Chapter 27: Yae Miko's Interest

"My lord!"

A Fatui agent excitedly held a book as he approached Bai Luo.

"There's news from Yae Publishing House. Your book has passed the review and is now on sale!"

Regardless of Yae Miko's attitude towards Bai Luo, the editors at Yae Publishing House treated him like a treasure.

Not only did Editor Kuroda personally deliver the book, but he also conveyed an invitation from Yae Miko.

"Inviting me to Uyuu Restaurant?"

When Bai Luo heard that Yae Miko had invited him to dine at Uyuu Restaurant, his expression turned a bit strange.

Firstly, considering that sly fox's personality, it was uncertain who would end up paying for the meal.

More importantly, the rumors about him and Kujou Sara started from that place. If he went there to dine with Yae Miko, he was sure that fox wouldn't mind destroying the "Kujou's son-in-law" reputation he had painstakingly built over the past few days.

He might even be condemned by the people of Inazuma for two-timing.

Tsk tsk, when dealing with a fox, one must always be cautious.

"Has Editor Kuroda left?"

After some thought, Bai Luo asked.

"Not yet, he's at the nearby Tenryou Commission."

Actually, Kuroda had wanted to meet Bai Luo, but the Fatui agents had blocked him.

After all, Bai Luo was not only a Fatui Harbinger but also an envoy from Snezhnaya. Meeting him without an invitation was difficult.

"Have him convey a message to Lady Guuji: Tell her... I've been busy writing the second volume of 'My Raiden Shogun Can't Be This Cute.' I'll meet her when I have some free time."

In other words, no meeting for now.

Better safe than sorry.

"Yes, sir. I'll go right away."

"Did he really say that?"

At a small stall in the city, Yae Miko, disguised as an ordinary woman, was momentarily stunned, placing her bowl of Kitsune Udon on the table.

"Yes, that's exactly what he said."

In fact, Kuroda was also itching with curiosity.

As a seasoned bookworm, he had assumed that "My Raiden Shogun Can't Be This Cute" was a standalone novel. He hadn't expected there to be a second volume.

Wait... he said the second volume, not the final one.

Could there be a third or even fourth volume?

He couldn't wait to read it.

"Oh dear, I had intended to visit him personally if he didn't come."

Yae Miko had anticipated that Bai Luo might refuse to meet. Her little tricks were easily seen through.

This was her open strategy to visit him personally.

But... she hadn't expected him to use a second volume as an excuse. To be honest, she genuinely wanted to see that second volume. This left her without an excuse to bother him.

It was truly a headache for the fox.

How about giving him a few more days?

Just a few days. If he doesn't produce the manuscript, she would personally visit... to investigate.

Decision made.

"Meow."

"Hmm?"

Just after setting down her empty bowl, Yae Miko instinctively looked to the side.

There was a completely white cat.

This cat was quite intelligent, perhaps not as much as a fox, but still top-notch among cats.

The cat sensed her aura and was being affectionate towards her.

"Sorry, this kitty is usually very well-behaved."

A gentle voice spoke, and a young wanderer bent down to pick up the cat.

From the sword at his waist, it was clear that he wasn't as harmless as he appeared. His youthful face lacked the vitality of youth, instead bearing the marks of time.

After the Vision Hunt Decree was issued, such people had become more common.

To conceal one's sharpness at such a young age either meant he had been beaten down by society and life's hardships or he was an old monster pretending to be young.

From his appearance, he was likely the former.

"It's no bother. Animals are naturally close to me."

Facing this boy whose entire being screamed "I have a story," Yae Miko's ears almost stood up with interest.

A very intriguing person.

"May I ask you something?"

Seeing Yae Miko smile at him, the boy lowered his hat and asked shyly.

"Go ahead. I know quite a bit about Inazuma City."

Yae Miko wasn't boasting. As a youkai, she had lived a long time and knew much about Inazuma City.

"How do I get to the Tenryou Commission?"

Removing his hat, the boy inquired.

"The Tenryou Commission? Why are you going there?"

Hearing that he was looking for the Tenryou Commission, Yae Miko's interest grew even more.

The boy, though well-hidden, displayed elemental power in his movements, indicating he was a legitimate Vision holder.

And highly likely an Electro Vision holder.

Seeking out the Tenryou Commission voluntarily, wasn't that walking into the lion's den?

Did he think that because his Vision was granted by the Electro Archon, she wouldn't take it away? Many Electro Visions were embedded in statues, after all.

"I wish to challenge the current general of the Tenryou Commission, Kujou Sara, to a duel before the Shogun."

"..."

The boy spoke earnestly, but his words seemed absurd.

A duel before the Shogun was no joke.

Regardless of what one might gain from winning, there was only one outcome for losing.

Facing the Musou no Hitotachi of the Raiden Shogun.

So far, no one, except Yae Miko herself, had survived the Raiden Shogun's blade.

By the way, slimes don't count as people.

"I understand."

With more interesting things happening, Yae Miko's mood, soured by Bai Luo's refusal, began to improve.

She could see that the boy was serious.

"Mr. Kuroda."

"My lady."

"Take this young man to the Tenryou Commission."

"Understood."

Kuroda, who had overheard the boy's intent, didn't take his words seriously.

No one had initiated a duel before the Shogun in years. This boy was probably just looking for an excuse.

But thinking about his age, it did seem like something an impulsive youth might do.

"There it is."

Kuroda didn't take the boy directly there but pointed out the location of the Tenryou Commission from afar.

Nowadays, although Kujou Sara might still have some prestige, the Tenryou Commission was no longer the organization that brought security to the people of Inazuma.

Especially for Vision holders.

Even ordinary citizens like Kuroda weren't fond of that place.

The only thing that would make him brave enough to enter the Tenryou Commission was the author known by the pen name "Instructor."

"Thank you, Mr. Kuroda."

The boy didn't mind much. After thanking Kuroda, he walked towards the Tenryou Commission.

After pointing out the way, Kuroda didn't linger either and chose to return to Yae Publishing House.

But just as he entered the city street, a fully armed squad of Tenryou Commission soldiers ran past him, their faces serious, heading towards the bulletin board.

As an editor at Yae Publishing House, Kuroda knew a few people in the Tenryou Commission.

So he grabbed one of them and asked, "What's going on? Why the rush?"

The soldier was initially annoyed, but seeing it was Kuroda, his expression softened.

"Someone has challenged Lady Kujou to a duel before the Shogun!"