This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [92] [200 PS]

Bonus Chapter!

---

Several days passed.

Every night, Luo Qing would sneak into Kunikuzushi's room to deliver another letter penned by Ei.

After a few times, Kunikuzushi grew aware of the pattern.

Luo Qing expected Kunikuzushi to set a trap and try to catch him during one of his deliveries, but surprisingly, Kunikuzushi made no such attempts. It almost seemed like he was eager to see what else Ei had to say.

Just like hitting the peak repeatedly dulls one's excitement, the Frustration Value he was getting from Kunikuzushi began to decline—similar to his experience with Osial.

A few more days passed, and by the time Rosalyne returned from her machinations, Luo Qing had delivered all the letters. In total, he'd only managed to gather 3,010 Frustration Value points—just enough for thirty pulls.

The gacha system guaranteed a five-star pull at ninety, so even with the ten draws he had saved up from before, he wasn't even halfway there. Pulling a golden item seemed unlikely.

If he wanted a guaranteed outcome, he'd need to come up with some new strategies once they returned to Inazuma City.

Speaking of which, wasn't Ei planning to have him run a breathing technique class?

...

Soon enough, matters on Yashiori Island were settled, and Rosalyne prepared to sail back to Inazuma City.

Luo Qing had managed to avoid any direct encounters with Kunikuzushi throughout the entire ordeal, so there was no reason for him to stick around any longer.

As previously agreed, he set off with Rosalyne when she left the island.

A few days later...

They arrived at a small, makeshift port near Inazuma City.

"Ever since we first met, you've been hinting at my death every chance you get. Do you... know something?"

As they disembarked, Rosalyne couldn't suppress her curiosity any longer. She turned to Luo Qing, voicing the question that had plagued her mind.

She hadn't spoken much to him during the journey, but she couldn't shake the memory of his repeated warnings.

What if you die?

In this world, there were indeed ways to glimpse one's fate—like astrology, or the grand visions the Tsaritsa had shown her of new worlds yet to come.

Someone capable of becoming a Harbinger couldn't be a nobody.

Perhaps... Luo Qing did know something?

"Oh? What's this? Is Lady Rosalyne finally getting curious?" Luo Qing teased, just as he had anticipated.

After all the hints he'd dropped, he knew she would eventually start wondering if he held some secret knowledge.

Why else would he keep bringing up the topic?

"Hmph, forget it then."

Rosalyne snorted and looked away.

By now, she'd figured out Luo Qing's habits.

The moment she showed any sign of interest, he'd seize upon it, toying with her curiosity like a fisherman waiting for a bite.

The more she played along, the more he enjoyed it.

"Oh? Isn't Lady Rosalyne curious about what I might know?"

Luo Qing leaned closer, smirking as he taunted her.

"If you really want to know, I might be persuaded to tell you~."

"Fine, then say it."

"Ask nicely first."

"..."

[Frustration Value +1 from Rosalyne]

This guy... was really testing her patience!

Rosalyne's expression darkened, and she stepped off the boat in her high heels, determined to focus on the job in Inazuma, negotiate with the Raiden Shogun, and then return to meet with the Tsaritsa—far away from Luo Qing's nonsense!

Seeing her walk away, Luo Qing called out to her retreating figure, "Oh, Lady Rosalyne, remember that promise you made to me before? Now's the time to fulfill it~."

"..."

Rosalyne's face fell at his words.

But no matter what, as a former witch, she had to maintain her integrity.

With a grim expression, she turned back.

"Fine. What do you want?"

"First, let me ask—Lady Rosalyne, your purpose in coming to Inazuma is to negotiate with the Raiden Shogun and acquire the Gnosis, right?"

"Hmph, that's only one part of the mission," Rosalyne said coldly.

"I see."

Luo Qing nodded slightly.

Just as he suspected, Rosalyne didn't actually know the whereabouts of the Gnosis.

"Well then, the task I have for you is this."

Luo Qing paused before continuing.

"Until I say otherwise, you are not allowed to meet with the Raiden Shogun."

"What? Why?" Rosalyne snapped.

"What, are you planning to steal my credit?"

"Just answer—do you agree or not?"

Luo Qing's casual tone masked his true intentions. It wasn't about her—well, maybe a little. He just didn't want her getting herself killed too early.

In a world like Teyvat, capable and dedicated individuals were a rare asset. He needed Rosalyne, like a dependable tool, to keep working for him.

After all, she was destined to fall sooner or later.

Might as well make use of her while she's still around... No, while she's still useful.

He'd have to figure out the best way to guide her, though.

Rosalyne was a wild one.

"Give me a specific timeframe. I can't waste my time lingering in Inazuma," Rosalyne said, her voice cold. Although Luo Qing's request wasn't unreasonable, she had other matters in Sumeru that couldn't wait.

"Uh... How about a year?" Luo Qing suggested.

"..."

"Are you joking?"

"Six months?"

"..."

"Two months, at most. Then we're even."

Rosalyne snorted, then turned away and stepped off the boat in her high heels.

Before meeting with the Raiden Shogun, she had to visit several key families in the region. Her mission was to lay a stronger foundation for the Tsaritsa's future plans.

Two months was just about right.

"Tsk, tsk, taming you won't be easy, huh..."

Watching Rosalyne and her entourage depart, Luo Qing shook his head slightly.

The Resurrection Armor didn't come with a side effect of improving relationships. Whatever their relationship was before revival, it would remain the same afterward.

If he wanted Rosalyne to become his reliable tool...

He had two options: either guide her himself, or rely on the system's assistance.

And why?

Who wouldn't want to see a cold and aloof queen turn into an obedient sweetheart?

---

Before entering Inazuma City, Rosalyne had other destinations in mind. She and Luo Qing parted ways at the port, and she headed toward Chinju Forest.

With a two-month limit in mind, Luo Qing knew he'd need to gather more Frustration Value during that time to ensure he could pull the Guardian Angel's Resurrection Armor. Otherwise, Rosalyne might be reduced to ashes before he got the chance.

He already had a plan.

Back in Snezhnaya, he had managed to farm Frustration Value from the new recruits.

And when he last visited the Plane of Euthymia, Ei had asked him to teach the Shogunate soldiers a breathing technique, right?

Since he had the final say on how that technique worked, it meant he could manipulate the training however he wanted.

He couldn't miss this opportunity to train Ei's soldiers thoroughly.

Luo Qing felt it was only right to repay her favor.

---

Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!

If you wish to support me or read ahead here's a link! [patreon.com/WiseTL]