Gathering intelligence is mutual.
Ever since La Signora arrived in Mondstadt, the Fatui diplomats have been arrogant, repeatedly stepping on the toes of Acting Grand Master Jean and the Knights of Favonius to demonstrate their absolute strength.
If Albedo was willing to put more energy into his duties as the Investigation Captain—instead of only giving 5% of his energy while spending the rest "fishing" (slacking off) with painting and experiments—he should have found out the origin and story of La Signora long ago.
However, even this mere 5% of energy and the information collected gave Jean and the Knights great help.
At least the Knights learned that La Signora was only temporarily stationed here and had a specific, important mission. She wouldn't be staying in Mondstadt for long.
In fact, the current tense relationship between the Fatui and the Knights in Mondstadt was orchestrated by La Signora. She was testing Jean's bottom line step by step, paving the way for her final plan.
"La Signora..."
Albedo felt that this conceited and arrogant witch might not follow the rules of Manager Hiroshi today.
He took a deep breath and stood firmly in front of the Harbinger.
"How interesting."
The beautiful lady wore a mask on her face, and the exposed half of her face revealed a sarcastic sneer.
"Since it is a store, any customer should be welcome."
"Besides, you are just a guest here yourself."
"Why did you take it upon yourself to stop me?"
Facing the strong and confident Harbinger, Albedo still looked elegant and calm.
"Right now, you can run wild anywhere in Mondstadt, even when facing Acting Grand Master Jean."
"In order to maintain the overall order of Mondstadt, Captain Jean might endure it."
"But if you want to cause trouble and damage in this store... then the Knights cannot bear it, and neither will I."
When La Signora heard this, a hint of surprise flashed in her icy eyes, but her desire to probe deeper became even stronger.
"I'm curious. Why would the Knights rather go to war with us Fatui than let me disturb this store?"
The corners of Albedo's mouth tilted slightly, revealing a rare, confident smile.
"Because this is a new era that even you Fatui and your 'Delusions' cannot usher in."
"This store, and Manager Hiroshi, are the leaders and founders of the times."
La Signora's eyes suddenly darkened.
"Step aside——"
Three ice flowers began to swirl around La Signora.
The elemental power of Cryo authority given to her by the Tsaritsa of Snezhnaya was about to explode.
Albedo remained calm and collected.
He didn't care much about titles and fame. Since his birth, he had followed Rhinedottir to explore endless ancient secrets. He is the Captain of the Investigation Team, but he rarely acted in public, so few people knew exactly what kind of power "The Chalk Prince" possessed.
A Geo construct, a one-handed sword, appeared faintly behind Albedo.
Albedo showed his determination.
Don't give in an inch!
Sucrose and Timaeus retreated to the counter, clutching their new Poké Balls, and looked at each other in shock.
Such a tough attitude had never been seen in their polite Chief Alchemist teacher.
"It seems that Mr. Albedo respects Manager Hiroshi from the bottom of his heart."
"Wealth and connections are never the goals of the Teacher... but Manager Hiroshi is a polymath with supreme knowledge of life creation."
"Of course the Teacher highly praises him!"
Heh.
Hearing the whispers of the two alchemy assistants, the corner of La Signora's mouth curled up in a cold arc.
Her action was also a test. She wanted to see the attitude of Mondstadt's senior management towards this store and what it represented.
Albedo's attitude explained a lot of things.
This store.
That Manager Hiroshi.
I'm afraid it has already reached "National Strategic Significance" status.
Are you willing to fight against the Fatui for it?
Then... we should get to the bottom of it! Let's see what secrets are hidden here that the Fatui don't know!
If possible, I will hold the "secret" in my own hands!
"Then, please... fall into the cold abyss!"
La Signora said coldly.
The arrogant Eighth Harbinger never knew what awe was. Just like in the future where she would repeatedly make mistakes in front of the Gods until she met the Raiden Shogun's blade, she acted without fear.
She decided to take action. Even if the burst of elemental power demolished the store, so what? The Fatui act, and there is no need to explain to anyone.
BOOM——
Ice Flowers bloom!
A large amount of ice sword rain materialized, filling the air of the store with deadly chill.
At the same time, Albedo, who knew that La Signora would run rampant, also exploded with the power of Geo.
"Rite of Progeniture: Tectonic Tide!"
However.
Just as the full attack and destruction were about to collide...
Just as the full guard and block were about to meet...
When the large wave of elements exploded, Cresselia, who was serving as the temporary Store Manager at the counter, couldn't stand it anymore.
"Trick Room!" (Magic Space)
Psychic power created a strange, distorted space that immediately enveloped La Signora and Albedo.
In an instant, the movements of La Signora and Albedo became extremely slow in the eyes of Sucrose and Timaeus, as if time itself had been warped.
After realizing who had taken action, Sucrose and Timaeus were immediately horrified. The Pokémon was glowing.
"Hypnosis!" (Somnolence)
Cresselia released a wave of drowsy energy.
The conceited La Signora fell to the ground without any resistance.
Thud.
She was asleep instantly.
Shua la la...
But the rain of ice swords that had already been generated was still continuing to fall, frozen in the slow time but possessing momentum. This would obviously cause great damage to the store if they landed.
Cresselia sighed quietly in their minds.
"Psychic!" (Telekinesis)
The large-scale rain of swords that had been produced was instantly caught by a massive, invisible force.
With a flick of Cresselia's mind, the attack was thrown through a spatial rift into a wilderness far outside Mondstadt.
Outside Mondstadt, Whispering Woods.
A tribe of Hilichurls was dancing around a fire.
Suddenly, a rift opened in the sky.
Whoosh!
Countless ice swords rained down from nowhere.
The Hilichurls suffered a serious crime. They were blown into pieces and frozen by high-altitude projectiles generated out of thin air.
It was a miserable day to be a Hilichurl.
Back in the Store.
"Phew."
Seeing that the crisis of destroying the store had been eliminated, Cresselia was obviously relieved.
If she were a humanoid Pokémon, she would probably be patting her chest with her small hands at this moment, with a look of shock.
However, her pink ring-shaped wings flapped slightly, which still showed that Cresselia was in a happy mood that the furniture was safe.