Chapter Text
When Viktor and Luke were assigned on a mission to travel to Liyue in order to notify Tartaglia himself about the situation over on Mondstadt, both of the thought it would be the best –and worst - escape from their monotonous lives in the city of freedom.
“Be careful, and avoid standing out. In Liyue, people see us with judging eyes since the incident with Osial and we cannot allow our reputation to go any lower, let alone get it tainted by some lowly soldiers”. Those were the instructions given to them by their commanding General.
None of them were aware of what had happened, the little information they could get a hold of was the bits and pieces officially spread out by the Fatui “They accomplished their objectives in Liyue, the situation over at the mentioned nation has become delicate. Proceed with caution”, and the various comments from the citizens of Mondstadt “Our Honorary Knight saved Liyue and organized a funeral for Rex Lapiz!” Apart from that, they didn’t possess any other knowledge about the situation. That was part of their mission: To deliver Intel about Mondstadt and compile information about the situation in Liyue.
Their arrival at the City of Contracts took them eleven days; during their travels they had exchanged comments about how lucky the people holding Visions were, as they were able to use Teleport Points. It was a gift desired by many, but given to just a few. To travel as a commoner in Teyvat meant they had to spend several days on the trip and risk being attacked by monsters. Fortunately though, they found very few on their way.
As soon as they came across the Millelith guards by the city’s gate, both were given a scoff that barely hid their desire to furrow their brows. The officers didn’t say a word, maybe because they failed to acknowledge they were Fatui agents foreign to Liyue, or maybe just because they didn’t want to take actions that would most surely end up in an unnecessary dispute.
Upon setting foot into the city, both Viktor and Luke were surprised by the colorful and busy town.
―It doesn’t look like Mondstadt. ―Viktor commented.
―Nor like home, either. ―Added Luke.
As they pressed on and examined their surroundings, they searched for the reference points that would lead them to Northland Bank without needing to as for any directions. The citizens didn’t look at them with as much contempt as they expected, but they both agreed on avoiding them as much as possible. Once they found the stairways they were looking for and started climbing them, they heard a loud, high pitched voice.
― Huh?! Aren’t those Viktor and Luke?!
The aforementioned men looked up; at the top of the stairway was Mondstadt’s famous Honorary Knight and savior of Liyue, accompanied by her strange taking fairy.
―It’s you.
Luke stated harshly, steadying himself in order not to talk more than what was strictly necessary. As always, the blonde didn’t flinch with his tone.
― Are you looking for Northland Bank?
Viktor almost replied, but Luke spoke first.
―None of your business, but yes. We’re on our way to talk with someone very important: A Harbinger.
Viktor was about to question him why he was answering her questions, when the heroine intervened.
―We can take you.
The fairy looked at her, dumbfounded. ― What?! Why should we?!
―Liyue has a complicated distribution, Paimon.
Luke clicked his tongue, annoyed, and followed Viktor, who had already retaken their route.
―We’re fine by ourselves. We Fatui don’t need help from others.
Viktor rejected her, speaking in the coldest, most diplomatic tone he managed. Behind him, Luke nodded.
Lumine put both her hands on her waist. Both Fatui opted to stay silent at her indifferent expression, which seemed to scream “really?” at them, as well as the little fairy kicking the air and shouting that no one would want to help them anyways.
They went on their way without looking back or question why the Traveler knew where the Fatui gathering point was located. She already knew where the Fatui in Mondstadt were staying at, so it was to expect that she also knew about such a location in Liyue too.
When they arrived at the Bank, both greeted the guard with a hand gesture and headed to the main counter. For any average citizen, she would be a simple cashier or secretary, but the Fatui knew the truth: Whoever was the public face of their business would also be the closest one to the real person in charge.
―Welcome, what can I help you with here at Northland Bank? ― Ekaterina courteously greeted them.
―Greetings, compatriot. My name is Luke and this is my comrade Viktor, both from Mondstadt ― Luke greeted back as well. ― We have an appointment with Master Childe, is he available?
Liyue wasn’t like Mondstadt. They couldn’t directly state that they wanted to speak with a Harbinger, unlike the Knights of Favonius that looked even oblivious to their presence, or unable to keep their eyes on them. The people of Liyue were more perceptive. Or so they were told.
Ekaterina nodded, without dropping her smile. She stood up and started walking, guiding them through stairways and coridors.
―You’re lucky, Master Childe is at his office and in a good mood, but unfortunately, your first meeting may become rather short. He has an appointment with the Lady for lunch.
Both male Fatui stopped looking around in order to focus on the woman.
― The Lady? ―Viktor repeated.
―Yes, Master Childe’s partner. ―Ekaterina let a subtle laugh out, which she tried to suffocate with her hands. ― It’s not official yet, but I’m sure you two will come to see how serious their relationship is during your stay. The Lady visits the Bank frequently, and you may be able to find her at the hotel too.
Such information puzzled both Luke and Viktor. It wasn’t common to hear that a Harbinger had a partner, or a family whatsoever. They were feared, respected, and just daring to go anywhere near them could give shivers to the younger cadets. In fact, getting introduced to Il Dottore and Signora had been terrifying enough; it made them both fear for their lives. The mere thought of a Harbinger showing affection, or even letting the other members of the organization know they had an obvious weakness, was baffling. However, both agents chose to stay quiet.
Ekaterina knocked lightly on a great oak door, and opened it.
―Master Childe, the envoys from Mondstadt are here.
― ¿Oh? Let them in, I want to know what’s going on over there.
Both male Fatui straightened their postures while entering the office. The Harbinger’s voice was jovial, soft and a bit low; it sounded like he was having fun expecting the reports of what was going on in Mondstadt. It was like he was anxious to hear about chaos and desolation.
When they finally entered, they found the redhead Harbinger with his elbows on the table, ands together and a smile that inspired more terror tan sympathy.
―Welcome to Liyue, agents ―they kept their posture, pretending to ignore the unnerving look their superior was giving them. He seemed to silently inspect whether they were low ranked soldiers or not ― did you have a pleasant trip?
Despite his kind words, Viktor and Luke knew they shouldn’t let their guards down before the most problematic Harbinger of them all.
The conversation went on for some minutes. The Fatui informed about the most relevant events: The Windblume Fesival, the lack of interest to join the Adventurer’s Guild, the continuous interventions of the Darknight, the Acting Grandmaster falling ill due to overwork.
Childe nodded and interrupted whenever he wanted to inquire further on a topic.
― ¿What about the Traveler’s reputation?
The question didn’t surprise Viktor nor Luke: Lumine was, after all, a topic of conversation wherever she went. Besides, she had clear intentions to intervene in the schemes of the Fatui.
―As high as ever, Master Childe, although she hasn’t been spending as much time in Mondstadt as before, everyone seems to cheer up every time she arrives.
Viktor paused, while Luke continued.
―Recently, she…
Childe lifted a hand, asking for silence. ―It’s not necessary you inform me further about her activities. I’m aware of them.
Both subordinates nodded. The Traveler had been spending her time in Liyue as of late, so it was to expect that the Harbinger was already up to date with her doings in and outside his territory.
Childe looked at the clock and his posture visibly relaxed, his smile became less threatening and he got up while placing both hands on his desk, to take impulse.
― Well, it seems it’s time to eat! Let’s finish this conversation for now; you can have lunch at the Hotel with the other agents. We will resume this conversation in a couple hours.
Viktor and Luke withdrew from the office accompanied by Childe, who locked it and walked hurriedly in order to leave the building as fast as possible. Both Fatui exchanged an inquisitive look, they’ve never seen a Harbinger look so happy outside the battlefield. Without the need to exchange words, both agreed they wouldn’t talk about it either.
Ekaterina showed them the way to the hotel, though she suggested they ask for help from any Fatui they found in the way. Once outside the Bank, Viktor looked at the book the guard was holding in his hands. It was from Mondstadt.
The guard, Vlad, noticed the lingering stare at the book and, thinking about the advice his pen pal gave him, he took the courage to talk.
― Are you interested in literature?
Viktor got startled for a moment, but answered.
―Not really, it just surprised me to see a book from Mondstadt in Liyue.
―Oh, the Lady gave it to me. ―Before Luke’s and Viktor’s inquisitive looks, Vlad made an effort not to look away, even though it wouldn’t get noticed because of his mask. ―It seems her pastime consists in reading books, and sometimes we exchange them or suggest good reads to each other.
That awoke Luke’s curiosity. ― So, you’re friends?
Vlad shook his head. ―No, not at all, ―it seemed he wanted to add something else, but he hesitated and looked at them for a second before continuing. ― Master Tartaglia and his Lady are kind, extraordinary people. Lending me books or stopping for a second to talk with someone like me is just part of our Lady’s kind personality. You will understand when you meet her.
His tone had changed, abandoning any trace of informality, and he seemed determined to show himself as the respected and loyal Fatui agent he was. Luke and Viktor made a gesture, understanding, and parted. They weren’t from this town it was understandable other agents were more aware around them. Any erroneous comment could be considered a sign of disrespect to the nation, or provoke suspicions of treason.
Once at the hotel, they were able to unpack and go out for lunch. Like in Mondstadt, there was an entire hotel reserved for their organization in Liyue and, to their horror, while they ate with other agents and colleagues, they discovered the 11th Harbinger forced them to clean the building once a week, without any help from the maids and butlers whatsoever.
―It’s a joke. right?
―I wish. It’s one of Master Childe’s eccentricities. ―Commented a Pyro Shooter, who seemed to believe they could talk more openly without the presence of the secretaries or the Harbinger himself. ―He says it’s good to relax, but we can’t just take advantage from it either.
―With all due respect. ―A Cicin Mage intervened ―I prefer to help clean this place, rather than be an experiment subject again.
Some agreed, taking care not to mention Il Dottore.
―At least Master Childe and his Lady usually help us out.
Luke almost choked at the comment. ― What?! They… help?!
―Uh… isn’t that a bit strange? ―Added Viktor.
The people present at the log, wooden table didn’t try and disimulate their amusement. It wasn’t common at all for a Harbinger to interact with his subordinates so closely, and even worse, him helping out with something as mundane as housework sounded so bizarre. Though no one worded it out, the Fatui from Liyue started wondering if their Mondstadt comrades thought this was all because of their Lady’s influence, or if maybe it was all a ruse.
― It’s weird, right?! ―A low ranking Fatui raised his voice, he presented himself as “Rookie”.
― Master Childe is good at cleaning, a good cook and I’ve even seen him buy toys―Luke and Viktor couldn’t help but drop their jaws at the thought. ― But don’t get cocky, he’s still terrifying!
The Cicin Mage laughed. ―Well, yes… the same as our Lady.
― Yeah!
Luke, both curious and talkative, couldn’t resist the urge to know more about the matter.
― So… is the Lady strong too?
The Shooter answered. ―Of course, only someone as strong as her could be with Master Childe. I dare say she’s as strong as a Harbinger.
―in fact, she defeated Master Childe.
― What?!
This time, both Luke and Viktor let out a shout. They had to be kidding, the Harbingers were known to be the strongest, most dangerous soldiers in all of Snezhnaya, and if any of them were defeated it would be known by everyone in Teyvat.
― A simple Fatui agent defeated a Harbinger? ―Luke asked, unable to control his tone any more. After that, he squinted. ― Did he let her win?
The shooter crossed his arms.
―Master Childe would never do anything like “let them win”.
The Rookie blurted out a sound similar to a painful groan. ―Nor does hi show any mercy… ―He whispered, rubbing one of his shoulders as if remembering an old injury.
―The Lady isn’t a Fatui agent, though our Master made her the proposition many times already. ―Replied the Cicin Mage, noting her comrades didn’t bother to clarify. ― And, regarding your other question, she defeated Master Childe fairly.
Luke curved his lips as a sign of doubt.
The Shooter added ―It sounds unbelievable, I know… but if you’re lucky, you will see it with your own eyes.
― What do you mean? ―Viktor inquired.
―They usually have a showdown every weekend, and sometimes they let us watch.
―I don’t recommend you go… ―The Mage murmured, supported by the Rookie.
During their walk back to the hotel, Luke and Viktor reviewed their conversation. A woman that could defeat a Harbinger, dared duel him every week, and wasn’t a Fatui agent herself? It was information other Harbingers would like to know.
As soon as they reached the 11th Harbinger’s office again, they could perceive he seemed more relaxed and friendly than before. This time, his smile didn’t seem as terrifying.
The following days turned out busier than expected. If they weren’t talking to the Harbinger, they were expected to assist the other Fatui with their chores. Both took advantage of this to retrieve more information about what had happened in Liyue so far.
Their discoveries could be summarized by the statement “Political and economic relationships between Liyue and Snezhnaya are still at the brink of collapse”. Many merchants and citizens had become even wearier of the Fatui and Snezhnayan people in general; they reluctantly sold them their goods and avoided buying from them, or asking for loans at the Bank. However, the situation had become a little better the last couple months.
―My grandmother once said that behind every great man, there is a great woman stopping him from making anything stupid.
Luke solemnly commented, and Viktor rose his brow.
―I’m sure that particular saying didn’t go like that… but in any case, it seems she wasn’t able to stop him after all.
―But, she managed to do some good damage control, and that’s what’s important!
Viktor rolled his eyes and just kept eating his lunch in silence.
The Lady, as the agents closer to her seemed to call her, or The Miss, as the agents that looked at her in a more respectable, terrifying light called her, had symbolized a change of pace at the Hotel, Bank, and in a more general way among the Fatui in Liyue as well.
Many Fatui already knew her, they had clashed swords with her countless times already. It wasn’t strange for her to go to the Bank to inquire with the Harbinger or demand him to answer some questions. However, everyone remained stunned for some time when, for entire days, Childe didn’t leave his room at all, only popping his head out to ask for a couple items. Ekaterina was unable to explain the situation any further and avoided every question regarding it, instead running off in the search of some papers, or ordering a rise in food rations for all the troops, or going off to buy clothes that evidently weren’t suited for the Harbinger.
The speculations among the Fatui only came to a halt when, the fourth day, the Harbinger came out of his room accompanied by the same woman he so often had challenged to a duel. From that day onwards, the relationship between the Harbinger and the woman wasn’t only established, she even indirectly helped bettering the quality of life of the agents and reestablish their connections with the rest of the city.
It started off with small things, like talking almost daily with the guard outside the bank, Nadia, and going out around the harbor to eat together sometimes. The merchants gradually softened their looks at the guard, when they realized she was just a dreamy young girl that missed her homeland.
After that, one day, the woman shifted her routine to talking to the manager, Andrei, in the streets. They talked about the exotic customs of Liyue and she introduced him to Xinqiu, one of the heirs of a hug fortune in Liyue. Without meaning to, she got the Commerce Guild to offer them a seat in their next gathering. More so, based in the love of exotic things, a good friendship bloomed between the Manager and the woman. It became customary between them to gift each other with items from other cities or continents.
Ningguang, the maximum merchant authority and leader of Liyue even accepted to talk with the 11th Harbinger about commercial exchanges, establishing new contracts regarding the reconstruction of Liyue harbor.
―In fact, they’re good friends. I heard she has helped Master Childe prepare the Lady for an important business party.
Said one of the hotel’s maids, distractedly pointing it out while taking a basket of fresh fruit to the Harbinger’s room.
― Oh, this? ―She pointed with her head at the basket Viktor wasn’t taking his eyes off. ― It’s a present a Hydrogunner Legionnaire sent our Lady. It’s an inside joke between them, they always gift each other fruits, but it seems no one understands why.
Viktor and Luke couldn’t imagine what that inside joke was about either, but they decided to ignore it. After getting to know the Lady meowed at stray cats, and threw herself in the ocean many times to help retrieve trash, they came to accept that, apparently, both the Harbinger and his girlfriend were just people out of the ordinary.
However, the could not understand why the Harbinger’s partner was so well respected, until Ekaterina explained them how she came to promise fidelity and loyalty to “Her Lady”, only being outranked by her loyalty to the Tsaritza. It was an amazing narration of events, especially where Ekaterina told them how the Lady, after getting sick of hearing the Harbinger wanting to leave his job in order to kill some monsters, changed her now traditional stance with both hands at her hips and pointed at him, imposing, even when she was more than a head and a half shorter than him.
― “You’re not going to take advantage of them just so they do your dirty job, Tartaglia! Now, go up those stairs and start working on your paperwork or I won’t take you along on any of my commissions!
― “But, girlie…!”
― “No buts, I’ll come back in the evening and I hope you have at least half of your paperwork done already!”
Everyone thought it was the end of that romance they all watched bloom, or that the bank would be torn apart as the result of a couple’s fight. However, to everyone’s dismay, the Harbinger limited himself to run a hand over his face and snort.
― Fiiine! ―He intentionally dragged the “i” before shooting a reproachful look at his subordinates. ― What are you looking at? You heard the lady, let’s get back to work.
Ekaterina told them astonished that Master Childe then dedicated a defeated look to the woman before locking himself up on his office like a scolded child. She said any person that managed to control her unpredictable boss and force him to do office work would have her respect for all eternity.
Viktor and Luke came to a solid conclusion: Things had definitely gotten better for the Fatui in Liyue, thanks to Master Childe’s girlfriend. They hadn’t met her yet, but none of the could deny they were excited to meet that extraordinary woman in person, the woman that had a Harbinger eating from the palm of her hand without taking advantage of his power, contacts or money.
When they were only three days away from returning to Mondstadt, both got the news of the battle between the Harbinger and his partner having place before the usual time. The victor had been that mysterious woman again, and she had already claimed her prize.
― She got us a feast! We can order whatever we want!
Screamed a Geo Skimisher, who was the first one to see the couple get out of the battleground. Only in that moment they discovered why the morale in Liyue was that strong: Ever since The Miss moved into the hotel, every time she noticed the subordinates tired or full of nostalgia, she changed her prize in order to give them something to cheer them up.
Luke commented he was seriously thinking about asking for a relocation.
The morning next to the feast, Luke and Viktor woke up earlier than usual in order to enjoy their last days in Liyue. On their wat to the dining hall they came across Ekaterina, looking rather impatient.
― Oh, thank goodness I found someone awake! ―she exclaimed while she got closer to them. She had several papers in her hands and was next to a food cart. ―The agent that was supposed to help me hasn’t shown up, could any of you help me carry these to Master Childe’s and my Miss’s room? All maids and butlers are forbidden to go near it.
Luke opened his mo9uth to volunteer, but Viktor intervened in time. They had spent less than a week interacting and the longer haired Fatui had already learned it was dangerous to let his companion talk carelessly.
―I’ll help.
Luke pursed his lips, but accepted. He would take advantage and give himself more servings of breakfast than his partner.
While Ekaterina and Viktor boarded the elevator, they held a conversation about the improvised party they had the previous day. They agreed the agent that was originally supposed to help her was surely being victim of a hangover, the same as the other Fatui that would surely dissimulate their states with their masks.
In front of the door, Viktor straightened his uniform with a hand while Ekaterina knocked on the door as softly as she usually did at the office.
When she heard a “Come in” from inside, Ekaterina opened the door and Viktor looked up in order to look as dignified as possible. The instant his eyes captured the scene in front of him, he stopped being able to think or process what he was looking at.
The 11th Harbinger, Tartaglia, was buttoning up his uniform’s jacket and was talking with Ekaterina without even noticing the Fatui’s presence. However, this wasn’t what had caught Viktor’s attention.
He thanked having his mask to hide, that way he could dissimulate his astonished expression when he saw the Honorary Knight, Savior of Liyue, Lumine, sitting with a lazy expression on the Harbinger0’s gigantic bed, with clothes that evidently weren’t hers on.
As son as the Golden eyes laid on him, he felt his primary instinct urging him to step back. He finally understood what was going on and, in fact, if he were to be honest, he already suspected it: strong, beautiful, short, uninterested and eccentric. Those were some of the words used to describe both the Traveler and the Lady.
Lumine yawned softly and greeted him while rubbing her eyes.
―Hi, Viktor, I didn’t seen you there.
The aforementioned slightly jumped, not knowing what to do. Sur he greet her? With what degree of formality? His eyes wandered between the Harbinger and the woman in the bed, searching for some kind of answer.
Either because he notice the confusion on his face, or just by mere coincidence, the Harbinger intervened.
―Girlie, go back to sleep, it’s still early. ―He offered a smile.
The Traveler shook her head and stretched the exact same way Viktor had seen her do so many times in Mondstadt.
―No. Work… ―After stretching some more, she looked around searching for the Harbinger’s right hand. ―Hi Ekaterina, did you bring something for me?
The Fatui agent nodded and walked away from the Harbinger.
―Yes, My Lady, I’ve brought the list of commissions available at the Adventurer’s Guild. I’ve ordered them according to your preferences.
While that was taking part, Luke got into the dining hall on the first floor, and got surprised by a squeaky and childish voice.
― More, please! Paimon hasn’t been able to eat here for almost a week! She’s starving!
Bewildered, Luke got closer to the source of that sound, pointing out that, hidden between plenty of tables, hid a small fairy surrounded by empty dishes. His mouth moved by itself.
― What are you doing here?!
Paimon got startled and let out a squeak at the sudden shout. When she realized who it came from, she blinked, visibly confused.
― Huh? It’s Luke!
Did she always have to talk like that?
― Answer me! What are you doing here?! This hotel is reserved to the Fatui!
Some agents nearby started to look at him and whisper. A couple called him out, but Luke didn’t listen.
The little fairy furrowed her brows, still confused. ―Paimon lives here. What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you go back to Mondstadt already?
― What?!
He shouted again. This didn’t make any sense, the creature in front of him was always beside the Heroine of Mondstadt, and was affirming she lived there? It was impossible, unless…
The same Pyro shooter he had met on his first day approached him and took care of the introductions.
―Oh, is it the first time you two meet here? This is Paimon, Our Miss’s companion and friend.
Luke felt himself go pale. No, it wasn’t possible.
―¿Our… Lady’s?
It was impossible, it made no sense. The Heroin of Mondstadt, Savior of Liyue, Honorary Knight of the Knights of Favonius and respected friend of the Seven Stars couldn’t…
Paimon smiled with arrogance and place both her hands in her inexistent hips. ― That’s right, Lumine and Paimon are great friends! So don’t bother Paimon or she will accuse you with the stinky Harbinger!
… it had to be a mistake, the 11th Harbinger and the Honorary Knight were a couple?