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"Doctor, the Ninth Harbinger has been in Liyue further than due time. We've sent so many letters but non of them got a response back. No letters, no words. Nothing."
The Doctor looked at The Jester, trying to process his words. They were all alone in the meeting room. The doctor was annoyed since he was pulled out from his laboratory for this.
"What? That hypocrite didn't send any letters when he is the one who bores the living hell out of me to send letters in every little step I take?"
"That's not the entire point here. The Traveller was sighted in Liyue Harbour yesterday."
A chuckle escaped from the Doctor. How ridiculous.
"You mean Regrator fought them? Or are you implying a fellow Harbinger is too weak to handle the Traveler?"
"They beat Signora and Tartaglia. I wouldn't be surprised if the Ninth comes next."
"Both were pathetic and still are. Though... I must say the Traveler is no lightweight either."
"You saw it yourself, Doctor. They are capable of many things as you experienced in Sumeru.
I hope you finally caught on to my true concerns."
"You want me to give a visit to Liyue?"
"Precisely, took you long enough."
Doctor scoffed. The jester didn't watch his words today. They wouldn't be able to cover another loss from the Harbingers if Pantalone was to die. They also wouldn't be able to cover anything in general, but it was probably not the point.
The doctor left the room. He was sure Regrator wouldn't get into a fight he can't benefit from. In their partnership, Doctor had always been the one who handled the dirty work on many occasions. He rarely witnessed Pantalone using his delusion. But, Regrator was a madman who didn't know his own limits.
A flower of worry and concern bloomed inside Doctor's no longer human heart. The doctor had to leave this instant and see what is the deal himself as soon as possible.
What was he thinking? Pantalone had always been unpredictable.
If he found out Traveller was in the city, he'd take interest and lead it to a conversation. Who knew in which direction that conversation would go? Pantalone would force his own limits in such a conversation. Doctor knew his partner more than the other harbingers.
The doctor claimed him as his partner for many reasons after all. The benefit of being partners with a banker, but not just any banker too. The owner of Northland Banks and the economy of Tevyat. It had so many good aspects to it.
He was also a madman who listened to his insane theories. An unpredictable guy who was familiar with Doctor's thinking process. Regrator was the only person that could read him like an open book. Regrator was a genius in his own field. Mora, economy, and social connections. The doctor lacked that knowledge. Even if the Doctor lacked social skills, he was able to predict people's actions and words. But as for Regrator? He could never put a finger on his further moves.
Though Doctor would rather die than admit these out loud.
The Doctor was already on his way to Liyue Harbour. It bothered him to stop working since his segments were no longer present. The job was all his. He had a few projects to handle it though. It was only a matter of time before his brand-new project took action. So it was not like he was off work for Pantalone. It wasn't like he did it out of heart. He was only doing it for work. He was concerned about a co-worker failing. That was all.
Regrator was walking in Liyue city's cheerful streets. His hometown didn't wake good memories but the city always remained gorgeous. A worthy scenery to cherish.
The blonde and their silver companion got closer and approached Regrator from behind calmly. They didn't seem startled by Regrator's presence. They met before.
"Sir Regrator! We found it!" The silver companion yelled quite excitedly.
Pantalone smiled, his eyes closed as always, and formed crescents.
"My my... Traveler, you are truly a golden child."
Regrator seemed pleased with that smile on his face.
The Traveller nodded and handed the bag of mora to Regrator.
"Thank you. You two did a great job. I knew I could trust my commission to your hands."
"Ha! It was nothing Lord Regrator! We honestly thought you would betray us at first as our... experience with Fatui didn't really have a great history."
Pantalone raised a brow and let them continue their words patiently. He was indeed a man of his word. It eased both.
"We thought it was a trap and that you were trying to lure us in. We were prepared for it but... To our surprise, everything went according to our deal and we earned our share of the treasure."
"Of course, first of all, I am a banker. We had an agreement. I wouldn't betray my agreements."
"You are unlike the other harbingers we met.."
"Every harbinger is unique in their own way, Traveller. You'd be surprised!"
Traveller seemed excited and curious. They had too much to ask the guy before them. Their mind was filled with questions.
"Lord Regrator. Since you are the landlord of Northland Banks, Does that mean-"
Pantalone raised his hand and pressed a finger against his own lips and hushed the Traveller.
"I believe it wouldn't be really wise to have this conversation in the middle of the street. If you don't have any places to be. Can I invite you for a cup of tea?"
"In your office?"
"Indeed. I believe it would benefit both of us if we talked alone."
"Alright, then. We can agree with that."
Regrator sipped his tea, listening to Paimon ramble about their interaction with the Eleventh harbinger
"So all the money he spends is actually yours?"
"We can say that. The Eleven is a young man so I spare him the trouble. He deserves what he earns."
"Wow, You two get along?"
"Barely. I dislike fighting. My partner does my dirty work if needed. Tartaglia only collects the depth in certain regions for me."
"Partner?"
The traveler looked puzzled. They didn't expect to have this rather friendly interaction with the so-feared and mentioned Regrator. Even Yelan seemed concerned about him when they had a talk about his doings. How he could manipulate a situation without actually being there? But the man standing in front of them was different from what they were told. He was gentle and he sure took his time to enjoy every sip of the tea he brewed himself.
"Indeed. Most Harbingers don't show up alone to missions"
"Who is your partner, Lord Regrator? Is he here?"
"I left him in Snezhnaya since this work trip is rather personal. I believe you met him before."
The traveller got curious but they didn't want to ask directly. It wouldn't be polite to seek information from a man that seemed like he wished to calm his mind.
Maybe he meant Childe was his partner? But they were sure Childe would at least mention it once if they were partners.
The door slammed open.
It was no one other than the Doctor who barged into the office. Traveller stood up and drew their sword.
The doctor's eyes were only on Pantalone. He searched for a bruise. There was nothing. After he was sure the Regrator didn't have any hands laid on him, he turned his head to the Traveller. Why did they meet in Pantalone's office?
"A feeble scholar like you still couldn't learn to knock before entering my office, Dottore"
"Quit the snake talk. Why are you with the Traveller all alone in your office?"
"My, Doctor. How are you in Liyue? I remember very clearly that I left you back in Snezhnaya."
Doctor hated it when Pantalone didn't give a damn about his questioning. He would always do it when he wanted to avoid answering. He'd ask about how he is or something totally irrelevant. The Doctor really didn't know how could he stand him most of the time.
"Are you really asking? You didn't write back after your due time in Liyue. Jester sent me to check on you."
"How sweet of him. But I am just fine. The thought of writing a letter must've slipped from my mind. My apologies for worrying you, Doctor."
"Hm, as if."
Dottore rolled his eyes in a rather mocking way. He could see Pantalone sensed he did that. He could read his expressions like an open book even if the mask was on, after all. It gave the doctor a confusing feeling. Pantalone was a bundle he could never figure out.
"You are insufferable!"
"Traveller, l apologize for ending our meeting right here I owe you a calmer meeting later on, alright?"
The Traveller nodded, heading slowly to the door with hesitant steps. They were glad The Regrator could see they were bothered by Doctor's presence. Not to mention that they were almost forced into a conversation with him. Traveller left the office and later on, left the building.
Doctor walked closer to the door, locking it
"So you mean to tell me you didn't receive any of my letters?"
Doctor took his mask off. His ruby eyes stared into Pantalone's eyes. Searching for the amethyst eyes, waiting to meet the elegant gaze after so long. Pantalone could see that, so he opened his eyes. Staring back into the crimson ruby so many fear and loathe.
"You sent letters?"
"Are you doubting my memory, Dottore?"
"If I am recalling correctly, you mentioned you merely forgot to write any when the traveler was present"
"Was I supposed to mutter the truth when they were present? And to think you thought I'd give any valuable information to anyone."
"So you did send letters..."
"Every night."
"As expected. We didn't receive any of them"
Dottore sat on Pantalone's office desk right in front of him.
"We? I sent those to you"
"... Excuse me?"
"I thought we agreed that I send you the reports since you are my supervisor and partner. If I recall vividly... You protested that you felt humiliated sending your letters that consisted of reports to me directly.
So I thought it would only be fair if I sent my letters to your laboratory."
"You mean to tell me I came for nothing?
"Should have checked your mails, Doctor."
"Ugh, utterly ridiculous."
Dottore's cheeks tinted red slightly out of embarrassment.
He didn't come for nothing. He was worried if The Regrator got hurt upon meeting the Traveller. But as expected Pantalone was unpredictable as always.
He wasn't hurt.
The doctor sighed out the worries, letting an expression of relief take over his face.
"What was troubling you? You seemed so fixated on me since you entered the room."
"I thought you fought the Traveller."
"Hm, Lacking you to think I'd dirty my hands."
The doctor sighed once again, this time it was annoyed and frustrated. The sight was more than enough to make Pantalone chuckle. He couldn't hold back the laughter.
"Did you achieve what you wanted by visiting Liyue?"
"Hm, I guess so pfft--"
"Are you ready to go back?'
"Will I be going with you?"
"Most likely"
Pantalone had to leave to check on his office in Snezhnaya. The work simply never reached its end. He gave a nod to the Doctor, Doctor reached for Pantalone's hand and raised it up gently. Looking at his rings and placing his lips on his knuckles one by one gently. Pressing soft kisses on the elegant man's knuckles,
"I will wait in the Harbour then"
Pantalone's eyes closed with a smile appeared on his face.
"Go ahead. I won't be far behind. I miss the cold of our homeland"
"Never thought to hear it from you who sought warmth anywhere they stepped in."
"I don't have to seek it when you are present, Doctor."
"Do I seem like some personal heat machine to you, Pantalone?"
"You surely work like one. But you are rather noisy... A heat machine with a depth and a loose mouth... You wouldn't have any value in the market."
"Daring words, my friend."
A laugh echoed in the room. The doctor let Pantalone's hand go slowly and put his mask back on. Going to the door and unlocking it.
"Not a word about anything."
"As always, my dear."
Pantalone saw the nod before the doctor left the room.
There were no letters. Pantalone just wanted the company on his foot. It wouldn't take long for Doctor to realize it. But by the time he did, he wouldn't accept defeat so he'd definitely keep quiet.