Several days passed.
Since Luo Qing had agreed with the Raiden Shogun to begin training in two weeks, he had no need to rush. So, he spent his time idling—wandering around the city, heading to the coast, setting up a small stool, casting a fishing line, and sometimes guessing Rosalyne's tastes.
Today was no different. Luo Qing was getting ready to go out and daydream by the ocean, even asking Teresa to carry the fishing gear.
But just as he opened the door, Kujou Sara blocked his way.
"Oh, if it isn't Miss Kujou. What brings you here?"
Luo Qing looked Kujou Sara up and down.
This was their third encounter, counting their brief meeting in the Raiden Shogun's chambers. He wondered how she felt about him now.
"Lord Shogun has summoned you to Tenshukaku. The selected swordsmen have all arrived."
Kujou Sara bowed her head, her expression conflicted.
Even now, she still didn't understand how things had changed so drastically. The first time they met, the Raiden Shogun had been cold and strict, ordering her to arrest Luo Qing and throw him into prison.
By the second encounter, Luo Qing could come and go from the Shogun's chambers as he pleased—even if it was by climbing the balcony, a completely disrespectful entrance!
Now, he was supposed to train Inazuma's young swordsmen.
What was the Shogun thinking?
As the Tenryou Commission's overseer of military affairs, it was Kujou Sara's responsibility to handle all logistics related to the training. She had been given a direct order from the Raiden Shogun: from the start of Luo Qing's lessons, she was to drop all other tasks and act as his personal assistant, fulfilling any reasonable request he made.
Which meant, for the duration of his training, she was to serve as his teaching aide.
This was the part that Kujou Sara found hardest to accept.
"So soon? Didn't we agree on two weeks?"
Luo Qing was surprised; there was still nearly a week until the planned start.
"Some of the swordsmen happened to be in Inazuma City, which cut down on travel time," Kujou Sara explained in a neutral tone. "They're already gathered at the Tenryou Commission. The Shogun wants you to head over as soon as possible."
"Huh..."
For some reason, Luo Qing couldn't help but think of someone when he heard "happened to be in Inazuma City."
Could she be one of them...?
"Alright then, lead the way."
Just as he was about to leave, Luo Qing paused and turned back to Teresa.
"Go grab my big phonograph and bring it along."
"The big phonograph?!"
Teresa's eyes widened in shock.
After spending so much time with Luo Qing's crew, she and Natalia had been coerced more than once into performing embarrassing dances in public under Luo Qing's whims.
The moment she heard those words, a chill went down her spine.
There was nothing scarier than those forced public dances, especially with the looks people gave them—like they were insane...
"What, is there a problem?"
"N-No, Lord Luo Qing..."
Teresa's face turned serious as she went upstairs.
Watching Teresa's fearful demeanor, Kujou Sara felt puzzled.
It was just a phonograph. What was so terrifying about that?
A moment later, Teresa returned, struggling to carry a large case almost as big as she was, her steps heavy.
After confirming that the phonograph was in good condition, Luo Qing nodded in satisfaction. He turned to Kujou Sara with a smile.
"Alright, we're good to go, Miss Kujou."
"Very well, let's proceed..."
Kujou Sara cast a quick glance at the case Teresa was carrying before turning and leading the way to Tenshukaku.
...
Not long after, the trio arrived at the Tenryou Commission's training grounds, located beneath Tenshukaku.
The practice field in front of the Commission's main gate was lined with four neat rows of young swordsmen. They had come from all corners of Inazuma at the Shogun's command, eager to learn how to wield sword techniques that could channel elemental power.
Most of them were accomplished swordsmen, well-versed in the intermediate forms but unable to use elemental energy. This limitation had prevented them from mastering advanced techniques, holding back their progress in the art of the sword.
Hearing that the Shogun had found a mysterious swordsman capable of teaching them how to harness elemental power without a Vision, many of them were excited to see who this mysterious instructor was.
Standing at the front of the crowd in the first row was Kamisato Ayaka, positioned in the center.
Her swordsmanship had long surpassed the intermediate level, but the Vision Hunt Decree had forced her to hide her true strength. Fully displaying her advanced abilities would have risked revealing her Vision, so she often held back, only demonstrating what was necessary.
It was for this reason that the Raiden Shogun had chosen her to join Luo Qing's training.
As the only one in the group with a concealed Vision, Ayaka felt a mixture of nerves and determination, but she kept her composure. Her serene demeanor remained unshaken, even when others spoke to her, embodying the grace of the Shirasagi Himegimi with every move.
Suddenly, a ripple of excitement spread through the group. Ayaka snapped back to attention, following her peers' gazes toward the entrance.
Kujou Sara entered first, followed by a man and a woman.
The man had his hands clasped casually behind his back, looking completely at ease, while the woman—purple-haired and violet-eyed—was carrying a large case with a serious expression.
Seeing the man's face, Ayaka's eyes widened in shock, her heart skipping a beat.
"Could it be... him? The mysterious swordsman is... him?!"
Meanwhile...
As soon as Luo Qing stepped through the gate, he spotted Ayaka standing at the center of the first row.
He couldn't help but smile.
After avoiding him for so long, here she was—right in front of him.
It seemed this time, there was no escaping him.
A mischievous idea popped into Luo Qing's mind.
Following Kujou Sara, he stepped up onto the platform at the front of the group, his eyes locking onto Ayaka's.
Their gazes met, and Ayaka's face flushed. She quickly looked down, unable to hold his gaze any longer.
...
Once the crowd quieted, Kujou Sara raised her voice. "Everyone, this is Mr. Luo Qing, the swordsman Lord Shogun has chosen. For the next month, you will train under his guidance."
"For this period, you will be housed at the foot of Tenshukaku. All accommodations will be provided by the Tenryou Commission. No one is permitted to leave without permission."
"Additionally, by the Shogun's decree, no one may quit halfway. Violators will face severe punishment!"
The crowd murmured in response, some expressing discontent.
But considering the Shogunate's history, this authoritarian approach wasn't surprising.
"Now, Mr. Luo Qing, it's your turn to speak."
Kujou Sara stepped aside, leaving the center of the platform to Luo Qing.
"Hmm..."
Luo Qing stepped forward, surveying the young men and women with swords strapped to their waists. He paused, then spoke loudly.
"Good morning, everyone... Hmm, why won't Miss Kamisato Ayaka look at her teacher? Is it because the teacher is too handsome for you to look at directly?"
...
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