Meanwhile...
After leaving Tenshukaku, Luo Qing made his way back to his safe house.
Even though it was late at night, the Hanamizaka night market was still bustling. The streets were crowded with people, the shops on both sides brightly lit, adding to the lively atmosphere.
As Luo Qing strolled down the street, he drew a lot of attention.
After the commotion at the Vision Hunt Ceremony, word of Luo Qing and Lumine's exploits had spread throughout Inazuma City. Some even speculated that it wouldn't be long before he was publicly executed.
But now, here he was, walking freely through Hanamizaka as if nothing had happened.
This surprised the citizens of Inazuma, leading them to speculate about his relationship with the Shogun. After all, he had openly defied her will, and yet he remained unscathed.
Luo Qing, unfazed by the stares, grabbed some snacks from a food stall and made his way back to his safe house.
As he reached his room, he heard faint voices coming from inside. Curious, he paused outside the door to listen in on what his subordinates were saying.
Inside, the four who had been sent back by Luo Qing were gathered in his room. They were eating a late-night meal, celebrating their master's survival, and drinking heavily while gossiping about Luo Qing.
The four were completely engrossed in their conversation, unaware that their boss was eavesdropping just outside.
"Do you think Master Luo Qing really managed to win over the Shogun?" whispered Teresa.
"Of course he did! When I was around, the Raiden Shogun even came looking for him in the middle of the night. Who knows what they were up to the whole time?" Natalia chimed in.
"But that's the legendary Raiden Shogun we're talking about! She's on the same level as Her Majesty the Tsaritsa! If Master Luo Qing could win her over, then doesn't that mean he could also... you know... with the Tsaritsa too?" Sergei speculated boldly.
"Shhh... Sergei! You can't say things like that! Lady Rosalyne might be awake next door, reading light novels. If she hears you, we're done for!" Igor quickly interrupted.
"I'm just saying, who would have thought Master Luo Qing was that fierce? What do you think the Shogun saw in him?" Sergei continued.
"Uh, maybe he's... good in bed? I've heard him mumble about something called the Awei Eighteen Moves..." Teresa speculated quietly.
"Or maybe... he's just, you know, well-endowed? I've seen him in the morning sometimes and... well, let's just say it's hard to miss..." Natalia added with a knowing look.
"Yeah, that could be it... Maybe the Shogun likes that kind of thing," Sergei nodded.
"Could be, could be..." Igor agreed.
"Judging by how eager Master Luo Qing looked earlier, I'd bet tonight will be another night of passion," Teresa said excitedly.
"Do you think gods can get pregnant?"
"No idea... Probably, right?"
...
Outside the door, Luo Qing was speechless.
[Frustration Value +1 from Luo Qing]
This is how my subordinates talk about me?
Have I gone too easy on them lately?
Swinging the door open, Luo Qing found the four of them lounging on his sleeping mat, drinking and cracking sunflower seeds.
"..."
The four froze, staring at their master in shock. They couldn't believe he was standing there.
Shouldn't he be busy... with the Raiden Shogun?
"Good evening, Master Luo Qing!"
After a brief moment of silence, the four of them scrambled to stand up, saluting him with the traditional gesture of the Fatui.
"You four..."
Luo Qing was about to reprimand them when he heard hurried footsteps from down the hallway. Suddenly, Rosalyne's head peeked out from behind a door.
"What's with all the noise in the middle of the night?! Don't you all have work tomorrow?!"
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Luo Qing?! You actually made it back!"
Seeing Luo Qing at the doorway, Rosalyne seemed genuinely surprised.
"Yes, is that a problem?" Luo Qing replied with a slight smile. "What's this, Rosalyne? Were you worried about me?"
"Hmph, I was worried you'd embarrass Her Majesty by dying in Inazuma!"
With that, Rosalyne gave a disdainful snort and slammed her door shut. A muffled voice came from the other side.
"Keep it down, or I'll burn every one of you to a crisp!"
Luo Qing felt a little awkward.
I mean, my subordinates are watching... She doesn't have to be so blunt.
Guess I'll have to... "train" her properly later.
"Sit down," he ordered, stepping into the room and shutting the door behind him.
Though Luo Qing had told them to sit, none of them dared to move. They continued to stand at attention, waiting for his lecture.
"Teresa."
Luo Qing took a sip of the local sake, eyeing Teresa calmly. "How did you know I'm... good?"
"Ah..."
Teresa lowered her head, fidgeting nervously. She couldn't understand why he wasn't spending the night with the Raiden Shogun and had returned to catch them instead.
"M-Master... I... I was just guessing..."
"You were guessing? Or would you like to find out for yourself?"
"Ah?! Is that... an option?" Teresa's eyes widened with surprise.
"?"
[Frustration Value +1 from Luo Qing]
What kind of subordinate always wants to jump their boss's bones?!
"Tomorrow, you'll perform a two-hour dance in front of the Statue of the Omnipresent God. Public square style."
"Ah... Yes, Master..."
[Frustration Value +1 from Teresa]
Ignoring Teresa's crestfallen expression, Luo Qing turned to Natalia.
"Natalia, seems like you have a habit of peeking at me in the mornings, huh?"
"..."
Natalia looked embarrassed.
It wasn't like she wanted to see anything.
But being the one responsible for managing Luo Qing's daily routine, sometimes the morning... situation was hard to miss.
"M-Master... It's not like I did it on purpose... Wait, what happened to your face? Did someone hit you?"
"..."
[Frustration Value +1 from Luo Qing]
"Don't ask questions you're not supposed to. Tomorrow, you'll join Teresa for the dance."
"Ugh..."
[Frustration Value +1 from Natalia]
"Igor, Sergei—you two think this is funny, don't you? You're joining them."
"..."
[Frustration Value +1 from Igor]
[Frustration Value +1 from Sergei]
"All right, sit down."
"Understood, Master."
After hearing their punishment, the four finally dared to sit. They raised their glasses in a toast, drinking the strong Snezhnayan liquor with a renewed sense of respect.
No matter what, their master was still alive and well, not facing execution.
That was definitely worth celebrating, and they raised their glasses high.
---
✧ Webnovel Readers, It's Holiday Time! ✧
Starting Dec 2nd, I'll be posting FOUR chapters a day for a whole week! 🎁 Let's celebrate the season together with lots of reading fun! (≧▽≦)
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