The Raiden Shogun narrowed her eyes slightly and said, "Have you forgotten why you bought Kamisato Ayaka?"
Only then did Lucas remember that he had boldly declared in front of the Raiden Shogun that he intended to turn Ayaka into a high-class courtesan at Platinum Han. He immediately put on a cold sneer and said, "Of course not. Everything I've done is to punish that... wretch thoroughly!"
As he spoke those two harsh words, Lucas cautiously glanced at Kamisato Ayaka. Both knew the cruel insult was only to fool the Raiden Shogun, but Ayaka had never suffered such humiliation before, and a faint blush colored her cheeks.
"Then what are we waiting for?" the Raiden Shogun said calmly. "I want to see with my own eyes… her entertaining guests."
Are you trying to pick a fight?
Lucas thought bitterly. How could this woman say such a bizarre thing with no shame or hesitation?
"Well… that's going to be difficult," Lucas, seasoned in the underworld, immediately found a way to dodge. "General, you should know that 'entertaining guests' involves some very unspeakable things."
"Of course I know that. Otherwise, how would it be punishment?" The Raiden Shogun shot him a glare. "If you're trying to stall, what are you really after?"
Though the Raiden Shogun sounded certain, Lucas doubted she truly understood the ins and outs of running a nightclub.
"General, it's not that I want to dodge," Lucas said with an awkward smile. "First, showing you such a crude scene would already be a grave sin. Second, where on earth would I find a man brave enough to receive services in front of you?"
Good grief. Trying to get a massage in front of the Raiden Shogun—he doubted the poor customer could even react.
The Raiden Shogun stroked her chin, then suddenly looked up at Kamisato Ayaka and then at Lucas. A faint smile played on her lips. "Isn't there already a suitable candidate here?"
Lucas instinctively widened his eyes and pointed at himself. "You mean… me?"
"Is there a second man here?" The Raiden Shogun frowned slightly. "If not you, then me?"
To be honest, Lucas actually hoped the Raiden Shogun would accept Kamisato Ayaka's services—it would save a lot of trouble.
Though imagining Kamisato Ayaka giving the Raiden Shogun a massage was… well, a little distracting.
"That… doesn't follow the rules," Lucas hurriedly waved his hand. "At Platinum Han, the staff are not allowed to consume services inside."
Of course, this was just something Lucas made up on the spot. In fact, not only was staff consumption allowed, but they even had employee discounts.
The Raiden Shogun fixed Lucas with a gaze. "Who owns Platinum Han?"
"I do," Lucas replied casually.
"In that case, aren't the rules yours to make?" The Raiden Shogun said coldly. "Besides, the laws of all Inazuma are mine to command. I order you to repeal that ridiculous rule."
What a bossy Raiden Shogun.
But the reason she was like this wasn't arrogance—it was her straightforward personality. She did what she wanted when she wanted, without a care for politics or social niceties.
Now Lucas was truly stuck. Just as he hesitated, the Raiden Shogun snorted coldly and said, "If you hate Kamisato Ayaka so much, why haven't you acted yet? Were you lying to me before? Do you think you can bear the sin of betraying your lord?"
Her aura was one of calm but undeniable authority, sending a chill through Lucas's heart.
At that moment, Kamisato Ayaka, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up. "General, please just put me to death. Even if I suffer the execution of Musou no Hitotachi, it would be better than being humiliated by such a lowly wretch!"
Lucas knew this was her way of reminding him.
Yes, if he kept hesitating like this and the Raiden Shogun caught on, their entire revenge plan would be doomed.
Thinking this, Lucas finally made up his mind. He stepped in front of Kamisato Ayaka. While the Raiden Shogun was distracted, they exchanged a quick glance. Then Lucas suddenly raised his hand and—rip—tore open Kamisato Ayaka's clothes.
"You wretch, how dare you despise me as lowly!" Lucas sneered. "Fine! Just wait—soon, you'll be more lowly than even me!"
"Let go of me!" Kamisato Ayaka struggled fiercely. To make their act convincing, she suddenly reached out and slapped Lucas hard across the face.
That slap carried a hint of personal grudge and left Lucas momentarily stunned.
Though she was acting, he was still a man, and some primal feeling stirred inside him. The slap awakened another kind of feeling toward Kamisato Ayaka. He pushed her down onto the bed and followed up immediately, flicking off his belt with a cold laugh. "I'll let you feel what it's like to be humiliated by the man you despise the most!"
Impulse, of course, lasted only a moment. After the rough shove, regret flooded Lucas's heart. He glanced at Kamisato Ayaka lying on the bed, her face flushed, tears shimmering in her expressive eyes. He immediately understood what she meant.
"Get off me!" Kamisato Ayaka kept struggling, punching Lucas's chest, crying out, "I hate you! I will kill you someday!"
Though her words were harsh, Lucas clearly saw her nod. The meaning was unmistakable—
You can begin now.
In truth, Lucas had already reached the point of no return. He had to admit, many men harbored some fantasy about the idea of "forceful conquest." Kamisato Ayaka, the pure and flawless Egret Princess, was exactly the right person for such a dark fantasy.
Pressing the pristine white Egret Princess down into a filthy swamp—that wicked thought had indeed crossed Lucas's mind.
Lucas drew his spear from his waist and thrust it rapidly toward Kamisato Ayaka. The latter had already formed a thin icy barrier, nearly invisible as a cicada's wing, but it shattered instantly on impact.
...
To be treated so roughly... Kamisato Ayaka had dreamed countless times about what her wedding night would look like.
With her brother's personality, he would surely invite all the prominent figures of Inazuma to the Kamisato estate. Even the exalted Raiden Shogun might honor the occasion with her presence.
On that day, Ayaka would be the envy of every girl in Inazuma, clad in a custom-made white shiromuku, receiving blessings from all.
After the wedding banquet, her brother would see off the guests while she, slightly tipsy from the nuptial toast, would enter the bridal chamber hand-in-hand with the groom, feeling that bittersweet happiness.
But now, in a place she despised most, Kamisato Ayaka lost the most precious thing in a way she could never have imagined.
Though the groom in her countless fantasies bore Lucas's face, this was not how it was supposed to be.
To fool the Raiden Shogun, Lucas had to put on a furious act, showing no mercy or gentleness. His rough behavior and vulgar words made Ayaka truly feel like the wretched woman he called her.
The worst part? After gradually getting used to it, she found she... almost wasn't completely rejecting it.
"Insult me…"
Just as her consciousness was about to fade into nothingness, Lucas's voice suddenly pulled her back. He pressed close to her ear and whispered, "Insult me fiercely. Otherwise, the Raiden Shogun will get suspicious."
Only then did Kamisato Ayaka realize the truth. According to the nonexistent "script," she should have resisted fiercely from beginning to end. Starting to cooperate so soon would betray her character.
Admittedly, it was remarkable that Ayaka, not an ordinary woman, still retained some rationality in such a situation. But her biggest challenge lay in the fact that... she didn't know how to curse.
After all, none of the complicated aristocratic lessons she had learned included "street cursing." Growing up sheltered in the inner chambers, she'd never even heard swear words.
"Stupid pig! Villain! Fool!"
Those three short words already drained her mental dictionary of insults. After a long pause, she squeezed out another: "Big bad villain! Stop it!"
Lucas sighed inwardly. This wasn't cursing; it sounded like a couple teasing each other!
Even these insults probably came straight from children's picture books she'd read as a kid.
Would such "cursing" really fool the Raiden Shogun?
Feeling nervous, Lucas glanced sideways at the Raiden Shogun, who was quietly watching nearby. To his surprise, the usually stern Electro Archon's cheeks were flushed pink, and she seemed restless, her eyes fixed intently on the point where the two "armies" clashed, almost lost in thought.
Clearly, she'd never witnessed a scene like this before. The impact was so overwhelming that she hadn't even noticed Kamisato Ayaka's rather ridiculous "curse words."
This was Ayaka's first battle after all. Though Lucas acted violently, deep down he cared deeply. So after just half an hour, the brutal fight ended.
The Egret Princess still sobbed softly. The reasons for her tears were complex—perhaps even she couldn't explain them.
"Tsk tsk, what a mess you are," Lucas feigned disdain and said, "Come on, let's head to the bath. I'll clean you up properly, you filthy creature."
With that, he scooped Kamisato Ayaka into his arms and said to the Raiden Shogun, "General, please excuse me. I'll go take care of her."
The Raiden Shogun still seemed a little dazed but nodded silently. Watching Lucas carry Ayaka into the bathhouse, she murmured to herself, "So that's what's going on…"
Indeed, the Raiden Shogun had no clue what Lucas meant by "punishment" until seeing it herself. As a god, she didn't understand human interactions between men and women, but her instincts sensed something. By halfway through, she found it hard to contain herself.
Still, since she had requested to watch, it would be humiliating to leave halfway through, so she stayed until the end.
Quietly, she approached the bed that had been their battleground. Her finger traced the dirty spots. Curious, she brought it to her nose to sniff—and then frowned.
That strange scent was something she'd only ever encountered near a patch of heather in the Tenshukaku.
Meanwhile, in the bathhouse:
"Sorry, sorry, sorry!" Lucas had lost count of how many times he'd apologized. He looked genuinely guilty. "Are you okay?"
"Why don't you try it yourself, using a scabbard?" Kamisato Ayaka frowned but joked for once. "Were you really just acting earlier?"
"I admit, I slipped a bit into my true nature," Lucas shamelessly said. "I'm only human after all."
Ayaka wasn't angry, just lightly spat and muttered, "How did I ever fall for such a bad man?"
"It's not too late to see the truth now," Lucas said, pulling a jar of ointment from the cabinet and offering it. "Here, put some on. It'll ease the pain."
Ayaka blushed, "I... I have no strength left. You have to help me."
"As you wish." Lucas opened the jar. "Lady Kamisato…"
He didn't finish the sentence. The expression on his face shifted slightly because the woman before him was no longer the noble lady the title implied. The words might sting her a little.
Unexpectedly, Ayaka—who usually disliked the noble title—didn't object. She simply nodded and said, "That's right. I am still the Kamisato heiress. If I forget that, then who else can restore the Kamisato clan?"
Lucas nodded. "I promise you, Kujou Takayuki will pay for what he did sooner or later. The Kamisato clan will be restored. Until then… please bear with it."
With that, Lucas dabbed some ointment onto Ayaka's wound. She frowned at first, but soon relaxed, clearly relieved. The imported Liyue salve he'd prepared was indeed effective.
Unfortunately, Ayaka's Vision had been taken after the failed rebellion, so she couldn't use Cryo to ease her pain.
About twenty minutes later, Lucas, now dressed, stepped out of the bathhouse. The Raiden Shogun was standing by the bed, head bowed, lost in thought.
"General?" Lucas cautiously asked.
Hearing his voice, the Raiden Shogun lifted her head slightly and asked coolly, "How is Kamisato Ayaka?"
Lucas slipped into character, sneering, "She's taken quite the beating. She won't be walking for at least ten to fifteen days."
"Hmph," the Raiden Shogun snorted coldly. "You clearly don't know the meaning of cherishing someone."
"I spent a billion Mora to buy her," Lucas said through gritted teeth, shameless. "How could I possibly be gentle with her? General, rest assured—this is just the beginning. Every day hereafter will be pure hell for her!"
"Are you sure about that?" The Raiden Shogun's eyes bored into his. "What if, over time, you grow fond of Kamisato Ayaka and start protecting her?"
A cold sweat broke out on Lucas's forehead. "General, please don't worry. Even if I had ten guts, I wouldn't dare to lie to you."
"You really can't fool me," the Raiden Shogun nodded thoughtfully. "From now on, every six months I will come to inspect. I'll check if Kamisato Ayaka is still working at your Platinum Haan. If I find any deception..."
Before she could finish, she slammed her palm down on the sturdy wooden table beside her. A loud crack split the wood.
"You have the same fate as this table."
Good grief…
Lucas couldn't help but marvel internally.
What grudge did the Raiden Shogun hold against Kamisato Ayaka? Inspecting every half year like this—she's a Celestial General, yet here she was watching this kind of 'performance.' If her fellow archons found out, her reputation would be shot.
Of course, Lucas kept those thoughts to himself. Though exasperated, he nodded respectfully. "Everything will be done as you command, General."
Just then, with another sharp "crack," the door suddenly burst open. Kunikuzushi stood there, katana in hand, looking tense. "Big Brother, are you alright?"
Lucas had told Kunikuzushi beforehand that someone sent by the Raiden Shogun would meet him tonight. Knowing this, Kunikuzushi had been hiding nearby to avoid any trouble.
Apparently, the sound of the table breaking had startled her into rushing in.
Lucas's heart jumped. With Kunikuzushi's fiery temper, if she'd made a move against the Raiden Shogun, serious trouble would follow. He quickly stepped forward, disarmed her, and smiled. "It's alright, this is a distinguished guest. You mustn't be rude."
Kunikuzushi had never met the Raiden Shogun before, and since the Shogun was dressed in men's clothes with a ponytail, she didn't recognize her at all.
The Raiden Shogun glanced at Kunikuzushi, eyes widening briefly, but the expression was fleeting. She walked straight toward the door, and as she passed Lucas, she patted his shoulder nonchalantly. "This country needs both white and black. I allow the existence of black—as long as it doesn't cross the line."
With that, she left, leaving a complicated expression on Lucas's face as he silently pondered her words.
The Raiden Shogun knew well that neither the Yoshiwara red-light district nor the Platinum Haan nightclub were clean places, nor should they exist in the nation she governed. Yet she tacitly allowed them to continue, which meant they served some current purpose.
Even as the sovereign deity of Inazuma, she couldn't manage everything herself. She was acutely aware of how corrupt her officials were.
Now, her focus was entirely on completing the Statue of The Seven's project for the path of eternity. The trivial matters of the country were temporarily set aside. Her priority was maintaining stability as best she could.
That was why her punishment of the Kamisato clan was so ruthless and merciless—to kill as a warning. Even the sole surviving heir, Kamisato Ayaka, had to be severely punished to deter others from disrupting the order.
Otherwise, a divine ruler of such stature wouldn't stoop to frequent such filthy dens.
Not long after the Raiden Shogun left, a drunken voice echoed down the corridor. "Hey, what a handsome young man! You… you here to apply as a young master at Platinum Haan? Hehe…"
Lucas's heart jolted. He peeked out and saw the Raiden Shogun, who had just left, stopped by a man in his thirties blocking her way.
The man was none other than Tora, one of Lucas's most trusted lieutenants.
For over a decade, he and his older brother Ryu had fought alongside Lucas, clawing their way to their current position. Though Tora's skills were average and he had many flaws, his loyalty and seniority kept him at Lucas's side as second-in-command of Platinum Haan.
Having risked his life for Lucas multiple times, Tora generally received leniency, as long as he didn't go overboard.
But nobody expected him to provoke someone he definitely shouldn't have.
"Move aside," the Raiden Shogun said, expressionless as she looked at the drunken man.
"Hey, how dare you talk to me like that!" Tora laughed instead of getting angry. "I've never been with a man before. Well… today might be my first taste…"
The Raiden Shogun remained silent, but a deadly glint flashed in her eyes.
Before anyone could react, a figure suddenly darted forward from behind, wielding an empty wine bottle. Without hesitation, they smashed it hard onto Tora's head...
With a sharp crack, the empty wine bottle shattered into countless pieces. Tora collapsed to the ground, the searing pain instantly snapping him awake.
He lifted his head, ready to curse, only to find Lucas standing before him, coldly staring him down.
Having followed Lucas for so many years, Tora knew that though his boss was ruthless and cold-hearted, he cared deeply for his longtime comrades. It had been years since Lucas had given him such a stern look.
That glare immediately reined in Tora's arrogance. Not knowing exactly what was going on, he still sensed he'd crossed a line. Hastily, he bowed his head. "B-Brother, I was wrong!"
"Sorry about my subordinate's behavior. I'll deal with him properly," Lucas brushed Tora off and turned respectfully to the Raiden Shogun. "Please, don't take it to heart."
"Keep better control of your dog," the Raiden Shogun threw the remark over her shoulder as she left.
Only after her figure disappeared from sight did Lucas finally relax and help Tora to his feet.
"Does it hurt?" Lucas asked casually.
"Tora's not afraid of pain when beaten by his brother," Tora shook his head. "Who was that big shot just now?"
"You don't need to know," Lucas said with a helpless sigh. "But she's someone neither of us dare offend. You better be more careful next time. If I hadn't stepped in, your head wouldn't have just been smashed by a bottle."
"Oh, I almost forgot," Tora suddenly remembered. "That land the Kanjou Magistrate approved last time? The Tiger Claw Gang took it. How should we handle it?"
"Leave it to A-Long. Handle it cleanly," Lucas said coldly. "We have to get that land. Our Kunikuzushi Group's legit rise starts there."
[Exiting Immersive Mode]
[Entering Text Mode]
[Age 31: After the Kamisato clan was destroyed, the Yashiro Commission office was temporarily taken over by another noble family—the Takanashi, a branch of the Kujou family. The head of the Takanashi family is Takanashi Susumu. Although a branch, tensions between the two families had long simmered. The shogunate arranged the Takanashi takeover to leverage this rivalry, preventing collusion and maintaining a balance of power among the three magistrates.]
[You had anticipated this for years. In fact, long ago, you began courting the Takanashi family, especially Susumu's brother, Takanashi Isamu, a frequent visitor to Platinum Haan. You hold many secrets over the Takanashi family.]
[Moreover, you contributed significantly to the smooth transition of Yashiro Commission to the Takanashi family. While they don't fully submit to you, they are definitely constrained by your influence.]
[As for Kamisato Ayaka, to prevent suspicion from the Raiden Shogun and the shogunate, you indeed packaged her as the star courtesan of Platinum Haan, the undisputed oiran of Yoshiwara's main street.]
[To emphasize her status, you set strict rules: Ayaka can only "entertain" three clients per month, each costing no less than ten million Mora.]
[As you predicted, applicants were countless. After all, a peerless beauty worth a billion Mora, available for just one percent of that per night, was an unbelievably good deal.]
[Of course, this was just a ruse to deceive the shogunate. The true right to spend time with Ayaka was exclusively yours. Thanks to strict confidentiality about client identities, no one noticed.]
[And the ten million Mora per client? That all went into your personal accounts, leaving no trace.]
[The only troublesome matter was the Raiden Shogun's twice-yearly inspections of Platinum Haan, just as she had promised. Thankfully, to avoid exposing your identity, you alone handled these "audits."]
[To prevent suspicion, you had senior female staff at Platinum Haan periodically give Ayaka "professional guidance." To be fair, Ayaka was a prodigy. Not only was she skilled in qin, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and tea, but she also mastered these "skills" with ease and finesse.]
[So when the Raiden Shogun came back for her second visit, she saw a different Ayaka. The once tearful, cursing noblewoman was now a consummate professional, almost a new person—proficient in novel and somewhat blush-inducing talents.]
[Such a transformation could never come from study alone—experience was needed, and Lucas was Ayaka's training partner. At least three times a month, she improved steadily.]
[Therefore, when Ayaka dropped elegantly from a rope hanging from the ceiling, gracefully landed on the floor, and discreetly spat out impurities, even the ever-calm Raiden Shogun was visibly moved.]
[Though not well-acquainted with the outside world, the Raiden Shogun had seen Ayaka several times a year, watching her grow up. The poised and refined lady had just performed a perfect 360-degree midair spin in front of her.]
[To put it in perspective, the shock was like a freshly graduated innocent college kid who finally saved enough to hire a top-rated escort—only to find she was his high school crush, the untouchable student council vice president with zero scandals.]
[This also proved you hadn't deceived the Raiden Shogun; you'd actually exceeded expectations. Even the only daughter of the Kamisato clan could be brought so low. This was the price of betraying the Raiden Shogun and the shogunate.]
[You thought this "spectacular performance" would put all her concerns to rest. Instead, after a perfunctory "barely passes," she left, telling you the next inspection would demand Ayaka to be even more degraded.]
Isn't this "more degraded" enough already?
Reading this line, Lucas nearly burst out laughing in frustration.
Is she here to check on the punishment progress—or just for entertainment?
[Though exasperated, you had no choice but to agree. After the Raiden Shogun left, you immediately discussed it with Ayaka. You expected anger or difficulty, but to your surprise, she calmly said she could do it.]
[Obviously, you have not only underestimated Kamisato Ayaka—you have vastly underestimated her.]
[She is a very smart woman, but what's most frightening is that she is a smart woman bent on revenge. During these past six months, what she learned wasn't just how to please men (though only you), but more importantly, those "teachers" who have long hovered around men taught her how to handle men.]
[After hearing her story, for the first time you felt the woman you'd known for over a decade—your confidante and close friend—had become somewhat unfamiliar.]
[Perhaps sensing your surprise, Kamisato Ayaka's face regained the pure, clear smile of old. She said, "Don't worry, I won't use those methods on you anymore. Besides, I still have a few moves left. When you've rested, would you like to try again?"]
[You naturally didn't hesitate to agree, but only after it was over did you suddenly realize that, without noticing, you had fallen into the gentle trap she set. If it were any other man, Kamisato Ayaka could probably manipulate him with just a few subtle moves, like a sheep on a vast green meadow.]
[Age 32: After backing the Takanashi family to seize control of Yashiro Commission and bribing the Kanjou Magistrate, the Kunikuzushi Group basically gained the support of all three magistrates. You had effectively dominated both the black and white sides of Inazuma's power structure. Your fame grew ever louder. The title "King of the Flower District" no longer satisfied you—you wanted to become the true underground emperor of Inazuma.]
[Construction, medicine, dining... You gradually expanded Kunikuzushi's business into white industries. On the other hand, your public identity as an entrepreneur had become well known throughout Inazuma.]
[Not only that, you also took over the Wan Guo Commerce Guild, becoming the youngest chairman in its history.]
[Though Kamisato Ayaka was approaching thirty, her natural beauty had not faded with age; instead, she gained a new mature charm. You never held back on spending money to prolong a girl's prime—stacking wealth to keep her in perfect condition was no challenge.]
[Of course, you never forgot the shared enemy you and Kamisato Ayaka had—the major obstacle standing between you and your further ambitions: Kujou Takayuki.]
[Now, he was showing signs of aging, his health declining. Yet with his privileged lifestyle, even retiring to the shadows, living another decade or two was feasible.]
[Moreover, if he didn't die because of you and Kamisato Ayaka, then it would have been meaningless.]
[Just like last year, Kamisato Ayaka's performance again pleased the Raiden Shogun. She privately told you that if Kamisato Ayato knew in the afterlife how his sister had fallen, he would regret raising the banner of rebellion.]
[In truth, the Raiden Shogun's brutal "kill one to warn a hundred" method was effective. At least in these few years, no rebellions occurred in Inazuma. Even the resistance on Watatsumi Island seemed much more subdued.]
[After the Raiden Shogun left, Kamisato Ayaka officially presented her revenge plan to you—not just to kill Kujou Takayuki, which alone meant little, but to exact soul-deep revenge, to make that old villain feel the pain of losing loved ones.]
[Hatred can change a person. You, in your thirst for revenge, were willing to bow under the command of your father's killer, while Kamisato Ayaka, seeking her revenge, had long since abandoned her former innocence and kindness.]
[Ayaka shared her plan, which was undeniably very feasible—but you rejected it outright. Only after she repeatedly assured you she wouldn't sacrifice herself for the scheme did you reluctantly agree.]
[On the day of the plan, you used your birthday as an excuse to invite Kujou Takayuki's two sons—Kujou Masahito and Kujou Kamaji—to a banquet at Platinum Haan.]
[Entering Immersive Mode]
[Mission Objective: Make Kujou Takayuki pay the price he deserves]
Lucas steadied himself. He found himself in a top-tier private room at Platinum Haan. On the table before him lay a spread of exquisite dishes.
However, despite the lavish room, there were only two guests: Kujou Takayuki's sons—older brother Kujou Masahito and younger brother Kujou Kamaji.
Though they were biological brothers, their appearances, temperaments, and personalities were vastly different.
The elder, Kujou Masahito, had inherited his father's military bearing and sternness. Tall and imposing, he radiated authority even without anger. Serving as an officer on the frontlines fighting the resistance, he rarely returned home.
The younger, Kujou Kamaji, appeared more refined, scholarly even, and somewhat reserved.
Masahito was skilled in military command but lacked political savvy, often acting rashly. Kamaji, in contrast, was more composed and prudent. Because of this, rumors swirled that Kujou Takayuki intended to pass the family headship to Kamaji someday.
Both brothers knew Lucas's identity and his connection to their father. Despite Lucas's rising social status in Inazuma, the brothers still treated him with little respect.
Kamaji was somewhat restrained, but Masahito outright dismissed Lucas as merely a dog kept by their father.
"Gentlemen," Lucas raised his wine glass to the Kujou brothers. "I'm truly honored you could grace this banquet with your presence."
"Cut the formalities," Masahito said impatiently, downing a large gulp of wine. "You really don't know how to behave, do you?"
Feigning ignorance, Lucas said, "If I've made any mistakes or failed to entertain properly, please advise, Brother Masahito."
"You think a dog like you deserves to call me brother?" Masahito sneered. "Don't pretend you don't understand. This banquet—don't you think it's a bit too plain?"
The table was filled with rich dishes and fine meats, but Masahito's meaning was clear: this was Platinum Haan, the most famous entertainment spot in Inazuma, yet there wasn't even a single hostess to share a drink with. After months cooped up in the barracks, this lack of company left Masahito visibly disgruntled.
The real reason Kujou Masahito accepted Lucas's invitation to his birthday banquet wasn't out of any respect for Lucas, but simply because he wanted to enjoy himself at Platinum Haan.
Unmarried and raised with strict discipline, Masahito had been away at war for months with no contact with women. He thought coming here tonight would let him blow off some steam. But Lucas, that clueless guy, hadn't even summoned a single hostess, which naturally left him rather annoyed.
"Brother, maybe we should forget it," Kujou Kamaji shook his head. "We're already in a place that's hardly appropriate. If we get mixed up with the courtesans here and Father finds out, well…"
"What? You want to use Father to pressure me?" Kujou Masahito frowned and snorted coldly. "Those rumors are true—Father really intends to pass the family headship to you. And yet, you're already acting like you can boss me around even though you're not head of the family."
He knew he wasn't cut out to be family head, but he had fought countless battles for the clan and gained merits. His younger brother, meanwhile, had stayed safely in Inazuma City, currying favor with their father, and would easily inherit the position. This rankled Masahito.
With some alcohol in his system and Kamaji's words hitting a nerve, all his bottled-up frustrations spilled out.
Seeing his brother so worked up, Kamaji's expression changed and he quickly said, "Brother, that's not what I meant, hey…"
"You're both brothers, so why fight over this?" Lucas smiled quietly to himself and immediately played peacemaker. "Lord Kamaji, your brother doesn't come home often. He serves the nation and family day and night. Wanting to relax is only natural. How about we make an exception today? Don't worry, as long as everyone keeps quiet, your father won't find out."
Kamaji, not wanting to sour the brothers' relationship further, reluctantly nodded, tacitly agreeing.
Lucas clapped his hands. "Bring them in!"
At once, the door to the private room swung open. A fragrant breeze swept through as six young women entered in perfect formation. Each was a top-tier beauty with exquisite figures. Their attire wasn't ordinary scanty clothing; some wore the elegant garb of traveling bards, others dressed in refined cheongsams.
Masahito's eyes widened—he hadn't touched a woman in a long time—and even the usually silent Kamaji stole a few extra glances.
"Wow…" Masahito clapped his hands. "Bro, what's the meaning of this?"
Just moments ago, he'd been cursing Lucas, now he was calling him brother.
Lucas nodded. "This is Platinum Haan's latest top-tier service—The Six Divine Servants. This one's Barbatos, that one's Morax…"
Indeed, the six women's makeup and costumes were modeled after the Seven Archons of Teyvat. As to why there were only six, the reason was obvious: if Raiden Shogun herself was included, she'd probably slice the entire street of Yoshiwara into ruins with her Musou Isshin strike by tomorrow.
You have to admit, Lucas knew his business. Men were naturally creatures of conquest, and conquering the highest-status 'gods' of Teyvat was the dream of countless men.
"Excellent! Absolutely excellent!" Masahito immediately grabbed two girls, one on each side, grinning. "I want the God of Ice and the God of Fire—pick the rest yourselves."
God of Ice and God of Fire?
This guy really knew how to have fun.
Lucas smiled at Kujou Kamaji. "Guest first to choose."
Kamaji blushed and shook his head. "I… I don't need any. You… you go ahead."
Lucas, having run Yoshiwara for years, knew these guys well. Some men liked to act all serious and wait for women to come to them. So he patted the two girls dressed as Barbatos and Nahida.
"The God of Wind knows poetry and song. The God of Grass masters calligraphy and music—perfect for a cultured gentleman like Lord Kamaji. Don't keep them waiting!"
The two women immediately seated themselves on Kamaji's sides and struck up conversation. As Lucas expected, despite his stiff demeanor, Kamaji wasn't resistant at all. Besides, these girls were carefully selected to please men, understanding their tastes perfectly.
At Platinum Haan, the highest-end nightclub in Inazuma, the staff weren't some low-level girls selling just their bodies.
Within less than an hour, the two Kujou brothers were completely lost to the pleasures around them. Masahito's face was flushed red, and his hands were no longer steady. Kamaji had been plied with several drinks and was chatting about poetry and melodies with "Barbatos."
The harsh upbringing of Kujou Takayuki had made his sons gifted yet stifled. Now that pressure was relieved, their true natures quickly came out.
Seeing the moment ripe, Lucas smiled. "Gentlemen, enjoying yourselves?"
"You're a clever one," Masahito laughed. "I'll be sure to say good things about you to Father."
"Well, it's getting late…" Kamaji, still somewhat clear-headed, said nervously, "Should we head back?"
"Leaving now would be a pity," Lucas smiled. "I've specially arranged a show by our top performer. Don't you want to enjoy it?"
That instantly sobered the brothers. After all, the fact that Kamisato Ayaka was sold to Platinum Haan was no secret.
"Of course! We want to see it!" Masahito's face lit up with a lecherous grin, his earlier dignity gone. "Kamisato Ayaka's beauty can't be compared to any of these common girls."
Honestly, the six beauties here would be top stars in any club, but in Masahito's eyes, compared to Kamisato Ayaka, they were just common courtesans, showing just how deeply the White Heron Princess's beauty had rooted itself in people's minds.
"Please enjoy the 'White Heron Dance.'"
As Lucas's voice fell, a curtain suddenly descended over the stage in the private room. The lights all focused there, and Kamisato Ayaka appeared, dressed in a dancer's outfit, already standing inside the curtain's shade.
Behind the curtain, bathed in the spotlight, only Kamisato Ayaka's silhouette was visible, reflected faintly on the sheer fabric. Even so, that graceful figure was enough to draw admiring glances.
As the music began, Ayaka started to dance. Having trained in kendo since childhood, her movements lacked the usual softness of a traditional dance, instead carrying a striking, almost heroic quality.
Both Kujou Masahito, a seasoned warrior hardened by years of battle, and his refined, thoughtful brother Kujou Kamaji found themselves captivated, unable to look away.
Just as Ayaka had confidently predicted, she was certain she could win the hearts of these two brothers.
After all… they were men.
Throughout all of Inazuma, few women could match such self-assurance, but Kamisato Ayaka was truly deserving.
The entire "White Heron Dance" lasted no more than a tea break. When Ayaka finally took a slight bow behind the curtain, the Kujou brothers, still immersed in the beauty of the performance, slowly returned to reality.
"Really impressive…" Kamaji murmured, but immediately felt he'd said too much and quickly fell silent.
Masahito was far more direct, waving his hand. "Why don't you take the curtain down so we can all see the White Heron Princess up close?"
Though Lucas inwardly bristled, he still clapped his hands softly, and the curtain was drawn aside. There stood Kamisato Ayaka, holding a folding fan that partially shielded her face. She bowed slightly and said, "This humble one offers her humble talents."
The coy gesture, half hiding her face like a pipa player, made both brothers momentarily speechless, eyes fixed on her.
"Ah, I was going to have Ayaka join you for a few drinks," Lucas feigned regret. "But since you're ready to leave, I won't keep you. If there's time later, come back for a drink and chat…"
Before he could finish, Kujou Masahito slammed the table, laughing. "Leave? Not a chance today! Kamaji, you're supposed to inherit the family headship one day. Staying out all night in a place like this isn't exactly proper. You should head back!"
Kamaji, usually reserved and calm, blushed fiercely. "Well… well, I'm not leaving either! Brother, you only come back to Inazuma once. How could I spoil your fun?"
"No spoiling, no spoiling!" Masahito grinned. "Besides, I've got Brother Lucas here to keep me company. And didn't you already get engaged to the Kamisato family's eldest daughter? If she found out, do you think that wedding would still happen?"
"I… I've only met Miss Kamisato a few times. We're nowhere near talking marriage," Kamaji glanced briefly at Ayaka, then shook his head. "Brother, you can forget about kicking me out."
Lucas couldn't help but smile inwardly. Wow, in the story, those two were all lovey-dovey with secret letters, but here, seeing a beauty, Kamaji immediately forgets about his fiancée. He really knows how to play the game.
Lucas knew their little minds well. If he could get one brother distracted, he'd have the prize—Kamisato Ayaka—entirely to himself tonight.
"No need to argue," Ayaka smiled softly as she took her seat at the table and poured drinks for the two brothers. "Whether you stay or leave, please have a drink from Ayaka first."
Before falling into the world of Platinum Haan, Ayaka had already been one of Inazuma's top aristocrats, accustomed to attending social functions with her brother. Handling the two Kujou brothers was nothing.
Though she said it was just one drink, hours passed unnoticed. Adding the earlier drinks, both were now heavily intoxicated.
What they didn't know was that Lucas had spiked the drinks. Kujou Kamaji, never a heavy drinker, was quickly under the influence. Even Masahito, who could hold his liquor well, was starting to lose focus.
Still, they kept some presence of mind. After all, with Kamisato Ayaka there, they didn't want to miss a thing due to drunkenness.
"It's time to rest, gentlemen," Lucas smiled as the moment approached. "Ayaka told me she's admired the Kujou brothers' talents for a long time. Today is a rare chance. She's willing to serve one of you. Of course, I'll assign someone else to attend to the other brother."
Lucas had no intention of really giving Ayaka to them; it was all part of his plan.
Upon hearing this, the brothers' eyes lit up and they exchanged competitive glances, clearly unwilling to let the opportunity slip.
"Make your decision quickly," Lucas urged, fanning the flames. "A moment of pleasure is worth a thousand gold—don't waste it."
"Brother, all six girls are yours," Kamaji blushed. "Can Ayaka be mine tonight…"
"Shut up!" Masahito snapped fiercely. "When have I ever backed down to you? Father left the best things for you—good food, fine clothes, and sent me far away to the front lines to fight. Now you want to fight me over a woman too?"
Masahito's tirade unleashed years of resentment in one breath, leaving Kamaji speechless. Though he desired Ayaka, the scolding made him feel guilty.
As the younger brother, Kamaji was more calculating. He knew if he pushed Masahito's anger further, it wouldn't just be a dispute over a woman.
Reluctantly, he glanced at Ayaka and said, "In that case… you can have her."
"That's more like it!" Masahito laughed heartily. For him, Kamaji's concession wasn't just about a woman; it was an acknowledgment of the injustices he'd suffered. It eased much of the pent-up bitterness between them.
Had things continued like this, Lucas's plan might have failed—or worse, patched up the brothers' rivalry.
But Lucas would never allow that.
"What are you waiting for?" he raised an eyebrow at Ayaka. "Go keep Lord Masahito company. If he rises in status, he might just buy you back someday!"
"Th-thank you for your favor, my lord."
Kamisato Ayaka said this with her mouth, but her eyes glanced sideways at Kujou Kamaji, filled with grievance and reluctance, as if a hundred grudges weighed on her heart.
That simple look made Kujou Kamaji's bones feel like they were melting.
Kujou Masahito, despite benefiting from the situation, still couldn't let it go, laughing, "Kamaji, I'm doing this for your own good. Your body's so weak, having the White Heron Princess keep you company is a waste. What if things go wrong halfway? Wouldn't that disgrace the Kujou family?"
"Enough..." Kamaji clenched his fists and muttered, "Stop talking..."
"It's all in the past. What harm is there in sharing some laughs?" Masahito continued to vent his frustrations. "A few years ago, this guy fell for one of the household maids, but she was useless—still pure as ever after all his sneaky attempts. Eventually, I couldn't stand it and took care of that maid for him! Hahaha!"
Masahito's laughter grew louder and louder, while Kamaji could only keep his head down, grinding his teeth in silence.
There are many ways to humiliate a man, but none sting worse than slandering his manhood.
Lucas gave Kamisato Ayaka a knowing glance. She immediately caught on, smiling as she picked up a wine jug and secretly turned the hidden mechanism.
This jug, called the "Heart-Turning Pot," contained two types of wine; rotating the mechanism switched them. She poured the replaced wine for Kujou Masahito and said, "Finish this cup, then go to your room."
"Wonderful! Wonderful!" Kujou Masahito gulped down the wine without suspicion, his mind already imagining the upcoming passionate moments with the beauty.
But suddenly, a wave of dizziness washed over him. Thinking he'd simply had too much to drink, he rubbed his forehead and said, "Be-beauty, let me rest a bit first, then… then I'll go to my room…"
Then, his large head dropped heavily onto the table, and he immediately fell into a deep sleep.
Lucas nodded silently but pretended to fuss, walking over to Masahito and gently shaking his shoulder. "Lord Masahito? Wake up, Ayaka's still waiting for you..."
But the only response was a braying snore—no matter how stubborn a mule, that enchanted wine ensured he'd sleep till dawn.
"What do we do now?" Lucas feigned a headache. "Looks like he's not waking tonight. We can't just have Ayaka waiting all alone by his side, can we?"
Just then, with a loud "clang," the sleeping Masahito was suddenly kicked to the floor by Kujou Kamaji.
This unexpected scene wasn't part of Lucas's plan. Kamaji, bleary-eyed and drunken, fiercely kicked the unconscious Masahito and shouted, "You said I was useless! You said I was no good! What do you know? You're just the discarded son in Father's eyes! I… I'm the future head of the Kujou family! When I take over, the first thing I'll do is send you to Watatsumi Island so the rebels can tear you limb from limb!"
Thankfully, Masahito was already unconscious from the wine, and no amount of kicking could wake him.
Lucas didn't intervene; he just watched as Kamaji vented his rage until he was out of breath. Then Lucas cautiously approached, saying, "Lord Kamaji, you're a real man. Since Lord Masahito is passed out drunk, what about Ayaka...?"
"Send her… send her to my room!" Kamaji's drunken boldness surged. Not even if Kujou Takayuki himself showed up would he back down now. Staring at Kamisato Ayaka, he licked his lips and declared, "I… I'll prove I'm the one!"
This was exactly what Lucas wanted to see. He hadn't expected things to go so smoothly.
"Well…" Lucas feigned hesitation. "Ayaka already agreed to Lord Masahito. If we do this…"
"What's the problem?" Kamaji snapped. "I'm the future head of the Kujou family, not that brute who just knows how to swing swords!"
Lucas nodded. "Yes! Please wait in your room, Lord Kamaji. Ayaka will change and come serve you."
With that, he clapped his hands. Two women immediately flanked Kamaji and guided him toward the room.
Soon, only Lucas, Kamisato Ayaka, and the bruised, snoring Masahito remained in the suite.
They exchanged a glance and couldn't help but smile.
Ayaka was a clever woman; she knew the plan was going perfectly.
Besides, it was her idea to begin with. Even she underestimated her own charm. The poor Kujou brothers were like Tom and Boiling Sheep, puppets played by her hands.
Twenty minutes later, they entered Kamaji's room. He was sound asleep, while the two women who escorted him wore amused expressions.
"Is it done?"
Lucas asked quietly.
"Don't worry," one of the women said with a smile. "He talked big just now—I thought he was impressive. But it was over in less than five minutes."
She then placed a hand on Lucas's shoulder, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "The fire's already lit. Boss, why don't you help us fan the flames?"
Before Lucas could answer, Kamisato Ayaka smiled softly. "You've worked hard. It's better you get some rest."
Though Ayaka's courtesan identity was fake, her status at Platinum Haan was real. None of the club's girls dared cross her. They all just stuck out their tongues and left together.
"Sorry," Lucas said lightly after they left, "and thanks for putting up with this."
"What do I have to complain about?" Ayaka smiled. "Those two didn't even touch me once."
"But when Kujou Kamaji wakes up tomorrow, he'll probably think he's already been with you…" Lucas's face darkened. "Just the thought of it makes me uneasy."
"I didn't expect it—you're actually a jealous type," Kamisato Ayaka said with a slight smile. "You should know, as the top courtesan of Platinum Haan, the queen of the Flower Street, I don't know how many men fantasize about me every day. But the only one who truly gets to be served by me… has always been you."
"That's true." Lucas smiled proudly.
Suddenly, he seemed to think of something. His eyes flicked as both hands rested on Kamisato Ayaka's waist.
After years of 'learning,' Ayaka had long transformed from the innocent girl she once was into a woman full of charm and grace. With a simple move, she already guessed his intentions.
The woman furrowed her brows and whispered, "There's still someone here…"
"It's okay, he's sleeping like a dead pig—he won't wake up," Lucas snorted coldly, perhaps fueled by jealousy. "I want to do it right in front of that guy, so he knows who truly deserves to enjoy the White Heron Princess."
"I really can't understand you anymore," Ayaka sighed. "Sometimes you're as unfathomable as the abyss; other times, you're as pure and naive as a child who never grew up."
"I really am a child," Lucas said as he held Ayaka's wrists, guiding her hands to hold the edge of the bed. He smiled, "A hungry child. So Ayaka-mama, you have to feed me well."
"When have I ever not fed you well?" Ayaka narrowed her eyebrows, then relaxed them, lowering her voice as she said, "It's just… your appetite seems to be growing, and I'm afraid if this continues… it'll get harder and harder to satisfy you."
Lucas certainly understood the double meaning. His growing 'appetite' referred not only to intimate matters but also to his expanding ambition.
Now, the Kunikuzushi Group had become the largest underground organization in Inazuma, closely connected to the three major Tenryou Commissions. As a gang, it had basically reached its developmental limits—any further would only sink it deeper.
Ayaka could see this clearly, and Lucas had long realized it too.
But unlike women, men's hunger for power was something Lucas found hard to turn away from.
"You know?" Lucas breathed softly. "The reason I've come this far... it all started because of you."
"Because of me?" Ayaka's voice held a trace of doubt. "Why?"
"Do you remember?" Lucas began revealing a long-hidden secret. "Over ten years ago, I had a conflict with the younger brother of the Dragon-Tiger siblings. At that time, I thought I was doomed. But you—just one simple sentence from you—got me acquitted. Not only that, the folks in the fishing village market thought we were close and started treating me well. Because of you, I experienced the beauty of 'power.' From that day on, I vowed to gain power no matter what!"
Lucas had never told anyone this, not even Ayaka. That seed called 'privilege' had been buried deep in the heart of that insecure boy, but now it had grown into a terrifying towering tree.
The battle that took place in front of Kujou Kamaji lasted more than an hour, ending only when Ayaka's legs gave out.
Meanwhile, the man who had lasted less than five minutes still wore a smile on his sleeping face—perhaps in his dreams, he was fighting the perfect battle with the goddess he adored.
"Enjoy your sweet dreams."
Lucas took off the raincoat; due to the heavy rain, the small coat looked like a shaky meteor hammer as he lightly slapped Kujou Kamaji's cheek and sneered, "Tomorrow... the real show begins."
These two troubled brothers—one inside the room, the other outside—were sleeping soundly, completely unaware of what awaited them.
...