So battles are planned, others are unexpected—but a true Champion embraces them all. Consider this bonus Chapter one of those surprises.
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The walk into Fontaine's Ashen River District was uneventful, save for Childe's occasional curiosity.
Despite his initial confusion over how people could live in Fontaine's underground waterways, Childe managed to restrain himself, dutifully following Luo Qing without causing any trouble.
Upon reaching the Spina di Rosula branch where Luo Qing had previously t with Navia, they discovered that neither Navia nor her two bodyguards were present.
After inquiring with the locals, they learned that Navia had left early that morning for the Opéra Epiclese, citing an important investigation.
Luo Qing pondered for a mont.
Staying here won't accomplish anything. Might as well head to the opera house and see what's happening there.
Perhaps he could finally uncover the truth behind this "opera house" that seed central to Fontaine's justice system.
---
Thanks to Fontaine's efficient waterway transportation system, the two quickly reached the Moje Station near the opera house via an Aquabus.
"These creatures—what are they called, lusines? They're cute," Childe mused aloud as they disembarked. "But I wonder how strong they are."
"They're adorable, and you want to fight them?" Luo Qing deadpanned, glancing toward the towering opera house in the distance. He couldn't help but issue another warning.
"Listen, that place is Fontaine's grand court of justice—the face of this nation. Keep your urge to pick fights in check. Don't go challenging anyone you think looks strong, alright?"
Childe had already spent most of the journey eyeing up potential sparring partners, including a few burly dockworkers and even Fontaine's autonomous machinery.
It was enough to make Luo Qing sweat at the thought of him losing control.
"Cough, cough. Don't worry, I'll behave," Childe said sheepishly. "I won't start any fights while I'm with you. At most, I'll just... make note of the strong ones."
"..."
"You'd better not!"
Luo Qing sighed, leading the way toward the opera house.
The Opéra Epiclese was bustling with activity. A large crowd had gathered outside, all waiting to enter the venue.
"Looks like there's a big trial today," Luo Qing noted. Since he hadn't purchased a ticket, he decided to approach one of the waiting citizens for more information.
"Hey, brother," he asked casually. "What's today's trial about? Looks like a pretty big deal."
"Oh, this one?"
The man scratched his head before explaining, "Word is, a high-ranking official got caught collaborating with the Fatui. He was selling information for a hefty sum of Mora. The Tribunal nabbed him, and Lord Neuvillette himself will preside over the trial today."
"Just Neuvillette? Does that really draw such a huge crowd?" Luo Qing probed further.
"Of course not!"
The man shook his head, glancing around before lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Rumor has it that the Hydro Archon herself will attend the trial to observe. Say, you two don't have tickets, do you? I've got extras—just 100,000 Mora apiece."
"..."
What luck. Of all the people to ask, I had to find a scalper.
"Pay him," Luo Qing said, giving Childe a pointed look.
"Huh? Oh, sure."
Childe, still a little dazed, pulled out a large pouch of Mora and handed it over without hesitation.
"Keep the change."
"Thanks, boss!"
The scalper bead, quickly pocketing the Mora before handing over two crumpled opera tickets.
"These don't require ID. Just head straight in. Enjoy the trial!"
With that, he scurried off, clearly eager to avoid any patrolling guards.
"Fontaine's a funny place," Childe remarked, examining his ticket. "Who holds trials in an opera house, anyway?"
"It's their way of combining justice with spectacle," Luo Qing said with a shrug. "Co on, let's check it out."
He wasn't in a hurry to deal with Navia's investigation. This unexpected opportunity to witness one of Fontaine's fad trials was too good to pass up.
---
Inside the Opéra Epiclese
With tickets in hand, Luo Qing and Childe entered the grand opera house without issue.
Unfortunately, the trial had already begun by the ti they found their seats.
High above the stage, Neuvillette presided over the proceedings from his judge's platform, his expression as stoic as ever. anwhile, seated in the audience gallery above, Furina lounged lazily, propping her head on one hand with her legs crossed.
Her posture scread boredom, but there was a glint of intrigue in her eyes as she observed the trial.
"Interior Minister Skar, do you have any rebuttal to the prosecution's evidence?" Neuvillette asked, his voice calm but commanding. His gaze briefly flicked toward Luo Qing and Childe as they entered, though he showed no reaction to their presence.
"Of course, Lord Neuvillette!" Skar exclaid, his tone defensive. "This is all a misunderstanding! I have never colluded with the Fatui, nor have I profited from selling information!"
"Then how do you explain the Mora in your account?"
Furina's voice cut through the courtroom, her tone haughty and languid.
"You have enough Mora in your Northland Bank account to build a second Opéra Epiclese. Are you suggesting that Palais rmonia deposited it there for you?"
Her disdain was palpable. To her, Skar's guilt was as clear as day.
"I..."
The Interior Minister hesitated, his face turning red.
"Hydro Archon, that is my personal inco. Is that not allowed?"
"Personal inco?" Furina drawled, a hint of mockery in her voice. "Then provide evidence of your additional revenue streams. If you can't, it proves you're lying—and that the Mora indeed ca from the Fatui."
"I..."
Skar's face flushed with panic. He knew all too well that revealing his connections to the Fatui would make him a target. The Fatui didn't take kindly to loose ends.
"I... I demand a trial by combat!"
His desperate shout echoed through the opera house, drawing murmurs from the audience.
"Oh? How unexpected," Furina said, her expression finally perking up with genuine interest. She turned to Clorinde, who stood at the ready nearby.
The latter gave a slight nod, acknowledging the request.
"The Tribunal accepts the Interior Minister's demand for a trial by combat. Please proceed to the dueling grounds," Neuvillette announced without hesitation.
He cast another glance at Luo Qing and Childe, the presence of two Fatui Harbingers at a trial involving Fatui collusion too convenient to dismiss.
Yet he said nothing, his focus returning to the trial.
anwhile, Luo Qing and Childe followed the crowd as they moved toward the dueling grounds.
"What's this duel about, exactly? Is it a real fight?" Childe asked, his interest piqued.
"It's a matter of life and death," Luo Qing explained. "The accused fights to prove their innocence. If they win, they're acquitted. If they lose, it's either execution or a harsher sentence."
"A duel to the death, then?"
Childe cracked his knuckles, his enthusiasm growing. "I didn't think Fontaine had sothing this exciting... Maybe I should give it a try?"
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T/N: childe baby no....
A true Champion knows that every battle, every choice, and every unexpected twist shapes the path to mastery. Consider this bonus Chapter a rare encounter—one that wouldn't be possible without the right support.
That's why you should support WiseTL at /WiseTL]—where every pledge helps bring more high-quality translations to life, staying true to the original while flowing naturally in English. After all, excellence is in the details.
Now, if you'll excuse , I have more to prepare for. But you? You should take this opportunity—you never know what rare finds await.
—Cynthia
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