Although the situation was confusing, both people present were smart.
After a brief exchange of information, the truth became clear.
"So Boss Han opened a branch in Liyue.
But calling it a 'branch'… it's basically just functioning as a teleportation node."
La Signora sighed.
The scenery outside this manga shop was clearly Mondstadt.
So the "branch" in Liyue was clearly just some kind of teleportation setup.
Boss Han was incredible— to casually make something like that.
La Signora genuinely felt admiration.
But unlike her calm appreciation, Tartaglia's expression was filled with shock.
"T-this… this is Mondstadt?!"
Once he realized it, he rushed to the door to check the scenery outside.
Indeed—this was not Liyue.
"I actually didn't notice this last time!"
Childe frowned, clearly upset with himself.
As a Harbinger, how could he overlook something like this?
It was embarrassing.
But after making the discovery, he began thinking again.
"If the shop is based in Mondstadt… then La Signora must know something!"
After returning from the coast yesterday, the first thing he did— besides reporting the Fake Peace Star to the Qianyan Army—was mobilize the Northland Bank's intelligence network to investigate the manga shop.
He found nothing.
As if the store had appeared out of thin air.
He refused to believe it at first.
How could a shop with such miraculous rewards leave no trace?
For a moment, he even suspected the Fatui intelligence network was failing.
But now it seemed…
This manga shop was a sudden, inexplicable existence.
Its headquarters was in Mondstadt.
The one in Liyue was just newly opened.
"La Signora, I want all information on this manga shop.
As detailed as possible."
Childe said seriously.
La Signora frowned slightly but didn't refuse.
One brain-dead Dottore was already more than enough.
She absolutely did not want another.
Once might be coincidence— Twice? Definitely a problem.
If the Harbingers' recklessness caused Boss Han to form a bad opinion of them…
or even of Snezhnaya…
That would be disastrous.
So she briefly told Childe everything— including Dottore's arrival and subsequent… death.
"What?! Dottore is dead?!"
Childe's eyes widened with horror.
His mind was in turmoil.
He knew how terrifying Dottore was— the man's strength far exceeded his own.
And yet, someone like that just… died?
Without a sound?
Inside the shop?!
"Thank the Tsaritsa I didn't try anything yesterday…"
A wave of fear washed over him.
If he had made a move yesterday— he would probably no longer exist.
"That's why you must never imitate that idiot.
Dottore actually dared to scheme against Boss Han's shop.
We must treat Boss Han with respect."
La Signora reminded sternly.
Seeing Tartaglia nod seriously, she curiously asked:
"By the way, did you get a reward yesterday?"
The corner of Childe's mouth twitched.
The reward flew away.
And now he had to carry the blame.
What was he supposed to say?
But since they were both Harbingers, he didn't hide it.
"I got a Fake Peace Star.
It can enhance whatever it's attached to.
And then…"
(⊙_⊙)
"You… awakened the Vortex Demon God?!!"
La Signora's jaw dropped.
Good lord.
How bold could he be?
Was he just not taking Rex Lapis seriously at all?!
"Why are the people around me always this 'brave'?…"
La Signora felt her head ache.
First, Dottore, who tried to rob Boss Han's shop.
He was now buried under three feet of metaphorical dirt.
Now this one—
And he awakened a demon god?!
"Why can none of you learn from me?
Show some reverence for Boss Han!"
She sighed.
The only reason she behaved so cautiously— was because Boss Han lectured her the first time she came.
Otherwise…
Following the "game story," after obtaining both the Anemo and Geo Gnosis, she would have been arrogantly confident.
Arrogant enough to even taunt the Raiden Shogun—
And the result?
She got cut in half.
"Just so you know—it wasn't me who awakened it.
The Fake Peace Star… flew away on its own."
Childe felt the need to clarify.
If even La Signora misunderstood, then that blame would stick to him forever.
La Signora: (⊙_⊙)
…You were better off not explaining…
If he had awakened the demon god to fulfill the Tsaritsa's plans— that would at least make him a proper, unquoted "brave warrior."
But this?
He couldn't even hold on to his own reward?
It flew away on its own?
What was she supposed to say?
She had lived five hundred years— never had she seen something so ridiculous.
No benefits gained.
Only a mountain of blame.
"Ahem… let's just go read manga."
Childe coughed awkwardly.
The way La Signora looked at him— as if he were a rare breed of idiot—was unbearable.
He was uncomfortable, but he couldn't refute anything.
"Fine…
I hope you get something decent this time."
La Signora sighed again.
This generation of Harbingers was truly impossible to lead.
"Boss Han, we're here again!"
Approaching the counter, La Signora's expression brightened instantly, switching to a charming smile.
Since obtaining the Youth-Retaining Pill, her transformation had been dramatic—
Her figure and beauty both surpassed her previous self.
Even Han Feng blinked in surprise for a moment before regaining composure.
"Ahem… welcome.
Pick whatever you want from the shelves."
"Yes, Boss!"
Seeing his reaction, La Signora couldn't help feeling pleased.
But she didn't say more.
She placed down a bag of Mora and walked to the shelves.
"What should I read?"
She thought for a moment.
Finally, she picked up "Runeterra."
This one she hadn't seen before.
So it must be a new manga.
"Then I'll take this."
Holding the book, she headed toward the discussion area.
—------------------------------
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