A month passed.
Since Rosalyne’s overwhelming display of power, the members of the Tanit tribe had abandoned all thoughts of rebellion.
Even Babale, once defiant, seemed to have resigned herself to the harsh reality. She obediently followed Luo Qing’s schedule, waking early for morning exercises and dutifully completing her nightly reflections.
This dreary routine had taken a visible toll on her, leaving her looking worn and frail. She no longer knew when—or if—this nightmare would end.
Her authority within the Tanit tribe also dwindled day by day. If Luo Qing and his group stayed for another few months, her reputation as the tribe’s matriarch might be irreparably damaged.
After all, what was the point of her title? She was no different from the rest of them: dancing earnestly at the front of the group during exercises, jumping with vigor at Luo Qing’s insistence.
The other tribespeople, once deferential, began to lose their respect for her.
Meanwhile, Luo Qing had grown accustomed to the steady flow of frustration value delivered by his new captives.
Over the month, he had amassed enough to perform another 90-pull session.
However, as humans tend to adapt, the frustration value generated by the tribespeople had gradually diminished. They had become accustomed to the rigid schedule, the 5,000-word reflections, and Luo Qing’s strict rules.
Now that they followed his commands without question, there was little left for him to gain.
Seeing no reason to linger, Luo Qing decided to return to Sumeru City, leaving Rosalyne, Natalia, and the others behind to maintain order for another month before regrouping.
True to his belief in the importance of spiritual balance and good fortune, Luo Qing intended to find a new “feng shui hotspot” to perform his next round of pulls.
—
After utilizing Time Zero’s acceleration, Luo Qing arrived in Sumeru City in record time.
Wasting no effort, he rushed straight to his residence, eager to visit the “chosen spot” he had prepared earlier.
But when he pushed open the door, the house was empty.
“Huh…? Where is everyone?”
Puzzled, Luo Qing searched upstairs, checking the rooms belonging to Rosalyne and Makoto, but both were similarly deserted.
“Did something happen…?”
The only potential threats in Sumeru were the Doctor and the Balladeer. Just as Luo Qing considered heading to the Akademiya to investigate, he heard the front door creak open.
Makoto entered first, her arm linked with Theresa’s. Both women carried baskets filled with Sumeru’s fresh produce.
“That’s settled, then. You’ll show me some new techniques tonight, Sister,” Theresa said with a playful smile.
“Of course, but don’t forget about those outfits we discussed,” Makoto replied, laughing lightly.
Their cheerful conversation came to an abrupt halt when they spotted Luo Qing standing in the living room.
“… You’re back?” Makoto’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.
“…”
“Am I not allowed to come back?” Luo Qing quipped, his gaze shifting between the two women.
Despite Makoto’s simulated mask, her distinctive violet eyes and long hair remained unchanged. Theresa, too, bore the same hair and eye color, though hers were complemented by a youthful, short-haired look.
Standing together, the pair resembled a pair of sisters—a surreal sight considering Makoto’s actual sibling was still in Inazuma.
“… What were you two doing?”
“Buying groceries, obviously,” Makoto replied nonchalantly, shaking the basket in her hand. She tugged Theresa past Luo Qing and set the basket on the dining table. Then, with a teasing grin, she tapped Luo Qing’s nose.
“We’re trying out some new recipes tonight, and you’ll be our test subject!”
Luo Qing swallowed hard. She’s way too flirty…
“You two seem… close,” Luo Qing muttered, eyeing their linked arms suspiciously.
When did their relationship get this good? They’re even holding hands indoors?
Before he could press further, Theresa suddenly released Makoto and threw her arms around Luo Qing, wrapping him in an unexpected embrace.
“Theresa, what are you doing?” Luo Qing asked, startled.
“Master…” Theresa gazed up at him, her eyes seemingly brimming with affection.
Luo Qing felt a jolt—was it his imagination, or were those literal hearts in her eyes?
“My sister has already told me everything…”
“… Sister?” Luo Qing turned to Makoto, momentarily stunned.
She was covering her mouth, clearly amused.
“What did she tell you?” Luo Qing asked, a sinking feeling in his chest.
“She said…” Theresa blushed and lowered her gaze shyly.
“She said that I’m destined to be one of your future brides…”
“???”
Luo Qing froze. He turned back to Makoto, his expression one of utter disbelief.
“What exactly did you say to her?!”
“I didn’t say anything untrue,” Makoto replied with a smug hum. “You know what you want, don’t you?”
“… I—”
Luo Qing was at a loss for words.
“Alright, Theresa, that’s enough hugging,” Makoto said, beckoning the girl. “Come help me prepare dinner.”
“Yes, Sister!”
Theresa released Luo Qing and followed Makoto into the kitchen, leaving him standing alone in the living room.
Watching their retreating figures, Luo Qing began to piece things together.
So Makoto’s starting to build her alliances, huh?
She’s positioning herself as the head wife…
He couldn’t help but admire her strategy.
Still, the realization left him momentarily distracted, his earlier excitement about the feng shui hotspot completely forgotten.
Night fell, and the first rays of moonlight spilled into the house just as Makoto and Theresa finished preparing dinner.
The table was laden with a variety of dishes, a mix of Makoto’s signature Inazuman recipes and a few newly-learned Sumeru specialties.
As for Theresa, her contributions to the meal were minimal—she was more of a kitchen assistant, her cooking skills barely passable.
The three of them sat around the table, Luo Qing at the head seat.
As he glanced at Makoto, he still couldn’t quite wrap his head around the situation.
Where’s the harem drama? The fiery rivalries?
It’s only been a month, and you’ve already subdued her?
“We worked hard on this meal. You’re not going to just sit there and admire it, are you?” Makoto teased, leaning forward slightly.
“Or are we so pretty you’re already full just looking at us?”
“… Something like that,” Luo Qing mumbled, diving into the food to avoid further conversation.
To his credit, Makoto’s cooking was leagues ahead of her sister’s.
“So, why are you back already?” Makoto asked. “Where’s Rosalyne and the others?”
“They’re still wrapping things up in the desert. They’ll return in a month.”
“Ah, what a pity,” Makoto said with a soft hum.
“… Pity? What’s a pity?”
Makoto’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she glanced at Luo Qing.
She felt a sense of satisfaction—Rosalyne had already joined her side long ago. Now, Theresa was firmly within her camp.
Her efforts to consolidate her influence were bearing fruit.
“Aside from those in Inazuma, I’ve already secured most of the key players,” she thought smugly.
Out loud, she replied, “It’s just a shame we couldn’t all sit down for a family dinner, don’t you think?”
“…” Family dinner?
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