This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [373]

Only by making an appearance at just the right moment could Arlecchino be left with the deepest impression.

Rosalyne was Luo Qing's trump card for persuading Arlecchino, so naturally, she couldn't be revealed too casually.

For now, Luo Qing decided to keep Rosalyne hidden in Fontaine, just like Natalia and the others. When the time came, she'd deliver the decisive blow to win over Arlecchino.

Initially, Luo Qing intended for Rosalyne to work with Natalia's group until needed.

However, he hadn't anticipated her outright refusal—insisting, instead, on staying at his home as his maid.

Has she become addicted to being a maid or something...?

With no other choice, Luo Qing brought her back to his house. Fortunately, his Fontaine residence had plenty of rooms, enough to accommodate a few more people.

Though he couldn't help but wonder how he'd explain this to Furina when she returned...

Wait, no.

Why should he explain anything to that foolish deer?

---

Meanwhile, at the Opera Epiclese, as expected, Furina lost her impassioned trial.

The true culprit even brazenly silenced a witness right on stage—a display of arrogance that would never fly in Snezhnaya.

There, anyone bold enough to do such a thing would be relentlessly hunted by the Fatui and executed.

But this was Fontaine. Luo Qing had no reason to concern himself with such matters.

After spending a leisurely day at home, Luo Qing found himself thoroughly impressed by Rosalyne's skills as a full-time maid.

Although Theresa had learned some household skills and could prepare basic meals, the experience Rosalyne provided was on another level entirely.

It was as if she'd been born with an innate talent for maid duties—her proficiency in every household task was nearly maxed out.

A single glance from Luo Qing was all it took for Rosalyne to know whether to stand, kneel—ahem—brew tea, or prepare coffee.

In short, it was exceedingly comfortable.

By evening, Luo Qing was lounging on the sofa, discussing dinner plans with Rosalyne, who stood attentively by his side.

With her mastery of multiple cuisines, the options were nearly endless.

However, their planning was interrupted when the door suddenly swung open.

Furina entered like a deflated balloon, trudging inside with an air of utter defeat.

At the same moment, Rosalyne's demeanor shifted entirely. In an instant, she transitioned from a domestic maid to a battle-ready one, her aura radiating cold, lethal intent.

"Eh...?! Y-you..."

Furina froze, terrified by the murderous gleam in Rosalyne's eyes. The scene dredged up memories of the mysterious assassin who had once pursued her.

Instinctively, she collapsed to the floor, ready to scream for help.

"Alright, alright, Rosalyne—it's a friend," Luo Qing interjected, waving for her to stand down.

At his command, Rosalyne immediately withdrew her killing intent, reverting to her composed maid persona. She resumed jotting down Luo Qing's dinner preferences in her small notebook, as if nothing had happened.

"The door's still open," Luo Qing added casually. "If you don't get up soon, someone passing by might see you."

"..."

Furina scrambled to her feet, hastily dusted off her clothes, and shut the door.

"Luo Qing, who is she?" Furina asked hesitantly, avoiding direct eye contact with Rosalyne.

The oppressive aura earlier had made it clear—this woman had genuinely considered killing her.

"Isn't it obvious from her outfit?" Luo Qing gestured at Rosalyne's black-and-white lace maid uniform and replied nonchalantly,

"My maid."

"..."

What kind of maid looks like she's ready to eat someone alive?!

Furina muttered silently, too afraid to let Rosalyne's gaze linger on her for even a second.

"I lost today..."

Furina's voice was small and dejected.

"Luo Qing, you already knew the truth behind all this, didn't you?"

"Nope."

Luo Qing waved off the notion, casually signaling Rosalyne to head out and buy groceries. She gave a respectful nod before exiting, though she couldn't help but glance at the infamous Hydro Archon, her expression subtly conflicted.

"But my guess wasn't far off," Luo Qing added.

"..."

Furina fell silent.

Today had been an utter disaster for her at the opera house.

She had intended to showcase her divine authority and deliver a striking performance of justice to the Traveler.

Instead, she had been soundly defeated, with even Neuvillette showing her no mercy.

"I... I did prepare properly..."

Furina sat on the sofa, curling up with her knees hugged to her chest. Her voice was soft and tinged with frustration.

"Even though I didn't win, it wasn't completely one-sided, was it...?"

"What's wrong?" Luo Qing asked, raising an eyebrow. "Did someone say something to you?"

"On my way out, I overheard someone say, 'So that's Fontaine's Archon? I thought she'd be more impressive. Can't even beat a Traveler. Guess Snezhnaya's Tsaritsa is still the real deal.'"

"..."

Luo Qing could easily guess the nationality of whoever had said that.

"Did you see who said it?"

"No," Furina huffed angrily. "If I had, they'd already be on their way to Meropide Fortress!"

"..."

"Luo Qing, be honest." Furina looked at him with pleading eyes. "Do you think I'm useless? Am I really less worthy of being a god than your Tsaritsa?"

"Uh..."

Luo Qing instinctively leaned back.

How had this conversation turned into such a loaded question?

If he sided with Furina, who knew whether the Tsaritsa might be secretly listening in?

"You're... not that bad," Luo Qing managed awkwardly. "Could be worse..."

"..."

[Frustration Value from Furina +1]

"So, you think I'm useless too! You don't believe I'm fit to be an Archon either, do you?!"

Before Luo Qing could respond, Furina's emotions flared.

"I knew it—you're all the same!"

With that, she stormed out the door, leaving Luo Qing dumbfounded.

"Wait... was she crying?"

He had caught a glimpse of tears in Furina's eyes before she bolted.

Was she really that sensitive?

By conventional wisdom, he should probably chase after her and try to console her.

Still debating, Luo Qing heard the front door open again. Rosalyne returned, arms laden with bags of groceries. Seeing Furina storm off, she raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"Master, the Hydro Archon just now..."

"Oh, broke down after a few words and ran off," Luo Qing replied casually. "Rosalyne, do you think I should go after her and bring her back?"

"Well..."

Rosalyne paused, then replied in a low, respectful tone,

"The First Lady asked me to remind you: the house has only twelve rooms. Please allocate them wisely."

"..."