Since her creation, this was the first time the Raiden Shogun had ever felt the urge to cry.
Her blade trembled slightly in her hand, the edge grazing Luo Qing’s neck and leaving a shallow cut. Beads of crimson dripped from the wound and splattered onto the floor.
The women watching this scene panicked, ready to rush forward and tend to him. But Luo Qing raised a hand, silently signaling for them to stay back.
“Why aren’t you finishing it?” Luo Qing asked calmly.
By now, he could tell that the Raiden Shogun’s possessive tendencies hadn’t fully matured. She wasn’t at the point where she would cradle his severed head, declaring they’d be together forever.
If that were the case, there was still hope to rehabilitate—no, correct—her behavior.
“Luo Qing, you…”
The Raiden Shogun’s voice faltered, unsure of what to say.
Countless times in the Plane of Euthymia, she and Luo Qing had crossed blades. Yet, no matter how intense their skirmishes, he’d always managed to coax her out of her anger.
Those supposed duels felt more like playful exchanges, a private game between them.
Whenever she got upset, Luo Qing would dodge her attacks with exaggerated fear, all the while grinning and placating her.
But now, Luo Qing wasn’t even trying to appease her.
Her hand tightened on her blade as indecision gripped her.
To strike would be to lose face if he didn’t yield. But to withdraw? That felt even more humiliating.
“Are you hesitating because you can’t bear to do it, or do you want me to do it myself?” Luo Qing teased, his tone infuriatingly indifferent.
“You…!”
The Raiden Shogun felt her composure cracking.
Just then, Makoto, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward.
“What are you doing…” the Raiden Shogun started, but before she could react, Makoto pulled her into a gentle embrace.
Makoto’s hand softly stroked her back, her voice low and soothing as she whispered into her ear:
“It’s okay, little sister. I know you’re upset…”
“Let’s put the sword down and sit together for a nice meal, alright? Afterward, I’ll help you teach that scoundrel Luo Qing a lesson. How does that sound?”
“Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, Luo Qing won’t dare bully you.”
“…”
Though the Raiden Shogun was a creation of Ei, her essence carried much of Ei’s past self. Her feelings toward Makoto were no different from Ei’s own.
Makoto’s kind words and warm embrace melted her defensive posture. For the first time in years, the Shogun felt genuinely comforted.
At the same time, however, her bitterness deepened.
Why wasn’t it Luo Qing saying these words to her?
“There, there,” Makoto cooed, placing her hand over the Shogun’s grip on her blade. “Be good. Put the sword down, and let’s eat together, okay?”
Under Makoto’s gentle coaxing, the Shogun’s imposing aura visibly diminished, and the hostility in her eyes faded.
Makoto turned to Luo Qing. “What are you standing there for? Go fetch two more sets of utensils. It’s a rare occasion to have everyone here tonight.”
With that, she took the Shogun’s hand and led her toward the washroom.
Watching the two walk off hand in hand, Luo Qing couldn’t help but feel conflicted.
Wasn’t I supposed to pull off the ultimate act of self-sacrifice here?
The plan was for the Shogun to realize her mistake and throw herself into my arms, crying and begging for forgiveness.
How did Makoto resolve everything with just a few words?
She’s really this capable?
He’d thought Makoto’s push for the “official wife” position was just a power play for affection.
But now it seemed she truly had the skills to back it up.
With someone like her managing things, Luo Qing realized he might never have to worry about internal strife in his harem.
His empire of love was safe.
After Makoto and the Shogun left, the other women gathered around Luo Qing, relieved that the situation had de-escalated.
Seeing the blood trickling from his neck, they rushed to his side with concern.
“Luo Qing, your wound—”
“Don’t move. Let me dress it for you!”
“Luo Qing…”
Both Ganyu and Ayaka pulled out their handkerchiefs simultaneously, each reaching for the wound. Their hands brushed against each other, and their eyes met.
They recognized it instantly:
Rival.
After a tense pause, Ayaka pressed her handkerchief onto the wound first.
“Luo Qing, stay still. I’ll stop the bleeding.”
Realizing she’d missed her chance, Ganyu quickly tried to make up for it. “Don’t worry, Luo Qing! I’ll heal you with my Adeptal arts.”
She formed a hand seal, summoning a gentle, icy blue energy.
Meanwhile, Shenhe stood frozen, unsure of what to do.
This was her first time encountering such a chaotic scene, and she didn’t know if she should step in to help or simply watch from the sidelines.
If it were an option, maybe she could… lick the wound to stop the bleeding?
“Thank you, both of you, but I’m fine,” Luo Qing said, his voice soft as he ruffled Ganyu and Ayaka’s hair.
It was clear: when faced with a common threat, these girls could work together seamlessly.
But once the external threat was gone, they would inevitably compete for his favor again.
The road ahead won’t be easy, Luo Qing thought to himself.
—
Elsewhere
In the washroom, Makoto gently helped the Shogun wash her hands. Her voice remained soft as she asked, “Sister, can you tell me how you met Luo Qing?”
“This body… doesn’t remember,” the Shogun replied after a pause.
“And I’m not your sister.”
“It’s all the same,” Makoto said with a playful smile, flicking a bit of water onto the Shogun’s nose.
“You and Ei are one and the same. Both of you are my dear little sisters.”
“…”
The familiar sense of warmth and closeness left the Shogun momentarily stunned.
In the depths of her mind, Ei was on the verge of tears, desperately trying to wrest control of her body back.
“I’m sorry,” the Shogun murmured, her anger now replaced by guilt.
With her temper cooled, she realized her outburst had caused trouble for both Luo Qing and Makoto.
Ever since Luo Qing had entered her life, her once-cold heart had begun to thaw, gradually understanding the complexities of human emotions.
“It’s fine. It’s all in the past now,” Makoto said, her tone light and reassuring.
“We’re all family, remember? And don’t worry—Luo Qing really does care for you. If he ever dares to mistreat you, just tell me. I’ll make sure he regrets it.”
“…”
“Mm…” the Shogun replied quietly. “She… wants to see you.”
As her expression shifted, the cold detachment melted into something far more emotional.
“Big… Sister!”
Ei’s voice trembled as she emerged, throwing herself into Makoto’s arms.
“It’s been so long, Ei,” Makoto said, gently stroking her back. Her own feelings were complicated, but the reunion brought a rare sense of peace.
To meet her sister again after 500 years—Makoto couldn’t deny that it was thanks to Luo Qing.
“Did Luo Qing save you?” Ei asked hesitantly.
“He did,” Makoto replied.
Ei hesitated before asking, “Then… have you two…?”
Makoto’s cheeks turned pink.
“Yes. We’ve already consummated our marriage.”
“?!”
—
T/N: HOLY FUCK, MAKOTO IS THE FUCKING GOAT????
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