This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [334]
"Information about the Hydro Archon… and the prophecy of Fontaine sinking?"
Navia frowned slightly, her expression turning wary.
Luo Qing's requests were undeniably sensitive. In Fontaine, openly discussing the Hydro Archon—especially anything that wasn't outright praise—was taboo. If Furina caught wind of such discussions, the consequences would likely involve the Tribunal, and at the very least, a severe reprimand.
If Luo Qing intended to use this information against Fontaine, the Thorned Rose Society could be dragged down along with him.
"Mr. Luo Qing," Navia began, forcing herself to remain composed, "could you explain why you're seeking this information? The Thorned Rose Society will never partake in anything harmful to Fontaine. No amount of Mora could persuade us otherwise."
"Miss Navia, there's no need to be so tense," Luo Qing said with a calm wave of his hand.
"I assure you, my requests won't harm Fontaine in any way. I'm simply trying to better understand the Hydro Archon's habits. After all, as a Sumeru envoy, I'll be interacting with her regularly. As for the prophecy…"
He paused, offering a light smile.
"That's just personal curiosity. Surely that's not too much to ask?"
"Hmm…"
Navia rested her chin on her hand, studying Luo Qing intently.
Her instincts told her there was more to this man than he let on. His explanation—collecting all this historical data merely to understand Furina's personality—was far too simplistic.
Who would believe that?
Still, she couldn't outright reject him. If Luo Qing truly was a Sumeru envoy, then this deal would provide a much-needed financial lifeline for the Thorned Rose Society.
"By the way…" Luo Qing suddenly changed the subject, recalling Furina's earlier reluctance.
"I've heard that the Hydro Archon seems particularly averse to the Ashen River District. Would you happen to know why that is?"
"Averse?"
Navia appeared surprised, shaking her head slowly.
"I've never heard that before. But…"
She gestured toward the surrounding district, where its residents continued to toil in the dim light. Her tone turned reflective.
"Mr. Luo Qing, as someone not from Fontaine, you might not fully understand the situation here. The residents of the Ashen River District generally fall into two categories.
"The first are those who've always been poor—people who couldn't afford the high cost of living aboveground and were forced to move here.
"The second…"
Navia hesitated for a moment, her expression growing somber.
"The second are individuals who've been exiled to Melopet Prison for breaking Fontaine's laws. Once they've served their time, they're rarely welcomed back aboveground and end up here.
"Essentially, both groups face the same fate. Exile to Melopet almost always leads to financial ruin, and no one aboveground wants to hire someone with that kind of record. Only the Ashen River District offers them refuge."
She sighed and continued.
"So, if the Hydro Archon dislikes this place, it might have something to do with her role in those trials."
"Trials?" Luo Qing echoed, feigning curiosity.
"Isn't Lord Neuvillette the one who oversees the court proceedings?"
"True, Lord Neuvillette presides over the trials," Navia acknowledged, "but the Hydro Archon often attends as a spectator. Occasionally, she'll even interject with questions during the debates."
Navia's expression darkened slightly as she added:
"To be frank, many believe her involvement is more for theatrics than justice. She cares little for right or wrong or whether there's a miscarriage of justice. Her focus is always on the trial's drama—whether it captivates the audience."
She glanced around the Ashen River District, her voice dropping to a whisper.
"There have been cases where the truth was buried beneath a verdict. Yet questioning the Tribunal's decisions is tantamount to challenging its authority and absolute fairness."
Pausing, Navia offered a self-deprecating smile.
"Perhaps the Hydro Archon feels guilty about leading certain trials astray. Maybe that's why she avoids this place."
Her words hung in the air, tinged with a bitterness she quickly masked.
"Of course, that's just my speculation. You needn't take it seriously, Mr. Luo Qing."
"Hmm…"
Luo Qing nodded thoughtfully, committing her words to memory. He resolved to bring this up with Furina later.
As their conversation continued, Navia found herself reevaluating Luo Qing.
Contrary to her initial apprehensions, this mysterious outsider was far more composed and courteous than she'd expected. Despite his obvious wealth, he lacked the arrogance of a nouveau riche and conducted himself with genuine politeness—so unlike the domineering Fatui agents she had dealt with in the past.
Could he truly be a Sumeru envoy?
Navia's musings were interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps. Her bodyguard, Silver, had returned, his expression a mix of excitement and urgency.
"Miss Navia," Silver began, casting a brief glance at Luo Qing, then at the gilded check still on the table. "I've confirmed with Lord Neuvillette—this gentleman is indeed a Sumeru envoy. He arrived in Fontaine just a few days ago."
"R-really?!"
Navia's shock was evident. Yet beneath her surprise lingered a lingering doubt:
If he's truly from Sumeru, why is he carrying a high-value check from the Northland Bank?
"Mr. Luo Qing, I…" Navia began, her voice faltering as her gaze fell once again on the ten-digit figure written on the check.
"Same terms as before," Luo Qing said calmly, sliding the check toward her.
For a brief moment, he entertained the idea of dramatically placing the check into her ample cleavage—it would certainly be memorable. But he decided against it; he wasn't eager to be labeled a pervert.
"Once you've gathered the necessary information, deliver it to this address."
Luo Qing handed her a slip of paper with his residence details. Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked out, his coat fluttering behind him.
Navia and Silver stared after him, speechless.
After a long pause, Silver broke the silence.
"Miss Navia… did we just land ourselves a golden goose?"
---
After wrapping up his deal with Navia, Luo Qing wandered the Ashen River District for a while.
While the area was undeniably grimy, it was surprisingly uneventful. Even late into the evening, children played freely in the open—evidence of the district's relative safety.
Disappointed at the lack of excitement, Luo Qing eventually made his way home, ready to tease Furina about her earlier cowardice.
But when he opened the door, he was greeted by an unexpected sight.
There she was, barefoot on his sofa, flipping through his photobook.
"…"
---
T/N: oop
A good story, much like a well-fought battle, is all about precision, strategy, and passion. Every choice matters—the right move, the right word, the perfect balance between staying true to the original and making it shine in English.
That's why you should support WiseTL at [patreon.com/WiseTL] – where every pledge helps ensure more high-quality translations, faithful to the original while flowing naturally in English. Trust me, as a Champion, I know a thing or two about mastery.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have another battle to prepare for. But you? You should definitely check out that Patreon.
—Cynthia