"What?"
"Are you serious?"
"Alright, alright, I get it. I'll hurry."
In Liyue, at the Northland Bank.
Tartaglia (Childe) put down his phone, his face filled with astonishment.
La Signora had already obtained the Anemo Archon's Gnosis and was swiftly returning to the homeland on a fast ship!
Damn!
Tartaglia was genuinely shocked.
He'd been hanging out with Zhongli and Venti all this time and still hadn't managed to get his hands on the Gnosis, yet La Signora had pulled it off?
"That impressive?"
Tartaglia frowned slightly.
There was no way Venti couldn't defeat La Signora—there had to be something he didn't know about going on behind the scenes.
Before La Signora secured the Gnosis, Tartaglia hadn't been in any hurry.
After all, Zhongli had made it clear that he didn't care about the Gnosis and had a contract with the Tsaritsa—it would be handed over eventually.
So, Tartaglia hadn't been too concerned about it.
Rather than wasting time figuring out how to get the Gnosis, he'd rather pester Snezhnaya to send more funds so he could indulge in gacha pulls to his heart's content!
But now, things were different.
La Signora had already completed her mission!
Tartaglia didn't want to dwell on the specifics—he just knew someone had beaten him to it.
This couldn't go on!
"If I don't hurry up and finish… Wait, no, there's a contract in place. The Tsaritsa must know about it." Tartaglia scratched his head, then reconsidered.
"Hmm?"
"What if I don't break the contract but still manage to deliver the Gnosis ahead of schedule?"
The more he thought about it, the more it made sense.
The mission would be perfectly accomplished, and ahead of schedule at that.
Wouldn't the Tsaritsa praise him for it?
And if the Tsaritsa was happy, wouldn't she reward him with a few hundred million Mora?
Perfect!
This was absolutely the way to go!
Tartaglia's face lit up with joy.
This was exactly how things should be handled.
As for the process… he'd have to discuss it with Zhongli.
In his good mood, Tartaglia's thoughts wandered further.
"Andrei, now that we have these cards, why is the Tsaritsa still so fixated on the Gnosis?"
Before Andrei could answer, Tartaglia scoffed. "Of course, I know it's good to have multiple plans, but the card strategy is clearly more cost-effective and offers a higher return on investment!"
If the Tsaritsa's ambitions could be realized through the cards, all it would cost was Mora—and the Fatui were never short on Mora.
This was obviously a fantastic solution!
Yet they were still wasting time and effort scheming for the Gnosis…
Tartaglia had to admit, the Tsaritsa and Pierro must have their reasons.
He just didn't know what they were.
Andrei couldn't figure it out either.
Instead of spending resources to obtain the Gnosis, wouldn't it be better to use those funds for gacha pulls?
Unfortunately, though he was the manager of the Northland Bank's Liyue branch, he was still too far from the upper echelons to understand their thinking.
Andrei could only say, "Lord Tartaglia, for now, it seems we'll have to proceed on both fronts. Walking on two legs is more stable, isn't it?"
"Whatever, forget it!"
Tartaglia waved his hand dismissively. "I'm off to find Zhongli. Send the bill over later."
Thanks to his phone, Tartaglia easily arranged to meet Zhongli.
When he saw Venti was also there, Tartaglia immediately asked, "How exactly did La Signora manage to take your Gnosis?"
"It was just a gift I gave her," Venti replied with a smile, offering no further explanation.
"Fine."
Tartaglia didn't press further and turned to Zhongli. "Bro, what about my mission?"
Zhongli pondered for a moment.
Bound by the contract, he certainly couldn't sell the Gnosis.
But that was fine—Venti hadn't sold his either!
This was how it should be.
"The existence of the card shop has already proven that Liyue now has the strength and resolve to protect itself…"
Zhongli extended his hand, and a golden chess piece materialized in his palm. He handed it to Tartaglia and said, "In this sense, the contract has been fulfilled."
"No more steps after this?"
Tartaglia took the Gnosis and casually tossed it in his hand.
Before the cards, this had been a treasure.
After the cards?
It was just a fancy trinket—hardly worth anything!
"Hmm… Generally speaking."
Zhongli hesitated when Tartaglia asked. "There should be a ceremony to bid farewell to the past."
"How much Mora would that cost?" Venti interjected.
Zhongli paused.
Wait—
The Rite of Parting… was indeed quite expensive.
Just the Eternal Incense alone was ridiculously pricey!
Most people didn't need Eternal Incense, and the occasions where it was required… well, those who needed it weren't short on Mora.
The materials, craftsmanship, ancient methods… every detail emphasized the rarity of the incense, and between the lines, it reeked of money.
No joke.
Zhongli had looked into it—the process of making it was complicated. For a god, it was simple, but for humans, it was incredibly valuable.
Hence, it was expensive.
And if even the Eternal Incense was costly, the other parts of the ceremony…
This was the Rite of Parting, a grand event.
Since it was a farewell to his former self, it couldn't be too simplistic.
As he thought about it, Zhongli couldn't help but massage his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
Both Venti and Tartaglia could see his dilemma.
The source of his hesitation?
Mora, of course!
Tartaglia instinctively took a few steps back, putting distance between himself and Zhongli.
Don't look at me!
Tartaglia's heart was set on the cards—he had no spare Mora.
He usually carried a few hundred thousand on him for emergencies, but anything over a million was destined for the card shop. He had nothing extra to give.
Zhongli noticed his retreat.
(To read explosive novels, go to Feilu Novel Network!)
Was that step back really necessary?
That was kind of hurtful!
Zhongli took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
After a long pause, he finally spoke with a hint of resignation, "There won't be any other steps."
"Really not holding it?"
Venti asked.
He'd already heard about Zhongli's original plans from him.
Skipping the Rite of Parting felt like something was missing.
"There's no other choice." Zhongli shook his head.
This was the farewell ceremony for the Geo Archon—it couldn't be a small affair.
In the past, the Qixing and the Ministry of Civil Affairs would have helped, and they still would now, but Zhongli refused.
With that kind of money… it'd be better to let the kids spend it on gacha pulls.
"Are you sure there are no other steps?" Tartaglia asked again.
"Certain." Zhongli nodded.
"Alright then."
Tartaglia said, "In that case, I'll make a trip first to have the Gnosis sent back. How about I treat you to a meal at Wanmin Restaurant later?"
Even the usually extravagant Fatui were now opting for Wanmin Restaurant—proof that everyone was tightening their belts these days.
"That would be excellent." Zhongli nodded in satisfaction.
"Another free meal!" Venti was thrilled.
As long as you had thick skin, even with an empty wallet, you'd never go hungry!
Tartaglia left first.
Soon, he returned to the Northland Bank and found Andrei.
"Arrange for an escort to deliver the Gnosis back to Snezhnaya," Tartaglia instructed.
"You've already obtained it? As expected of Lord Tartaglia!" Andrei marveled at the Gnosis.
"Enough flattery. Get it done quickly—I still have a meal to attend later." Tartaglia added, "Remember, no shortcuts."
"Rest assured, Lord Tartaglia. I'll arrange it properly." Andrei bowed.
Taking shortcuts risked ambushes!
After all, the Fatui's reputation wasn't great, and many held grudges against them.
If they took backroads while escorting valuable goods… well, if they got robbed, they'd just have to swallow their pride.
For something as precious as the Gnosis, they had to take the main roads!
Aside from keeping the Gnosis' identity secret, they'd also raise the banner of an official diplomatic envoy!
'We are diplomatic envoys escorting goods back to our homeland. If our convoy is robbed on your nation's official roads, what does that say?'
'It says your nation's security is lacking!'
And just like that, part of the blame was shifted.
This was wisdom!
It wasn't just about deflecting blame—it was also about ensuring protection.
If an envoy's goods were lost, the local authorities had to take it seriously to prevent it from escalating into a major diplomatic incident.
So, Tartaglia wasn't worried about anyone daring to rob a Fatui envoy's convoy!
From the moment they left Liyue Harbor until they crossed the border, they'd have the Millelith escorting them!
'It doesn't matter where the envoys die—just don't let it happen on our turf!'
Thus, the journey would be very safe.
And Andrei was a seasoned professional.
Aside from him and Tartaglia, likely no one else in the convoy would even know the shipment included the Gnosis!
"You handle it. I'm off."
Tartaglia gave his orders, then picked up his phone and made a call.
"Tsaritsa, it's me!"
"Get to the point."
"Tsaritsa, the item you wanted—I've had it loaded onto a carriage and it's heading back to Snezhnaya now!"
"Why aren't you escorting it personally?"
"No need! Who'd dare rob an envoy convoy?"
"You'd better pray it arrives safely."
"It will, it will!"
After hanging up, Tartaglia scrolled through his contacts and made another call.
"Bro, the goods are loaded. The mission's almost complete. About that bonus of mine…"
"You look like a bonus! Do you ever call me for anything other than money?!"
Tartaglia held the phone slightly away from his ear.
Even as a Fatui Harbinger, this guy was yelling?
So unrefined!
"Bro, dear bro, I know you're busy. That's why I don't dare disturb you unless it's important!"
This was his sugar daddy—he had to flatter and coax him, or how else would he get Mora for gacha pulls?
Hearing Tartaglia's shamelessly sycophantic tone, the other end fell silent for a few seconds before asking, "Where's your Snezhnayan pride?"
"Who needs pride with you, bro?"
Pride?
He'd long since boiled it into soup.
What use was pride?
Could it be sold for Mora?
"Five million. Not a mora more. Ask again and you're blocked."
The call ended abruptly.
Tartaglia shrugged.
Five million was better than nothing.
"Another windfall. Feels good!"
Sometimes, Tartaglia felt like a beggar.
But hey, did he get the money or not?
Five million Mora—what if he got lucky and pulled a gold card?
Sweet!
In high spirits, Tartaglia posted on his feed:
[Tartaglia: Could it be that some people still haven't completed their missions? (Puzzled)]
Not many Harbingers had phones, but Arlecchino was one of them.
And who do you think Tartaglia was targeting with this post?
"Hmph!"
When working under others, you had to perform and show loyalty!
Tartaglia had loyalty in spades—as for performance, he'd fight for it. That was the only way to get ahead!
Arlecchino obtaining the Hydro Archon's Gnosis?
She'd have to ask the Hydro Archon's husband first!
With failed missions as contrast, who was more competent and loyal would be crystal clear.
Wouldn't that mean more Mora for him?
This was wisdom—learn from it!
Fontaine, Court of Fontaine.
Hotel Bouffes d'Été.
Phones had become commonplace, with many people glued to theirs even during meals.
The internet was just emerging, and short videos were a novelty, but the people of Teyvat, who'd previously lacked entertainment, were fascinated by everything online.
But for those with strong self-control and steady minds, phones were just tools for calls, messages, and research.
Arlecchino rarely used hers.
As mealtime approached, Lyney approached her with his phone and said respectfully, "Father, Lord Tartaglia seems to have already completed his mission."
"Oh?"
Arlecchino took the phone and frowned.
Was Tartaglia an idiot?
Posting something like this on his feed?
Those in the know would understand he was referring to the Gnosis, but those who weren't… wouldn't they grow curious?
With a little digging, clues could be uncovered!
Wasn't this basically announcing to his feed that he'd obtained the Gnosis?
In this era, few were still interested in the Gnosis.
Even within the Fatui, interest had waned.
For Arlecchino, the Gnosis held no appeal—she was only here to fulfill the plan's objectives.
After a moment's thought, she grasped Tartaglia's intent.
"What's your assessment of this Harbinger?" Arlecchino asked Lyney.
Lyney was taken aback.
Me?
Assess a Harbinger?
Even if Tartaglia wasn't his direct superior, he was still a high-ranking officer in the Fatui. Was it really okay to gossip about him behind his back?
Arlecchino knew Lyney wouldn't answer.
Since taking over the House of the Hearth, she'd placed great emphasis on the children's education.
Lyney was still young, occasionally impulsive, and overall a bit naive… but Arlecchino's evaluation of him was: the future king of the House of the Hearth!
Compared to seasoned schemers, Lyney wasn't the most cunning, but he was certainly sharper than Tartaglia!
Looking closely, Tartaglia wasn't stupid, but he wasn't particularly clever either—just a martial artist with a few tricks up his sleeve.
"Let's hope our youngest Harbinger succeeds smoothly."
Arlecchino shook her head, then asked, "Have we confirmed the relationship between Lady Furina, Lady Focalors, and that man?"
Lyney's expression turned serious, mixed with disbelief. "In different places, under different circumstances… we've asked dozens of witnesses. It's confirmed—Lady Furina and Mr. Lu are at least in a romantic relationship!"
"Then we have a problem."
Regardless of whether the Gnosis was useful to an Archon, it still belonged to them.
Forcibly taking it?
Arlecchino never considered that approach—that was Tartaglia's style.
Especially when dealing with that man—the mere thought of trying to steal from him was laughable.
"Father, the Palais Mermonia has issued many decrees recently, so their liquid funds might be limited… Could we try trading for it?" Lyney suggested.
Trading?
Was it possible?
It sounded clichéd, but Mora had become incredibly precious under the card shop's rules.
Arlecchino pondered, then said, "It seems we'll have to test Lady Furina's stance first."
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T/N:
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