Chương 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 ✨
Chương 290: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [290] [100 PS]
Behold, a gift from the Hydro Archon herself—bonus chapters, born of your devotion and my boundless generosity! Bask in this rare blessing!
---
Two figures—one small, one tall—stood on opposite ends of the living room, both rooted to the spot, unsure of how to proceed.
Nahida stared at the woman before her, someone who looked just like an older version of herself.
For reasons she couldn't explain, the same inexplicable closeness she had felt with Luo Qing began to bloom within her heart.
Hesitantly, she glanced at Luo Qing. He gave her a slight nod, silently confirming the suspicion forming in her mind.
This woman was none other than the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, the one who had vanished five centuries ago.
"You..."
Nahida opened her mouth to speak, but before she could finish, Bu'er took a quick step forward, knelt down, and pulled her into a warm embrace.
"Nahida..."
Bu'er's voice was soft and gentle, filled with a motherly tenderness.
"Finally, I can hold you in my arms."
"You are... Greater Lord Rukkhadevata..."
Nahida's voice trembled as she murmured the name, her gaze filled with uncertainty and confusion.
She couldn't understand why the Greater Lord would embrace her so affectionately.
Yet, strangely enough, she found herself liking this feeling.
"Yes..."
"It's me."
Bu'er lifted her gaze to Luo Qing, then turned back to Nahida.
"I'm so sorry, Nahida. You've endured so much all these years..."
She had already heard from Luo Qing about the "glorious deeds" of the Akademiya over the past 500 years.
If her divine powers hadn't been exhausted, she would have gone back to teach those stubborn and twisted scholars a proper lesson and rebuilt their distorted academic culture.
"Mm..."
Nahida hummed softly in response, unsure of how to reply.
Reflecting on the past five centuries, it was clear that much of her pain had stemmed from her own tolerance. Yet, the scholars' actions were undeniably a significant contributing factor.
To an outsider, it might seem as though a mother had handed her entire legacy to an underage child to bear alone, only to vanish without a trace.
"Greater Lord... why did you disappear 500 years ago?"
Nahida's voice was quiet, but her question was loaded with yearning.
This mystery had lingered in her heart since the day she was born.
She needed to know the truth.
"I..."
Bu'er hesitated and turned her gaze toward Luo Qing, silently seeking his permission.
"Everyone here can be trusted," Luo Qing said, nodding slightly. "You can clear Nahida's doubts now."
At this, he glanced over at Ei, who sat on the couch.
Understanding his intent, Ei casually waved her hand, strengthening the mental barrier around the residence to prevent any prying eyes or ears from the outside.
Inside, however, remained an open space for everyone to hear.
"Mm..."
Bu'er nodded gently. Releasing Nahida from her embrace, she placed her hands on the young Archon's shoulders and spoke softly.
"It all began with the Khaenri'ah War 500 years ago..."
Bu'er recounted the events of five centuries past—the mission to protect the World Tree, her self-sacrifice to cleanse it of the corruption wrought by forbidden knowledge, and how that choice had cost her everything.
However, she deliberately avoided any mention of Nahida's origins.
"And..."
Nahida tilted her head slightly, still puzzled.
"Greater Lord, where did I come from?"
This question had always lingered in her mind, tied to her existence and purpose.
"You..."
Once again, Bu'er turned to look at Luo Qing.
This time, Nahida caught the exchange and followed her gaze, her curiosity deepening.
Lumine, watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but entertain a bold thought.
Could it be...?
After a moment of hesitation, Bu'er's expression softened.
"You were created by me, Nahida," she explained gently.
"As the incarnation of the World Tree, my very essence had been corrupted by forbidden knowledge. To fully cleanse it, I had to sacrifice not only my power but also myself."
"So, I took an untainted branch from the World Tree and gave it form—you—as my reincarnation."
"I'm sorry, Nahida. I didn't ask for your consent before entrusting you with the responsibility of guarding Sumeru and the World Tree..."
Bu'er's voice grew heavy with guilt.
She knew it had been deeply irresponsible to place the weight of godhood on a newborn child without any guidance.
But that was the reality of reincarnation. To be reborn, one had to abandon everything from the past and start anew.
At the time, knowing her end was near, Bu'er had thought that Nahida could take her place by Luo Qing's side. She had hoped Luo Qing would serve as Nahida's guide, just as he had once guided her.
But fate had cruelly intervened, stealing Luo Qing away from her grasp first.
"I'm... your reincarnation?"
Nahida looked up at Bu'er, then turned to Luo Qing beside her.
For some reason, the answer left her feeling slightly disappointed, as though it didn't match her expectations.
"Yes..."
Bu'er smiled gently and nodded.
Though she didn't know why Luo Qing wished to temporarily conceal their deeper history, she wouldn't go against his wishes.
"But... if I am a reincarnation..."
Nahida trailed off, unsure of how to express herself.
"It's Luo Qing," Bu'er said, her tone filled with warmth as she gazed affectionately at him.
"He found the remnants of my soul, pieced it back together, and gave me a new life. That's why I can be here with you now."
"Mm..."
Nahida turned back to Luo Qing, her suspicions deepening.
Her intuition told her that the Greater Lord and Luo Qing were hiding something important from her.
"Alright, that's enough reminiscing!"
Makoto's lively voice rang out from the kitchen, breaking the somber atmosphere in the living room.
"Dinner's ready! If you've got more to say, save it for the dining table~"
If Bu'er and Nahida kept talking, it wouldn't be long before they were both in tears. Better to shift the mood and make the reunion a cheerful one.
After all, this was a joyous occasion, not a tragic farewell.
The room's energy shifted, and soon everyone gathered around the dining table.
Theresa, ever considerate, relinquished the seat closest to Luo Qing's left for Nahida. To her left sat Bu'er. One on each side—it was the perfect image of a family of three.
Throughout dinner, Bu'er and Luo Qing frequently served Nahida food, taking care of her from both sides.
The sense of a familial bond grew stronger with every interaction.
Even Paimon, who wasn't known for her observational skills, began to pick up on it.
It was clear now—Luo Qing and Bu'er's relationship ran far deeper than the simple bond of saving each other's lives.
---
Meanwhile, at the corner of the staircase, nestled within the decorative stonework of a statue, a faint blue light shimmered quietly.
It seemed to be watching them.
---
T/N: DUN DUN DUN!!!
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 ✨
Tình trạng nguồn điện hàng tuần
200+ Xếp hạng
Quyền lực 
686 Đá
Quyền lực 
bình luận đoạn văn