Chapter 523
Okay, let's leave the matter of the Heart of God aside for now.
However, the attack and destruction of the Favonius Cathedral is an undeniable fact. The people of Mondstadt must be given an explanation to quell the unrest.
"Wendy, can I reveal that it was the mob that did it?"
"It's up to you to decide, I don't care."
The great and benevolent goddess blinked her bright, innocent eyes, as naive and obedient as Klee.
Qin gave a blank, forced smile.
"Then let's just push it to the Abyss Order. Although I don't know the specific reasons why you did this, I suppose you and that person from Winter's End have reached an understanding. In that case, I won't cause you any trouble. Rather than openly breaking ties with the Fatui, it's better to have leverage over them and make them compensate us."
"Hmm, so what should we eat tonight?"
"Perfect timing. We've captured some of the Fatui's men this time. And with such a treasure, I think they'll be willing to pay a good price to exchange for it."
Qin ignored the goddess's question and gave a faint smile.
She felt that she was gradually learning how to get along with the gods.
Lady Vanessa, I still can't be as ruthless as you, but I will try my best to adapt to the way we interact with our deity.
Unexpectedly, what arrived on Qin's desk the next day was not the polite and courteous compensation negotiation documents from the Fatui, but an appointment letter.
"In gratitude for the outstanding contributions of Anqi, the high-ranking alchemist of the Knights of Favonius, the Queen has granted Anqi the title of 'Honorary Harbinger,' granting her all the same privileges as a regular Harbinger. Furthermore, all the Fatui in Mondstadt City are hereby placed under the command of Honorary Harbinger Anqi, as Harbinger direct subordinates. This decree is effective immediately... It bears the divine seal of the Cryo Archon; it's genuine, no joke."
Qin's eyes gradually lost their luster, and she mechanically turned her head to look at Anqi was eating next to her.
Anqi responded with an innocent little look:
"Anqi doesn't know anything."
Then, Qin looked at Wendy, who was eating melon seeds next to Anqi.
Wendy returned the look with an innocent little glance:
Wendy doesn't know anything~~
"Then you can all leave. I want to be alone for a while."
Qin waved her hand, as if she were driving something away, or as if she was processing this completely unexpected information.
A moment later, she slammed the document on the table.
"What the hell!?"
Qin took a deep breath, her chest heaving violently.
The main reason is that I've been dealing with too much information these past two days, and my frustration hasn't subsided. It's normal that I can't hold back right now.
But when you calm down, it's not entirely incomprehensible.
Not long ago, Zhi Dong signed an unconditional aid contract with Inazuma. Even with the spirit of the Knights, it's clear to Qin that supporting the construction of a nation is a bottomless pit, and Zhi Dong is likely not exactly flush with cash at the moment.
"Choosing another way to benefit us, and exchanging the Fatui criminals in prison, isn't that strange. The question is, does such a thing deserve the Cryo Archon's personal seal of approval? Indeed, it's a secret pact between the gods, isn't it?"
Qin squinted her eyes, her thoughts gradually becoming clearer.
"So, the Fatui's main objective in Mondstadt is indeed that Heart of God. And this goal is worth the sacrifice of Harbinger, even to the point of granting them a Harbinger privilege and handing over all their previous investments in Mondstadt?"
So, what exactly is the Heart of God, Snezhnaya need it? Furthermore, could the Fatui' actions in other countries also have the same objective? Could it be that every god possesses a Heart of God?
Qin shook her head, stopping these dangerous associations.
As a mortal, it's best not to delve too deeply into secrets that are not meant to be known. What she needs to do now is to quell the turmoil and restore Mondstadt City to its usual peace and tranquility as soon as possible.
So, Qin started her workday and soon became as busy as a 007-level corporate slave.
Are you going to Zhidong?
"You can go. All the research has almost reached its limit, and continuing to work in the lab won't yield any more results. My role in Mondstadt has reached its limit, so I might as well go and see the big plan for Winter."
"Alright. Although it may not be of much help to the actual game... In fact, we've pretty much figured out the big picture, and now it's just a matter of waiting for the Adventors and the World Tree to be ready. But there's no harm in going to take a look."
Wendy held Anqi in her arms like a giant doll. The two chatted as they walked to the railing overlooking the God of Wind Plaza.
Below is a scene of a massive concert, where the noise of the crowd mingles with the music, creating a lively atmosphere.
Wendy and Anqi even saw a bard take to the stage and play a casual piece of music.
Wendy shook her head, not quite understanding, and muttered:
"Was he dragged here by Ying or Barbara to fill up his time? It's for fundraising for the church, and he probably won't get any money out of it, but he seems pretty happy about it?"
[Well, all he got that night was good news. Besides, that's just how Barbatos is; you get used to it.]
"Too."
The two Anqi watched the bard's performance with identical, expressionless faces.
"Oh my! Isn't this Wendy and Boss An? You two are here for the concert too?"
Ying appeared behind the two with a smile.
As the main organizer of the concert, she fully utilized her individual abilities and leveraged her financial resources and social connections to recruit many employees from Zephyr Delivery to help. With the assistance of numerous volunteers who came after hearing the news, there's currently nothing for Ying to worry about regarding the concert.
Wendy turned around and said:
"You have a question for me, Ying?"
"Since we all get along so well, I won't keep anything from you. Wendy, any news about the Abyss Order lately?"
"No. As you can see, after that person tore open the Teleportation that day... the Abyss Order became very quiet."
"Then, do you know where that person lives?"
Ying pressed for an answer.
If we can learn the dragon girl's technique of tearing open Teleportation, then my brother Sora will have nowhere to escape. If all else fails, we can try to get closer to her and ask for her help; the effect will be the same. The important thing is to catch Sora; the process and methods don't matter.
Wendy frowned, looking troubled and hesitant.
Ying revealed a tearful, pleading look in her eyes.
Wendy sighed helplessly.
"The Liyue Summoning Ceremony is about to begin. It's an annual opportunity to see the Geo Archon in person. Don't you want to see the other gods? This is an opportunity you can't miss."
"But I have the All-Purpose Talisman's that you lent me. I can just find a mountain and ask some immortals, right? Why do I need to join in the crowd? Just thinking about it makes me think it will be packed with people. I don't really want to go."
"It's Unrestricted Talisman."
Wendy chuckled to herself.
As Ying touched the talisman in her hand, she gradually realized something as Wendy smiled.
"I understand! Thank you for the guidance. I'll be going to Liyue later. I have to get back to work now. You guys enjoy yourselves!"