This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [125] [40 PS]

Bonus Chapter!

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In the end,

Rosalyne chose to compromise, agreeing not to seek an audience with the Raiden Shogun without Luo Qing's permission.

But deep down, an imprint of fear settled in her heart—a fear of Luo Qing.

For reasons she couldn't quite explain, Rosalyne found herself reluctant to speak loudly in his presence, as if worried that doing so might provoke him... and he really would take off his pants.

With no negotiations to be had and no way to leave Inazuma, Rosalyne had little to do but stay cooped up in her room, passing the time with light novels like she used to.

In the past, if Luo Qing dared to disturb her, she would immediately storm out and scold him.

Now, at the sight of him, she only wished to hide away, not daring to raise her voice.

On the other side, Luo Qing was somewhat surprised by Rosalyne's compliance. Seeing her lock herself away, he thought little of it and headed out to the Tenshukaku to remind the Raiden Shogun not to meet with Rosalyne for the foreseeable future.

Just as he entered Hanamizaka, debating whether to pick up some snacks and light novels for Lumine, he bumped directly into Kamisato Ayaka.

Standing in the middle of the street, Ayaka blocked his path, not moving or saying a word. Eventually, Luo Qing broke the silence with a smile.

"Well, well, long time no see, Miss Kamisato. Where are you headed?"

"I..."

Ayaka looked up at Luo Qing, a strange sense of guilt welling up inside her.

Counting the last incident, she had twice now avoided seeing Luo Qing, pretending indifference.

Yet he had taught her swordsmanship, saved her retainers in a critical moment, and even helped protect Thoma's Vision—only to be imprisoned in the Tenshukaku himself for his troubles. The weight of his kindness made her regret her previous behavior.

Last night, she heard from her retainers that Luo Qing had appeared in Hanamizaka, so she decided to seek him out today to express her gratitude for saving Thoma.

She had also resolved that, no matter what her brother said, she would no longer avoid Luo Qing.

This time, she chose to trust him—and to trust her own instincts.

"M-Master, if it's not too much trouble, may I invite you to Komore Teahouse for a chat?"

Ayaka's voice was soft as she glanced at Luo Qing's left wrist. Sure enough, just as Lumine had mentioned, he was still wearing that blue and red braided bracelet.

"Huh?"

Luo Qing stared at Ayaka, genuinely baffled.

Mostly due to Kamisato Ayato's influence, this young lady had been hot and cold with him multiple times since they'd met.

But no matter the circumstances, he had always treated Ayaka kindly. Was it really enough for her brother's words to make her avoid him?

Everyone had their limits. Being treated so inconsistently had certainly affected Luo Qing's attitude.

After all, he was a scoundrel.

It was time for Ayaka to experience a bit of the scoundrel's strategy.

"Sorry, Miss Kamisato, I'm busy right now. How about we meet another day?"

Luo Qing gestured towards the Tenshukaku, indicating he had matters to attend to and no time for a casual chat at the teahouse.

"Eh..."

Ayaka was taken aback, clearly not expecting his refusal.

To her knowledge, this was the first time Luo Qing had ever turned her down.

Was he really busy, or was he angry about how she had treated him before... and thus refused her?

"T-Tonight is fine too, Master... the Komore Teahouse is always open to you... whenever you wish..."

"Let's leave future matters for the future, Miss Kamisato. I have things to do. See you next time. Bye."

Luo Qing smiled lightly, patting Ayaka on the shoulder. Without giving her a chance to respond, he stepped past her and continued on his way to the Tenshukaku.

"Eh...?"

Ayaka turned around to watch his retreating back, her expression conflicted.

As the representative of the Yashiro Commission, she was no stranger to handling all kinds of social events and rituals. She knew perfectly well what Luo Qing's words meant.

He wasn't busy—he simply didn't want to see her.

In that moment, she felt a heaviness in her chest, a sudden urge to cry.

She really shouldn't have hesitated back then. Not even offering an apology or explanation... what had she been thinking?

Left without any options, Ayaka returned to the Komore Teahouse alone.

As soon as she stepped inside, before she could even sit down, Thoma appeared from the kitchen, apron tied around his waist.

"You're back at last... eh? Miss, where's Mr. Luo Qing? Didn't he come back with you?"

Thoma's confusion was obvious—wasn't his lady supposed to invite Luo Qing over for a hotpot game?

Why had she returned alone?

"Mr. Luo Qing said he was busy, so he couldn't make it..."

"Oh, that's alright. Hotpot games can be played anytime, whether he comes tonight or in a few days—"

But Thoma's words trailed off.

He noticed that Ayaka's face had gone pale, like a wilted lavender melon, and he wouldn't have been surprised if she burst into tears the next second.

Since he had joined the Kamisato clan, this was the first time he had seen Ayaka so heartbroken.

This wasn't about Luo Qing being busy. It was a clear-cut rejection—cold and final.

"Oh, no..."

Just yesterday, he had seen the look of sheer joy on Ayaka's face upon hearing Luo Qing was safe.

She had even gotten up early this morning, encouraged by him to go invite Luo Qing for a game of hotpot, saying she wanted to properly thank him—and maybe tease him a little.

Thoma wasn't a conservative person. After hearing about Luo Qing's past from Ayaka and knowing how he had saved him, regardless of Luo Qing's background, they owed him a proper expression of gratitude.

But now, Ayaka had been rejected, and it seemed like a total dismissal with no room for reconciliation.

The emotional impact must have been devastating...

"Miss, about Mr. Luo Qing..."

Thoma spoke softly, worried that even a slight rise in his tone would make Ayaka cry.

"Thoma..."

Ayaka sat down, knees drawn up to her chest, hugging them tightly as her face sank into utter dejection.

"Did I really make a mistake...?"

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T/N: I love tragedy, It'd be even better if it was doomed yuri angst...

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