Kapitel 4: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [4]
After guiding Yekaven off the stage, Luo Qing returned to the center of the arena, his eyes fixed on the referee.
The referee met Luo Qing's gaze, incredulous. You don't seriously expect me to declare your victory, do you?
This entire match had been so absurd that the referee couldn't make the final decision. He looked toward the central platform at Childe, the one with the final say.
If Childe didn't approve, then even if Luo Qing won, it wouldn't mean anything.
Childe watched Luo Qing, who was blowing kisses to the audience from the center of the stage, feeling a bit conflicted. He had expected an exciting battle, but instead, he got a performance of "Let's Learn to Meow."
As he hesitated on what to do, a deep voice spoke behind him.
"Let it be him."
"Lord Pierro? But he..."
Childe trailed off. As someone passionate about battle, he wanted his future comrade to be someone who fought their way up with blood and sweat.
"His abilities are... interesting, wouldn't you agree?"
Pierro smiled. After watching these five matches, he felt he had a grasp of Luo Qing's capabilities.
The ability to manipulate emotions and perceptions was precisely what the Fatui needed.
"Let it be him. Bring him to me later."
With that, Pierro turned and vanished into the shadows.
"Yes, Lord Pierro."
After Pierro left, Childe gave a reluctant nod towards the stage.
With Childe's silent approval, the referee finally dared to raise Luo Qing's hand and loudly announced,
"I declare that the winner of this Trainee Harbinger selection is Luo Qing!"
The crowd erupted in a chorus of boos.
They were soldiers, after all, and believed in proving one's worth through combat. Luo Qing's opponents had each acted bizarrely during their duels, which made his victory feel undeserved.
However, the final decision rested with Childe.
If he hadn't accepted Luo Qing's victory, it would've been meaningless, no matter how many matches Luo Qing won.
Now that Childe hadn't objected, it meant he recognized Luo Qing's win.
After blowing more kisses to the audience, Luo Qing finally descended from the stage.
He was surprised to find that the entire selection had netted him a total of 560 Frustration Points — enough for five pulls in the lottery.
But he decided to save up for a full ten-pull instead.
"You... you really did it..."
Belov's face was a mixture of disbelief and irritation.
Even if he could go back in time, he never would've guessed that Luo Qing would actually win and become the Trainee Harbinger.
"I did warn you, Belov," Luo Qing said with a grin, patting his friend's shoulder before walking away without a backward glance.
"Don't forget Lady Arlecchino's stockings. I want them worn~"
[Frustration Value from Belov +1]
Belov watched Luo Qing's retreating figure, his expression blank with confusion.
I heard that Lady Arlecchino is out on a mission... Maybe there's still a chance...
The selection of a Trainee Harbinger didn't end with simply declaring the winner.
After Luo Qing's victory announcement, the referee escorted him out of the arena and toward the Fatui's headquarters.
"Master Luo Qing, please change into these clothes. Lord Childe will see you shortly."
Even though he was still a trainee, Luo Qing now held an official rank among the Harbingers, and his attire had to match his new status.
The attendant left after speaking, and Luo Qing examined the room filled with uniforms of various sizes.
He chose a set that fit well, draping a black cloak over his shoulders, and stepped out of the dressing room.
The attendant nodded respectfully, leading Luo Qing to the room where Childe awaited.
"Lord Childe, Master Luo Qing has arrived."
"Thank you. You may leave."
Once the attendant left, Childe's face softened with a smile as he looked at Luo Qing.
"How does the uniform feel?"
Luo Qing's attire was a custom-made Harbinger outfit, reserved only for those who held the rank — a symbol of honor.
"Uh..."
Luo Qing hesitated for a moment. "A bit warm?"
"..."
[Frustration Value from Childe +1]
"Well, that's... one way to answer," Childe said after a brief silence, chuckling. "When I first wore that uniform, I didn't feel warm at all."
"Let's go. Today's schedule is tight, and there are a lot of matters to address."
Childe, not one for unnecessary small talk, rose, patted Luo Qing on the shoulder, and draped his own cloak over his back as he headed for the door.
"Lord Childe, didn't you want to see me for something?"
Luo Qing asked, confused, as he followed behind.
"You'll find out soon enough."
Childe smiled mysteriously, refusing to elaborate further.
Luo Qing, utterly bewildered, trailed Childe up to the top-floor lounge of the Fatui headquarters.
The luxurious surroundings filled Luo Qing with a sense of unease.
He had been a mere training officer before, and his rank had never warranted a visit to this part of the headquarters.
At the far end of the lounge, a middle-aged man with white hair was focused on a chessboard.
He held a black piece in his hand, seemingly undecided on where to place it.
"Lord Pierro, I've brought him," Childe said respectfully.
"Hmm..."
Pierro set the chess piece down beside the board instead of placing it, rising to face them.
Luo Qing met Pierro's gaze for a moment before bowing his head in respect.
"Master Pierro."
When under another's roof, it's best to stay humble. Though Pierro had only been a character in a game from Luo Qing's previous life, he was now his superior.
Luo Qing had never met him before and didn't know what kind of person Pierro was, so caution seemed wise.
"Luo Qing, are you willing to give everything for Her Majesty, the Tsaritsa?"
Pierro's voice was deep and commanding, carrying an undeniable authority.
"I am willing to offer my heart to Her Majesty! Tatakae!"
Luo Qing raised his head high, pressing his right fist against his chest with determination.
"Good."
Pierro smiled approvingly, even though he didn't quite understand the last word Luo Qing had said. The sentiment behind it, however, was clear and commendable.
"Perfect timing. There's a mission I need you to complete."
"A mission?" Luo Qing asked, his head snapping up.
"Her Majesty's grand plan requires Snezhnaya's influence to spread across all seven nations. But because of Rex Lapis and the Qixing, Liyue has always been the toughest nut to crack...
The Liyue Qixing are particularly vigilant towards the actions of the Harbingers...
That's why I need you to go to Liyue.
Plant the seed of Snezhnaya there."
"Uh... about that..."
By now, Luo Qing understood everything.
Pierro wanted him to go to Liyue as a spy and develop an underground network.
If he remembered correctly, the Qixing had always been wary of the Fatui's influence.
If he were caught, it'd be a death sentence — or worse.
"Is there a problem?"
Seeing Luo Qing's conflicted expression, Pierro asked calmly.
"Yes, Lord Pierro!" Luo Qing answered loudly.
"Speak."
"Can I... not go?"
"..."
[Frustration Value from Childe +1]
[Frustration Value from Pierro +1]
"No."
Pierro's face tightened slightly. Had he not seen potential in Luo Qing's abilities, he wouldn't have entertained this conversation any further.
He would've simply had Luo Qing beaten, followed by some serious "re-education" and forced to write "Her Majesty, the Greatest in the World" a few hundred times before even considering the matter.
---
T/N: EREN? Was this part of his plan...?
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
200+ Power-
Rangliste 
618 Power-
Stein 
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