Chapter 13. Meeting Tartaglia Again
After a simple meal at Xinyue Kiosk, Ningguang and the others prepared to take their leave.
Before departing, Ningguang informed Futsu Mitama that she would package and send over intelligence regarding any abnormal Fatui activity. However, she also admitted that it might not prove particularly useful. Over the past six months, the Fatui had been unusually restrained.
Whether it was because of the Abyss Order, or because Il Dottore's previous actions had drawn too much attention and forced them to lie low, she could not be certain. But regardless of the reason, Ningguang had no intention of underestimating them. The Fatui were not to be trusted, and vigilance was always necessary.
Just as Ningguang, Keqing, and Beidou were about to leave, Ganyu called out to Shenhe and Aila, saying she had something to discuss.
The two did not refuse and followed her aside.
"It seems their trip to Inazuma has brought them great improvement," Ningguang said softly, standing beside Futsu Mitama, her tone carrying a faint sense of reflection.
She could clearly feel the difference. Compared to their last meeting, Shenhe and Aila's auras had grown significantly stronger.
Though she often appeared as a composed businesswoman, Ningguang herself was far from weak. Her ability to stand on equal footing with the adeptus was proof enough. Even in the face of overwhelming threats, she had never shown hesitation.
Because of this, she could discern just how much both of them had gained.
"Yes, indeed." Beidou let out a breath of emotion. "The little junior, who couldn't match me before—now, if I want to defeat her, I'd have to pay quite a price."
Then she turned to Futsu Mitama, her expression openly curious. "To be honest, how did you manage to raise their strength so much in such a short time?"
"Did they consume some rare treasures? Drink your Narukami sake every day? Or do you all spar constantly?"
This time, it was genuine curiosity.
Previously, she had been too focused on her own training to ask. Now that everything had settled, the question finally surfaced.
Keqing remained silent at the side. She already knew the answer through the Chat Group, yet still looked over with a trace of curiosity, as if waiting for his response.
"This…" Futsu Mitama sighed lightly, a bit helpless. "It's not as complicated as you think. If you spar with adeptus kind of strength every day, exchange experience with them, and occasionally receive guidance—even sparring—with a god…"
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Then as long as your talent isn't poor, anyone's strength would improve rapidly."
That was all. There was no secret method. No miraculous shortcut.
Shenhe and Aila's growth came from two things—
Their talent and their willingness to learn.
Yae Miko was willing to teach, and Raiden Ei was also willing to guide. Even Aila's ability to grasp fragmented Archon authority had only been possible because Raiden Ei personally protected her. On top of that, with Futsu Mitama—an existence already standing at the peak just below the Archons—sparring with her every day, it would have been strange if she had not improved.
Hearing this, Beidou and Ningguang exchanged a glance.
For a moment, neither of them knew what to say.
So that was the method?
Daily sparring with adeptus, occasional guidance from an Archon—this kind of condition simply could not be replicated. It was no wonder that Aila and Shenhe had advanced so quickly.
Beidou silently thought to herself—where exactly could one pick an Archon willing to personally guide them?
Of course, that thought remained a joke. Even someone like her would not be so disrespectful toward the gods.
Half a year of such intense training would allow anyone to improve rapidly, but not everyone had the time, nor the talent to absorb so much in such a short period. Beidou might have the talent, but she could not abandon her crew. Without her, the reputation of the Crux Fleet would collapse, and everything she had built would gradually fall apart.
Soon, Aila, Shenhe, and Ganyu returned.
Ganyu looked at Futsu Mitama with a hint of gratitude in her eyes. She had already understood the reason behind Shenhe's growth. Aila might be his maid, but Shenhe was different—she was an adeptus disciple who belonged to Liyue.
To receive personal guidance from an Archon—that was no small favor.
Since the Archon War, the Geo Archon had rarely guided others personally. Now, Shenhe had obtained such an opportunity. In Ganyu's eyes, this was something she could not ignore.
Quietly, she made a decision.
Tonight—she would work overtime. She would personally compile the Fatui intelligence and deliver it.
Just as Ganyu made up her mind, Futsu Mitama turned to Ningguang and Beidou.
"Then we'll be heading back first," he said calmly. "We'll be staying in Liyue Harbor for a while. If anything comes up, we may have to trouble you."
Ningguang smiled gently. "Trouble? On the contrary, your stay here is beneficial for us."
Then she added, "You should have heard from Beidou—Liyue will be holding a gourmet event soon. I hope you can serve as one of the judges."
Her tone was light, but her intention was clear.
Futsu Mitama's presence alone would elevate the entire event. With his current identity, inviting him would only bring benefits.
"I'll accept," Futsu Mitama replied without hesitation.
He was already interested in the so-called "A Bite of Liyue."
After a brief exchange, Ningguang, Keqing, Ganyu, and the Millelith departed.
Futsu Mitama and the others also split up according to their earlier plan. Aila returned home to clean. After half a year of absence, the house needed to be properly prepared. Shenhe followed her, not out of necessity, but simply as precaution.
Meanwhile, Kuki Shinobu and Sangonomiya Kokomi accompanied Futsu Mitama toward the Northland Bank.
After half a year—it was time to meet an old acquaintance.
Bringing Shinobu ensured that any contracts would not be carelessly signed.
Bringing Kokomi—was because of her mind.
Under the guidance of Raiden Makoto and Yae Miko, her knowledge had reached a new level. If Tartaglia attempted any deception, she would notice immediately.
With both of them at his side, Futsu Mitama walked forward calmly.
Soon, the familiar building came into view.
Northland Bank.
Just as he approached, a figure stepped out. It was none other than Tartaglia.
Their eyes met. For a brief moment, both were slightly surprised.
Then Tartaglia's expression lit up, and he strode forward with a wide grin, arms open.
"My old friend, we meet again!"
Futsu Mitama remained where he was, unmoving.
The intended embrace fell short.
A hint of awkwardness flashed across Tartaglia's face, but he quickly recovered, letting out a laugh. "Coincidentally, I also have something to discuss with you. Come. I've prepared tea."
He turned and led the way inside.
As they walked through the hall, the reaction of the Fatui employees was immediate.
Silence.
Then subtle retreat. Some stepped aside instinctively. Others even hid behind customers, their expressions tense.
The customers themselves were confused.
Since when did the Fatui—fear someone?
If they knew the truth, they would understand. Futsu Mitama's record had long been updated within the Fatui. His direct confrontation with Scaramouche had already spread.
To them—
He was no longer just an opponent. He was something far more dangerous.
Tartaglia, noticing their reactions, only shook his head slightly before leading the group into a private room.
Tea and pastries were quickly served.
Once the attendants left, the room fell quiet.
Futsu Mitama, Shinobu, Kokomi, and Tartaglia took their seats.
Tartaglia leaned back slightly, his smile unchanged.
"Let me guess," he said directly. "You're here to ask about your little maid."
Futsu Mitama's eyes narrowed slightly.
There was no need to probe anymore.
Tartaglia—already knew.
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