This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [345]

After leaving the dueling platform, Luo Qing watched the crowd disperse as the trial officially concluded.

He had originally hoped to study the workings of the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse, but Skar's decision to demand a duel had bypassed the device entirely. His 100,000 Mora ticket turned out to be a waste.

Disappointed, he turned toward Fontaine's central plaza to look for Navia.

As he and Childe reached the Lumidouce Fountain, they spotted Neuvillette exiting the opera house. The Chief Justice approached them directly.

"Mr. Luo Qing..."

Neuvillette gave him a small nod, his gaze shifting briefly to Childe.

"Good morning, Lord Neuvillette," Luo Qing replied with a polite smile, but he made no effort to introduce Childe.

After all, it wasn't as though Childe had a legitimate cover identity. Luo Qing couldn't exactly say, This is my fellow Fatui Harbinger, Tartaglia.

"Has Lord Neuvillette just finished handling the aftermath of today's case?"

"Yes."

Neuvillette nodded curtly, his tone calm.

"I still don't fully understand Fontaine's judicial process," Luo Qing said, probing carefully. "Would you mind explaining how cases like this are typically resolved?"

Neuvillette studied him for a moment before responding.

"In cases where the accused commits suicide during a duel, Fontaine law treats it as a loss. The verdict remains unchanged."

"And what about follow-up investigations?" Luo Qing pressed further. "It's obvious that Skar was coerced into taking his own life. Surely the Tribunal will investigate further?"

"This case indeed raises several questions..." Neuvillette's voice was thoughtful but measured. "The Tribunal will conduct a more thorough investigation."

His gaze lingered on Luo Qing and Childe for a moment, his expression inscrutable.

The Fatui's involvement is glaringly obvious. And yet here they are, brazenly asking if the investigation will continue.

The audacity!

"By the way," Neuvillette continued after a pause, "there's something else you might find interesting, Mr. Luo Qing."

"Oh?" Luo Qing raised an eyebrow, feigning nonchalance.

"Last night, I received a report claiming that you're the newly appointed Twelfth Harbinger of the Fatui, known as Brighella."

"What?!" Luo Qing's face twisted in mock indignation.

He turned to Childe, pointing dramatically. "This is slander! Absolute slander! Someone is trying to frame me!"

"..."

"Please, Mr. Luo Qing," Neuvillette said, his voice carrying a note of weariness. "There's no need to overreact. The matter is still under investigation and won't affect you for now."

Despite his reassurances, Neuvillette's gaze betrayed a flicker of exasperation.

The energy radiating from Luo Qing, coupled with Childe's obvious presence, made it clear that the report was accurate.

Yes, Neuvillette knew exactly who Childe was.

He simply chose not to say it aloud.

"In any case, I'll take my leave."

Neuvillette nodded, preparing to walk away, but he hesitated and turned back.

"Oh, one more thing. The Hydro Archon is currently deliberating whether to cancel your collaboration with the Akademiya. You may want to speak with her soon—before she orders the recall of all the Void Terminals you've sold."

"What?!" Luo Qing's face darkened.

So Furina already knows about my identity as a Harbinger? That explains why she was glaring at me like I'd stolen her snacks today...

Damn it. Who's the idiot who sold me out?! Do they have no sense of loyalty?!

"Thank you, Lord Neuvillette. I'll go see her right away."

Neuvillette gave a small nod, his eyes briefly flicking to Childe—who was pointedly pretending to admire the fountain—before walking away without another word.

"Hey," Childe whispered, leaning toward Luo Qing once Neuvillette was out of earshot. "That guy seems pretty strong. What's his deal? Think you could take him in a fight?"

"..."

"Do you have to evaluate everyone based on whether you can beat them up?" Luo Qing sighed, glancing in Neuvillette's direction.

"I don't know. He doesn't seem like someone you'd want to mess with. Probably tougher than Furina."

Furina had yet to display any of her true power. Aside from her unusual eyes, she behaved more like an overdramatic teen than an Archon. For all Luo Qing knew, she might be utterly useless in combat.

"Hmm..."

Childe rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Alright. After I spar with that Clorinde woman, maybe I'll give him a try too."

"..."

Luo Qing didn't even bother responding to the battle-hungry Harbinger. Instead, he focused on searching for Navia using the Void Network.

The limited number of Void Terminals in Fontaine made it difficult to track down specific individuals.

"Next time, I'm giving her one of these devices," Luo Qing muttered under his breath.

Having searched the area near the opera house without success, Luo Qing gave up on finding Navia for now.

There was no urgency—Traveler Lumine hadn't arrived yet, and he wouldn't need Navia's intel until she did.

For now, Furina took priority. If she truly intended to sever ties, it would create a massive headache.

Leaving Childe to his own devices (he seemed too distracted by thoughts of Clorinde to cause immediate trouble), Luo Qing made his way toward the Palais Mermonia.

By the time he arrived, night had fallen, and the grand palace's gates were closed.

"Ah, seriously?"

Luo Qing frowned, eyeing the imposing doors.

Making an appointment through official channels would take days... Should I just sneak in?

After a brief moment of hesitation, his eyes gleamed gold.

And then he was gone.

---

Inside the Palais Mermonia

In her private chambers, Furina stretched her arms above her head, letting out a weary sigh.

After sitting through a dull trial and being roped into yet more paperwork by Neuvillette, she was exhausted.

"All I want is a good night's sleep..."

Shooing her attendants away, she padded into her room.

Her shoes were kicked off haphazardly, her stockings peeled off with her toes. With a graceful leap, she flopped onto her oversized, plush bed.

"Ahhh... Nothing beats this..."

Snuggling her cheek against the light blue pillow, Furina wore a blissful smile.

Reaching for the buttons on her outfit, she was just about to undress when a familiar voice startled her.

"You're going to sleep already?"

"Yes, I'm going to sle— Huh?!"

Her eyes snapped open, her head whipping toward the source of the voice.

There, standing casually beside her bed, was Luo Qing.