Inside the VIP lounge of the Northland Bank.
With Severin personally stepping in, not only was the resentment of these major clients successfully appeased, but the conflict between Pantalone and the wealthy merchants was also completely resolved.
After this incident, the merchants began to place full trust in Northland Bank's credibility. Many decided that from now on, all the Mora stored in their home vaults and basements would be transferred to Northland Bank.
Subsequent statistics showed that today alone, deposits increased by several hundred billion Mora.
That meant hundreds of billions of Mora had been pulled out of circulation within Liyue's market.
Although the gap to Severin's ultimate goal was still large, today marked a perfect beginning. Soon, even more merchants would surely deposit their accumulated wealth into Northland Bank.
Just as Rex Lapis once backed Mora itself, Northland Bank had now effectively gained the backing of the Snezhnayan Prince.
With Severin's endorsement, Liyue's wealthy elite no longer harbored doubts and entrusted their assets to Pantalone without reservation.
Of course, interest earnings were not the sole incentive.
Severin also informed them that Northland Bank would use deposits to invest in large-scale infrastructure projects across the Seven Nations, as well as in promising startup enterprises.
The more they deposited, the greater their returns would be.
This new model of investment and wealth management—low risk with high returns—immediately ignited their enthusiasm.
Standing to the side and observing the entire process, Pantalone absorbed a massive amount of new knowledge.
"Tell me—what are your thoughts today?"
That afternoon, after the bank closed, Severin asked calmly from his office.
Today's hands-on demonstration of modern banking management principles was meant to accelerate Northland Bank's growth.
"Your Highness," Pantalone replied earnestly,
"in the past, we passively waited for customers to come to us. Today, I learned that only through sincere communication and earning their trust can we attract larger deposits."
Severin nodded slightly, then said,
"Northland Bank still isn't proactive enough. You can't just sit in offices waiting for customers—you must go to them."
"There are many small businesses in Liyue that lack the capital to expand production. Visit one enterprise each day, discuss commercial loans with them, and help them improve efficiency."
"When these businesses make money, they'll naturally deposit more Mora into the bank."
"Beyond wealthy merchants and small enterprises, the vast number of ordinary depositors are equally important. Northland Bank should regularly run promotional events—deposit a certain amount of Mora and receive small gifts like rice, red wine, or porcelain."
Pantalone and several senior bank executives nodded repeatedly in admiration.
This was the true art of attracting deposits.
"Your Highness, there's another matter I wish to request your help with."
As Severin sipped his tea, he waved his hand lightly.
Everyone else in the office withdrew, leaving the two alone.
"Last year, after great difficulty, I discovered the remains of a mutated magical beast within a secret realm. It took a large team to excavate it successfully."
"The beast's hide emitted a unique fragrance that sharpened the mind. I ordered it crafted into an exquisite cloak, intending it as a birthday tribute to Her Majesty."
"However, during transport, it was intercepted by Yelan. She wounded our Fatui personnel, seized the hide, and altered it into a sleeved ceremonial cloak, naming it White Tassel Flying Silk Mantle."
"Because of this incident, I was reprimanded by the Tsaritsa. For the past year, I've lived in constant unease, always seeking revenge."
"But Yelan is unlike the Liyue Qixing—she's elusive and unpredictable. Even now, I lack complete intelligence on her movements."
"I humbly ask Your Highness to intervene and teach Yelan a lesson—to restore the Fatui's honor."
Pantalone bowed deeply as he pleaded.
By his own strength, he stood little chance against Yelan.
But if Severin intervened, defeat for her would be inevitable.
"The Fatui's relationship with the Six Nations is both cooperative and competitive," Severin said calmly.
"Ordinarily, I shouldn't involve myself directly in such shadow conflicts."
"But since she openly seized property belonging to Snezhnaya, my intervention would be entirely justified."
With Northland Bank's deposit operations now stable and Sandrone monitoring Zhongli, Severin's schedule was suddenly far more relaxed.
Reading, tea-drinking, sightseeing—leisure was within reach.
Still, helping a subordinate resolve grievances—and toying with Yelan in the process—was far more entertaining.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"I recall that in your last encounter, she took the beast hide, while your men obtained one of her heirlooms—an ancestral jade bangle called Youqi Wanlan."
"The item is here, Your Highness."
Pantalone retrieved an object from the cabinet.
It was a finely carved jade bangle, emerald-green, faintly glowing with elemental energy.
"I've clashed with Yelan many times. This is my only 'trophy,' so I kept it as a reminder not to forget vengeance."
"It's said to be her family heirloom, possessing some mysterious function. I researched it for a time but found nothing, so I locked it away."
Severin took Youqi Wanlan and examined it briefly.
He then infused a thread of divine power into it.
The bangle suddenly shone brightly.
At the same time, a woman's vigilant voice echoed out.
"Who are you?"
"Why is the bangle in your hands?"
"Answer me!"
Pantalone froze, scarcely daring to breathe.
That voice unmistakably belonged to Yelan herself.
So this was the bangle's hidden function—a long-distance communication artifact.
"Righteous qi abides within; evil dares not invade. Where evil gathers, vitality must falter."
Severin altered his voice, imitating the tone of an ancient mystic.
Pantalone knew nothing of Yelan's family history.
But Severin knew it all.
Yelan's ancestor, Boyang, had been a close friend of Bosacius, one of Liyue's Five Yakshas. Five hundred years ago, during the calamity that engulfed Liyue, Boyang died in battle within The Chasm.
Yelan's relentless travels over the years had all been driven by one purpose—to uncover the truth behind her ancestor's death.
"Ancestor… is this a remnant of your consciousness?"
Yelan's voice trembled with excitement.
"At midnight," Severin intoned solemnly,
"await me at The Chasm. I have left an opportunity for my descendants. Be punctual—do not forget."
"I will arrive on time!"
Severin withdrew his divine power.
The connection was severed.
Pantalone couldn't help asking,
"Your Highness… what exactly are you planning?"
"A small scheme," Severin replied lightly.
"But against Yelan—it will be twice as effective."
To read advanced Chapters, head over to p@treon:
patreon.com/SwritesTL