Chapter 151: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [151]
Lumine stared at the dirt-clod-looking object in Luo Qing's hand, thinking, Can you even call that thing a pill?
Charging her a hundred thousand Mora for it seemed a bit excessive.
"Just one bite, and any injury will be healed instantly! Special discount today, only a hundred thousand Mora. So, what do you think? Want to buy one?"
"..."
Lumine eyed Luo Qing's expression, which was practically screaming "scam artist."
She had a nagging suspicion that buying from him would end poorly.
"When did you start selling things?" she asked, puzzled.
"Oh? I didn't tell you?" Luo Qing feigned surprise before continuing with a smile.
"Before becoming an executive, I was a... traveling merchant! Yeah, I used to peddle all sorts of medicines for bruises and injuries. It's totally normal to carry around some healing pills, right? A special deal for you, just a hundred thousand Mora! One pill?"
"...."
"Luo Qing, didn't you just say that this was a treatment for bruises?" Paimon interjected, poking her head out.
"Did I? You must've misheard," Luo Qing said, feigning innocence, while nudging the pill closer to Lumine's chest.
"So, how about it? One pill?"
"..."
Lumine and Paimon exchanged skeptical looks.
Over the course of their travels, the two of them had amassed a decent amount of Mora.
They were practically walking wallets—able to afford any luxury, even spending the night at the most lavish establishments... Ahem, that's beside the point.
The truth was, they had the money.
But this was clearly one of Luo Qing's scams, and they really didn't want to fall for it.
As the two hesitated, Teresa—who had been watching—decided to try her luck, thinking she might snatch a good deal if they didn't bite.
"Lord Luo Qing, if they don't want it, can I buy it?"
"?"
Luo Qing turned to look at Teresa, wondering, When did I ask you to play along?
"What are you even doing? Step aside and cool off."
"Oh..." Teresa sulked and retreated.
"So, are you buying?" Luo Qing grinned, turning back to Lumine and Paimon.
"..."
"What do you think?" Paimon asked Lumine, wavering.
She didn't really believe Luo Qing, but the pressure of being publicly pitched to, surrounded by a small crowd of onlookers, was making her toes curl with embarrassment.
"Alright... fine. Here's your hundred thousand Mora..." Lumine said, fishing the sum from her backpack and handing it over.
"Much appreciated! Come back anytime!"
The next second, Luo Qing quickly shoved the All-Healing Pill into Lumine's hand, grabbed the money pouch, and shouted,
"Teresa, let's go!"
Without looking back, he dragged Teresa away at a brisk pace, waving as he called out to Lumine,
"When someone's on the brink of death, you can use that pill! Make sure they swallow it whole—no water allowed!"
"..."
Lumine and Paimon watched Luo Qing's retreating figure.
Somehow, it felt like they'd been scammed out of a hundred thousand Mora and the target of a prank.
Lumine looked down at the fist-sized pill in her hand.
Who on earth could swallow something this big in one go?
...
Meanwhile...
After parting with Lumine, Luo Qing continued his journey towards the Delusion Factory.
He had given Lumine the pill, but whether it would be of any use would depend on whether she trusted his words.
There was nothing more he could do. If it wasn't needed, then fate had decided.
Passing the remains of the Serpent's Head, the Delusion Factory came into view.
Luo Qing had no intention of meeting Scaramouche; he just planned to board a ship at the nearby port under his pretended status as an executive-in-training.
As he was about to enter the port, he suddenly felt eyes on him again.
Following the feeling, he looked up to a nearby cliff and saw a familiar figure dressed in pale pink. She smiled gently at him as if greeting an old friend.
"Why am I running into so many acquaintances today...?"
Luo Qing muttered, feeling a bit helpless. He pulled out his golden executive badge from his coat and tossed it to Teresa.
"Go to the port and find us a ship. I'll be back after meeting a friend."
"Oh... Yes, Lord Luo Qing!" Teresa stared at the golden badge in her hand.
Such a valuable item, yet Luo Qing had handed it to her without a second thought.
It seemed that he truly trusted her...
The moment Luo Qing left, she immediately began to rub the golden badge against her cheek with fervor...
...
Not long after, Luo Qing stood on the cliff beside the Delusion Factory.
Yae Miko was humming a tune, glancing down at the Fatui soldiers patrolling below. When she heard footsteps behind her, she turned and greeted him with a light smile.
"Fancy meeting you here, Luo Qing. What a coincidence."
She had already investigated Luo Qing's identity thoroughly, so his presence in the area was not a surprise to her.
"It's been a while, Miss Yae," Luo Qing said, moving to stand beside her.
"What brings you to Tatarasuna, on vacation?"
"Vacation? Oh, please. This place is so desolate, I wouldn't come here if I had a choice." Yae Miko chuckled softly before giving Luo Qing a probing look.
"But what about you? Why are you here? Is it work-related?"
"Nope. Just hitching a ride back to Inazuma City." Luo Qing shook his head, then added with a smirk,
"Rest assured, Miss Yae, this place isn't under my jurisdiction. Do as you please—even if you plan to blow it up, I won't stop you."
The Delusion Factory was Doctor's project. If anything, Luo Qing would happily fan the flames for Yae Miko.
"Is that so?" Yae Miko murmured, her gaze drifting back to the Fatui below.
"Well, I suppose I should thank you, then."
"By the way, Miss Yae, do you happen to know who's in charge of that group down there?" Luo Qing asked, testing the waters.
"In charge?" Yae Miko raised an eyebrow, then smiled faintly.
"This is Inazuma, after all. I don't really care who their leader is."
Her primary purpose in Tatarasuna was to track down the traveler from Liyue, but she also had her eye on the Fatui's operations in the area.
She already had intel on the Delusion Factory's location. Her real goal was to gather evidence of the Tenryou Commission's collaboration with the Fatui. If things went smoothly, she wouldn't mind blasting the place with lightning.
"I see, you don't know then..."
Luo Qing chuckled, patting Yae Miko's shoulder before pointing toward the factory's entrance.
"There's someone inside that both you and Ei are very familiar with. I'm sure he'll be surprised to see you too."
"Someone familiar?" Yae Miko looked intrigued, her mind racing as she pieced together who Luo Qing might be referring to.
Then, as if hearing a delightful joke, she chuckled softly.
"Oh? So, that little guy's hiding here? I wouldn't mind playing a game with him."
Luo Qing leaned closer.
"Then, Miss Yae, could you do me a small favor when you meet him?"
"Oh? What kind of favor?"
"Just tell him he's a forsaken orphan abandoned by his mother."
"...?"
---
Spotted any mistakes or awkward wording? Let me know—I'm always looking to improve!
Also, quick reminder: take a moment to check your posture and sip some water. Stay comfy while you read!
If you enjoy this translation, consider supporting me on [patreon.com/WiseTL]
Every bit helps me keep doing what I love. Thank you!
Chapter 152: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [152] [DDD!]
December Double Drop!
---
Still, teasing that little fellow might be entertaining.
"Alright then. Since you're a valued guest of the Yae Publishing House, I'll do you the favor," she said with a playful smirk.
"Thank you very much, Miss Yae." Luo Qing paused, considering something before adding, "By the way, there's another small favor I'd like to ask."
"Oh?" Yae Miko arched an eyebrow, her eyes glinting with curiosity as she looked Luo Qing up and down.
"Just now, I agreed to help because Mr. Luo Qing is an esteemed guest of the Yae Publishing House. But if you want me to assist you again..." Her voice took on a teasing tone.
"That'll cost you extra, you know~."
"That's fair enough." Luo Qing chuckled. "If I'm not mistaken, Miss Yae is here because of Lumine, right?"
"Mm-hmm. And?" Yae Miko nodded, her fox ears twitching ever so slightly.
"Since that's the case, I can give you a little tip," he offered with a mischievous glint.
"A tip?" Yae Miko's expression showed a flicker of doubt.
"If you keep an eye on the Delusion Factory, you might come across something unexpected." Luo Qing's smile deepened.
"Lumine might just storm in there in a rage, and if Miss Yae is interested in having a more... intimate conversation with her, you could always try playing the hero and saving the day."
"My, my, it seems Mr. Luo Qing is quite well-informed," Yae Miko's face turned a shade more serious, her playful demeanor fading slightly.
It was unsettling that Luo Qing seemed to have such an accurate grasp of her intentions—intentions she hadn't shared with anyone.
"Well? What do you think, Miss Yae? Isn't that a fair price?" Luo Qing pressed.
Yae Miko pondered his words, then spoke again,
"Very well. What is it you want me to do this time?"
"It's nothing too complicated," Luo Qing replied lightly. "Just let me know when you bring Lumine back to Narukami Island."
"Mr. Luo Qing seems awfully confident... as if he knows exactly what will happen next," Yae Miko said with a hint of suspicion.
Does he really know the future? she wondered, but quickly dismissed the idea. He didn't seem like an astrologer...
Just as she was getting lost in thought, Luo Qing interrupted her musings.
"Alright then, Miss Yae. See you back in Inazuma City."
A glimmer of gold flashed in Luo Qing's eyes as he disappeared from her side, reappearing instantly at the foot of the cliff by the Fatui's makeshift harbor.
"That man..." Yae Miko muttered, her hands lightly resting over her chest, her expression turning more contemplative.
Meanwhile...
Theresa, clutching Luo Qing's golden executive badge, managed to commandeer a small skiff from the harbor—barely big enough for two. When she saw Luo Qing arrive at the docks, she stood on her toes and waved.
"Did you find a boat?"
Luo Qing glanced at the various ships docked in the port, assuming one of the larger ones was his ticket back.
"Yes, Lord Luo Qing. It's over there," Theresa pointed to the outer edge of the harbor, retrieving the badge Luo Qing had entrusted to her from her pocket.
"Here, your badge."
"Mhm..." Luo Qing took back the badge, about to head in the direction Theresa indicated, when he noticed a strange dampness.
Looking down, he saw a faint shimmer of moisture clinging to the surface.
His face darkened as he turned to glare at Theresa.
"What did you do to my badge?"
"..."
Theresa froze, the joyful expression she wore moments ago now turning stiff.
"Well... uh..."
"Speak up, or I'll leave you here while I sail back on my own."
"No, no, no! I'm sorry, Lord! It's just... I-I might have... tasted it," Teresa stammered, staring at her feet.
"...?"
[Frustration Value +1 from Luo Qing]
There's something wrong with this girl, Luo Qing thought. If she'd taste the badge, who knows what she'd do if he handed her his spear...
"Sigh. Never mind. I'm used to this by now. Let's get on the boat," Luo Qing said, glancing upwards in exasperation as he walked toward the dock.
But as he made his way down the pier, he quickly noticed something off.
There was no proper boat waiting for him—just a tiny skiff, barely big enough for two people.
He turned and pointed furiously at the boat, his voice sharp with annoyance.
"Is that what you found?!"
"Uh... well..." Theresa looked down, fiddling with her fingers nervously.
"I asked about the cargo ships, but they're all under orders from the Doctor. They'll be heading back to Snezhnaya soon, and even with your badge, I couldn't convince them..."
"..."
Luo Qing's gaze darted from the tiny skiff to Teresa.
If this wasn't one of her tricks, he'd eat his hat.
"Fine then, you stay here and figure out your own way back."
"W-Wait, what?!" Theresa's voice trembled as she watched him step toward the skiff.
Before he could take another step, she clung to his leg like a stubborn limpet.
"Let go of me..."
[Frustration Value +1 from Luo Qing]
"Lord, you can't just abandon me here!"
Theresa wailed, burying her face against his thigh. Her grip was so tight that Luo Qing couldn't shake her off.
The commotion was beginning to draw the attention of nearby Fatui soldiers, who were now watching with mild amusement.
"Let go, right now..."
"No."
"If you don't let go, I'll force you."
"Even if you beat me to death, I'm not letting go!"
"..."
[Frustration Value +1 from Luo Qing]
For the first time since his reincarnation, Luo Qing felt utterly drained.
Why had he even bothered to save this girl in the first place?
"Fine, fine. You can come," he finally relented, feeling defeated.
"Really?" Theresa's eyes sparkled with hope.
"Would I lie to you?"
"Of course you would! You lied last time when you told me to warm your bed! I waited all night, and you never came back..." Theresa grumbled.
"..."
Luo Qing's face twitched.
"Ahem... I trust you, my lord," Theresa said, quickly standing up and beaming with a bright smile.
"Lord Luo Qing, I'll pilot the boat! I'm really good at it~!"
"..."
"Fine." Luo Qing had no energy left to argue with her.
Once Theresa climbed aboard the skiff, Luo Qing moved to follow her—only to find there was practically no room left.
"Where am I supposed to sit?"
"Uh..." Theresa blushed, hesitating before rising slightly and gesturing to her lap.
"Lord, you can sit here, and I'll just... sit on your lap."
"...?"
---
T/N: There's no saving this girl...
Spotted any mistakes or awkward wording? Let me know—I'm always looking to improve!
Also, quick reminder: take a moment to check your posture and sip some water. Stay comfy while you read!
If you enjoy this translation, consider supporting me on [patreon.com/WiseTL]
Every bit helps me keep doing what I love. Thank you!
Weekly Power Status
200+ Power
Ranking 
388 Power
stone 
Paragraph comment