Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's Small Courtyard
Bosacius and Xiao sat in the courtyard, discussing various matters—mostly about the day's events and strange occurrences they'd encountered.
Nothing too important—just casual conversation to pass the time.
After all, by the time they brought up these events, they'd already handled them perfectly. No cause for concern.
Hearing Bonanus's voice, both turned to look at her. Their eyes lingered on her for a moment.
Her deep blue clothes were stained with dark crimson blood. Though not immediately obvious, the metallic scent was unmistakable.
Even her face, still bearing the cat-whisker doodles, had traces of blood. She wore a gentle smile that somehow made her look rather unsettling.
The image of a blood-soaked woman smiling warmly—disturbing, to say the least.
Either insane or yandere.
Xiao narrowed his eyes. He'd noticed this earlier while helping with the Millelith operation. He'd assumed Bonanus would use her elemental powers to clean up, but she'd left the stains.
The thought passed quickly. Cleaning up or not was Bonanus's choice. They had no say in it.
"Little sister's here. Please, sit." Bosacius gestured.
Bonanus nodded and settled onto the stone seat with unhurried grace, her posture elegant, her smile gentle.
"Brother Bosacius, what did you want to talk about?" Bonanus tilted her head, puzzled.
Nothing in their demeanor suggested Rex Lapis had shared their conversation. She couldn't think of any other reason to call her here.
Bosacius just laughed heartily, scratching his head. Couldn't there just be a simple reason? Just the three of them gathering to chat, maybe talk about a few things.
Though it was peacetime, and they no longer fought constantly as before, they were still busy. Not as busy, but busy enough.
If nothing important came up, they probably wouldn't have time to gather often.
"Nothing much, really. Just wanted to catch up and share today's news." Bosacius explained calmly.
"Heard little sister accompanied Yanfei on a Millelith suppression mission today?"
As he spoke, his brow visibly furrowed, puzzling Bonanus.
"Yes. Why?" Bonanus tilted her head, confused.
In response, Bosacius picked up a cup of tea from the stone table and downed it in one gulp before speaking.
"Alatus told me about it. In this short time, I've learned about Liyue's current situation—and the little games the higher-ups play."
"Rex Lapis cleared up some things for me. I think little sister should avoid getting involved in such matters."
He rested his hand on the stone table, awaiting her response. News of the suppression mission had spread fast when the Millelith returned.
Never underestimate how quickly gossip travels in Liyue Harbor—it always exceeds expectations.
The news sparked heated discussion among citizens. Criticism and praise were evenly matched. Even some Qixing members took notice.
For adepti like them, it was no big deal. They paid such things little mind. They'd just heard the news and thought to mention it.
Bonanus understood his point. So this was what he wanted to talk about!
She'd known something about Liyue's internal affairs from her previous life playing the game—though not in depth. She wasn't the type to follow such things.
But she could guess the gist.
"Don't worry, Brother Bosacius. I was just accompanying Yanfei, getting familiar with the place. Helping the Millelith was incidental." Bonanus nodded.
"Good." Bosacius nodded quietly.
Just as they fell into silence, the short adeptus beside them broke it.
"Enough from you two. My turn."
Xiao crossed his arms, his gaze serious as he looked at Bonanus, as if what he was about to say was extremely important.
Seeing his expression, Bonanus grew serious too. Even Bosacius tensed. The air around them grew heavy.
"When Sister Bonanus was helping the Millelith earlier, I noticed something..." Xiao began slowly.
Bonanus frowned. Had she slipped up? Was the passive item unreliable? Nervously, she said:
"Go on."
"I noticed your combat skills have gotten rusty. To be safe, you should spar with me sometime." Xiao said earnestly, arms crossed.
Bonanus stared at him with a blank expression. That's it? That's what this was about?
Even Bosacius was momentarily taken aback before breaking into an awkward, polite laugh.
Why so serious over something so trivial! Bonanus had been expecting—even nervous—for nothing. Completely unexpected.
Despite her internal confusion, she smiled and replied:
"I'm probably still adjusting to waking up. It'll come back with practice. I'll take you up on that spar when we have time."
"That would be good." Xiao nodded seriously.
---
Liyue Harbor Main Gate
Though night had fallen, wagons still carried goods through the gate. The Millelith conducted careful inspections, watching for dangerous or prohibited items.
Among those entering the harbor, one figure stood out. His attire was markedly different from everyone else's.
This was the Eleventh Harbinger of the Fatui—codenamed Childe—Tartaglia. His real name wasn't Tartaglia, but Ajax.
Ajax came from the hero of an adventure novel. His father, captivated by such tales, had given him that name.
After finally dealing with all his debtors, Childe had returned to Liyue Harbor. He looked at the night sky and exhaled slowly.
"Back again." He crossed his arms, stretching his stiff neck.
"Shame I missed the foreign festival this time."
As he muttered to himself, a Fatui operative appeared as if on cue, approaching respectfully.
"Welcome back, Lord Harbinger. Our condolences on your arduous journey."
Childe glanced at the masked operative. There was something familiar about him. "Give me the reports and bills from the past few days."
"Yes, sir!" The operative immediately handed over a thick stack of well-preserved documents. Quite substantial.
Childe nodded, taking the stack. His eyes went first to the expense reports.
Minutes passed...
The Eleventh Harbinger stood there, staring at the documents in his hands, lost in thought...