Itto had been caught.
The Okuzume-shu had arrested him on the grounds of trespassing and causing a disturbance in a restricted military zone.
Fortunately, Lady Guuji Yae took pity on the poor soul. After making him pay for the fish fry in the lotus pond, she let him off the hook instead of throwing him in a cell.
Rumor had it that he had an accomplice, but this member of the Oni race was incredibly tight-lipped, swearing that he wouldn't sell out "Mr. Bai" even if it killed him.
"..."
Looking at the words on the bulletin board, Bai Luo let out a silent sigh.
If I'd known, I would have just told him my name was Tartaglia.
However, where Yae Miko was concerned... things might be a bit tricky to handle.
After all, he hadn't been wearing a mask at the time—though even if he had, she likely would have recognized him anyway. He was simply too famous; his reputation as the "Great Philanthropist of the Ten-Mile Radius" was no joke.
Should he go on the run again?
But he had already caused chaos in all these nations; where else was there left to flee? Sumeru, perhaps? He wondered how his little Collei was doing these days and how much she had grown.
"Sir, Mr. Kuroda from the Yae Publishing House is here again. He says he must see you."
Amidst the crowd, an ordinary-looking adventurer squeezed up to the bulletin board. He appeared to be reading the notices, but in reality, he was speaking to Bai Luo.
Kuroda was an editor at the Yae Publishing House—effectively Bai Luo's editor-in-chief. Since Bai Luo's return to Inazuma, the man had visited more than a few times. As for his purpose... it was to demand a manuscript update, of course.
After Bai Luo's departure, other books had certainly become hits, but none could capture the hearts of all Inazuma like his works. Furthermore, based on the final chapter of his last novel, there was supposed to be a third volume. Even if it didn't surpass the first two, it would undoubtedly set the Inazuman light novel market ablaze once again.
However, Bai Luo had only just "accidentally" run into Yae Miko at the hot springs before Kuroda showed up at his door. The timing was a bit too suspicious.
After thinking it over, he decided to meet with this Kuroda. At least the pink-haired fox hadn't come personally this time.
"Where is Mr. Kuroda?"
Upon returning to his small courtyard, Bai Luo questioned the Fatui guard on duty.
"Mr. Kuroda is waiting for you in the study."
"The study?"
That was unusual. Kuroda had come to nag for updates many times, but he always waited at the entrance and never took the initiative to enter. It seemed the pink fox was really pushing him this time.
Taking the mask from his waist and sliding it over his face, Bai Luo stepped into the study, intending to see what this editor was up to.
"The Instructor has finally returned."
Upon seeing Bai Luo, Kuroda stood up from his seat, casually covering the 'Sketch of Dihua Marsh' that Bai Luo had left on the desk.
"Hmm?"
Bai Luo frowned slightly at the subtle movement, but said nothing.
"Please forgive my intrusion. Lady Yae has been insistent about the manuscript, so we subordinates have no choice but to disturb you."
Kuroda knew his unauthorized browsing might have caused offense, so he took the initiative to apologize.
"I'd like to hand it over too, but the Tsaritsa has assigned me so many tasks lately that I haven't had much time to write. I hope you can pass on the message... tell her I'll send the new book as soon as possible."
Bai Luo was actually telling the truth. Since arranging affairs at Watatsumi Island, he spent his days sunbathing and wandering the streets; where would he find the time to write? At most, he'd pick up a twig while using the restroom and doodle a few lines on the ground.
"But if that's the case, the Instructor's royalty fees..."
"..."
At the mention of royalty fees, Bai Luo's expression turned subtle. Because that confirmed one thing for him.
"Let's set the matter of fees aside for now. It's almost dinner time, and it's rare for you to visit, Mr. Kuroda. Why don't I host a meal? We can discuss the novel over dinner, how about it?"
Beneath his mask, the corners of Bai Luo's mouth curled into a sly arc. If they wanted to play games, he would happily play along.
"This... very well. I shall trouble you then, Instructor."
Kuroda showed a hint of hesitation before ultimately accepting the invitation. Under Bai Luo's lead, the two arrived at the drawing room, chatting and laughing.
After whispering a few instructions to the Fatui subordinate behind him, Bai Luo ignored the man's bewildered look and began pouring tea for Kuroda.
"This is Qingxin tea I brought back specifically from Liyue. I heard the Adepti there don't eat the food of the mortal world and love this plant the most. It has a unique flavor when used for tea."
"Actually, the taste of that plant is just so-so," Kuroda answered subconsciously.
Bai Luo's hand paused mid-pour. "Oh? You've tried it before, Mr. Kuroda?"
"Yes. The Feiyun Commerce Guild has had dealings with us before; they submitted manuscripts from Liyue light novel fans for our events, so I was fortunate enough to taste it. I heard they even have their own nursery for them."
Kuroda spoke calmly and logically.
However, he didn't know that while the Feiyun Commerce Guild did have a nursery, they grew Silk Flowers, not Qingxin. Someone unfamiliar with Liyue would have believed him instantly, but Bai Luo wasn't just familiar with Liyue—he was from Liyue.
The fox's tail was starting to show.
After that, Bai Luo didn't try to probe further. He simply chatted about light novels. While Kuroda might have arrived with other intentions, as the conversation progressed, his attention truly became focused on the subject.
Bai Luo's understanding of light novels far exceeded any professional he had ever met. That kind of wild, unbridled imagination reminded him of an old friend. He remembered how often they used to bicker... but it was better not to bring that up now.
As they talked, the Fatui subordinate responsible for the meal brought the food out. From a distance, Kuroda caught a scent so divine it felt like it could steal his very soul.
Fox Udon.
But as the subordinate placed the bowl down, Bai Luo—who had already removed his mask—suddenly had a massive change in expression.
SLAM!
Bai Luo slammed his hand heavily against the table.
"Did I not tell you to go to the district and get some proper food? Is this what you brought?"
The subordinate knew his superior was only faking his anger. Fortunately, they were used to being scolded by their bosses and knew exactly how to play along.
"M-Master... didn't you say to go to the stall by the bridge? The stall by the bridge is the one that sells Fox Udon!" The subordinate knelt on the floor, shaking like a leaf, his voice thick with a feigned sob.
"Um, actually, this is—"
"Don't say a word, Mr. Kuroda! I must teach this incompetent subordinate a lesson. To serve roadside noodles to an honored guest... if he's not ashamed, I am! Take this away! Go to Uyuu Restaurant and order some high-end cuisine!"
"..."
In truth, Kuroda really wanted to tell him that Fox Udon was perfectly fine. But seeing Bai Luo's "furious" state, the words wouldn't come out.
He knew that if he admitted to loving Fox Udon, this sharp-witted intelligence officer would definitely notice something was up.
And so... he could only watch with longing eyes as the Fatui subordinate carried away the Fox Udon and its beautiful, golden piece of fried tofu.
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