This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [377] [50 PS]

After parting ways with Tartaglia, Luo Qing spent some time fishing.

As the sun began to set, he returned home, carrying an impressive 18-pound fish he'd caught. He strolled leisurely through Fontaine City before finally stepping inside his house.

Just as he was about to hand the fish to Rosalyne for dinner preparation, he noticed an unexpected sight on the living room sofa.

A young girl was sprawled across the couch, her hands and feet tied tightly, her mouth gagged. She resembled a wriggling, helpless little eel.

"Lynette?!" Luo Qing exclaimed, rushing to remove the silk stocking gag from her mouth.

"What's going on here?!"

"Lord Brighella, I…" Lynette glanced nervously at Rosalyne, who continued cleaning the room without saying a word. Shrinking back slightly, she whispered, "'Father' asked me to deliver a message to you…"

Lynette had always taken a roundabout route when contacting Luo Qing, avoiding the front door for the sake of secrecy. Today was no different—she'd planned to sneak in through the second-floor window and quietly leave the letter on his desk.

However, the moment she climbed into the study, Rosalyne—dressed in a sleek maid uniform—burst into the room.

Before Lynette could react, Rosalyne subdued her, tying her up like a dumpling. To top it off, she'd removed one of Lynette's stockings and used it to gag her, leaving her feeling cold, humiliated, and utterly unsafe.

"Seriously…?" Luo Qing turned to Theresa, his expression deadpan.

"Was this your idea?"

"I don't have that kind of strength, my Lord…" Theresa pointed feebly at Rosalyne.

"You'll have to ask her."

Despite being the "lowest-ranking mistress" of the house, Theresa had little authority over the formidable maid. Even Shenhe, with her temper, could request Rosalyne's help. But Theresa? Not a chance.

"You did this?" Luo Qing asked, looking at Rosalyne.

Rosalyne paused her cleaning and nodded respectfully.

"Yes, I did, Master."

Master?

Hearing Rosalyne's deferential address felt like a lightning bolt striking Lynette.

This wasn't just anyone—it was Rosalyne, the 8th Harbinger, thought to be dead for years. Her supposed demise had led Snezhnaya to observe a half-day of mourning.

Yet here she was, alive and… serving as a maid for the 12th Harbinger?

And calling him "Master"?!

Lord Brighella, your tastes are… unconventional.

"She entered your study without permission and saw my true form," Rosalyne explained calmly.

"I restrained her to await your return for further instructions."

Her unwavering loyalty and humility left Lynette utterly speechless.

As someone privy to insider information, Lynette knew Rosalyne's reputation well. The 8th Harbinger was infamous for her arrogance, showing respect to no one but the Tsaritsa herself.

And yet, here she was, obediently dressed in a maid outfit, deferring to Luo Qing.

Lynette's gaze lingered on Rosalyne's short, lacy maid skirt. She couldn't help but fall into deep contemplation.

"I see…" Luo Qing nodded, piecing together the events. Lynette's usual method of sneaking in had gone unnoticed before—Theresa's weak awareness didn't help matters. But with Rosalyne now in the house…

"This is a serious matter, Lynette," Luo Qing said, adopting a stern tone as he patted her on the shoulder.

"You've seen something you shouldn't have."

Rosalyne was a critical asset in his plans to win over Arlecchino. If word of her survival reached the wrong ears, it could severely undermine his strategy.

"Lord Brighella, I won't tell anyone about Lady Rosalyne," Lynette said hurriedly. "I swear—"

Luo Qing cut her off with a shake of his head.

"Lynette, we both come from the Hearth. You should know empty promises won't work on me."

"..."

Lynette fell silent.

As a child of the Hearth, her loyalty to "Father" was absolute. Even if she vowed to keep Rosalyne's presence a secret, she wouldn't be able to lie if Arlecchino asked her directly.

Seeing the cold glint in Rosalyne's eyes, Lynette suddenly panicked.

"Lord Brighella… are you going to kill me…?"

"What?" Luo Qing blinked, genuinely baffled.

"Why would I do that?"

He flicked her forehead lightly, smirking.

"Of course, I'm not going to kill you. But I can't just let you leave, either."

Luo Qing leaned closer, his gaze locking with hers.

"Listen carefully, Lynette. From this moment on, you're my secret subordinate. You will obey my every command. Understood?"

"I…"

Before she could finish, Luo Qing snapped his fingers.

A strange sensation took hold of her heart. It was as if a seed of loyalty had been planted deep inside her, compelling her to follow his orders without question.

"No way…"

Lynette finally understood why Rosalyne was here, serving as Luo Qing's maid.

So this is why. His power is mental control…

"Alright, it's settled," Luo Qing said with a softer smile, patting her shoulder.

"Thanks for delivering the message, Lynette. It's late, and I've just caught a massive fish. Why don't you stay for dinner before heading back?"

"Um…"

Lynette lowered her head, silent and conflicted. The compulsion in her heart made it impossible to refuse Luo Qing's request.

But what if Luo Qing wanted to do more than just… have dinner?

Unpleasant memories flickered in her mind, making her shudder.

"Well?" Luo Qing asked again. "If you don't want to eat, you're free to leave. No pressure."

"..."

Lynette fidgeted awkwardly as she pulled her stocking back on. It was damp from earlier, and the discomfort was clear.

Just then, a frantic knock came from the door.

Luo Qing opened it to find Lyney standing there, his expression full of worry.

"Lord Brighella, have you seen my sister? She came to deliver a message and hasn't returned—"

Before he could finish, Lyney's gaze fell through the doorway, landing on Lynette.

She was sitting on the sofa, her legs pale and slightly flushed from friction, her damp stockings clinging to her skin.

"..."

The scene spoke volumes.

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