The sky gradually darkened, and the streets were already lit with lights. Amid the dazzling brilliance, there was no trace of the cold solitude that nightfall usually brings. The streets were still bustling with pedestrians, though in the upscale area of Feiyun Slope, it was rare to hear the shouts of street vendors. Yet, the sense of prosperity was even more palpable.
After placing Klee's backpack on the sofa, Lu Heng and the others stepped out of the shop. Just a short walk of less than a hundred meters led them to Liuli Pavilion, one of Liyue Harbor's most famous restaurants. Across from Liuli Pavilion, facing it directly, was Xinyue Kiosk.
One specialized in "Li cuisine," while the other excelled in "Yue cuisine." The two restaurants seemed to be in competition, but Lu Heng knew they were actually owned by the same proprietor.
Arriving at the entrance of Liuli Pavilion, a waiter politely inquired, "Do you have a reservation?"
"We do," Tartaglia replied, pulling a ticket from his pocket.
After glancing at it, the waiter respectfully said, "Esteemed guests, this way, please."
Tartaglia hadn't made the reservation in person, but the ingredients he sent had left quite an impression. In fact, he was probably the first guest to bring his own ingredients—ones the kitchen's head chef had never seen before.
Stepping into Liuli Pavilion, the weight of history immediately enveloped them.
Or, to put it less diplomatically—wow, this place was full of antiques!
Regardless of how the food tasted, the ambiance alone exuded sophistication. Being invited to dine here was a clear sign of the host's esteem.
Liuli Pavilion didn't offer casual dining; all seating was in spacious private rooms. The Fatui under Tartaglia's command had done an excellent job securing a room with a prime location. Opening the window offered a view of the street below Feiyun Slope and the distant docks.
"How's the food preparation coming along?" Tartaglia asked.
"Rest assured, it will be ready in about half an hour. Please be patient, honored guests."
"Understood."
Tartaglia could empathize. After all, the ingredients weren't native to Teyvat—it made sense for the chefs to take their time experimenting.
Lu Heng lifted Klee onto a chair beside him. The little girl swung her legs, hands tucked cutely in her lap, sitting quietly with an adorable demeanor.
"These are all fine pieces. If the items in this room were sold, they'd fetch at least eighty or ninety million, right?" Venti remarked, clicking his tongue. The wealth on display was enough to make anyone envious.
Zhongli smiled faintly but said nothing.
Venti's words, however, gave him an idea.
It suddenly occurred to him that he often purchased antiques he fancied. What if he liquidated his collection?
With the advent of the card shop, the antique market would undoubtedly plummet. Many collectors would likely sell their holdings to cash in and spend on card draws.
But true connoisseurs would still buy for love, especially if their coveted items became more affordable.
After some consideration, Zhongli's expression relaxed further.
Tartaglia placed his Crimson Calamity Toad on the table.
Klee had noticed it earlier and now leaned in for a closer look, her curiosity piqued.
"Big Brother Tartaglia, can Klee touch it?" she asked.
"You're not scared?" Tartaglia chuckled.
The Crimson Calamity Toad wasn't ugly, but it wasn't exactly the kind of creature children usually liked.
"Klee isn't scared!"
She was utterly fascinated by it.
"Then go ahead," Tartaglia said with a grin. "Toad, don't you dare hurt Klee!"
"Ribbit!"
The Crimson Calamity Toad possessed intelligence.
Perhaps due to its species, even at peak fourth-tier strength, it couldn't speak. But its expressive gestures made its intentions somewhat clear.
"So smart!"
Klee reached out and poked it.
The occasional crackle of lightning across the toad's skin made it seem all the more extraordinary.
As Klee played with the toad, Tartaglia turned his attention to Zhongli.
"Mr. Zhongli, you're quite knowledgeable about history?"
Tartaglia was somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected a random passerby to be so well-versed in antiques.
What did this mean?
This was talent!
Young, erudite, and cultured—wherever he went, such a person would be considered exceptional.
"I know a little," Zhongli replied modestly.
Venti rolled his eyes.
What did Zhongli know about history?
He just had a good memory.
Venti mused that if he hadn't spent so much time sleeping, he might have seen enough to cultivate Zhongli's air of sophistication and knowledge.
"Mr. Zhongli's expertise might be of help to you," Lu Heng said meaningfully.
Tartaglia had one admirable trait: he listened to advice.
Especially when it came from someone strong—there was usually some truth to it.
So Tartaglia grew even more enthusiastic.
Venti shot Lu Heng a look, as if to say, You're something else.
Lu Heng smirked faintly.
Whatever game Tartaglia and Zhongli were playing, Tartaglia certainly wouldn't be Zhongli's wallet anymore.
Spend money here?
Might as well draw a few more cards!
"I think..." Zhongli hesitated before saying, "Perhaps it's better to be straightforward?"
Lu Heng raised an eyebrow, surprised.
He had assumed Zhongli would continue hiding his identity, which was why neither he nor Venti had explicitly revealed it to Tartaglia.
Was he planning to come clean now?
Upon reflection, it seemed unnecessary to keep up the act.
If Tartaglia couldn't locate Morax, the young man's temper might flare, leading him to take drastic measures.
Once he learned the truth and realized he'd been played for a fool... given his strength, Zhongli might not be able to suppress him.
"What do you mean?" Tartaglia asked, puzzled.
"Some things are better said sooner rather than later."
Zhongli cleared his throat. "I am actually your mission target."
"Wait, hold on—what?" Tartaglia shot to his feet.
The young man was stunned.
His mission target was Morax!
And here he was, right in front of him!
They'd even been chatting amiably!
"Calm down."
Lu Heng motioned for him to sit.
"How can I calm down?!"
Tartaglia grabbed his hair before sitting back down, his emotions in turmoil.
At least he'd been careful not to say anything too harsh in front of Zhongli, out of respect for his identity as a Liyue native.
But the story about the Crimson Calamity Toad licking Morax until he exploded... Tartaglia almost laughed just thinking about it.
How had Zhongli kept a straight face?
"Do you know why I came to Liyue?" Tartaglia asked.
"I do. It's part of my contract with the Tsaritsa."
Zhongli didn't deny it. He pulled out a golden-hued document inscribed with radiant text and handed it over.
Tartaglia skimmed it and felt his vision darken.
He had the distinct impression that everyone knew what was going on—except him.
"Do you... see the clown mask on my face?" Tartaglia asked gloomily.
"Let me share another sad truth," Lu Heng said with a strange expression. "The Fair Lady knew about this all along."
Bang!
Tartaglia slammed the table.
"What gives her the right?!"
That arrogant woman who always looked down her nose at everyone—why did she get to know?!
They were both Harbingers, yet he was the only one kept in the dark?!
"I can't take this!"
Tartaglia glared at Zhongli, clenching his fists. "Since I've found the real target, pick a place. Let's settle this!"
It seemed a fight was the only way to vent his frustration.
Zhongli sighed softly. "Very well. A spar, then."
"A spar is a spar, but let's not ruin the camaraderie," Venti said seriously.
"Keep it moderate. Don't let anger take over," Lu Heng interjected.
"Don't worry, Boss Lu!"
Tartaglia nodded.
Though he was upset, he hadn't lost his head.
Morax wasn't his ally.
As an adversary, any schemes were understandable.
But that didn't make him any less annoyed.
Perfect timing!
He'd been wanting to test his recent power growth against someone strong—but not overwhelmingly so.
And Morax fit the bill perfectly!
Noticing Tartaglia's expression, Lu Heng felt a pang of admiration.
Who said Tartaglia wasn't clever?
Here he was, getting to fight Morax without spending a single mora!
Lu Heng looked down at Klee's worried face and smiled. "Don't worry about them. The big brothers have cards too. They're strong—just sparring to compare skills. No one will get hurt."
"And if anyone does get hurt, we'll count on little Klee to save us with her bombs!" Tartaglia added with a grin.
With a child present, the bloody, brutal aspects of combat had to be toned down.
"Klee, it's all up to you," Zhongli said with a smile.
"Ah... Klee will do her best to help!"
The little girl felt the weight of responsibility but didn't flinch, answering with determination.
Knock knock.
The sound of someone at the door.
"Let's eat first!"
Tartaglia called out, "Come in!"
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T/N:
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