After leaving the Palace…
Shajin took off his Harbinger's coat and headed straight for the headquarters of the Northland Bank in Snezhnaya.
He knew all too well that The Doctor changed his laboratories every few days.
And the best way to find "them" was undoubtedly to start with their financier—The Regrator.
The Northland Bank, being the largest financial institution in Snezhnaya, was not only The Regrator's greatest asset, but also one of his primary places of activity.
Inside the bank, The Regrator's right eyelid twitched as he reviewed a stack of documents.
'Weird. Did I stay up too late last night?'
…
Shajin stood before the Northland Bank, gazing up. The structure was grand and imposing, exuding a magnificent, awe-inspiring aura that left people breathless.
The doorframe was inlaid with golden trim, and the decorative carvings of dragons and phoenixes were so lifelike they seemed to whisper stories of glory and honor.
Just as Shajin was about to push open the doors, a tall and burly guard suddenly stepped in front of him, blocking his path.
The guard appeared to be in his forties, with a rugged face and stubble that suggested he had only recently shaved. His uniform was crisp, but the clearly defined muscles beneath it hinted at disciplined strength.
Most striking of all, however, was his closed left eye, above which ran a long scar from the corner of the eye down to his chin—clearly a fresh wound.
From the look of it, this guard had likely been seriously injured in battle and discharged from service.
"This is the Northland Bank. Unauthorized persons are not allowed inside…" The guard's voice was deep and firm, leaving no room for argument.
His tone was serious, but before he could finish his sentence, another guard quickly clamped a hand over his mouth.
"Apologies, apologies, Lord Gambler. This guy's been on assignment in Natlan until recently."
"He was just pulled back from the Natlan vanguard due to injuries and hasn't met you before. Please, your lordship, don't take offense."
Then, after removing his hand, he hissed under his breath.
"Anton! Apologize to Lord Gambler! Now!"
The guard named Anton trembled, lips quivering.
"L-Lord Gambler… I-I didn't mean to…"
He had heard stories about some Harbingers who treated human life like dirt—executing people on a whim if they so much as annoyed them.
And now, faced with this Gambler, whose temperament he didn't know… if he really intended to kill him, there'd be no resisting it.
No one would speak on his behalf.
Shajin stroked his chin, locking eyes with Anton in curiosity.
"The Fatui provides decent welfare for retired soldiers. Maybe not luxury, but more than enough for a stable life."
"So why are you working here as a guard?"
"I… I just want to do something for Snezhnaya," Anton replied, lowering his head. His voice trembled slightly.
"My eye might be injured, but I still have my hands and feet. I can still fight. Working as a guard at least makes me feel… useful."
Shajin stared at him for a moment.
"Spare me the noble-sounding nonsense. I want the truth."
He snapped his fingers.
His Cryo Vision glowed, releasing a mist of cold air that cloaked the three of them in a frosty shroud.
Shajin extended his right hand.
"Talk."
Anton looked around. The thick fog obscured everything—no one outside could see what was happening within.
Biting his lip, he dropped to one knee without hesitation.
This man who had survived countless battles and bled without shedding tears… now found his eyes stinging.
"Please, Lord Gambler, have mercy on me! Though Lord Rooster's policies provide for basic needs, for someone like me… it's not enough…"
"My son suffers from a recurring illness. He needs injections regularly."
"My wife and daughter try to support us by growing and selling Cecilia flowers imported from Mondstadt."
"My vanguard stipend covered most of the treatment costs, but now that I'm no longer active duty… it's tough."
"It was only thanks to a recommendation from Lord Capitano that I got a job here at the Northland Bank. This wage is all we have."
"If I lose this—"
"Enough," Shajin interrupted.
"Your wife and daughter sell these?"
He took out a Cecilia flower he had bought earlier from his Vision, the petals still tightly closed.
Anton stared at it for a long moment, then nodded resolutely.
"Yes, that's definitely one of theirs! But… why hasn't it bloomed?"
"I see~"
Shajin handed him the flower and said softly,
"Take this to The Gambler's Den. Give it to the steward there. He'll set you up with a job. The pay isn't great, but it should cover the medical expenses."
"I'll handle things here with The Regrator."
He helped Anton to his feet, and seeing the dazed look on the man's face, chuckled and scolded him.
"Straighten your back! Lose face for the Northland Bank, and even I can't save you!"
Anton snapped to attention and barked, "Yes, sir!!"
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Shajin's lips.
He lightly thumped Anton's chest with a fist, his tone approving.
"Not bad. You're a real man~"
With a casual wave of his hand, a powerful gust blew away the surrounding mist.
Anton stepped aside and bowed respectfully.
"In that case, Lord Gambler, please enter."
Shajin gave a nod and strode into the Northland Bank. The interior was luxurious, adorned with precious artwork and ornaments that exuded power and wealth.
He made his way through the corridors and stopped before a large office door. Two guards flanked it. They saluted and opened the door for him.
Shajin stepped inside.
Behind the desk sat a man in lavish attire—The Regrator, the wealthiest merchant in all of Snezhnaya and possibly Teyvat.
"Well, if it isn't Pantalone. Long time no see. Miss me~?"
_
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