Luo Qing turned around to find Arlecchino leaning casually against the wall, her white cloak matching his own.
Her composed demeanor didn't mask the lethal intent in her gaze—a look that made Luo Qing's pulse quicken slightly.
He found himself... enjoying that gaze.
Damn it...
"Has Arlecchino-sama been waiting long?" Luo Qing asked politely.
"There's no need for formalities between colleagues. Just call me Arlecchino," she replied, stepping closer to him.
She glanced at his two-bedroom apartment, raising an eyebrow.
"So, this is where you live now?"
Luo Qing followed her gaze, quickly realizing her intention.
She wanted to go inside.
His heart sank.
Rosalyne and Makoto were inside, and if Arlecchino discovered them...
He'd have to accelerate his plans.
"Yes, that's right. Though, Arlecchino-sama, didn't you ask me to visit the Hearth? Why now..."
Before he could finish, Arlecchino had already started walking toward the stairs leading to his apartment door.
"Let's talk here," she said, her voice steady.
"It's been a long time since we last met. Let's catch up."
By the time she finished speaking, Arlecchino was already standing at his door, glancing back at him as if to say:
Well? Aren't you going to open it?
"..."
Luo Qing sighed inwardly.
He knew Arlecchino too well—if he tried to deflect and suggest another location, she'd grow suspicious.
She might even send people to investigate, eventually uncovering the truth.
And Luo Qing knew this process intimately because he used to do it for her.
Resigned, he walked to the door and unlocked it, saying, "My place is a bit messy. I hope Arlecchino-sama doesn't mind."
"I don't," she said curtly.
The door clicked open.
As the room came into view, Arlecchino was greeted by a peculiar sight.
Two women, dressed in Inazuman kimonos and wearing fox masks, stood in the entryway. They bowed politely to Luo Qing and Arlecchino.
Arlecchino's gaze flicked toward Luo Qing, her eyes silently asking: Who are they?
"Oh, uh, these are my personal attendants from Inazuma," Luo Qing said, laughing nervously.
"They've been quite useful, so I brought them back with me..."
"..."
Arlecchino looked him up and down, a hint of disdain flashing across her face.
"Remember to exercise moderation," she muttered as she stepped inside.
"...Yes, I'll keep that in mind..." Luo Qing replied, stealing a glance at Rosalyne and Makoto, who had prudently donned their masks upon hearing him return with a guest.
Thank goodness for their vigilance.
If they'd been caught unprepared and Arlecchino had seen their faces...
Well, it would've been quite the coincidence for her to end up with such good fortune.
The interior of the apartment had been transformed into a traditional Inazuman style by Makoto over the past few days. Arlecchino removed her shoes and took a seat opposite Luo Qing on the tatami mat.
Rosalyne and Makoto tactfully served tea and snacks before retreating to a corner of the room in silence.
Arlecchino sipped her tea, glancing briefly at the two women.
"I heard from Rosalyne that you helped her carry out the retrieval mission in Inazuma?"
"I did," Luo Qing replied, feigning curiosity. "Why bring that up now, Arlecchino-sama?"
"The Tsaritsa declared Rosalyne dead, and even her bestowed divine powers dissipated with her," Arlecchino said in a measured tone.
"But according to my sources, someone resembling Rosalyne was spotted in Inazuma on the day of the incident..."
"..."
Luo Qing swallowed hard, leaning back slightly in a calculated gesture of confusion.
"Really? That's news to me! Are you sure your sources weren't mistaken?"
"You know how my information network works."
"..."
"Right..." Luo Qing muttered, falling silent.
As a former spy under Arlecchino, he knew her intelligence protocols well.
Each report went through rigorous verification, leaving little room for error by the time it reached her.
He had anticipated that Arlecchino might have agents in Inazuma. What he hadn't expected was for those agents to catch a glimpse of Rosalyne during her escape with Natalia and the others.
"So..." Arlecchino's voice broke his thoughts. Her sharp eyes locked onto his.
"Do you have any leads on this?"
"..."
Luo Qing raised an eyebrow and glanced fleetingly at Rosalyne before feigning ignorance.
"No idea," he said with a shrug.
"Really?"
Arlecchino's lips curved into a faint smile.
"Well, no matter. Just rumors, after all. No need to dwell on them."
Then, her tone softened slightly.
"I'm intrigued by your abilities. Interested in joining me in Fontaine?"
"Uh..." Luo Qing hesitated, caught off guard.
So, she's here to recruit me? Then why bring up Rosalyne at all?
Feigning indecision, he said, "Arlecchino-sama, the Doctor also approached me about going to Sumeru. What do you think of that?"
"Him?"
Arlecchino snorted, her distaste evident.
"You know what he's like. Whatever he offers, the price you'll pay is always far greater."
"But," she added, rising to put on her shoes, "you're no longer under my command. The choice is yours."
She glanced at him as she adjusted her shoes.
"I'll be returning to Fontaine soon. If you decide, visit the Hearth."
Luo Qing's gaze lingered on her shoes for a moment, a strange impulse stirring within him.
"Arlecchino-sama, leaving already? Why not stay a bit longer? My attendants are quite skilled—perhaps they could offer you a massage before you go..."
"No need," she replied curtly, heading for the door.
As Luo Qing prepared to escort her out, Arlecchino suddenly stopped and turned toward Rosalyne.
With a flick of her wrist, she removed Rosalyne's fox mask.
"..."
---
T/N: So... Luo Qing is that kind of...person.
Oh, hey there, Traveler! 🍃 My friend here is the one bringing these stories to you—quite the talent, wouldn't you agree? If anything feels off, just give them a nudge—they're always happy to make things even better.
Now, don't forget to take a moment to rest! Grab a drink (perhaps something as refreshing as Mondstadt's finest), and let the stories whisk you away.
Oh, and if you're feeling generous, you could check out [patreon.com/WiseTL]. Supporting them is like throwing a coin to your favorite bard—it keeps the magic flowing!
Here's to more adventures and endless inspiration~ 🎵