Luo Qing felt drowsiness take over as he leaned back in his chair. Just as he was about to drift off and sleep there for the night, the doorbell rang.
The incessant ringing immediately annoyed him. Turning over in his chair, he decided to pretend he wasn't home.
But the knocking grew faster and more persistent, as if the person outside knew he was inside.
Finally, Luo Qing couldn't take it anymore. He slipped on his slippers and stomped downstairs, grumbling all the way.
"Who is it? Knocking like a lunatic in the middle of the night! Don't people have any decency? I've got work tomorrow, you know!"
Throwing open the door, he was met with the sight of a white-haired girl in a hood, looking suspiciously out of place.
"H-Hydro Archon?"
Luo Qing froze, his brain struggling to process the scene. Did he wake up too abruptly? Was he dreaming? Why was Furina, the Hydro Archon herself, sneaking around to knock on his door in the middle of the night?
"Shh, shh, shh!" Furina hurriedly gestured for him to lower his voice, then seized the moment while he was distracted to slip past him and into his house.
"…"
Luo Qing stood there, dumbfounded. He turned back to see Furina sprawled on his couch, letting out a contented sigh as if she had just completed some grand heist.
"Close the door quickly! Don't let anyone see me here," Furina ordered.
"Oh, oh…" Luo Qing snapped out of it and shut the door behind him.
A white-haired girl sneaking into a single man's home at night…
The scenario felt... rather exhilarating.
Then again, she was a god.
Okay, nothing to see here.
"May I ask what brings the esteemed Hydro Archon to my humble abode at such an hour?" Luo Qing inquired politely.
Despite his polite words, he doubted Furina would show up like this for anything important, especially without her usual entourage.
"You're a sharp one, for a Sumeru scholar," Furina remarked, her demeanor suddenly shifting. Leaning against the couch with her head propped on one hand, she crossed her legs casually, exuding the same aloof, commanding aura she carried during the day. "This concerns a matter of utmost importance to me, the most beloved deity of Fontaine. Surely, you must be feeling a bit nervous already, hmm?"
"…"
Luo Qing's face remained expressionless, though inwardly he stifled a chuckle.
"So, what's this important matter about?"
"Well..." Furina hesitated, caught off guard. Wasn't he supposed to be brimming with excitement and gratitude for her attention? Why was he acting so indifferent?
"Ahem!" Furina quickly composed herself. "I came to discuss the livestream we mentioned earlier. Surely, you must feel a thrill of anticipation!"
"The livestream?" Luo Qing blinked in confusion. "Didn't I say the equipment won't arrive for another week? Isn't it a bit early to prepare?"
"Young! Foolish! Ignorant!" Furina huffed, flipping her legs to the other side of the couch with dramatic flair. "This will be my grand debut to the people of Fontaine. As their esteemed and brilliant Hydro Archon, I must present myself in the most perfect light! How else can I uphold my noble stature?"
"…"
Luo Qing was at a loss. Is this girl secretly related to Fischl?
"And what exactly does Her Grace wish to discuss about the livestream?"
"I've come to consult with you on the details," Furina declared. "I must ensure that my performance during the livestream leaves an unforgettable impression on the citizens of Fontaine."
So you're asking me what kind of "act" you should put on during the livestream? Luo Qing thought to himself, scratching his head. "Let me get this straight: you want my help to figure out what you should do during the livestream?"
"Crude phrasing, but not inaccurate," Furina admitted with a nod.
"So, what kind of 'performance' does Her Grace have in mind?" Luo Qing asked, preparing tea as he spoke. "Care to share your thoughts?"
"Performance?!" Furina glared at him. "This isn't just some ordinary act! This is my radiant debut!"
Okay, fine. Luo Qing suppressed a sigh. "Tea or coffee, Your Grace?"
"Simple preparations will do—freshly brewed coffee with macarons, light on the sugar, add milk," Furina ordered casually.
"Apologies, we only have instant coffee."
"…"
Instant coffee? This mortal dares serve me such peasant fare?
For the second time that evening, Furina, in her infinite magnanimity, decided to forgive Luo Qing's impertinence.
"Livestreams aren't particularly complicated," Luo Qing explained, pushing a cup of coffee toward her. "All you need to do is act like yourself, say a few inspiring words, and the citizens will be thrilled to see you. They adore you, after all."
"This won't do!" Furina huffed, pushing the coffee aside disdainfully. "As the most wise and elegant goddess, every appearance I make must be unique! Like an opera performance, only originality leaves a lasting impression."
"Originality, huh?" Luo Qing muttered, his tone resembling that of someone humoring a child. "Would you like to make a dramatic entrance with triumphant music? Or walk out biting a lighter?"
"Hey!" Furina crossed her arms, glaring at him. "This is your third offense tonight! If you disrespect me again, I'll haul you to court and have you tried for blasphemy!"
"Alright, alright, I was wrong. My deepest apologies, Your Grace," Luo Qing placated her.
It's just disrespect, not treason. You're being dramatic...
"How about reciting a poem?" he suggested.
"Denied. Too boring. Poetry readings are the worst part of opera!" Furina declared.
"Then perhaps a dance? There's that open-air stage in Fontaine—"
"Denied. I don't know how to dance!"
"…"
"Why not try acting cute? Your appearance is adorable enough. A little charm, and the citizens might just faint from joy."
"Denied! 'Cute' doesn't suit me. I prefer 'noble and aloof' as my defining qualities!"
"…"
Where on earth did this useless god come from? Luo Qing thought, exasperated. She can't do this, can't do that… How has she survived all these years as an Archon? Might as well go with the lighter idea.
"Well, I'm out of ideas," Luo Qing sighed, mimicking Furina's earlier posture as he reclined on the couch. "We're only responsible for setting up the livestream. Planning your performance is beyond our scope."
"Hmph." Furina snorted, narrowing her eyes. "If you don't help me, I'll withdraw from our partnership!"
"…"
---
T/N: hehe so cute
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