For a moment, Ei's mind was struck by a thunderbolt of realization.
Luo Qing had actually seduced her sister?!
And to make matters worse, her sister was now openly supporting him in his harem-building antics!
"Big Sister, do you realize that Luo Qing—"
"I know everything," Makoto replied softly, leaning close to whisper in Ei's ear.
"I even know all the things you've done with him."
"What…?!" Ei gasped, her face flushing in shock.
Ever since becoming aware of her feelings for Luo Qing, she had suspected there was more to their relationship than she remembered.
Though her memories were incomplete, her emotions told her they must have shared something profound—something intimate.
Otherwise, why would she be so drawn to him?
And the Shogun…
Wasn't she practically glued to Luo Qing all day long? Fighting with him from sunrise to sunset?
"Big Sister, I…" Ei stammered, utterly at a loss.
She couldn't bring herself to ask directly, but she couldn't shake the thought: Had she already…?
"It's alright," Makoto reassured her, pulling Ei into a comforting embrace.
"If there's anyone to blame, it's Luo Qing. Come on, let's head back."
With that, Makoto took Ei's hand and led her out of the washroom.
---
Back in the Living Room
The door that the Raiden Shogun had kicked off its hinges had been propped back up. Thanks to Luo Qing's quick repair work, it was serviceable enough to stay closed for the night—at least until a gust of wind knocked it over again.
The women were seated on either side of the dining table.
Makoto and Theresa remained closest to Luo Qing, with Rosalyne standing dutifully behind them. Farther down were Ganyu, Shenhe, Kamisato Ayaka, and Ei.
As for the Raiden Shogun?
She had retreated to the Plane of Euthymia, leaving the quieter, more composed Ei in her place.
For most of the women, the difference between the two was indistinguishable—they only noticed that the once-intimidating Shogun now seemed far more agreeable.
Sitting at the head of the table, Luo Qing surveyed the room, six stunning women silently dining together. He couldn't help but marvel at how close the night had come to total disaster.
If not for Makoto…
Reviving her was the best decision I've ever made.
"Well then, everyone, dig in! Don't hold back!" Makoto clapped her hands with a cheerful smile.
She took up her knife and fork, carefully carving pieces of grilled fish and serving them to each woman in turn. She was every bit the gracious hostess, radiating an air of warmth and generosity.
"Th-Thank you…" Ayaka murmured, her usual confidence utterly diminished under the presence of the two Shoguns.
"Oh, right." Makoto set her utensils down after serving. "With so many people here, we'll need a bigger house. Luo Qing, you should find a way to build a larger estate."
"A bigger one? How big?" Luo Qing asked, perplexed.
Makoto tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Let's see… There are six of us here already. Then there's… one, two, three…"
She began counting on her fingers.
Each number she uttered elicited a shocked glance from the other women.
Only Theresa remained focused on her meal, diligently eating without a care.
Didn't Master say I'm the smallest? I'll just have to grow faster!
"Hmm, let's start with twelve bedrooms. That should be enough for now," Makoto concluded with a satisfied nod.
"Twelve?!" Luo Qing nearly choked, glancing nervously at the women glaring daggers at him.
"You're exaggerating. There's no way I—"
"You know exactly how many there are," Makoto cut him off with a knowing smirk.
"..." Luo Qing wanted to protest but hesitated.
"Does that include my room?" he asked weakly.
Makoto raised a brow. "Why would you need your own room? There are already twelve to choose from."
"Ah…" Luo Qing froze.
You mean I just pick one each night and… uh… rotate?
In front of everyone, too? Did she really have to phrase it like that?
"Luo Qing, do you really have six other women?" Ganyu asked softly, her tone tinged with disappointment.
Twelve women. Even if I get one day a week with him, it won't be enough… Why did I fall for someone like this?
"Uh…" Luo Qing scratched his head, avoiding their gazes.
Am I really that much of a scoundrel? Falling for every pretty face I see?
But if Makoto was saying it, maybe…
"Probably?" he answered sheepishly.
[+1 Frustration Points from Kamisato Ayaka]
[+1 Frustration Points from Shenhe]
[+1 Frustration Points from Ganyu]
[+1 Frustration Points from Ei]
[+10 Frustration Points from the Raiden Shogun]
The room fell silent.
Suddenly, the grilled fish didn't taste so good anymore.
"'Probably'?!" the women thought in unison. So is it true or not?!
"By the way," Makoto interjected smoothly, steering the conversation. "Since it's so late already, why don't you all stay the night? We can have a lovely girls' night—without Luo Qing, of course."
She had skillfully controlled the mood at the table from the start, ensuring things stayed as harmonious as possible.
"But didn't you say there weren't enough rooms?" Ei asked, glancing toward the stairs.
The thought of Luo Qing and her sister spending those long Sumeru nights together upstairs gnawed at her, filling her heart with envy—No, pain.
"Oh, we can just share. My bed is plenty big," Makoto replied with a sweet smile. "Surely none of you would mind sleeping together with me, right?"
Having everyone close would help build camaraderie—and secure her position as the official wife.
There was no way she'd lose to those other women.
"A-All of us in one bed?" Ayaka stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Compared to the others—a secretary, an Adeptus, two Shoguns—she felt woefully out of place, an ordinary girl in a room full of legends.
"Don't want to sleep with me, Ayaka?" Makoto teased, her tone light and playful.
"N-No, it would be an honor…" Ayaka mumbled, lowering her head. Why are there two Shoguns? I'll just… call them both that for now.
The Kamisato family's reputation can't falter here.
"Then it's decided!" Makoto clapped her hands, turning to Rosalyne.
"Rosalyne, could you prepare bedding for us tonight?"
"..." Rosalyne nodded silently and left to make the arrangements.
"As for you, Luo Qing…"
"Me?" Luo Qing perked up hopefully. "Do I get to join this sleepover?"
"You wish," Makoto scoffed.
"You'll spend the night elsewhere. I need to have a long talk with my sisters, and in the meantime, you'd better figure out the housing situation. Don't even think about coming back until it's sorted."
"Isn't that a bit sudden?" Luo Qing protested weakly.
Makoto raised a brow. "What do you think?"
"..."
---
T/N: damnit now he's gonna go to Layla, wait... THIS IS MAKOTOS PLAN ALL ALONG???
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