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Day 1
I was conscious the moment I came into existence.
The first thing I opened my eyes to was pure darkness, crimson red and the sound of a gentle hum. It was melodious.
I enjoyed it. I looked forward to meeting the source of this soothing voice.
Whenever I moved, a gleeful laughter would respond. Even if my whole body vibrated from the tremor, my excitement never ceased.
The day I saw my first light, disappointment was all I met. It didn’t come nor does it appear ever again.
At least, not yet.
“Welcome to this cruel world, o pitiful child.”
An icy voice, a chilling touch, a frigid breeze, a lonely presence.
She was Tsaritsa, the Cryo Archon.
And the other silhouette was unmoving.
—
Day 5
It was abnormal. I was abnormal.
Being able to perceive the surroundings when I was still in the womb was one thing. Being able to stand and read in the span of five days was another.
The Tsaritsa was not surprised with this development, however.
But I was.
It was the first time I returned to the room where I was born. Resting there was the source of my life, according to what she had put a name on, my instinct.
He was mesmerizing. He was beautiful. He was Ajax of Morepesok, my mother.
His sleeping face was peaceful.
—
Day 20
The Tsaritsa left a lot of books for me. They piled up and up until a corner of the room was filled with dull blue and grey.
She was kind, cold but kind, befitting the title Queen of Snezhnaya.
The fact that she allowed me to stay in his room was enough to prove her kindness.
I read in a book that a newborn child was supposed to be fed by their mother’s breast milk. I never recalled having one, only tasteless porridge and water.
So I tried.
It was bitter, and little in quantity but worth it.
After the attempt, the Tsaritsa reprimanded me, ten days of no entry to his room. It was torturous.
I learned a new phrase, ‘The walls have ears.’
—
Day 30
When I was allowed back in, I met a new being.
He introduced himself as Il Dottore. His face was hidden by a weird mask, but it didn’t matter— nobody could surpass mother’s beauty or the Tsaritsa’s splendor.
The moment our eyes met, his eyes were glistening with interest.
“Let me dissect you.”
“No,” was our first conversation.
It took him a display of the Tsaritsa’s might to back down from the harassment.
However, I was commanded to provide a sample of blood in a small vial, along with mother’s. It piqued my curiosity, but I didn’t voice it out.
Since I was happy we possessed the same color.
“It is fascinating though. He’s already a five years old child in appearance, only one month since his birth. Is this due to the blood of an ar—” The monologue was cut off when ice froze over everything, excluding his bed.
The guest excused himself after that, tucking the vials into his coat.
Later on, I learned that he was a Harbinger, the same status with mother and one of the Tsaritsa’s most loyal hounds.
—
Day 41
“It was the deprivation of elemental energy. While this kid’s is over the charts, Tartaglia’s is basically none. How he’s still alive baffles me.” The Professor said.
We met more frequently after our first encounter. Il Dottore was annoyingly persistent, but the knowledge was undeniable. His insights were much more compelling than those books.
The Tsaritsa was indifferent after the final conclusion from her Harbinger. An expected result then.
“When will he wake up then?” I asked, a strange feeling appeared in my abdomen. If I recalled correctly, it was ‘butterflies in the stomach’.
“Definitely not any time soon. Unless someone on the level of an archon appears magically out of nowhere and is willing to compensate for the tremendous amount missing. Give it up kid.” Il Dottore grunted at my question.
A silent confirmation, the Tsaritsa would not interfere.
Yet I didn’t feel like giving in.
“I will work it out.” I declared, as naïve as I was, earning an empathetic look from the other man.
—
Day 59
When the Tsaritsa summoned me, I obeyed. And I was granted the most desirable power a mortal could reach for … Am I even mortal?
The shine was gentle, as gentle as her hands when the Tsaritsa held mine. The metal was cold but the Vision was warm, the contrary to its Cryo element.
I dutifully accepted her blessing.
The exchange was wordless, regal and affectionate. Ironic, coming from a loveless god.
“Why me?” I asked.
“Ask your desire.” She answered.
—
Day 73
My growth had slowed down but still unconventional, from the Professor’s observation.
The Vision never left my side, as it should be.
“Mother, I received the Tsaritsa’s blessing.” I reached out to feel the pale skin. “Did you receive hers in the same way?”
No answers, like every day before today. I never got discouraged from the silence.
“Do you want to know why it was cryo instead of hydro like yours?”
“Because I wish to meet him.” A futile effort.
“I have so many things to ask.” A dream.
“Why did he abandon us?” The Tsaritsa realized this and deemed me as one of her own.
A desperate longing for love, one that I dearly missed.
—
Day 90
So far, I have met with most of the Harbingers. They were haughty, merciless yet I received more attention from them than any others.
“So this is Tartaglia’s child?”
“The brown hair hurts.”
“At least his eyes are livelier than his mother’s.”
“Damn you, *** *****”
Despite their notoriety, they were a real family, a dysfunctional one at best yet I welcomed them all the same. This was as close to familial love as I had read in countless novels.
Pedrelino requested my presence today. I was no stranger to the Harbinger’s sudden summons, their whims were as random as they could get.
“Do you want to become a Harbinger?”
—
Day 100
The training was hellish yet my body danced on its own, as freely as water, as graceful as ice.
Scaramouche was impressed, La Signora was pleased, Pulcinella was looking forward to my future.
I possessed the body of a ten years old. The sword was supposed to be heavy but it felt as light as mother’s fragile fingers.
“I wonder, from whom did your skills come from? Tartaglia? Or him?”
Never once did the Tsaritsa visit me, even after I accepted the offer, since the day I was cursed blessed.
—
Day 117
Geo constructs were fascinating.
How they resonated to each other yet failed to cause a significant reaction with other elements, hiding behind feeble crystallized shields.
Was I imagining it, or they pulsed in the same rhythm with my heartbeat?
—
Day 130
I was given a Fatui Agent uniform. It seemed like I was being assigned to Pulcinella’s sector, like mother when he was first admitted to the Fatui.
And today marked my first field trip.
The other Fatuis eyed me with contempt and disgust. Why?
“That was all a scum could do to their sad life.” Scaramouche explained.
Ridiculous. They had everything I didn’t.
Fate was that cruel.
—
Day 152
The Abyss.
It was Il Dottore’s favorite subject.
It was the Tsaritsa’s enemy.
It was mother’s second home.
And it called out to me today.
—
Day 170
“Like mother, like son. You really are a magnet to those mages.” Capitano snickered.
It couldn’t be helped. Not when we managed to capture an Abyss Herald.
Pedrelino didn’t mind it as long as it accomplished the mission. Signora enjoyed wringing out information as well.
A happy result for every Harbinger, for the Tsaritsa.
“What happened in Liyue?”
Its question stuck in my head for a while.
Liyue?
—
Day 186
Signora told me Liyue was mother’s last mission before he fell asleep.
The Tsaritsa had ordered for his immediate return when they obtained the Gnosis from the Geo Archon.
What was his name?
She never answered.
No other Harbinger bothered to entertain him when it came to the eldest archon. They were deliberately avoiding the topic.
So I came to her instead.
“He is the one who started everything.” She didn’t elaborate any more than that.
—
Day 202
Another Abyss Herald appeared. It was a geo one this time.
Unlike the previous one, it was smarter and I was isolated from Pulcinella.
“We can help you.” It said. “He will awaken once more if you—”
“No thanks.” I would wake him up by myself, that was my selfish promise.
By a twist of fate, it was also the day I found out about the unorthodox resonance between geo constructs and my own cryo weapons.
—
Day 240
I visited mother again. It had been busy in the past five months.
Il Dottore mentioned good news when I arrived.
“Tartaglia has been steadily recovering, albeit the amount is as miniscule as it can get. Still a progress I guess.”
I was elated. Mother was recovering!
The doctor snickered with no malice. His way of showing care was weird.
“I never said there’s only one good news.” He held up a light green crystal, more blue rather than gold. It reminded me of verdigris. “I found a temporary solution to this stalemate.”
I eyed the object with interest. The doctor could be trusted despite his lunacy.
“And it involves the resonance between my cryo and geo?” It wasn’t that obvious, but I didn’t study under him for nothing.
Dottore laughed wildly. I didn’t like it when it might disturb my mother.
“You caught on fast. Crystallization is a special case, you can just say it is condensed elemental energy that geo comes into contact with but yours is much more fascinating.”
I listened intently, not forgetting to receive a glass container of those same crystals from the doctor. It was quite tremendous.
“Too long, didn’t want to read, they are your pure energy crystallized. It didn’t resonate with the elemental Vision, it resonates with the elemental energy running through your blood. Cryo was just a catalyst.”
Realization dawned on me. Intriguing, so the father’s side was finally being useful even if I disliked it.
“They are safe to ingest but be careful to not overdo it, overdose is not a pretty scene. One at a time, twice a day.” Were his last words before Dottore departed, tired of talking he said. He made sure to leave detailed instructions on how to synthesize one of the right size.
I didn’t waste any time.
There wasn’t any visible effect, but I believed he got better.
“I miss your lullabies, mother.” I kissed his icy hand. “I wish you a speedy recuperation.”
I spent the night basking in his presence. The next mission was my last trial.
—
Day 269
My unit was wiped.
This was the first time I stepped into the Abyss. Oh how I wished I didn’t.
It wasn’t frightening, nor was it repulsive.
It was void.
The siren song was haunting.Nostalgic? Deathly? Lonely? I couldn’t put a hand on it.
Because all I could hear was mother’s gentle hum and his mirthful laughter.
It delayed my doom to another time.
—
Day 270
Scaramouche found me in the middle of a snowy forest.
Frost adorned me like a frozen corpse. Blood decorated me like a mad man.
I was perfectly fine.
“If you succumbed to its temptation, he would truly be alone.” The Skirmisher warned harshly.
I took it to my heart.
Yet I tapped into it all the same.
—
Day 276
Rumors started floating around.
“Hey, have you heard about that young recruit from Master Pulcinella’s personal team?” A skirmisher gossiped.
“You mean the coldblooded one? Only smell death on him but don’t those eyes look familiar?” An enchanter chimed in.
“He looks lifeless to me yet full of grace and elegance. I’m jealous.” A cicin mage complained.
“Nobody knows where he came from, only that he received Her Majesty’s blessing in person! The brown hair is definitely not Snezhnayan! The blasphemy!”
“Say, what was his name again?”
Indeed, what was my name again?
—
Day 294
A memory resurfaced itself today.
A cheerful voice retelling a story of heroes and monsters, of mighty warriors and formidable gods.
I learned from a book not long after my birth that Ajax was a name of one of those heroes.
Would he regale me with another tale if I became one?
Soon.
The day was drawing near.
—
Day 300
“I vow my fealty to the one and only Tsaritsa of Snezhnaya. My name will be Tartaglia, the Eleventh Fatui Harbinger, the sword to Her Majesty’s cause, the spear that tears through her enemies and the loyal hound in his stead.”
They smiled sadly contently.
She gazed at him impassively.
I wondered, how did I look in her eyes at that moment?
Cold metal donned on my face.
Electric sparks tingled on my skin.
A delusional mask to hide whatever I had left.
The ceremony was covert. Of course it would be.
Tartaglia had never been replaced.
“Are you ready?” Pedrelino voiced his concern.
“As I always am.” Came my immediate reply.
—
Day 303
The amount of information was overwhelming, from his past schedule to the most minor interaction. It was the records of my mother.
He was dazzling, unhinged, exhilarating, menacing.
His mantle was too heavy for my flimsy life. Yet I carried it proudly, for him and for myself.
He was a dutiful son, a doting brother, a loving younger sibling. He was loved.
I wanted to meet his family, his Snezhnayan one. They seemed nice and warm. Maybe they would suffice until he woke up.
The other one, however, does it even count as one? A makeshift family, it was even worse than the Harbingers’.
I ignored it.
—
Day 310
“Your requested items are here, Master Tartaglia.” A female agent politely bowed before exiting.
A step closer to being the previous Eleventh Harbinger.
“Ah, wait.” I spoke up from the piles of papers I needed to go through. Remnants from the past, it had been over a year since Tartaglia went out of commission— not that the info was made public.
She stopped in her tracks. With a practiced motion, she peered at me through those scrutinizing holes.
“You can just call me Childe.” I plastered a smile, one Scaramouche taught me. “And how should I call you?”
“My name is Ekaterina, Master Childe.” She mechanically replied, like those mindless Fatuis or the ruin guards he destroyed.
But she was different.
Why did she look so woeful, even behind the facade?
—
Day 333
I went to Morepesok today. It was a nice seaside village.
The salty air was a welcomed change. I was tired of chemical and medicine filling in my nostrils.
It wasn’t suffocating, just boring. The only fun thing was reading a story book with him, and maybe ‘playing’ with other Harbingers.
The villagers’ expressions were mixed; excitement, fear, inferiority, oppression. Did the Fatui commit atrocities here in this desolated settlement?
The whispers were getting annoying so I gestured to Ekaterina to come forth and ordered her to scout the western woods, an act of authority.
They didn’t stop.
They did when the mask came into their sights. A crimson red regalia.
“Welcome to the humble village of Morepesok, Lord Harbinger. How may we attend to you?” A wobbly voice reached out, as squeaky as a mouse.
I only hummed in response. Their reactions after seeing the mask were entertaining.
Bewilderment, relief, joy, regret.
So they knew mother after all.
But the moment my Vision shone to block a stray arrow, they turned into horror.
Frigid ice instead of flowing water, they realized I wasn’t Ajax.
At the far back, mops of ginger hair, the same kind as mother’s, shuffled back and forth, bickering amongst themselves as if a faraway traveler had come to visit instead of a grim reaper.
I was content with seeing them from afar.
“No worries, I’m just here to investigate certain … activities around the woods. Rest assured we won’t affect your daily lives.” I was getting used to this smile, so easy to make, so little effort to perform.
“However, we may have to apprehend the rebel, you see? It would be nice if she volunteered, I don’t want any unnecessary violence in front of children.” The smile didn’t quite reach the eyes. I wondered if I still count as a child.
The tallest person in the small family of auburns froze at my threat. He looked like he was about to cry.
I left for the mission without saying hello or goodbye.
—
Day 365
A snow white owl brought me the long awaited missive five days ago.
‘Obtain the Dendro Archon’s heart and investigate the fall of Khaenri’ah.’
A simple task.
“Mother, I can finally leave to see how cursed this world is.” Color had slowly returned, his complexion had become more of a healthy mortal.
The remedy worked, just as expected, slowly but surely.
His eyes fluttered slightly under the cold administration. Hibernation was one way to preserve his body.
Mother had gotten more responsive as well, as I would like to put it. It was a good sign.
“Are you angry with him?”
“…”
“I await the day you will call my name, dearest mother.”
I made sure to station some of my men in the Zapolyarny Palace. This would be a long trip and the other Harbingers were dispatched as well, I couldn’t rely on them this time. Even Pedrelino was occupied.
Like a silent wish that I imagined it would happen.
It did.
‘Happy birthday,’ from him, a whisper, hushed and fragile.
—
Day 366
“Eager to leave so soon? You didn’t even come by to say goodbye, I’m saddened.” Pulcinella teased until he saw my expression.
What kind of face I was making? Probably utter joy.
“I see his recovery is going well.” The Rooster laughed. “Sometimes I forget you’re only a year old.”
I snorted. Of course nobody would know. I was eighteen on the outside.
“Was I that obvious?” It wasn’t a serious remark. I enjoyed these small talks.
Pulcinella laughed even louder before waving an envelope, freshly sealed with a distinctive smell of wax.
“Happy belated birthday, child. A small gift from little old me.” I held the letter gently. It was quite thick to be another missive.
“I never thought you would mispronounce your colleague’s name, Pulcinella.” Examining the seal more closely, I softened my smile. “But the thought counts. Thanks.”
He only patted my head this time. “Childe is not your name after all, nor is Tartaglia.”
Before the Seventh entered the carriage, he turned back one last time.
“The Eighth left you a warning. ‘Be wary of the Traveler’s company,’ that woman said. She also told you to look forward to her present.” He sighed exhaustedly. “For the Tsaritsa’s sake, I’m not a messenger.”
I nodded, not to the present but to the warning. I already got the gist of who it could be anyway.
Until the carriage went out of sight did I start my trek to the impatient horse.
—
Day 400
We arrived earlier than predicted, which was a good thing. More time for the mission meant more quality results would be produced.
It was also hot as expected, but I refused to take off the overcoat.
Sandrone gave me mother’s old uniform, neat and tidy, revealing and rough. It suited mother’s personality so well.
That was also the reason I didn’t dare don it, I wasn’t worthy.
So I stuck with the average agent one. Capitano was displeased, Signora was angered. I didn’t change my mind.
It hid my features well after all, fulfilling its purpose, exactly why I chose to wear it instead.
“Master Childe, our lodgings are located to the east of the Academia. Your belongings have been sent in advance.” Ekaterina faithfully reported.
“Lead the way then.” I nonchalantly answered, my eyes were too busy ogling every new scenery Sumeru had to offer.
It took us two hours later to reach the hotel because I was easily distracted. Ekaterina stayed silent all the time, she was being thoughtful.
In the end, it was the same. I was used to them, those loathsome glares.
Why should I care about those scums like Scaramouche had once spoken of?
—
Day 410
Pulcinella’s gift was an access pass to the Academia’s Central Library. I was filled with gratitude.
Signora’s present was mother’s old team in Liyue.
Javert, Felix, Ekaterina (as I recently found out), Aleksandr. There were two more but they chose to stay behind, a respectable choice.
I couldn’t complain about mother’s personally trained team, no? They were much more efficient than those back in Pulcinella’s general sector.
It was splendidly proven by the final result after only a week.
Having mapped out every possible route, the only option left was to investigate the famed collection of Teyvat’s history and magic.
Or so those so-called scholars thought.
I visited a random bookstore on the way back after scouring the city’s perimeter.
Small, quiet, hidden from plain view, a perfect escape.
Walls of books and scrolls filled me with nostalgia..
Dim light and chilly fragrance felt like his room.
The only difference was its colorful array of display, the most colors I had ever seen.
‘It’s good to indulge yourself sometimes. Mental health is important as long as it doesn’t interfere with Her Majesty’s order.’ Il Dottore once said. ‘I mean, aren’t I the prime example?’
Mother wasn’t here. My family wasn’t here. So books were the next in line.
“Dear esteemed guest, please make yourself at home.” A kind voice reverberated through the still atmosphere.
“Thank you for the offer.” She wasn’t startled by the Fatui insignia. This lady was a peculiar one.
Curiously, I took the initiative. “Aren’t you a brave one? I thought the Fatui wasn’t well-received.”
“Am I? A mortal life has more than one aspect.” She huffed in amusement.
I only smiled at her wise choice of words, one that Scaramouche didn’t teach.
It became a habit to visit the old lady after hours of research in the Library.
—
Day 424
“Good afternoon, madam.” I greeted.
Wasting no unnecessary movements, I headed straight to the historical section, stacked with worn-out books and tattered scrolls. How they made it to this back-alley establishment is an enigma.
It wasn’t my business to pry any further. If she respected my privacy then it would be a fair trade to do the same, as Pantalone had repeated over and over.
Like days before, I delved myself into the world of wars and conflicts.
That was all Teyvat’s past had to offer, greed and violence, gods killing gods. They heeded no mind to the mortals nor did they even spare them a glance.
That was the true nature of the so-called Sevens.
Pedrelino chided me for my naivety, for believing Her Majesty was the sole exception.
I still placed my faith in her.
‘Don’t always call it as you see it.’ A lesson from the First.
A soft clink resounded through my ears. An earthy aroma of herbs attracted my attention.
“You look like you need some refreshments.” The old lady hummed. “I usually don’t receive many guests. It’s been a while to see such a young face around here.”
She was kind, and sharp. I didn’t know to relax or to be wary around her presence.
I chose the former, because I missed this kind of homely interaction.
“Thank you.” A basic courtesy, to give gratitude when I was the receiver. “If you don’t mind, I would like to address you by your name instead.”
To my surprise, she laughed heartily at the strange request. Indeed, why should I mingle with someone outside of my family?
“You can call me Sonya, whether it is my name or not, I’ll let you decide.” Tracing the shelves, she made her way back to the counter. “And how should I call you, esteemed guest?”
“You can call me child.” I chuckled at her riddle.
“And I will let you determine mine as well.”
I cherished this unusual friendship.
—
Day 444
There wasn't much progress regarding the investigation. Haste only produced waste, time was precious but it wasn’t an excuse to rush things.
The Dendro Archon was going nowhere, making him an easy target to deal with later.
“Oh? Changing genre today, aren’t we?” Sonya asked while guiding me to a small corner filled with legends and myths.
“History gets boring sometimes.” A fact. While there was new knowledge, most were present back in Snezhnaya.
She patted my shoulder before returning to her familiar seat. “Suit yourself. Maybe you’ll finally find what you desired, even if it was a fantasy.”
Perceptive as always. I could only brush it off with a noncommittal laugh— she was a dangerous one to make an enemy of.
The available collection was impressive, it wasn’t restricted like the Tsaritsa had decreed to her monarchy. I was still grateful to be able to find the origins of mother’s name, to the benevolence of the Cryo Archon.
A lot of time to choose, but I couldn’t forget to take a copy of ‘The Legends of Ajax’— it was too important to skip.
I lost track of time for a good while, until a new voice interrupted my solace.
“Are you sure this was the place Lisa told us? It looks too shabby to be the house of an infamous witch?” A squeaky voice spoke up, it irritated me quite a bit with how it showed no decency when entering a private bookstore.
It seemed like its companion knew some courtesy, shushing the loudmouth. From the corner of my eye, I could see they came as a party of four, not including a floating creature which was probably the source of that high pitched lilt.
However, it wasn’t their bickering that made me wince. It was a strangely familiar flow of elements.
My finger twitched.
“Welcome, welcome, travelers from afar.” Sonya nodded, acknowledging their arrival. “I hope this humble store will fulfill your intentions.”
“Thank you for the hospitality.” A young voice this time, not unlike mine in some ways. “We were told to find a person named Sonya here. I hope it is not presumptuous to assume you are the one in question?”
The atmosphere became sub zero in an instant. Was it due to my unconscious release of cryo, or was it because of the sheer pressure radiating from the old shopkeeper? Regardless, it both sent shivers down my spine as well as bubbling excitement.
What would happen next?
“Lisa’s note, Traveler.” A low timbre, cold and warm at the same time. It unsettled me.
Frantically, the teen took out a small piece of paper and handed it over to Sonya. She remained apathetic all the time, unfazed by the intense density of geo particles in the air which cannot be missed by such an experienced veteran.
So that was the Traveler that Signora had warned me about.
Interesting.
Their exchange happened wordlessly, not that I would even have a chance to eavesdrop under Sonya’s watchful eyes.
“We will stay outside then. I want to explore what Sumeru has to offer with their literature.” One of their companions announced, his refined way of speaking reminded me of Scaramouche when he was acting like a goody two shoes.
Sonya already started her walk to the back room by the time they stopped discussing.
“Child, watch the counter for me, will you?” Her voice echoed through the closed space.
I didn’t miss how the Traveler jumped at the sudden call.
Didn’t they realize my presence here at all? Such a newbie mistake.
“Sure~” I replied playfully, earning a cackle from the old keeper.
Everything fell into silence once more, with occasional shuffling of pages or chidings to a person named Bennett.
It didn’t last long.
Duty called yet again.
‘There goes my evening reprieve.’ I complained inwardly before strolling to the counter, earning curious peeks from the teen duo. They were looking through the novel section.
On cue, Sonya’s business concluded at the same time.
“Leaving so soon? You didn’t even have tea with me yet.” She teased. No ulterior motives under those honest words, a thing I observed with some background digging.
The Traveler emerged from behind the heavy door, the little creature followed closely. The man did the same.
Those amber eyes were peering holes through me.
“My apologies. It seems like I’m gonna be busier from now on, unfortunately.” It was the truth and as keen as ever, she already saw through it.
“I’ll be taking these please.” I gently placed the books onto the rough surface of wood.
Sonya chuckled fondly, carefully wrapped up the purchase. “I believe the payment will be from the Northland Bank again?”
At the mention of the Snezhnayan establishment, tension became tangible, mostly from the new faces, especially him.
The Fatui insignia only poured more fuel to the burning flame. Their hands were already summoning weapons, how impulsive.
“You can multiply the amount as many times as you want. Payment for those enjoyable tea times.” Mora wasn’t a problem and she deserved at least that much, for the goods and her own company.
Ekaterina was already waiting outside, bowing respectfully before saluting like a trained soldier.
“Thank you for your generosity, dear patron.” Sonya handed the package over which I gracefully accepted. “I hope your wish will come true.”
… You could never let your guard down around this old woman.
In the wary glares of the Traveler and their merry band, I met their eyes for the first time.
“Keep my seat warm, madam Sonya. I promise I will be back soon.” I flashed the cheekiest grin I could.
Turning to the waiting Fatui, I received the forgotten mask and a harsh scolding. “My Lord, please refrain from leaving your mask behind. Besides that, there are urgent matters that require your immediate attention.”
I only sighed exhaustedly at the overtime.
With a tired motion, I removed my hood to the bewildered gasps and an audible grunt.
“This mask is too heavy sometimes, ahaha.”
Indeed, I could never wear it like mother did.
I was never ready to carry his ambition for donning this regalia.
Yet it was neatly pinned on my tousled ginger locks, where it belonged.
Naturally.
Reluctantly.
The crimson mask glinted menacingly under the sunset, hiding away the revealing brown strands of hair.
“… Wait! Chil—”
—
Day 476
It wasn’t the stress that made my dye fall off. It was the celestia damn weather.
My own stock was diminishing a little too fast for my own liking, but there was still enough left to complete the mission.
Maybe it was time to try out the products of Academia alchemy.
“Ekaterina, fetch me some of the local dye, the usual color.” I called out from the office, watching the woman in question nod affirmatively before excusing herself from the secretary seat.
It wasn’t a secret anymore, that auburn wasn’t my original color. As expected from mother’s personal team, professionals at their finest.
“Ah, excuse my rudeness. Here is the daily report regarding your mother’s condition.” Ekaterina returned shortly to deliver a cleanly sealed document.
My eyes lit up like a child.
Before she left for a small shopping trip, I asked her for a last update. “How’s that man?”
“As persistence as a leech, it can be easily dealt with.” The stoic Fatui answered, a hint of exasperation in her tone.
I only winced at the response.
“Good work.”
‘Hurry up and fall for it already. I want to go home.’ Patience is a virtue.
—
Day 502
“I believe we have ourselves a contract?” I poked the shivering silhouette, curling up like a spiky ball.
“And here I thought my mental state was the worst in Teyvat. I can cure your insanity, and the treatment is starting,” moving my hand to the place where the ‘heart’ would be, I closed my fingers, “now.”
There wasn’t a scream, he still had some pride left, pretty admirable coming from a madman if you asked me.
But there was another loud shriek coming from behind me.
“Let go of him you Fatui!” Accompanying it was a geo construct right under where I stood, an accurate hit. The launching hydro swords dissipated upon coming into contact with the cryo wall.
‘Ah, the heroes are here.’ As they ‘requested’, I dropped the frozen sword. Its glacial blade was tainted with a viridescent gleam, adding more to the painful twist of facial expressions.
Weakly, faintly, the resonance ceased in time with a soft murmur. “You’d better get me out of this spiral of madness.”
I grinned.
They were a step too late.
“Gladly, o revered God of Wisdom. The Fatui never goes back against their words, and certainly not me.” I paused. “Certainly not from a promise.”
Ice broke into frost, snow adorned the dome like a nebula. Felt just right at home.
Fragments of ginger twinkled in the mini icy wonderland, darkness only served to highlight those blinding dust.
I didn’t bother.
“What did you do to him?!” The creature and its shrill voice tore through the comfortable atmosphere. There goes my reminiscing moment.
“Ah, ah~. I would rather you not accuse me of a crime without concrete proof.” I shook my head disappointedly, more orange snowflakes fell down from the deed.
It wouldn’t be fun to reveal myself just yet.
“We merely compromised to an established contract, Rex Lapis should understand.” I nudged at the groveling body, an emerald glow illuminated brightly to make its presence known. “The Gnosis is still there, no?”
Archons, kids these days are too impatient.
The man still stood his glory, observing even the smallest of my expression.
Irritatedly, I waved my hand to the incoming threats— the Cryo Vision glimmered in rhythm with my heartbeat.
Perplexed, angered, horrified, like a cinematic play.
The geo steeles erected right after didn’t break the frigid ice encasing their limbs. A trick I learned from the Fair Lady.
“I hope you won’t mind if I harm your people a little bit. Just a tiny little bit.” The Dendro Archon grunted, a yes then.
He disappeared shortly afterwards, only two factions left on the field.
Good and bad.
Justice and evil.
This world is really depraved, especially the immortals.
It’s time for a grand finale.
“If shattering doesn’t work, I’ll melt them with my pyr— Ouch!” I froze his wrists before the goggle boy could do anything stupid.
I basked in their contemptuous glares, just a daily thing on my list of to-do.
There was one that then looked at me with yearning.
Do you even have the rights to mourn?
I read from the logs, mother’s way of flashy departure was a cascade.
I will be a blizzard then.
“Wait, I thought he was a hydro user??” The Traveler yelled through the whipping snowstorm.
Hail started to fall, damaging the meticulous marble floor.
My hair whisked along the raging wind, strands of brown stood out from the white background.
“My name is Tartaglia, codename Childe, the Eleventh Fatui Harbinger serving the Tsaritsa.”
Turning around for the first and last time, I looked straight into those molten ambers, through the familiar mask of concealment.
Filled with disdain? Scorn? Love? Longing?
Only he knew what these navy blues had shown.
“Mr. Zhongli, please petrify him! We can’t let him escape!” The Traveler desperately called out, voice drowned by the howling of whirlwinds.
On cue, a giant geo meteor was falling to where I stood.
Magnificent.
His visible despair was.
“I hope we will never meet again.” Into the flurry of snow did I take my leave.
Purple sparks danced on my trail, electric crackled like a manic laughter.
“Farewell, Archaic Lord.”
—
Day 545
On my way back from Sonya’s bookstore, I met a fellow colleague.
“It seems you are enjoying yourself, child.” La Signora chided slightly yet amusement was visible on her usual placid expression.
“Of course, staying at the bank all the time is killing me.” I chimed. “Ruin investigations are my second favorite pastime now.”
She huffed at my reply. Did I miss the mark? Apparently, I did.
“That was miles away from what I meant. You still have a long way to go, child.” Elegantly, she turned on her heels in the opposite direction of the Fatui residence. “Let’s go, we’re already behind the schedule.”
Humming a Snezhnayan lullaby that mother used to sing for me, I began skipping down the path to an inevitable spectacle.
.
“So anything new for me?” I opened a previously bought scroll from Sonya, examining its content while Signora was still busy polishing her nails in boredom.
The center of knowledge was glittering under the starless night. It wasn’t an exaggeration to compare this to a star on its own.
It was too dull for my taste.
“Blunt as always,” Signora smirked, “not that I mind it.”
A cicin mage appeared from the casting shadows of harbingers.
I paid no heed to her flippant nature, a sealed envelope with Il Dottore’s crest engraved was safely delivered.
Raising an eyebrow, I glanced at the Eighth quizzically.
“Didn’t you ask for something new?” She snickered. “I recommend reading after the upcoming show, however. I don’t want to babysit a beast.”
It was related to mother then! That is definitely good news!
Coming from Signora herself meant it was an important update, oh I couldn’t wait!
“Before you practically destroyed the letter just from your grip, Ajax has been announced to be conscious to an extent, monitored by the Professor himself.” She was too good at reading my inner thoughts again.
“And that,” she pointed to the crumpled piece of paper, “is a log of details regarding his reaction when you were the topic.”
I didn’t waste any time.
If it weren’t for Signora’s death grip on my nape, I might have run off to kill someone. I felt like a kitten being held back by its older sibling.
The Fair Lady winced at my impatience.
“Not yet, child.”
I sat down exasperatedly, maybe pouting as well.
“Thank you for the message. I am overly elated.” I singsonged. “Though I’m quite surprised you didn’t ask for my progress.”
“The fact that I am here means you have retrieved the Gnosis, I have no need for minor details.” She waved away the cicin mage. “And your personal matters have been dealt with quite efficiently, I’m impressed.”
Oh, so she did kinda spy on me.
“The walls have ears.” I grinned at the confession. “But to be honest, I’m getting tired of that man. Let’s just get the contract over with and get the hell out of here.”
Signora squinted at the mention of a new participant in the conversation.
“So he arrived here too along with that nuisance.” Ice started to form beneath her heels yet ceased the moment fireworks exploded in the direction of the Academia.
It was our cue.
‘Don’t force yourself to be him.’
Did I hear another whisper? Must be adrenaline rushing to my head.
Stretching my arms, I neatly put everything back into its places.
Adjusting my mask, I brushed away stray strands of brown, blocked from view by ginger locks.
“I do hope a glacial lotus would help dampen that blinding color.” Signora complained dramatically, her Delusion already being unleashed with a crushing pressure. “I despise gold.”
I laughed. Maybe a bit too unhinged. Even the agents stepped back from hesitance.
“What a coincidence.” I couldn’t stop laughing, I was never normal after all.
“So do I.”
“…”
“Liar.”