Wishing the Lone Wolf in the Neighboring Universe a Long and Happy Marriage

(Two chapters combined)

"Sumeru has always been like this; this stench of pedantry and arrogance lingers year after year."

Dottore's gaze fell back on the nearly completed creation before him, beneath his mask. The cold metal components gleamed a pale white in the dim light, and countless pipes meandered and intertwined like dormant vines.

"Holding a high position, he deceives the gods above and misleads the people below. On the one hand, he despises my crude methods of creating a god, while on the other hand, he craves to replicate the power of the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata in the Akasha. Ha, how is he any different from a parasite clinging to the corpse of a demon god?"

"That's right!" Scott, who hadn't appeared for a long time, appeared right beside the Doctor as the Doctor's most loyal sword.

"In my humble opinion, this Sumeru is already utterly rotten! How wise and decisive you were to leave this shackled place back then!"

"Enough," Dottore interrupted Scott's flattery curtly. "The guest is still outside; go and greet him."

Azar, clad in a sage's robe, strode arrogantly into the room, his cold gaze sweeping over the two. "No need. Here, you are the guests."

"Heh, still as arrogant as ever, Azar." A soft chuckle escaped from beneath Dottore's mask as he responded indifferently. "I am indeed very curious, what method did the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata use to make people 500 years later still so devoted... to follow her?"

"How could people like you possibly imagine the glory of the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata? Your plan to create a god is merely a tiny fraction of the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's compassion in the past, and even that tiny fraction is wantonly defiled by your crude methods." Azar's chest rose and fell slightly, his tone almost obsessive.

"Oh, oh, that sounds quite grand," Scott scoffed, retorting without hesitation. "So, in the end, we still have to rely on the Doctor's methods, huh? I thought the people of Sumeru could simply possess endless wisdom and eternal protection by worshipping and remembering the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata."

"Of course!" A sudden fervor shone in Azar's eyes. "You mortals will never understand the supreme greatness of the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's creation! The Akasha Terminal is the pinnacle of wisdom accumulated over millennia in Sumeru! It envelops all people, benefiting all beings, allowing every citizen of Sumeru to bathe in the holy light of wisdom, so that everyone can receive the grace of wisdom and become a being of wisdom! This is the most sacred gift the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata left to the world!"

"You did this..." Scott was about to retort when he caught a cold glare from Dottore out of the corner of his eye. Instantly, he obediently lowered his head and stepped back, remaining silent.

The stone chamber returned to silence.

Dottore slowly raised his eyes, his tone calm and unchanging, revealing no trace of joy or anger. "So it is the esteemed Great Sage. There was a brief argument; I was rash, please forgive me."

Azar snorted coldly, his face flushed with anger, and arrogantly uttered a harsh remark. "Keep your dogs in check."

Scott.

"Your subordinate is here!" Scott immediately stepped forward, his posture upright and his expression respectful. "Your Excellency is at your service at any time!"

Dottore slowly turned his head, his mask obscuring most of his face, making it impossible to see his expression. Only his indifferent voice rang out. "I usually can't remember the names of my subordinates, but you are one of the few exceptions."

The sudden recognition startled Scott, who could hardly contain his excitement. "Thank you so much for your kind words, sir! I will serve you with my life!"

"Do your job well."

Dottore's words were as light as a breeze, yet carried a chilling undercurrent. "Don't forget, before you, too many who claimed to be loyal ended up quietly lying on my operating table."

Scott's back stiffened, and a fine layer of cold sweat instantly beaded on his forehead, yet he still gritted his teeth and bowed. "Your subordinate... will certainly not fail your expectations, sir!"

"The Pantalone" Pantalone once asked Dottore.

Why would anyone choose to keep such a despicable and selfish person by their side?

"I've seen far too many self-proclaimed righteous people, and countless hypocrites who put on a righteous facade. But such a pure-hearted villain is a rare find. Don't you find it interesting?"

"Oh well, I still can't keep up with a scientist's way of thinking."

However, it's clear that Scott had no choice under the Doctor's command.

When he was taken away by Dottore, he still harbored illusions, thinking that he could make a name for himself through this. Once he joined Dotole's ranks, he racked his brains and desperately tried to climb the ranks.

But under the Doctor's command, one could choose not to live, but not to die. The undercover work, infiltration, and assassination skills he learned at the House of the Hearth seemed as laughable as a green recruit in front of the Doctor.

He had no choice but to find another way: flattery, sycophancy, corruption, framing, and climbing the ladder step by step. Although it wasn't honorable, he made a choice between honor and his bottom line.

Whether it was fortunate or unfortunate, he finally managed to attract Dottore's attention. And it didn't turn into an autopsy report stating the cause of death as an autopsy.

At least Dottore brought out Scott's potential. In some situations where Dottore's presence was needed, Scott became Dottore's mouthpiece, kicking everyone from high-ranking sages to street dogs.

However, this also made Scott a thorn in the side of many people.

The relationship between Dottore and Scott is now like the crown of Chlothar.

If Scott loses the crown of Dottore, then he might be used as a stool to sit on.

"Alright, there's nothing else here. You can stay here and keep watch."

With that, Dottore left, leaving him alone in the same spot.

"I'm telling you, why aren't you going to Inazuma to find the Electro Archon's Gnosis? What are you still doing here?"

Tartaglia stood with his arms crossed on the ground of the Northland Bank, looking at the domineering Rosalyne in front of him, his tone tinged with displeasure.

"What? You really think the Northland Bank of Liyue is your own home? You need to discuss this with me before coming here?" Rosalyne's voice was as sharp as Chlothar's, sitting on a throne cushioned with dozens of books.

"Heh, that's quite your style." Tartaglia took a half step forward, staring at the "La Signora's " arrogant eyes, his fighting spirit blazing. "Since we both dislike each other so much, let's have a fight!"

"You still haven't learned your lesson from what happened in Liyue." The La Signora chuckled softly, her Kamisato filled with condescension. "You're still so naive, so... foolish."

"Hey!" Tartaglia clenched his fist.

"Alright, I didn't come here to argue with you." Rosalyne raised her hand to interrupt their argument. "Judging by the time, that person had better be here within five minutes. It would be extremely rude to be late for a ' La Signora '."

"And you call yourself a lady?" Tartaglia retorted without hesitation. "You're probably the most arrogant and rude of all the Harbinger."

"Hmph..." Rosalyne snorted coldly.

"Call..."

The heavy doors of the Northland Bank creaked open. Xingsu, hunched over, dragged in a large, dark coffin.

In an instant, the argument in the room came to an abrupt halt.

Tartaglia and Rosalyne both fell silent, their gazes fixed on the person who had entered and the conspicuous coffin. The tense atmosphere that had just been filled with tension suddenly quieted down.

Tartaglia's expression darkened, his tone softened, and a hint of regret flashed in his eyes. He had heard about the various events that had occurred in the Chasm over the past few days.

"... That child, did he not make it through? I'm sorry."

Rosalyne's sharp features softened slightly. She walked slowly forward, gently patted Xingsu's shoulder, and said in a low voice, "My condolences."

Xingsu straightened up, stretched his shoulders, and looked at the two with a puzzled expression on his face. "Hmm? Why do you look like that? Oh, that child is alright. He was taken to Bubu Pharmacy by Yelan and the Traveler, and Doctor Bai has already saved him. Now, he's probably waiting at the port with Anton and the others."

"... Then what about that coffin?" Tartaglia stared blankly at the black coffin placed in the center of the hall.

"Oh, this."

Xingsu forward, reached out and gripped the edge of the coffin lid, then lifted the lid.

The coffin was packed full, filled with all sorts of Liyue specialties: Moonchase Festival treats, accessories, costumes... and even a clay figurine of the Emperor.

"When I went to get my things this morning, I realized I had bought too much and couldn't carry it all by myself. So I took the advice of that little girl from yesterday and went to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor early this morning to borrow a coffin. As a result, the Director Hu, just gave it to me for free, saying something like, 'Finally, I've found someone who appreciates good things...'"

"And I think what she said yesterday was quite right. This coffin is really useful. If I had more time, I might have even attached a few wheels to it and then I could stand on it and pedal around."

"Oh..."

The two of them were so angry they actually laughed.

"Uh... no wonder you can play with the kids so well..." Tartaglia scratched his head sheepishly, looking at the coffin stuffed with local specialties.

"Oh? Should I say thank you for the compliment?"

Rosalyne, standing to the side, asked, whether sincerely or with a hint of mockery, "The second-in-command of the prestigious House of the Hearth, going out on a mission without even a single attendant? He has to do everything himself, even carrying a simple load."

"The situation between Liyue and Snezhnaya is already tense, which is why I'm acting alone. As for having the Ninth Company come to help, aside from the fact that they're not under my the Knave, those people just escaped the unknown and death of the Chasm, so they should be allowed to rest and recuperate."

"Besides, there's nothing wrong with carrying a coffin. Not only can it hold a lot of things, but it's also quite fashionable. People on the street look at me with curiosity."

"That's because I think it's outrageous."

"Oh my god, why didn't you say so earlier?"

"..."

"Sigh... you two, go and move these things onto the ship." The La Signora, too tired to listen to their bickering any longer, turned her head and gave orders to the two subordinates standing on either side of the hall.

"Yes, La Signora."

"Alright, I won't bother this ' Childe ' any longer. Come with me, just in case someone starts nagging again."

Xingsu and Rosalyne walked out of the Northland Bank.

How are Arlecchino and the children doing lately?

"Not bad, the children are all well-behaved. She herself is still very busy, traveling back and forth between Snezhnaya and Fontaine. Fortunately, I take full responsibility for most of the affairs in Fontaine, which relieves most of the pressure on her and makes things a little easier for her."

"That's good. The Marionette wrote to me; she'd like to hold a tea party in Snezhnaya if she has time. You can join us if you're available. She might say she's reluctant, but she'll still welcome you."

"That really is her style. I can even imagine her tone of voice, cough cough..." Xingsu cleared his throat and imitated the Marionette's arrogant look.

"Huh? That guy's coming too? Why are there more and more uninvited guests at my tea party? Oh well, a few more people bothering me won't hurt. For Arlecchino's sake, I'll let him have a few sips of tea."

"Hahaha..." Rosalyne laughed heartily, "She really does have a point. No wonder you can win Arlecchino's heart."

"Thank you for the compliment, but I didn't win her over with sweet words."

The two walked slowly and soon arrived at the port.

The salty sea breeze howled across the dock, stirring up waves on the surface of the sea, while Rosalyne's magnificent ship remained quietly moored at its berth.

The Ninth Company awaited the arrival of the Harbinger and Xingsu at the port. To avoid causing a disturbance, Xingsu had prepared a set of civilian clothes for them.

Of course, it was Tartaglia's money that was spent.

"Salute!" Upon seeing Xingsu and the La Signora, the group solemnly saluted.

"Alright, put your hand down." Xingsu walked to a group of people and saw Nikolay, whose hand was still bandaged, and Katarina standing beside him.

"You two come back to House of the Hearth with me in a bit. Don't worry about ' The Rooster,' someone will explain the situation to him."

"Yes, Xingsu!"

The two went up to the deck, Rosalyne led Xingsu into the bedroom inside the cabin, where a set of exquisite table and chairs were placed.

"I don't get many opportunities to talk to you alone, and since I finally have one, I'd like to ask you about your relationship with Arlecchino."

"Please ask," Xingsu quietly, looking at Rosalyne across from him.

"Let me think, where should we begin? How many years have you been together?"

"Six years, six years and eight months." Xingsu didn't even think about it, as if he had already memorized this date.

"Really... Time really flies." Rosalyne's fingertips lightly traced the tabletop, a distant memory flashing in her eyes.

"I remember it was me who went to Fontaine to bring Arlecchino back to Snezhnaya. At that time, she was still very wary of the Harbinger and never easily trusted anyone. It took me a lot of effort to get her here and have a peaceful night's sleep."

"Who could have imagined back then that she would become an Harbinger with a higher position than me?" Rosalyne picked up the cup on the table, took a sip of tea, and said with a hint of regret.

"Thank you so much. She must have suffered a lot back then."

"No need to thank me. I just can't stand Crucabena's behavior. I'm not exactly being kind-hearted, but I just can't condone this kind of shameless approach."

A warrior should die on the path of defying Heavenly Principles, not perish in infighting. I merely gave her a chance; the rest of her life was entirely up to her to carve out, step by step.

"Okay, as her lover, you definitely know more about these things than I do. So, the second question is, what do you think of me?"

"You still care about what other people think? That doesn't sound like a question you, with your pride, would ask."