In Jean's story quest, another piece of information was revealed: Venti is allergic to cats.
As a result, a new sign was posted at the entrance of Mondstadt's church: "No Cats Allowed."
However, not long after the sign was put up, a gust of wind tore it down, blowing it away to who-knows-where.
As mentioned earlier, "Like Barbatos, a parent who indulges their children."
Now, moving from Mondstadt to Liyue—Signora and Childe met at the Northland Bank.
"Hmph, still in the mood for parties," Rosalyne sneered, tossing a book aside.
"What's wrong with parties? When I return to Snezhnaya, I'm throwing one for my younger siblings too!" Tartaglia said.
"You should focus on how to obtain the Geo Archon's Gnosis instead," Rosalyne retorted dismissively.
She knew about the contract between the Geo Archon and the Tsaritsa, but Tartaglia remained unaware—and she had no intention of telling him.
Tartaglia disliked Rosalyne's haughty attitude and didn't bother responding. Instead, he stood up to leave.
"Where are you going?" Rosalyne (Signora) asked as Tartaglia (Childe) made to exit.
"Mr. Zhongli has invited me on an outing."
"This is part of my plan. For Her Majesty's mission, I need to maintain these social connections," Tartaglia said, shrugging.
In truth, he just didn't want to stay with Rosalyne—and coincidentally, Zhongli had just sent someone to invite him.
"Zhongli..." Rosalyne recognized the name.
Her mission in Liyue was to retrieve the Geo Archon's Gnosis, as per the Tsaritsa's contract with Morax.
But Tartaglia didn't know Zhongli's true identity.
He thought Zhongli was merely a stepping stone in Liyue, unaware that Zhongli was actually his ultimate target.
"Go on, then," Rosalyne waved him off as if shooing a squirrel.
As mentioned before, Tartaglia despised Rosalyne's condescending attitude.
Yet, he couldn't do anything about it—the Fatui strictly forbade infighting among its ranks.
All he could say was, "Signora, you'd better not interfere in my affairs."
"I have no interest. Just hurry up and finish your task," Rosalyne replied, crossing her legs.
===✧✦✧===
Returning to Lucian's side, he had bought many gifts for Furina but ran into trouble when it was time to pay.
He'd forgotten to bring money! Blame it on getting too used to freeloading!
Looking around, Hu Tao and Xiangling had already returned to tend to their shops.
Now, only the three Archons remained with Lucian.
Since he wanted to buy gifts for Furina, he certainly couldn't let her pay.
Lucian glanced at Venti, who blinked back at him.
"Why are you staring at me? I didn't steal any wine from you!"
Lucian shook his head—no hope there.
"Zhongli, do you have any money on you?"
On the surface, Lucian was asking if Zhongli had brought money, but what he really meant was: Did you bring your 'wallet'?
"No," Zhongli answered plainly.
But then he added, "However, I've already notified someone who does have money."
As expected of the Geo Archon—always thinking ahead, anticipating that none of them would bring money.
Lucian wondered—could Zhongli's "someone with money" be…?
Just as he pondered, Tartaglia arrived.
"Oh~ Mr. Lucian!" Tartaglia strode over cheerfully.
"Truly impressive. I hadn't realized before just how strong you are," Tartaglia said with a grin.
When he learned that Lucian was the famed "Prophet," he'd practically wanted to fly straight to Fontaine.
Unfortunately, Her Majesty had already dispatched The Knave to Fontaine—so it wasn't his turn.
Tartaglia could sense the change in Lucian's aura—completely different from when they'd first met.
Back then, Lucian had never exchanged for any power, deliberately avoiding drawing attention.
"I tried living among you as an ordinary person, but all I got in return was indifference.
Now, I'm done pretending! I'm laying my cards on the table!
The past is the past, the present is the present.
The old me? You ignored me. The new me? You can't reach me."
"Childe! You came at just the right time," Lucian said, unbothered by the possibility of Tartaglia causing trouble.
This was a public street in Liyue—Tartaglia wouldn't be reckless enough to start a fight here.
"I get it, I get it—I'll cover the bill," Tartaglia said, waving his hand dismissively.
"It's not my money anyway—might as well spend freely."
"However, as a return favor, shouldn't you grant me a small request?"
Tartaglia's fingers twitched—he was itching for a fight.
Zhongli, Venti, and Furina were all ignored.
Furina, because she had no combat prowess—Tartaglia wasn't interested.
Zhongli and Venti, because they were too strong—their auras perfectly concealed, making them undetectable to him.
"Of course," Lucian smiled. After Zhongli 'dies.'
"Right now, I might not be able to defeat your Foul Legacy form—but give me some time, and who knows?
I'm Lucian—constantly growing stronger!"
Tartaglia and Lucian exchanged knowing grins.
"Come on, what else do you want to buy? I'll cover it all!" Tartaglia said cheerfully.
Not only would he get to spar with the "Prophet," but he'd also be free of Rosalyne—a double win.
"Everything?" Venti perked up. "Let me think… What good wines does Liyue have…?"
Zhongli chimed in, "I, too, have some interest in a few antiques."
"I'd love to try Liyue's desserts!" Furina added.
"I don't have anything specific in mind—how about just giving me the money directly?" Lucian suggested.
"..."
Tartaglia stared at them blankly.
"I was just being polite—but you're really not holding back, huh?
Isn't Liyue all about courtesy? Shouldn't you at least pretend to decline?"
"Elio! This script is all wrong!"
Tartaglia thought: "So I treat you with sincerity, and you treat me like a wishing fountain?"
But whatever—as he said, it wasn't his money anyway.
For the sake of Her Majesty's mission, he doubted The Rooster would mind such a trivial expense.
With the "wallet" now present, the money issue was resolved.
However, Lucian and Furina wouldn't stay in Liyue for long—they planned to return to Fontaine before nightfall.
Furina had sneaked out, after all. Though she'd made excuses, staying away too long would raise suspicions.
===✧✦✧===
Meanwhile, the Traveler had already bid farewell to Jean and the others, preparing to attend the "Rite of Descension."
As for Jean's celebration party—she'd just teleport back after activating the waypoint in Liyue.
No matter what, she wouldn't miss the party.
As a side note, it was mentioned earlier that the Fatui had compromised once over the issue of the Holy Lyre der Himmel.
Now, due to the future incident of stealing the Gnosis (though it hadn't actually happened), the Fatui made yet another diplomatic concession—this time even more significant than the last.
The Fatui diplomats left in Mondstadt were at a loss.
"We didn't do anything! Really, nothing at all!
Lady Signora, take us with you! This is too hard!"
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice-Over: Tartaglia – About Lucian
"What a strange guy. If he's so strong, why doesn't he seek out stronger opponents?
Is this what they mean by Liyue's saying—'playing the pig to eat the tiger'?"