Furina was at a loss for words.
Luo Qing had uncovered her most damning secret—she lacked the powers of a god.
In light of the prophecy predicting Fontaine's eventual sinking, this revelation could be catastrophic. If word spread that their Archon was powerless, it would throw Fontaine into utter chaos.
"W-what are you trying to do?"
Furina's gaze fixed on Luo Qing, the arrogance of a god entirely absent. Now, she resembled nothing more than a frightened girl.
"Hmm..."
Luo Qing pretended to ponder before replying.
"This doesn't seem like the best place to talk. How about we move somewhere else, Lady Furina?"
"Move somewhere else? You're planning to kidnap me, aren't you?!"
Furina's delayed realization hit her all at once.
"What nonsense."
Luo Qing flicked her forehead lightly, eliciting a small yelp.
"If I wanted to kidnap you, would I really need your permission?"
"..."
[Frustration Value +1 from Furina]
Furina held her forehead, glaring at Luo Qing in humiliation. Ever since he'd seen through her lack of power, his disrespect toward her seemed to grow by the minute.
---
Meanwhile, back at Luo Qing's home...
Charlotte's mood had been sour ever since being placed under house arrest.
Though Theresa, the violet-haired girl who stayed with her, had been consistently kind—treating her like a sister—it didn't change Charlotte's determination to escape.
"Darn it. Still no good..."
Standing by the front door, Charlotte extended her trembling hand toward the doorknob.
Yet no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't bring herself to touch it.
Every time the thought of leaving crossed her mind, an unshakable mental block would force her to abandon the idea.
"If it's not working, Charlotte, isn't it about time for bed?"
Theresa yawned from the sofa, stretching lazily as if she had no concern about Charlotte trying to escape.
"I..."
Charlotte sighed inwardly.
After glancing longingly at the door, she turned around, shoulders slumping, and walked back toward Theresa.
"That's better."
Theresa patted Charlotte's shoulder with a knowing smile and took her hand, ready to lead her to bed.
Just then, the front door opened.
Luo Qing stepped inside.
"Luo Qing, let me out of here—huh?!"
Charlotte was about to launch into her usual complaints when she noticed the white-haired girl trailing behind Luo Qing, looking somewhat dejected.
"L-Lady Furina?!"
Charlotte could hardly believe her eyes.
At this hour, in this place—Fontaine's very own Archon, Lady Furina, had appeared in Luo Qing's home?!
"Eh?"
Furina, already in a foul mood, was equally surprised by Charlotte's presence.
"Aren't you... that reporter from The Steambird?"
"Yes, that's me!"
Charlotte nodded eagerly, her initial disbelief turning to excitement.
"Lady Furina, why are you—"
Her voice trailed off as she glanced at Luo Qing, her thoughts racing.
Could it be that Lady Furina has also been... taken? But how? She's a god... isn't she?
"This is..."
Furina shot a glance at Luo Qing, who seemed content to let her handle the situation.
Clearing her throat, she assumed a composed demeanor.
"Ahem... Mr. Luo Qing is a Sumeru envoy. We have urgent matters to discuss, which is why I came here. Don't overthink it, and certainly don't speak of this. It's all part of a divine plan, understood?"
"I..."
Charlotte was stunned.
"Lady Furina, I must report that Mr. Luo Qing is actually a Fatui Harbinger! Please, be cautious!"
"..."
Furina's face darkened as she turned to glare at Luo Qing.
Her eyes seemed to say, I told you to keep your identity a secret. How does even a Steambird reporter know?!
"Ahem..."
Feigning calm, Furina replied, "As a god, I am, of course, fully aware of Mr. Luo Qing's true identity. It's all part of the plan!"
"This..."
Charlotte was floored, glancing at Luo Qing in disbelief.
Could I have been wrong about him all along? Could Mr. Luo Qing actually be... a good person?!
"Enough chit-chat," Furina said with exaggerated authority. "Mr. Luo Qing, take me to the meeting room. And make sure there are refreshments—I dislike dry, boring meetings."
"Of course, Lady Furina."
Luo Qing smiled faintly, choosing not to expose her act.
He instructed Theresa to prepare tea and snacks, then led Furina upstairs to the study.
As they disappeared up the staircase, Charlotte finally snapped out of her daze. She turned to Theresa, who was calmly preparing tea as if nothing unusual had happened.
"Miss Theresa, why do you look so calm? That was Lady Furina! Our Archon!"
"I've told you, call me Sister Theresa..."
Theresa yawned and replied lazily, "She's just a god. It's not like I've never seen one before. What's the big deal?"
"Y-you've met other gods before?"
"Mm-hmm," Theresa nodded casually, giving Charlotte a knowing glance.
"You'll understand some things in time."
Gods, huh? Theresa mused inwardly, smirking to herself.
In her eyes, even Archons were just prospective wives for her beloved Lord Luo Qing.
Take this Hydro Archon, for example... wasn't she almost there?
In the study...
"Out with it. What's your real objective?"
Furina sat at the desk, huffing indignantly as she eyed the snacks before her.
Though annoyed, she couldn't help but be drawn to the three-colored dango accompanied by milk.
"Inazuma's Raiden Shogun is particularly fond of this pairing," Luo Qing remarked casually. "Would you like to try it? You don't have to be so reserved here."
"I..." Furina hesitated before snapping, "Fine! I'll eat it!"
She popped a piece of dango into her mouth, and her eyes widened as the unique sweetness of the milk enhanced the flavor.
Before long, the entire plate of dango had vanished.
"Alright... hic... speak."
Luo Qing hid his amusement as he watched her eat with abandon. Furina's lack of guile was almost endearing.
"You know about the prophecy spreading through Fontaine, don't you?"
"The prophecy..."
Furina's expression faltered briefly before she composed herself, feigning confidence.
"Yes, of course I know. What of it?"
"Perhaps I can help."
---
"..."
- Gardevoir
(End of Chapter—Support the translator at [patreon.com/WiseTL]!)