Chapter 18: Kujo Tsumugi: Hongmen Banquet, more danger than good

"So… you didn't take the Knight of Favonius test and just came back like this?"

After a half-day walk through the Whispering Forest, Tsumugi Kujo and Rosalyne finally emerged, where the examiner for the test was waiting.

Rather than lie about completing the test, Tsumugi Kujo truthfully explained the situation to the examiner.

"I understand. I'll document everything that happened," the examiner said, jotting down the details before arranging for a carriage to Mondstadt for both Tsumugi and Rosalyne .

"I'm sorry… Knight Sister," Rosalyne said, feeling guilty that Tsumugi's test had been compromised because of her.

"Why don't you come to my house and be my bodyguard, my sister? The treatment and salary would definitely be better than in the Knights of Favonius," Rosalyne offered.

"Thank you for the offer, Rosalyne ," Tsumugi replied with a smile. "But I'm determined to join the Knights of Favonius."

"When my village was attacked by treasure robbers, my parents died. Since then, I've vowed to become a proud Knight of Favonius to protect Mondstadt and prevent such tragedies from happening again."

Just then, a system voice echoed:

"Immersive mode has ended. Calculating rewards…"

"Obtained Rosalyne's exclusive bond and learned the West Wind Swordsmanship."

[After returning to Mondstadt, you received your assessment results with "Assessment Passed" printed on them.]

[Despite not completing the assessment, your rescue of Rosalyne in the Whispering Forest reached the ears of the Knights' leader. Your integrity and bravery pleased the leader, who approved your assessment.]

"This is an unexpected success," Tsumugi thought.

"Side quest: Complete the Knights' Assessment. The reward will be increased by one at the end of the simulation."

[After becoming an official Knight of Favonius, you'll take on patrol or garrison duties. Each time Rosalyne sings for you during your patrol, and each time you complete a duty, she'll prepare a lunch box for you. Over time, your friendship will grow, and you'll become best friends.]

[11 years old: After a year at the security post, you're assigned to combat posts and have fewer opportunities to see Rosalyne , who feels very lost.]

[12 years old: Upon returning to Mondstadt after a Hilichurl camp sweep, you hear Rosalyne singing beautifully in Wind God Square. You wave at her, and she responds with joy.]

[Since then, Rosalyne often sings in Aeolus Square.]

[13 years old: Due to your excellent performance, you're promoted to deputy captain of the guerrilla squad. You discover that the squad's captain is Rustam, a well-known knight you haven't seen in years.]

[You learn that the West Wind Swordsmanship Rustam taught you was a collaborative creation with his childhood friends. Surprised, you also find out Rustam frequently visits Aeolus Square to listen to Rosalyne sing. You proudly introduce Rosalyne to Rostam.]

"Oh my god, I've become a matchmaker," Tsumugi laughed to herself upon seeing this.

[You, Rosalyne , and Rostam become close friends.]

[14 years old: At a party with you, Rosalyne, and Rostam, Rosalyne complains about her father arranging blind dates for her. You suggest that she and Rostam pretend to be lovers.]

[To your surprise, both agree to the idea but set three rules: no physical contact beyond friendship, end the pretense if either falls for someone else and end it when Rosalyne turns 18 regardless.]

[15 years old: Rostam's coming-of-age ceremony is this year. To thank him, you use your savings to make him a sword. Rostam loves it and promises a special gift for your coming-of-age ceremony.]

[That year, Rostam becomes deputy leader of the Knights of Favonius, and you're promoted to leader of the guerrilla squad. Everyone respects your authority, seeing you as Rustam's deputy.]

[16 years old: Rosalyne tells you she'll be studying at Sumeru Akademiya for three years. Though disappointed, you agree to meet again in three years.]

[The night before her departure, Rosalyne invites you to her home…]

"Entering the important plot. Immersive mode activated…"

"Triggering side quest: The Limit of Endurance."

"Mission: Rosalyne has harbored deeper feelings for you and wants to clarify your relationship before she leaves for Sumeru Akademiya."

I had a feeling something was up with Rosalyne. Didn't expect she was into women.

Tsumugi Kujo thought, looking at Rosalyne across the room. They were in Rosalyne's living room, with home-cooked dishes laid out on the table.

Rosalyne had given the guards and her parents the night off. It was just the two of them.

The Hongmen Banquet.

"Sister Knight, this is the dinner I made for you. Please enjoy it," Rosalyne said, wearing a striking red dress that accentuated her features.

"Thank you, Rosalyne ," Tsumugi replied, trying to focus on the food.

"Your cooking is amazing as always. I'll miss it over the next three years," Tsumugi said sincerely. Over the years, Rosalyne's cooking had become exceptional.

"Really?" Rosalyne's heart raced with excitement.

A simple compliment could make Rosalyne's day, and any hint of affection from Tsumugi made her feel elated. Tsumugi had unknowingly become the center of Rosalyne's world.

"There's no falsehood in it," Tsumugi continued, smiling.

"So… Knight Sister, what do you think of me?"

"What do I think?" Tsumugi said, maintaining her knightly composure. "A beautiful, charming woman, adored by Mondstadt. Innocent, kind, thrifty, a skilled cook, and a potential good wife and mother. You are also my most important friend."

"Just… friends?" Rosalyne murmured, her eyes glinting as if she had made a decision.

"Oh, I forgot to prepare tea for you. Please wait here."

Rosalyne stood up and left the room, presumably to get tea. Tsumugi panicked internally, realizing the possible implications.

I need to find a way out of this. My virtue is at risk!

When Rosalyne returned with a cup of black tea, Tsumugi hesitated, suspecting it might be drugged.

"Why isn't Knight Sister drinking?" Rosalyne asked, noticing Tsumugi's reluctance. "Do you think the tea I made isn't good?"

"No… that's not it. Your tea is always delicious," Tsumugi said, trying to hide her concern as she took a sip.

This was a challenging simulation. Tsumugi had to adhere to her character's role and make choices consistent with her personality. Drinking the tea felt like an uncomfortable necessity.

As the tea took effect, Tsumugi felt drowsy and disoriented.

*Is this a sleeping pill? Is Rosalyne trying to

Rosalyne is not trying to have sex with me, is she? If so, I will be at a loss. Not only will I lose my virginity, but I will also not be able to have sex. When I wake up the next day, my waist will be sore.

　　I lost so much money!

　　——This was Kujo Tsumugi's last thought before she fainted.

　　…

　　When Tsumugi Kujo woke up from the darkness, she found herself lying on a soft and comfortable big bed. Her hands and feet were handcuffed and chained to the four corners of the bed. She was lying on the bed in a "big" shape. Rosalyne had taken off her dress and was only wearing underwear and a pair of black stockings. She was sitting on Tsumugi Kujo's lower abdomen, showing off her hot body perfectly.

　　Great, it hasn't started yet, I can still have some fun - this was Kujo Tsumugi's first thought after waking up, but she immediately put this thought behind her and began to play her role seriously.

　　"What is this...? Rosalyne, what are you doing? Help me untie it quickly."

　　Tsumugi Kujo perfectly played the role of a knight who had just woken up and was still confused about the situation, looking at Rosalyne in confusion.

　　"Ever since you rescued me, I have had a special feeling for you."

　　Rosalyne ignored what Kujo Tsumugi said and continued talking to herself.

　　"When I was little, I didn't understand what this feeling was, but what I know is that as long as I'm by your side, I feel very safe."

　　Rosalyne leaned over and pressed on Tsumugi Kujo. Since she was taller than an ordinary woman, her slime just covered Tsumugi Kujo's face and swallowed it.

　　"Later, as I grew older, this ignorant feeling in my heart gradually became clearer."

　　Rosalyne moved her body down a little, revealing Tsumugi Kujo's cheek, and squeezed the other's slime with her own slime.

　　"What…are you talking about?"

　　At this time, Kujo Tsumugi's face was already full of blushes, and her breathing became unconsciously heavy. After all, her sister did not have the capital like Rosalyne and could not play such tricks. Therefore, facing Rosalyne'snew tricks, Kujo Tsumugi's voice also carried a hint of nervousness and expectation.

　　"Huhu... Knight sister seems to be feeling good." Seeing that Kujo Tsumugi did not show any disgusted expression, Rosalyne seemed very happy. She lowered her head and gently touched Kujo Tsumugi's cheek with her own, and continued after a long time.

　　"When I feel uneasy, I just need to look at her from a distance, and my heart will be filled with a sense of fulfillment. When I feel tired, I just need to think of her, and my body will surge with energy. I gradually understand this feeling in my heart."

　　Rosalyne raised her head and looked directly at Kujo Tsumugi.

　　"Tsumugi, I like you."