27: The Second Celestial Star of the Seraph

The Goth's Grand Hotel—ever since "The Wealthy One" Pantalone had bought out the entire building, it had effectively become a stronghold of the Fatui. From the staff at the entrance to every attendant inside, all had been replaced by agents loyal to the organization.

At the top floor of the hotel, in a lavishly furnished room, a beautiful woman stood by the window, gazing down upon the slightly desolate city of Mondstadt. The devastation left behind by Stormterror still lingered in the air and on the streets.

She wore a sheer white gown that revealed more than it concealed, but on her, it exuded elegance rather than impropriety—emphasizing her stunning figure and graceful posture.

Without a sound, Saphir appeared behind her. Her steps fell softly on the plush crimson wool carpet, but her brows furrowed slightly in disapproval. Such flooring was impractical in combat—too soft, too unstable.

"I thought you wouldn't show," said the woman by the window, her voice low and melodic. "First Pierro's letter, then Tartaglia's—practically delivered back-to-back. Got me all confused."

This was none other than Rosalyne-Kruzchka Lohefalter, the Eighth of the Fatui Harbingers, codename 'The Lady'.

Saphir walked to the wine cabinet beside the wall, her movements practiced and casual. "Life's unpredictable. I didn't expect to be held up in Liyue either, but everything's settled now, so here I am."

She searched for something to her taste, but upon not finding anything particularly appealing, settled for a random bottle of red wine. She opened it and began to let it breathe.

Watching her companion work with practiced ease, Rosalyne chuckled softly. "You're quite the bartender. Have you considered applying as a server at Angel's Share?"

Still focused on the wine, Saphir didn't even lift her head. "Never crossed my mind. If I had to choose, I'd go to Cat's Tail instead. That feline bartender is far more interesting than that icy claymore woman."

Rosalyne smiled and shook her head, letting the banter pass. Soon the wine was ready. Saphir poured two glasses and handed one over.

Rosalyne took it, sipped gracefully, and nodded. "Not bad. I like it. Too bad it's just a fleeting pleasure."

"You don't need to carry all the weight on your own," Saphir said softly, stepping beside her to gaze out over the city. "When you're lost, you can lean on me. Yell at me, curse me out like you used to."

Rosalyne turned to face her, meeting her gaze with uncharacteristic sincerity. "I didn't understand you before. Thought you just liked being contrary. I don't think that anymore, Saphir."

Her eyes lingered on the red-eyed girl clad in black leather. She recognized this form—it wasn't the typical appearance of Saphir, but one she'd seen more than once before.

"The people of Mondstadt have forgotten Stormterror," Rosalyne said, draining her glass and setting it down with a soft clink. "Just like they forget anyone who once fought for them. Forgetfulness is their talent. As long as their so-called Anemo Archon stays in hiding, they can forget anyone. They say 'May the wind guide you'—but where is their wind?"

Saphir followed her gaze but didn't spot that familiar green silhouette. Venti was probably still holed up in Angel's Share.

"Oh, right," Saphir said suddenly. She held out her hand, and a turquoise chess piece—a Gnosis—appeared in her palm. "Your mission objective."

Rosalyne raised an eyebrow at the sight. "Looks like you've been busy without telling me. You've already gotten your hands on it. What's the rush? Afraid of something?"

Saphir gave a dry laugh and took a tactical sip of wine. "Don't be like that. No need for those dark assumptions."

"…Are you worried I might run into that girl?" Rosalyne asked casually.

Saphir choked on her drink and began coughing violently.

Unfazed by her dramatics, Rosalyne continued, "I can feel it—she's not ordinary. But as it stands, her strength is mediocre. I could crush her like an insect."

"Let's not go that far. She's actually quite nice," Saphir replied with a pained smile.

Rosalyne nodded. "Her and that little floating mascot… they're both completely wrapped around your finger. But why did you hand her off to Lin Yi? At first, I thought you were recruiting new members."

"Lin Yi's better suited to guide her. You know why. I'm Fatui," Saphir said vaguely, unwilling to explain further.

Rosalyne didn't push. They were both Harbingers—not subordinates. If Saphir didn't want to talk, she didn't have to. Still, she hadn't forgotten about that letter, and she wasn't sure whether Saphir had simply forgotten or was playing some game.

"So," Rosalyne said at last, "when are you heading back to Snezhnaya?"

"Why would I go back?" Saphir asked, surprised.

"You completed your mission, didn't you? Shouldn't you report in?"

"In negotiations," Rosalyne replied, sipping more wine, "never let the other party guess your true intentions. That's something you taught me."

Saphir facepalmed. She's seriously planning to go after Barbatos?!

"He gave it his all in the battle against Durin. Him and Stormterror both," Saphir said, trying to persuade her otherwise.

The moment she mentioned Durin, the room's temperature seemed to drop. Rosalyne's expression darkened. "I know. I never hated Barbatos. He didn't do anything wrong. Even Rostam's death… I never blamed him."

"Then why?" Saphir was genuinely confused.

Rosalyne's smile returned, soft and bitter. "That's what makes it all the more laughable. Have you heard what the people call Stormterror now? Wind Demon Dragon. If Barbatos stood before me, I'd laugh in his face. Look what he's been protecting—a bunch of ingrates who forget their own history."

"…A dark history, full of forbidden truths," Saphir murmured.

Rosalyne nodded. "Exactly. That history recorded Rostam… and Stormterror."

"…And a witch who tried to burn it all away." Saphir looked toward the woman seated on the bed. Rosalyne's smile froze.

Barbatos wasn't the only fool. Rostam, Rosalyne… and perhaps even herself. That's why she longed to create a new world—she had never betrayed her heart. But that same truth was also why she was beyond salvation.

"So… incurable," Saphir muttered. She'd always believed Rosalyne didn't deserve to die. Yet now it felt like fate itself was dragging her toward death—whether it was through Lumine or someone else.

Rosalyne, of course, knew none of this. And even if she did, she would likely just smile it off. Life or death no longer mattered to her.

"Oh, by the way," Rosalyne said, as if remembering something. She opened the nightstand drawer and pulled out a folded letter. "This was… just there one day. No idea when you left it."

Saphir took the letter, opened it—and her brows furrowed instantly.

"What's wrong?" Rosalyne asked, amused. "Failed to prank me and now you're sulking?"

Saphir shook her head. She'd read the letter. The reason her expression darkened was because she understood.

"…So that's how it is."

"Huh?" Rosalyne raised a brow.

"…Like it says in the letter. I've failed… so many times."

She recognized the aura on the parchment. It was her own. And on the paper were invisible symbols—some kind of seal, like the talismans used by the adepti in Liyue.

"This letter… is different." Saphir switched to her Cleric form and once again picked up the parchment.

Suddenly, a soft light bloomed from it. Symbols floated into the air, weaving themselves into a glowing tether that stretched between Saphir and Rosalyne.

Seraph Seat (Activated)

Constellation: Gabriel's Mercy (Linked to: Seat of Southern Seas and Skies)

Effect: The angel who watches over redemption from on high—though you have sinned, she bears you no malice. Under the blessing of divine light, all healing abilities are greatly enhanced.

Constellation: Uriel's Judgment (Linked to: Crimson Moth Seat)

Effect: Even hell shall one day be cleansed by flame. Behind her mask of fury lies a heart full of passion. As the Seraph of Judgment, she whispers of songs carried by the wind after purging the underworld. Greatly increases resistance to elemental damage, enhances physical endurance, and unlocks the special skill: 'Divine Revelation.'

A golden star lit up in the sky. Though it was still daylight and few people noticed, far away at Windrise, a certain green bard lifted his head and looked toward the clouds.

"…How unexpected. A Harbinger from another world. Just how many secrets do you still keep hidden, Saphir?"

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