[Author's Note: The following section is not a case of the author failing to maintain character traits (OOC). It is simply because Yae Miko is attempting to approach Bai Luo in the guise of Kuroda, and thus must limit herself and suppress her usual personality. If you find this jarring, feel free to skip these few chapters. I originally intended to put this in the author's notes, but I've placed it here to avoid confusion. It's a free chapter anyway, so it shouldn't matter much. Truly, it's not OOC! I will explain the meaning of OOC further in the endnotes.]
***
This so-called "Kuroda" was, in fact, Yae Miko.
From the moment his subordinate mentioned that Kuroda was waiting in the study, Bai Luo had felt suspicious. Although he had never dealt with Kuroda in an official capacity, he knew enough about the man.
For instance, every time Kuroda came to visit, he was perfunctory at best, avoiding entering the premises if he could help it.
Aside from his fear of the Fatui, it was also due to the proximity of the Tenryou Commission. Since the Fatui, led by Bai Luo, had infiltrated Inazuma, the social climate had shifted drastically.
Even the Hiiragi clan, which once dominated Ritou, had become heartbreakingly corrupt. As for the Tenryou Commission... aside from Kujou Sara, who still held some prestige, the organization had largely lost the trust of the people.
Simply put, let alone entering the study, the real Kuroda likely wouldn't have dared to even step into the courtyard.
Furthermore, the act of flipping through his Sketch of Dihua Marsh upon entering was entirely out of character for the editor.
But the moment that truly confirmed her identity was the mention of "royalty fees." It was common knowledge that the disbursement of royalties at the Yae Publishing House was handled personally by Yae Miko. Without her nod, which department head would dare stir up trouble regarding payments?
One had to admit, Yae Miko's method of disguise was incredibly powerful. Not only had she mastered the appearance, but she had also mimicked the voice and gender perfectly.
As for whether she had gone as far as to replicate a man's physiological structure... well, Bai Luo would only find out tonight when he invited "Mr. Kuroda" to the hot springs.
Unfortunately, success or failure often hinges on the most trivial of details.
How was Bai Luo able to switch seamlessly between the personas of "Battousai" and "Hei"? It was precisely because of his mastery over these small details—though he also had the System to thank for that. While the System changed his profession, it also altered his subtle habits.
For example, Battousai preferred to refer to himself as sessha (this humble self) and always wore a slightly bashful smile. Most importantly, Battousai possessed a profound respect for life; unless absolutely necessary, he would never kill.
Contrast that with Hei. Though he also liked to smile, behind that seemingly gentle expression lurked a bone-chilling killing intent. He could harvest lives with a sneer, forming a stark contrast to the Battousai persona.
This was one of the reasons why Sangonomiya Kokomi found it impossible to believe that Bai Luo was Battousai. If Bai Luo hadn't switched professions right in front of her, she might still believe that the Instructor was simply trying to ruin Battousai's reputation in her eyes.
To ensure the cunning fox didn't notice anything—and to prolong his own amusement—Bai Luo didn't specifically order Yae Miko's favorite or least favorite foods when he sent his subordinate to Uyuu Restaurant. Instead, he told him to bring back the highest-grade sets available on the menu.
Truthfully, Bai Luo had considered bringing out the fermented fish and jams from his own warehouse—specifically the canned herring. If he remembered correctly, Yae Miko despised pickled and preserved foods. But if he did that, she would surely smell a rat. That would take the fun out of it.
Compared to the little fish of Watatsumi Island, this fox was on an entirely different level of cunning. Bai Luo had to stay sharp. This was a battle of acting skills, and as a "Best Actor" contender, he wouldn't back down.
"Come, come, Mr. Kuroda, don't be polite! Eat as much as you like. If it's not enough, I'll send someone for more," Bai Luo said grandly as he personally handed a pair of chopsticks to Yae Miko.
In any case, if Uyuu Restaurant came to collect the debt, they'd be looking for Scaramouche. In a way, Yae Miko was technically treating *him* to this meal.
The pink-haired fox had certainly gone through a lot of trouble to fool him. She didn't even spare a glance at the Tricolor Dango placed beside her. It was only under Bai Luo's enthusiastic urging that she took a very reluctant bite. To an outsider, it would seem she genuinely loathed sweet, sticky foods.
Over drinks, the two continued to discuss light novels. Bai Luo realized that rather than liking light novels themselves, the fox enjoyed the stories depicted within them. Having heard the stories Bai Luo had "plagiarized" from another world, even someone as well-traveled as her couldn't help but sigh.
"If only the Instructor were a citizen of Inazuma, that would be wonderful."
These were her heartfelt words. Even gods fade away eventually. It would be a tragedy if their stories were lost to time, forgotten by all. Those qualified to write their tales required superior literary talent and style. If such a person didn't exist, she would foster writers capable of doing so.
In Yae Miko's eyes, Bai Luo was the perfect candidate to write these stories. Even if his handwriting was... questionable... the editors at Yae Publishing House could organize it for him.
Unfortunately, he wasn't a local; he was an Harbinger belonging to another deity. To put it simply, his status in Snezhnaya was likely no lower than hers in Inazuma. This made many matters inconvenient to discuss.
"Instructor, if 'My Raiden Shogun Can't Be This Cute' cannot have a third volume, you could try submitting those stories you just mentioned to the Yae Publishing House. I believe the readers of Inazuma would go wild for them."
What did Yae Miko love to see most? The content of a new novel? Perhaps. But what she really loved was watching people scratch their heads in frustration as they tried to replicate Bai Luo's success without understanding the essence.
The two combined were like a cold soda paired with potato chips—a combination that doubled the pleasure.
"Regarding that, I actually have some thoughts. I wonder if Mr. Kuroda would care to take a walk with me? We could have a... deep... discussion on the matter."
Whether intentional or not, Bai Luo placed a particular emphasis on the word "deep."
"This... very well. But let us not head toward Hanamizaka. I fear the Lady Guuji might think I'm slacking off if she sees me."
Yae Miko hesitated for a rare moment before agreeing. Her reason for avoiding Hanamizaka was simple: the real Kuroda was still on duty at the publishing house. If they went there, Bai Luo would see two "Editor-in-Chief Kurodas," and her cover would be blown.
"Don't worry, we'll just stroll around the city streets and admire the blossoms. Think of it as a post-meal constitutional."
The corners of Bai Luo's mouth curved into a subtle arc as he agreed.
Admittedly, exposing this "Kuroda's" fox tail was fun. But compared to that, leading her—while she was "unaware"—into a bathhouse for a soak in the hot springs was much more interesting. This wasn't like the accidental intrusion at Tenshukaku; this would be a deliberate co-ed bath.
He wondered if the pink fox would chicken out at the last second.
Sorry, Scaramouche. Before I "soak" you, I'm going to "soak" your auntie first.(According to local customs and theories, she really would be called "Auntie.")
_______________________________________
Hey guys, A little support will be appreciated. As you know, we don't earn on fanfiction.
Check my P@treon for advance chapters:-
Their are 10+ advance chapters available on P@treon
[email protected]/AnimeDarcx