr. Luo Qing~," Natalya responded, a trace of excitement bubbling up at the thought of staying behind.
There's work for the secretary to do, she mused, and if there's no work... A sudden flush came over her cheeks as a stray thought crossed her mind. Gosh, has he trained me this well already...?
After giving orders to Igor and Sergei, Luo Qing led Natalya into Inazuma City.
Despite its appearance, Inazuma City was not free from the Fatui's influence. Following the information left by Rosaline, they quickly located the Fatui operatives embedded within the city.
Most of the operatives had been placed there by Rosalyne, meant to work alongside the Tenryou Commission to extend the Fatui's reach. As Rosalyne's temporary replacement, Luo Qing was now responsible for overseeing operations related to the Tenryou Commission.
Once they arrived at their prearranged lodging, Luo Qing settled down and reviewed the latest intel on the Tenryou Commission. After considering the situation, he decided it would be best to deliver a message in person.
He still had the letter from Chisato, after all, which could serve as a convenient excuse.
Asking Natalya for a map of Inazuma City, Luo Qing donned Inazuman attire, noted the marked safehouses and emergency escape routes, and then set out for Tenshukaku, letter in hand.
Though he could use his Fatui connections to arrange a direct meeting with Kujou Sara, revealing himself so soon didn't fit his style.
Unlike Rosalyne, who preferred a direct approach, Luo Qing enjoyed orchestrating events from the shadows.
Liyue and Inazuma's people shared similar features, and Luo Qing's disguise allowed him to blend in seamlessly with the crowd. No one gave him a second glance as he strode down the bustling streets.
Passing through Hanamizaka, Luo Qing caught sight of the Statue of the Omnipresent God under construction behind a large bridge. Its grand wings were already embedded with countless Visions.
"Tsk, there are quite a few already," he murmured, admiring the colorful Visions that adorned the wings. With that, he crossed the wooden bridge and found himself at the entrance of Tenshukaku.
The towering castle, the tallest structure in Inazuma outside the Grand Narukami Shrine, loomed overhead, much like the Raiden Shogun herself, overseeing the entire city.
Before he could get close, a guard stepped forward to bar his way.
"Tenshukaku is restricted. No entry without proper business."
Luo Qing flashed the letter in front of the guard.
"I'm here from Ritou with a letter for Lord Kujou Kamaji of the Tenryou Commission."
"Lord Kujou Kamaji?" The guard scrutinized Luo Qing but didn't find anything suspicious. After whispering with another higher-ranking soldier stationed at the main gate, he turned back to Luo Qing and said, "Follow me."
"Hmm?" Luo Qing raised an eyebrow.
"Is there a problem?" the guard asked, noticing his hesitation.
"No... no problem," Luo Qing said quickly, shaking his head. But inwardly, he was puzzled.
Just one mention of a delivery, and I got in?
Were the guards always this lax, or had Kujou Kamaji already given instructions in advance?
He didn't dwell on it for long and followed the guard inside Tenshukaku, arriving shortly at the Tenryou Commission's side chamber.
After a brief exchange, the guard left, and moments later, a young man wearing glasses came rushing out.
"Is... is that her letter?" Kujou Kamaji asked anxiously, his eyes fixed on the envelope in Luo Qing's hand.
"It is, Lord Kujou Kamaji. Here, it's for you," Luo Qing said, handing over the letter. Suddenly, he felt a gaze upon him and glanced up.
On the highest balcony of the towering castle, a purple-haired woman in a traditional kimono watched him with an intense gaze, like a goddess surveying the world from above.
Their eyes met, and neither flinched.
What's with the staring? Aren't you afraid of getting pregnant? Luo Qing thought to himself, puzzled by her intense scrutiny.
Well, I'm not one to be looked at for free...
With a slight smirk, Luo Qing opened his system inventory and saw his collection of Affection Boost Cards—fifteen in total. His eyes gleamed with mischief as he focused on the woman above.
You want to stare? Here's a little pregnancy warning...
[Affection Boost Card x1 has been used.]
[Effect influenced by target's mental strength: Affection Increase - Beelzebul: +1]
[Raiden Shogun: +1.5]
"Hmm? It worked? For both of them?!" Luo Qing was taken aback.
Looks like my charm is still potent...
[Affection Boost Card x15 used cumulatively.]
[Effect influenced by target's mental strength: Affection Increase - Beelzebul: +15]
[Raiden Shogun: +22.5]
Meanwhile, within the Plane of Euthymia...
A seated figure in the void slowly opened her eyes, whispering softly:
"Who... is he...?"
---
T/N: EVEN THE RAIDEN SHOGUN IS NO MATCH FOR HIS CHARMS... the bastard cheated though
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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