"Mr. Tartaglia, executive from Snezhnaya… and Mr. Zhongli, guest consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—what do you wish to speak with me about?"
Atop the Jade Chamber, Ningguang held her forehead with one hand, her expression weary.
Recent events had occurred one after another without pause, leaving her overwhelmed. And now, two more had come to see her.
One was Tartaglia—also known as Childe—the Eleventh Harbinger of the Fatui from Snezhnaya.
Although the other was only a guest consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, he was well-acquainted with both Tartaglia and Fu Ning. He was also highly knowledgeable, seemingly aware of everything from ancient times to the present.
His origins were shrouded in mystery, as though he had suddenly appeared in Liyue one day. No trace of his past could be found. He also bore a Geo Vision.
Ningguang remained highly cautious around individuals like him, yet still maintained a cordial relationship on the surface.
She sighed inwardly. Ever since Fu Ning had arrived in Liyue, her days had been anything but peaceful.
Tartaglia sat casually in a chair, legs crossed, paying little attention to Ningguang. He turned to Zhongli and said, "Hey, partner, you're the one who asked me to come here. What happens next is up to you."
He was visibly pleased.
Zhongli had finally agreed to spar with him.
However, there was a condition: as the Fatui Harbinger representing Snezhnaya, Tartaglia would need to cooperate in meeting with Ningguang to advocate for Fu Ning's release.
Zhongli had also promised that if Tartaglia helped clear Fu Ning's name and win back his freedom, he would do everything in his power to ensure a duel between Tartaglia and Fu Ning.
Tartaglia had readily agreed.
He had always found Fu Ning's identity intriguing.
After their first fiery encounter, his fighting spirit had cooled somewhat. Now, his curiosity took the lead.
According to available intelligence, Fu Ning's relationship with the Hydro Archon Furina far surpassed that of a mere follower and deity.
And yet, for reasons unknown, Fu Ning had come to Liyue alone.
Clearly, many secrets remained hidden.
Though Fontaine wasn't his jurisdiction, Tartaglia's curiosity compelled him to go along with Zhongli's suggestion.
His main motivation remained—combat with Zhongli and Fu Ning.
But there was another reason.
Tartaglia had always harbored suspicions about the Liyue Qixing. He even suspected them of being involved in the death of the Geo Archon, Rex Lapis.
Moreover, he believed that the Qixing had concealed the remains of the Geo Archon.
He felt there was something deeply suspicious about it all—and it warranted investigation.
That was why he had taken interest in Zhongli and Fu Ning.
Zhongli, a man seemingly omniscient in astronomy, geography, and history, was also a guest of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. His mysterious background made him ideal for uncovering the secrets behind the concealment of Rex Lapis's body.
As for Fu Ning, Tartaglia was drawn to his overwhelming strength. He hoped to leverage Fu Ning's power to pressure the Qixing.
He had already formed a strategy:
Provoke a conflict between Fu Ning and the Liyue Qixing, then use that opportunity to clear Fu Ning's name and force the Qixing to hand over the immortal remains of the Geo Archon.
Ningguang, seated before them with a shadowed expression, nonetheless served tea to both guests as a matter of courtesy.
Zhongli accepted the cup, took a silent sip, and nodded appreciatively.
"The tea prepared by Tianquan Ningguang is, as always, unparalleled."
Tartaglia followed suit, took a sip, found no particular flavor in it, and downed it all in one gulp.
Zhongli looked directly at Ningguang and spoke with calm resolve:
"Miss Ningguang, in that case, I'll get straight to the point. We are here today on behalf of Mr. Fu Ning."
Ningguang's eyes turned serious. "Mr. Zhongli, please speak."
Zhongli set the teacup down. Naturally, he wouldn't admit that he was here because Fu Ning had been pestering him relentlessly.
"First, let me make this clear: everything I do is for Liyue's best interests. I ask that you understand that, Miss Ningguang."
"Mr. Fu Ning's status is unique. He is the highest-ranking guard of Fontaine. Even if he came to Liyue privately and not on a formal diplomatic mission, keeping him under house arrest and surveillance could damage relations between Liyue and Fontaine."
"Furthermore, Mr. Fu Ning hails from the Nation of Justice. There is no solid evidence that he has committed any crimes in Liyue. If he decides to act out in protest, it would only undermine the very purpose of detaining him."
"In addition, Mr. Fu Ning is a close confidant and personal guard of the Hydro Archon, Lady Furina. Their relationship is unusually close. Detaining him is bound to provoke dissatisfaction—or even divine ire—from her."
"Liyue, in its current state of unrest, is in no position to withstand pressure from a god."
"Also, the people of Fontaine hold Mr. Fu Ning in the highest regard, believing that he has been silently protecting their safety. Continuing to detain him has caused growing dissatisfaction among Fontaine expatriates residing in Liyue."
"Lastly, Mr. Fu Ning is on good terms with Mr. Tartaglia, Harbinger of Snezhnaya. Mr. Tartaglia and I are both willing to vouch for his innocence and affirm that he had no hand in the attempted assassination of Rex Lapis."
"Wouldn't you agree, sir?"
Tartaglia, who had been playing with his teacup absentmindedly, blinked when he heard his name and quickly responded, "Huh? Oh, yes—yes, I agree completely."
Ningguang fell silent for a long time.
In truth, she understood everything Zhongli had said.
If even Zhongli could see this clearly, why couldn't she?
And yet… releasing Fu Ning so easily could pose a risk to Liyue.
Moreover, Mr. Zhongli's rhetorical skill was truly formidable.
He had laid out all the advantages and disadvantages plainly—ostensibly offering his own opinion—yet by the end, he had subtly shifted the responsibility onto Tartaglia.
Zhongli knew that his own status might not be sufficient to sway her, so he brought up Tartaglia's position.
Unlike Fu Ning, Tartaglia had come as an official envoy of Snezhnaya.
Even if no one wanted to believe him, his diplomatic status could not be ignored.
"Mr. Zhongli, please note that Mr. Fu Ning is not under house arrest or surveillance," Ningguang said carefully. "Please be mindful of your wording."
"We are merely protecting Mr. Fu Ning. After all, even the Geo Archon himself was not spared…"
Tartaglia sneered openly. "Hey, hey, hey—Fu Ning is incredibly powerful. He doesn't need protection from your average Millelith troops."
"When the time comes, it's hard to say who will be protecting whom."
"Just let Mr. Fu Ning out already. The three of us are long overdue for a good, clean fight!"
Ningguang let out a long sigh, her voice finally softening. "Mr. Zhongli and Mr. Tartaglia make valid points. I will arrange for the current security detail around Mr. Fu Ning to be withdrawn."
"Mr. Fu Ning is indeed powerful, and it is unnecessary for us to 'protect' him. Furthermore, he is a citizen of Fontaine, not of Liyue—he is not our responsibility to safeguard."
In truth, Ningguang didn't truly believe Fu Ning was the culprit.
Deep down, she leaned toward another possibility—
That this was the work of the Fatui.
And that Fu Ning's appearance was nothing more than a coincidence.