Bab 288: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [288] [40 PS]
Behold, a gift from the Hydro Archon herself—bonus chapters, born of your devotion and my boundless generosity! Bask in this rare blessing!
---
The woman's body was shrouded in a veil of ice-blue light, revealing only the outline of her imposing figure while concealing her true appearance.
She was identical to the vision Luo Qing had seen in the Tsaritsa's chambers on the day of his induction as a Harbinger.
This was…
The Cryo Archon!
Luo Qing's pupils dilated, his mind struck as though by lightning.
Never in his wildest dreams did he expect to be summoned by the Tsaritsa at this moment.
His gaze flickered toward the Doctor, who stood watching the show with a faint smirk.
That subtle upturn of his lips said it all: He definitely went back and tattled.
"Brighella..."
From the radiant veil, the Tsaritsa's voice echoed with an icy, aloof majesty, as frigid as the snowy peaks of Snezhnaya.
"Your Majesty..."
Luo Qing lowered his head slightly, bowing respectfully.
The Tsaritsa was impervious to all his emotional manipulation abilities—a clear sign that he wasn't a match for her at his current level.
So, it was better to play along.
"Return to Snezhnaya. Bring the Gnoses... and yourself."
"Ah... about that..."
Luo Qing hesitated.
He was living quite comfortably here in Sumeru, far removed from the reach of imperial authority.
Returning would mean dealing with Pierro, the Tsaritsa herself, and that unpredictable girl, Columbina.
It would be far too stifling.
"What's this? Are you unwilling?"
The Tsaritsa's voice remained as frosty as ever, but there was a trace of displeasure beneath the surface.
"Of course not, Your Majesty..."
Luo Qing's mind raced as he scrambled for an excuse.
"It's just that I still have unfinished business in Sumeru. Perhaps I could complete my tasks here before returning to report to Your Majesty..."
"Oh?"
The Tsaritsa's tone shifted, a hint of curiosity creeping into her voice.
"What kind of business? Let me hear it."
"Uh..."
Luo Qing faltered, glancing at the Doctor as he weighed his words. Finally, he spoke.
"I believe the Akasha system utilized by the Sumeru Akademiya holds immense potential. If properly controlled, it could aid in recovering the remaining two Gnoses..."
"But as a prerequisite, I would need to temporarily retain the Dendro Gnosis. I humbly ask Your Majesty for more time to carry this out."
"Hmph..."
From the glowing veil came a faint scoff, tinged with disdain.
Not only was Luo Qing caught off guard, but even the Doctor seemed momentarily stunned.
In all his time as a Harbinger, the Doctor had only ever seen the Tsaritsa as a cold, aloof figure, the epitome of an icy beauty.
Never had she shown even the faintest hint of emotion.
Is she... actually upset?
"You wish to wield the Dendro Gnosis and control the Akasha system," the Tsaritsa said slowly. "Tell me, then—how do you intend to deal with the Dendro Archon?"
"Ah... that..."
Luo Qing was momentarily speechless.
The solution was simple enough, but saying it out loud was a different matter entirely.
What could he say? That he was the Dendro Archon's nominal father, and that she was his nominal daughter? That he had even brought her mother back to life, reuniting their family of three? Would that suffice?
"I have my methods, Your Majesty. I only ask for your patience," Luo Qing said firmly.
"A fine claim of having 'methods'..."
The Tsaritsa's tone remained cold, yet it seemed increasingly tinged with emotion.
The Doctor, meanwhile, was thoroughly confused. Not even Pierro had ever managed to evoke any emotion in the Tsaritsa's voice.
Yet here was Luo Qing, driving the icy queen to the brink of showing frustration.
It was as though the Tsaritsa might, at any moment, shove Luo Qing to the ground, plant her heel on his face, and demand to know his intentions.
What the...
The Doctor's thoughts involuntarily drifted back to a photograph he had once forwarded to Snezhnaya—a snapshot of The Raiden Shogun and Luo Qing passionately embracing at the bow of a ship.
Shortly after that, the Tsaritsa's ice-blue crystal had been delivered to Luo Qing, accompanied by a decree that it was a "gift of great significance" for him to retrieve personally.
Could it be...
Huh...
"Very well..."
After a long silence, the Tsaritsa's voice returned, calm and devoid of emotion once more.
"Brighella, I grant you one year. Within that time, return to Snezhnaya with all three Gnoses. Fail, and you will bear the consequences."
With that, the glowing veil dispersed, and the Tsaritsa's projection dissolved back into ice-blue energy, retreating into the crystal.
"..."
[Frustration +1 from Luo Qing]
The Tsaritsa's parting words were essentially an order for him to fetch another Gnosis.
There were only two left in the world now!
Luo Qing massaged his temples, unable to fathom why he was receiving such "special attention" from the Tsaritsa.
Look at Scaramouche—hellbent on revenge in Inazuma. Or Childe, slacking off in Liyue every day. Neither of them had been summoned by the Tsaritsa in person!
Luo Qing felt like a corporate employee whose performance review hadn't gone well.
Dragged into the "manager's" office—where the Tsaritsa, the ever-intimidating boss, grilled him on why his quarterly targets hadn't been met.
Now he'd signed a high-stakes agreement: deliver three Gnoses within a year, or face the boss's personal "punishment."
This feels... too familiar.
If the Tsaritsa's hair were silver...
Shudder. Too spot-on.
But the question remained:
Why was the Tsaritsa taking such an interest in him?
He glanced at the Doctor's expression, which practically screamed bystander. Suddenly, the answer clicked.
"Was it you who brought the Tsaritsa's attention here?" Luo Qing asked.
"Not at all," the Doctor replied with a faint smile.
Though inwardly rattled by his own suspicions, his expression remained as composed as ever.
"All I did was ensure that certain... activities of yours in Inazuma made their way to Snezhnaya."
"And after that, Her Majesty reached out. It had nothing to do with me."
"..."
Luo Qing stared at the Doctor, speechless.
This guy dodges responsibility as smoothly as I do.
"What activities?" Luo Qing asked, feigning calm despite his growing unease.
"I wouldn't know," the Doctor replied with a sly smirk. "Perhaps you should ask Her Majesty herself."
"..."
"Fine..."
Luo Qing sighed, shaking his head. He was about to leave when an idea struck him. Turning back to the Doctor, he leaned in close and said quietly:
"Dottore, if I find out you filed that report..."
"Prepare to send all your segments to Snezhnaya's central square for a very public naked dance."
"..."
The Doctor froze, his expression stiffening.
Satisfied with his parting shot, Luo Qing turned and headed for the exit.
He hadn't gone far when the Doctor's voice called out behind him.
"You forgot something."
"Huh?" Luo Qing turned back, confused.
"This."
The Doctor pushed the ice-blue crystal containing the Tsaritsa's projection back toward him.
"It's a personal amulet, granted by Her Majesty herself. She insisted you keep it with you at all times."
"?"
---
T/N: WOOOOO YEA MORE DRAMA
Ah-ha! So you mortals truly have outdone yourselves this time, haven't you? To think your offerings could summon forth these bonus chapters—what a feat worthy of my recognition! You've brought glory to Fontaine, and naturally, to me.
But do not think for a moment that your work is complete! This is but a single step on the journey to greatness, and there are still many more chapters, many more stages, and of course, many more opportunities to bask in my brilliance.
So, continue your efforts, loyal followers! Shower this endeavor with your support, and who knows? Perhaps I shall reward your dedication with even grander displays of my magnificence.
For now, savor these bonus chapters. And remember, this is your moment to shine... because I allowed it.
With admiration and just a dash of benevolence,
Furina ✨
Bab 289: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [289] [50 PS]
Behold, a gift from the Hydro Archon herself—bonus chapters, born of your devotion and my boundless generosity! Bask in this rare blessing!
---
The Doctor hadn't explained its exact purpose—only that Her Majesty insisted it be kept on his person at all times.
While Luo Qing hadn't detected any lingering consciousness within the crystal, based on what it had just done in the camp, he had good reason to suspect that the Tsaritsa's projection might pop out at any moment to catch him off guard.
And if it happened at the wrong time…
Shudder.
The mere thought was enough to make him stop.
Shaking his head, Luo Qing tucked the crystal into his pocket, composed himself, and headed home.
His residence in Mondstadt was nearing completion, meaning his time in Sumeru was limited.
He needed to finish his work here quickly, including retrieving the next Gnosis.
After all, who knew what kind of punishment the Tsaritsa might inflict if he failed?
---
By the time Luo Qing arrived home, it was evening.
Before he even stepped inside, he heard voices coming from within—girls chatting.
"I mean, Nahida's not actually your biological child, so what's with that smug expression? You and Luo Qing haven't even—"
"Hmph! Who says she's not? Nahida is the result of Luo Qing and my powers intertwining, plucked as a pure branch from the World Tree! She's no different from a real child of ours."
"And as for that... I'm ready anytime. If Luo Qing wants, I'll stay with him all night—he doesn't sleep, I don't sleep!"
"..."
[Frustration +1 from Luo Qing]
Whoever said girls' private conversations were stimulating clearly didn't anticipate this kind of stimulation.
And hadn't he told them to get along?!
Why were they still bickering?
Pushing the door open, Luo Qing prepared to confront them, only to find a completely different scene.
The moment he stepped inside, the two women—Makoto and Bu'er—were sitting together, gazes soft and serene, looking for all the world like a pair of loving sisters.
There wasn't a trace of their earlier argument.
They were even knitting sweaters together.
"Luo Qing, you're back!"
The two women immediately adopted the demeanor of sweet wives welcoming their husband home, rushing toward him.
"Are you tired? Should I massage your shoulders?"
"Or maybe you'd like a bath? I can get it ready..."
"You two..."
Faced with their sudden display of affection, Luo Qing didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Instead, he reached out and gave each of them a flick to the forehead.
"Don't think I didn't hear what you were talking about earlier."
"No... we weren't saying anything bad!"
Bu'er's face flushed as she wrapped herself around Luo Qing's arm, swaying it coquettishly.
"Makoto and I were just joking around! We get along so well, don't we, Makoto?"
"..."
Makoto remained silent for a moment.
She was supposed to be the first!
In this sprawling household, wasn't she the one everyone called Makoto-nee-sama?
And now Bu'er dared to call her "sister"?
On what grounds?!
"Yes... we're very close."
Not to be outdone, Makoto grabbed Luo Qing's other arm, her chest pressing snugly against it as she murmured sweetly.
"Luo Qing, Bu'er and I have always had a wonderful relationship!"
"..."
So they're calling each other "sister" now while playing the harmonious family act, huh?
"Well, Nahida will be here soon..."
Luo Qing flicked Bu'er on the forehead again.
"You keep saying you're her mother, yet you're acting like a child. What kind of example is that for her?"
"Ugh..."
"I know, I know..."
Bu'er didn't seem the least bit bothered by his reprimand. In fact, she leaned her head against Luo Qing's shoulder, a blissful smile on her face.
Then, as if to rub it in, she glanced at Makoto with a look of smug satisfaction.
See? Luo Qing flicked my forehead twice but only flicked yours once. Clearly, I'm the favorite.
"..."
Makoto was speechless, unsure how to respond.
This woman is... an absolute lovestruck fool!
"Alright, you two, go get ready."
Luo Qing disentangled himself from their clutches and reminded them, "Nahida and Lumine should be here soon. Watch your behavior, and I'll head upstairs for a bit."
With that, he turned and ascended the stairs.
Once inside the room that had once belonged to Ganyu and Shenhe, Luo Qing shut the door and pulled out the ornate box containing the ice-blue crystal.
Placing it on the table, he bowed slightly.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I really need some personal space!"
With that, he stashed the box in the bedside drawer.
There was no telling if the Tsaritsa's projection might suddenly emerge from the crystal again.
He couldn't just toss it into his system's inventory—a pocket dimension—because if the projection manifested there, things could get complicated.
For now, keeping it at home seemed like the safest option.
This room, previously used by Ganyu and Shenhe, was off-limits to most of the household, making it a secure hiding spot.
After confirming everything was in order, Luo Qing stepped out.
As soon as the door clicked shut behind him, the ice-blue crystal in the drawer emitted a faint glow.
When Luo Qing returned downstairs, he felt a weight lift from his shoulders now that the Tsaritsa wasn't metaphorically breathing down his neck.
With him home, Makoto and Bu'er were less inclined to openly argue. They even worked together in the kitchen to prepare dinner.
As the meal approached, Ei and Theresa came downstairs, both clutching light novels. They practically twisted into a pretzel as they huddled together, engrossed in their reading.
Not long after, as the sun dipped below the horizon, a knock came at the door.
Luo Qing was about to answer when Bu'er dashed out of the kitchen, untying her apron as she went.
Her beautiful, delicate face was visibly tense as she stared at the door, too nervous to approach.
"I'll get it."
Luo Qing chuckled softly, stepping forward to open the door.
There, standing before him, was Nahida, looking up at him with a slightly nervous expression. Behind her stood Lumine and Paimon.
"Luo Qing, we're here!" Paimon exclaimed cheerfully. "I bet there's gonna be lots of yummy food tonight, right?!"
"Paimon..." Lumine shushed her with a gesture, and Paimon quickly clamped her mouth shut.
"Luo Qing..."
Nahida's voice was soft, and she looked uncertain about whether to step inside.
"Come on in," Luo Qing said with a warm smile, gently ruffling her hair as he stepped aside.
"Everyone's waiting for you."
"Mm..."
Taking a deep breath, Nahida nodded and stepped through the doorway.
Her gaze shifted from Luo Qing to the spacious living room, where Ei and Theresa sat reading on the sofa.
Then, her eyes moved to the right.
The next moment, Nahida's pupils widened in shock.
Before her stood a woman with white hair and green eyes—features identical to her own.
It was as if she were staring at an older version of herself.
"You are..."
---
Ah-ha! So you mortals truly have outdone yourselves this time, haven't you? To think your offerings could summon forth these bonus chapters—what a feat worthy of my recognition! You've brought glory to Fontaine, and naturally, to me.
But do not think for a moment that your work is complete! This is but a single step on the journey to greatness, and there are still many more chapters, many more stages, and of course, many more opportunities to bask in my brilliance.
So, continue your efforts, loyal followers! Shower this endeavor with your support, and who knows? Perhaps I shall reward your dedication with even grander displays of my magnificence.
For now, savor these bonus chapters. And remember, this is your moment to shine... because I allowed it.
With admiration and just a dash of benevolence,
Furina ✨
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