More of a Hindrance Than a Help

Three set meals, three pots of coffee in total.

Ragna then dismissed the two maids standing nearby.

We might be discussing topics here that aren't really suitable for outsiders to know, and it would be troublesome if others overheard.

"Ugh... it's so bitter..." Ying took a sip of coffee, then showed a very strong expression of resistance.

"?" Ragna was somewhat puzzled. "Um, Master, the coffee we use is all high-quality, roasted coffee..."

"Alright, she won't understand any of this even if you tell her. Do you have any candy?"

How does Kazue, a staunch sweet tooth, explain the "rich aroma" of coffee?

Don't waste your energy—in fact, Liu Bai couldn't really taste the mellow aroma either.

It's like a cow chewing on a peony.

As a maid skilled in dealing with people, Ragna instantly understood Liu Bai's meaning—she hadn't expected this "general" to lack discernment.

"This is the sugar packet." Ragna took out a bag of sugar from an inconspicuous spot in the meal and then very consciously poured the entire sugar packet into it.

This isn't a traditional coffee shop; they won't kick out customers who don't understand coffee.

Here, you can add whatever you want. If you think one packet of sugar isn't sweet enough, we also have rock sugar, sweetened milk, and so on. You can add as much as you like until it's sweet enough.

However, the others weren't as picky as Ying, and they could all accept the taste of the coffee.

(Wow, Liu Bai brought so many people... Um... is that Cocoilia?)

Ragna sized up the group of people.

There's not much to say about Inazuma's side. Even the appearance of the "General" only made Ragna feel that Rita's search for allies was reliable.

Cocoilia is the one that stands out the most.

But this person was exactly the same as the Cocoilia she knew... or rather, exactly the same, but not quite the same.

Well, apart from their appearance, they don't look alike at all.

So Ragna also suppressed his doubts.

Liu Bai probably didn't expect her to be here for "social practice," so this was just a regular dinner party, and Ragna felt there was no need to be the bad guy and bother them.

Only...

"Boss Liu, would you like some?"

Guinaifen shared the cake with Liu Bai beside her.

Ragna suddenly coughed twice at that moment.

Guinaifen looked up at Ragna... Why did she feel like this person was giving her a hint?

"Give it to Ying." Bai waved his hand.

Since a set meal is for two people, Liu Bai and Raiden Ei, who was sitting opposite them, shared one meal.

Although Liu Bai doesn't dislike sweets, this much is too cloying, and...

[Raiden Ei Favorability Rating: 30]

Feeding someone can actually increase their affection level.

Ying is now drinking coffee loaded with sugar while eating a sweet cake...

From a certain perspective, it's truly admirable.

Guinaifen looked very unwilling.

Why is it this seating arrangement?!

Although I sat next to Liu Bai, it seemed to have no effect whatsoever!

Liu Bai was completely unaware of his own offensive!

"...Okay, alright." Guinaifen awkwardly handed the cake to Raiden Ei.

"Thanks."

She received a gentle and kind thank you from Raiden Ei —but what use was this to her?

Then Raiden Ei looked at the cake in front of him, and then at Liu Bai.

"Lord Liu Bai, won't you have some?"

They even shared my cake with the Boss Liu!

Even if you're naturally naive, you've gone too far!

"It's okay, you eat it. I still prefer cookies."

Liu Bai waved his hand, which relieved Guinaifen.

[Raiden Ei Favorability Rating: 32]

Meanwhile, sitting opposite Guinaifen Kitsune Saiguu smiled as he savored his sweets.

How could she possibly let Guinaifen succeed—fortunately, due to luck, she didn't need to do anything.

In fact, even if they weren't directly opposite each other, but were all at the same table, the Kitsune Saiguu would have countless ways to interfere.

Even the arrangement of the shadows was planned by Kitsune Saiguu.

Given Liu Bai's situation, everyone would definitely let him sit in the middle—the best position for protection.

So, the three "intimate positions" on the left, right, and front are divided among five people—no, Kitsune Saiguu doesn't participate, they are divided among four people.

Cocoilia, if she had any sense, would have avoided that spot.

Therefore, the three positions on the left, right, and front will most likely be assigned to Sara, Guinaifen, and Kage.

It looks casual, but it's all planned out.

As for the advantages and disadvantages of the positions opposite and to the left and right... there's really no need to go into detail.

As long as Ying is by Liu Bai's side, she can help Ying trigger the "begging for food" event.

Kitsune Saiguu had observed Liu Bai's eating habits and found that he didn't particularly like sweets, so if the Shadow beside him asked for them, Liu Bai would most likely give them to him.

As for the current two-person set meal... it can only be described as a pleasant surprise, without needing the help of the Kitsune Saiguu to entice them.

Although inducing it is not difficult.

After all, whether the shadow is on the left or the right, it's the same situation where Liu Bai is beside you and Kitsune Saiguu or Cocoilia is in front of you—diagonal directions are generally not considered.

Whenever Shadow shows a reluctant expression towards a certain sweet, Kitsune Saiguu can give a subtle hint. At this point, neither she nor Cocoilia, who has reached an understanding with her, will offer it to Shadow.

—What? You're asking when the understanding was reached?

It was definitely just their daily routine. Of course, the two of them had chatted briefly while grocery shopping. Although Cocoilia didn't explicitly support it, she also didn't explicitly oppose it.

It's clear that Cocoilia have some other thoughts about Liu Bai besides repaying his kindness—after all, he's a benefactor who can help revive their homeland. However, since she might not be able to return, Cocoilia's personal desires aren't obvious.

However, as long as you don't object, it's fine.

The same applies to the image now facing Liu Bai; to her left and right are Cocoilia, and in front of her is Liu Bai...

Being a wingman in a relationship requires some thought.

Coincidence? There aren't that many coincidences.

The purpose of the Kitsune Saiguu is also very simple.

As long as Liu Bai feeds it, Ying will remember Liu Bai's kindness.

After Ying finishes eating, he realizes he took Liu Bai's food and then belatedly feels guilty.

Thanks for the compliment... tsk tsk~~

Moreover, it was completely natural—the situation was so natural that Liu Bai only intuitively doubted her character, rather than the current state of affairs.

Of course, this is also an opportunity for the other two—because if Liu Bai feeds them, it is very likely that Liu Bai himself will not have enough to eat.

They could also feed Liu Bai in a perfectly reasonable way.

However, compared to feeding Ying, feeding Liu Bai requires careful timing.

Liu Bai doesn't feel like he's not getting enough to eat right now, while Guinaifen's feeding practices are a prime example of what not to do.

In contrast, Kujou Sara was more aware that Kage was a sweets lover.

It could be said that she had realized that Kage's love for sweets was a bottomless pit, and she also knew when Kage would stop... so Kujou Sara slowed down her eating speed.

Guinaifen, after failing to feed the animals, belatedly realized something.

Ragna: "..."

For some reason, she felt that these guys were scheming against each other even while eating dessert.

Chapter 147 Making Things Worse

"I'm so sorry!"

Just as Kitsune Saiguu had predicted, Raiden Ei finished his snacks before realizing that he had eaten most of the desserts on his plate.

After the happiness brought by the sweets gradually faded, Ying finally realized that she seemed to have been too "overjoyed".

Kitsune Saiguu chuckled to herself. She had seen this scene far too many times. Back in Inazuma, when everyone had a meal together, Kage was always the first to finish eating.

Ying hurriedly clasped her hands together and bowed her head to apologize to Liu Bai, then inexplicably turned her head to look at Kitsune Saiguu.

What is she laughing at?

However, Ying doesn't have much interest in managing the Kitsune Saiguu right now.

"Isn't this just a way to apologize to the deceased with good wine?" Liu Bai didn't care. It was just sweet food, and there was no question of whether he was full or not.

"Waaah..."

The shadow let out a somewhat shy, mournful cry.

Liu Bai found Ying's appearance quite amusing.

In reality, the character isn't usually that rigid; after all, there's a line in the game's voice acting that says, "The General's construction is quite sturdy; if it breaks, it can be replaced. So, if you encounter danger, just push the General in front."

—Most of the less serious remarks in Raiden Shogun's voice lines are spoken by Shadow.

"Lord Liu Bai—— "

"Boss Liu-- "

Kujou Sara and Guinaifen heard each other's voices, paused in their hands as they pushed the plates, and exchanged a glance.

"..."

"..."

After a moment of silence, Kujou Sara blushed and silently retreated.

After all, before... before I said I was just a guest... now if Little Gui wants to, it's not right for me to give it to her... no way.

"Oh dear~ If Master isn't full, Aslache can give you a free single-person meal! Please don't refuse!"

Ragna suddenly spoke up.

She seemed to have figured something out.

So you're trying to flirt with guys?

Although this group had nothing to do with their Stormtroopers, she just couldn't stand it—especially since her own little cabbage seemed to be actively trying to steal someone else's pig.

Don't be so modest! As the "Instructor of the 800,000 Imperial Guards" appointed by Schicksal, I can afford to pay for a single snack!

Ragna's coquettish voice suddenly froze Guinaifen, who had just shown a victorious expression.

How can someone still interrupt?

However, with Ragna's actions, it's really difficult for Guinaifen to continue sending gifts.

Continuing further would seem to make it obvious that I have ulterior motives—although it is already quite obvious.

Guinaifen silently placed the plate back in front of her.

"You two... well, don't mind me too much."

"I'm so sorry to have caused you trouble."