Luo Qing chuckled lightly, standing next to Kujou Sara.
His eyes were fixed on the Resistance camp in the distance, a hint of amusement in his tone.
“They’re getting really cocky over there. Lady Kujou, how are you holding back? If it were me, I’d have already led the charge to wipe them out.”
“…”
【+1 Frustration Value from Kujou Sara】
Kujou Sara’s brows furrowed. If it hadn’t been for Luo Qing’s betrayal, she would have taken Nazuchi Beach long ago. And now he had the nerve to taunt her?
“Why haven’t I launched an attack?”
Kujou Sara snorted. “I’m sure Lord Luo Qing already knows the reason.”
“Of course I do. That’s why I’m here—to ease your worries, Lady Kujou.”
Luo Qing’s smile remained easygoing as he leaned closer to Sara’s ear, whispering,
“How about this? This time, I won’t help the Resistance. How about you capture a few of them, just like they did, and make them dance?”
“…”
Kujou Sara was momentarily speechless. This traitor keeps switching sides just to make prisoners dance?
How can anyone be this absurd?
“What’s wrong, Lady Kujou? Not interested?”
Luo Qing folded his arms, his tone nonchalant. “If you’re not up for it, I can always head back to the Resistance. Their commander seems more than happy to collaborate with me~”
The threat was clear: if Sara refused, he’d simply go back to aiding the Resistance.
“You…”
Kujou Sara’s eyes narrowed as she grasped his implications. She was torn—her principles wouldn’t let her indulge in such frivolous behavior on a battlefield. Yet, if she refused to work with Luo Qing, she’d have no hope of victory.
After a long moment of deliberation, Kujou Sara made her decision. She’d swallow her pride for the greater good—defeating the Resistance was more important.
“What do you want me to do?”
“It’s simple,”
Luo Qing gestured toward the dancing prisoners in front of the Resistance camp, then patted Teresa on the shoulder.
“Just make sure the captured prisoners are still able to move. Leave the rest to my capable assistant here~”
“…”
【+1 Frustration Value from Teresa】
Teresa didn’t need to guess. Lord Luo Qing was definitely going to make her teach another round of dancing.
She felt a pang of frustration.
Years ago, she had graduated from the recruits’ training camp with flying colors and joined the Electro Cicin Mage unit, quickly making a name for herself with her outstanding abilities. But she had let her curiosity get the better of her and sneaked into a wealthy lord’s quarters, catching him mid-change—and getting caught herself.
Since then, her career had nosedived, relegated to guarding a lonely post in Guyun Stone Forest, spending her days outsmarting Hilichurls.
She had hoped that serving under Luo Qing would revive her career.
Instead, she had become his personal dance instructor, tasked with teaching anyone and everyone to dance.
Come on!
She was an Electro Cicin Mage! A member of an elite combat unit!
And not just any member—Teresa was one of the best! The kind who could take on ten at a time!
What kind of elite warrior spends her days as a dance teacher?!
“Lord Luo Qing, um… I…”
Teresa fidgeted, clearly reluctant to go through another round of dance lessons.
“What’s the matter?”
Luo Qing turned back, his gaze meeting hers.
“N-Nothing…”
Teresa looked down.
Forget it…
She’d already committed to serving Lord Luo Qing. If he wanted her to teach dancing, so be it…
Little did Luo Qing know what was running through Teresa’s mind. After discussing the details of the attack with Kujou Sara, he left Teresa behind in the camp and made his way back to the Resistance camp.
…
At the Resistance Camp
Following Luo Qing’s instructions, Gorou had spent the night training the captured soldiers. At dawn, he paraded them out again, using their forced performance to taunt the Shogunate troops.
With Luo Qing’s assistance, the Resistance barely had to lift a finger to win their skirmishes. It was almost too easy compared to their previous struggles.
Gorou stood at the front of the formation, holding a telescope to monitor the Shogunate’s movements. Within the camp, soldiers were bustling about, gathering in formation. It seemed they were preparing for an attack.
“Bring the prisoners back! Everyone, prepare for battle!”
Gorou’s voice rang out as he began organizing the troops.
The fight was imminent—he wouldn’t risk keeping the prisoners exposed any longer. As soon as they were safely returned to the camp, he turned his full attention to rallying the Resistance for the coming clash.
Soon, the Shogunate soldiers marched out from their camp, advancing toward Nazuchi Beach.
Leading them, as always, was the Shogunate’s general, Kujou Sara.
Gorou’s heart tightened as he saw the overwhelming number of troops on the opposite side.
“Whoa, getting nervous? Your tail’s all puffed up.”
A teasing voice came from beside him. Startled, Gorou lowered his telescope and turned to see Luo Qing standing casually at his side.
“When did you—”
“Oh, come on, does it matter when I got here?”
Luo Qing moved closer, patting Gorou on the shoulder while gesturing at the enemy ranks.
“Relax, I’m here. Just focus on leading your men. I guarantee by the end of today, you’ll have twice the number of prisoners.”
“…”
Though Luo Qing’s words were reassuring, Gorou couldn’t help feeling like he was being humored—like a child being told a bedtime story.
“You’re helping us just so the prisoners can dance?”
“Of course. Don’t you think they look great doing it? Just focus on the battle—I’ve got your back.”
With a playful grin, Luo Qing gave Gorou another pat on the shoulder and vanished from sight.
“This guy…”
Gorou shook his head, choosing to ignore whatever scheme Luo Qing might be planning and focusing instead on the preparations for battle.
Moments Later
On the shores of Nazuchi Beach, the two armies squared off once again.
As was tradition, the skirmish began with a one-on-one duel.
While Gorou pondered who to send for the challenge, Lumine and Paimon stepped forward once more. This time, however, they were joined by another figure—Tepei.
In the distance, Luo Qing watched the scene unfold. After a brief conversation between Lumine and Gorou, she stepped up to represent the Resistance in the duel.
As expected, Lumine dominated the fight, taking down three challengers with ease.
Left with no choice, Kujou Sara ordered her troops to attack.
As the chaotic battle erupted, the Resistance began to falter under the superior numbers of the Shogunate forces.
It was only then that Gorou realized—
Luo Qing wasn’t helping them.
He wasn’t even on the battlefield!
I knew it! That guy can’t be trusted!
But there was no time to dwell on it.
“Everyone, fall back!”
Gorou’s voice cut through the fray.
But Kujou Sara was not about to let the opportunity slip. She immediately ordered a pursuit.
Stragglers from the Resistance were quickly captured by the Shogunate.
Gorou watched the chaotic retreat with a tight frown. Suddenly, a shout came from behind.
He turned to see a woman wielding a massive black blade taller than herself, leaping into the thick of the Shogunate ranks.
Lightning crackled, and several Shogunate soldiers were instantly sent flying.
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