Genshin Impact: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable

After chatting with Lumine and Paimon for a while,

Despite their persistent questioning about his true purpose in Fontaine, Luo Qing remained steadfast in claiming he was there for a mission from Nahida. Eventually, the two had to give up and left without any new information.

No sooner had they departed than Charlotte entered the study.

"Mr. Luo Qing, I've made up my mind."

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Charlotte continued, "I'm willing to cooperate with you and keep your identity as a Fatui Harbinger a secret, but... I have a condition!"

"A condition?"

Luo Qing leaned back lazily in his chair, closing his eyes as if uninterested.

"Yes! I'll help you keep your identity hidden," Charlotte said with determination, clenching her fists. "But I want to join you!"

"Hmm?"

Luo Qing opened one eye, confused.

It seemed he might've misunderstood her intent.

"I know! You and Lady Furina must be working together to save Fontaine from that prophecy, right?"

"Ah..."

So that's what she meant by joining. It seemed Luo Qing's mind had wandered in a different direction.

"And where did you hear this?"

"I overheard bits of your conversation with Lady Furina in the study the other night," Charlotte admitted, her excitement growing. "And Miss Theresa told me! She said you two are secretly working for the betterment of Fontaine!"

"..."

Theresa...

Has she never heard of confidentiality agreements?!

"There's no such thing," Luo Qing denied flatly. "Lady Furina and I are only cooperating on matters related to the Void Terminals. Nothing more."

"You can't fool me, Mr. Luo Qing!"

Charlotte puffed out her chest proudly. "I'm one of the best reporters for the Steambird! No secret can escape my grasp!"

"I'm certain Lady Furina is only acting carefree to keep the people from panicking. In reality, she's been secretly working tirelessly to secure Fontaine's future. Isn't that right?"

Charlotte's voice grew increasingly passionate as she spoke, her eyes brimming with admiration.

A benevolent Archon, hiding her burdens for the sake of her people's stability...

Ah, such greatness!

By the end of her impassioned speech, Charlotte was moved to tears by her own imagination of Furina's nobility.

"So, Mr. Luo Qing!"

Charlotte stepped forward, clasping Luo Qing's hands tightly.

"Even though I'm just an ordinary reporter, I promise my skills in gathering intelligence and uncovering secrets will be of great help to you and Lady Furina! Please, let me join you!"

She bowed deeply, her sincerity shining through.

"..."

Looking at Charlotte, Luo Qing didn't even know where to begin.

How does she come up with these things? Is this just how all reporters think?!

"Alright, stand up first..."

"No! I won't get up unless you agree, Mr. Luo Qing!"

"..."

This wasn't about agreeing or not.

It was about how her ninety-degree bow placed her far too close to... sensitive areas. If anyone saw, it would be scandalous.

"Fine, fine, I agree, Miss Charlotte," Luo Qing finally relented with a sigh.

He couldn't fathom how she'd managed to extrapolate so much from a single conversation.

"Really?!"

Charlotte looked up, her eyes sparkling with tears of joy.

"Really."

"Thank you, Mr. Luo Qing!"

Charlotte's excitement was palpable as she held onto Luo Qing's hands tightly.

Being able to work for the people of Fontaine and their future was an honor beyond words for her as a journalist.

"So, what would you like me to do?"

"Well..."

Seeing the expectant look in her eyes, Luo Qing hesitated.

According to how events usually played out, he only needed to monitor Lumine's movements and act once he discovered the Gnosis's whereabouts. Charlotte's help wasn't exactly necessary.

After a moment's thought, he said tentatively, "How about this, Miss Charlotte? In Lady Furina's name, I'll assign you to investigate the cause behind the phenomenon of Fontaine citizens dissolving. Would that be alright?"

"The dissolution of Fontaine citizens..."

Charlotte lowered her gaze, lost in thought.

After a moment, she raised her head, brimming with determination. She patted her chest and declared, "Understood, Mr. Luo Qing! You can count on me—I'll get to the bottom of this!"

"Good..."

Luo Qing, masking his complicated feelings, gave her a serious nod.

"This matter is crucial. For now, go home and rest. We'll plan further from there."

"However, remember—my cooperation with Lady Furina is top secret. Do not share it with anyone else!"

Charlotte hesitated briefly but then nodded firmly.

"Don't worry, Mr. Luo Qing. I'll keep it a secret!"

"I trust you. Off you go now."

"Alright!"

With a look of mutual trust exchanged between them, Charlotte left.

After saying her goodbyes to Theresa and packing up, she stepped outside, pausing to glance back at the small house she had stayed in for the past few days.

Despite being technically under house arrest, Theresa had treated her like a little sister, taking care of her warmly.

The only downside was the nightly noises from Theresa and Luo Qing's room, which often kept her tossing and turning in bed, her imagination running wild.

...

Once Charlotte was gone,

Luo Qing sat alone in the study, deep in thought about the Gnosis.

The Gnosis, being the symbol of a god's authority, should have been with Furina. Yet, it wasn't—and she didn't even seem to know its whereabouts. The situation was perplexing.

While pondering this,

He suddenly felt a breeze.

Opening his eyes, he found someone else in the room.

"Well, Lynette, couldn't sleep?"

"Lord Brighella..."

Ignoring his jest, Lynette bowed respectfully, pulling an envelope from her pocket and placing it on his desk.

"My father asked me to deliver this to you. She also said that since you're not from Fontaine, you might not understand its history. What's inside could be of help to you."

"Oh?"

Luo Qing raised an eyebrow in surprise.

So Arlecchino had decided to cooperate with him as well?

"She agreed to my proposal?"

"That, I'm not sure about..."

Lynette shook her head slightly, her tone respectful. "Father also mentioned that if you have time, you're welcome to visit the manor for a tea party and a conversation."

"Hmm..."

Luo Qing mused.

The lack of a direct commitment to cooperation suggested Arlecchino still had reservations.

But her willingness to send Lynette with information was a clear olive branch.

If he demonstrated more of his capabilities, he might be able to sway her fully to his side.

"Goodnight, Lord Brighella."

Lynette bowed once more and disappeared into the night.

Watching the curtains sway in the breeze, Luo Qing opened the envelope.

Inside were just three bold words:

"The Oracle Adjudicator."