December Double Drop!
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The two of them wandered through the women's section of Yae Publishing House.Luo Qing's basket was now filled with a bunch of light novels, their titles dripping with melodrama. But with Kamisato Ayaka's assistance, the number of novels was far less than what Luo Qing would usually buy for Ei.
When they finished checking out, the two of them stood silently at the entrance of the shop.
Luo Qing's plan was simple—grab some desserts and head back to Tenshukaku.
But judging by Ayaka's hopeful expression, it seemed she had no intention of leaving his side just yet...
"Luo Qing, where are we heading next?"
Ayaka's voice was soft, as if she were trying to recapture the atmosphere they once shared while strolling through Hanamizaka.
"Ah, I still need to buy some sweets..."
Seeing Ayaka's expectant face, Luo Qing couldn't bring himself to send her away just yet. He decided they'd go together to the street lined with food stalls.
Soon, Luo Qing found himself holding two large bags—one stuffed with sweets and the other with light novels.
"Luo Qing, are all of these for that friend of yours?"
Ayaka asked curiously.
It was her first time seeing someone buy such a massive haul of light novels and desserts all at once, almost as if he were restocking a store.
"Yeah, they're all for her."
Luo Qing nodded, though his thoughts were preoccupied with finding a way to get Ayaka to go home. He couldn't exactly take her back to Tenshukaku with him, could he?
"Well then..."
Ayaka seemed to realize that Luo Qing's only purpose tonight was to buy things for that mysterious friend.
In the past, she would have gracefully said her goodbyes and arranged another meeting.
But now, she was reluctant to part ways so easily, fearing this might be their last encounter.
Final moments between friends often go unnoticed until years later when they look back, realizing that the last time they met was long, long ago.
After what the Lady had said about Luo Qing returning to Snezhnaya, Ayaka was determined to make the most of every opportunity to see him, leaving no regrets behind.
"Then... Luo Qing, I'd really like to meet this friend who loves sweets and light novels. Could I come along to deliver these with you?"
Ayaka's voice was timid, her tone almost pleading as if she were terrified of being rejected.
"Ah, um..."
Luo Qing hesitated. It wasn't that he didn't want to introduce them—he was more worried that if Ayaka did meet her, that person would kill her to keep it a secret...
"N-No, it's fine if I can't."
Ayaka looked up, her eyes meeting his, filled with disappointment.
"It's okay if I can't go. I'll just head home..."
Seeing the hint of rejection in Luo Qing's expression, she didn't even have the courage to invite him back to Komore Teahouse for another hotpot game.
"..."
Staring at the dejected Ayaka, Luo Qing was at a loss for words.
Since arriving in Teyvat, this was the first time a girl had ever looked at him with such a pained, sorrowful expression, barely hiding her disappointment. It tugged at his heartstrings in a way he hadn't expected.
He hesitated for a long moment.
Ayaka had already turned away, ready to leave when Luo Qing finally spoke up.
"Miss Kamisato, where are you going?"
"Huh...?"
Ayaka spun around, a hint of embarrassment crossing her face.
If you don't want me to go with you, where else could I go but home?
"I was planning to head back to Komore Teahouse..."
"Oh, but didn't you just say you wanted to meet my friend? Why the sudden change of heart?"
Luo Qing feigned surprise.
"Eh...? But you just..."
Ayaka was confused.
"What? Did I say you couldn't come with me?"
Luo Qing's expression was innocent.
"Um..."
Ayaka replayed their conversation in her mind. He hadn't explicitly said no—it was just his demeanor that made her assume he would refuse...
"Alright then. But you have to keep this a secret, Miss Kamisato. My friend has a... very special status."
Luo Qing smiled gently and started walking in the direction of Tenshukaku.
For a moment, Ayaka stood there, stunned. Then, with hurried little steps, she clacked along in her wooden sandals to catch up to him.
They walked in silence for a while.
As the imposing gates of Tenshukaku loomed closer, Ayaka's suspicions grew.
"Luo Qing, does she live in Tenshukaku?"
She asked quietly.
"Umm..."
Luo Qing hesitated before answering, "More or less."
"But Miss Kamisato, you'll have to wait here. She doesn't like meeting strangers."
"Okay..."
Ayaka nodded softly.
After all, her main goal was to spend more time with Luo Qing, not necessarily to meet this mysterious friend. It didn't matter if she remained unseen.
Watching Luo Qing's figure disappear into Tenshukaku, Ayaka felt a surge of curiosity.
Given her familiarity with the political figures of the Shogunate, she had never heard of anyone in Tenshukaku who had a fondness for sweets and light novels. It wasn't the sort of thing one expected from an official.
Just who was this friend of Luo Qing's?
...
Meanwhile, inside Tenshukaku.
Luo Qing's official status granted by the Raiden Shogun allowed him free access to the palace grounds.
Once he was out of Ayaka's sight, he used Zero Time to move swiftly to the upper floors.
Standing before the Raiden Shogun, who sat meditating with her eyes closed, he greeted her lightly,
"Darling, would you open the door?"
"..."
"Who's your 'darling'?"
The Raiden Shogun slowly opened her eyes, her tone filled with an unmistakable hint of reproach.
She glanced disdainfully at the two stuffed bags Luo Qing carried.
Even now, she couldn't fathom why the one in the Plane of Euthymia enjoyed such trivial things. Always claiming to pursue eternity, yet she spent her days crying over light novels and endlessly devouring sweets.
Their differences in ideals already set them at odds, and now, with the rising tension of mutual jealousy, courtesy of the affection meters, hostility simmered beneath the surface.
"Uh..."
Luo Qing hesitated for a moment before leaning closer.
"Aren't you both my darlings?"
"..."
[Frustration Value from the Raiden Shogun +1]
[Frustration Value from Ei +1]
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Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
Posture and water check! Remember this is a fan translation!
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