Genshin Impact: It All Began With Me Being Stepped On by Arlecchino

After bidding farewell to Mr. Callas, Lu Li left the Fleuve Cendre and headed to the surface, making his way to meet with his next target, Chevreuse, the captain of the Special Patrol. Having grown up in the House of the Hearth in Fontaine, he had maintained good relationships with these girls, which was why he had friends everywhere and could always find help.

In a small room, a purple-haired Chevreuse was eating french fries out of boredom. When she finally saw Lu Li, a hint of annoyance appeared on her cute face. "You're so slow!"

"Ahem, sorry, I was discussing a lot of things with Mr. Callas. But in short, he's willing to cooperate with us on this matter..."

"Stop. The Special Patrol is not officially cooperating with the Spina di Rosula or the House of the Hearth. We just happened to receive some information, happened to be patrolling there at the time, and happened to be conducting a full-squad training exercise," Chevreuse coughed, then said with annoyance as she saw Lu Li's subtle glance, "Don't look at me like that. If I reported the cooperation plan as you described it, the people at the Palais Mermonia would never approve it!"

"They're so slow to act, and they're always hovering around Lady Furina, it's really..." Chevreuse rubbed her temples in frustration. "Last time, they even wanted to form a rifle honor guard from the Special Patrol. Sigh, our Hydro Archon is such a headache..."

Lu Li's expression was strange.

"Alright, back to business. What are the details? How are they planning to cooperate with us?" Chevreuse asked after her rant.

"According to Callas, I will be attending a banquet with him tomorrow. He says he has absolute proof to identify the producer of 'L'es' there. He just needs to see which guests are present to confirm it. If the mastermind is taken down, then the rest of the cadres and distributors will need to be dealt with by all of us. The Spina di Rosula, the House of the Hearth, and the Special Patrol, working together, might be able to eradicate this evil force that has plagued Fontaine for over a decade once and for all."

"I see. But I heard someone is going to make a move on Navia. What did Mr. Callas say? Isn't he worried? You can be a thief for a thousand days, but you can't guard against a thief for a thousand days," Chevreuse asked curiously.

"The information I gave him showed him the criminal's methods. So, as long as Navia doesn't come into contact with unfamiliar water or drink anything from strangers, she'll be fine. And Clorinde will be guarding her tomorrow until the case is closed. By the way, Chevreuse, you too, don't touch any gifts from strangers."

"I would never accept things from strangers. And if anyone approaches me with ill intentions, they won't escape my notice," Chevreuse said, standing up and putting on her hat. "But, I have to commend you. You've orchestrated such a huge game without making a sound. Does the House of the Hearth have some other motive?"

Lu Li shook his head. "Just as the Spina di Rosula can't stand to see civilians lose themselves to 'L'es,' becoming addicted and ruining their families, the House of the Hearth, at least here in Fontaine, doesn't like to see such things either. Also, the source of 'L'es' is related to something we've been tracking. Other than that, we have no other requests."

Chevreuse pondered for a moment. "To have the Spina di Rosula and the House of the Hearth cooperate with us without any strings attached... I never would have dared to imagine such a thing before. In any case, Lu Li, I will thank you after this is over."

Lu Li smiled. "Could it be... Chevreuse, you're already the captain of the Special Patrol, is there still room for promotion?"

"Of course. As long as I accumulate enough merits, even without a noble background, I can climb to the position of Garde Captain with my ability and skill," Chevreuse said with her arms crossed. "So, want to join me? This is a great opportunity!"

Lu Li was stunned, then smiled and shook his head.

"Hmph, you'll regret it then," Chevreuse said, a flash of disappointment in her eyes. "Anyway, remember to notify me when the operation starts tomorrow. I don't want to command the wrong people and attack the wrong targets."

"Mm, I know."

After watching Chevreuse leave, Lu Li stood up, a thoughtful look in his eyes. It seemed his friends were always trying to pull him out of the pit that was the Fatui. But it wasn't that simple. Although he hadn't joined willingly, he had grown up in the House of the Hearth and felt a sense of belonging. Every organization had good and bad people. Even if he left, it would be the same. So, he probably wouldn't leave. His skills were somewhat specialized; he didn't know what he would do if he left the Fatui. He couldn't really become a pretty boy and beg rich women for food.

Besides, leaving the Fatui was extremely difficult. It wasn't an organization you could just come and go from as you pleased. So, for now, he wanted to stay. And it wasn't as if there was no room for advancement. If his strength met the requirements, it wasn't impossible to be invited to join the Harbingers. Arlecchino had killed the previous Knave and, with her strength, had been spared punishment and became the new Harbinger. Ajax, or Tartaglia, had also been promoted to Harbinger "Childe" due to his youth, potential, and outstanding achievements. Lu Li knew his own strength was far from its limit. His future was not set in stone. So, there was really no need to leave the Fatui. And serving the Tsaritsa wasn't so bad. Even as a member of the Fatui, he didn't have to be a bad person, like that inhuman monster, Dottore.

He stretched, then left the secret room. The sky was already turning the color of a sunset. It's getting late... Time to prepare for Chiori. He felt for the key in his pocket. He had promised her he would come over tonight to cook for her, to replenish her... qi and blood. Chiori had huffed haughtily but still gave him the key to her house.

Time to buy groceries! Since Arlecchino was away, he didn't have to go back to the Hôtel Bouffes d'été tonight. Most of the children would be out having fun without a guardian. He planned to do the same. But if he was going to spend the night at Chiori's, he should probably let Lynette know so she wouldn't worry. He would go talk to Lyney and his sister, then go shopping.

He hurried to the place where the magician siblings were performing. After a brief discussion, under Lynette's thoughtful gaze, Lu Li waved goodbye.

-------

Enjoying the story? Support the author and get access to early chapters by joining my Patreon!

Find me at My : pat*eon*com/RuneA

I, Herta's Fiancé, the Universe's Number One Male Fist (110 Chapter)

Zenless Zone Zero: I'm a Succubus in Sixth Street (210 Chapter)

Reborn in Type-Moon, My Sister is Aoko Aozaki (210 Chapter)

MyGO!! A Story Voiced by Me (100 Chapter)

BLEACH: Blade of Purification (90 Chapter)

Konoha: Starting the Game as Yoriichi (250 Chapter)

My Real Job is Spying on Konoha, but I'm Also its Hokage (100 Chapter)

The Pinnacle of the Navy! Starting from Being Captured by Garp (80 Chapter)

Watching Yu-Gi-Oh! short videos is making the veteran players lose...(70 Chapter)

Uma Musume : The Trainer Who Just Wants to Live (50 Chapter)

Zenless Zone Zero The Random Kamen Rider (60 Chapter)

Genshin Impact: It All Began With Me Being Stepped On by Arlecchino (50 Chapter)

If there's a particular novel you're enjoying on Patron, please give it a 'like' so I know to focus on it.