Chapter 185.
Yes, The Knave's approach to the two Electro Cicin Mages was rooted in a gentle, pragmatic understanding. She was not a tyrant blinded to the realities of her subordinates' emotions.
She understood their anxiety perfectly. Having served under La Signora, they had witnessed firsthand the Fair Lady's fanatical, unrelenting devotion to Snezhnaya.
Arlecchino freely admitted that, in terms of sheer patriotic zeal, she fell short of Signora. The reason was simple: Arlecchino would never burn her own life to ash merely to pave a road for Snezhnaya.
Everyone was driven by their own core motivations. She had originally joined the Fatui solely to save her homeland, Fontaine. It was only later—after meeting the Tsaritsa, understanding her ultimate wish, and uncovering certain buried truths—that Arlecchino truly committed her strength to the Fatui's cause.
Because of this profound difference in ideology, Arlecchino treated the anxiety of her inherited operatives with a soft hand.
"They simply do not understand Father's wisdom and gentleness."
Lyney observed objectively, his tone measured.
"They haven't been with the House of the Hearth long enough. If they spent more time under Father's command, they would realize that following La Signora's methodology is a mistake. In my professional opinion, La Signora's approach, while undeniably efficient, planted far too many hidden explosives."
Lynette offered a small, firm nod of agreement. As their Father's children and highly trained operatives, they understood La Signora's doctrine intimately:
Never surrender. Exploit every conceivable resource. Enemies are absolute and can never be converted into allies.
To be brutally honest, while La Signora's scorched-earth tactics maximized immediate gains for the Fatui, they generated a catastrophic amount of collateral damage. She routinely alienated entities that could have easily been cultivated into Snezhnayan allies.
Lyney harbored a specific, deeply seated frustration regarding this exact flaw: Futsu Mitama originally had absolutely zero intention of becoming an enemy of the Fatui. But because of the combined, aggressive provocations of La Signora, Scaramouche, and Dottore, Futsu Mitama was violently shoved to the opposing side. As a direct result, he had single-handedly derailed multiple massive Fatui operations.
It begged a terrifying hypothetical question:
If those three Harbingers hadn't arrogantly viewed him as an ant from the very beginning, what would the board look like now? Would Futsu Mitama still just be a quiet, eccentric wine merchant in Inazuma, rather than the ascending Raiden Shogun actively dismantling their plans?
"Lyney is correct." Lynette chimed in, her tail swishing. "La Signora's methods were far too radical. I do not care for them."
"We simply need to focus on our own directives."
Arlecchino smiled, her crimson eyes calm. She didn't inherently hate La Signora's methods. In certain, highly specific scenarios, that kind of ruthless efficiency was invaluable.
She actually quite liked her fallen colleague.
She viewed La Signora the same way Dottore did: as a highly effective, incredibly sharp blade that could sever obstacles without hesitation or remorse.
But La Signora was La Signora, and subordinates were subordinates.
Arlecchino respected her as a peer, but she absolutely refused to let her subordinates operate under La Signora's fanatical doctrine, as it would only breed unnecessary chaos for the House of the Hearth.
She welcomed their suggestions, but she would never permit them to act on their own authority.
"Understood, Father."
Lyney and Lynette replied in perfect unison, fully aligned with her philosophy.
Soon, the delicate Liyue pastries and tea were finished.
Lyney and Lynette stood up, preparing to depart. Following their Father's subtle directive, they were going to engineer a 'chance' encounter with the golden-haired Traveler.
"Do not force the connection."
Arlecchino warned softly before they reached the door. While she hoped they could cultivate a genuine friendship with Lumine, she absolutely forbade them from artificially currying favor.
Establishing a bond now simply meant that when the Traveler inevitably arrived in Fontaine, the House of the Hearth would be her first point of contact.
"We understand, Father."
Lyney nodded.
With that, the twin illusionists slipped out of the inn, vanishing into the bustling undercurrents of the harbor, leaving Arlecchino alone with her thoughts.
—
Time marched steadily forward. During the day, Liyue Harbor was a machine of commerce, everyone focused entirely on their own ledgers and trades.
But as the sun dipped below the horizon, the city transformed.
Lanterns bathed the harbor in a warm, golden glow, and the streets erupted with life. Vendors rolled out their carts, and the air filled with the savory scents of street food and the boisterous calls of merchants. In the tense, exciting days leading up to the Rite of Descension, the nightlife was electric.
Even Raiden Makoto and Raiden Ei, at Futsu Mitama's urging, had donned casual clothes and masks to immerse themselves in the mortal festival.
That evening, Ganyu had taken the Inazuman diplomatic delegation to dinner at the Liuli Pavilion.
Why Liuli Pavilion and not Xinyue Kiosk?
The logic was flawless: Inazuma's culinary identity was dominated by seafood. Taking them to Xinyue Kiosk—which also specialized in seafood—would be redundant. Liuli Pavilion offered the rich, mountain-born delicacies of authentic Liyue cuisine.
The Inazuman groups ate with profound enthusiasm, lavishing praise on the exquisite dishes. Seeing them so satisfied brought a constant, radiant smile to Ganyu's face. In her heart, Liyue Harbor was her true home. Hearing outsiders genuinely praise her home's culinary heritage filled her with an immense, quiet pride.
As the lavish meal concluded, Ganyu looked at the satisfied delegation.
"Would you like to stroll through the harbor markets now, or should we head directly to Futsu Mitama's estate?"
Given their close relationship with the next Raiden Shogun, Ganyu knew it would be a diplomatic failure not to offer an immediate reunion.
"Oh! It has been far too long since I saw Futsu Mitama and Sangonomiya-sama!"
Gorou practically beamed, his bushy tail wagging uncontrollably behind him.
His eagerness wasn't just for Futsu Mitama; he was desperate to reunite with Sangonomiya Kokomi.
It had been over half a year since he last saw his Divine Priestess. His time in Inazuma had been a nightmare of constant, shameless exploitation by the Guuji. He desperately wanted to complain to Kokomi and Futsu Mitama about how his 'educational exchange' at the Yae Publishing House had devolved into him doing everyone else's grueling administrative work.
"Yes, it has been quite some time."
Kujou Sara nodded in agreement. As both a friend and a loyal subject, paying her respects to Futsu Mitama was mandatory.
Though I must ask when he intends to return to Inazuma to assist the Shogun with the overflowing bureaucratic backlog, she thought with a silent sigh.
"I want to go! I want to go!" Yoimiya cheered, practically bouncing on her heels. "I even brought a batch of the Naganohara family's century-old, premium fireworks specifically as a gift for him!"
While the others arrived empty-handed, Yoimiya had come prepared.
She had heard from Yae Miko that Futsu Mitama had purchased a new estate in Liyue, and she knew that Liyue tradition demanded lighting firecrackers to bless a new home. Given Futsu Mitama and Aila's famously careless personalities, they undoubtedly forgot to do it. As a true friend, Yoimiya was determined to rectify the oversight. Plus, setting off fireworks in Liyue was a dream come true for her.
"I would also like to visit."
Kamisato Ayaka smiled gracefully. She had heard so many lively stories from the Chat Group members gathered at the estate, and this was a rare, precious opportunity to finally meet them all in person.
"Well, since the consensus is unanimous, Sister Ganyu, would you be so kind as to lead the way?"
Yae Miko smiled, her eyes glinting. She naturally wanted to visit the estate; with both Makoto and Ei staying there, she was hunting for an excuse to drag the two Archons out for some mortal mischief.
"Of course. I would love to see him as well."
Ganyu nodded, taking a deep, relaxing breath. With no late-night administrative work suffocating her schedule, she was free to entertain the guests.
After ensuring the exorbitant bill was forwarded to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Ganyu guided the group into the vibrant streets.
Along the way, she provided a wealth of historical context about the harbor, frequently pausing to warmly greet the passing vendors. Many of the older merchants smiled back with genuine affection; they had literally watched the Qixing's secretary grow up over the centuries.
"You are incredibly popular, Sister Ganyu."
Miko chuckled, a trace of playful envy in her voice. In Inazuma, she commanded absolute reverence and awe, not this kind of warm, familiar affection.
"Not at all." Ganyu replied modestly, her eyes softening as she looked at the bustling crowd. "I simply spend a great deal of time working in the harbor. It is only natural that they recognize my face. But now..."
As the reality of her diminishing workload crashed into her, the gentle light in Ganyu's eyes suddenly dimmed.
Miko remained silent. She knew exactly where Ganyu's thoughts had spiraled.
She realizes she won't be a fixture in these streets anymore. Her 'presence' in the harbor is being stripped away, and she is terrified they will eventually forget her.
Even though Ganyu intellectually knew it was part of the transition, the sudden loss of purpose was destroying her sense of security.
Miko offered a comforting smile and swiftly changed the subject, refusing to let the half-qilin drown in her anxieties tonight.
Soon, the group arrived at Futsu Mitama's sprawling estate, located just next door to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
"Hmm? Who might this be?"
Miko's sharp gaze fell upon a young woman sitting on the front steps, staring intently at the night sky.
"That outfit—"
Kamisato Ayaka blinked, a wave of profound confusion washing over her aristocratic sensibilities.
How could anyone walk the streets in an outfit so... boldly sheer? Didn't she feel the slightest bit embarrassed?
However, Ayaka quickly connected the dots. This had to be the legendary Astrologer, Mona, whom Futsu Mitama and Lumine had frequently mentioned in the Chat Group.
"Eh? Who are all of you?"
Mona blinked, snapping out of her astronomical trance to appraise the large group.
"Are you looking for Futsu Mitama? He stepped out on business. I'm the only one here."
Mona dusted off her tights and stood up. Her eyes instantly locked onto Ganyu. Even a foreigner like Mona recognized the Qixing's secretary; in Liyue, the Qixing rotated constantly, but the Secretary was eternal.
"What about Sangonomiya-sama?"
Gorou asked frantically, his ears drooping.
"You're looking for Kokomi?" Mona scrutinized Gorou's fluffy ears and tail, stroking her chin. "You must be that Gorou guy. She left early this morning to track you down. Did you two seriously miss each other?"
Before Gorou could despair, Mona's eyes swept over the rest of the group.
"And you must be Kujou Sara, the current head of the Tenryou Commission. Which makes you the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine."
Mona nailed their identities flawlessly. Their auras and defining features were unmistakable to a master astrologer. Her gaze finally landed on Ayaka and Yoimiya, but she drew a blank on the two normal citizens.
"That is incredible! You recognized everyone with a single glance?!"
Yoimiya gasped, her eyes shining with absolute awe.
"It is to be expected."
Kujou Sara nodded, not entirely surprised. When you command a national army, your face tends to become public knowledge.
"Hehehehe~ How fascinating."
Miko smiled, her eyes narrowing with predatory interest. This astrologer was a diamond in the rough. She had deduced their identities without even activating a scryglass. Miko instantly began plotting how to lure the genius to Inazuma.
Ganyu stepped forward and smoothly explained the situation, officially introducing the Inazuman delegation to the astrologer. After Ayaka and Yoimiya provided their names, Mona formally introduced herself—though she insisted they simply call her Mona, as her full title was absurdly long.
With introductions settled, Miko and Ayaka pinged the Chat Group, demanding Futsu Mitama and the others return immediately.
Since they were stuck waiting on the porch, Mona seamlessly transitioned into her true element.
"Since we have time to kill, why don't I read your fortunes? Let's see what the stars have planned for your futures."
"Me! Me! Me!" Yoimiya practically threw her hand into the air, vibrating with excitement. "Do me first!"
"What domain do you wish to explore? Romance? Wealth? Or career?"
Mona asked smoothly, summoning her hydro catalyst.
"Career!"
Yoimiya declared without a shred of hesitation. Romance and Mora were trivial compared to the glory of fireworks.
"Very well."
Mona channeled her elemental energy, condensing a pristine, floating water mirror in the air. Constellations of starlight sparked across the liquid surface, mapping out the pyrotechnician's fate.
"Hmm???"
Mona's brow furrowed violently, her expression contorting into utter bewilderment. She stared at the shifting stars, then looked back at Yoimiya.
"Your career is destined to absolutely explode with success... but there is one highly specific warning."
Yoimiya's grin was practically splitting her face after hearing 'explode with success', but she paused at the caveat.
"A warning? About what?"
Mona looked her dead in the eye, her tone terrifyingly serious.
"Whatever you do... absolutely do not discuss your 'career' with two specific girls who possess Pyro Visions. If the three of you collaborate, something catastrophic will happen."