Chapter Text
Ekaterina never envisioned she would be working for the Fatui for this long.
Granted she began working for the organization as her temp job, a way to earn a quick buck to provide for her family while she looked for other working opportunities outside her frigid homeland. The idea of having to share the same room as merciless debt collectors and genetically-modified super soldiers made her heart pound every time she walked those eerie, dark corridors. She feared for her life constantly, always worrying that the next shift she’d take would be her last one ever.
Yet she couldn’t deny the perks of working full-time in the Fatui. She had a good healthcare plan and the pay was enough to support her aging parents and school tuition fees of her younger siblings. She was able to go back and forth between Snezhnayan borders easily, constantly writing letters about her travels to friends and family waiting back home.
In a way Ekaterina was able to see the beauty of her job, as ironic that may be. She learned to grow used to the somber halls and strange noises. She was no longer plagued by nightmares of daunting faces and freezing mid-walk in Zapolyarny Palace. She even made friends with few of the soldiers she had worked with at her former branch, it seemed that suffering under the hands of their respective Harbingers and the constant feeling of homesickness were things they could all relate to.
She had been to many cities and many places, her confidence grew the more she got to see the whole of Teyvat. However, out of all the places she had been to, Liyue held a special place in her heart.
It was three years ago when she began officially working in the organization as both the face of the bank as well as the secretary/trusted advisor of the eleventh Harbinger after the previous one had to retire due to a strange illness suddenly plaguing him one night.
She could clearly remember those first day jitters of working directly under such a infamously threatening individual. Though he didn’t like torturing recruits like Lady La Signora did or constantly shocked employees like Master Scaramouche, his unpredictable nature and constant mood swings were egregious amidst gossip in the lower ranks. Yet despite his notorious ‘bad boy’ reputation, the youngest of the Harbingers had a secretly large following for his charming looks and honey-laced tongue.
Aside from that, Liyue was the complete opposite of Snezhnaya in terms of weather, the sweltering heat and constant state of summer making her sweat bullets as soon as she stepped foot outside the bank’s doors.
It had been the farthest she’s ever been away from her family, constantly feeling homesick for the cooler weather and snuggling up near the fire wrapped in cozy, warm blankets. She missed feeling the gentle patter of snow on her face and eating fluffy slices of her mother’s homemade Sharlotka.
But as time passed, she began to enjoy her stay in Liyue. She learned to love the constant bustle of the city, the bright hues of red and yellow lining the streets, unlike her home that was always covered in thick layers of silencing white. The sun shone brightly here, rising and dipping just before the horizon, turning the sky into vibrant hues of blues, oranges, violets and pinks. Her love only grew even further as she always looked forward to the city’s festive spirit, the summer-like atmosphere amplifying its beauty even more.
It was also here that she met the love of her life and now with two children of her own, the City of Commerce became her home away from home.
Yet even when three years have passed since she last returned, the ceaseless snowstorms of Snezhnaya continued to torment her in the form of her ever-unpredictable boss.
Ekaterina sighed for the umpteenth time that day, shuffling her way towards his office to hand yet another stack of paperwork courtesy of the Liyue Qixing.
Her work load had practically tripled since the Lantern Rite ended and even during the whole festival, she was constantly running errands for her boss. The warmth of the city seemed nonexistent within these red walls. She could practically feel the temperature drop the further she went inside and the closer she came to her boss’s doors.
She remembers during her first day here, she was advised not to look away when he stared you down. It was a sign of fear, her fellow co-workers once mentioned, tearing away from his gaze would only provoke the dangerous beast that lurked beneath that disarming smile of his. It paved the way for a fight, to prove that one was strong enough to work within his ranks.
That first day, Ekaterina stared back at him only to see an unrelenting storm, merciless and hungry to devour any poor soul that dared to tread its murderous waters. Were she to wax poetic, it was as though he not only craved being the eye of the storm, he was practically the storm personified. One grave misstep and she could very well be engraving her last words on a petrified tombstone.
But in time with her continuous exposure to his wild nature came familiarity, a stable grasp of his unpredictable nature. Thus from fearing the eleventh harbinger, Ekaterina’s former feelings of terror at the sight of him bubbled down to sheer annoyance.
Her steps echoed across the walls, these particular halls were empty save for her presence. No one dared to enter his office, it was like walking straight into the lion’s den: one moment you could be a simple plaything, the next you could be dinner served on a silver plate.
She turns the knob to see him legs raised atop his desk nonchalantly, the mud sticking to the underside of his boots making her wince internally just from the thought of having just cleaned it yesterday.
Regardless she spoke, “Sir, the Qixing has asked for a follow-up regarding the compensation for repairs of the docks during the Osial incident.”
A dart flew right past her, whizzing in the air.
‘Patience Ekaterina,’ though she couldn’t help the slight roll of her eyes behind her mask.
“We’ve also gathered new intel regarding the sudden appearances of the evolved Geovishaps across Liyue.”
One more dart managed to hit the board behind her.
“Your family also sent a few letters after your brother returned to Snezhnaya.”
She noticed his eyes dart to her, huff, then return to tossing more darts. Dear Tsaritsa, help her.
The source of her problems could be traced back on the day his younger brother was just about to leave for Snezhnaya. He had been absolutely insistent on having someone else accompany him all the way to the docks and yet Ekaterina could tell the reluctance in his eyes. Despite that, she had an order to follow, she was in no position to question his actions.
Master Childe had been standing silently beside her desk, gazing intently at the heartwarming goodbye unfolding right in the middle of the bank.
She was busy organizing the papers that day when she looked up to see his eyes soften the moment the little boy went up to wrap his arms around the Traveler’s neck.
In all her years working under him, never would she believe that Childe and soft would ever belong to the same sentence but looking at him now, his stormy eyes held a gentler emotion within them and his smile was certainly a lot more different too. It was less calculated and stiff. It was actually far more charming than any of the smiles he’s seen him show.
She hated having to break him off his stupor, asking for his signature for one of the documents when he had to toss her favorite pen to the side to speak with the Traveler and her small floating friend. Huffing to pick up the pen, she had unconsciously hid herself behind the desk, somehow able to pick up on their conversation more easily.
Ekaterina didn’t mean to hear but her eyes widened at the sound of her boss actually inviting the petite woman back to the homeland and even introduce her to the rest of his family. She did her best to act as normal as possible, slowly standing straight, eyes glancing back to her boss then to the Traveler and pretended to file the rest of the papers.
It was on that day that Ekaterina began to conduct further investigation into the matter. The subtle tell-tale signs of this strange phenomena presented itself as Ekaterina observed her boss from afar.
For one, he only rubbed his neck whenever he was feeling nervous, which Ekaterina rarely saw. He would tap his fingers on the table more than usual and he had even gone through a whole box of pens without leaving it absolutely deformed from chewing too much.
Two, aside from the tailing he had also, on occasion, ordered her to leave a few bags of Mora for the Traveler to find, reasoning it out as, “funds to upgrade her equipment” or even sending out skirmishers on her path just to “scout out the threat”.
Three, it was during one the livelier days of the Lantern Rite as she had been rushing to finish her errands when her boss pulled her aside for something “crucially important” and “would disrupt the balance of his sanity”, only to end up with him asking what kind of presents would a girl normally want. She was absolutely pissed at first as she had almost broken her promise to her little daughter but nonetheless she gave him her two cents and told him to buy a fancy accessory of some sort.
She actually ended up having to write permission slips to the Tianquan for her boss’s sudden excursion to Liyue’s natural wonders. But even if it meant more work for her to do, she was too intrigued to find out just for who he was suddenly acting out of character for.
Ekaterina eventually got her answers one fateful night he was away, spotting the little “secret” scribbles that he mindlessly threw in the trash while she was cleaning up his office.
She was completely astounded upon her discovery, her boss had somehow developed some sort of romantic interest (Ekaterina thought it never happen) for one of the Fatui’s most dangerous enemies. It was too big of a secret for her to handle alone and so she shared her discovery with Vlad, who in return spilled the details to Nadia and even managed to reach Andrew’s ears. And with enough effort, the rest of the staff of Northland Bank was involved in Operation Overwinter: How to thaw Master Childe’s icy heart and bring back their summer.
Of course, working directly under the Harbinger meant that she was the most suited candidate to carry out the major, riskier steps of the plan. There was also the fact that her boss is currently under probation, the Qixing had guards constantly watching his every move and actively required written reports of when and where he went.
It had been even more troublesome to come up with ideas to get the two people in question together as the Traveller had been hardly seen in the city since the Lantern Rite festival ended a month ago.
Ekaterina had spent many sleepless nights formulating and perfecting her plan, writing letters to and fro her coworkers and even met up in secret to discuss their strategy. But by some miraculous force, word of the Windblume Festival reached her ears and so she had begun her preparations.
Phase I: The bait
“Sir, with all due respect, you really need to go.” Ekaterina remarked. “I understand that you were ordered to stay put, but you being cooped up in here all month has been…” Insufferable. Agonizing. Completely unbearable. “Relatively taxing.”
“You do realize that breaking direct orders from Her Majesty is punishable by law, right?” Finally, he was talking to her, ignoring the sharp glare in his eyes. “And where would I go anyway? The festival’s already over.” His slight grumbling of frustrations did not go unheard from her ears.
“Well,” Ekaterina placed a finger on her chin, striking at this exact chance. “I’ve heard news regarding Mondstadt’s upcoming Windblume festival. The city is decorated in all sorts of beautiful flowers and ribbons. There’s even a multitude of activities for people to take part in.”
If only she could visit, she would take the first opportunity to file for a leave. However, if the plan was to succeed, she needed to make sure that her boss was going to be on board with her idea without actually knowing of their plan.
“The Windblume festival is all about celebrating the freedom and love the citizens of Mondstadt have for their Archon, with the tradition of giving flowers to one another as a sign of affection and a way to get their feelings across to their dearest loved ones.”
“Just spit it out Ekaterina, I still have other important matter to attend to.” Childe threw another one, completely missing the board based on the loud ‘thud’ of the tapestry falling to the floor.
“Like what? Wallowing in self-pity?” She managed to bite back the remark, instead opting for a calmer tone. “I’ve heard news that the Traveler would be partaking as a special guest of the Knights of Favonius which is why she’ll be staying in Mondstadt for the duration of the festival. About a whole month, in fact.”
Her eyes don’t fail to notice the slight freeze of his hand, before throwing the red dart in his grip. “I don’t see any reason to concern myself with this matter.”
And now for Phase II: Negotiation.
“Well you see Master Childe,” Ekaterina walked around his desk, pace slow as she let her words sink in. “The Traveller is quite the charming individual, wouldn’t you agree?”
This phase would be perhaps the most dangerous phase of the plan, yet she was not going to back down. She took his silence as a sign for her to continue.
“She’s quite a captivating lady, Master Childe. I could only imagine the number of suitors ready to shower her with beautiful bouquets and trinkets ,” Ekaterina let out a dreamy sigh. “She would be too swarmed with confessions left and right to even notice any lurking dangers within the city walls.”
“What do you mean?” She bit back a smile.
“There’s been news regarding a group of Treasure Hoarders planning to infiltrate the city during the festival, sir.” Ekaterina said. “From what I’ve heard, they were planning to create a diversion to steal some sort of valuable treasure while the knights are all scattered around.”
The Treasure Hoarder’s involvement was still completely theoretical, she only had rumors to rely on from this point out. But one thing that she was certain of, their shady group always took every opportunity to strike, heedless of the time and place. If it didn’t work, she could only pray to the gods that he would be too caught up in the festivities to even notice.
“I see.” He doesn’t say any further, eyes narrowing in deep contemplation.
Ekaterina waited with bated breath as seconds continued to pass in silence. Fingers crossed she won’t be getting cleaning duty for a whole week.
“Very well, considering that Pantalone is still reporting to the Tsaritza in the mainland, I might as well keep things steady in his place.” Phew. “If the Treasure Hoarders are plotting something this risky, then the item in question could be of much value to Her Majesty’s goal.” He stood up from his seat, hand on the knob before he was halted by Ekaterina.
“Sir, you’re not going out looking like that—” she gestures to his whole body, nose wrinkling in distaste, “are you?”
Childe puts a hand on his hip, tapping his foot on the hardwood floor. “I don’t see a problem with how I’m dressed.”
She had to hold back from pressing her palm to her forehead.
“Master Childe, you’ll only make yourself an obvious scapegoat if the infiltrators were to succeed in their ploy, given how the Osial incident has spread even to Mondstadt.” She had to thank Vlad for filling her in on that part. “Seeing a Harbinger strolling in the streets with such a threat would look too suspicious.”
Ekaterina heard him click his tongue, gaze looking to the side before mumbling something under his breath.
“My apologies, sir, but could you repeat that?”
Her boss took a deep breath, rubbing his neck. “Will you...help....me?”
Ekaterina blinks once, her jaw almost going slack. Who is this shy man before him?
The Harbinger notices her silence, eyes sharpening once more.
“Yes! Absolutely sir!” Ekaterina quickly rushes past him, “I’ll have some clothes prepared for you and also a bouquet, and-”
“Wait, what’s the bouquet-”
“We’ll also work on that sloppy excuse of a haircut you have.” Ekaterina lets out a cheeky grin before she slams the door in his face.
Childe is left to ponder in silence, his fingers fiddling with the strip of hair in between his eyes. “My hair isn’t sloppy,” he mumbled to no one in particular.
Ekaterina stared in disbelief at the man before her. He actually looked…
“Normal.” His usual intimidating aura has somewhat lessened without his Harbinger outfit, opting for more casual Snezhnayan attire. His hair was slicked back with the help of some Slime Condensate hair gel as she had given up halfway with how his mussed-up tresses managed to break three combs from the strain.
Looking at him now, he could pass off for a regular tourist. She could imagine him living a normal life back in the homeland without the burden of carrying out the Tsaritza’s will on his shoulders at such a young age. Ekaterina wonders if in some alternate universe, he was able to enjoy his youth under the sun instead of having to constantly hide within the shadows of the night.
But she smiles, figuring that he wouldn’t be the same Childe as she had come to respect. He has come so far since she began working here. Seeing this opportunity not only as a chance of reprieve, but for him to find happiness was the least she could do for all he has done for the rest of the bank staff.
“And now for the final touch—” she grabs a pair of glasses from one of the drawers offering it to him. “Put these on.”
“I don’t see how a pair of glasses can help conceal my appearance.” Childe inspects them for a few seconds before wearing them. Ekaterina nods in approval, Nadia really knew how to pick the right pair for him.
“We can’t be too careful with keeping your identity hidden as not to risk alerting the Knights of your presence within their walls,” she replied.
“What about the Millelith? Wouldn’t they notice if I’m gone for too long?” He asks.
“Do not fret, Master Childe. A few well-placed rumors would be able to quell suspicions even for a while.” Ekaterina places a hand to her chest, “I can hold the fort from here.”
She notices the hesitance in his face. “I’ll take your word for it. Also, this,” Childe points to himself then to her, “stays between us. Not a single word in the reports, we clear?”
“Crystal.” Ekaterina dares for a playful salute. Sadly unknown to him, she would have to update the rest of the group of his departure, Operation Overwinter had been set in motion.
Childe stretches his arms before turning around to face her, a faint blush painted on his face. “Thank you, Ekaterina,”
“I…” She smiles, feeling a little pride swell in her heart akin to how a mother bird would as she watched her young one prepare to take flight. “You are most welcome, Master Childe.”
She watched her boss dash out the window, leaping to and fro rooftops until disappearing to the ground below, speeding his way to Mondstadt. “Go get her, sir!”
As she closes the door, Ekaterina doesn’t fail to notice the absence of a certain white box on top of his desk.