Signora still enjoyed the story in this book.
Though she detested the author and equally loathed the Anemo Archon.
Two things she hated combined—how did it end up like this?
Lucian promptly received a notification of Signora's emotional breakdown.
The Electro Cicin Mage departed after receiving orders, while Signora picked up the book and slapped off the dust.
"Damn that guy... Why does he have to write such a good story..."
Signora gritted her teeth as she carefully placed the book back.
Just then, a gentle breeze brushed past, and a voice sounded behind her.
"Don't take your anger out on books."
"How about some wine? Whether it's anger or frustration, wine can solve it all."
Signora swung her hand in fury, and a violent blizzard instantly froze the entire room.
Yet, the owner of the voice remained completely unfazed.
Venti sat on a chair, a chessboard laid out before him.
"Barbatos! What are you doing here?"
"What? Are you here to settle the score in advance for me taking your Gnosis?"
Signora glared at Venti.
She had only heard of settling scores after the fact—this was the first time she'd seen someone do it in advance.
She was furious, but she had no intention of continuing her attack.
That last strike had been her full strength, yet it did nothing to Venti.
It made sense—only the top three Harbingers and the Jester possessed Archon-level combat power.
As the Eighth Harbinger, she was still far from that level.
Not to mention, Barbatos was one of the victors of the Archon War.
Even among Gods, he stood at the pinnacle.
And that book claimed she would steal his Gnosis... What nonsense!
How could anyone possibly steal from such a monster?
"Not at all." Venti waved his hand dismissively.
He actually felt deep guilt toward Signora.
He blamed himself for leaving Mondstadt unprotected during the expedition to Khaenri'ah.
If not for that, she wouldn't have ended up like this.
She was one of his people!
That was also why he allowed Signora to take his Gnosis.
"Then why are you here!?"
Signora clearly had no interest in further conversation with Venti.
Venti scratched his head—I can't just say I'm here to deliver my Gnosis, can I?
If the third volume of the book were released, the enraged citizens of Mondstadt would probably storm the Goth Hotel.
By then, it'd be impossible to hand over the Gnosis.
He had to deliver it before that happened.
Venti used the wind to disperse the ice in the room, soothing Signora's emotions.
Once the chessboard before him thawed, Venti spoke:
"How about a game?"
As he spoke, he pulled out a bottle of wine, seemingly intending to drink while they played.
Signora frowned, completely unable to understand Venti's intentions.
We're enemies right now! And you're here to drink and play chess with me?
"How pointless!"
Signora turned her head away, refusing to entertain Venti.
"Eh? Don't say that~."
"There's a reward if you win~."
Venti had already set up the pieces.
"..." Signora didn't know what kind of reward Venti was referring to.
But a reward from an Archon couldn't be ordinary, right?
If it's just a bottle of wine, I swear I'll burn him to ashes!
Of course, Signora was overthinking it—Venti never had enough wine for himself anyway.
Reluctantly sitting across from Venti, Signora began her match against the Anemo Archon.
"Barbatos, what exactly are you scheming?"
Signora asked while moving a piece.
"Hmm... First, let's change how you address me?"
"If I win, you have to call me 'Venti.'"
Venti sipped his wine while making his move.
Signora scoffed—given the current state of the board, Venti had no chance of winning.
You've already lost your queen—what can you even do now?
As the game progressed, Venti's position grew increasingly dire.
"Hmph, why not surrender now and hand over your reward?"
Signora coldly snorted.
"Now?"
Venti pretended to consider it.
"Alright, if that's what you want."
Venti conjured a chess piece—a Queen.
"Checkmate."
With that, he used the Queen to "capture" the opposing King.
"Barbatos! You damn cheat!"
Signora was livid—you're cheating in a damn chess game!?
"Ehe, remember our agreement."
"Rosalyne-Kruzchka Lohefalter."
"Right now, my name is Venti."
With that, Venti vanished, leaving only a lingering breeze behind.
Faintly, his voice could still be heard in the wind.
"I won~ Time to reward myself with another bottle."
Rosalyne was absolutely seething—so the reward really was just a bottle of wine!?
"BARBATOS! I'LL BURN YOU TO DEATH!!!"
A fireball formed in her hand—if Venti hadn't fled, the entire building would've been reduced to ashes.
"Huh? Why is there still such strong Anemo energy?"
That drunkard Archon already left, didn't he?
Rosalyne's gaze fell upon the chessboard, where she noticed—
The Queen-shaped Gnosis had not been taken by Venti.
Rosalyne picked up the Gnosis, falling into silence.
Barbatos... So now, you go by Venti?
Then what about me? Am I 'Signora,' or am I 'The Witch'?
"Rosalyne-Kruzchka Lohefalter..."
"It's been so long since I've heard that name..."
Rosalyne pocketed the Gnosis and stepped out of the room.
"Inform the others—we're leaving Mondstadt."
"Yes, Lady Signora."
Lady Signora...
Yes. Right now, my name is Signora.
Lucian received another notification of Rosalyne's emotional breakdown.
In just a short span of time, Rosalyne had provided him with two bursts of emotional energy.
Such rapid consecutive breakdowns were rare—the last time it happened was with Navia, and that was ages ago.
"What on earth happened in Mondstadt?" Lucian wondered aloud.
"What about Mondstadt?" Furina overheard his muttering.
"Just a hunch—something unexpected must've happened there."
Furina nodded, though it wasn't clear if she fully understood.
Whether you get it or not, just trust me!
"Lady Furina, it's time." Someone entered the room to remind her.
Turns out, Furina's free time had ended—she had to return to meeting nobles and celebrities.
"Understood." Furina sounded dejected.
But she didn't show it. Her tone remained natural, and she elegantly waved her white-gloved hand.
The attendant withdrew.
"Lucian, let's meet again next time."
"Ah... I really wish I could go out and play."
Once alone, Furina reverted to her childlike demeanor.
Go out and play? That's a bit tricky.
Given Furina's fame, relaxing and enjoying herself would be impossible without disguising herself.
But for Lucian, this wasn't an issue.
Too famous in Fontaine to have fun? Then let's go to Liyue!
While some in Liyue might recognize Furina, it was nothing compared to Fontaine.
With some light makeup and a change of clothes, she could easily blend in.
Perfect timing—I just got a Portable Waypoint!
"Alright, I have a way to take you to Liyue."
===✧✦✧===
Character Voiceline · Rosalyne: About Barbatos
"The Anemo Archon! I still don't like him!"
"But... I'll keep my promise. Venti."