Nilou's words were so shocking they practically left Miyashiro and Ayaka dumbfounded.
Not only that, but Miyashiro's conversation with Nilou was taking place in the courtyard, which at this moment, wasn't just occupied by Miyashiro and Ayaka, but also by many staff members of the Inazuma Delegation.
Upon hearing Nilou's words, the envoys were stunned, and the next moment, they fled the scene with lightning speed, fearing that they might be silenced by the Regent for hearing something they shouldn't have.
However, men are men, and such matters are always understandable, especially since Nilou, this graceful dancer who shone so brightly at the Sabzeruz Festival, is indeed pure and lovely. The Regent's taste is perfectly fine, no problem!
The only difference was that Ayaka, in her shock, couldn't help but cast a death glare at Miyashiro. Her forced smile made Miyashiro feel like Ayaka had awakened some terrifying new attribute, which made him a little flustered.
As for Nilou, the instigator, after saying those words, she seemed to have exhausted all her courage and energy, lowering her head and closing her eyes, her body trembling slightly, seemingly terrified of her future.
Regarding Nilou's answer, if she had spoken to Miyashiro about this in private, and if Miyashiro hadn't had a relationship with Ayaka to satisfy his physiological needs, even if only one of these conditions were met, Miyashiro felt his easily excitable body might not have been able to handle it.
But now, after just being 'nourished' by Ayaka, Miyashiro was in 'sage mode.' Regarding Nilou's actions, he suddenly had a sense of déjà vu, like a streamer rewarding a top donor in his previous life, and immediately found the whole thing a bit vulgar.
After much thought, Miyashiro poured himself a cup of tea, sat quietly to the side, and didn't answer, just slowly savoring it.
Nilou, overwhelmed with emotions, closed her eyes and quietly waited for Miyashiro's judgment, but she waited and waited, and didn't receive a clear answer from him. Her nervousness and unease eventually turned into confusion. Finally, she raised her head, opened her eyes, and carefully looked at Miyashiro.
She found that Miyashiro was calmly drinking his tea, as if he had forgotten her existence.
Nilou asked somewhat hesitantly, "Reg... Regent?"
Hearing Nilou's question, Miyashiro 'belatedly' came back to his senses and said, "Ah? Oh, I thought you had fainted from excessive nervousness. By the way, what did you mean by what you just said? I didn't quite understand. Could you explain it to me?"
Hearing Miyashiro's teasing, a sense of powerlessness welled up in Nilou's heart. Her previous statement had drained all her courage, but she hadn't expected him to dismiss it so easily. She no longer had the same resolve to say it again.
Nilou honestly explained, "Previously, didn't you help us resolve the issue of the Sabzeruz Festival venue? You even offered your delegation's residence. To thank you, I am willing to pay any price.
Furthermore, you later sponsored the Zubayr Theater and signed a very generous agreement, allowing it to relocate to Inazuma for further development.
Mr. Zubayr and the others in the theater all guessed: our theater has no fame and no strength; the only thing that could have caught the Regent's eye might be Nilou herself... So, so... I just... I just..."
The more she spoke, the less confident Nilou's voice became, and it grew softer and softer. This scene, however, made Miyashiro find Nilou even more adorable, and he wanted to bully her even more.
Eh? Strange? What kind of perverted thought is this?!
Miyashiro smiled upon hearing this, "So, you thought I helped you because I desired your body? In your eyes, is my image so deplorable, so lowly?"
Hearing Miyashiro's slightly serious tone, Nilou panicked and quickly waved her hands in denial, "No, no! It's just... it's just... I'm just an ordinary dancer. In Sumeru, this city of wisdom, I have neither a prominent family background nor any academic talent.
I can't think of what price I should pay to match the help you've given me. The only thing I can think of, just like Mr. Zubayr and them, is just me."
Miyashiro shook his head and said, "Nilou, your way of thinking is wrong. For me, whether it's supporting you in holding the Sabzeruz Festival or sponsoring the Zubayr Theater to go to Inazuma to spread culture and art, for me, it's just a small matter of lending a hand.
Moreover, when I agreed to this matter back then, wasn't it also thanks to Lumine and Paimon? If it doesn't harm Inazuma's interests, and Lumine, Paimon, and I are very good friends, then for their sake, agreeing to these insignificant small matters is no big deal.
Of course, I also have a little selfishness of my own, but it's definitely not what you think. It's rare for me to visit Sumeru, and I had long heard that Nilou of the Zubayr Theater presents art without barriers, that everyone can appreciate it and enjoy an immersive experience.
After seeing your Dance of the Goddess of Flowers, I felt that such wonderful art, which the Akademiya sages wanted to abolish simply because they didn't understand how to appreciate it, was truly a waste of art. It would be better to just spend a little money and bring the entire Zubayr Theater directly back to Inazuma, allowing the people of Inazuma to also enjoy the influence of art."
Ayaka, hearing Miyashiro's explanation, couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. So all of this was just Nilou's wishful thinking, and not Miyashiro's own intention. That's good, that's good.
Nilou, hearing Miyashiro's righteous answer, couldn't help but feel deeply ashamed of her previous wild guesses and slanders against Miyashiro.
Miyashiro then added, "You just said that you want more people to see your dance. If you really followed me, as one of the Inazuma Regent's wives, you might not be able to easily show your face in public. Perhaps your future audience would only be me and the sisters in the mansion. Can you accept this outcome?"
Nilou's face immediately turned red, and she shyly lowered her head. Finally, she hesitantly said, "But, you helped us so much. If I don't repay you properly, I feel a bit undeserving. If there's anything I can do, please just say the word."
Miyashiro was about to decline, but then a thought suddenly struck him. Perhaps, this was also a good way to incur a favor.
Favors, for someone of Miyashiro's level, could no longer be measured solely by money.
Miyashiro: "Hmm... Since you've said so, there is indeed something I might need your help with in the future. However, this matter requires you to have a certain amount of courage and bravery."
Nilou immediately stated firmly, "It's no problem. Even if I have to go through fire and water, I won't hesitate."
Miyashiro waved his hand and smiled, "It's not that exaggerated. It's just that you'll need to perform a dance at a designated place then."
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