Chapter Text
February, 23.
2158th Amber Era.
Seat of the Divine Foresight, Xianzhou Luofu
“I am sorry for my previous conduct, and thus, I ask for your forgiveness, General”
Yanqing Said, kneeling down in Jing Yuan’s office. “I also intend to help the Realm Keeping Commission in repairing the damage I caused”
Reports on strange, previously unseen abominations of the abundance have been growing recently. Yanqing had just defeated a rather impressive one, it was bigger than hoolay, albeit being significantly weaker. In the process,however, he might have frozen a few blocks in the Alchemy Commission.
He could tell the general wasn’t very happy with his “exhibition of martial prowess”, as he liked calling it. His look was painful to see. Yanqing hated letting his master down.
To make matters worse, the divine prescience was completely empty, aside from pupil and master. It was suffocating.
Jing Yuan sighed “Retainer-” Yanqing knew, at that moment, that he was screwed. “- The use of unmeasured force against such an enemy is extremely irresponsible of your part, not every conflict is a test of strength, as a cloud Knight, you have a duty to uphold”
He messed up. Real bad.
“Yanqing, My time is drawing near, I won’t be able to Guide you and fix your mistakes forever.”
He hated when the general spoke like that. The thought of him gone was just unbearable. It would be wise to try and deescalate the situation.
“I understand, General, I am Very sorry and shall be more responsible from here on”
Hopefully this would end without much consequences, he thought.
“I shall be going, better start the cleaning soon”
“Wait just a minute”
Thought too soon.
“You are not going anywhere, let the Realm Keeping Commission do its job.”
Yanqing was confused.
Y:”I don't get it. Did something happen?”
It wouldn't be strange if there was yet another of these abominations. They seem to be growing on trees (bad joke). Yanqing had already counted 3 different kinds.
J:”There's a… special mission for you.”
Y:”Very well. Tell me where should I go and-”
J:”It's a different kind of mission.”
Y:”...how so?”
J:”I will tell you everything. Yanqing. This mission is very, very important to the entirety of the Xianzhou. This mission is also very dangerous. I'm… worried.”
Yanqing wasn't oblivious to how many people saw them as father and son, and it wasn't that rare to see the General’s paternal side.
Y:”General. If I may ask, why me? Surely if it's that important there is someone more qualified than me, right?”
Jing yuan chuckled and said
J:”Well, I haven't even told you about the mission yet and you are already trying to slack off? I must be a terrible influence, haha.”
Although Yanqing was not amused about being called a slacker, he was glad he could lighten the mood.
Y:”Surely not, General. What is it about?”
Jing yuan smiled and pulled out a holographic projector.
There, appeared the image of a planet, labeled Emeanor-III
J:”Emeanor-III currently houses the “Blossoming life” Headquarters.”
Blossoming life sounds like a cosmetic brand, heh.
J:”They are a scientific organization who follow the abundance. You may have noticed the increase in new species of abominations, we believe it's their doing.”
Y:”So I need to plan an attack on them?”
J:”Not quite. Emeanor-III is under the stellar credit system. Which means declaring war unprompted would be a direct challenge to IPC’s sovereignty.”
Y:”this sounds like a diplomatic issue. How would I take part in that?”
Jing yuan stopped for a few seconds, and then proceeded.
J:”We would send a spy to try to recover solid information which we could use. But doing so would be extremely risky, as it's possible they would kill him rather quickly.
That's where you enter.”
Y:”But I'm not a spy. I don't even know about stealth. How could I be better than them?”
J:”Don't worry. No stealth will be needed. First, I need to introduce you to Prince Dahao.”
Dahao? That was the name of an officer from the Realm Keeping commission. He was scolded so many times the name was burned in his brain. But he wasn't a prince, so odds are this is someone else.
Jing Yuan guides Him to a separate room.
It was filled with drawers, loom machines, and at Its center stood a Clothstand with a vermilion red mantle, with golden details and a pattern of thorns engraved in It. It was beautiful.
“Sooooo…. Was he supposed to be here already?
“Who?The Prince? He is already here.”
Yanqing looked around, but couldn't find anyone. After a few seconds, his eyes went wide while the realization hit him like a sword stab.
Y:”Are you for real?”
J:”hehe, for the mission, you will need to assume a fake identity and begin your covert operation in the organization’s upcoming event. We believe they might be desenvolving some kind of weapon, any info about that or the artificial abominations would be what the Alliance needs to proceed. Any questions?”
Yanqing was taken aback. He never had that kind of mission before, why was such an important thing being entrusted upon him?
J:”Besides the Generals, you are the strongest in the Xianzhou. However, unlike them, your last prominent public apparition was in the Wardance, half a century ago. This makes you the perfect person for the position.”
Y:”oh. I see. I will do my best, General.”
Jing yuan chuckled
J:”That's great to h-”
?:”General! Your guest has arrived!”
J:”WE'RE DOWNSTAIRS!”
J:”It seems the retainer has arrived.”
Oh. Of course, If he was going to be away, the general needed a substitute. He was still curious.
Y:”General, who will be taking my position?”
J:”Your position? Oh, you've mixed things up. The retainer is not for me, it's for you.
Prince Dahao doesn't know how to defend himself, after all.”
A bodyguard. That felt… odd. He knows this decision will help with the veracity of his identity, but he couldn't not be sad that he won't fight in the mission. It's all he ever did, after all.
?:”Hello?”
J:“Welcome, Yunli, I believe you were already informed of the details by our Zhuming representative, I just explained your mission to Yanqing.”
Yanqing looked at his old rival. They haven't seen each other since the Wardance incident. Almost 50 years ago. She seemed… different. More focused, even her posture was more refined. Perhaps, time and newfound responsibilities may change anyone.
She looked to Yanqing, and then to both sides.
Yu:” Where are your swords? Have they all finally fled after years of mistreatment?”
No, still the same brat of 5 decades ago.
Ya:”for your information, they are very well. I may just need to buy a new lock, since there's a thief on the loose.”
They both looked into each other, narrowed eyes, until they started laughing.
After taking a deep breath and regaining his composure, Yanqing said.
Ya:”Well, it's good to know my retainer is at least a decent fighter.”
Yu:”Excuse me? Decent? I'm the best. Why do you think I got to be the bodyguard?”
Ya:”Well, not everybody has the looks of a prince.”
Jing Yuan chuckled , then interjected.
J:”It’s great to see you still are friends, but nevertheless, I need to remind you of the importance of this mission. In the next week, you will receive basic training, as well as the info on your fake identities.”
Ya:”We won't disappoint, General.”
J:”good. I will take care of the next preparations. You may take a look around, there's a few items you will be needing, besides the clothing.”
Yu:”Very well.”
After Jing Yuan left, Yunli turned to Yanqing.
Yu:"So that's what you will be wearing? Hum, not bad at all. I hope I get something cool.”
Ya:”I don't know. The color is… strange.”
Yu:”Not wearing blue for once in your life won't kill you.”
Ya:”I know, working with you will.”
Yu:”Now, Now, I would be a terrible retainer if I let you die wouldn't I.”
Ya:”...How do you feel about this?”
Yu:”about the weight of the world suddenly on our backs?”
Ya:”Yeah.”
Yu:”anxious. A bit of fear. This kind of thing is not what I'm used to. I'm sure you feel similar.’
Ya:”Yes, it was all just… too sudden.”
Yu:”We only need to do our best now.”
Ya:”What's your fake name?”
Yu:”Ziqiao. Yours?”
He also knew that name. She was responsible for cycrene logistics.
Ya:”Dahao.”
Ya:”Well, miss Ziqiao, at least this will be kinda fun.”
Yu:”Fun?”
Ya:”I’m your boss now ain't I?”
Yu:”Say that once again and you're becoming abomination food.”
They both laughed.
Ya:”I hope we succeed.”
Yu:”why would you hope otherwise?”
Ya:”You know what I meant.”
Yu:”Well, let's see if the General already has
any instructions. I will go crazy if the only thing left for me to do is talking to you.”
Ya:”Couldn't say it better myself.”
Yu:”Of course you couldn't.”
End of Register.