Lumine watched Paimon helplessly, slowly shaking her head. Then she reached out and gently patted the little one's round head, her tone soft but slightly reproachful.
"Paimon, oh Paimon… can't you fix that gluttonous little habit of yours? You can't just think about food all the time, you know."
Her voice carried both fondness and resignation, as if she had long since gotten used to Paimon's insatiable appetite.
Paimon blinked her big, round eyes, looking up with a mix of guilt and innocence.
She didn't fully grasp the meaning of Lumine's words, but she still nodded obediently, trying her best to look like she understood.
Lumine went on, "Besides, if we really joined the Fatui and became one of them, how would we ever travel the Seven Nations freely again?"
Her tone turned slightly anxious. She feared that once they became part of the Fatui, they'd lose their freedom—no longer able to roam the world on their own terms, no longer able to leave behind their own resonance wherever they went.
Paimon blinked again, and this time, the meaning seemed to finally click.
She nodded earnestly. "I get it, Traveler! I'll be more careful!"
Just then, Tartaglia suddenly stepped forward, thumping his chest with confidence as he made a bold promise to Lumine.
"Don't worry, Traveler. The Fatui would never treat you unfairly! If you're willing to join us, untold riches and glory await you!"
Lumine's eyes flickered with surprise and curiosity.
She already knew that the Fatui's Harbingers were powerful figures, wielding immense authority and influence.
But despite that, she had always harbored some doubts about their actions and intentions. She wasn't sure if they were really worth aligning herself with.
Tartaglia's words were full of temptation, luring her with wealth and luxury.
But Lumine wasn't so easily swayed by material things. She merely smiled at him, eyes unwavering with resolve.
Beside her, Shajin wore a thoughtful expression. He rubbed his chin, pondered for a moment, then spoke.
"Hmm… Actually, the higher-ups in the Fatui do have a fair amount of freedom. As long as you complete your missions, no one will micromanage you."
"And with your strength, if you joined the Fatui, you could probably be promoted to a Harbinger in no time."
"Ah—wait, what?"
Lumine's jaw dropped. She hadn't expected Shajin, of all people, to be trying to recruit her too.
And to be honest… she felt a little tempted.
Seeing his chance, Shajin quickly pressed the advantage.
"As a Harbinger, the salary is enough for you and Paimon to live as lavishly as you like. You could even do what someone does—expense your mission costs directly to the Northland Bank. It's practically paid vacation!"
ACHOO!
Somewhere nearby, Tartaglia sneezed loudly. "Ugh, who's gossiping about me behind my back?"
Inside, Lumine found herself in turmoil.
Not only that, Shajin continued to tempt, if anything happens, you'd have the Fatui's intelligence network and resources to back you up.
More importantly, the Fatui are an official organization of Snezhnaya. With them, you'd have unimpeded access to all seven nations. So, what do you say, Lumine? Care to consider it?
Lumine's eyes clouded with hesitation. She knew joining the Fatui came with many benefits… but it also meant accepting heavy responsibilities.
Paimon floated closer and interrupted, "Geez, with that many perks, let's just join already! That way we'll have endless delicious food!"
Lumine gave her a side-eye. This little glutton only ever thinks about eating.
Still, Shajin's argument wasn't baseless. Maybe… maybe joining the Fatui wasn't such a bad idea after all…
No, Lumine! You can't give in so easily!
So what if the benefits are a little better?
So what if the pay is just a bit higher?
So what if you'd be rocketing to the top of the world?
So what if the place is crawling with handsome guys and gorgeous women?
…
In the end, she couldn't resist the temptation.
"I think… I'll give it a try," Lumine said, her voice steady with determination.
"Yay!" Tartaglia high-fived Paimon with glee.
Shajin nodded with satisfaction, smiling warmly. "Excellent. Once I wrap up this mission, I'll report to Her Majesty at once."
"What's all this noise down here?"
A voice called from the stairs. Everyone looked up to see Rosalyne descending slowly from the upper floor. She wore a flowing black robe embroidered with gold patterns, elegant and striking.
Her golden hair spilled over her shoulders like silk, swaying gently with her steps.
Her skin was pale as snow, smooth like carved jade.
Her eyes, bright and deep like a lake at dusk, gleamed with mystery and allure.
The moment she appeared, the entire room fell silent. All eyes turned to her.
She walked to Shajin's side, brow slightly furrowed, and asked, "What's going on here?"
Her golden locks cascaded like a waterfall over her shoulders, and Shajin could faintly catch the scent of her perfume as she passed.
"Nothing serious. Just that Lumine wants to join the Fatui," Shajin replied casually as he poured tea for himself and Lumine.
"I finished those reports long ago. Just another round of updates from the factories." Rosalyne's tone was dismissive—clearly unimpressed.
Then she glanced with interest at Lumine, who sat across from Shajin.
"An Honorary Knight of Favonius. The hero of Mondstadt. And you want to join the infamously villainous Fatui?"
Lumine didn't look embarrassed at all. In fact, she answered seriously.
"But the Fatui's employee benefits are really good!"
Rosalyne's mouth twitched. Her eyes darted toward Shajin.
This level of shamelessness… reminded her of someone.
And that very someone was now shrugging innocently, pretending he had no idea what was going on.
"Why are you looking at me?" Shajin asked in confusion.
Honestly, even he was a little baffled. This Lumine was… slowly leaning toward his side?
How should he put it?
Kind of… shady?
"Lumine, we really need to go, or we will be blamed for Morax's death!"
Paimon glanced at the clock on the wall. Time had flown by. She zoomed over and tugged urgently at Lumine's sleeve.
"Oh right!"
Lumine smacked her forehead.
"Then we're off! Bye!"
"See ya~"
Shajin waved with a smile.
_
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