On the way out of the Kanjo Commission, Hiiragi Chisato maintained a cautious distance ahead of Luo Qing, guiding the way with careful, hurried steps.
Even when Luo Qing asked her something, she would merely turn her head slightly to respond before immediately turning away, refusing to look him in the eyes.
It was as if he were some rogue samurai who might abduct innocent women.
"Mr. Luo Qing, this is as far as I'll escort you. I look forward to meeting you again."
With that, Chisato tried to leave, but just as she was about to take a step, Luo Qing's gaze shifted slightly, and Natalia and the others blocked her path, preventing her from going any further.
"Is there something else you need, Mr. Luo Qing?"
Chisato turned back with a forced smile, her heart pounding with unease.
This is Ritou! Right outside the Kanjo Commission! He wouldn't dare try anything here, would he?
"There is a favor I wish to ask. Would Miss Chisato be willing to assist me?"
"Well..."
Chisato hesitated, her gaze dropping as she answered softly, "What does Mr. Luo Qing need?"
"In the coming days, a blonde foreign girl and her flying pet will arrive in Ritou. For certain reasons, your father will likely try to keep them here on the island. I'd like you to help them leave Ritou and inform me when they do. Could you do that?"
"This..."
Chisato's nerves eased when she realized Luo Qing wasn't asking anything inappropriate. Regaining some composure, she asked calmly, "Aren't you and my father allies? Why would you...?"
Luo Qing smiled faintly. "Miss Chisato, my cooperation is with the Kanjo Commission on behalf of my superior. This request, however, is from me personally."
"I see... but why should I help you, Mr. Luo Qing?" Chisato asked with a hint of defiance.
"Uh..."
Luo Qing paused for a couple of seconds.
"Well, Miss Chisato, you wouldn't want your father to find out about those secret letters you've been exchanging with the second son of the Kujou family, would you?"
"What?!... How did you know about that, Mr. Luo Qing?"
[Chisato's Frustration Value +1]
Chisato paled, nervously glancing back toward the doors of the Kanjo Commission. Seeing that her father hadn't followed them out, she let out a quiet sigh of relief.
"Of course, I'm not asking you to help for nothing. As it happens, I'll be heading to Inazuma City soon. I could deliver a letter for you," Luo Qing offered enticingly.
"This..."
Chisato bit her lip, hesitating, then seemed to make up her mind. With one last wary look at the doors of the Kanjo Commission, she swiftly pulled a letter from her kimono and handed it to Luo Qing.
"Please take care of this letter, Mr. Luo Qing!"
"Wait, really...?"
Luo Qing glanced down at the letter in his hand, marveling at how boldly she carried her love letters around. She handed it over so easily!
I guess love really does make people blind!
"As for your request, I'll keep an eye out for them, but my father is quite strict, so I can't make any promises..."
"No worries, Miss Chisato. Do your best," Luo Qing said, passing the letter to Natalia.
"I'll make sure your letter reaches its destination. I'm counting on you, Miss Chisato."
Chisato bowed lightly. "Thank you... then I'll leave it in your capable hands, Mr. Luo Qing."
Her father was vehemently opposed to any communication between her and Kujou Kamaji. Even sending a simple message to the city was a gamble, risking endless interrogation.
Thus, rather than doubting Luo Qing's sincerity, she clung to the chance to reach her beloved, even if it was a long shot.
...
After parting ways with Chisato, Luo Qing and his group prepared to leave Ritou.
Natalia and the others, having learned about Chisato's forbidden romance, teased Luo Qing, urging him to open the letter and see what lovey-dovey words it contained.
Fortunately, Luo Qing, being an upright man, sternly rebuked them. Only then did Natalia abandon the idea of sneaking a peek, stuffing the letter into her luggage without further thought.
As they passed by the International Trade Association, Luo Qing caught sight of a man in a red outfit slipping through the crowd. The man pretended to be in deep conversation with a merchant, but his gaze occasionally flitted towards Luo Qing.
"Tch, still tailing me, huh..." Luo Qing muttered.
He considered it briefly before deciding that his persistent shadow deserved a little Snezhnayan surprise.
"Natalia, you guys go ahead. I'll catch up later."
"Huh? Do you have something else to do, Mr. Luo Qing?" Natalia asked, stopping alongside the others to look at him.
"I spotted an acquaintance. Go on, I'll follow shortly."
"Understood, Mr. Luo Qing," Natalia responded. Without further questions, they picked up their luggage and moved on without glancing back.
Once his companions were far enough away, Luo Qing suddenly turned, locking eyes with the man in red. His gaze was intense, almost burning.
Meanwhile...
Thoma, who had been feigning a casual chat, met Luo Qing's stare and felt an inexplicable sense of unease.
He was under orders to investigate the Kanjo Commission, searching for any incriminating evidence that could serve as leverage for the Yashiro Commission and the Kamisato family.
Upon discovering that the Kanjo Commission had switched their tax collection from Mora to Crystal Marrow—and learning from a port official that this group of foreigners, despite being new to Inazuma, had unrestricted travel permits—he began to suspect something.
When he saw Luo Qing leaving the Kanjo Commission with Hiiragi Chisato, it only confirmed his suspicions—they were definitely involved with the same underhanded dealings.
As Luo Qing approached him directly, Thoma knew he'd been caught. Resigned, he decided to stay put and face whatever would come.
He had confidence in his ability to get along with anyone—even Luo Qing. With the right words, he was sure he could gain some insight into the Fatui's intentions.
"Excuse me, sir. Do you—"
Thoma began, but Luo Qing interrupted him with a hearty greeting.
"You must be the Kamisato family's housekeeper, Mr. Thoma!"
"Uh... that's right. Is there something I can help you with?" Thoma replied, a bit off-balance.
"There's something I'd like to ask. Would you mind giving me some insight?"
"Um, what is it you want to know...?"
"Well..."
Luo Qing leaned in conspiratorially, pulling Thoma aside and lowering his voice.
"I was wondering... is the young lady of the Kamisato family still single?"
"Huh?!"
Thoma's brow furrowed, sensing this was no ordinary inquiry.
"You see, although I've never formally met Miss Kamisato, I feel a strange connection to her. I've admired her from afar for quite some time... Could you, perhaps, help me arrange a meeting?" Luo Qing said earnestly.
"..."
[Thoma's Frustration Value +1]
Thoma's mind raced, unsure how to respond.
Who starts a conversation by asking if they can meet someone's lady?!
You're way too bold!
---
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