This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [336]

The Next Morning

At dawn, Natalia and her group had already gathered at the Vasari Colonnade.

They were currently standing in front of the massive circular fountain, directing a team of Sumeru scholars to set up a broadcasting device.

Through its connection to the Void Network, this device would remotely project Furina's image from the Palais Mermonia to the Colonnade, enabling her actions to be broadcast live in real-time.

Several days ago, Furina had announced that a new type of performance and speech event would be held today to introduce a cutting-edge communication device to the citizens of Fontaine.

Thus, it came as no surprise that when the citizens saw the massive broadcasting device set up near the fountain early in the morning, many curious onlookers stopped to wait for their Hydro Archon's speech.

"Hey, Natalia, do you think we're here to help Fontaine with its infrastructure development?"

Beneath the broadcasting device, Natalia's team gathered around, watching the Sumeru scholars work. Their expressions were a mix of confusion and disbelief.

They were, after all, members of the Fatui—accustomed to either wreaking havoc or lining their pockets when venturing into foreign nations. Yet now, they found themselves helping Sumeru scholars promote their technology in Fontaine. If word of this reached headquarters, they'd likely be accused of treason.

"The Lord ordered us to promote this device here," Natalia said in her usual calm tone, pointing at the item on her ear. "So we've collaborated with the Hydro Archon to help spread the word."

"But isn't this a Sumeru invention?" Sergei asked, still baffled. "Why are we, citizens of Snezhnaya, constantly helping the Sumeru scholars?"

"Ha?"

Theresa, who rarely showed emotion, now wore a distinct expression of disbelief, as if Sergei had said something utterly idiotic.

"Don't you know about the Lord's relationship with... that Little Lord Kusanali?"

"Huh?"

Scratching his head, Sergei muttered to himself, still puzzled.

"But that Little Dendro Archon looks so young... The Lord wouldn't... no way he would... I mean, it wouldn't even—"

Before he could finish his thought, Luo Qing's voice suddenly resonated in his mind.

"Sergei, after the Hydro Archon's speech, while the crowd is still gathered, strip off your clothes and perform a half-hour naked dance for me."

"L-Lord?! You heard that?!"

Sergei froze as if struck by lightning.

"Of course," came the dry reply before Luo Qing's voice disappeared, leaving behind only the smirking faces of his companions.

Clearly, the others had also heard Luo Qing's command.

"You idiot," Natalia sighed, shaking her head. "Not knowing why the Lord is promoting this device is one thing, but have you really forgotten the Lord's abilities after just a few months away from Sumeru?"

She gestured at the device on her ear. "As long as someone wears this, the Lord can hear everything they say—or even think. He can also directly control their actions if needed. Did you really think someone like him would do charity work?"

---

Palais Mermonia – Furina's Office

Though Furina rarely busied herself with formal work—preferring instead to seek entertainment through trials and spectacles—she still required an office befitting Fontaine's Archon and ruler.

Not only did she have one, but it was decorated to the highest standards in Fontaine, as anything less would fail to reflect her grandeur.

At this moment, Furina sat at her grand desk, facing a recording device resembling a Kamera. She forced herself to maintain an air of nobility, elegance, and a touch of aloofness. Despite her efforts, she looked more like someone owed five million Mora than a dignified ruler.

"You know, for your first livestream, maybe ditch the face that screams 'someone owes me money,'" Luo Qing remarked casually, standing beside the recording device. He paid no heed to Furina's status as the Hydro Archon.

"You don't understand!" Furina retorted, turning to glare at him. "As a god, I must maintain an air of cold authority. This image will leave a lasting impression on the citizens of Fontaine!"

Free from the public eye, Furina's sharp tongue and quick wit came out in full force whenever she bantered with Luo Qing. Here, there was no need to uphold her public persona—even hurling insults felt liberating.

"Still, no need to look so sour. You're adorable enough as it is. Can't you just flash a sweet smile?"

"Sweet? That's not in my vocabulary."

Furina crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed. "Focus on your precious device. I'll handle the livestream. Trust me—nobody understands Fontaine better than I do!"

"..." Luo Qing fell silent, glancing at his watch before shifting his consciousness back to the Void Network to check in with Natalia.

"Is the setup ready?"

"It's ready, my Lord," Natalia replied with a subtle nod toward the air around her. Though accustomed to Luo Qing entering her mind, the sensation still left her somewhat uneasy.

"Good," Luo Qing said, using Natalia's eyes to scan the gathered crowd. Citizens of Fontaine had surrounded the fountain in thick layers, with several journalists stationed in front of the broadcasting device.

"Inform them to activate the device. It's time to begin."

"Yes, my Lord."

Natalia relayed his instructions to the Sumeru scholars before Luo Qing returned his focus to Furina.

Back in the office, Furina sat stiffly at her desk, her small hands folded on her lap. Her unease was palpable.

"Are you nervous?"

"Nervous? Ha! Never!" Furina scoffed, though her voice quivered slightly. "I'm the Archon of Fontaine. Such trivial matters don't faze me!"

"Your voice is shaking."

"..."

[Frustration Value +1 from Furina]

"I'm not nervous! I feel perfectly fine!"

"Fine, fine, you're not nervous." Luo Qing raised his hands in mock surrender. "Now then, my dear Hydro Archon, remember the speech you rehearsed all night. Look at my finger. On the count of three, the livestream will begin."

"Three..."

"Two..."

"One..."

"Start!"

With a flick of his consciousness, Luo Qing activated the broadcasting device in the Vasari Colonnade.

A soft blue glow emerged, forming a lifelike projection of Furina in the air.

"Is it really the Hydro Archon?"

"She always comes up with new ideas!"

"Never expected her to appear like this!"

The citizens buzzed with excitement, their spirits high as they anticipated another of Furina's antics.

Then, the projection of Furina suddenly stood, raised her arms, and shouted:

"Rich or poor, with a cup of wine or nothing at all—my children! Raise your hands together! Cheer for me! Applaud... for me!"

"..."

---

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