"If you think tomorrow's too soon, Ayaka, we can wait a bit longer. I'll be around Inazuma for a while, so just let me know when you're ready," Luo Qing said casually.
"It's fine," Ayaka shook her head firmly. "Tomorrow is perfect."
She had rehearsed everything she wanted to say to the Shogun countless times in her mind. Even if she had to meet Raiden Shogun right now, she wouldn't hesitate for a second.
"Alright, then. Tomorrow evening, after training, I'll take you to meet her."
"Okay..." Ayaka nodded.
With that settled, there was nothing left to discuss but personal matters between the two of them.
Although it had been a while since they last spoke, Luo Qing's casual attitude with Ayaka hadn't changed a bit. They chatted about the recent happenings and even her personal interests. He noticed how interested she was in the group dance, even encouraging her to suggest it to her busy brother.
After all, the more people dancing together, the more lively it would be.
Several times, Ayaka tried to bring up the incident where Luo Qing had almost kissed her, but every time she got close, Luo Qing managed to change the topic, leaving her questions unanswered.
Before she knew it, night had fallen.
Though Ayaka hadn't said anything, Luo Qing knew well enough that their relationship wasn't yet at a point where they could spend the night together. So, he found a polite excuse and headed back to his lodgings.
The next day.
Just like the first day, the morning training began with an hour of group dance practice. With Luo Qing's oversized phonograph blasting its catchy tunes, the music echoed throughout Tenshukaku. Some of the residents of Hanamizaka could even faintly hear the infuriatingly catchy song, but given that it came from the Shogun's residence, they could only complain in private and curse Luo Qing in secret.
Sword training wasn't like classroom teaching; it didn't require Luo Qing's constant presence. He only needed to step in occasionally to provide guidance. Most of the time, the students would train independently while Luo Qing enjoyed his tea on the platform, stealing glances at Ayaka's enthusiastic dance moves.
If only the new athletic uniforms were ready, it would be even more thrilling...
By now, the students were able to practice on their own. Luo Qing left Theresa and Kujou Sara in charge, activating his Time Zero ability to once again slip up to Tenshukaku.
Perhaps because it was Ei herself who crafted the body, the Raiden Shogun had a habit of staying indoors. Every time Luo Qing visited her at Tenshukaku, she was seated alone, meditating quietly on the dais.
"Why do you always have to sneak in through the balcony?" Raiden Shogun asked with a frown, wondering if she should teach him a lesson to make him use the front door next time.
"Isn't the balcony more exciting?" Luo Qing grinned as he casually sat down in front of her.
"What do you want this time?" Raiden Shogun's voice was cold.
Every time Luo Qing visited, it was either to seek Ei's help or to ask for a favor. One of these days, she'd just cut him down with her blade.
"The eldest daughter of the Kamisato Clan wants to meet with you. She asked for my assistance."
"She should have formally requested an audience through the Tenryou Commission, not used you as an intermediary," Raiden Shogun replied coolly, her eyes remaining closed.
She knew exactly who Luo Qing was referring to.
"I already promised her. It's just a quick meeting, why not?"
"No."
"..."
Luo Qing was in a tough spot. He had already touched Ayaka's cheek, almost kissed her, and if he broke his promise now, any goodwill he'd built up would vanish instantly.
"Just meet with her! Don't make me beg!"
"No means no—"
Raiden Shogun's eyes suddenly flickered, and then her expression softened as she smirked.
"Hmph, then why don't you go ahead and beg?" she teased.
"...?"
Luo Qing was stunned for a moment.
"Wait, are you... Ei?"
"She won't come out. I'm speaking on her behalf," Raiden Shogun said, her voice still stern.
"Don't pretend. The Shogun always refers to herself as 'this body,' but you just said 'I.' You're definitely Ei!" Luo Qing declared loudly.
"..."
"Heh, Miss Ei, you wouldn't want your secret excursions from the Plane of Euthymia to be exposed to your foxy friend, would you?" Luo Qing said with a sly grin, leaning back.
"..."
"I'm not her!" she insisted.
"Stop denying it!" Luo Qing countered.
Ei frowned, realizing that Luo Qing could discern the difference between her and the puppet from just a single slip. Was she really that obvious?
"What did she offer you to make you so willing to help?" Ei asked, her tone cold.
"You do know you're working with a foreign organization, right? Aligning with outsiders like this could have serious consequences," she warned.
"Are you... jealous?" Luo Qing asked, his voice softening.
"..."
For a moment, Ei was at a loss for words.
Jealous of a little girl over this scoundrel? She thought incredulously. Why is Luo Qing so confident all of a sudden?
"Oh, come on! It's just a meeting; it won't kill you," Luo Qing said, his tone coaxing. "Next time, I'll bring you some fresh light novels—good ones that will make you cry and laugh!"
"..."
It was true that she had already read through all the novels in the Plane of Euthymia, but admitting it... no, she couldn't. She wasn't here to lounge around reading novels.
Seeing the hint of hesitation in her expression, Luo Qing pressed on, "I'll even include the updated volumes you haven't read yet, plus all the latest desserts. And I promise I won't let the pink-haired fox find out!"
"..."
Ei hesitated, a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks. Couldn't Luo Qing be a little more subtle? What if the Shogun overheard such shameless bargaining?
"Fine..."
Seeing her expression waver, Luo Qing knelt down, pressing his forehead to the floor in a perfect prostration.
"I humbly beg the Shogun to grant Kamisato Ayaka an audience!" he said, his voice loud and sincere.
All she needed was a graceful way to agree; he knew that well.
"Ahem... since you're so sincere..."
Luo Qing's head shot up. "You'll do it, Miss Ei?!"
"..."
Her sentence interrupted, Ei's brows furrowed.
As she suspected, Luo Qing didn't have a sincere bone in his body.
"Don't be so eager. The one she'll meet is the Shogun, not me," she said icily.
"Doesn't matter. She won't know the difference," Luo Qing said dismissively. In any case, the Shogun seems to like Ayaka just as much as you do, he thought.
"One thing though—what's your relationship with the Kamisato girl that makes you so determined to help her?" Ei asked, curiosity coloring her voice.
"Don't ask. Just call me Ayaka's loyal dog," Luo Qing replied with a grin.
"...?"
---
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