This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [342] [100 PS]
Some battles are planned, others are unexpected—but a true Champion embraces them all. Consider this bonus chapter one of those surprises.
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Late Night
When Furina left Luo Qing's house, the streets of Fontaine were deserted.
After walking some distance, she finally stopped, removed her hood, and tossed it aside with a frustrated sigh. Her steps turned resolutely toward the Palais Mermonia.
"That guy... he actually has a wife..."
Her irritation bubbled over as she muttered to herself.
Initially, she'd planned to spend the night chatting at Luo Qing's place, avoiding the hassle of returning to the Palais Mermonia.
But to her dismay, he had unceremoniously kicked her out in the middle of the night, claiming he didn't want her interfering with his "wifely duties."
The thought of Luo Qing's smug, self-satisfied expression made her inexplicably angry.
"Hmph! So what if you have a wife?!"
She kicked a streetlamp pole in frustration before continuing toward the Palais Mermonia, her small footsteps tapping loudly against the cobblestone.
By now, the administrative center of Fontaine had closed for the night. The main entrance was locked until morning. However, as the Hydro Archon, Furina didn't need to use the public entrance.
Stretching lazily, she headed for the private passageway leading to her chambers, accessible only to her.
But as she approached the passage, she saw Neuvillette standing to one side, as if waiting for her.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, her irritation evident.
"Waiting for you."
Neuvillette turned to face her, his calm demeanor unchanged. His nose twitched slightly, confirming what he suspected—Luo Qing's scent clung faintly to her clothes.
"You went to see Luo Qing again tonight?"
"W-What do you mean 'again'..." Furina faltered, her voice dropping as she tried to sound casual. "I was just discussing the livestream with him. It's an important matter for improving my image with the citizens, so of course I had to be thorough."
"..."
Neuvillette said nothing, though his expression remained thoughtful.
To most people, Furina was Fontaine's highest authority, with Neuvillette as her second-in-command.
But in truth, Neuvillette managed Fontaine's governance, while Furina's role was closer to that of a symbolic figurehead—a beloved idol for the people.
As such, when their opinions differed, the final say often fell to Neuvillette.
"These," he said, handing her a dossier wrapped in parchment, "might not be significant for Fontaine as a whole, but they could be of interest to you personally."
Furina looked at the envelope, tilting her head in confusion.
"What's this?"
"Information. You'll understand once you read it," Neuvillette replied, turning to leave.
Halfway to the exit, he paused and added, "Also, I've received word that the Traveler you've been so curious about is on their way to Fontaine. You may want to prepare for your meeting with her."
"She... she's coming?!"
A jolt of nervous energy shot through Furina, and her grip on the dossier tightened.
Every nation the Traveler visited seemed to erupt into chaos. And now, that harbinger of upheaval was heading for Fontaine...
"Hmph! I'm not scared of her!" Furina declared, though her voice wavered slightly. "You just wait and see—I'll handle this perfectly!"
Neuvillette said nothing further, leaving the passage without looking back. His priority was maintaining justice in Fontaine; as long as the Traveler didn't break the law, their arrival wasn't his concern.
"Just wait and see!"
Frustrated by his indifference, Furina stomped her foot and marched toward her chambers, clutching the dossier.
So what if it's the Traveler? I'll show her the majesty of the Hydro Archon and make her bow to me in awe!
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In Her Chambers
After dismissing her attendants, Furina kicked off her shoes and flopped onto her oversized, luxurious bed.
Using her toes, she peeled off her white lace stockings, tossing them aside as she curled into the soft covers. Finally, she tore open the dossier.
The first thing to catch her eye was a large photo of Luo Qing, staring back at her like an official ID.
"F-Fatui's Twelfth Harbinger?!"
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The Next Morning
Peeling the koala-like Theresa off his chest, Luo Qing stretched and got out of bed, feeling refreshed.
After getting dressed, he headed downstairs, ready to dive into another day of scheming.
It had been a while since his last meeting with Navia of the Spina di Rosula. It was about time to check in on their progress.
As he opened the door, however, he was greeted by a familiar face—one he hadn't expected to see.
A cheerful, brown-haired young man with piercing teal eyes stood there, exuding his usual energy.
"Yo! Long time no see, Brighella."
"..." Luo Qing stared at him blankly.
"What are you doing here?"
The visitor was none other than Tartaglia—Childe of the Fatui.
Shouldn't this guy be in Liyue, collecting debts or slacking off?
"Reassignment, of course!"
Childe crossed his arms, grinning. "I've almost wrapped up in Liyue, so the higher-ups sent me to Fontaine. Apparently, there are plenty of stubborn debtors here who need some... persuasion."
Since their last encounter, where Luo Qing had smashed him into the Tsaritsa's palace floor, Tartaglia had developed a grudging respect for him, fully acknowledging his status as a Harbinger.
To Tartaglia, strength was everything. Anyone stronger than him deserved his admiration.
"Fine, but why are you here now?" Luo Qing asked, puzzled.
He had come to Fontaine to pursue the Hydro Archon's Gnosis. His goals couldn't have been more different from Childe's.
"Oh, I stopped by to get some intel from Arlecchino," Tartaglia explained, "but she told me to find you instead. Said you could help me get familiar with the area before I start my work."
"..." Luo Qing's brow twitched.
Arlecchino, you really just passed the buck, didn't you?
"I'm busy," Luo Qing said flatly.
"Busy with what?" Childe asked, leaning forward. "Need a hand? I can help—and I'll get to learn the lay of the land while we're at it!"
"..."
Looking at Childe's eager expression, Luo Qing didn't know how to turn him down.
His strength isn't an issue, but his brain...
"Fine," Luo Qing relented with a sigh. "But don't go picking fights with everyone you meet, alright?"
"No problem! I'll follow your lead," Childe said enthusiastically.
Worst case, I'll note their names and challenge them later, he thought to himself.
"Alright, come on," Luo Qing said, motioning for Childe to follow.
If nothing else, Childe was easy to manipulate.
Maybe I can use him as a tool when the time comes.
With that, Luo Qing led the way toward the entrance of the Ashen River District.
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T/N: :(
A true Champion knows that every battle, every choice, and every unexpected twist shapes the path to mastery. Consider this bonus chapter a rare encounter—one that wouldn't be possible without the right support.
That's why you should support WiseTL at [patreon.com/WiseTL]—where every pledge helps bring more high-quality translations to life, staying true to the original while flowing naturally in English. After all, excellence is in the details.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more to prepare for. But you? You should take this opportunity—you never know what rare finds await.
—Cynthia