In truth, when that person nearly fell beside Bai Luo, Bai Luo had already noticed something wasn't right with him.
It wasn't just because Bai Luo was steady on his feet; it was more about the man's subtle actions.
When interacting with Beidou, the hearty female captain had subconsciously glanced at his reverse-blade sword several times.
This meant that the people of Liyue might have some misunderstanding about his reverse-blade sword.
If that was the case, the man's gesture of reaching for his reverse-blade sword as he fell became rather intriguing.
So, he later secretly arranged for a Pyro Debt Collector to follow the man and set up a series of traps.
As for why he sensed that Ningguang was orchestrating things, that was also incredibly simple.
Bai Luo had a decent understanding of Beidou. Although she was more meticulous than she appeared on the surface, she had no need to test him at a time like this.
The sea was her domain; she could test him however she wanted later. She would certainly not do anything to alert her target at this juncture.
If it wasn't her, then there was only one other possibility—Ningguang.
What followed was simple. If Ningguang was cautious enough, she would absolutely not let that spy linger in Liyue.
With his understanding of the plot, Bai Luo was also well aware that Ningguang wouldn't let the spy leave so easily; she would definitely have a follow-up plan.
But what she didn't expect was that Bai Luo was even more cautious than her, and thus he had anticipated her anticipation.
After all, the one who best understands a schemer is someone even more scheming.
For example, Bai Luo.
He had specifically instructed the person sent to investigate to transfer any token or letter-like items found on the spy to an abandoned stronghold in the south of the city.
When the time was right, he could use his own Core of the Earth Fire to destroy the copied letter along with the abandoned stronghold.
After that, Bai Luo would have no more part in it.
He believed that with Ningguang's intelligence, she would definitely be able to "imagine" the entire course of events for him.
And then... point all the blame at Tartaglia.
And Tartaglia, because of the Core of Earth's Fire that had previously been used against him, would place the blame squarely on Ningguang.
The true culprit, Bai Luo, could then completely extricate himself from this setup.
That's right, this was his plan.
It wasn't that he wanted to frame Tartaglia. He just wanted to remind his colleague that the Tianquan, a woman who seemed to only care about business, was actually far more difficult to deal with than he imagined.
During his time in Liyue, he had noticed that Tartaglia didn't seem to pay much attention to the Liyue Qixing organization, instead focusing his attention on Morax and himself.
If one wasn't careful, one could easily be outmaneuvered. Women, especially women with a desire for control, are absolutely terrifying.
What? Create trouble for Tartaglia so that Tartaglia wouldn't have time to trouble him?
Was he, Bai Luo, that kind of person?
Of course, he was.
Ahem... it was more for the sake of the bigger picture.
This could only be described as killing multiple birds with one stone.
Regardless, Bai Luo had already stirred these muddy waters even murkier, and he had also directed the whirlpool toward Tartaglia and Ningguang.
He just needed to stay aboard the Alcor and quietly be a spectator. He only hoped Tartaglia would be up to the task and understand his well-intentioned, albeit harsh, efforts.
...
In the night sky, the stars seemed to move according to some pattern. Beneath the night sky, people were fast asleep. The waves gently rocked the slumbering great ship, letting out creaking sounds.
The sailors had long grown accustomed to this noise. Some even suffered from insomnia after going ashore because they couldn't hear it anymore. One could only say that habit has its downsides.
After Beidou returned to the Alcor, she went straight to Bai Luo's quarters.
The person assigned to watch him saw her and emerged from the shadows.
"Captain Beidou."
"How is the situation?"
"Mr. Himura has been sleeping in his cabin the whole time. He hasn't left."
The watchman said with great certainty.
The sound of snoring from the room had never ceased. Furthermore, the quarters Beidou had arranged for him were carefully chosen; apart from the main door, there was no second exit. Even the window was just a small transom window for ventilation.
So, he was very confident about this.
"Thank you for your hard work. I'll have someone else relieve you in a moment."
Beidou nodded with satisfaction. After arranging the subsequent watch duties, she walked towards Bai Luo's quarters, swinging her wine jug.
Standing outside the door, Beidou listened carefully for a moment.
There was indeed a very faint sound of snoring coming from within. Himura Kenshin should be inside.
"Knock, knock, knock."
After she knocked three times on the door, the snoring inside came to an abrupt halt.
This was followed by the sound of someone getting dressed.
Before long, the room door opened.
Himura Kenshin was still in his red-robed attire, and his reverse-blade sword was held in his arms. It was impossible to tell if he had been out during the night.
"Captain Beidou, has the banquet ended?"
Compared to the daytime, Bai Luo's voice sounded more energetic. It truly sounded like someone who had finally had a peaceful night's sleep after being a fugitive for a long time.
"I just wanted to inform you that the host has agreed we can leave within three days. We will rest tomorrow, and we will set off for Inazuma the morning after."
Beidou, having come to knock on Bai Luo's door, naturally had an excuse prepared.
"That's wonderful news. I must thank you in advance, Captain Beidou. When we get to Inazuma... I will be sure to treat you to some fine wine."
Just as Beidou had predicted.
Upon hearing the news, Himura Kenshin's entire demeanor brightened. Beidou could feel the joy that came from the bottom of his heart.
"There's no need for that. If you have any other business to attend to, try to finish it tomorrow. We are only staying for one more day."
Hearing the mention of wine, Beidou once again lifted her wine jug and took a sip.
Drifting on the sea year-round, one couldn't accomplish great things with brute force alone.
Arranging daily work, selecting food supplies... whether the matter was large or small, Beidou handled almost everything personally. If it weren't for this jug of wine, she really didn't know if she could endure it all.
She did this not because she didn't trust her crew. It was precisely because she had to be responsible for them that she was so meticulous.
Otherwise, the Crux Fleet would not have become so renowned on the high seas.
"Actually, I do have a matter to trouble you with, Captain Beidou."
"Oh? What is it? Let's hear it."
Beidou was more than happy to help with Bai Luo's request; how could she refuse? She wished he would let her have a hand in all his affairs, as it would make it easier to monitor him.
"I saw that you have a few crates of Sunset fruits among your ship's cargo. I would like to purchase one crate. I wonder if Captain Beidou would be willing to part with one?"
"Sunsettias?"
Beidou was taken aback for a moment.
She did indeed have Sunset Fruits on her ship, but they weren't cargo. They were fruits for their daily consumption.
This fruit was sweet, could both quench thirst and sate hunger, was easy to store, and most importantly, it was cheap.
What does he want this for?
________________________________________
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