"Hmm? Fatui Harbingers—two of them?"
Outside the second floor of Heyu Teahouse, Bai Ge's expression tightened after hearing Boss Fan's words.
At this point in time, Mondstadt hadn't even started talking about the dragon crisis yet.
The Traveler hadn't arrived.
Teyvat's main storyline hadn't begun.
So why were two Fatui Harbingers already in Liyue before the plot even kicked off?
"Can you describe their features in more detail?" Bai Ge asked.
"Ah, of course." Boss Fan sighed and began to explain.
"One man and one woman. The man's actually fine—orange hair, blue eyes, looks pretty sunny and handsome."
"If it were only that male Harbinger, I wouldn't have gone as far as turning customers away."
"The problem is the female Harbinger…"
"Oh my heavens—snow-white hair, an icy and aloof aura.
Colder than the very peak of Dragonspine!"
"It's because of that 'keep-out' presence of hers that I had no choice but to drive the regulars away…"
"Sigh, those Fatui didn't even book the place. This deal really cost me dearly."
Boss Fan spoke with genuine heartache.
Originally, Yun Jin performing should've been his biggest money-maker of the week.
Now the Fatui had barged in and ruined it—how could that not hurt?
"Then if they're basically occupying the place, why didn't you call the Millelith?" Bai Ge asked, puzzled.
Unlike Mondstadt—whose elite forces were often deployed elsewhere and which lacked an active god—
Liyue was militarily robust, with its Archon still present.
The Fatui wouldn't dare cause real trouble here.
"Sigh, calling the Millelith wouldn't help," Boss Fan replied.
"They're just sitting inside, listening to the opera like normal customers."
"It's mainly that they look way too intimidating. I was worried that if I let the regulars in and someone accidentally offended them, something bad might happen."
"So I figured—better safe than sorry."
"I chose the path of least trouble."
"I see." Bai Ge nodded.
So turning people away was Boss Fan's own decision.
Strictly speaking, the Fatui hadn't done anything wrong.
But oddly enough, that explanation only made Bai Ge more curious.
He really wanted to see just how intimidating the Fatui from the game looked in real life.
"If they didn't book the place, then let me go in," Bai Ge said.
"You want to go in?" Boss Fan stared at him in surprise.
Bai Ge had helped him deal with troublemakers before, so Boss Fan knew he had some ability.
Still—after giving Bai Ge another once-over, Boss Fan shook his head.
He didn't believe Bai Ge could afford to offend the Fatui.
"Forget it. I know you're capable, Young Master Bai, but Fatui Harbingers aren't people you want to mess with."
"There's no need to risk it."
"Next time—next time Yun Jin performs, I'll reserve a front-row seat just for you!" Boss Fan tried to persuade him.
But the more Boss Fan discouraged him, the more Bai Ge wanted to go in.
Having just pulled Planet Befall, Bai Ge's confidence had inflated considerably.
From the description, the two inside were likely Childe and Signora.
Sure, Bai Ge couldn't beat them—
But this was Liyue Harbor.
No one could start a fight here.
Just going in to take a look?
That much courage, Bai Ge still had.
"Relax, Boss Fan. I won't cause trouble or provoke the Fatui," Bai Ge reassured him.
"I just want to listen to Yun Jin sing. I'll sit quietly in a corner."
"But—" Boss Fan still hesitated.
Then Bai Ge straightened his expression and turned serious.
"Boss Fan, now I have to criticize you a bit."
"You're only thinking about the regulars possibly clashing with the Fatui—
but have you considered how Yun Jin might feel seeing a whole group of Fatui sitting there?"
"You said it yourself—they look fierce."
"Even if they don't do anything, just their presence alone could frighten her."
"If Yun Jin gets nervous and messes up her performance, that'd be disastrous!"
"The Fatui are a small problem—your reputation is the big one!"
"If I go in, at least there'll be a familiar face. Yun Jin will relax more."
"And if the Fatui do have some ulterior motive, I can act as backup."
Bai Ge spoke with complete seriousness.
"…"
Boss Fan fell silent.
Bai Ge's words convinced him.
"Alright… alright then. I'll have to trouble you, Young Master Bai."
"You're right—I really didn't think that far."
Boss Fan stepped aside, clearing the way.
After some back-and-forth, Bai Ge finally entered Heyu Teahouse.
The sound of unfamiliar footsteps echoed through the unnaturally quiet interior.
In an instant—
More than a dozen sharp, predatory gazes snapped toward him!
At the same time, Bai Ge took in the scene inside.
Good grief.
Childe and Signora were seated in the front row, right before the stage.
Behind them were:
Anemo Boxer, Cryo Gunner, Geo Caster, Pyro Rifleman,
Electro Cicin Mage, Cryo Cicin Mage, Mirror Maiden—
And even the legendary Debt Collector.
The Fatui had gathered in full force.
All villains, no exceptions.
No wonder Boss Fan said they looked terrifying.
Bai Ge complained internally, but outwardly his expression didn't change.
His pace remained steady.
Under the collective gaze of the Fatui,
he calmly walked forward.
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