Who knew why Ningguang had called them here? With Zhongli present, at least the contracts gave them a bit of protection.
Tartaglia quickly spoke up:
"Mr. Zhongli, how about we have a talk together? Coincidentally, we have something we'd like to discuss with you…"
As he spoke, Tartaglia kept throwing meaningful glances at Zhongli.
Zhongli was slightly taken aback, but then took out a brilliant, dazzling chess piece from his robe.
"Since you're so eager to ask for it, then I shall give it to you. The Cryo Archon should be arriving in Liyue soon. When she does, pass this on to her."
Beside him, Lumine blinked.
"The Gnosis…"
In an instant, Tartaglia could feel it—the atmosphere across the Jade Chamber shifted sharply. Dangerous gazes were now fixed firmly on him and Rosalyne.
Tartaglia nearly burst into tears.
He only wanted Zhongli to stay for a while, not throw him under the bus like this!
Trading a Gnosis in front of everyone—was Zhongli trying to act like he had nothing to lose in this world anymore?
"The Gnosis… the symbol of an Archon's rule."
Ningguang narrowed her eyes slightly and locked her gaze on Tartaglia.
He swallowed hard and forced a response:
"Mr. Zhongli, what are you doing? I never said I wanted the Gnosis!"
Nearby, the otherwise bored Venti suddenly seemed to gain a bit of mischief and stirred the pot by directing more heat toward Tartaglia.
"How strange. Didn't your Fatui vanguard attack Liyue just to seize the Gnosis during the chaos?"
"Now that it's right here in front of you, you don't dare take it? Back when it was my Gnosis, you all snatched it pretty swiftly, didn't you, Rosalyne?"
Rosalyne shot a cold glare at Venti.
"That was rightfully yours!"
"What did you say?!"
Jean shot to her feet, fury flashing in her eyes as she glared at Rosalyne.
"Do you intend to start a war with Mondstadt?! Don't think that just because you were a hero five hundred years ago, you can trample on the gods!"
In the past, Rosalyne would have definitely thrown back a scathing retort.
But now that Mondstadt and Liyue were allies, offending one meant provoking both.
She couldn't afford to cause trouble for the Cryo Archon.
Venti's eyes glinted mischievously. Seeing the commotion he'd caused, he waved his hand with a grin.
"Alright, alright, it's just a Gnosis—not that important."
Lumine looked at him, speechless.
"So, you stirred all this up on purpose?"
"Ehe~! Don't you think the atmosphere suddenly feels more lively this way?"
Venti feigned innocence and spread his hands.
The others didn't even know how to respond to Venti's strange sense of humor.
"The contract is complete. According to the terms, you helped me test Liyue. The Gnosis shall be handed over to the Cryo Archon, and we are even."
Zhongli shook his head and stuffed the Gnosis into Tartaglia's hands.
Originally, he thought this troublesome item would have to wait until the Cryo Archon arrived for a proper handoff.
But since Tartaglia had delivered himself, there was no reason not to get it over with immediately.
In other people's hands, this might be a mighty relic bestowing divine power…
But for those who were gods themselves, this item [the Gnosis] was merely a tool for Celestia to monitor them.
The sooner they got rid of it, the more peace of mind they would have.
Feeling rather pleased, Zhongli even began to defend Tartaglia:
"Yesterday's Fatui vanguard, the sea beasts, Beisht, and even Osial—all were summoned by Tartaglia…"
Before Zhongli could finish, Tartaglia nearly collapsed to the floor with weak knees.
Was Zhongli helping him or sending him to the gallows?!
Couldn't this guy see how dangerous Ningguang's gaze was becoming?
"However," Zhongli continued, "these actions were carried out under my instructions. Only by doing so could Liyue's true strength be tested."
"You need not blame him."
Tartaglia pursed his lips, feeling a whirlwind of mixed emotions.
Zhongli's defense felt like saying, "Sure, he smokes, drinks, parties, and has tattoos—but she's a good guy"
Still, in any case, it seemed his life was spared.
"Even so," Ningguang said coldly, "the Fatui disrupted Liyue's stability and caused significant economic losses. That's also a fact."
Tartaglia was stunned.
Significant economic losses?
Was she referring to the destruction of the harbor?
But wasn't that demolished by the Liyue people themselves?!
So… the Fatui were going to take the blame for everything that happened yesterday?
"I recall," Ningguang added meaningfully, "that the Northland Bank is the property of the rich…"
Tartaglia suddenly understood.
Ningguang wasn't really targeting him or Rosalyne—her real focus was the wealthy elites.
Well, that made things easier.
Tartaglia immediately thumped his chest and said with a bright smile:
"Although I acted under Mr. Zhongli's instructions, I can't deny that Liyue suffered losses due to my actions!"
"All damages from this incident will be fully reimbursed by the Northland Bank!"
Seeing that Tartaglia knew how to read the room, Ningguang's expression softened noticeably. She nodded slightly.
"Since that's settled, let's move on to business."
She gestured toward the seats, and after that nerve-wracking ordeal, Tartaglia and the others were finally able to sit down and talk.
"The Cryo Archon will be arriving in Liyue soon, correct?"
~~----------------------
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