Tartaglia wasn't new to dining at the Wanmin Restaurant, but for some reason, today's meal felt more flavorful than usual. The only downside was the seafood, which carried a faint, lingering fishy smell.
"Did you meet Morax?"
During the meal, Tartaglia voiced his curiosity.
He used his personal utensils. Much like his lack of skill with bows, chopsticks were another one of his struggles—a persistent pain point. Whenever he came to the Wanmin Restaurant, he knew chopsticks were the only utensils provided, so he always came prepared.
"If you want to meet Morax, at least learn to use chopsticks. Using foreign eating methods in a Liyue restaurant is considered rude."
Bai Luo twirled his chopsticks skillfully. To show off in front of Tartaglia, he even employed knife-twirling techniques with them.
"Learning chopsticks? Does that mean Morax is a foodie?"
Tartaglia quickly picked up on the key detail in Bai Luo's words.
"Haven't you read Liyue's legends, or at least heard storytellers mention them? Morax is known to disguise himself in various forms and travel among mortals. You might encounter a pit-digging little girl on the roadside, and it could very well be Morax experiencing life."
After seeing the attire that Morax had worn the previous day, Bai Luo had begun to doubt whether Morax truly understood how to blend in with ordinary people. Perhaps this disconnect was one of the reasons Morax was eager to retire.
"Hmm... I hadn't paid much attention to that."
The investigation into Morax was left to Tartaglia's subordinates, so most of the information he received was filtered through their reports. It seemed he needed to explore Liyue himself more thoroughly when time permitted.
Moreover, there were recent sightings of someone named Zhongli, but compared to Morax, Zhongli didn't seem as significant. Prioritizing Morax was still the better strategy.
"How's the situation at the Chasm?"
While eating, Bai Luo casually brought up the topic.
"The initial camps have been established, and Liyue has also set up supply stations. Lately, something seems to have changed in Liyue—Liyue Qixing's efficiency has drastically improved."
Tartaglia spoke with noticeable surprise when mentioning this.
Previously, every cooperation with the Liyue Qixing was drawn out, requiring Morax's approval. Recently, however, they seemed to bypass that step altogether. As long as they deemed something feasible, decisions were made on the spot. It appeared Morax's opinions were no longer as crucial, signaling some sort of impending change in Liyue.
Hearing this, Bai Luo paused for a moment before asking, "What about the Ninth Company?"
"The Ninth Company is the pride of the Harbingers. They've been stationed at the Chasm for some time and have likely established a solid foothold. But fighting against those creatures is still a great challenge for them."
"If you ever need help, just let me know," Bai Luo offered.
"Hmm... Speaking of which, the Electro Cicin from the Seventh Company seems quite fond of you. The last time she returned, she was so teary-eyed that I almost thought we'd need to send you to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
Tartaglia wasn't exaggerating. If the members of the Seventh Company had donned mourning bands and scattered paper money, Hu Tao could've had her business ready in no time.
"She's just overly sentimental, that's all. But I do admit, she left quite an impression on me."
Katarina and Ksenia were entirely different personalities, leaving contrasting impressions on Bai Luo.
Ksenia was fiery and passionate, though her enthusiasm was understandable. After being isolated in the wild for so long, seeing a comrade would naturally make anyone happy. In a way, his unexpected visit might've saved her.
Katarina, in contrast, was more reserved—someone who quietly supported from behind the scenes. No matter what Bai Luo needed, she'd promptly find a way to deliver.
Her personality was more subdued, someone who simply followed orders. If there was any fault, it was that she was too thin—her bony frame made her uncomfortable to hug.
"Since it's one of the Harbinger's companies, I'll also keep an eye on them," Tartaglia said, raising his cup to toast Bai Luo.
Despite any prior impressions, this conversation had made him more invested in the Ninth Company's well-being. Hopefully, when the time came, he wouldn't let his passion blind him to their plight.
<+>
After their meal, the two shamelessly charged the bill to La Signora before swaggering out of the Wanmin Restaurant.
Looking at the still-overcast sky, now free of rain, Bai Luo offered a rare suggestion.
"Do you want to fight?"
"???"
If he didn't know Bai Luo so well, Tartaglia might've suspected this was Morax in disguise.
The thought of the Ausbilder initiating a duel? That was more unbelievable than his sister Tonia suddenly confessing, "Brother, I won't pretend anymore; I'm actually the Tsaritsa!"
Tartaglia's initial motivation for coming to Liyue had been to force Bai Luo, a native, into a fight. He'd even been willing to relinquish Liyue to him after a single bout. But this cunning fox had eluded him by fleeing to Inazuma of all places.
It seemed desperation could indeed unlock hidden potential in a person.
"Not interested? Fine, maybe next time," Bai Luo teased.
"Who said I'm not interested? Tell me: where, when, and how do we fight?"
There was no way Tartaglia would pass up such an opportunity. Morax could wait—this was far more pressing.
"Three days from now, at Wuwang Hill. Be there if you're truly a brother."
With the faint scent of plum blossoms wafting from the oiled paper umbrella in his hand, Bai Luo wore a subtle smile.
It was this confident smile that almost made Tartaglia believe him. Almost.
After all, he knew this man far too well.
"You're not tricking me, are you?" Tartaglia eyed him suspiciously. Bai Luo being this proactive was unusual and raised alarms.
"Cold as glaciers, harsh as snowfields..."
"The liar's tongue shall wither and rot."
"Three days from now, Wuwang Hill. I'll be there!"
"I'll be there too!"
The bow forming on his back slowly faded. After waiting this long, what were three more days?
He could use the time to refine his archery. If Bai Luo dared to flee again, Tartaglia swore he'd shoot him down.
Wait a moment—
"You didn't say where on Wuwang Hill!"
Tartaglia turned back, intending to ask for specifics, but Bai Luo was already gone.
The Ausbilder's mastery of stealth was something he was well-acquainted with. It seemed he'd have to prepare for that trick as well.
Perhaps... he should open with Celestial Voyager next time?
. . . . .
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