Ever since the explosion, Tatarasuna had become a desolate place, void of human activity, save for a few Fatui scouting squads stationed there for reasons unknown.
Most of those stationed here were underlings left behind by the Doctor. Unlike Childe or La Signora, the Doctor wasn’t the type to be reasonable, so unless absolutely necessary, Luo Qing preferred not to cross paths with him.
However, judging by the nagging notifications from the system’s frustration value logs, the Doctor seemed to be aware of Luo Qing’s presence. Thankfully, he hadn’t come knocking just yet.
Skirting the northern beach of Tatarasuna and avoiding the Mikage Furnace, Luo Qing’s group finally arrived at the small island where the Kujou encampment was located by midday.
As a forward base of the Shogunate army, the Kujou encampment wasn’t a place that could be freely accessed, so it was no surprise that the group was stopped by the guards.
“This is a military zone. Civilians are not permitted!”
The guard swung his spear, blocking their path. He eyed their green-clad outfits suspiciously, automatically assuming they were adventurers.
“Sir, we’re adventurers who escaped from Yashiori Island. The soldiers at Tatarasuna told us there’s a ship here that can take us back to Narukami Island, so we came here seeking passage,” Luo Qing said politely, making sure to emphasize “Yashiori Island” to link them with the fleeing refugees.
“Adventurers from Yashiori Island?”
The guard looked troubled, clearly unsure whether to let them through.
“Wait here. I’ll report this,” he said, running back inside the camp with his spear. A few moments later, he returned with a complicated expression.
“There’s a ship departing for Narukami Island tonight. Head to the eastern side of the island. A group of refugees is already waiting there. You’ll be able to leave with them.”
“Thank you, sir! We’ll head over right away!” Luo Qing said with feigned enthusiasm, glancing in the direction the guard pointed before exchanging a knowing look with Natalia and the others. The group made their way toward the east side of the island.
Once they were a safe distance away, the impatience among the group bubbled over.
“Lord Luo Qing, why are we pretending to be adventurers? These outfits are so ugly…” Theresa grumbled. “And those Inazuma soldiers? They looked at us like dead men walking. I bet they’re planning to screw us over!”
Theresa’s words dripped with frustration, though she lacked the intellect to fully grasp Luo Qing’s plans. Being kept in the dark just made her feel even more like a fool.
Luo Qing glanced back at her, his tone carrying a sense of gentle reprimand.
“Theresa, have you ever considered that even if I explained it to you, you wouldn’t understand?”
“…?”
“I…”
[Frustration Value +1 from Theresa]
Theresa stood there, dumbfounded, wanting to argue back but unsure of what to say. Isn’t this just bullying a fool? she thought.
Pouting, she shuffled to the back of the group, sneaking out her little Electro Slime to play with. At least you, my little treasure, care about me, she mused. Unlike that heartless Luo Qing…
Luo Qing didn’t bother with Theresa anymore, knowing that her carefree nature would soon bring her back to her usual self. It wasn’t worth worrying about, especially since her emotional stability seemed questionable at best.
He couldn’t help but wonder if this was a common trait among Electro Cicin Mages.
The group made their way to the east side of the island, approaching a rickety wooden dock where a crowd of refugees had already gathered. A few heavily armored Shogunate soldiers were stationed around them, seemingly preventing them from leaving the area.
Most of the refugees were able-bodied men, with a few elderly and women mixed in. Almost all had come here after seeing the Kujou Clan’s aid announcement, hoping to board a ship back to Narukami Island.
After all, Narukami Island was the only relatively safe place left in the Inazuma Archipelago.
The Shogunate, with the legendary Raiden Shogun at its helm, still held some appeal. No one wanted to join the Resistance at Watatsumi Island and risk being labeled a traitor.
“Lord Luo Qing, this doesn’t look like a rescue mission… more like they’re herding prisoners,” Igor whispered. As a trained intelligence officer, he immediately sensed something was off about the situation.
“You’re right. They never intended to help anyone. You’ll see soon enough,” Luo Qing replied coolly, quickening his pace toward the soldiers.
“What’s your business here?” One of the armored soldiers asked warily as Luo Qing approached. Their hands instinctively moved toward their swords, ready for any trouble.
Sensing the tension, Natalia and the others also tensed, ready to act at a moment’s notice. If these soldiers drew their weapons, they wouldn’t even need Luo Qing to deal with them.
“Sir, we’re adventurers who escaped from Yashiori Island. The soldiers at the camp told us to come here, saying there’s a ship that can take us to Narukami Island,” Luo Qing feigned fear as he spoke.
“Adventurers, huh?”
The soldier scrutinized them, noting their green adventurer outfits. Except for the large black cases a few of them carried, they didn’t look out of place.
“Fine. Stay here and don’t wander off. The ship will depart at dusk. Someone will come to take you to Narukami Island then.”
The soldier seemed disinterested, having already resigned himself to following orders. He had no reason to second-guess the decision of his superiors regarding the fate of these people. Compassion wouldn’t get him far in this world.
Once the group was herded into the dock area, the armored soldiers continued to block the exit, preventing anyone from leaving with the excuse that they couldn’t wander around.
Though some refugees found the situation suspicious, they had already reached the dock. They had no choice but to wait patiently for the ship to depart.
Surely, the Shogunate wouldn’t intentionally harm them… right?
As the sun set, painting the sea with a golden hue, the soldiers guarding the dock exchanged glances. One by one, they moved through the crowd, opening the ship’s gangplank and directing the refugees to board.
Luo Qing and his group remained at the back, but as they neared the ship, Luo Qing caught sight of something at the rear of the vessel—a small lifeboat hanging off the side.
Judging by its size, it was just large enough to hold the soldiers.
“Did you see that?” Luo Qing subtly nodded toward the lifeboat, drawing Igor’s attention to it.
As the sharpest mind of the group, Igor quickly understood what was going on. He met Luo Qing’s gaze and nodded slightly.
“When we’re aboard, keep an eye on those soldiers. Make sure they don’t pull any tricks. Understood?” Luo Qing whispered.
“Yes, Lord Luo Qing,” Igor replied quietly.
Once all the refugees were aboard, the soldiers did a headcount, ensuring no one had slipped away. Satisfied, they raised the anchor and set sail.
Seeing the boat depart brought smiles to the refugees’ faces. The thought of soon returning to Narukami Island filled them with hope.
Maybe the Shogunate soldiers aren’t so bad after all, they thought. At least they’re helping the refugees…
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