Chapter 55: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [55] [50 PS]
Bonus Chapter!
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"Zhongli, why did you stop and shake your head like that? Did something sad come to mind?"
Zhongli shook his head. "No, I just felt a bit uneasy, that's all."
"Oh, I see..."
Luo Qing nodded slightly, realizing that his emotion manipulation item would only be truly effective on people with a mental strength similar to his own.
Still, the fact that Zhongli had shown even a brief moment of discomfort suggested that it could work on her—the one in Inazuma. It might not be entirely useless, after all.
"Why have you come to see me? If it's about fishing, I'm afraid today isn't a good time," Zhongli asked.
"It's not about fishing," Luo Qing shook his head. "I'm leaving tomorrow. I probably won't be back in Liyue for a long time, so I wanted to come and say goodbye to you both."
During his stay in Liyue, aside from his subordinates, he had spent most of his time with this father-daughter duo from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. They had become something akin to friends, so it felt only right to say goodbye before he left.
"Leaving? Where to?"
Hu Tao put down her book and stood up, her curiosity piqued.
"Back to Snezhnaya. I'm from Snezhnaya, remember? Now that the work here is done, it's time for me to return," Luo Qing explained.
"Oh... right."
After spending so much time with Luo Qing, Hu Tao had almost forgotten that although he had Liyue blood, he was actually from Snezhnaya.
Thinking for a moment, she spoke again with a serious tone:
"Well then, as the saying goes, eat well, drink well, and have a good journey!
Since you're leaving tomorrow, how about we have one last meal together tonight? I'll cook!"
"Uh..."
Recalling Hu Tao's previous attempt at cooking, Luo Qing couldn't help but feel a wave of dread wash over him.
"What's that look for? Are you doubting my culinary skills?"
Hu Tao put her hands on her hips, her voice feisty. "Let me tell you, I've read Liyue Cuisine: From Beginner to Master several times over. I'm sure tonight will be perfect!"
"Well... alright then."
Seeing the determined glint in Hu Tao's eyes, Luo Qing decided to trust her one more time.
...
The Next Morning
At dawn, Luo Qing woke his four subordinates, gathering them on his balcony.
A table had been set up, holding three lit incense sticks, and in front of the incense was a small, elegant box.
Natalia and the others had seen this box once before, back when they were leaving Snezhnaya. It had been a gift from Luo Qing's friend, Belov. Since then, it had never reappeared.
So why had Luo Qing taken it out now?
Did it hold some kind of secret treasure?
As they speculated, Luo Qing stood in front of the altar, facing them with a solemn expression.
"Everyone, today we set off for Inazuma. I'm sure you're all aware of what awaits us there.
So, before we leave, I've brought out a rare treasure gifted by your commander's former superior—Lady Arlecchino herself—as a blessing for our journey to Inazuma!"
The four of them, all natives of Snezhnaya, had little attachment to Liyue's customs.
They were far more intrigued by what could be inside that box—something their commander regarded with such importance.
"Alright, follow my lead. Bow, then light the incense."
With that, Luo Qing turned to the altar, bowing deeply before placing the incense in the ash.
Suddenly, his stomach made a gurgling sound, and he felt an urgent need to use the bathroom.
He figured it was Hu Tao's dark cuisine from last night still making its presence felt.
"Follow my example, each of you take turns lighting the incense. I'll be back after a quick trip to the restroom..."
Before he had even finished speaking, Luo Qing darted away, leaving his four subordinates staring at the small, elegant box.
Natalia exchanged a glance with the others, signaling with her eyes: "Luo Qing's gone. Now's our chance!"
Sergei responded with his own look: "It's a combination lock. I can't open it."
Then he turned to Igor, raising an eyebrow: "Igor, this is your specialty. Hurry, open it up so we can see what's inside."
Igor hesitated, raising an eyebrow back.
"I don't want to have to dance naked on the Jade Chamber before we leave. If anyone wants to open it, they can do it themselves."
Beside him, Theresa chimed in, giving Igor a coaxing smile.
"Igor~ If you open it, I'll introduce you to a bunch of lovely girls from the Hilichurl Exorcist Squad when we get back to Snezhnaya. Pretty, well-built, and sweet ones, too~"
"..."
Igor gulped.
He had seen the quality of the girls in the Hilichurl Exorcist Squad—almost all were stunning beauties. Even someone like Theresa, who was a little... unusual, could charm a whole squad of Snezhnaya's toughest men.
Torn with curiosity, Igor glanced at the other three, all of whom looked back at him with eager, burning eyes.
In the end, he slowly extended his hand toward the small box...
With his background in espionage, cracking a small combination lock was child's play.
With a few deft movements, there was a soft click, and the latch released. The box was open.
The four of them held their breath.
Igor carefully opened the lid...
A flash of golden light burst forth.
The four of them stared at the item inside, as if struck by a heavy blow.
What the—?!
Black... stockings?!
And they looked... used?!
...
Meanwhile, in the restroom, Luo Qing suddenly saw four system notifications pop up:
[Frustration Value +1 from Igor]
[Frustration Value +1 from Natalia]
[Frustration Value +1 from Sergei]
[Frustration Value +1 from Theresa]
Luo Qing was bewildered.
"Huh? What's with those four now?"
...
Finishing his business, Luo Qing returned to the altar, feeling refreshed.
But he couldn't help noticing that his subordinates looked like they were suffering from severe constipation.
"What happened? Why do you all look so constipated?"
"N-Nothing, Sir. We've already lit the incense... so..."
Natalia said with a tense expression, thinking to herself that she never imagined Luo Qing would be that kind of person...
From now on, she would have to avoid wearing black stockings in front of Luo Qing. Her long, fair legs might tempt him into doing something dangerous...
"Everyone's paid their respects?"
"Y-Yes."
They responded in unison, their expressions somber. They had a newfound understanding of their commander.
Noticing their unusual behavior, Luo Qing glanced at the box holding the original Arlecchino stockings.
It looked untouched. Even the numbers on the combination lock were exactly as he'd left them before he went to the bathroom. Shrugging off his suspicions, he decided not to question it.
"Alright then, get your stuff packed. The ship is waiting."
---
T/N: I'll miss the father-daughter duo...
If there are any mistakes let me know!
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Chapter 56: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [56] [100 PS]
Bonus Chapter!
---
As their leader, Luo Qing didn't need to carry any of it himself. He walked ahead, hands behind his back, while his four subordinates trailed behind like loyal servants, making him look like the young master of a wealthy family.
Ever since Inazuma closed its borders, there were very few ships that could navigate the thunderstorms to reach the nation. Most merchants traveling between Liyue and Inazuma relied on Beidou's Crux Fleet.
But for the Fatui, a group with influence spreading across all of Teyvat, they had their own secret routes that could pass through the stormy seas and navigate the lightning-filled waters.
Now, Luo Qing and his party were heading to board a supply ship from Snezhnaya, bound for Inazuma.
They were on their way to the docks when suddenly, a group of familiar figures approached, nearly colliding with them.
It was the Traveler from Mondstadt, her floating companion, and with them, the Yuehai Pavilion secretary, Ganyu.
The last time Luo Qing had seen Ganyu, he had saved her from Osial's clutches.
A month had passed since then, and seeing her again felt almost like a reunion after a long absence.
As for the Traveler and Paimon, he often saw them running errands around Liyue's streets, carrying their backpacks everywhere.
On the other side, since learning that it was Luo Qing who had driven away Osial, Ganyu had felt a mix of guilt and gratitude over her previous cold attitude toward him. Yet, she didn't know if she should seek him out again.
Now, running into him suddenly, Ganyu's eyes darted nervously, unsure of what to say.
"Hey, Ganyu, what's wrong?"
Seeing Ganyu's odd expression, Paimon asked with concern, "Are you feeling unwell?"
"No... I'm fine..."
Ganyu shook her head, glancing at Luo Qing before lowering her gaze.
"Well, that's good. Good morning, Luo Qing! Huh? Why are you guys carrying so much luggage? Are you heading out on an adventure?"
Paimon flew around the group, curiously eyeing their bags.
"No adventure, I'm going home."
Luo Qing replied with a smile.
"Home? You're going back to Snezhnaya?"
The Traveler asked, puzzled. "But aren't you Liyue's emissary?"
"You of all people should understand the real reason," Luo Qing hinted.
"Oh, that's right."
The Traveler nodded. With Luo Qing's reminder, she quickly grasped that the Fatui's goal was always the Gnosis. Now that the Geo Archon's Gnosis was in their possession, there was no longer a reason to remain in Liyue.
"Hey! What are you two hinting at? Can you just explain it clearly? I don't get it at all!"
Paimon stomped her little feet in frustration as her adventure partner and Luo Qing continued their cryptic conversation.
"Just some minor matters. Anyway, we have to go—the ship's waiting for us."
Luo Qing smiled, then turned his gaze toward Ganyu, his tone soft. "Well then, Miss Ganyu, I guess this is goodbye for now~"
"Ah... yes..."
Ganyu quickly nodded, lowering her head again, her expression conflicted.
Seeing Ganyu avoid his gaze, Luo Qing assumed she still blamed him as the one responsible for the Osial incident. So, after waving goodbye to the group, he and his subordinates continued toward the port.
After Luo Qing's group vanished amidst the ships at the dock, Paimon couldn't help but ask again.
"Ganyu, didn't you and Luo Qing get along well before? You even went to Qingce Village together for fun. Did you two have a fight?"
With Ganyu's shy behavior just now, even Paimon could sense there was an untold story between them.
"No... nothing like that... It's just that I..."
Ganyu looked in the direction where Luo Qing had disappeared, feeling a swirl of emotions.
On a personal level, Luo Qing had accompanied her to Qingce Village for relaxation, saved her when she was on the brink of death, and even healed her injuries—he was nothing short of her savior.
If Luo Qing were a Liyue native, Ganyu would have had no hesitation in giving him a proper farewell, blessing him with parting gifts.
But he was with the Fatui. The conflict between mortals and Adepti, the disaster brought by Osial, were all orchestrated by the Fatui. From her standpoint, she knew she couldn't have any further interactions with him.
This inner conflict left her at a loss, unsure of how to face Luo Qing.
And while she hesitated, Luo Qing's party had already boarded the ship to Inazuma.
...
Liyue, Dusk
On Liyue's great bridge stood a silver-haired girl with a long spear in hand. Shenhe's gaze stretched far into the distance, taking in the city's vibrant evening lights.
Her master had never wanted her to live a life of isolation in the mountains like an Adeptus. As a human, she deserved a complete and fulfilling life, just like everyone else.
All she had done was mention her desire to go down to the human world and experience Liyue life to her master.
Her master had immediately agreed, even helping her pack her things—clearly, she couldn't have been more supportive.
As Shenhe wandered through the streets of Liyue, she found herself unconsciously arriving at the entrance of Northland Bank.
Since it was Luo Qing's wager that had led her to Liyue in the first place, it seemed only reasonable to inform him that she had come.
Glancing at the guards standing warily by the door, Shenhe pushed it open and stepped inside.
The hall was bustling, filled with Fatui agents with Snezhnaya features, making her feel slightly uneasy.
Just as she was considering asking for Luo Qing's whereabouts, a blond man approached her.
"I am Felix, manager of Northland Bank. Miss Shenhe, what brings you here?"
Felix asked politely. Luo Qing had informed him before leaving that if Miss Shenhe ever came to the bank, he was to assist her with anything within his power, even covering expenses if needed—it would all be charged to Luo Qing's account as mission expenses.
Shenhe glanced at Felix, her tone cool. "I'm here to see Luo Qing. Where is he?"
"Luo Qing? Ah..."
Felix hesitated, then replied politely, "You've just missed him. He left earlier this morning."
"Left? Where did he go?" Shenhe asked, puzzled.
"I heard his assignment ended, and he was recalled to Snezhnaya."
"Recalled to Snezhnaya..."
Shenhe's brows furrowed slightly.
"When will he be back?"
"That, I'm not sure about."
Felix shook his head, feeling a shiver down his spine under Shenhe's icy stare. His survival instincts kicked in, and he hurriedly added,
"Luo Qing originally worked at the Snezhnaya headquarters. He was only temporarily assigned to Liyue for this mission. I think... probably, if nothing major happens... he won't be coming back?"
As soon as Felix said this, he felt a heavy wave of killing intent envelop him, as if he were standing before a vengeful spirit.
But a few seconds later, the intensity faded, and by the time Felix regained his composure, Shenhe had already turned and left.
Only when Shenhe had exited did Felix let out a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"Phew... Looks like Luo Qing really got himself into a love debt..."
After leaving Northland Bank, Shenhe walked aimlessly through the streets, her mind a tangled mess.
...
Wasn't it for his own benefit that Luo Qing had made her stay in Liyue?
Why did he suddenly leave...
Was he really not coming back...
---
T/N: ...
If there are any mistakes let me know!
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sorry im drunk rn patreon stuff will be posted late today
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