Chapter 181 – Lu Heng: I Have a Date with a Beautiful Girl, Do You?
The one closest to the Raiden Shogun was indeed not someone the officials could compare to. With just a few words from Yae Miko, Kujou Takayuki had no choice but to comply.
From a certain perspective, Yae Miko's words carried weight—even the Raiden Shogun herself might not have explicitly intended it, but if the Tenryou Commission's budget was cut, would the Kanjou Commission's 1 billion Mora be enough?
Not at all!
To be honest, Kujou Takayuki didn't want to give a single Mora.
This wasn't because he was trying to obstruct Yae Miko's "Seed Plan," but simply because he didn't want to pay.
He didn't even dare to show dissatisfaction in front of Yae Miko.
Yae Miko didn't waste much time.
After achieving her goal at the Kanjou Commission, she stood up and left.
Kanjou Commissioner Kamaji watched Yae Miko leave, feeling a mix of emotions.
The authority of the Guuji was just too overwhelming!
"Go tell them I've done all I can. The benefits they promised me better not be missing a single Mora!" Kamaji said sharply.
"Yes!"
Soon after, Yae Miko arrived at the Tenryou Commission.
Since money had to be spent, and the direction of spending was correct, the more funds, the better!
Kujou Takayuki sat alone, silent as Yae Miko entered.
Of course, he knew why she was here, but…
Why?
Yae Miko didn't even need Mora for herself!
The Tenryou Commission, being the military branch, naturally relied on funding from other departments.
The annual budget was limited, and now, with the Vision Hunt Decree in place, expenses had increased.
"500 million Mora. Not a single Mora less," Yae Miko stated firmly, leaving no room for negotiation.
She didn't need to resort to threats or leverage.
Kujou Takayuki gripped the armrests of his chair tightly.
After a long sigh, he said, "Lady Guuji, you know the financial difficulties of the Tenryou Commission. 300 million is the absolute maximum. Any more is impossible."
"Fine."
300 million was indeed Kujou Takayuki's limit.
"I expect to see it by tonight," Yae Miko said before leaving for the Yashiro Commission.
Kujou Takayuki's expression darkened.
First the Kanjou Commission, then here, and now the Yashiro Commission…
Yae Miko was clearly making moves across the board.
Given her status, she could have any amount of Mora she wanted.
She didn't even need Mora for herself!
Unlike mortals like them, who were concerned with family legacies and development, she had no such worries.
Her actions were completely out of character!
It was as if someone who usually never interfered suddenly started making demands everywhere, clearly planning something big.
But the problem was—
No one knew what Yae Miko was up to!
The unknown was the most terrifying.
Yet, there was no way to stop her. They could only watch helplessly as she continued.
In all of Inazuma, the only one with the power and authority to stop Yae Miko was the Raiden Shogun herself.
But the Raiden Shogun wouldn't stop Yae Miko!
To put it bluntly—
Even if Yae Miko were to betray Inazuma, even if the Raiden Shogun knew about it, as long as she hadn't taken any concrete action, the Shogun would turn a blind eye!
That was just how absurd it was!
So, no one could do anything about Yae Miko.
"Sigh…"
Kujou Takayuki sighed deeply.
He muttered helplessly, "I hope the Guuji's plans are for the good of Inazuma…"
Thinking about the Fatui's schemes, Kujou Takayuki sneered. The Fatui actually wanted to use him to spy on Yae Miko's plans? What a joke!
That was the Raiden Shogun's most trusted confidante!
Kujou Takayuki pondered for a moment before sternly ordering, "Prepare the funds!"
(Note: This guy's actual actions—colluding with foreign powers—already bordered on treason. But he seemed completely unaware, still believing himself loyal. Though his loyalty was to the Musou no Hitotachi, not the Raiden Shogun herself.)
Yashiro Commission
When Yae Miko demanded a budget adjustment from the Yashiro Commission, Kamisato Ayato didn't refuse. Instead, he asked, "Lady Guuji, are you facing some difficulties?"
"You're quite sharp," Yae Miko replied with a smile.
She was a true fox, and Kamisato Ayato was a "little fox" in his own right.
This little fox was perceptive—otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to stabilize the Kamisato Clan during its most precarious times.
But at this critical moment, Yae Miko didn't want to reveal anything. She simply said, "Don't ask too much about this."
"I see," Ayato nodded.
What exactly do you see?
Yae Miko thought to herself.
But Kamisato Ayato had already made up his mind.
Though he didn't know what Yae Miko was planning, he could tell it was urgent!
After a moment of contemplation, Ayato said, "Lady Guuji, the Yashiro Commission can spare a maximum of 300 million Mora. As you know, this year's budget is already tight due to upcoming festivals. However, if you're in need, the Kamisato Clan can personally contribute another 300 million, totaling 600 million Mora—as thanks for your support over the years."
Ayato spoke sincerely.
Without Yae Miko's subtle assistance over the years, the Kamisato Clan would have struggled even more.
"No need," Yae Miko waved her hand. "The Shogunate's funds belong to the Shogunate. What you're offering is your clan's personal wealth. That's different."
She could freely use the Shogunate's money, but she couldn't casually take from the Kamisato Clan.
The former was because, as the Guuji, she could use the treasury as she pleased.
In essence, the national treasury was the Archon's personal vault—it's just that the Archon wouldn't do such a thing.
But the Kamisato Clan's funds were their own!
No matter how much Ayato insisted, Yae Miko wouldn't take it.
"By the way, is that little sister of yours free? She should come with me later," Yae Miko said.
"Ayaka?"
Ayato shook his head. "Ayaka has been… well, I'm sure you've heard."
Yae Miko nodded. "Then forget it. She'll find out eventually anyway. I'm leaving tomorrow, so send the funds as soon as possible."
"Understood."
Ayato nodded.
After Yae Miko left, Ayato sat in silence, tapping his fingers on the desk in thought. The Shuumatsuban had already reported back.
"A merchant from another world…"
Ayato pondered.
If even Yae Miko was taking this so seriously, the matter must be significant.
But what could one possibly buy from a merchant from another world?
Ayato was curious.
Logically, he wanted his sister to accompany Yae Miko on this trip.
But it was a journey across the sea.
Even with Yae Miko's protection, Ayato was still uneasy.
The Kamisato Clan now relied solely on the two siblings. As the older brother, he had to protect his sister.
Even the slightest risk was unacceptable to him.
As for the rest…
Since the Guuji was going personally, there shouldn't be any issues.
"Then I'll await your good news, Lady Guuji," Ayato smiled faintly.
Once Yae Miko left, the power struggles between the three commissions would undoubtedly intensify again.
The Kanjou Commission would struggle against the combined forces of the other two.
But Ayato was confident he could hold out until Yae Miko's return.
Liyue
Hu Tao had been busy all night, sorting out the current state of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
By noon, she was still fast asleep.
Zhongli invited Lu Heng to watch an opera, but Lu Heng refused:
"Nah, why would I go with you? I've got plans!"
"What?" Zhongli pretended not to hear.
"I have a date with a beautiful girl. Do you?"
Zhongli fell silent.
Tch, this guy!
"Fine."
Zhongli shook his head and, before leaving, could only say, "You should… tone it down a little."
"What do you mean?" Lu Heng was puzzled.
"Tone down your charm. Too much isn't good for your health," Zhongli said seriously.
"You're overthinking it." Lu Heng waved him off and left.
Hah, as if he'd waste time listening to opera with an old man when he could be with a beautiful girl?
Feeling Lu Heng's disdain, Zhongli laughed and shook his head.
Youth!
Young people were just too impulsive.
After Lu Heng left, Zhongli thought about Hu Tao again.
It felt like his daughter was about to be stolen away.
But upon further reflection…
There was nothing he could do but watch.
"Ah well."
Zhongli sighed.
Best not to dwell on it.
As the saying goes:
Children will have their own fortunes.
Though Hu Tao wasn't related to him by blood, he was the Geo Archon!
Never mind, no use worrying.
He'd finally retired—no point stressing over trivial matters.
Lu Heng first went to the Liyue branch of his shop to appraise some cards, then headed to Fontaine to check on things.
After that, the rest of the day was free.
"What's next on the agenda?" Furina asked.
"A date with my lovely partner," Lu Heng replied.
"Oho~"
Furina sighed dramatically, then turned to Nahida and said, "See? This is how men are. New love makes them forget the old."
Nahida: …Why are you telling me this?
"That's an exaggeration. You were the one who helped set it up," Lu Heng said helplessly.
If not for Furina's assistance, would Navia have dared to make a move?
She might not have acted on her feelings, at least not so openly.
It was only with Furina and Focalors' support that Navia had the courage to openly ask Lu Heng out.
"Go on, then."
Furina waved him off—she was just teasing.
For immortal beings, time wasn't really an issue.
Even if Lu Heng didn't visit for a month, to Furina, it would feel no different than half a day apart.
Because immortality meant time was the least of their concerns.
There was no need to cling to each other every moment.
Just look at Focalors—
When she was with Lu Heng, she couldn't get enough of him.
But now?
Last night, when Lu Heng wasn't around, Focalors just watched TV with Furina and Nahida without any complaints.
"Then I'll be off," Lu Heng said.
"Have fun~" Nahida chimed in unexpectedly.
Lu Heng glanced at her and gestured with his hands: "Oh? You've grown a bit taller. Nice."
Nahida pursed her lips and didn't respond.
"I almost wish you'd stop growing," Lu Heng muttered.
She was so cute like this!
(And legally, age wasn't an issue—she was thousands of years old!)
Nahida sighed. "When I'm older, I can shrink back if you want."
"Then that's even better!"
Lu Heng grinned before shoving his hands in his pockets and strolling off.
Furina rested her chin on her hand, watching Nahida with amusement.
Nahida felt a bit self-conscious under her gaze. "What is it?"
"Hehe~"
Furina smiled. "You have an advantage over me and Focalors, you know."
"What?"
"Look, you've got two forms. Whatever Lu Heng wants, you can provide. Isn't that an advantage?" Furina glanced down at herself and grumbled, "So unfair!"
Nahida finally understood what she meant.
She wanted to laugh but held it in, her face turning red.
"Go ahead and laugh," Furina huffed. "But later, I'll have to pull rank as the older sister!"
Nahida wasn't intimidated.
If it came down to it, three Focalors wouldn't be a match for her.
"I've just been indulging you," Nahida said.
Furina thought about it—that was true.
If Nahida didn't hold back, Furina really wouldn't stand a chance in an argument.
"Then… you'll protect me?"
Nahida had to admit—she'd never seen someone change moods so quickly!
"Your humanity…" Nahida said, her expression complicated.
"Don't worry about it. Lu Heng likes it this way," Furina said smugly.
For an Archon, their "humanity" was like a personality—they could change it at will.
If Lu Heng liked someone aloof, she could be aloof.
In short, when it came to personality, Furina could be whatever Lu Heng preferred.
"You don't actually need to do this," Nahida said gently.
"Even if you didn't act a certain way or say certain things, he'd still like you."
"I know," Furina nodded. "But this is just fun for me~"
With Lu Heng, whether she fought for his attention or not, his affection wouldn't change.
But everyone had their own way of enjoying things.
Nahida thought for a moment and nodded. "If it brings you joy, then that's good."
"What about you?" Furina asked.
"Me?"
Nahida pondered. "I'm fine. I'll just go with the flow."
She smiled. "After all, it's not like I can escape your clutches, right?"
Furina's grin widened.
Later That Night
Navia was the kind of cheerful, open-minded noblewoman who was a joy to be around.
Even setting aside everything else, just her personality and demeanor made spending time with her incredibly pleasant.
Of course, some things couldn't be ignored.
By the end of the day, Lu Heng was thoroughly charmed.
It felt like a real relationship—especially when Navia blushed and shyly reached for his hand.
But happy times always passed too quickly.
Before he knew it, night had fallen.
That meant it was time to part ways.
"I should head back now," Navia said, her cheeks still pink.
Today had deepened her bond with her "partner."
When they weren't together, she hadn't felt it as strongly. But after a whole day together, her fondness for him had grown even more.
It wasn't just about his aura or demeanor anymore—those were just first impressions.
What truly surprised Navia was how genuinely Lu Heng seemed to like her.
"Let me walk you home," Lu Heng said.
It felt like those youthful days of escorting a girlfriend back—even though he'd never had one before.
But that didn't stop him from imagining it while watching rom-coms.
After seeing Navia home, Lu Heng leisurely made his way back.
"No luck?" Furina teased as soon as he walked in.
"Good things take time!" Lu Heng retorted.
"Sure~"
Furina didn't press further. Instead, she said, "Hey, I'm feeling wide awake. What should I do?"
Focalors, who had been playing Genshin all day, set her phone aside.
Genshin was fun, but Lu Heng was even more entertaining.
Nahida, ever perceptive, stood up and headed for the bedroom without a word.
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T/N:
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