Villain Simulator, Ch 271

Upon seeing the results of the vote, Pierro's already cold and stern expression darkened even further.

Among the seven votes cast, only one was against.

Six votes in favor, three against.

This result marked a landslide victory for Lucas.

"Only one person voted against…" Pierro's gaze swept across the other seven Harbingers, his face a complex mix of emotions. He murmured, "So it's true—teams built on mutual interest inevitably crumble under the weight of those same interests."

Truthfully, Pierro already suspected that the single dissenting vote had come from Columbina, the Maiden. But with the vote being anonymous, any of the seven could have cast that vote.

Thus, none of the Harbingers showed the slightest trace of guilt or hesitation on their faces.

"Pierro," Lucas spoke seriously, "I understand that you founded the Fatui for a noble cause, and that collecting the Gnoses is part of that grand preparation. Even though you cast a dissenting vote, I still hope you'll continue to serve as the overseer of the Fatui. That lofty dream of yours—" Lucas took out the Geo Archon's Gnosis and placed it on the table with a steady hand, "—I'd like to help you accomplish it. Let this Gnosis be my signing bonus, so to speak."

Lucas understood that the "Gnoses" were, in truth, of little practical use. If offering one could buy the loyalty of the Fatui's most senior Harbinger, it would undoubtedly be a profitable trade.

Pierro was momentarily taken aback. Then, a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "You are as unpredictable as ever. To think that even the power bestowed by a god could become a bargaining chip in your hands."

"If a bargaining chip can secure equivalent benefits, it becomes a fair transaction," Lucas said with a smile. "The Fatui doesn't necessarily have to belong to Snezhnaya alone."

"In that case," Pierro turned away, his voice steady, "as per the voting results, the negotiation is concluded. To end the war and protect the citizens of Snezhnaya from further slaughter, Snezhnaya will submit to Liyue as a condition of the ceasefire."

"Well, well," Doctor's voice oozed mockery from behind her mask. "It seems we're traitors now."

"Technically speaking, I wouldn't call it betrayal," Pantalone, "The Regrator" said with a sly smile. "After all, I'm originally from Liyue."

The once-tense atmosphere lightened somewhat as the successful negotiation seemed to relax the Harbingers.

However, Capitano, who had been silent until now, stepped forward, his towering figure exuding a powerful sense of pressure. Even Lucas couldn't help but furrow his brow slightly. Was this man about to challenge the voting results and resolve the matter with violence?

But instead, Capitano's deep voice rumbled, "Her Majesty is more fragile than she appears. Please take care to be considerate when delivering this news to her."

Though his appearance was that of an unyielding warrior, it seemed Capitano was, at heart, a truly gentle soul.

Indeed, aside from the deceased Tartaglia, Capitano was likely one of the few Harbingers who genuinely served the Tsaritsa out of heartfelt loyalty.

In truth, many of the Fatui Harbingers had their own motives for joining, with no shortage of them defecting from other nations. For these individuals, betraying a second time would be of little concern if it served their interests.

"Her Majesty is waiting for the negotiation results in her office," Pierro added, picking up the thread. "I'm not in a position to deliver this news. Emperor Tian Kui, you may choose one Harbinger to accompany you."

Oh, so now it's "Emperor Tian Kui," is it? Pierro's quick change in tone was rather amusing.

"I've said it before—Liyue has no need for emperors," Lucas said casually. "Since Snezhnaya is now submitting to Liyue, there's no need for such titles. As for my escort…"

His gaze landed on Signora, and he offered a faint, meaningful smile. "When I was in Liyue, I had the pleasure of meeting Lady Signora. Though it wasn't the most pleasant memory, at least we're acquainted. Please accompany me to meet the Tsaritsa."

"I… I understand," Signora nodded, her voice steady as she stepped forward. "This way, please."

As the two figures disappeared down the hallway, the remaining eight Harbingers in the conference room exchanged glances, unsure of what to say.

"Well, well," Columbina, the Maiden, finally opened her eyes, a faint smile gracing her lips. "I had a feeling that Signora and that man might have more than a fleeting connection."

"Indeed," Arlecchino sneered. "I've never seen Signora look at a man like that—like a woman, no less."

"Now, now, that's quite a remark," Pulcinella chuckled. "She's a woman, isn't she? If we're talking about who's the least 'womanly' woman here, wouldn't that be—"

"I'd advise you to think carefully before you speak," Arlecchino cut him off coldly. "Mayor Pulcinella."

The Harbingers weren't fools. In fact, some of them had long since noticed that Signora's behavior seemed a bit off. However, since it didn't concern them directly, none of them had been willing to risk offending her over it.

Now that the matter was settled, even knowing that Signora and Lucas shared a peculiar connection was of little consequence.

"By the way, I'm rather curious," Pierro said, glancing at the pile of ballots on the table. "Who cast the sole dissenting vote?"

The room fell into silence. Had the negotiations failed, the dissenter might have been hailed as loyal and steadfast. But with the tide turned, that lone vote now represented a potential threat.

"It doesn't matter anymore," Capitano said, sweeping his hand. The ballots disintegrated into dust in an instant. "The Fatui always looks forward, does it not?"

....

"Rosalyn, I must say, your acting wasn't half bad," Lucas remarked as they walked through the icy palace corridors. Seeing no one around, he dropped his pretense, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "You've really outdone yourself this time."

"Please, call me Signora here," she replied, still glancing around nervously. "And… could you please move your hand? If someone sees—ah!"

"Don't mind me," Lucas smirked, leaning in closer. "I'm just looking for the 'switch.'"

"N-No!" Signora's cheeks flushed red. "If you trigger that mode here and we're caught, I'll…"

"Then don't get caught," Lucas whispered in her ear. "To celebrate the success of the negotiation, wouldn't it be fitting to… pop open some champagne?"

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