Chapter 274: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [274] [800 PS] Tapisserie Éternelle (4/4)
By your resolve, Tapisserie Éternelle has been unleashed—this is the last of the four treasures you have earned!
---
After parting ways with Luo Qing, Lumine and Paimon arrived at the Akademiya gates as planned.
As they approached, they spotted Alhaitham standing in a corner, casually holding a book. From time to time, young female scholars would approach him, attempting to strike up a conversation.
"Alhaitham, we're here!" Paimon waved, and the two walked over.
"You're later than scheduled," Alhaitham said, closing his book with a calm expression. He appeared entirely unfazed, not at all like someone about to launch a full-scale rebellion. "Did something delay you?"
"Uh… We ran into a friend along the way and stopped to talk for a bit," Paimon explained.
"A friend? Who?"
Alhaitham's expression turned slightly wary.
"You know him too—Luo Qing," Paimon said.
"..."
[Frustration +1 from Alhaitham]
A flicker of irritation crossed Alhaitham's usually composed face as unpleasant memories surfaced.
"What did he say to you?"
"Well…" Lumine hesitated briefly before answering. "He gave me a better anchor point to locate Nahida's consciousness. He said it's more effective than the one you gave us… and suggested we use his instead."
"..."
"Do as you wish," Alhaitham said tersely, brushing aside the topic. "It's getting late. Let's begin."
Without another word, he turned and strode into the Akademiya.
---
Meanwhile, Outside the Jouriri Workshop
After leaving Lumine and Paimon, Luo Qing made his way to a shady spot by the river near the workshop. Accompanied by his two remaining subordinates, he set up a small fishing stool, baited his hook, and cast his line.
"Master, why the sudden urge to fish today?" one of them asked.
"There's a good show happening today. I need the best seat in the house," Luo Qing replied with a smirk, waving them off. "Now, don't bother me. Go find some shade and cool off."
"...Understood."
As the two walked away, Luo Qing focused on the rippling water before him. Then, with a flick of his will, he connected his consciousness to the Void.
In mere moments, he once again arrived at the consciousness of the slumbering Nahida.
In the past, communicating with Nahida's consciousness required the Akademiya's God Communication Device, allowing only brief exchanges.
But now, with his authority over the Void, Nahida's consciousness—or perhaps her entire being—was accessible to him whenever he pleased.
The familiar darkness of her slumber enveloped him. The faint star-like glimmers he'd seen before had vanished completely.
They've been manipulating her again…
The environment reflected Nahida's emotional state. The more vibrant it was, the more confident she felt, and the closer she came to breaking free from the Akademiya's cage.
Conversely, total darkness meant she was mired in self-doubt, questioning the value of her existence.
"Nahida, it's time to wake up," Luo Qing said softly, reaching out to gently ruffle her hair. His voice was warm and soothing.
"If you don't, I might have to flick your forehead~"
At his words, Nahida stirred, her face twitching slightly as her eyes slowly fluttered open.
"Luo Qing… why are you here?" she asked, her tone tinged with confusion.
"I've come to take you home," he replied with a gentle smile.
"...Home?"
Nahida hugged her knees, curling into herself like a small, snowy-white kitten.
"Luo Qing, I've told you before… I'm not ready to lead Sumeru. If I leave now, I'll only bring more trouble to the Akademiya and the people…"
"What have they been telling you this time?" Luo Qing asked.
"...Many things," Nahida murmured, her downcast expression speaking volumes.
Luo Qing could easily guess. The sages had likely bombarded her with their canned knowledge, reinforcing her self-doubt and keeping her chained in mental submission.
It explained why Nahida hadn't appeared in his dreams recently, even though she used to visit frequently.
"Who says you'd only cause trouble?" Luo Qing said, his smile unwavering as he gently ruffled her hair again. If he could, he would've picked her up and held her in his arms like a daughter.
"If you were truly a burden, why would Sumeru's people work with Lumine and the others to rescue you?"
"Rescue…?" Nahida repeated, her voice filled with a rare note of bewilderment.
The word felt foreign to her.
For five hundred years, she had existed in isolation, occasionally slipping into the dreams of her people to guide them or fend off their nightmares.
But never—not once—had anyone come to rescue her.
"Looks like our little Nahida doesn't know yet," Luo Qing teased lightly, crouching beside her.
He placed his hands under her arms, lifting her effortlessly like a kitten and settling her into his lap. Then, with a wave of his right hand, he conjured several screens in the darkness.
The screens displayed real-time feeds of everyone involved in the rescue mission—including Lumine's group, who had just infiltrated the Akademiya.
"Let me explain," Luo Qing said in a mock-instructional tone, his expression playful. "Pay attention—this man here is Alhaitham, and this woman is Lumine. That floating thing is her companion, Paimon. They're currently sneaking into the Akademiya."
He narrated the plan to Nahida, providing a detailed explanation of every participant's role. He even mentioned the part where a certain young boy would dress as Nahida for their diversion.
By the time he finished, Nahida's expression had grown complicated. Though she didn't say it outright, her emotions were clearly stirred.
"They're… doing all this for me?" she asked softly.
"Of course they are," Luo Qing said, pinching her cheek affectionately.
"How could anyone not love my adorable little Nahida?"
Though he hadn't yet confirmed his feelings toward Nahida in light of the ongoing mystery surrounding Bu'er, Luo Qing knew he couldn't risk taking her existence lightly.
"But… what if I can't meet their expectations when I leave?" Nahida murmured, lowering her head in worry.
"That's what I'm here for," Luo Qing said, thumping his chest confidently. "Don't worry—so long as I'm around, no one will dare criticize you."
When it came to handling complaints (both figuratively and literally), the Fatui were practically professionals.
"..."
Though she didn't respond immediately, a faint spark of hope flickered in Nahida's expression.
---
Fools! You have outdone yourselves this time. To think that you would amass such power and devotion to summon forth my Noble Phantasm, Tapisserie Éternelle! Hmph, I must admit, I am impressed—no small feat.
Behold, as promised, four extra chapters now grace your eyes today. This grand offering is a testament to your unwavering loyalty and strength. A king rewards such fervor, and I, the Golden Sovereign, am no exception.
Yet remember this: such glory is not eternal. Tapisserie Éternelle can only be summoned once per month for a story. If you desire to see this feat repeated, another tale must rise and claim its place in the annals of greatness.
Now go forth and bask in the splendor of these chapters, for they are treasures bestowed by your own hands. Prove yourselves worthy once more, and perhaps you shall witness the Eternal Tapestry unfurl again.
Rejoice, my subjects, for you have earned your king's approval.
Chapter 275: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [275]
Meanwhile…
Following the meticulously crafted plan, Lumine and her group allowed themselves to be "discovered" by Azar and were promptly thrown into the Akademiya's solitary confinement chambers.
True to her part in the plan, Nilou appeared on schedule at the plaza, captivating the scholars with her performance. Her actions distracted Azar and prompted him to upload the new laws into the Void, drawing the guards away.
The guards, deceived by false orders, pursued the "Little Dendro Archon" to the Grand Bazaar, where they were surrounded and incapacitated.
Luo Qing and Nahida watched these events unfold in real-time through multiple screens in the Void, as if monitoring everything through surveillance cameras.
Seeing the citizens risk their lives for her sake, Nahida lowered her gaze, lost in thought.
Gradually, the screens began to fade as the tasks were completed, leaving only one active feed: Lumine and Paimon's escape from the solitary confinement chambers.
Inside the Solitary Confinement Chambers
Hearing the commotion outside and the sound of the departing guards, Lumine and Paimon knew their moment had arrived. Breaking free, they began searching for Nahida's consciousness using Alhaitham's device.
However, after testing several locations, they found no signal whatsoever. Frustrated, Lumine stood still, seemingly questioning the reliability of Luo Qing's alternative.
After a moment's hesitation, she decided to use the anchor point Luo Qing had implanted in her mind.
The moment she activated it, Lumine immediately sensed a powerful consciousness emanating nearby—far stronger than anything Alhaitham's device could detect.
Following the signal, she closed her eyes, and in the next instant, her consciousness entered an unfamiliar, pitch-black space.
Nothing but darkness surrounded her.
Or so she thought.
Turning around, Lumine spotted Luo Qing seated cross-legged on the floor with Nahida curled up in his lap, her back resting comfortably against his chest.
The sight struck Lumine like a bolt from the blue.
When did their relationship become so close?!
The scene radiated a father-daughter vibe that left her utterly stunned.
She had gone through painstaking efforts to infiltrate the Akademiya to reach Nahida, only to find Luo Qing had beaten her to it.
Wasn't he supposed to be fishing?!
"You two…" Lumine began, unsure how to address the situation. "Am I interrupting something…?"
"No, you've arrived just in time," Luo Qing replied, his tone lighthearted. He turned his gaze to Nahida, his voice softening.
"All right, my little Nahida, it's time to make your decision. Will you go with Lumine, or will you stay here?"
"I…" Nahida glanced at Lumine before lowering her head, visibly torn.
"Luo Qing, what's going on?" Lumine asked, unable to hold back her curiosity.
"Don't misunderstand," Luo Qing said with a smirk. "I'm not helping you—I'm helping myself and Nahida, of course."
He looked at Nahida with a doting gaze before continuing. "But…"
"If Nahida chooses to stay, the consequences won't be pretty~"
"...What do you mean?" Nahida's confusion was evident in her expression.
"You see," Luo Qing explained calmly, "if you don't leave with Lumine, then Grand Sage Azar will remain in power as the leader of both the Akademiya and Sumeru.
"This entire operation hinges on the assumption that you'll be successfully rescued. Without you, things will take a very different turn."
"Like what?" Nahida asked hesitantly.
"If you don't go, Alhaitham and Cyno will be permanently stripped of their positions. Nilou and the Grand Bazaar will face harsh repercussions, and everyone involved in this plan will fall victim to Azar's retaliation. Isn't that right, Lumine?"
Luo Qing glanced meaningfully at Lumine, silently urging her to back him up.
"Uh… Yes! Exactly!" Lumine quickly caught on and nodded vigorously.
"That's right, Nahida. If you don't leave with us, everyone will be in terrible danger. Even I might be imprisoned by the Akademiya and turned into… into their plaything!"
"Nahida, you wouldn't want to see everyone who tried to save you suffer under Azar's punishment, would you?"
"...I…"
Nahida's expression wavered, clearly affected by Lumine's words.
If it were just her enduring the Akademiya's cruelty, she might have accepted it as her responsibility as the Archon of Sumeru.
But now, so many others had been drawn into the conflict. If she continued to hide away, their efforts would be in vain, and they would face brutal retaliation.
Conversely, if she emerged, the tables would turn. Azar and his faction would face the consequences, and everyone else could celebrate with a well-earned victory.
"Luo Qing, Lumine… do you really think I can do this?" Nahida asked, her voice trembling with uncertainty.
"Of course, my little Nahida," Luo Qing said warmly, ruffling her hair. "Look at Inazuma's Archon. If her people still love her after everything, you've got nothing to worry about."
"..."
Lumine shot him a look, clearly exasperated.
That comparison wasn't exactly… inspiring.
"Yeah! Nahida, everyone in Sumeru loves you!" Lumine added earnestly.
"I…"
After a long silence, determination finally shone in Nahida's eyes. Rising from Luo Qing's lap, she took a deep breath and faced the two of them.
"I understand. Thank you for your encouragement," she said softly. "I'll go with you. I'll reclaim the Akademiya and ensure Azar and his faction can no longer run rampant.
"For too long, I've been too lenient with them…"
"That's more like it!" Luo Qing applauded, a proud smile on his face. "That's the Nahida I know."
"From here on out, it's up to you two," he said, giving Lumine a pointed look before gently patting Nahida's head. "I have other matters to attend to. Good luck."
With that, Luo Qing's figure vanished from the space, leaving Lumine and Nahida alone.
As Lumine watched the spot where Luo Qing had disappeared, her thoughts swirled.
"Nahida, let's go. I'll meet you at the Sanctuary of Surasthana," Lumine said finally.
"Okay…" Nahida nodded.
---
Elsewhere…
Exiting Nahida's consciousness, Luo Qing stretched and yawned, withdrawing his awareness from the Void.
"Sergei!" he called, and moments later, the burly man appeared at his side.
"Master, what are your orders?"
"Go back to the house and inform the General that the show is about to begin. She should come over and make an appearance," Luo Qing instructed casually.
Since no one at home used the Void Terminal, he had to rely on traditional methods of communication.
"Uh…" Sergei hesitated, looking uncertain. "Master, which General are you referring to?"
"..."
"The one who's always reading light novels and devouring desserts like there's no tomorrow."
"Understood!" Sergei saluted and hurried off.
---
T/N: and with this, the 10 chapters end for the month! Thank you and make sure to vote at the end of the month for which story you want 10 chapters for the next month! (hehe for patreon folks again)
Ahem! Gather close, esteemed audience! Do you comprehend the privilege of basking in my radiance? Truly, you're witnessing history in the making—a performance unparalleled in the annals of Fontaine!
Ah, but don't get distracted! Let me be clear: this brilliance isn't conjured from thin air. No, no, no! It requires effort, dedication, and… well, a touch of your generosity. If you fancy being part of something truly extraordinary, do step forward here: [patreon.com/WiseTL].
Oh, but wait! You're probably wondering, "Furina, how can someone as magnificent as you need assistance?" To that, I say: why deny mortals the honor of contributing to such greatness? Supporting me is supporting art, and who doesn't want to say they were instrumental in a legend's rise?
Now, off you go. Make your offerings, and perhaps, perhaps, I'll acknowledge you in my next soliloquy!
— Furina ✨
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