Clap, clap, clap.
"Causing chaos and then swooping in while they're vulnerable. Tartaglia, you've actually impressed me for once."
A round of applause echoed as a dark figure slowly emerged from the shadows. The young man wore an ichimegasa with a kumadori mask at its center, a pale golden veil trailing behind him down to his calves. His outfit consisted of a black short-sleeved top and shorts, with purple sash and black armor on his arms matching the color of his attire.
Childe frowned. He hadn't expected to run into Scaramouche near the Golden House. What a mood killer. Still, having witnessed Scaramouche's power before, Childe knew better than to antagonize him at this critical moment. He forced a laugh.
"Well, if it isn't Scaramouche. What brings you to Liyue? I thought you were off investigating those falling meteorites?"
"Heh, my being here doesn't conflict with that investigation at all. You, on the other hand, Tartaglia."
"Don't you dare steal my prey."
Scaramouche brushed past Childe. The smile beneath his ichimegasa sent a chill down Childe's spine. This guy was insane. Childe swallowed hard, cursing under his breath. Out of all eleven Fatui Harbingers, was he the only normal one?
"Oh, and by the way, I'll give you a piece of information. Your brother Teucer seems to have boarded a ship bound for Liyue Harbor."
"I'm sure you wouldn't want Teucer to hear news of his beloved brother's death, would you?"
"So, do try to stay alive."
With that, Scaramouche laughed and disappeared from Childe's sight. Childe had never wanted to discipline his little brother more than he did right now. Perhaps he should bring back a few 'seven-wolf belts' when he returned to Snezhnaya. They seemed quite sturdy.
A streak of purple light flashed with Electro energy. High in the mountains near the Golden House, Scaramouche toyed with a Delusion in his hand, calmly watching the Millelith soldiers struggling against Childe. He found himself developing some respect for these soldiers.
"Ordinary people fighting Tartaglia this long is already commendable. But if they had Delusions, this farce would be far more entertaining. Too bad I brought so few this time."
"Well, Su Bai. It's almost time for you to make your choice. Will you become as corrupt as I am this time? I'm growing more and more eager for that final act."
On the mountaintop, Scaramouche slowly closed his eyes. That scene from years ago kept flickering in his mind. When he opened his eyes again, he could almost see Liyue Harbor engulfed in flames.
A wicked smile spread across his face as he let out a maniacal laugh that echoed through the mountains. Gradually, his laughter faded. A little finch flying overhead tilted its head at this strange figure and faintly heard him mutter, "Don't die on me now."
...
"Qiqi, take your finch and head back to Liyue Harbor. Someone there might need your help."
"Klee, proceed as planned. The most important step is yours."
"Don't worry, Sister Toto. Klee will get the job done."
At the top of Wangshu Inn, Yanxiao tremblingly placed a plate of Adeptus' Temptation on the table. He couldn't be blamed for his nerves. Serving four adepti at once would make anyone anxious in Liyue. The fact that he could even walk was a testament to his bravery.
The aroma of Adeptus' Temptation caught Cloud Retainer's attention, making her glance at Yanxiao. That sudden gaze nearly made him drop to his knees.
"No need to be nervous. This adeptus won't eat you."
"Never mind. You may go. Look at you, trembling like a leaf."
Yanxiao bowed his head and retreated as if pardoned. As soon as he came downstairs, Verr Goldet grabbed him and urgently asked about the mood among the adepti upstairs. Yanxiao scratched his head.
"I don't know. I went up, served the dishes, and came back down."
"You idiot! Why didn't you stay and observe?"
"Boss, you didn't tell me to stay and observe. How can you blame me for that?"
Verr Goldet was momentarily speechless. He had a point. She hadn't reminded him. This wasn't his fault. With a helpless sigh, she waved him off.
"Alright, I understand. Go back to work."
"How strange."
Yanxiao muttered quietly, not daring to say more. After all, Verr Goldet signed his paychecks. From his experience, crossing the boss never ended well.
At the top of Wangshu Inn, Cloud Retainer studied the dishes on the table. She had long wanted to invent an automatic cooking machine so she could enjoy delicious food anytime, anywhere. Studying fine cuisine seemed like a necessary step.
"About time. According to plan, it's our turn now."
Xiao scraped the last bite of Almond Tofu into his mouth. Behind him, the three adepti were ready. However, Cloud Retainer, who was supposed to be leading the interrogation of the Liyue Qixing, seemed to have run into a small problem.
"Why does this illusion feel so off to me? Mountain Shaper, can you see anything wrong?"
"Cloud Retainer, we've been friends for millennia. Would I lie to you? I genuinely can't see anything off about it."
Mountain Shaper's eyes were full of sincerity. Cloud Retainer turned to Moon Carver, unconvinced. Moon Carver looked away. Her current state reminded him of those bald pigeons he'd seen in Liyue Harbor.
"Moon Carver, what do you mean by that? Is there something wrong with my illusion?"
"Not at all, Cloud Retainer. I just think you're being too particular. The people of Liyue Harbor are just mortals. They won't see through your illusion. I think you're overthinking it."
Though Moon Carver had a fiery temper, he was no longer the low-EQ hothead he'd been thousands of years ago. He knew better than to embarrass an old friend.
Shenhe nodded in agreement with her master. For mortals, this level of illusion was more than enough. There was no need to worry so much.
"Since the issue is settled, let's depart."
"Remember our roles. If anything goes wrong and Rex Lapis holds us accountable, that would be no small matter."
With that, Xiao vanished from the top of Wangshu Inn in a flash of cyan light. The other three adepti followed close behind.
Watching the adepti fade into specks in the sky, Verr Goldet quickly crushed the jade pendant in her hand. At the Jade Chamber, Ningguang stared at the shattered pendant on her table and waved her hand.
"Summon the Yuheng and Miss Ganyu. It's time we welcome the adepti."