This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [195] [200 PS]

Well, well, look at you! So dedicated, you've earned a little extra treat! 🎉

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Layla was young, naive, and deeply engrossed in her academic pursuits.

How could she possibly compete against a sly veteran like Luo Qing, who'd spent years navigating the treacherous politics of Snezhnaya?

Under the relentless assault of Luo Qing's earnest gaze and honeyed words, she quickly caved.

"R-Really, it was just a foot massage?"

"Absolutely. I swear on the Geo Archon's name—I didn't touch anything else!"

"..."

Staring into Luo Qing's sincere, almost dazzling eyes, Layla felt a little lost.

There were no signs that her body had been touched elsewhere, and Luo Qing's explanation sounded plausible.

But... he had touched her feet.

And then there was this mysterious note.

"What about this paper, then?"

"That's obviously someone trying to sow discord!" Luo Qing said, his expression righteous.

"Maybe it's the mysterious person you mentioned—the one who's been interfering with your life. They probably think I'll expose them and want to scare you into staying away from me!"

"Hmm..."

Layla began to think.

Luo Qing's theory wasn't entirely without merit.

After all, he was a Matra officer and had the badge—and the custom Akasha Terminal—to prove it.

"Then I..."

Before she could finish her sentence, Luo Qing cut her off.

"Miss Layla, you look like you're still tired. How about you head back home and take another nap?"

"Eh? But—"

"No buts! Napping is a key part of academic productivity!" Luo Qing declared confidently.

Before Layla could react, Luo Qing had already taken her by the hand, gently but firmly steering her back toward her house.

"This time, I'll stay hidden and keep watch. If that mysterious person thinks I've left, they might show themselves again."

"Ah..."

Not long after, Layla found herself back at home, half-willingly led by Luo Qing.

"Mr. Luo Qing, I'll just... rest my head on the desk for a bit, okay?"

Layla's voice was soft, her demeanor uncomfortable with how forward Luo Qing had been.

"No problem at all! You sleep; I've got everything under control!"

Thumping his chest with his fist, Luo Qing grinned warmly, radiating enthusiasm.

"Mm..."

With a slight nod, Layla leaned forward, resting her head on her desk.

Within seconds, she was fast asleep.

And just a few seconds after that, her head snapped back up again.

"Why'd she fall asleep so early today...?"

The inner Layla stared at the clock on the desk, puzzled. Turning her head, she caught sight of Luo Qing sitting casually on her bed.

"Good afternoon," Luo Qing said, narrowing his eyes in mock amusement.

"I told her to..."

"To get some rest? And yet, here I am, still here?"

"..."

"You didn't want her to know about your existence, right? You said it'd cause her emotional distress to learn about her inner persona. So why, pray tell, did you leave that little note for her?"

Luo Qing dangled the incriminating note between his fingers.

"Hmph... Better she freak out than end up in your hands..."

Inner Layla muttered sulkily.

She knew her dominant persona all too well—a pure, innocent soul who poured her entire being into academics, completely clueless about emotions or relationships.

There was no way she'd let that side of her fall for a scoundrel like Luo Qing.

"What's that supposed to mean, 'in my hands'?" Luo Qing asked, clearly offended.

"Do I look like a bad guy to you?"

"Do you even need to ask?"

Inner Layla huffed, her gaze dropping to the bracelet on Luo Qing's wrist.

"That bracelet you're wearing—let me guess. A girl gave it to you, right?"

"..."

Luo Qing froze.

How did she nail that on the first try?

Well, she wasn't entirely wrong...

"What's wrong? Got nothing to say now?"

Seeing Luo Qing momentarily speechless, Layla smirked triumphantly.

"You're right..." Luo Qing admitted with a slight nod.

"But she doesn't know, so it's not like it'll stop me from deepening my bond with her, right?"

"..."

Ding!

[+1 Frustration Value from Layla]

"You're such a scumbag," Layla said flatly, utterly baffled by Luo Qing's audacity.

Who could be this shameless and still hold their head high?

"And you're not worried I'll tell her?"

"Go ahead." Luo Qing shrugged. "I have nothing to hide."

"..."

Layla fell silent.

She had never encountered anyone this brazen in her life.

Was he really a Matra officer?!

---

After bickering with Inner Layla for a while, Luo Qing decided to leave.

Her hostility was too intense, and given that both personas shared the same body, he couldn't exactly go all out against her inner self.

After trading a few more jabs, Luo Qing walked back to his home, hoping to catch lunch.

Sure enough, his timing was impeccable.

As he stepped into the dining room, he found Makoto and Rosalyne already seated at the table, enjoying a spread of Inazuman dishes.

"Look who finally decided to come home," Makoto said, glancing at him with a teasing smile.

"Well, I didn't have much going on," Luo Qing replied as he slid into his seat.

But before he could pick up his chopsticks, Makoto leaned closer and sniffed him.

"You smell like another woman!"

"..."

"Are you part bloodhound or something?"

"Hmph. None of your business."

Makoto pouted, but her expression betrayed a playful smirk.

"Let me guess—it's that Layla girl again, isn't it?"

"..."

Luo Qing's silence spoke volumes.

How were all these girls so good at guessing?

"Why the long face?" Makoto teased, poking his shoulder.

"I'm not saying I'll stop you."

"Wait... really?"

Luo Qing blinked in surprise.

Makoto was this chill about the idea of him building a harem?

But wait a second...

We haven't even done anything together! Why does she act like she's the main wife here?!

"Of course." Makoto crossed her arms and leaned back smugly.

"I know everything about you. There's no point in trying to stop you."

"Uh..." Luo Qing opened his mouth to explain himself but was quickly cut off.

"Do you have plans this afternoon?" Makoto asked, poking his forehead.

"No, why?" Luo Qing asked, confused.

Makoto suddenly pulled a flyer from her sleeve, a sly grin on her face.

"There's a performance at the Grand Bazaar this evening. Come with me?"

"Huh?"

Luo Qing took the flyer from her.

It was an advertisement for a show at Zubayr Theater, scheduled for sunset today.

"You—"

"I can't just sit around at home like some caged bird, can I?" Makoto said, standing up and leaning close to him.

"I've let you run around all this time. Don't you think it's about time you took me out for once?"

"..."

Luo Qing sighed. There was no denying it now—Makoto fully saw herself as his primary wife.

What kind of future had she foreseen to make her act this way?!

"But you—"

"Relax." Makoto grinned. "I'll wear that imitation mask you gave to Rosalyne. No one will recognize me."

"..."

"Fine." Luo Qing sighed, resigned.

"Great! Then it's settled, lo—cough, cough!"

Makoto cut herself off, quickly covering her mouth.

"I'll go upstairs to change!"

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This bonus chapter is like an encore after a rousing performance—totally worth staying for, wouldn't you say? Oh, and don't worry, my lyre's got plenty more tunes to play next time!

But for now, it's time to take a bow. Thank you for the applause (and all that wonderful support). If you're feeling extra inspired, you know where to find me—[patreon.com/WiseTL]. Toss a coin, and who knows? Maybe the next bard will sing your praises!

Now, go forth, Traveler, and revel in the wonders of this world. Until next time! 🍃✨