Chapter 107. Tartaglia's Request, Demon God Remnants
"Hey, I'm back again."
Tartaglia approached with a friendly smile, looking over Futsu Mitama and the others. "Why do I get the feeling that you're…not particularly happy to see me?"
Indeed, aside from Futsu Mitama, Hu Tao, and Klee—whose expressions remained unchanged—everyone else regarded Tartaglia with clear vigilance. Even Shenhe, who had laughed openly the night before upon hearing of Il Dottore's death, was now watching him intently, her gaze sharp and guarded.
Kuki Shinobu, Aila, and Albedo were no different.
There was no need to mention Kuki Shinobu and Aila—neither harbored any goodwill toward Tartaglia. As a Fatui Harbinger, he was an enemy in their eyes, with no possibility of reconciliation unless he severed his ties to the Fatui entirely.
As for Albedo, his reason was simple.
Everyone in Mondstadt knew what the Fatui had done. As a member of Mondstadt, Albedo naturally held no favorable opinion of Tartaglia. A Fatui Harbinger was, without exception, a dangerous existence.
"Of course, you're not welcome," Hu Tao said bluntly, irritation evident in her tone. "Do you think we don't know what you Fatui have been up to?"
Though Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was currently cooperating with the Fatui, that didn't mean Hu Tao was ignorant of their actions.
Moreover, she wasn't helping the Fatui.
She was helping the dead. Regardless of one's status in life, once death arrived, all were equal.
"That's right," Futsu Mitama added, looking at Tartaglia with open exasperation. "You already know you won't be welcomed, so why insist on walking straight into hostility?"
Tartaglia truly was strange.
He knew full well that his presence would be met with suspicion, yet he still showed up—wearing that ever-present, amicable smile.
Even knowing it was futile, he persisted. In a way… it really was just like a Fatui Harbinger.
He looked normal—almost too normal.
But beneath that surface lay something undeniably peculiar.
"Oh? Didn't I mention it?"
Tartaglia stepped closer, shrugging helplessly. "I'm not like the others. And besides—I have something important to tell you. So for now, how about you put aside the hostility? I'm here to talk about what happened outside the Rite of Descension today."
Those words immediately caught everyone's attention.
The Rite of Descension had been extraordinarily lively—but what had happened beyond its boundaries, they truly didn't know.
The Fatui hadn't participated in the ceremony itself. Instead, most had been dispatched outside Liyue Harbor to assist the Millelith in sealing ruins and suppressing rampaging monsters.
Futsu Mitama had heard as much from Ningguang.
Even during the Rite of Descension, she had kept track of such matters. She had even—albeit reluctantly—praised the Fatui's combat strength. With their assistance, the Millelith's burden had been significantly reduced.
After all, letting someone else handle exhausting and dangerous labor without paying them was…undeniably convenient.
The Fatui themselves raised no objections.
Given what Il Dottore had done, Tartaglia had already explained matters clearly to them. The fact that they hadn't been punished or expelled from Liyue was reason enough for gratitude.
For the time being—at least until their mission concluded—they would not be driven out.
And so, they worked tirelessly. Even harder than the Millelith.
"What happened?" Kuki Shinobu asked directly, her curiosity unmistakable. Aila and Shenhe were also interested, but neither was the type to voice such thoughts readily.
Tartaglia glanced around at the bustling crowd nearby and chose not to answer immediately. With the Rite of Descension concluded, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was no longer quiet.
Before the ceremony, few dared approach the place, fearing ill fortune. Afterward, however, crowds gathered—elderly citizens passing away, families seeking proper rites.
Given the seriousness of the matter, Tartaglia clearly had no intention of speaking openly on the street.
"Oh, I see." Hu Tao understood at once. With a sigh, she opened the doors to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. "Come in, then. Zhongli isn't here, so I'll make the tea. I know the basics, at least."
She entered first.
The others followed.
Since the matter was unsuitable for public discussion, speaking inside was the natural choice.
"Excuse the intrusion," Tartaglia said politely as he entered last, even taking care to close the door behind him.
Hu Tao went off to prepare tea.
The others found seats.
Klee followed Hu Tao with a skip, clearly delighted. Though she could have stayed beside Albedo, for reasons unknown, she seemed especially fond of Hu Tao. Perhaps their personalities were simply too alike.
Tartaglia chose a seat close to Futsu Mitama.
He knew very well—among everyone present, Futsu Mitama was the only one who harbored relatively little hostility toward him.
That said, "relatively" did not mean "none."
If Futsu Mitama truly trusted him, they would already be friends. Still, aside from him, only Director Hu and that little girl seemed unconcerned with Tartaglia's presence.
Unfortunately, Tartaglia had no idea what topics either of them liked. So he sat beside the one person whose temperament he understood best.
"So," Futsu Mitama asked while Hu Tao prepared the tea, "what exactly happened?"
To be honest, he wasn't particularly invested in whatever was occurring outside Liyue Harbor.
Il Dottore's slice was dead. As long as Black Aila didn't appear, he had little interest in meddling further.
The Rite of Descension had concluded.
The Liyue Qixing were about to take over responsibilities once held by the Adeptus and Rex Lapis. In short, matters such as sealing ruins, suppressing Demon God remnants, and eliminating powerful monsters now fell under the Qixing's authority.
At this critical juncture, Futsu Mitama—an Inazuman and Raiden Shogun's retainer—was no longer suited to intervene freely. During his stay in Liyue, he had already done more than enough.
Stripping a Primo Geovishap for materials.
Slaying another alongside the Adeptus and Shenhe.
Severely wounding Il Dottore's slice with Yelan and Shenhe.
Aside from the first, the latter two were precisely the sort of matters the Qixing should now handle themselves. If he intervened again without invitation, it would only undermine their authority.
The Adeptus would surely see it as reliance on external power. That was not the strength of humanity.
Futsu Mitama understood this well.
Without the Electro Archon's authority, his Musou no Hitotachi would be far weaker. Without the Memory of Dust, he likely wouldn't even be able to invoke Planet Befall Burst.
The Memory of Dust—Guizhong's creation—had been designed to assist Rex Lapis.
To Morax, it was negligible. To Futsu Mitama, it was divine.
With it, and without it, were two entirely different worlds.
Thus, unless explicitly asked, he would not intervene again.
"Do you know about the Demon God ruins?" Tartaglia asked with a smile.
"…"
Futsu Mitama looked at him as though he were staring at an idiot.
How could he not know? Il Dottore's slice—now long dead—had been unsealing Demon God ruins across Liyue, releasing remnants that possessed nearby monsters.
Those corrupted creatures had gone on rampages, killing indiscriminately. Because of this, Xiao had been forced into extreme overtime. If not for the condensed resin he had consumed, he might not have endured it.
Seeing Futsu Mitama's expression, Tartaglia remained unfazed.
"Even after Il Dottore's death," he said solemnly, "those ruins are still being opened. Several of my subordinates were severely injured. The culprit nearly escaped."
"If I hadn't intervened personally, things would've escalated even further. "This," he added, placing something on the table, "is my trophy."
It was a darkened, broken scale.
The moment Futsu Mitama saw it, he froze.
So did Aila and Kuki Shinobu.
Because it looked—far too familiar.
A vishap's scale. Not quite a Primo Geovishap's—but unmistakably related.
"A Primo Geovishap that hadn't fully evolved," Tartaglia said gravely. "This is the real issue. So serious, in fact, that I haven't reported it to the Liyue Qixing yet. Brother Futsu Mitama, I'll be honest—if this isn't resolved, I'll be burdened with consequences beyond imagination."
Everyone looked at him in confusion.
"What did you do?" Aila asked at last.
Tartaglia sighed, troubled. "How should I explain…"
"You didn't get robbed, did you?" Futsu Mitama asked flatly.
Tartaglia laughed awkwardly, eyes shifting away.
Kuki Shinobu stared at him in disbelief. "Don't tell me that's actually what happened."
For once, it was the Fatui being robbed. And by the Abyss Order, no less.
Shenhe watched silently, awaiting confirmation.
"Yes." Tartaglia nodded at last. "Il Dottore came to Liyue and asked for my help."
"He gave me a biological evolution machine—capable of forcibly accelerating evolution."
"The problem was, its success rate was nearly zero. But before it could even be used—"
"The ship transporting it was stolen by the Abyss Order."
"I only learned of it afterward and rushed to investigate," Tartaglia continued, letting out a long sigh. "That's when I ran into a Vishap that hadn't fully completed its evolution."
His expression carried genuine helplessness. The biological evolution device he had prepared had already been stolen by the Abyss Order, and matters had spiraled far beyond his expectations. What frustrated him even more was that the Abyss Order had begun experimenting on Vishaps.
Though, truth be told, Tartaglia himself had once considered doing the same—forcing Vishaps to evolve into Primo Geovishaps.
His original plan had been simple: allow those fully evolved Primo Geovishaps, guided by the ancient memories embedded deep within their bloodlines, to seek out Liyue's former "Dragon King."
Not Beidou of the Crux Fleet—but a true Dragon King.
A being who had once fought alongside Morax, only to succumb to erosion, his temperament twisting beyond recognition. That conflict had ended in catastrophe, with Morax and the Adeptus sealing him away.
Rumors claimed he lay imprisoned deep within The Chasm.
Tartaglia had long been intrigued by that legend, though he had never been able to confirm its truth. Thus, he had intended to use a Primo Geovishap as a living compass—an experiment to pinpoint the Dragon King's exact location.
Even if one died, what of it? Liyue was hardly lacking in Vishaps. From his perspective, it would have been the perfect test.
Yet reality had taken a cruel turn.
The device was stolen, and the Abyss Order had acted in his stead.
That alone was infuriating. Was that something a human would do?
Futsu Mitama frowned faintly. Forced biological evolution—
If that was the case, then what exactly was Dottore plotting in Liyue?
No—Dottore sought divine knowledge. Biology was likely not his true focus.
Still, suspicion crept in.
Futsu Mitama's gaze returned to Tartaglia. This man clearly had designs on Primo Geovishaps as well. It was simply that the one in question had met an especially miserable end—besieged by two Adeptus, Shenhe, and himself all at once.
At the time, Tartaglia had even tried to interfere, firing an arrow that briefly disrupted Cloud Retainer's adeptal arts. The Primo Geovishap, which should have died instantly, had clung to life for a fleeting moment—only to be finished off by the short Adeptus without mercy.
Seen from that angle, Tartaglia had indeed wanted that creature alive.
Could it be…Azhdaha?
If that were truly his target, then Tartaglia would likely be courting death.
"Don't look at me like that," Tartaglia said quickly, noticing Futsu Mitama's gaze. He raised both hands in a gesture of innocence. "I wasn't the one who wanted the device. It was Dottore. This has nothing to do with me."
With Dottore's clone already dead, Tartaglia felt no hesitation in shifting the blame. Even if Dottore somehow learned of this later, he likely wouldn't refute it—the device had been handed over with the intent of experimentation.
"Really? I don't believe you."
Hu Tao voiced her skepticism without restraint.
She carried the teapot over, pouring tea for everyone as she spoke. "I suspect you have ulterior motives. Otherwise, why would you come specifically to us?"
She finished pouring Tartaglia's cup and sat beside him, beckoning Klee over. The little girl happily climbed onto Hu Tao's lap, leaning against her as she stared curiously at Tartaglia.
"Actually, it's just a small request~" Tartaglia replied.
Seeing that no one else had touched their tea, he politely lifted his own cup and took a sip.
The next instant, his expression stiffened. The fragrance was overwhelming—no, aggressive. The tea was far too strong, as though an excessive amount of leaves had been used.
Futsu Mitama silently set his own cup back down.
Shenhe, meanwhile, finished hers without expression. Compared to years of consuming Qingxin and Glaze Lilies, this bitterness barely registered.
Kuki Shinobu, Aila, and Albedo took note of Tartaglia's reaction and wisely refrained from drinking, feigning interest in his words instead.
"What is it?" Futsu Mitama asked calmly.
"I hope you can help convey a message of goodwill to the Liyue Qixing," Tartaglia said, his face still slightly contorted. "Any one of them will do."
If the Qixing learned of the machine, suspicion would inevitably fall upon the Fatui once more. There were simply too many precedents.
As a Harbinger, Tartaglia knew all too well that explaining this himself would only make matters worse. His reputation preceded him—and not in a favorable way. That was why he had come to Futsu Mitama…and Zhongli.
In all of Liyue, only those two possessed both the credibility and the connections to resolve this quietly.
"What compensation are you offering?" Futsu Mitama asked evenly.
The request itself was trivial—mere explanation.
But Tartaglia's urgency betrayed the stakes. Once suspicion took root, no amount of effort would uproot it.
Extortion, then, seemed only fair.
"I came prepared."
Tartaglia smiled and produced an envelope, placing it before Futsu Mitama. His voice lowered.
"The information inside is useless to me. Of little value to most people. But to you…and to this maid—it is invaluable."
Kuki Shinobu and Shenhe both turned their eyes to the envelope.
Futsu Mitama's fingers hovered over it. If this truly concerned Black Aila…
Then its worth was immeasurable.
In the struggle over this body, they were already at a severe disadvantage.
Black Aila's strength likely rivaled that of an Adeptus. Her power stemmed from both the Abyss and divinity—how she controlled such opposing forces so perfectly remained a mystery.
Aila's expression did not change.
"Not enough."
Tartaglia blinked, momentarily taken aback. He had thought the implication was clear.
"Repeat that," he said.
"I am merely young master's maid," Aila replied calmly. "If you wish him to act, you must show greater sincerity."
Her words diminished her own standing—deliberately—seeking further advantage. Tartaglia smiled faintly and turned his gaze to Futsu Mitama, silently inviting judgment.
"She's right," Futsu Mitama said after a pause. "It's still not enough."
Tartaglia had no alternatives. Futsu Mitama's relationships with Keqing, Ningguang, and Ganyu were well-documented within Fatui intelligence. A Raiden Shogun's retainer, trusted by the Qixing and Adeptus alike—his influence was unquestionable.
With a resigned sigh, Tartaglia scratched his head.
"Fine. What are your conditions?"
Aila considered briefly before speaking.
"Help us collect Demon God Remnants."
The room stiffened.
Demon God Remnants—residual grievances of fallen gods—were steeped in hatred. Their very existence was poisonous.
Tartaglia studied her, then smiled.
"Very well. It will take time, but I'll do it."
Aila nodded once and stepped back.
Futsu Mitama said nothing further. At worst, another piece of condensed resin would suffice.
"You're serious?" Hu Tao exclaimed. "What do you want that stuff for?"
"It carries risks," Aila replied simply.
She had no desire to endanger her master or her senior sister.
Nor was it wise to push Tartaglia further.
"Deal's done!" Tartaglia declared at once, fearing hesitation. "No takebacks."
Futsu Mitama accepted the envelope.
"This contains the information I want?"
"Yes," Tartaglia answered. "And I hope you destroy it after reading. Otherwise, I'll have to question your integrity."
He drained the rest of his tea in one go, grimacing.
"I'll be going. I expect good news tonight."
With that, he departed swiftly.
Silence settled over the room.
Shenhe looked at Aila, puzzled. "Why Demon God Remnants? My master and I could obtain them."
"I don't wish to involve you," Aila replied quietly.
She already knew—from Futsu Mitama—that Tartaglia held little else of value.
And so, the matter rested.
All the intelligence that needed to be delivered had already been brought over. The most critical piece, Tartaglia had even delivered personally.
Thus, Aila made her request.
"But what's the use of obtaining Demon God Remnants?"
Hu Tao looked at Aila, confusion evident in her eyes. She truly could not understand why Aila would want such a thing.
"I will use it," Aila replied calmly.
Yes—Aila intended to use the Demon God Remnants herself.
"No!"
"Absolutely not!"
Shenhe and Hu Tao spoke in unison.
Both of them understood all too clearly the danger contained within Demon God Remnants. Naturally, neither of them would allow Aila to take such a risk.
Hu Tao did not know what Aila intended to do with them, but as the Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, while she welcomed business, she had no wish to see someone so casually gamble away their life.
At the very least, one should live well—seventy, eighty, perhaps even a hundred years—before speaking of death. Only then would Hu Tao happily select a fine burial site.
Yet Aila was still so young. Why would she harbor such thoughts already—thoughts of merging with Demon God Remnants?
Even the Adeptus would not dare touch such things.
She was merely a mortal. Why would she even consider it?
Shenhe felt the same. Though she understood what Aila was facing, using Demon God Remnants to forcibly increase her strength was far too extreme.
Since childhood, Shenhe had heard of the horrors of Demon God Remnants from her master. She would never permit Aila to walk such a path.
"Aren't you going to persuade her?"
Hu Tao turned toward Futsu Mitama, Kuki Shinobu, and Albedo.
To her disbelief, none of the three spoke.
They seemed—to be tacitly approving Aila's decision.
It was incomprehensible.
"Because this is Aila's own choice," Futsu Mitama said calmly.
As he spoke, he opened the envelope Tartaglia had left behind. Within it was detailed information regarding Black Aila—nothing missing. He focused on reading, while Aila stepped closer, silently examining every line alongside him.
"That's right," Kuki Shinobu nodded.
She shrugged lightly, letting out a quiet sigh. "If Aila said so, then she must have her reasons. Director Hu, persuasion won't change anything."
"You know her. Once she makes up her mind, no one can stop her."
"And besides…if things truly go out of control, isn't there still the Raiden Shogun? The Shogun's lightning—surely even Demon God Remnants cannot endure that."
Kuki Shinobu deliberately invoked the Raiden Shogun, attempting to reassure both Hu Tao and Shenhe.
Albedo also nodded slightly, adding in a measured tone, "Yes. The threat Aila faces now is extraordinary—something even gods cannot intervene in directly. Otherwise, she would not choose such a method."
"Compared to that, a faint remnant of a god may be manageable. And Aila is…rather special. Perhaps she might even gain control over the power of the Demon God Remnants."
Hu Tao shook her head repeatedly, her expression turning serious.
"That's impossible. Do you know the Yaksha Adeptus?"
"Legends say they eradicated demons for Liyue—but not ordinary demons. They fought beings corrupted by Demon God Remnants." Even they became entangled in karma. In the end, only the Conqueror of Demons survived."
Hu Tao knew these matters well.
As Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, whose history traced back to the Archon War—back to a time before Liyue Harbor itself was fully formed—she had access to records far beyond common knowledge.
Among all past Directors, Hu Tao stood out.
The secrets she knew were numerous, and her opposition was not without reason.
"No… not necessarily."
At this moment, Shenhe hesitated.
She turned her gaze toward Futsu Mitama and Aila not far away. In her mind flashed the image of Black Aila wielding divine power—and Futsu Mitama producing condensed resin to help the Conqueror of Demons dispel karma.
Even her master had been stunned upon seeing that miraculous object.
"?"
Hu Tao tilted her head, staring at Shenhe in confusion, not understanding why her stance had shifted so suddenly.
"If that's the case," Shenhe said slowly, "then perhaps—it's worth trying."
Her eyes reflected the figures of Futsu Mitama and Aila.
Aila's constitution was special. The entity separated from her could wield both Abyssal power and divine authority. And Futsu Mitama's strange item—who knew what else it could do?
Even if Aila failed to master divine power, she could still use that item to purge the influence of Demon God Remnants.
If she did succeed—
Then her strength would surge in a very short time. That would not be a bad thing.
"??" Hu Tao was completely baffled. She waved her hands in frustration. "What exactly is going on?! Explain it to me properly!!!"
At this point, everyone else had already reached an understanding—leaving only her in opposition.
Even Hu Tao could tell now.
Futsu Mitama clearly possessed a hidden method to deal with Demon God Remnants. And she—unaware of it—had been trying to stop them like a fool.
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