"Hey, Lu Li, where were you today? I barely saw you at all."
In the underground training ground of the Hôtel Bouffes d'été, after returning with Chiori, Lu Li had thrown himself into training, practicing combat and weapon skills. Although he had obtained the power of Yanling: Monarch's Blaze, it didn't mean he would abandon his previous training and become overly reliant on it.
He was practicing thrusts and slashes with a training sword when he heard a familiar male voice behind him. He turned his head.
It was a handsome young man with a teardrop mole under his eye, a slender figure clad in stockings and boots. This wasn't some strange fetish; it was a distinctive fashion style for some in Fontaine. Lu Li had once seen a group of tough guys from a remote town enter the city all wearing plaid skirts, their hairy legs on full display. So, seeing Lyney the magician in stockings was nothing unusual.
Sheathing his sword and wiping the sweat from his brow, Lu Li said calmly, "It's you, Lyney. I finally have a day off, so of course, I spent it as I pleased. What's up, need something?"
"Mm, let's talk while we train." Lyney picked up a training sword from the rack, gave it a few swings, and spoke. The longsword wasn't his preferred weapon—Lynette was the skilled sword-user—but that didn't mean he couldn't use one.
Seeing Lyney's clear intention to spar, Lu Li realized he wanted to talk while they practiced to avoid drawing attention. He agreed.
Both of their sword styles had been taught by the Operatives of the Fatui—a standard form focusing on thrusts and slashes. Their duel was quite lively.
"I need to ask you for a favor, Lu Li. You happen to be free during this time, so you won't be on a mission from 'Father'. I shouldn't be bothering you on your day off, but I really don't have anyone else suitable to ask for help on this matter," Lyney said solemnly as their blades clashed, striking sparks.
"We're friends. Just say it. What do you need help with?" Lu Li replied in a low voice, delivering a series of slashes against Lyney's blade.
"It's about Lynette. The Lefebvre family... do you remember what I told you about them?"
Lu Li paused, his eyes turning cold. "Those degenerate, aristocratic bastards? Are there still some of them left?"
The Lefebvre family was a noble house in Fontaine. When Lyney and Lynette were orphaned and performing magic on the streets, a noble family had taken them in to perform at banquets, to draw crowds and liven up the atmosphere. But as their tricks grew stale, the head of that family saw their value diminish. After one performance, the patriarch separated the siblings and tried to hand Lynette over to the head of the Lefebvre family—a known pedophile—especially given Lynette's cat-like ears and tail, which were traits from a distant ancestor.
Fortunately, "The Knave," Arlecchino, was on an assassination mission at that very time, her target being the head of the Lefebvre family. She happened to witness the pervert's ill intentions towards the young girl. Naturally, she executed him on the spot and saved Lynette. Afterward, she took on the role of their "adoptive father" and brought the siblings into the House of the Hearth.
...
"During one of our routine magic shows," Lyney said softly, "while we were packing up, we overheard a few people discussing something. We learned that there are survivors of the Lefebvre family who are planning to claim an inheritance left behind in the wilderness."
"Whether it's for personal revenge or to prevent potential trouble for the House of the Hearth, we must investigate and deal with it," Lyney said, his eyes filled with icy resolve.
Lu Li understood his feelings. He nodded and, while continuing their spar, said in a low voice, "I understand. I'll help. What do you need me to do?"
"Are you free tomorrow? If possible, we need to act tomorrow night. I'm deliberately avoiding telling Lynette, and we need to split up, which is why I came to you."
"Of course, if the situation worsens and it's clear we shouldn't proceed, we should be ready to retreat at any time and reconsider. No matter what, safety comes first. This isn't our only chance," Lyney added.
Lu Li nodded slightly. "I have no problem. But are you sure you can keep this from Lynette? She definitely cares a lot about you, her brother."
Lyney looked a bit embarrassed. "That's why we're moving at night. We'll wait until she's asleep, then meet here and set out."
So that's the plan!
Lu Li understood. He nodded again, having no further objections.
Survivors of the Lefebvre family? To think that even after the head of their house and many key members were assassinated by the House of the Hearth, and they were hunted by rival factions, some still remained...
Lyney and Lynette had helped him many times before. They were true friends. There was no reason to stand by and watch when a friend asked for help.
Lu Li's eyes grew cold.
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