Despite their reservations, Diluc ultimately struck a deal with Tartaglia. They agreed to establish several new factories in Mondstadt, producing alchemical goods to be sold to the Fatui at 20% above market price. Transportation and distribution would be handled entirely by the Fatui, and whatever price they set in Snezhnaya was none of Dawn Winery's concern.
Currently, the flying hoverboards and healing sprays were sold directly to the Fatui as finished products. However, bionic prosthetics required the Fatui to escort clients to Mondstadt for implantation surgery (with the exception of externally worn prosthetic eyes and ears, which Dawn Winery provided in standard sizes).
As for the smart bracelets, the Skyshield, and the Sentinel System, products tied to national security. Snezhnaya could forget about getting their hands on those.
Though the terms were strict, Tartaglia accepted. The Fatui weren't just troublemakers; they also cared about Mora. As long as there was profit to be made, they'd even cooperate with their enemies.
Once the business discussions concluded, Tartaglia prepared to leave. From Shen Qin's attitude, it was clear that poaching him for Snezhnaya was impossible.
What a shame we can't be fellow Harbingers. It'd be hilarious to see him and Sandrone in the same room.
But just as he was about to depart, Shen Qin stopped him.
"Wait for me outside the Knights' headquarters. I have a gift for you."
After Tartaglia left, Jean turned to the other two, puzzled.
"Given the current tensions, the Fatui are practically our enemies. Why the sudden change of heart?" Diluc and Shen Qin exchanged glances, both smiling.
"Truthfully, we never intended to refuse cooperation," Diluc explained. "Signora's blunder just gave us leverage to negotiate better terms."
"As for Snezhnaya being an enemy… minor conflicts don't warrant that label. Besides, we're only selling them things that can be bought with Mora. They profit, but we profit more."
Jean's eyes narrowed. "So that night when Signora came, you two were playing me? After I sent that condemnation letter, you used the Skyshield and Sentinel Systems to force concessions from them, and kept me in the dark?"
She wasn't stupid, just not as scheming as these two.
"We weren't entirely acting," Shen Qin said, then noticed Jean's rising temper and swiftly made his exit. "Diluc, you explain! The Harbinger's waiting for me!"
He even closed the door behind him, leaving the two alone.
A brilliant move for the clever alchemist.
….
Shen Qin cheerfully met Tartaglia outside.
"Come on, let's head to my alchemy workshop."
'Why does he act like we're old friends?' The Eleventh Harbinger followed, bewildered.
At the workshop, Shen Qin made him wait outside before emerging a minute later with a half-person-tall cardboard box balanced on a skateboard.
"Here, a gift. Open it after you return to Liyue. Don't worry, it's nothing dangerous." Tartaglia eyed the box skeptically, but Shen Qin had already waved him off and retreated inside.
"Till next time, Tartaglia."
Still confused, Tartaglia carried the box back to the guest house. Unable to resist, he opened it—only to find a smaller box inside, with a note:
"Open this in Liyue. It's rude to peek now."
He grimaced but reluctantly set it aside, summoning Fatui agents to handle the Dawn Winery collaboration.
After lunch at the famed Good Hunter, he hauled the mysterious box back to Liyue, arriving at the Northland Bank by noon the next day.
Work piled up in his absence, keeping him busy until 9 PM. Hungry and exhausted, he finally returned to his quarters with takeout braised noodles.
His gaze fell on Shen Qin's gift.
Curiosity won. He tore open the box—and froze.
Inside was a 70cm-tall Ruin Guard model and a manual titled:
" Mechanical Pet User Guide "
Tartaglia's pupils shrank.
"Ruin Guards… 'Little Toys'… Teucer… Coincidence? Or—? I need to go back to Mondstadt."
Meanwhile, Shen Qin, having planted his "seed," moved on.
Over the next few days, he and Sucrose installed miniature Sky Shield and Sentinel Systems in Springvale, handing the control bracelet to Draff.
Then Sucrose was dragged off by Albedo for research, leaving Shen Qin and Klee to wander Mondstadt bored out of their minds.
One day near the city gates, they spotted a mixed squad of knights and adventurers returning—20% wounded on stretchers. Most injuries had been treated with healing sprays, but recovery would take time.
At the rear of the procession, several stretchers were covered with white cloth.
Shen Qin knew what that meant.
The crowd fell silent. Citizens lined the streets, closing their eyes in prayer.
May the Anemo Archon protect the living and guide the departed.
Klee, too young to fully understand, stood quietly beside Shen Qin, sensing the solemnity.
Since Mondstadt's counteroffensive began, the Knights, Adventurers' Guild, and Dawn Winery had waged fierce battles against the Abyss Order. Every day brought new casualties and reinforcements.
With the Sky Shield safeguarding the city, most forces could focus on the frontlines. The Abyss Order was losing ground, but not without cost.
Without Visions, ordinary soldiers relied on melee combat, leaving them vulnerable despite unlimited healing sprays.
As the procession passed, life resumed—until a voice called out behind them.
"Shen! Klee!"