"This..."
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.
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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!
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