A few days later...
With the Lantern Rite over, Liyue returned to its usual calm.
Luo Qing escorted his wives back to their home in Mondstadt, then began preparations for his journey to Fontaine.
To avoid attracting unnecessary attention, Luo Qing decided not to use his identity as a Harbinger for this trip. Instead, he would adopt the guise of a Sumeru envoy, a cover arranged by his youngest "daughter," Nahida.
After all, Snezhnaya's reputation in the other nations was already in tatters. Adding to the caution, Arlecchino's warnings loomed in his mind. Fontaine was a wild card, and prudence was key.
Before leaving, Luo Qing spent some quality time with his wives, deepening their bonds.
Once ready, he returned to Sumeru and made his way to the Sanctuary of Surasthana.
Upon entering, he found Bu'er and Nahida standing near the central core, waiting for him.
"You're here," Bu'er said with a gentle smile. "Are you sure you don't want us to go with you this time?"
Although she no longer possessed her divine powers, Bu'er's millennia of wisdom and experience remained intact. She had intended to accompany Luo Qing to Fontaine, serving as his assistant under the guise of a Sumeru envoy.
If things got dire, she could still use her formidable charisma to turn the tide.
But Luo Qing had rejected the idea outright, stating that the mission was too dangerous. Only after stabilizing the situation would he consider bringing them over.
"I told you, once things settle down, I'll come back for you," Luo Qing reassured her, ruffling Bu'er's hair.
Then he turned to Nahida, who was watching him with wide eyes. He gave her hair the same affectionate treatment, earning a giggle.
"Is everything ready?"
"Yes!" Nahida nodded eagerly. "I've already prepared your identity. The paperwork should arrive any moment. Also, the Akasha system's coverage has been set up. Once you're ready, I can extend its range into Fontaine."
The Akasha's reach was tied to Nahida's divine power. Once she grew strong enough, the entire continent of Teyvat could fall under its network.
For now, Fontaine would serve as the first testing ground for its expansion, allowing Luo Qing to gather intelligence more effectively.
"Good job, Nahida," Luo Qing praised, gently ruffling her hair again.
As he spoke, the doors to the Sanctuary opened. Alhaitham walked in, holding a document folder in one hand. His sharp eyes immediately landed on Luo Qing, who was still ruffling Nahida's hair.
"Lesser Lord Kusanali, I've prepared the documents you requested," Alhaitham said, his voice calm but tinged with curiosity.
He couldn't fathom how this man—this Luo Qing—had the audacity to casually pet the Dendro Archon's head.
"Are you certain he should represent Sumeru as an envoy?" he asked carefully.
"Of course," Nahida replied without hesitation. "Luo Qing is Sumeru's trusted friend and someone I have utmost faith in. There's no need to worry, Alhaitham."
"Understood, Lesser Lord Kusanali."
Alhaitham nodded and handed the folder to Luo Qing.
"Sumeru and Fontaine share a strong diplomatic relationship. We've informed Fontaine in advance about your arrival to discuss Akasha-related matters. These are your identity documents and letters of appointment. Show them to the authorities upon arrival, and they'll know what to do."
"Thank you, Acting Grand Sage," Luo Qing said with a faint smile, taking the folder and slipping it into his system inventory.
Alhaitham said nothing more. After a brief glance at Luo Qing, he turned to Nahida and bowed.
"If there's nothing else, Lesser Lord Kusanali, I'll take my leave."
With that, he left the Sanctuary, though his thoughts were far from settled.
When he first learned that a Sumeru envoy was being sent to Fontaine, Alhaitham already felt it was a strange decision.
Discovering that the envoy was Luo Qing had only deepened his doubts.
And now, seeing Luo Qing nonchalantly patting Nahida's head while Bu'er stood nearby, equally close to him, Alhaitham couldn't help but wonder:
What kind of hold does this man have on them?
No. He had to investigate.
---
Meanwhile, Luo Qing spent a few more moments chatting with Bu'er and Nahida before leaving the Sanctuary.
As he exited, he caught sight of Alhaitham pretending to sip tea while covertly observing him. Luo Qing didn't bother acknowledging it.
He returned to the two-story building where his team had been staying and summoned his three subordinates.
Since arriving in Sumeru, the trio had been in a semi-retired state, rarely called upon unless Luo Qing needed them for specific tasks.
"You all know where we're heading next, right?" Luo Qing asked, sitting on the sofa as the trio lined up before him.
"Yes, my lord!" they replied in unison, standing at attention.
"This mission is critical, directly ordered by Her Majesty the Tsaritsa. If we fail to retrieve the Archon's Gnosis, we'll face her wrath personally. Understood?"
"Yes, my lord!"
However, Natalia, the boldest of the three, tilted her head and spoke hesitantly.
"My lord... we won't be forgotten this time, will we?"
Their time in Sumeru had mostly consisted of lazing around while Luo Qing charmed women and acquired the Archon's Gnosis all on his own.
The trio often wondered if their presence even mattered.
"Of course not. This time, it's just the three of you coming with me."
"No wives?"
"No wives."
"What about Theresa?"
"She's not—" Luo Qing began but was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps from upstairs.
Turning around, he saw Theresa stumbling down the stairs, hastily dressed in a Ruin Grader-inspired outfit. She quickly joined the trio, standing at attention.
"Theresa, what are you doing here?"
"My lord, you can't go to Fontaine without me! I'm one of your subordinates, remember?"
"..."
Luo Qing was momentarily speechless.
Theresa, who usually spent her days lounging around and reading novels with Ei, was now suddenly declaring her loyalty?
"Makoto didn't stop you?"
"She said I could come as long as you agreed!" Theresa declared proudly, though she omitted the part where Makoto had specifically told her to keep an eye on Luo Qing and make sure he didn't flirt his way through Fontaine.
With the household already full, they couldn't afford to add more "residents."
"Fine," Luo Qing sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Give me one good reason why I should bring you along."
Theresa puffed up her chest, her expression serious.
"I'm important!"
She glanced at the other subordinates, then lowered her voice, her face reddening.
"My lord, you'll be gone for half a year at least. You... you can't possibly plan to... uh... hold it in that long, right?"
"...?"
---
T/N: ...