Click... click... click...
The crisp sound of high heels slowly echoed through the specialty shop.
A subtle fragrance brushed in with the breeze as a tall and beautiful woman entered from outside.
Her pale golden long hair glistened faintly under the morning light. A black, crown-shaped, exquisite mask covered most of her cold, beautiful face.
Her sexy, luxurious, and expensive dress left her jade-like shoulders bare, with black gemstones dotting the deep cleavage, adding a touch of allure.
Her smooth, fair, and slender legs were exposed through her seductive battle dress, swaying gracefully in strappy stilettos.
Yet, that face—gorgeous as a rose—carried a faint chill.
Ken's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at the proud and cold beauty, a bit surprised.
La Signora.
The Fatui Harbinger, Eighth of the Eleven, codename "The Fair Lady."
What surprised Ken was that Signora would come to his Mondstadt specialty store at a time like this.
"What a powerful aura..."
Paimon, chewing her pork-egg burger, instinctively floated to Lumine's side.
Lumine looked at Signora, feeling wary inside.
"Madam, may I help you?"
Mona quickly stuffed the rest of her burger into her mouth and got up to greet Signora.
Though the woman before her was strikingly intimidating, to Mona, she was just a customer with a strong presence—even if she could clearly sense this guest was up to no good.
But until things got physical, Mona still intended to fulfill her duties as a shop worker.
The generous pay Ken gave her had greatly improved her professionalism.
"I heard the Mondstadt specialty store sells rare goods from Blue Star, and in just a month, many foreign merchants have flocked here. But..."
"I'm more interested in the owner, Mr. Ken... I've heard much about you."
Signora's light laugh carried a chill. Her eyes rested on Ken as she casually sat in a nearby chair, crossing her long, fair legs, her demeanor aloof.
The recent dragon disaster, and Ken's so-called Grand Prophecy, had disrupted all her plans.
After that, Signora had the Fatui investigate Ken.
Once they learned this store belonged to him, they'd been covertly observing ever since.
Ken's portrait wasn't a secret among the Knights, so the Fatui had no trouble getting it.
So when Ken appeared at the store, her subordinates immediately informed her.
That's why Signora showed up now.
Looking at the calm, handsome man before her, Signora's icy purple eyes showed a hint of interest.
"What can I do for you?"
Ken ate his breakfast unhurriedly, glancing at Signora.
Her figure was indeed impressive.
But her personality was far too arrogant and dismissive.
"Mr. Ken seems to know who I am, and isn't surprised to see me?"
Signora elegantly supported her chin, the black silk gloves and red lips making her look even more enchanting and cold.
"The Fatui Harbinger, Eighth of Eleven—Signora." Ken set down his cup, glancing outside the door. "The peeper on the third floor across the street must be your subordinate?"
"Their spying skills are lacking. My Mona noticed them a month ago." Ken said lazily.
Signora's icy face stiffened a little.
But Mona, upon hearing "my Mona," inexplicably felt her heart skip a beat.
"It seems Mr. Ken is quite the professional." Signora replied coldly, anger rising at Ken's shameless gaze at her chest.
If anyone else dared be so bold, they'd be ashes by now.
"Thank you for the compliment," Ken said modestly. "But what's so special about my little shop that the Fatui would stake it out so long? Lady, why not tell me your purpose?"
Signora suddenly laughed, her smile like a poppy blooming in the night.
"Rumor has it you possess the Grand Prophecy, able to foretell future events. But, Mr. Ken—can you foresee how long you'll live?"
Her smile remained, but her tone suddenly turned cold.
In an instant.
A chilling cold swept the shop, centered on Signora.
Mona and Lumine instinctively reached for their weapons, but Ken's glance stopped them.
The chill was powerful and menacing—even the Fatui outside shivered.
But just then—
A strong, blazing Pyro energy surged from Ken, instantly dispelling the cold.
"At least, I'm safe for now."
Ken remained unmoved, but his deep eyes now carried a warning.
Don't think I'll go easy just because you fit my taste.
"Heh... just a joke, Mr. Ken. No need to be so tense."
Signora crossed her arms, recrossed her legs—the crystal patterns on her thighs even more alluring against her snowy skin.
She got Ken's warning.
But for the proud Lady, such warnings meant little. The only real reason she held back was—
"Maybe we'll be friends someday."
She said meaningfully.
From the moment he easily deduced her identity, she stopped doubting his prophecy.
Someone with such power would be very useful to Snezhnaya.
"Let's hope so." Ken sipped his coffee, unfazed by her probing.
Anyone with the Grand Prophecy would be courted in any world.
Signora's actions probably followed the Tsaritsa's will; otherwise, she'd be even more arrogant.
"Hehe..."
"We'll meet again."
Signora stood up, swaying gracefully to the breakfast table, picking up an untouched cup.
Her slender, white neck arched as the creamy coffee touched her red lips.
The rich aroma made her eyes narrow in pleasure.
"Not bad. I'll take this as you treating me."
She set the cup down and walked out.
She'd come to test Ken. Now that her test was done, she needed to plan the next move.
Watching her swaying figure, Paimon clenched her tiny fist: "Darn! That creamy coffee was mine, that wicked woman drank my coffee!"
"Why didn't you say so earlier?" Lumine rolled her eyes; Paimon had been silent beside her the whole time.
Paimon: "..."
"Ignore her. I'm going to refine my elemental power here. I might lose control for a bit, so just lock the door and guard outside. If anything happens, you can respond quickly."
Though surprised by Signora's appearance, Ken realized it made sense.
He hadn't let her affect him much.
Right now, his priority was fusing the Abyssal Antibody.
Knowing there might be mishaps, he specifically asked Lumine and Mona to stand guard, just in case.
"Got it, don't worry."
Mona agreed without question.
Lumine also nodded.
Ken nodded, finished his breakfast, and headed to the third-floor bedroom to begin fusing with the Abyssal Antibody.
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