บท 75: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [75]
"Thank you for your help, Lady Kamisato," Luo Qing said quickly, nodding his thanks.
To be fair, he truly was touched by Ayaka's intervention just now.
"Hmm... It should be alright for now," Ayaka said softly, her gaze complicated as she looked at him. Then, with a gentle tone, she asked:
"Mr. Luo Qing, do you truly possess a Vision?"
"Uh... Which one are you referring to?"
"Huh?"
Ayaka looked puzzled. How many could there possibly be?
But then she recalled how Kujou Sara had mentioned multiple Visions in her accusation...
"In any case, Mr. Luo Qing, you should be more careful and avoid using your Vision in front of others," Ayaka advised gently. "The Vision Hunt Decree is still in its early stages, and the associated laws are not yet fully established. That's why I was able to exploit a loophole. But if the Shogun decides to extend the decree to include foreigners in the future, even I won't be able to help."
"Thank you for the warning, Lady Kamisato. I'll be cautious," Luo Qing assured her, noticing she was now wearing a more formal outfit. Curiosity got the better of him:
"Is Lady Kamisato attending an important event?"
"Well..." Ayaka hesitated briefly, her eyes drifting towards the distant Tenshukaku. Her voice softened.
"Yes... It is a rather important event."
She had come to Inazuma City to formally present a proposal to the Shogunate, advocating for the abolition of the Vision Hunt Decree.
While Vision bearers were in the minority in Inazuma, to the ordinary citizens, the decree had little direct impact. But to those who bore Visions, these tokens were seen as divine recognition of their virtue and character. To take them away was to strip them of a fundamental part of their identity.
"Well then, Mr. Luo Qing, I have matters to attend to, so I must be going," Ayaka said, nodding politely before preparing to leave. Yet, before she could move, Luo Qing feigned confusion:
"Didn't you say you were supposed to be overseeing me on behalf of that lady? Where should I wait for you when you return?"
"Huh?"
Ayaka paused, unsure if Luo Qing was genuinely clueless or just playing along.
"Oh! I remember now. How about I wait for you at Komore Teahouse, Lady Kamisato?" Luo Qing suggested with a playful smile.
"Um..."
Ayaka's cheeks tinged with a soft blush at the mention of Komore Teahouse.
Should she be worried about leaving him there...?
But then she recalled that Thoma wasn't around, and apart from the staff and a few regular patrons, the only other resident was Taroumaru, the Shiba Inu manager. There was no real need to worry...
"Alright then. If Mr. Luo Qing has the time, he's welcome to wait at the Komore Teahouse," Ayaka agreed, nodding before turning to leave.
For some reason, even though she had always prided herself on remaining composed, speaking with Luo Qing made her cheeks flush with warmth.
Was her training not sufficient...?
As she walked away, she found herself glancing back until Luo Qing was out of sight, then shook her head, refocused, and steeled herself before entering Tenshukaku.
Back at his temporary lodgings, Luo Qing couldn't help but dwell on the recent events.
He'd never once utilized a Vision's power—how had the Raiden Shogun known he possessed one?
Had she somehow detected the subtle trick he'd pulled on her, and simply bluffed to catch him off guard?
Regardless, he had learned a valuable lesson: he needed to be more cautious. The Raiden Shogun was not as easygoing as Zhongli in Liyue.
Until he was confident he could firmly subdue the lightning-wreathed Shogun beneath him, he'd better tread carefully.
Estimating that Ayaka should be done at Tenshukaku by now, Luo Qing changed into a fresh set of clothes and headed towards Komore Teahouse. Ayaka's earlier departure in that direction strongly suggested her "important event" was tied to the Vision Hunt Decree.
Visiting the teahouse while waiting for her—supervised, of course—might also provide a chance to pry some information from her.
By the time he stepped out, the sky was already fading into twilight.
The streets of Hanamizaka had come alive with bustling stalls, and shop lights shone brightly against the deepening evening. It was just after dinner, and the streets were packed with lively crowds.
Though it couldn't compare to the splendor of Liyue Harbor, it had its own charm.
When Luo Qing arrived at the entrance to Komore Teahouse, a young girl suddenly stepped in his path.
"You look unfamiliar, dear guest. Is this your first visit to Komore Teahouse?"
"And you are...?"
"I'm Kazuha, the hostess of Komore Teahouse," she replied with a polite smile. "Do you have a reservation? If not, I'm afraid you'll need to make one first."
"A reservation?"
Luo Qing was taken aback. Was Komore Teahouse really this fancy?
"I did arrange to meet Lady Kamisato here—does that count?"
"Lady Kamisato?" Kazuha raised an eyebrow, giving him a skeptical once-over.
His clothes were ordinary, and he bore no official identification—no Commissioner's insignia, no visible status marker. Apart from being somewhat handsome, there was nothing that hinted at any connection with her lady.
Another hopeful admirer, trying to sneak a meeting with the lady after learning she frequented the teahouse, Kazuha thought, rolling her eyes internally.
"I'm sorry, sir, but Lady Kamisato hasn't mentioned any reservation with you," Kazuha said, narrowing her eyes knowingly.
She'd turned away plenty of admirers before—Luo Qing looked just like another.
"Lady Kamisato hasn't returned from Tenshukaku yet?" Luo Qing asked.
"Nope, she's not back yet. Maybe try again another time?" Kazuha suggested with a smile, although a hint of suspicion lingered. How did this guy know about her schedule...?
"Well then..."
Luo Qing considered heading back to explore Hanamizaka for a while, but as he turned, he saw Ayaka in the distance. She was walking towards the teahouse, her shoulders slightly slumped as if troubled. Noticing Luo Qing waiting outside, she perked up, a soft smile returning to her face as she waved.
"Good evening, Mr. Luo Qing..."
"Good evening, Lady Kamisato~"
Approaching the entrance, Ayaka gave Luo Qing a curious look.
"Why are you standing outside?"
"Ah, well..." Luo Qing gestured toward Kazuha with a smile. "I was eager to see you, so I waited outside and chatted with Miss Kazuha here while waiting."
"Is that so..."
Once again, Luo Qing's easy banter brought a faint blush to Ayaka's cheeks.
Watching the scene unfold, Kazuha's face showed clear astonishment. She had worked at Komore Teahouse for quite a while, but she had never seen Lady Kamisato show even a hint of embarrassment.
This is the eldest daughter of the Kamisato family...
Was she... dreaming?
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T/N: I should change 'Kazuha's' name here, but I'm keeping it so you guys know where it all starts...
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