This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [333]

Ashen River District, Thorned Rose Society Division

On the second floor of the modest building, a young woman dressed in an elegant gown and tall leather boots stood at the kitchen counter. Taking a deep breath, she stretched her arms, loosening her muscles in preparation for the culinary adventure ahead.

She had just placed a mound of dough before her, ready to begin, when the door burst open.

A man in a black suit rushed in, his expression panicked.

"Miss Navia! There's a gentleman downstairs asking to see you!"

"To see me?" Navia looked puzzled. "I was just about to make some desserts. What could possibly be so urgent—"

"He said he wants to discuss a deal," the man interrupted breathlessly. "One where we get to name our price!"

"...?"

---

First Floor, Makeshift Meeting Room(A "meeting room" in name only—essentially just a dining table.)

"Mr. Luo Qing, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Navia, the acting president of the Thorned Rose Society."

Navia bowed slightly, extending her hand in greeting. The plunging neckline of her gown left little to the imagination, her curves drawing the eye.

"Ahem, Miss Navia, nice to meet you," Luo Qing replied, hurriedly averting his gaze and forcing himself to appear composed.

Still… wow.

She wasn't just beautiful—her golden hair, striking green eyes, and elegant attire gave her an almost otherworldly presence. Luo Qing briefly entertained the thought that she might be a fellow transmigrator.

"My subordinate said you were interested in a collaboration," Navia said politely, taking her seat. "Could you tell me more about this proposal?"

Lately, the Thorned Rose Society was on the brink of financial collapse. As president, Navia bore the responsibility of finding funds to maintain the district. Without money, the Ashen River District—its upkeep entirely funded by the society—would fall into chaos.

"I hear the Thorned Rose Society has deep roots in Fontaine," Luo Qing began casually. "You must have an extensive understanding of the city's history."

He leaned forward and placed a gilded check on the table, sliding it toward Navia.

"I'd like your organization to collect some historical intelligence on Fontaine for me. In return, you'll be generously compensated."

Navia glanced at the check.

It bore the seal of the Northland Bank, making it valid for direct exchange into Mora.

This alone was enough to confirm Luo Qing's identity as a Snezhnayan—or at least someone with ties to the Fatui.

"Before we discuss cooperation," Navia said, her tone steady, "may I ask about your identity, Mr. Luo Qing?"

"I'm a Sumeru envoy," Luo Qing replied nonchalantly. "You're welcome to investigate."

Navia raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical.

A Sumeru envoy carrying a Northland Bank check?

"If you can't disclose your true identity," Navia said, shaking her head, "then I don't think we can proceed. Dealing with the Fatui is dangerous, and I won't risk the reputation of the Thorned Rose Society for Mora."

"Oh?" Luo Qing showed no sign of frustration.

He calmly retrieved the check, took out a pen, and scrawled a "1" followed by six zeros in the amount line. He pushed the amended check back toward her.

Navia remained unfazed, folding her arms. "Do you think the Thorned Rose Society's principles can be bought with money?"

"Fair enough," Luo Qing replied coolly.

He pulled the check back, added another zero, and slid it across the table again.

This time, Navia hesitated. Her lips twitched, and her demeanor wavered briefly before she let out a light scoff.

"Apologies, Mr. Luo Qing, but this isn't a matter of how much Mora you're offering. Without verifying your identity, the Thorned Rose Society cannot afford to enter into a reckless partnership."

"Understood."

Luo Qing retrieved the check once more, added yet another zero, and returned it to her.

Navia's breath caught as she stared at the new total. A hundred million Mora.

The Thorned Rose Society could function comfortably for a decade with such a sum.

"Miss Navia, surely this changes things?" Luo Qing asked, his tone laced with amusement.

Navia struggled to maintain her composure. Her gaze flicked toward her bodyguard for support.

"We… we can collaborate," she said after a long pause, her voice strained. "But first, we'll need to verify your identity and ensure your request complies with Fontaine's laws."

"Of course." Luo Qing nodded. "But do hurry—otherwise, those zeros might start disappearing."

"Understood."

Navia shot a glance at her bodyguard, who bowed quickly before rushing out of the building to carry out her orders.

"Now then," Navia continued, turning back to Luo Qing. "Could you tell me what information you're looking for?"

"Well…" Luo Qing's tone grew more serious as he leaned forward.

"I want you to investigate everything about the Hydro Archon's known history and the prophecy about Fontaine sinking."

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