Chapter 19: Bai Luo's Request

"..."

How should I put it? Just as Bai Luo said, the reputation of the Fatui isn't very favorable across all of Teyvat. Even in Snezhnaya, some citizens dislike their conduct. Their reasons are, in fact, quite justifiable.

"My judgment was wrong. I apologize for offending you."

With this realization, Kujou Sara's tone softened somewhat, though her cold expression remained unchanged. But... why did that apology sound so familiar?

"My people were nearly killed by you. Do you think a mere apology will suffice?"

Seeing that Kujou Sara was about to leave, Bai Luo immediately spoke up.

"Hm? What else do you want? If you have any objections, you can report me to the Tenryou Commission. I assure you, there will be no retaliatory actions from my side."

Although Kujou Sara's words seemed harmless on the surface, anyone with a discerning eye would know whose side the Tenryou Commission would take. Moreover...

"Aren't you the general of the Tenryou Commission?"

"..."

Faced with Bai Luo's suspicious gaze, Kujou Sara awkwardly looked away. Yes, as Bai Luo pointed out, she is indeed the general of the Tenryou Commission. In other words... she's the highest-ranking official within the Commission.

Tsk tsk... What's the point of reporting her?

"So, what do you want?"

The wings that had spread behind her retracted as Kujou Sara realized she couldn't just walk away. Even though Bai Luo and his group seemed suspicious, they were nonetheless genuine envoys from Snezhnaya. Regardless of the Shogun's attitude towards them, they are guests until they leave Inazuma. If this matter isn't handled properly, it could escalate into a diplomatic incident, causing the Shogun considerable trouble. Otherwise, she wouldn't have waited until the Pyro Fatui agent was about to act before intervening. She didn't want this to affect the Shogun.

"Hmm... How about this?"

Looking at Kujou Sara, Bai Luo had already formed a plan. Ever since the Vision Hunt Decree was issued, unfamiliar faces in Inazuma City had become increasingly rare. Strangers walking around were often met with suspicious gazes. However, when people saw the woman next to him, all doubt evaporated.

This was because that woman was none other than Kujou Sara, the current general of the Tenryou Commission. If the Shogun was the thunderbolt from the heavens, Kujou Sara was the unpredictable lightning. Lightning strikes first, followed by the terrifying thunder. As the Shogun's most trusted general, even if the person walking beside her was from the Fatui, the people of Inazuma would change their attitude. After all... with Kujou Sara present, there was no way he could cause any trouble. Moreover, without wearing a mask and dressed differently from the typical Snezhnaya, he didn't even look like a Fatui agent.

"This is Ogura Textiles & Kimonos, Inazuma's fashion hub. If you want to buy clothes, this is a great place to start."

Walking beside Bai Luo, she seemed to be introducing the local customs, but her tone was filled with impatience. However, there was nothing she could do. Bai Luo's request was for Kujou Sara, a "local," to show him around Inazuma City. Initially, Kujou Sara was reluctant, but considering the potential danger he posed and fearing that he might cause trouble in Inazuma City, she agreed to his request. Rather than accompanying him on a tour, she was actually keeping an eye on him. And recommending Ogura Textiles & Kimonos? That was her little way of getting back at him.

After all, everyone in Inazuma knew that Ogura Textiles & Kimonos was a women's clothing store.

"Want to buy one?"

Looking at the kimonos in Ogura Textiles & Kimonos, Bai Luo asked with interest. In his impression, Kujou Sara had always dressed like a tomboy, with a deep voice that lacked the softness typical of girls. Even during their last encounter in the forest, she was in combat gear, never showing a softer, more feminine side.

"These clothes hinder combat. I don't like them."

Kujou Sara rejected him outright, without hesitation. As she said, being the general of the Tenryou Commission, she had to be ready for battle at any moment. These delicate clothes... were not suitable for fighting.

"What a pity. I was hoping to see you all dressed up, Sara."

"We're not that close, are we?"

Hearing Bai Luo call her "Sara," Kujou Sara's face showed displeasure. In Inazuma, it was either surnames or full names unless you were very close friends; first names were rarely used, especially between men and women. This behavior was somewhat offensive.

"There's a saying in Liyue: 'The first time you meet, you're strangers; the second time, you're friends.' We've met a couple of times now, so it's fine to be a bit more familiar."

"So, how should I address you?"

As the general of the Tenryou Commission, Kujou Sara was no fool. She knew that "Instructor" wasn't Bai Luo's real name. So... could she use this opportunity to learn his real name?

"Bai Luo. You can call me Bai Luo."

Names are bound to be revealed sooner or later. Even if I don't, once a certain little girl with emergency food comes looking for me, I'm sure my title will soon appear, like [Fatui Harbinger No. 12: The Dark Enforcer, Bai Luo].

Speaking of which, I still don't know whether the Traveler in this world is Lumine or Aether. Sigh... I wonder if I'll have a chance to visit Mondstadt or Liyue before the story begins.

After wandering around Inazuma City for a while, Bai Luo noticed that while Kujou Sara appeared cold, she actually had considerable respect in the city. From time to time, passing vendors would greet them. Some even offered discounts on snacks because of her presence.

"We're here."

After walking some distance, Kujou Sara suddenly stopped.

"What?"

Bai Luo instinctively halted.

"Didn't you want to try dango? They sell it here, and I hear it's quite good."

Looking at the nearby building, Kujou Sara said. Compared to other structures in Inazuma City, this one was more luxurious. Not only was it taller, but its signage was also more prominent, comparable to a five-star hotel from Bai Luo's previous life.

"Uyuu Restaurant?"

Reading the characters on the sign, Bai Luo started to recall. It seemed that earlier, Kujou's aide had mentioned that Kujou Takayuki would host a welcoming dinner for him here tonight.

"Yes, Uyuu Restaurant is one of the most famous restaurants in Inazuma City. Its cuisine is as renowned in Inazuma as Liuli Pavilion and Xinyue Kiosk are in Liyue."

With this, Bai Luo understood the significance of this place. Those two restaurants in Liyue were famous even in Snezhnaya.

"Let's go."

Without waiting for Bai Luo to refuse, Kujou Sara directly pushed open the door to Uyuu Restaurant and walked in.

Upon entering, the first thing Bai Luo saw was the elderly man behind the counter. He appeared to be well into his sixties, but his presence was far from ordinary. As an instructor for the Fatui's debt collectors, Bai Luo prided himself on his ability to judge people. If his instincts were correct... this old man was once a soldier, and not a low-ranking one at that.