Moreover, the Tsaritsa clearly knew that Ningguang was Ryen's girlfriend.
Ryen might be indifferent toward Celestia.
But if Celestia dared to act against Liyue, that would mean striking at Ningguang.
How could Ryen possibly allow someone to harm his woman?
If it truly came to that, it would inevitably result in a clash—
Ryen versus Celestia.
However, since Celestia was tied to the very foundation of Teyvat,
the best course would always be to seal her away.
Killing her would cause a ripple effect as chaotic as when the first and second thrones changed hands in ancient times.
As her mind churned with thoughts, the Tsaritsa didn't respond directly to Zhongli's earlier statement.
Instead, she said:
"I'll have Rosalyne and Tartaglia silently separate themselves from the Fatui."
"At the same time, those within the Fatui who are loyal to me—loyal to Snezhnaya—will also join this new organization."
"This new organization will belong solely to me, under my complete control.
I guarantee that the Jester, the Doctor, and the Pantalone will not be part of it."
"I will sign a new contract with you—just as Mondstadt has signed theirs, we will sign ours the same way."
"What's your opinion?"
Hearing this, Zhongli gave a slight nod.
"In that case, on your account, I will accept this contract.
But whether Ryen agrees or not—that will be up to him."
"After all, that world is his."
The Tsaritsa was not disappointed. She chuckled softly.
"As long as I'm granted the opportunity to meet Mr. Ryen, that will be enough."
As for cooperating with the Tsaritsa, Ningguang and the others didn't object either.
Their issues were primarily with the Fatui—
or more precisely, with certain individuals within the Fatui.
Tartaglia had been in Liyue for quite some time.
Aside from his early habit of running to the base of Mt. Tianheng every day,
he hadn't caused any trouble that upset Liyue.
As for the Fatui's vanguard attack the day before…
Honestly, Tartaglia was simply following Zhongli's orders.
He couldn't really be blamed.
Regarding Rosalyne's past turmoil in Mondstadt…
Jean and the others had mixed feelings, but nothing they couldn't accept.
Even Venti himself felt a sense of guilt toward Rosalyne, and since he was willing to atone,
the others had no right to say more.
After all, five hundred years ago, it was Rosalyne who burned her life away to save Mondstadt.
Knowing that—even someone like Diluc would likely just mock Venti for slacking off, at most.
As for the Tsaritsa herself,
at least for now, everyone had a fairly positive impression of her.
Not to mention—
she had been preparing to resist Celestia for five hundred years.
The knowledge and foundation she had built would definitely be valuable to Liyue and Mondstadt.
When it came to facing Celestia, Ningguang and the others had no objections to gathering more allies.
Zhongli and Venti intertwined their divine powers and formed a brand-new contract.
Without even looking at it, the Tsaritsa imbued her divine energy into the document.
"The contract is sealed. Any who break it… shall suffer the punishment of Planet Befall."
Zhongli softly intoned,
The contract then split into three and entered the bodies of the three gods.
With the contract signed, the atmosphere between the parties became noticeably more harmonious.
The Tsaritsa quietly attuned herself to the contract and then gently said:
"Tartaglia, Rosalyne—from now on, you will remain stationed in Liyue and sever ties with the Fatui."
"Snezhnaya still needs me to hold the fort, so the matters of cooperation will be entrusted to you.
As for the members of the new organization, they are to be chosen from the common people of Snezhnaya—
and must not have any connection to the Fatui."
The two nodded respectfully.
The Tsaritsa stood up. Now that matters were settled, even though she hadn't met Ryen,
she truly didn't have much time to delay.
The situation in Snezhnaya wasn't good either—she still needed to hold the line there.
"It's a shame I wasn't able to meet Mr. Ryen today,"
the Tsaritsa sighed, though her overall mood seemed quite good.
"Once I've taken care of things in Snezhnaya… perhaps I'll return again."
As she said this, she paused and looked toward Jean and the others with a hint of guilt.
"As for the matter with the Doctor… allow me to express my apologies once again.
Back then, I needed his abilities.
It was only after he caused great disaster that I realized… I could no longer control him."
"But now that I've recovered from my injuries, there are many things I can plan anew."
"I promise I'll give you all an explanation."
Since the Tsaritsa had said this herself, Jean and the others had no reason to press her further.
Jean responded softly:
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"No… the one who should be thanking you is me."
The Tsaritsa shook her head gently, then, after letting out a quiet sigh,
she transformed into a flurry of ice butterflies and scattered into the air.
"Everyone, farewell. I'll begin implementing everything we discussed today as soon as possible."
Her figure vanished without a trace.
Rosalyne and Tartaglia were left feeling a bit wistful.
They had expected the Tsaritsa to seek cooperation—
but hadn't expected her to sever ties with the Fatui so quickly.
Still, it didn't really matter.
After all, they never felt a strong sense of belonging to the Fatui.
They had only ever followed the Tsaritsa's orders.
"Miss Ningguang,"
Rosalyne took a deep breath and said softly,
"Now that we're cooperating… may we take a look at Liyue's true foundation?"
"I understand that what you showed the world during the demon god attack—was only what you wanted others to see."
Ningguang didn't object.
These two were going to enter that world eventually—there was no point hiding it any longer.
She clapped her hands lightly.
Jean and the others watched as a group of palace maids carried trays in from outside.
The scene was just like when they themselves had first arrived in Liyue…
The wheel of fate turns, doesn't it?
"Where would you like to begin?"
Ningguang asked with a soft smile, fixing her gaze on Rosalyne.
Looking at the trays the maids held, it seemed as if a hazy, mysterious world
was finally about to unveil itself before their very eyes.
After a long silence, Rosalyne replied in a deep voice:
"The Totem of Undying…"
~~----------------------
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