Genshin Impact: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable

"Ah, this..."

Staring at the suddenly transformed environment around him, Luo Qing couldn't help but look a bit surprised.

It seemed the energy contained within the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale was of paramount importance to Neuvillette. Otherwise, why would he react so strongly, ready to fight at the drop of a hat?

"I say, Lord Neuvillette, why don't you take a moment to relax first..."

Raising both hands as if to surrender, Luo Qing maintained a calm demeanor. Despite Neuvillette's imposing stance, his expression showed no trace of fear.

"Mr. Luo Qing, you have one last chance to explain yourself," Neuvillette stated emotionlessly, one hand gripping his cane tightly. The elemental energy swirling through the opera house showed no sign of subsiding.

The Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale was far too significant for him to allow even the slightest risk of mishandling it.

"Well..."

Luo Qing forced an awkward smile, internally debating whether to fully clash with Neuvillette.

This man's aura was almost as overwhelming as that of the gods themselves. If it came to a fight, the outcome would likely be inconclusive. Escaping, on the other hand, wouldn't be an issue.

But there lay the rub: fleeing now would be tantamount to admitting he had designs on the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale.

Neuvillette held considerable sway in Fontaine. Any conflict here would inevitably implicate the Akademiya as well, causing unnecessary complications.

After a few seconds of internal deliberation, Luo Qing suddenly recalled an excellent scapegoat.

"Lord Neuvillette, you may not be aware, but I came here under Lady Furina's secret orders to inspect the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale," Luo Qing declared with a sly grin.

"Oh?"

Neuvillette glanced at Luo Qing, a flicker of hesitation flashing in his eyes.

He was well aware of the recent closeness between Furina and Luo Qing, to the point where she even brought him along to meet the Traveler.

However, he had never shared any details about the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale with Furina. How had she learned about it?

"This matter is too important..."

Neuvillette withdrew his elemental energy and said coolly, "I must ask you to accompany me back to confirm this with the Hydro Archon herself. If it is indeed her order, I will offer you an apology."

"Of course," Luo Qing replied with a faint smile, nodding in agreement. He walked cooperatively behind Neuvillette, but his mind was already in motion.

Accessing the Void Network, he directed his consciousness to Furina's Void Terminal.

"Hey, are you awake?"

"Hmm?! Who's there?!"

Startled, Furina bolted upright in bed.

"It's me. Why are you so jumpy?"

"Luo Qing...?!" Furina asked, surprised to hear his voice in her head.

"How are you speaking directly into my mind?!"

Since discovering the Void Network and its peculiar animations—titles like Clannad and others—Furina had felt like an explorer discovering a new world. Tonight, she had been pulling an all-nighter, tissues at the ready, preparing to cry over a "healing" anime series.

And then Luo Qing just... barged in.

"This is a built-in function of the Void Terminal. Haven't you read the manual?" Luo Qing replied matter-of-factly.

The Void Terminal did indeed possess cross-regional communication capabilities, making this intrusion theoretically reasonable.

"But..."

The logic made sense, but Furina couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

Wasn't the Void Terminal's communication function supposed to require the recipient's consent? She hadn't given any, yet Luo Qing had just entered uninvited.

"Enough with the 'but,'" Luo Qing interrupted hurriedly. "I'm in trouble. Save me."

"?"

---

Later that night, in Furina's chambers

Two tall, imposing men stood in Furina's room, their expressions grim. Furina, still sitting on her bed, looked utterly baffled.

"Lady Hydro Archon, Mr. Luo Qing claims he was acting under your orders to investigate the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale at the Opera Epiclese. Is this true?" Neuvillette's tone was calm but carried a hint of interrogation. It was clear that a simple denial from Furina would result in Luo Qing being taken to Meropide Fortress.

"Well, um..."

Furina hesitated, glancing at Luo Qing with an expression that screamed: Why drag me into this mess? What did I ever do to you?!

"You only need to answer yes or no," Neuvillette pressed.

"Ugh..."

Furina wavered, sneaking another glance at Luo Qing. The next moment, his voice echoed in her mind again.

"If Lady Furina doesn't back me up, your secrets might just... slip out."

"..."

He dares to threaten me?! Furina fumed internally. Me, the great Hydro Archon?! Do I look like someone who would yield to such petty threats?!

"Yes... Yes, it's true," she finally stammered, raising her hand in reluctant confirmation.

Furina stomped over to Luo Qing and jabbed a finger at his forehead, adopting a lofty tone. "Didn't I tell you to inform Neuvillette first before acting? Why didn't you listen?!"

Luo Qing played along expertly. "I'm so sorry, Lady Furina! I was wrong!"

"Hmph! Don't let it happen again, or I'll deal with you myself!"

"Understood, understood. It won't happen again."

"Good!" Furina crossed her arms and turned, sneaking a guilty glance at Neuvillette. In a much quieter voice, she added, "Alright, Neuvillette, this really was my doing. Let him go."

"May I ask, Lady Hydro Archon, what purpose this serves?"

"Well, um..." Furina clenched her hands nervously. "It's all part of divine strategy. Trust me—you'll understand the purpose in due time!"

Neuvillette studied Furina carefully, then shifted his gaze to the Void Terminal beside her, his expression contemplative.

Finally, he turned to Luo Qing and offered a polite bow. "Since it is the will of the Hydro Archon, I apologize for my earlier behavior, Mr. Luo Qing. Please forgive my overreaction."

"No need, no need," Luo Qing replied with a wave of his hand and a smile. "I understand—just doing your duty."

"..."

"Well then, I won't disturb Lady Hydro Archon's rest any further."

Just as Neuvillette was about to escort Luo Qing out, Furina chimed in softly, "Luo Qing stays. I have something to discuss with him."

"..."

[+1 Frustration Value from Neuvillette]

Neuvillette glanced at Luo Qing, then at Furina in her chambers. A strange feeling welled up within him, though he said nothing and left the room.

Outside, the clear night sky suddenly grew overcast.

A light rain began to fall.

Ah.

---

T/N: I couldn't find a vic- I mean someone to do endnotes...so here's my obligatory shilling [patreon.com/WiseTL]