Chương 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]
Chương 74: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [74]
It was a sensation she hadn't felt in a long time.
Ever since retreating into the Plane of Euthymia in pursuit of eternity, she had distanced herself from all unnecessary emotions. Yet now, any slight emotional fluctuation was all too noticeable.
"Why...?"
Ei frowned, puzzled at her sudden feelings.
Was her training not sufficient...?
After a brief hesitation, she dismissed her focus from the Raiden Shogun's perspective and shut her eyes, resuming her meditation.
Meanwhile...
Watching the fearless and unimpressed Luo Qing below, the Raiden Shogun allowed a faint smile to curve her lips.
"How interesting..."
She turned slightly to address the person behind her, her voice cool:
"Bring him to me. I'll handle this personally."
The black-haired girl standing behind her, her face concealed by a Tengu mask, looked momentarily startled. Why was the Shogun summoning someone over a mere exchange of glances? And... was it her imagination, or did the Shogun's cheeks just flush slightly?
"Yes, Shogun. And his crime...?"
"His crime...?"
The Raiden Shogun scoffed, her voice low and commanding:
"Possession of multiple Visions. More than one."
"Understood..." the masked girl replied, retreating respectfully from the room.
After handing the letter to Kujou Kamaji, Luo Qing had little interest in the man's love-struck ramblings. With the Raiden Shogun no longer staring down at him, he made a few polite farewells and left Tenshukaku.
He didn't believe the Raiden Shogun could sense what he'd done; even Liyue's Zhongli hadn't noticed the use of his special cards.
Fifteen Affection Boost Cards had earned him a +15 with Ei and +22.5 with the Raiden Shogun—certainly a worthwhile trade.
At the very least, they wouldn't be inclined to strike him down on a whim.
Crossing the large bridge in front of Tenshukaku, Luo Qing was just about to head to Hanamizaka to grab some street snacks when hurried footsteps caught his attention from behind.
Turning, he saw a black-haired girl wearing a crimson Tengu mask, her chest conspicuously prominent, leading a squad of soldiers towards him at a brisk pace.
Before he could react, the soldiers had already encircled him.
As he was about to speak, the black-haired girl stepped forward, her voice cold:
"By the decree of the Shogun, you are to be arrested for the illegal possession of multiple Visions. Take him!"
"Huh?"
Luo Qing was utterly bewildered. His three Visions were securely stored in his system inventory and hadn't left it since he entered Inazuma City. How could they possibly know?
"Umm... Excuse me, ma'am... Is it possible you've got the wrong person...?" Luo Qing stammered, raising his hands defensively as he took a step back. But the encircling soldiers ignored his protests, advancing steadily.
"This is... a misunderstanding, really..." he tried again, contemplating whether he should activate Zero Time to escape.
If the Raiden Shogun herself had issued the order, then being taken in was risky. He wasn't entirely confident he could evade her if it came to that. These Archons might very well detect the use of his Zero Time.
But resisting arrest would brand him a fugitive, making it impossible to openly roam Inazuma City again—a significant inconvenience.
"Lady Kujou Sara, please wait!"
As he hesitated, a familiar voice called out from the crowd of onlookers.
Turning, Luo Qing saw none other than Kamisato Ayaka stepping forward from the throng, positioning herself between him and the soldiers.
Her soft gray-blue eyes met his, conveying a silent assurance: Don't worry, I'm here.
Luo Qing's heart skipped a beat.
For a moment, he was genuinely moved.
"Lady Kujou Sara, may I ask what crime Mr. Luo Qing has committed?" Ayaka asked with calm composure.
Seeing Ayaka shielding Luo Qing, Kujou Sara's eyes flashed with surprise. She answered flatly:
"Lady Kamisato, I'm acting under the Shogun's direct orders to arrest an individual in possession of multiple Visions. Please, do not obstruct me."
"Visions?!"
Ayaka looked back at Luo Qing in shock. He met her gaze with an embarrassed smile, as if confirming the accusation.
"Um..."
The Vision Hunt Decree was a matter of national importance, decreed by the Raiden Shogun herself. Without a solid justification, even as the daughter of the Yashiro Commission, she was powerless.
"Lady Kamisato, I trust you understand the significance of the Vision Hunt Decree. Please step aside," Kujou Sara said evenly, the soldiers tightening their encirclement.
"Wait, hold on," Ayaka said, quickly formulating a response and meeting Kujou Sara's gaze with renewed determination.
"The Vision Hunt Decree is meant to apply to the citizens of Inazuma, but Mr. Luo Qing here is a merchant from Snezhnaya. Even if he does possess a Vision, he's not subject to the Decree's enforcement."
"A Snezhnayan...?"
Kujou Sara's brow furrowed as she scrutinized Luo Qing's Inazuman attire, clearly reconsidering.
"If he is indeed from Snezhnaya, does he have an Inazuma travel permit?"
"Of course, I do."
At that moment, Luo Qing quickly pulled a document from his sleeve—an official travel permit for all of Inazuma.
The document was issued by none other than the Tenryou Commission itself, specifically from Kujou Sara's jurisdiction.
Such permits were only granted to foreigners, completely inaccessible to native Inazumans, and many residents weren't even aware they existed. That Luo Qing could produce one so readily solidified his status as a foreign visitor.
"This is..."
Kujou Sara was momentarily at a loss.
She was simply following orders, and seeing Luo Qing dressed like an Inazuman had led her to assume he was a local.
Now that his foreign status had been verified, enforcing the Decree against him was legally problematic.
"How about this, Lady Kujou Sara..."
Sensing her hesitation, Ayaka's lips curved into a slight smile as she offered a solution:
"Why don't we have Mr. Luo Qing stay under the supervision of the Yashiro Commission for the time being? You can report to the Shogun, and if she still wishes to arrest him, you may retrieve him from the Yashiro Commission at that time."
"Lady Kamisato, if the Shogun still wants him detained, and he escapes while under your supervision... you understand the consequences for the Yashiro Commission, don't you?"
Kujou Sara's voice was firm.
"The Shogun is the ultimate arbiter of Inazuman law. If you report the situation truthfully, I believe she will make a fair and just decision," Ayaka replied confidently.
"Hmph. Very well, I'll leave him in your care for now, Lady Kamisato."
With a final glance at Luo Qing, Kujou Sara turned and departed, the soldiers following in her wake.
---
T/N: Ayaka came in with the clutch! hehe
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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