Chapter 301: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [301]
Several days had passed.
Although they had moved into their new home in Mondstadt, the residence in Sumeru was still retained.
Due to Nahida's presence, Bu'er continued living primarily in the Sumeru home. Meanwhile, the other women had settled into the luxurious new estate in Mondstadt. The mansion's backyard opened onto a serene beach, while the front yard stretched into an endless green plain, offering a picturesque retreat.
As for Luo Qing, he spent his days shuttling between Mondstadt and Sumeru.
During the day, he worked with Nahida to refine the Void network and discuss its broader implementation. At night, he returned to Mondstadt to rest—essentially making several trips through the toilet portal each day.
After days of discussions and under Nahida's guidance, Luo Qing had been officially named the Akademiya's Ambassador for Void Implementation. His responsibilities included liaising with Archons from other nations to expand the Void network.
In essence, he had taken on a new identity: Ambassador of Sumeru.
Let's recap: a Snezhnayan, a Fatui Harbinger, and now a Sumeru diplomat.
What an interesting resume.
Following Akademiya deliberations—and some subtle hints from Luo Qing—it was decided that his first diplomatic mission would be to Fontaine.
Fontaine, renowned for its advanced technology and thriving media industry, seemed like the perfect match for the Void network.
Of course, the most critical factor was the fact that Fontaine's Gnosis had yet to be recovered.
Luo Qing had boasted to the Tsaritsa that he would collect three Gnoses within a year. Naturally, he had to stay on schedule.
He'd even heard from his former superior, Arlecchino, that the Hydro Archon was supposedly... a bit of an airhead. The kind of person who was easily duped.
How could Luo Qing resist such an opportunity?
But before heading to Fontaine, Luo Qing had a prior commitment: celebrating the Lantern Rite with Ganyu and her sister.
Traveling to Liyue on foot would take quite some time, so after consulting his wives, Luo Qing devised a plan. He would travel to Liyue first, set up a toilet portal for quick teleportation, and then bring everyone over.
This arrangement saved time and effort, given his mastery of temporal abilities that allowed him to travel at extraordinary speeds.
Why not send Ei instead, you ask?
Let's just say persuading her was... not an option.
Of course, this plan came with an added benefit: Luo Qing could control when to set the teleportation point.
This meant he'd have some alone time with Ganyu and Shenhe before the others arrived.
---
Liyue
After half a month of traveling, Luo Qing arrived in Liyue by crossing the shortest route through the snowy mountains.
It had been over a year since his last visit. Standing on a cliff overlooking the bustling harbor, Luo Qing found himself momentarily lost in thought.
It had been two years since he first arrived in this world.
Back then, his only goal was to be a quiet nobody in Snezhnaya. He hadn't even dared dream of interacting with characters from the game. Just surviving under the Fatui's banner seemed like the best outcome he could hope for.
But fate had other plans. With a system backing him, he had embarked on a journey of unimaginable power and adventure.
"Tch, what a fulfilling two years it's been," Luo Qing mused, his silhouette vanishing from the cliff.
Moments later, he reappeared on one of Liyue's bustling streets.
"Now, where should I find Ganyu..."
As he wandered the streets, memories of the city's familiar architecture returned to him. Passing by Wangshu Inn's teahouse, a tall, striking woman caught his eye.
"Why is he here...?"
The woman—Yelan—narrowed her eyes as she sipped her tea.
Noticing her sudden change in demeanor, the attendant beside her asked, "Lady Yelan, did you spot someone you know?"
"Not quite," Yelan replied with a soft snort, setting down her cup.
"When Uncle Tian returns, tell him about the intelligence report we discussed. I have something else to take care of."
"Understood."
Without another word, Yelan rose from her seat.
After one last glance at Luo Qing's retreating figure, she hurried off toward the Jade Chamber.
If Luo Qing had returned to Liyue, it was imperative to inform Lady Ningguang immediately. They couldn't afford a repeat of the Osial incident.
---
The Jade Chamber
With the Lantern Rite fast approaching, Ningguang was busy attending to a mountain of preparations.
Sitting at her desk, she carefully reviewed a stack of documents. As the Tianquan of the Qixing, she had to ensure that every aspect of the festival was meticulously planned.
This was Liyue's most celebrated annual event, and any oversight would be unacceptable.
Above all, she had to remain vigilant against any potential disruptions from factions like the Fatui.
The sound of footsteps behind the screen caught Ningguang's attention. Without looking up, she spoke calmly.
"What is it?"
"Lady Ningguang, Luo Qing has returned."
"?"
Ningguang's hand trembled slightly, almost dropping the document she was holding.
"Is the information reliable?"
"It is."
Yelan recalled the familiar, roguish figure she'd just seen. "I personally saw him pass by Wangshu Inn's teahouse. He seemed to be heading toward Yujing Terrace."
"Yujing Terrace?" Ningguang frowned, her mind flashing back to a rumor she'd heard.
Apparently, her secretary at Yuehai Pavilion, Ganyu, had recently sent a letter to Sumeru.
The recipient? Luo Qing.
Could it be... her?
"I understand. There's no need to monitor Luo Qing further—I will handle this myself."
"As you wish."
Yelan nodded and retreated behind the screen, disappearing without a sound.
"Baixiao," Ningguang called out.
A young girl quickly entered the room, bowing respectfully. "Yes, Lady Ningguang. What do you need?"
"Go to Yuehai Pavilion and invite Ganyu here. Tell her it concerns an important matter about the Lantern Rite."
"Understood. I'll head there immediately."
Before Baixiao could leave, Ningguang added, "Make haste. If anyone else tries to meet her, intercept them and bring her to me first."
"This..."
Baixiao hesitated but quickly nodded. "Understood."
She hurried out of the chamber.
---
Yujing Terrace
After a long day's work, Ganyu stretched her arms and turned toward the window, gazing at the scenery outside.
Luo Qing should have received my letter by now...
I wonder if he'll come...
I kind of miss him.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a sharp knock at the door. A young woman stepped inside.
"Huinan? Is something wrong?"
"Ganyu, someone's here to see you. They said it's urgent."