Chapter 94: Childe’s Kindness?

The third benefit is the only one that really matters—free food and lodging. Everything else is just fluff.

At that moment, Bai Xiao returned, hurrying to Lady Ningguang's side. He bowed slightly, voice respectful and clear.

"Lady Ningguang, the chefs have arrived."

Ningguang lifted her head slightly and gave Bai Xiao a calm glance before saying, "Let them decide what to prepare."

Bai Xiao immediately nodded and turned away to carry out her instructions.

Ningguang led Shao Yun, Lumine, Paimon, and the unexpected addition Tartaglia toward a grand table that had already been set.

She took her seat with poise, her gaze sweeping over each face with a mixture of warmth and quiet authority.

Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon sat together, waiting for the dishes to be served.

Tartaglia, the Fatui Harbinger, joined them uninvited and unbothered.

As course after course was brought out, the group began to enjoy the sumptuous dinner. Ningguang occasionally engaged Shao Yun and Lumine in conversation, sharing stories and customs of Liyue Harbor.

Paimon, meanwhile, chirped away with her usual observations, causing occasional laughter around the table.

Tartaglia ate quietly, attempting to join the conversation a few times—each time silenced by a glare from Shao Yun.

Once the meal ended, everyone was clearly satisfied.

Shao Yun stood and prepared to leave with Lumine and Paimon.

"Thank you for the hospitality, Miss Ningguang. We'll be on our way."

Ningguang smiled and nodded. "Farewell. I hope you enjoy your time in Liyue Harbor. Just have the merchants send the bill to the Jade Chamber."

Shao Yun and the others departed, and Tartaglia also stood to express his thanks.

"Thank you, Miss Ningguang, for your generosity."

Ningguang glanced at him, a teasing glint in her eyes. "I don't recall inviting a Fatui Harbinger to this meal…"

Tartaglia chuckled awkwardly, trying to defuse the situation.

"Ha ha, Lady Ningguang, you jest. I'm just a friendly foreigner who respects Liyue's laws."

"You'd better be…"

…

Shao Yun and the others stepped out of the Jade Chamber, landing once more on the Cloudstepping Stone, returning to the Yiyan Pavilion.

Their eyes instinctively drifted to where the altar once stood, now completely empty. The Geo Archon's "body" had vanished, as if it never existed.

It almost felt like the entire Rite of Descension hadn't even happened.

Just as they were about to leave, hurried footsteps broke the silence.

Tartaglia's voice called out behind them, breathless, "Please, wait!"

Shao Yun turned around, brows furrowed with irritation as he stared at Tartaglia. "We signed a ceasefire pact, didn't we? What are you doing here? Planning to go back on it already?"

Tartaglia shook his head, catching his breath, eyes fixed on Shao Yun's. His voice held a subtle intrigue.

"Don't you find it strange?"

Shao Yun scoffed. "Oh, I find it strange alright. Strange that I'd ever sign a damned pact with the Fatui. I'm starting to think I've been cursed!"

A flicker of awkwardness crossed Tartaglia's face, but he quickly composed himself and continued. "I thought that meal would've built at least a little trust between us."

Shao Yun stepped forward, glaring into Tartaglia's eyes.

"Listen carefully. That pact was a ceasefire, not a friendship treaty. You really think we're going to skip through fields singing Kumbaya? Keep dreaming!"

Tartaglia raised his hands slightly, trying to ease the tension.

"No need to get worked up."

His eyes moved between Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon, finally settling on Lumine.

"Don't you find Ningguang's parting words… odd?"

Lumine frowned slightly, recalling the moment. Then she slowly replied, "You mean… 'Enjoy your time in Liyue Harbor'? I didn't think there was anything strange about it."

Tartaglia nodded, a spark of admiration in his gaze. "Exactly. You're here to find the Geo Archon, aren't you? But Ningguang's words sounded almost like a subtle warning—stay out of the Geo Archon's death. Don't you think that's…"

Shao Yun's expression turned sharp. In a flash, he drew his Schofield revolver and pointed it directly at Tartaglia.

"You investigating us?" he growled.

Tartaglia jumped back in surprise, raising both hands in a hurry. "Whoa, calm down! We just signed a ceasefire, didn't we? Break it and you'll be chewing stone!"

Lumine quickly stepped between them, her voice gentle, "Shao Yun, please calm down. At least hear him out. We can't just tear up the pact right after signing it."

Shao Yun glanced at her, seeing the worry in her eyes. He sighed, holstered his revolver, and muttered, "Fine. But I'll remember this. When the pact's over, you're first on the list."

Tartaglia exhaled in relief and continued, "You came to Liyue seeking the Geo Archon, but now he's gone. It looks like your plans are shot. But…"—he paused, eyes gleaming slyly—"Liyue isn't home to just one god."

Paimon frowned, voice full of doubt. "What are you talking about? Seven nations, seven gods—everyone knows that. How could there be more?"

Tartaglia shook his head and began to show off his "knowledge."

"In Liyue, the adepti are also revered as beings close to the divine. Morax, the Geo Archon, is considered their patriarch. In a way, the so-called 'gods' of Liyue include these adepti."

"Some say there are adepti even older than the Geo Archon himself. Maybe asking them would be a good idea."

Why not just say we should go ask the adepti and save the speech? Trying to sound impressive for no reason.

Besides, he's not even really dead—he's in a quantum superposition between life and death.

Shao Yun curled his lip, unimpressed.

"Thanks for the tip. If we really need them, we'll go ourselves."

Tartaglia looked surprised. "Wait—Shao Yun, you're not planning to seek the adepti directly, are you?"

Shao Yun eyed him coldly. "And why should I tell you our plans?"

Tartaglia sighed, patient. "You might not know this, but the adepti live deep in the wilderness, and they're nothing like us. You don't just walk up and say hello. I've wandered Liyue's countryside for days and never seen a single one."

Of course you haven't—you're Fatui. If you'd met one, you wouldn't still be talking.

Shao Yun sneered. "The only reason you're still breathing is because the adepti are merciful. If you'd really met them, we'd never see you again."

Tartaglia coughed lightly, redirecting the topic.

"Anyway," he said with a smile, "I have something that might help you."

He pulled out a glowing talisman—the Warding Talisman of Omniprotection. Faint golden light shimmered across its surface, hinting at mysterious power.

He offered it to Lumine, eyes filled with hope.

"With this, the adepti may be willing to meet you."

Lumine instinctively reached out to take it.

But just before her fingers touched it, Shao Yun stopped her.

He stared down Tartaglia, voice firm.

"There's no such thing as a free breakfast, lunch, or dinner. What are you playing at?"

Tartaglia flinched at the words, but quickly recovered. He looked sincere.

"I have no hidden motives. I just want to be friends."

Shao Yun remained unmoved. He pushed Tartaglia's hand back, eyes cold.

"Listen—I don't befriend the Fatui. The only reason I signed that ceasefire was because of Ningguang's deal and Lumine. Don't push your luck."

Tartaglia went quiet, staring at the talisman in his hand. He took a deep breath and looked back at Shao Yun.

"I understand your hesitation. But with the Geo Archon gone, the adepti are your best lead. Without this talisman, it will be extremely hard to find them."

Shao Yun felt the conversation slipping—Tartaglia's words were persuasive, and Lumine was starting to waver.

If she accepted that talisman, it'd be as good as accepting Fatui help. And then… no clean kill down the line. Time to stir the pot.

"Almost had me going in circles," Shao Yun said with a hint of irritation. "Why should we seek the adepti? Thanks to Miss Ningguang, our expenses in Liyue are fully covered. We're not here for money."

Then, with zero warning, he threw an arm around Lumine, catching her off guard. She looked up at him, startled.

"Also, I'm not looking for love," he declared boldly. "So why would I go looking for adepti?"

Lumine blushed furiously, trying to pull away. "What are you doing? This is a public place!"

Tartaglia stood there, dumbfounded by their sudden display.

He opened his mouth, but all that came out was: "Uh…"

Shao Yun ignored him and pressed on. "And I don't need to find any adepti. I already found one."

Lumine blinked, confused. "Huh? When?"

Shao Yun looked down at her with warmth in his eyes.

"Over a month ago, by the sea… when a celestial being descended—you."

His words struck her like a jolt. Her cheeks flushed hot, and she stammered, "Don't say stuff like that in public!"

"I won't stop. More people saw you riding on my shoulders than are watching now. What's the big deal?"

Tartaglia awkwardly coughed, clearly out of his depth. "Ahem… well, if you change your mind, or need help, you can find me at the Northland Bank. Really—I mean no harm."

Shao Yun watched him leave, eyes narrowing in disdain.

"If the Fatui ever truly meant well, I'd be growing Mora trees by now."

Beside him, Lumine's face was still red from earlier.

She tugged at Shao Yun's sleeve, whispering, "Shao Yun, can you let go? I'm getting a little warm…"

Only then did Shao Yun realize he was still holding her tight. He quickly released her, a sheepish smile on his face.

"Sorry about that…"

Lumine shook her head with a smile. "It's okay. Just… warn me next time."

Off to the side, Paimon watched them knowingly, a smirk on her face.

"You two sure are close, huh…"

Both Shao Yun and Lumine froze slightly, a blush rising to their cheeks. Some things were better left unspoken.

"Lumine, forget about the Geo Archon for now. First, we settle our lodging. Once that's done, I'll get you a custom outfit."

"Okay! Paimon, let's go!"

Paimon followed with a resigned shake of her head.

"Honestly, it's not like I'm gonna say anything…"