Snezhnaya.
The Jester, as the overall commander of the Fatui, rarely convened a Harbinger meeting. Aside from Damselette and Balladeer, who were far away in Inazuma, all Harbingers located in Snezhnaya were present.
The Second of the Harbingers, Dottore; the Third, Damselette; the Fourth, Capitano; the Fifth, Pulcinella; the Seventh, Sandrone; the Ninth, Pantalone; the Tenth, Arlecchino; and the Eleventh, Childe, Zhongli's personal wallet.
It had been an unknown amount of time since such a gathering last occurred.
The other Harbingers were still wondering what major event had transpired that required The Jester to gather so many Harbingers for discussion, until they received a report from Damselette in Inazuma from The Jester's hand. Upon seeing this report, everyone displayed different expressions.
The Jester: "Have you all finished reading it? Tell me, what do you think of this report?"
Childe: "Hahahaha, hey, hey, hey, I'm not seeing things, am I? This is truly interesting. A Gnosis can be traded? The most crucial thing is that the items used for the trade are just these things! Where can you find such a good deal?!"
Pulcinella: "Ajax (Childe)! Reign it in, this isn't Liyue where you can be so reckless. Her Majesty the Tsaritsa is constantly watching us."
Childe: "Yes, yes, Mr. Mayor, but then again, if the God of Pyro, the God of Hydro, and the Dendro Archon could also sell their Gnosis to us like this God of Electro, things would be much easier. We wouldn't need to run all over the world for overseas assignments."
Pantalone: "Heh, have you people gotten too used to living in luxury? They say the Northland Bank circulates blood, tears, and wails. The conditions proposed by this new Inazuman Regent will likely cause Snezhnaya to wail for a while longer."
Arlecchino: "Hmph! If this money could be allocated to me, my orphanage could probably spread throughout all of Teyvat. Since Inazuma wants talent, I dare to give it. I can arrange a few more children for him."
Upon hearing Arlecchino's words, Childe involuntarily shivered. All the children from her orphanage were spies who would pledge their lives to her, and would not hesitate to stab an ally in the back at the most crucial moment.
It was precisely for this reason that Childe had no good feelings towards Arlecchino, even finding her somewhat repulsive. If betrayal could yield sufficient profit, she would mercilessly raise her sword against Her Majesty the Tsaritsa. She was a complete madwoman.
But her rank was higher than his, and she had joined the Fatui longer than he had. In any case, they wouldn't interact much on a daily basis; they simply couldn't avoid seeing each other.
Dottore: "To exchange one of the seven ultimate treasures of the world for some worldly possessions, I must say, it's a worthwhile deal. However, did that God of Electro truly make such a choice? It has made me look at her in a new light. Before, I always thought she was just a fool with brute strength, or is it due to that new Regent?"
Capitano: "The Inazuman Gnosis has been planned for a long time, so let's conclude it as soon as possible. If we miss this opportunity, who knows how long we'll have to wait."
Pantalone: "You people truly speak without feeling the pain. Such a large amount of money and resources will even affect the Northland Bank's operations.
By the way, isn't Rosalyne (Damselette) and Scaramouche (Balladeer) in Inazuma? Can't we acquire it through more forceful means? The Gnosis of the God of Anemo and the God of Geo didn't cost much to obtain."
Arlecchino: "Beelzebul is a God known for her martial prowess, and her strength ranks among the top three of the Seven Gods. For you, a wealthy merchant and politician who lacks empathy and only makes excuses to cower in Snezhnaya, it's rare for you to exert yourselves, yet you're still so wishy-washy. Why don't I let you experience the Musou no Hitotachi?"
Pantalone: "Heh, don't be so aggressive, Mr. Mayor. It seems you've also been caught in the crossfire. What about the other Harbingers? Didn't they say that the top three of our Harbingers possess strength comparable to a God? Why don't you all give it a try?"
The Jester: "…"
Damselette: "zzzzzz…"
Dottore: "...Heh, I have more important tasks in Sumeru."
Pulcinella: "...Snezhnaya is vast and rich, with a powerful nation. Obtaining a Gnosis through diplomatic trade can be considered a good thing. However, Snezhnaya's wealth belongs to all Snezhnayan people and is ultimately owned by Her Majesty the Tsaritsa, so necessary diplomatic negotiations are essential."
Childe: "Tch! Isn't that just haggling? How stingy. Damselette and Balladeer aren't the type of people who are good at business negotiations. How about it? If you, the great banker, personally go, you'll definitely haggle until the God of Electro cuts you down with a single strike."
Pantalone: "Heh heh, it's not your money, so of course you don't feel the pain! Since it has become a business deal, bargaining is a necessary process.
By the way, Tartaglia, during your time on assignment in Liyue, the expenditures of the Northland Bank's Liyue branch were astonishingly high.
And ever since you went to Liyue, the Northland Bank's business in the Liyue branch has suffered an unprecedented blow, with performance plummeting. What exactly did you do? I hope you can give me a reasonable explanation."
Childe: "Is it such a big deal to use some of your money? I was also acting to fulfill Her Majesty the Tsaritsa's orders, and wasn't the God of Geo's Gnosis obtained? If you want to blame someone, blame Damselette. She took all the credit, but I have to bear the blame."
The Jester: "Enough. Let's not discuss such trivial matters in the meeting. Since that's the case, let's vote by a show of hands. Those who agree to this trade proposal, please raise your hands."
Dottore, Capitano, Pulcinella, Arlecchino, and Childe all raised their hands. Even Sandrone, who had been silent, quietly raised his hand. As for Damselette, she was still lying there, sleeping soundly, as if she hadn't heard anything. Pantalone, seeing that so many people had already raised their hands in favor, knew that his opposition would be useless, so he reluctantly raised his hand.
The Jester: "Since that's the case, then reply to Rosalyne. Additionally, Pulcinella, Pantalone, and Arlecchino, you all prepare the resources and talent Inazuma needs. This matter must be expedited to avoid any unforeseen complications due to delays.
The night's masquerade must end. At this moment, you have no audience. All noble sacrifices will be etched upon the permafrost, enduring with the nation. Under the command of the pure Tsaritsa, we shall seize the authority of the Gods."
The masked figures sang, meditated, and clamored in this boundless winter night. Finally, the hall, along with the sky of the far east, descended into an almost infinite silence.
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