This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [379] [200 PS]

Meanwhile, at Luo Qing's home...

"Achoo! Who's thinking about me?" Luo Qing rubbed his nose, sitting at his desk in the study.

As he unsealed the letter Lynette had delivered, he glanced at Rosalyne, who stood silently nearby, awaiting his instructions.

"By the way, why did you take her stockings off earlier? You made Lyney think I did something inappropriate to his sister."

"..."

Rosalyne paused for a moment before replying in her usual calm tone.

"I thought, perhaps, you would prefer it that way, Master."

"..."

A very good response. Never say it again.

"Alright, you can go now. I'll call you if I need anything."

"As you wish, Master."

Rosalyne bowed respectfully and exited the study.

Once Rosalyne left, Luo Qing focused on the letter.

"...You've got to be kidding me."

Reading the contents, Luo Qing felt a headache forming.

Tartaglia. The guy couldn't go a single day without stirring up trouble.

He had barely told Tartaglia not to cause any issues in Fontaine, yet within half a day, the fool had gotten himself detained for alleged involvement in the serial disappearance of young women.

Even on vacation, he found a way to make a mess.

Calculating the time, Luo Qing figured Tartaglia was probably already in the custody of the Fontaine guard, awaiting trial.

"So, what's Arlecchino's play here…?" Luo Qing frowned.

He doubted Arlecchino had sent the letter out of collegial goodwill. There had to be a deeper reason—possibly to test him or involve him in her schemes. But what?

Surely, she doesn't expect me to stage a jailbreak for that fool?

Lost in thought, Luo Qing's musings were interrupted by the sudden sound of the door opening.

Furina strutted in with her head held high, a haughty look on her face. She turned with dramatic flair and plopped into the chair across from Luo Qing's desk, propping one small foot up on the table with exaggerated arrogance.

"Let me guess…" she began, twirling a strand of her hair around her finger.

"Someone's here to beg me to show mercy for their colleague, right?"

"..."

Her smug expression and puffed-up demeanor reminded Luo Qing of a kitten that had caught a fish, brimming with pride yet hilariously out of touch.

"I have no reason to plead with you," Luo Qing replied flatly, setting the letter down.

"I'm not the one who got arrested. Why would I care?"

"Oh? Really? I don't believe you." Furina huffed, crossing her arms.

"But if someone were to kneel and kiss the top of my shoe while apologizing sincerely for past offenses, perhaps I could consider asking Neuvillette to reexamine the case."

"..."

Luo Qing leaned forward slightly.

"Would you take your shoes off for that?"

"Of course not!" Furina's face flushed as she stomped her foot.

"I want you to kiss the dirt on my shoes! Don't get any funny ideas!"

"Then forget it," Luo Qing shrugged, pretending to be disappointed.

"If the shoes stay on, it's not worth it. Maybe if they came off, I'd consider it."

"What?!" Furina blinked, caught off guard.

"That's your colleague! One kiss on my shoe and you could save him. Isn't that a good deal?"

"..."

Luo Qing sighed. Did she genuinely misunderstand the relationships between the Harbingers? If anything, he'd be more inclined to step on Tartaglia himself while he was down.

As Furina noticed Luo Qing's disinterest, she huffed in frustration and stood, placing her foot firmly on his desk.

"Think carefully," she declared dramatically, crossing her arms and gazing down at him with an imperious expression.

"Don't let your pride cause you to miss the chance to save your companion's freedom and honor."

Her internal glee bubbled. Finally, after being constantly outmaneuvered by Luo Qing, she'd found a chance to turn the tables. She could use this moment to exact some payback for all the times he'd bested her.

Of course, if Luo Qing agreed to her terms, she'd gracefully advocate for Tartaglia's innocence in court. With her divine reputation on the line, exonerating him would be an easy task.

But Luo Qing wasn't having it.

He gazed at her foot resting on his desk and fell silent for a moment.

Was she faking this level of obliviousness, or was she really this naïve?

Unacceptable. She needs to be taught a lesson.

"Alright," Luo Qing finally said, flashing a sly smile.

Before Furina could react, Luo Qing grabbed her propped-up foot with both hands.

"Yes, that's right!" Furina began, her tone triumphant.

"As a sign of submission, you'll—hey! Wait! Don't take off my shoe! Luo Qing, let go!"

In one swift motion, Luo Qing had removed her black leather shoe and the lace-trimmed white sock beneath it.

His speed was impressive, to say the least.

"Hey, hey! What are you doing?! Stop that right now!"

Furina's face turned as red as a cherry, her usually pale complexion flushing furiously.

She tried to pull her foot away, but Luo Qing's grip was unrelenting. No matter how hard she struggled, she couldn't break free.

"Ah… ah…!"

Standing on one foot, Furina wobbled precariously before plopping onto Luo Qing's desk. Her once-dignified air of authority was replaced by a flustered and disheveled appearance.

"You! Release me at once! Do you want to be charged with violating a god?!"

Furina's protests grew louder, but Luo Qing remained calm, meeting her gaze with an amused smile.

"Oh? Is that so? Would you really tell the public about such a charge?"

"..."

Furina fell silent.

Luo Qing knew her secrets all too well, and she couldn't afford for them to come to light.

Before she could muster a retort, Luo Qing's fingers began tracing circles along the sole of her foot.

"Ah! Hahaha! Stop! Stop it! I… I was wrong!" Furina's laughter rang out uncontrollably as she squirmed atop the desk.

She kicked at him weakly with her other foot, still clad in its small black shoe, but it had little effect.

"Aren't I just doing what you asked, Lady Furina?" Luo Qing grinned.

"Now, please bear with it a little longer~"

In the study, Furina's protests and giggles filled the air.

Outside the door, Rosalyne quietly adjusted her maid's uniform and returned to her cleaning duties, unfazed by the chaos.

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T/N: I-i-it should have been me?