Ch. 281Number One Miko Candidate
Key Plot Points and Events
- Liao Zixuan and Kasumi Akiko attend Sugaya Akino's public performance, which is disrupted by a man exposing the poor quality of the drinks sold under Akino's name.
- Akino's team cancels the second half of the performance and evacuates the crowd. Liao Zixuan and Kasumi Akiko secretly follow Akino's team and the Great Purification Magistrate.
- Inside a carriage, Akino's true personality is revealed as she scolds her servants for not protecting her and expresses her desire to leave for the Winter Country after becoming the Divine Miko.
Character Developments
- Sugaya Akino: Revealed to be manipulative, greedy, and willing to exploit her status as a Divine Miko candidate for personal gain. She is also willing to endanger others for her own benefit.
- Liao Zixuan: Shows resourcefulness and determination in pursuing his target, Akino.
- Kasumi Akiko: Demonstrates eagerness and excitement in following Liao Zixuan's lead.
Significant Themes
- Deception and False Appearances: Akino's public image contrasts sharply with her true personality, highlighting the theme of deception.
- Greed and Exploitation: Akino's team is willing to exploit Akino's status and the public's trust for profit, leading to potential harm to the public.
- Power Dynamics: Akino's behavior towards her servants and the public demonstrates the abuse of power and lack of empathy.
Character Interactions
- Liao Zixuan and Kasumi Akiko: They work together to follow Akino's team, showing a level of trust and cooperation.
- Sugaya Akino and her servants: Akino scolds and threatens her servants, showing a power dynamic where she expects to be served and protected.
- Akino and the public: Akino's disregard for the public's safety and well-being is evident in her conversation with her servants, highlighting the disconnect between her public image and reality.