Chapter 193

In the end, Tartaglia settled into a regular diplomatic residence for Snezhnaya in Liyue.

Since the people knew that the Geo Archon was safe and that the release of the ancient god was part of a test—a contract between the Geo Archon and the Tsaritsa—the citizens, while disliking the Fatui, still maintained a basic level of courtesy toward Snezhnayan merchants and envoys.

At the very least, the necessary diplomatic formalities were upheld.

After returning to the embassy, Tartaglia immediately wrote a letter explaining Scaramouche's betrayal and his own severe injuries, requesting funds for his recovery. After all, it was Regrator's money he was spending, so he didn't feel the slightest bit guilty.

He had contributed to retrieving the Geo Archon's Gnosis, so he deserved some compensation, right? As for the Electro Archon's Gnosis being lost, that was Scaramouche's betrayal. What did that have to do with him, Childe?

So, with his injuries taking time to heal, Tartaglia decided to take it easy and enjoy some downtime.

He also planned to visit the legendary Morax, Mr. Zhongli. Although he couldn't spar with him, he hoped to learn a move or two from the ancient god of war. Spending time with Zhongli… Tartaglia was prepared to be the wallet.

After all, after fighting for so long, wasn't it time to enjoy life a little?

Liyue was the perfect place to relax and have fun.

Using the money of someone he disliked—Regrator—to support someone Regrator despised, Morax, gave Tartaglia a twisted sense of satisfaction.

After sending Tartaglia off, Jiang Ning and the others returned to Ningguang's Jade Chamber.

Ningguang had been waiting for them for some time.

"How did it go?" Ningguang asked.

Keqing replied, "Well, we got the details. It's basically an internal rebellion within the Fatui. Scaramouche has defected and fled to Sumeru. It seems the Doctor also has his own agenda."

At the mention of the Doctor, Ningguang's expression darkened.

"The Doctor? Hmph, if he ever steps foot in Liyue, we'll mobilize the entire nation to capture him… That's also the Geo Archon's will."

Ningguang had nothing but contempt for the Doctor, who had once kidnapped Liyue children for experiments.

Ningguang herself adored children. They were treasures and the future of Liyue…

When the incident came to light, it was said that the Geo Archon, along with the adepti, had personally traveled to Snezhnaya.

The details of what happened were unknown, but Snezhnaya had backed down, and the Doctor was forbidden from ever entering Liyue again.

Moreover, if the Doctor dared to step into Liyue, the nation would kill him without hesitation and bear no responsibility.

This was why Jiang Ning had been so ruthless when dealing with the Fatui under the Doctor's command. Snezhnaya hadn't uttered a word of protest.

But if it were under the command of other Harbingers, Snezhnaya would at least issue a formal protest… though it was just a formality.

Jiang Ning said, "I'll be heading to Sumeru later. Should I find an excuse to take out the Doctor while I'm at it?"

"That would be ideal. After all, all of Liyue stands behind you," Ningguang wholeheartedly agreed.

Keqing, who also despised evil, added, "If you need any help, just let us know."

Jiang Ning replied, "I plan to meet the Doctor first. I want to see if my authority can affect him…"

He had heard from Zhongli that the Doctor's combat strength rivaled that of a god.

But Zhongli didn't seem particularly concerned.

After all, Morax was a god, and though it might sound a bit boastful, Havria was also a god.

The real issue was that the Doctor was hard to kill. It was said that he had experimented on himself, creating clones of himself at different ages, each with its own consciousness…

But Jiang Ning thought, if you've split yourself into clones, what about your soul? Surely the soul can't be divided, right?

So, if I target your soul directly, how will you respond?

Therefore, Jiang Ning felt it was necessary to meet the Doctor in person. At the very least, he could locate the soul and then eliminate each clone one by one.

He was sure Diluc would be more than willing to cooperate.

After all, they shared a deep-seated grudge.

"Alright, let's not interfere too much with this matter, but we should still be prepared… It's a shame Yelan is busy wrapping up the Zhiyi situation and can't get involved," Ningguang sighed.

"Alright, that's it for now. Make sure Snezhnaya covers Tartaglia's medical expenses. Let's make them bleed a little more," Jiang Ning concluded.

...

That evening, they had already reserved a table at Liuli Pavilion for dinner.

Paimon had been clamoring for seafood, so they decided to indulge her.

However, an unexpected guest arrived—Tartaglia.

At the table, Shenhe, as the first to join the family, was chosen by the sisters to represent the household.

It just so happened that Shenhe had been busy lately. With Xiangling away and Chef Mao overwhelmed, Shenhe had been working overtime.

Today, with fewer customers, Chef Mao finally gave Shenhe a day off.

Tartaglia, on the other hand, had woken up and only needed time to recover.

Besides, Dr. Baizhu hadn't mentioned any dietary restrictions, so Tartaglia figured he could handle it.

He was, after all, a tough guy. A little seafood while injured wouldn't kill him.

Having finally arrived in Liyue, he was determined to enjoy the good food.

So, when he heard Jiang Ning was hosting a dinner at Liuli Pavilion, he decided to join and even offered to foot the bill.

Lumine and Paimon didn't mind. In fact, having someone else pay was always a plus.

Even though their family was wealthy, it was always good to save where they could.

Though not officially part of the family yet, Lumine had already taken on the role of the frugal housewife.

"Hey, do you even have Mora to pay for this?" Jiang Ning asked.

Tartaglia replied, "I don't, but the Snezhnayan delegation does. I'll just bill them later."

Paimon said, "Since he's offering, Traveler, let's take advantage of this big spender."

Lumine nodded in agreement. "I think that's a good idea. Free food is always welcome…"

Tartaglia said, "Eat up, everyone. I'm here to enjoy myself too. It's rare to have some downtime while injured…"

"What's Snezhnaya's stance on Scaramouche's situation?" Jiang Ning asked while picking at a crab leg.

Tartaglia replied, "The response is pretty straightforward. All Fatui members have been informed that Scaramouche has been expelled for betraying the Fatui. Any Harbinger who encounters him has the authority to execute him on sight, but they must retrieve the Electro Archon's Gnosis."

"What about the Doctor?" Jiang Ning asked curiously.

Tartaglia paused for a moment before answering, "The Tsaritsa's stance on the Doctor is… more ambiguous. I think she's aware that Scaramouche is with the Doctor, but why she hasn't addressed it directly…"

"I guess it's because the Doctor still has some value? Or maybe she's giving him a chance to come clean? Honestly, I don't understand the Tsaritsa's thinking."

The honest Tartaglia spoke his mind.

"What about La Signora?" Lumine asked, still concerned.

After all, La Signora had died because of her, and she would likely have to go to Snezhnaya in the future.

So, Lumine felt it was necessary to clarify. She didn't want the Fatui to blame her for La Signora's death and then walk right into Snezhnaya unprepared. That would be suicidal.

At this, Tartaglia looked at Lumine with admiration. "I didn't expect this, Traveler. You're full of surprises. You actually managed to defeat La Signora…"

"Though she wasn't the brightest, her strength was no joke. Even as a one-time Crimson Witch, she was on par with a god's familiar."

"So, what's the Fatui's stance on this?" Lumine pressed.

Tartaglia said, "The Fatui's view is simple. La Signora's downfall was due to her own arrogance and overconfidence. She thought she could disrespect a god… She brought it on herself."

"While there are differing opinions among the current Harbingers, most don't hold any grudge against you. They probably think it has nothing to do with you."

Given La Signora's haughty personality, it was no surprise she didn't have many friends… Well, except maybe Arlecchino? La Signora did occasionally visit the House of the Hearth.

But now that she was dead, it didn't matter to Tartaglia.

"Oh, by the way, a word of advice. If you're heading to Sumeru, be careful of the Doctor and Scaramouche."

"Those two are the epitome of cunning, cruelty, and underhandedness. When it comes to their schemes, always assume the worst… They're both heartless lunatics."

As a Harbinger, Tartaglia knew all too well how these two had tainted Snezhnaya's reputation. Even the Tsaritsa seemed to be growing weary of them.

And as someone who loved his younger siblings and valued humanity, the actions of these two were utterly despicable.

So, selling out his colleagues didn't weigh on Tartaglia's conscience at all.

"You're a Fatui Harbinger. Isn't it a bit much to warn us and badmouth your colleagues like this?" Paimon asked, her mouth full of food.

"Who said that? I'm currently a severely injured man. My status as a Harbinger is on hold, and I'm not even an official Snezhnayan envoy right now. I'm just a wounded Snezhnayan civilian you picked up."

"So, right now, I'm Tartaglia, not Childe. This isn't betraying my comrades; it's standing up against evil."

Tartaglia's words made Jiang Ning look at him with newfound respect.

Wow, the honest guy can actually talk like this now?

You've grown, Tartaglia.

"By the way, Jiang Ning, where's your master?" Tartaglia asked eagerly.

"Which one?" Jiang Ning was confused.

Tartaglia clarified, "Ah, I mean Mr. Zhongli. I wanted to ask him for some martial arts advice."

Jiang Ning looked at Tartaglia, still covered in bandages, and out of gratitude for the information he'd provided, said sincerely,

"My advice is, don't go. I'm afraid my master might kill you…"

"What are you talking about? I'm not going to fight him. I just want to learn a move or two… After all, I have a good relationship with Mr. Zhongli."

Yeah, the relationship between a wallet and its owner.

Jiang Ning said, "He's usually at the usual spots—the storytelling teahouse, the opera house, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor… Just look around, but make sure you bring enough Mora."

Tartaglia's face lit up. "Of course. If I'm going to see Mr. Zhongli, I can't let him spend a single Mora."

Jiang Ning looked at Tartaglia with a satisfied smile.

Master, look how thoughtful your disciple is. I've brought you a wallet.

Shenhe had been quietly eating all this time, not understanding most of the conversation… But she trusted Jiang Ning to handle things.

However, when it came to the trip to Sumeru…

A determined glint appeared in Shenhe's eyes.

She would definitely go.

...

When they returned home, Ganyu and Eula were already asleep.

Only Xianyun's room still had its light on.

After whispering to Shenhe, Lumine, and Paimon to rest, Jiang Ning grabbed a bag and headed to Xianyun's room.

He didn't knock and simply walked in.

"Master? Still busy?"

Jiang Ning peeked into Xianyun's room.

Seeing it was Jiang Ning, Xianyun's expression softened.

"You're back so late, child."

"Hehe, Lumine just got back, so we went out for dinner. Tartaglia was there too, so we chatted for a bit."

Jiang Ning then held up the bag in his hand like a treasure.

"Look, I brought you something good."

"All your favorites. I made sure they're still warm."

Xianyun was delighted. "You're so thoughtful."

As Xianyun opened the bag and started eating, Jiang Ning smiled to himself.

Hehe, in the past, Master would have said, "This immortal no longer indulges in mortal food. Bringing this is a waste… But since you've already brought it, I can't let it go to waste. I'll eat it."

Always wanting it but too proud to admit it.

But now, Xianyun couldn't act tsundere in front of him.

In fact, if Jiang Ning spoke a little too harshly or sternly, Xianyun would get nervous instead.

The tables had turned.

This could be considered a form of… successful conditioning?

Jiang Ning felt quite pleased with himself.

He was making progress toward his goal of surpassing his master.

Jiang Ning glanced at Xianyun's graceful figure but quickly averted his gaze.

His heart burned with desire, but it wasn't the right time yet.

Xianyun, oblivious, casually said,

"There are still some things I don't fully understand. Let's discuss them after I finish eating."

Jiang Ning readily agreed. "Of course, Master."

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