This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [68]
As the entity overseeing Ritou's trade and tax collection, the Kanjo Commission held full authority over all duties imposed on goods. They could set the tax rates as high as they pleased.
Since the Fatui's infiltration, this taxing authority had effectively fallen under their control.
Even if the Fatui requested that taxes be collected in Crystal Marrow instead of Mora, the Kanjo Commission had no choice but to comply—sometimes even hiking the rates further to squeeze the merchants of Ritou dry.
Before leaving Ritou, as Rosalyne's stand-in, Luo Qing had to make a formal appearance at the Kanjo Commission. He needed to pass on Rosalyne's message, instructing them to increase the tax on Crystal Marrow.
With the intensifying war between the Resistance and the Shogunate, the demand for Delusions had surged. The Doctor, who was studying the creation of Delusions, wouldn't miss such an ideal opportunity for his experiments. The more people who used Delusions, the richer the research data he could gather.
Luo Qing wasn't sure how Rosalyne had managed to form an alliance with the Doctor, but he didn't care. He had little fondness for mad scientists, as long as that particular Doctor didn't cause him trouble.
The Kanjo Commission's domain, which stretched over nearly half of Ritou, was a show of wealth and influence.
As Rosalyne had described, Luo Qing and his team approached the entrance of the Kanjo Commission. With a discreet display of his Fatui insignia, the guards gave a nod and escorted them inside.
Following the guards, they were led through the front hall of the Kanjo Commission. Inside, the servants gracefully prepared tea and snacks, treating them with a level of respect that left Natalia and the others puzzled.
After all, in most other nations, the Fatui's reputation was synonymous with villainy—stories of Fatui agents kidnapping naughty children were a staple of bedtime warnings.
Even in Liyue, common folk would avoid them on sight.
When had they ever been treated like honored guests?
As they pondered, a middle-aged man entered the room.
He quickly gestured for the guards and servants to leave, sealing the door behind him.
"A pleasure to meet you. I am Hiiragi Chisato's father, Hiiragi Shinsuke, and I hope my hospitality will be to your satisfaction, Mr. Luo Qing," he said with a respectful bow.
The surprising display of courtesy from a high-ranking official left Natalia and the others astonished.
Luo Qing, however, remained unfazed. Calmly, he met Shinsuke's eyes and asked, "You know me?"
Shinsuke offered a polite smile. "Lady Rosalyne informed me in advance that another Harbinger would take her place to continue our cooperation with the Kanjo Commission. May I ask what instructions you have for us?"
"I see."
Luo Qing raised a brow, mildly impressed by the deference.
He couldn't help but wonder what kind of leverage Rosalyne had used to gain this level of obedience from Hiiragi Shinsuke.
Surely, it couldn't have been whips and candle wax...
"It's nothing major. We just need you to increase the collection of Crystal Marrow. Our purchasing price will remain unchanged, but we require more shipments. Everything else will stay the same," Luo Qing said plainly.
He suddenly felt someone's gaze upon him. Opening his emotion-tracking tool, he scanned for any eavesdroppers hidden in the room.
[Would you like to use the "Let's Meow Together" item card? Possible targets: Natalia, Igor, Sergei, Hiiragi Shinsuke, Hiiragi Chisato.]
"Ah, Mr. Hiiragi..." Luo Qing paused, speaking thoughtfully. "The young lady eavesdropping must be your daughter?"
"Eavesdropping?"
Hiiragi Shinsuke looked stunned, then his gaze shifted to the folding screen behind him. His expression grew stern.
"Chisato, eavesdropping is unbefitting of a noblewoman."
A few seconds later, a refined young woman in a kimono stepped out from behind the screen. She offered a graceful bow to everyone.
"Apologies. I am Hiiragi Chisato, greetings to all."
Turning to her father, she protested, "Father, I just happened to come looking for you. I had no intention of eavesdropping..."
"Well, since you're here, you might as well meet Mr. Luo Qing, our esteemed guest," Shinsuke said with a smile, waving her over as if to demonstrate that his daughter was trustworthy.
"Yes... Greetings, Mr. Luo Qing," Chisato said, bowing slightly. She looked at him, meeting his eyes briefly before quickly averting her gaze.
She couldn't shake the feeling that his gaze was strangely familiar—not the look of a stranger meeting someone for the first time, but more like someone who had been expecting her.
Startled by the odd familiarity, she took a small step back, lowering her head to avoid his eyes.
Of course, Luo Qing had never heard of Hiiragi Chisato before. His curiosity stemmed purely from the peculiar situation, and since Hiiragi Shinsuke seemed unconcerned, he saw no need to dig deeper.
He handed Shinsuke a letter detailing the required quantities of Crystal Marrow. It came directly from the Doctor in Snezhnaya and had passed through Rosalyne's hands before reaching him.
"The specific amounts are listed in this letter. Since Miss Hiiragi seems to have other matters to attend to, and I have more business to handle myself, I'll take my leave."
He glanced briefly at Chisato, who was half-hidden behind the folding screen, before turning to leave.
Hiiragi Shinsuke's eyes followed Luo Qing to the doorway, and then, unexpectedly, he broke into a broad smile.
"I had hoped Mr. Luo Qing would stay in Ritou for a few days so we could discuss our partnership in detail, but if you're pressed for time, I won't insist. Chisato, escort Mr. Luo Qing out for me, will you?"
"Huh?"
Chisato's eyes widened in surprise. Why was her father asking her to escort his guest when it was clearly his responsibility?
"Is that alright with you, Chisato?" Shinsuke asked again, his gaze softening.
"Yes... Yes, Father... Mr. Luo Qing, this way, please..." Chisato responded hurriedly. She shot a quick glance at Luo Qing, her thoughts racing.
Her father had always been meticulous about who he associated her with, prioritizing family reputation above all else. Yet now, he wanted her to accompany this stranger... Could it be...?
But I already have someone I care for! Why can't Father understand?
Her face flushed slightly, and she hastened her steps, purposefully keeping a safe distance from Luo Qing to avoid any unwanted attention.
Meanwhile, Luo Qing was equally bewildered. All I did was look at his daughter, and now he's sending her to escort me out?
Is he really so eager to marry her off?
Nevertheless, since things had progressed this way, Luo Qing decided to take advantage of it.
She could be quite useful...
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