Episode 168: You skilled, big-eyed, thick-browed Zhongli, how could you do such a thing?
『 The scene shifts. At the entrance of Northland Bank, Childe, who was waiting for something, heard footsteps and greeted the two with a smile:
"Welcome back. How was your trip to Jueyun Karst?"
Then, the two selectively recounted their journey's experiences and explained the situation to Childe.
Childe, who had pulled out a notebook at some point, recorded and nodded, saying, "So that's how it is. The names of these Adepti have never appeared in the intelligence we, the Fatui, have gathered."
Childe seemed to inadvertently reveal some internal Fatui secrets, yet he fearlessly recorded all the information the two brought back.
After they finished speaking, he closed his notebook and smiled cunningly, "To thank you for this intelligence, I've also prepared some special information to share with you."
All eyes focused as Tartaglia slowly revealed his discovery.
"In the recent incident of a god's demise in Liyue, the reaction of the lofty Liyue Qixing is quite intriguing. They've announced that, as the true killer has not yet been found, they are not allowing anyone to pay their respects to the Exuvia."
"Not only that, they've even gone so far as to try and cut off information... But with the Rite of Descension and all, even the Qixing isn't able to keep a lid on things." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "Hmph, well done, Qixing." ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "Adepti, this matter was not without cause." ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "Who knows what you lot are thinking?" ]
[ Moon Carver (Genshin Impact): "..." ]
[ .....]
" In Between "
〜Genshin Impact World〜
Jueyun Karst—
Moon Carver, who had just received information from the Geo Archon, explained helplessly after seeing what Cloud Retainer had said.
For some reason, Rex Lapis had entrusted this matter to him at this time.
But no matter what, since he had received the task, he had to stabilize the emotions of the Adepti in the livestream chat without their knowledge.
Especially that woman.
So...
—
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Moon Carver (Genshin Impact): "Alright, alright, Cloud Retainer, let's talk about this after we finish watching." ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "Hmph!" ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "Thank you for your understanding, Adepti." ]
[ .....]
『 In the scene... At this moment, Paimon, with a puzzled expression, asked about the "Exuvia" mentioned by Childe. "Oh, oh, what exactly is Exuvia?"
"Ah, it's common knowledge in Liyue that Rex Lapis is also an adeptus. The Geo Archon is also the God of Contracts, and is also known as the Exuvia, Prime of the Adepti, above all the Adepti of Liyue." Childe slowly revealed a past fact to the two. "And all the 'mighty and illuminated' adepti of today all signed contracts to protect Liyue back then."
Paimon finally understood after hearing this, realizing why the Adepti had acted so strangely earlier.
"So that's it. Guess that explains why they're all so focused on Liyue's well-being."
They never mentioned any contract, yet the Adepti always revolved around contracts.
It turned out that all of this stemmed from a past agreement.
Childe timely added, "Your understanding is correct. If a problem arises with the Qixing, who are responsible for managing Liyue, they indeed have the right to question."...
"Hehe, the Geo Archon's soul ascended to the heavens, but his remaining body was hidden by the Qixing. Isn't that very suspicious?"
Facing these highly questionable words, Lumine firmly stated, "I cannot accept such actions!"
Things could be made so complicated. Perhaps, as this peculiar Fatui Harbinger implied, the Liyue Qixing might be secretly plotting something.
Of course, they remained vigilant towards the Fatui, as the actions of the "Fair Lady" in Mondstadt were still fresh in their minds.
"Oh! Right! He's the whole reason we came here! If the Qixing really hid the Ancestor's Exuvia, wouldn't the Traveler's journey to visit the Seven Archons be ruined?" Paimon finished, her eyes involuntarily looking at Lumine.
She didn't realize that she seemed to have inadvertently revealed too much information. Childe caught this remark and immediately pressed, "Oh? I think I heard something interesting. Are you looking for the Seven Archons? For what purpose?"
Lumine didn't intend to reveal too much to people like the Fatui and directly replied:
"No comment." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "That line was so cool." ]
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "That's how you should talk to bad guys." ]
[ Tartaglia (Genshin Impact): "Um, we haven't even met, have we? Is it okay to say that about me?" ]
[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "Who knows? Your tone of voice just makes me feel like you're a bad guy." ]
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "+ 1+ 1" ]
[ Taihei Doma (Himouto): "Umaru, you shouldn't assume people are bad guys." ]
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "Hehehe" ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "..." ]
[ Tartaglia (Genshin Impact): "But... the Seven Archons, it's fine." ]
[ Tartaglia (Genshin Impact): "They'll all come to Snezhnaya in the end. The Cryo Archon, one of the Seven Archons, we'll meet her eventually." ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "..." ]
[ .....]
『 "Mm-hmm, that's a great answer, truly wonderful. A knight who can make the Fatui rack their brains but still can't extract information is truly good, isn't that right?" Childe suddenly changed the subject, "However, this time, I can lend you a hand."
This sudden offer made Lumine and Paimon exchange glances, both wondering: What is this guy up to?
Paimon hesitated repeatedly before finally being unable to resist asking:
"Eh? You really want to help us two?"
Childe nodded gently upon hearing this and explained:
"Just give me a little time, and let me find someone."
"Find someone?" Paimon looked at him, puzzled.
Things were already urgent; even the Adepti were at a loss.
Who else could solve this mess? ...
Could it be that they intended to bring back the deceased Geo Archon?...
Facing Paimon's skepticism, Tartaglia smiled nonchalantly:
"That's right, I can find the key person who can break this deadlock for you. Come find me again tomorrow at this time."
"Haha! How amusing. The more patient one is when setting up a plan, the more spectacular the chaos that erupts in the end, wouldn't you agree?"
"So, to witness that ultimate moment of collapse, you must stay alive until the moment we meet, okay?~"
The scene freezes on Tartaglia's confident smile. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Wow! Who is it? Who would reveal such important news?" ]
[ Nakano Miku (5-toubun No Hanayome): "Bad guy." ]
[ Shinnosuke Nohara (Crayon Shin-chan): "Bad guy, a big bad guy?!" ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "Hmph, who exactly dares to do such a thing?" ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "Hehe, this kind of scoundrel in Liyue, this Adepti wants to see who is so bold." ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "Please rest assured, Adepti, once we know who will leak information to the Fatui, we will arrest them!" ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "Who knows what you Qixing will be thinking in the future, hmph!" ]
[ Ganyu (Genshin Impact): "Adepti..." ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "Alright, alright, I understand, I will wait." ]
[ .....]
『 Not long after, the screen lit up again....
Lumine and Paimon stood before the Northland Bank's main entrance, but there was no sign of the "Childe" they had agreed to meet yesterday.
They looked around, but in the vast sea of people, there was no trace of him.
After searching around and not finding anyone, Lumine finally decided to push open the Northland Bank's door. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Hey, where's that guy named Childe? Didn't he say he'd help us find someone?" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Why didn't he show up?" ]
[ Stelle (Honkai: Star Rail): I know, he must have run away! ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "It's better if he ran away, otherwise..." ]
[ Tartaglia (Genshin Impact): "Impossible, I, 'Childe' Tartaglia, always keep my word." ]
[ .....]
『 Inside the bank, a receptionist greeted them with a smile, her eyes twinkling with a hint of flattery in her words: "Your Excellency has arrived. You are indeed a distinguished guest of Master Childe. May your path within the Fatui be ever-rising."
At these words, the relaxed expressions on their faces vanished instantly, replaced by a slight displeasure.
"We have no relation to Childe, nor do we intend to become part of the Fatui," Lumine stated bluntly, her attitude firm.
The receptionist, far from being annoyed, merely curved her lips into a knowing smile: "Heh, you sound remarkably sure of yourself... Remember, we are mere mortals. How can we compare to the supreme Cryo Archon?"
"Our ideas are fluid like water. Only the Tsaritsa truly has a will as solid as the permafrost." As she spoke, the receptionist's eyes flickered, filled with fervent adoration for the Cryo Archon....
In the hearts of the Fatui, loyalty to their Queen was an indelible mark. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Himeko (Honkai: Star Rail): "Is their faith in their god truly that strong, much like the Pathstrider's unwavering belief?" ]
[ .....]
『 However, this inexplicable speech only left Lumine and Paimon exchanging bewildered glances, their minds full of confusion.
"What does that mean?"
Paimon whispered, clearly not understanding.
The receptionist suddenly realized her lapse and quickly laughed, "Haha, I spoke out of turn. Please forgive my rudeness."
Quickly adjusting her demeanor, she tried to steer the conversation back on track: "So, let's continue with our main topic from earlier."
"The main topic?" Lumine was a bit lost by the sudden change of subject.
The receptionist quickly followed up, explaining the key point: "The esteemed Master Childe has already fulfilled his agreement with you."
Upon hearing this news, the two's eyes widened, full of disbelief.
"Really? The person who can help us so much has been found so quickly?"
A person capable of accessing a god's corpse found so easily?
If this were true, then the power behind this Fatui Harbinger must already be astonishingly strong.
"Indeed, Master Childe always keeps his word once he promises to help find a solution," the receptionist girl reiterated with a smile, while also dangling a bait: "The promises of our Fatui Harbingers are never empty words."
At this point, Lumine realized that the other party kept promoting the benefits of the Fatui. Her mind raced, and she decided to steer the conversation back.
"Alright, then, where is he now?"
Seeing that the two's focus had shifted, the receptionist provided an address: "Master Childe has already gone to the Liuli Pavilion."
The mention of a new location did not enlighten the newly arrived Lumine but rather added a few more questions.
"Liuli Pavilion? What kind of place is that?"
Unexpectedly, it wasn't a Fatui member who answered Lumine's question, but Paimon beside her.
"I know Liuli Pavilion!" Paimon exclaimed, quickly raising her little hand: "Liyue's culinary world has two giants, Li 'Seven' Cuisine and Yue 'Moon' Cuisine, which have been competing for hundreds of years."
"Tell me more?"...
Paimon thought for a moment and continued:
"The flagship restaurant of the Li 'Seven' Cuisine is the Liuli Pavilion. The owner especially chose to open the restaurant at Feiyun Slope."
"Before that, only the Xinyue Kiosk, which flagship in Yue 'Moon' Cuisine, dominated the area, until the Liuli Pavilion joined, sparking a culinary rivalry."
"Hehe, it seems Paimon only becomes a qualified guide when talking about food. She gets like this when food is mentioned." Lumine teased, her mind involuntarily conjuring the image of a certain... gun-wielding chef.
Recalling past events, Lumine spoke again:
"Speaking of which, Xiangling is also in Liyue, right? It seems she has some connection to both of these restaurants?"
When they met in Springvale, she heard that Xiangling was a member of Wanmin Restaurant in Liyue. Why wasn't she at one of these two?
Thinking of Xiangling, Paimon, however, was burning with impatience, lured by the upcoming delicious food and free feast, and tugged at Lumine's sleeve, urging:
"Hmm... Anyway, if it's meant to be, we'll meet. For now, let's go to Liuli Pavilion and feast ourselves, Traveler, quick, quick!"
The scene shifts to the crimson gate of Liuli Pavilion.
"Hello, Traveler, you two finally showed up!" Childe Tartaglia hurried forward upon seeing them, "As promised, I have found someone who can help you. Someone who can solve the mystery of why the Liyue Qixing would hide the Geo Archon's vessel."
With no one around, Lumine couldn't help but ask Childe.
"Where is that esteemed person now?"
Actually, there was no need to ask; Lumine already had a good idea.
Because the place they were invited to today was very close by.
According to Liyue's hospitality, the host might be waiting outside the door,
And that mysterious guest must have already been comfortably seated inside the pavilion.
Just as Lumine guessed, Childe chuckled heartily and revealed the answer:
"Hehe, smart! He's right inside Liuli Pavilion. Please follow me."
With that, Childe Tartaglia led the group through the elegant doors of Liuli Pavilion.
On the way to the reserved private room,
Lumine looked at the surrounding decor and curiously asked Childe, who was leading the way:
"Speaking of which, why did you choose to meet here?"
After all, the topic they were discussing was no small matter,
It concerned the secrets of the nation's Archon.
With so many eyes and ears, it would be bad if it leaked to someone with ill intentions.
Lumine truly didn't understand why they had to meet in such a public place.
Childe Tartaglia noticed the doubt in their hearts and immediately clarified:
"In Liyue, there's a tradition—"
"A dinner party, a social ritual to deepen relationships. In this atmosphere, the intentions of both parties can become closer." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "Putting everything else aside, your knowledge of Liyue is quite impressive. Childe—no, perhaps I should call you Tartaglia??" ]
[ Tartaglia (Genshin Impact): "Thank you for the compliment. It's up to you, whatever you prefer to call me." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Is it really this understanding that makes you so arrogant, wanting to taint the Geo Archon's vessel?" ]
[ Tartaglia (Genshin Impact): "..." ]
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "Hehe, but let's see who you've managed to rope in." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "I'm ready." ]
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "Come on, let's see who it is!" ]
[ .....]
『 "I see." Lumine nodded in understanding, then continued to ask, "Who exactly is that person? What is his background?"
Lumine's curiosity about the mysterious figure's identity grew stronger, like a kitten scratching at her heart.
"Hehe, you two will soon understand who that important person is. It's right here." Tartaglia said, stopping in front of a private room door and gesturing to them.
At this moment, everyone's gaze converged on the main seat, where a distinguished gentleman sat.
Dressed in well-fitting clothes, he appeared exceptionally handsome and suave, leisurely sipping tea.
After Lumine and Paimon entered, they looked around at the luxurious decorations and then noticed the extraordinary and refined gentleman seated at the head, who looked like a social elite.
Just as Lumine was still carefully observing the gentleman, Childe had already taken the initiative to introduce the person inside:
"Come, allow me to formally introduce you to this highly renowned figure in Liyue—"
"The consultant to an organization known as Wangsheng... and a trusted associate of the Fatui, Mr. Zhongli." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "Zhongli! How could it be you!!" ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Well, Mr. Zhongli, I never thought you would do such a thing in the future." ]
[ Venti (Genshin Impact): "Oh my, oh my." ]
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "He doesn't look like it. This person doesn't seem like someone who would do such a thing, does he?" ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "....." ]
[ .....]