Hanamizaka, Luo Qing's Resting Place
The first rays of the morning sun filtered through the window, casting a golden hue inside the room.
In the spacious chamber, Luo Qing and the Raiden Shogun stood facing each other.
After Luo Qing's relentless persuasion last night, Ei had finally succumbed to his enticement. Not only had she released him from the Plane of Euthymia, but she also issued a command:
"Bring me the dango milk and those light novels you mentioned. If you fail... I'll have the Shogun cut you down."
Little did Ei know that the emotionless Raiden Shogun was already far more captivated by Luo Qing than she was.
"I say, Shogun, are you planning to accompany me outside?" Luo Qing asked with a smile.
"No," the Raiden Shogun shook her head slightly, averting her gaze.
After a night of reflection, she had gradually come to terms with the strange feelings stirring in her heart, though she still couldn't meet Luo Qing's eyes.
"Just gather the things she requested and deliver them to Tenshukaku... And Luo Qing, I won't forget you..."
With that, the Raiden Shogun sliced open the air with her blade, stepping into the rift.
Once she was gone, Luo Qing collapsed onto the floor, gasping for breath.
The events of the night had been nothing short of a rollercoaster.
If he hadn't known about Ei's preferences, he might have ended up sitting in solitary confinement with her in the Plane of Euthymia.
"Tsk, I guess I need to be more careful with those Affection Cards from now on," Luo Qing muttered to himself.
Had he not impulsively used an Affection Boost Card on the Raiden Shogun back then, the night wouldn't have been so thrilling—almost leading to his demise at the hands of both Ei and the Raiden Shogun.
With Natalia already on her way out of Inazuma City to rendezvous with Theresa and the others, Luo Qing, now with time to spare, decided to gather the sweets and light novels that Ei had requested. After delivering them, he could proceed with his plans involving the Tenryou Commission.
He set off towards Hanamizaka.
Passing by Komore Teahouse, Luo Qing thought that since Kamisato Ayaka, being a girl herself, would surely have a better understanding of Ei's tastes when it came to sweets and novels, he might as well ask her for some recommendations. If he could lure Ei out of the Plane of Euthymia, it would count as a favor to the Shogunate.
Although it was early in the morning, the teahouse's front was already occupied by the same girl, Kasa, who had served as the hostess the previous night, indicating that the teahouse was open for business.
Remembering Ayaka's words that he was welcome to visit anytime, Luo Qing didn't hesitate and made his way straight to the entrance.
"W-Wait, Luo Qing, sir, please hold on a moment!"
Kasa quickly stepped in front of him, blocking the doorway.
"Didn't your lady say I could visit her whenever I wanted?" Luo Qing asked, puzzled.
"My lady has already gone out and isn't home today. Could I ask you to come back another time?" Kasa replied with a forced smile.
"She went out?"
Luo Qing gave Kasa a scrutinizing look.
Something wasn't right.
The girl was lying.
With a thought, he opened his system inventory and picked out a random emotion tool card.
[Would you like to use the Tearful Sorrow Tool Card? Available targets: Kasa, Taromaru, Naka, Nobu, Sayu, Kamisato Ayaka...]
So, she was inside!
Luo Qing's confusion deepened. We were getting along just fine last night—why is she avoiding me now?
"She doesn't want to see me, does she?"
"Um..."
Kasa's hesitation spoke volumes, and Luo Qing pieced things together.
Last night, Sayu wasn't around, but today she was. It didn't take much to guess that the little ninja had said something to Ayaka, causing her to avoid him.
But come to think of it, he hadn't done anything wrong.
Wasn't it just a harmless delivery of a song titled The Most Dazzling Folk Style that he sang himself to her brother?
Is that really a crime?
Seeing no point in forcing the issue, Luo Qing took a step back and raised his voice, projecting it toward the inside of the teahouse.
"Such a pity! I was hoping to invite Lady Kamisato for a stroll in Hanamizaka today. But since she's not here, I'll just have to come another time."
With that, Luo Qing shot a glance at Kasa, then turned to leave.
After Luo Qing had walked far enough away, a wooden window on the second floor of Komore Teahouse cracked open slightly.
Through the gap, Ayaka watched his retreating figure. Once he was out of sight, she turned around, sighing softly.
"Sayu, did Brother really instruct you that I must stay away from Luo Qing?"
"Yup... The Master said so... He's dangerous... and might bring harm to you," Sayu nodded.
"I see..."
Ayaka responded softly, her gaze drifting back to the window.
She couldn't help but recall the days spent traveling with Luo Qing. For the first time in her life, she had met a young man who shared her interests so closely—someone who never bored her, no matter the conversation.
Many of the topics Luo Qing brought up just happened to be her own secret hobbies.
If Sayu hadn't shown up last night...
She might have been all dressed up and ready to enjoy a stroll in Hanamizaka with him.
But as the eldest daughter of the Kamisato Clan, she couldn't allow her family to be endangered because of her. Even though she had many doubts about Sayu's warning, she would follow her brother's instructions until she discovered the truth. She wouldn't let her family or the Shogunate's reputation be compromised.
Still... would Luo Qing really harm her?
His subordinates possessed such powerful weapons, yet if he had any ill intentions, there were countless opportunities on their journey to Inazuma City to act against her. Why did he accompany her all the way here?
Could it be that his intentions were...
Her mind swirling with thoughts, Ayaka's gaze lingered on the now-empty street.
Meanwhile...
Having failed to meet Ayaka, Luo Qing had no choice but to pick out suitable light novels for Ei on his own.
From their encounter last night, it was clear that Ei hadn't been exposed to the charm of light novels or sweets. She was still fixated on her pursuit of eternity.
Luo Qing was determined to transform her into the ultimate otaku and see if she would still talk about eternity by then.
After asking some locals for directions, he soon found himself standing before the Yae Publishing House.
The storefront, which was relatively spacious, displayed a variety of beautiful books to catch the eyes of passing tourists and locals alike.
Inside, Luo Qing browsed the shelves, overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. He had no idea where to begin.
"Oh? What's a gentleman like you doing in the women's section? Could it be that you're fond of these types of stories~?"
Startled, Luo Qing turned around to see a graceful woman with long, flowing pink hair and fox ears standing behind him. Her eyes, half-closed, twinkled with a playful smile.
"Huh?"
Luo Qing blinked, taken aback.
What's she doing here at this hour?
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T/N: Fuck I don't remember what chapter Kasa was so I could change her name to Kasa...
this is future me ima start counting the names now
1. Kazuha
2. Kasa