Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [109]
The Fatui agent hesitated. "I'm not sure what business you have with him…"
Gu Sanqiu kept his tone even. "But given your rank, you absolutely can't send a letter directly to a Harbinger. That's what you were about to say, right?"
"Well, yes. You're very sharp."
"Oh, it's nothing. Just simple logic."
As Sara placed down the Sweet Madame and the Fatui agent's order, she made herself scarce. Whatever these two were discussing, it was the type of conversation restaurant staff shouldn't eavesdrop on; it was basic professional etiquette.
But if the Knights of Favonius were to come by later, well, there'd be no harm in reporting it. Reporting to the city's protectors wasn't just professionalism—it was civic duty.
Fortunately, the Knight's clientele here at Good Hunter was plentiful. Some were even friends she'd made over the years, two young ladies with official roles among them.
"Still," the Fatui agent continued, "I happen to have a few private connections that could ensure your message reaches the Doctor."
Gu Sanqiu gave him a faint smile. "Do you think this is Snezhnaya? Please consider the likelihood of your 'connections' actually being effective here."
"Hmm. Clearly a Liyue native—you've got that figured out well."
The agent shrugged. "But believe it or not, one of my relatives, a far-flung cousin of sorts, received personal guidance from the Doctor himself."
"So, if you want your message delivered, I'm currently the safest choice you'll find."
Guided by the Doctor?
Gu Sanqiu touched his chin thoughtfully.
To an average Teyvat citizen, that probably meant this cousin had gone mad by now. But truth be told, anyone who survived under the Doctor's 'guidance' and was still walking around as a human—or close to it—was probably at least somewhat capable.
"What kind of confidentiality can you guarantee?"
"I'm sorry to say, given the tenuous nature of my connections, your letter would have to be opened for inspection—both to verify it isn't hiding anything suspicious or any, well, profane language."
"However, should you join the Fatui and distinguish yourself, you could potentially gain an audience with the Tsaritsa herself. From there, meeting the Doctor would be a small matter."
The agent made himself perfectly clear. "And of course, if you reached such a level, I, as your introducer, would be well-rewarded for my services."
"Hm, figured as much. No wonder you're pitching recruitment like some shady merchant."
Gu Sanqiu's eyes narrowed, then he gave a slight shrug.
"Well, rather than relying on you, I'd rather find someone more… reliable."
The agent scowled. "I already told you. My approach here in Mondstadt is the fastest, most direct means of delivering private messages."
"No, I meant I have a faster, more direct method."
Gu Sanqiu looked up, spotting a certain person heading their way—a figure whose expression quite clearly read, I'm not in a good mood, and I'm ready to cause trouble.
"Soldier," Childe's voice rang out coldly. "What are you doing here?"
The Fatui agent turned, recognizing Childe instantly. Visibly startled, he shot to his feet with a quick salute.
"Lord Harbinger!"
"This… charming subordinate of yours was just trying to recruit me into your merry band of Fatui," Gu Sanqiu remarked, sipping his drink. The cat, who'd just finished its fish, glanced at Gu Sanqiu, meowed, and leaped from his lap, promptly disappearing from sight.
…
On the surface, it seemed like a cozy farewell, but Gu Sanqiu knew full well that the cat had simply used him as a napkin.
"Oh? Now that sounds… interesting."
Childe took a seat beside Gu Sanqiu, casting a sidelong glance at the agent. "Do you have any idea who he is?"
"No, sir. My sincerest apologies!" The agent's unease grew—had he accidentally disrupted one of his superior's plans? While it wasn't a capital offense, knowing he'd potentially hindered the Harbinger's agenda left him thoroughly uneasy.
"No need to apologize," Childe replied, waving him off. "If you actually managed to recruit this one, I'd reward you in front of all your colleagues, and your family in Snezhnaya would benefit as well."
With a dismissive wave, Childe added, "You're dismissed. Return to Mondstadt and ensure all preparations are in order. No slip-ups."
As the agent departed, Childe turned back to Gu Sanqiu. "You're not usually interested in people like him. What's on your mind?"
"Nothing serious. Just need a favor," Gu Sanqiu replied with a smile.
Childe raised an eyebrow. "Let's hear it."
"I want to send a letter to the Doctor, with the condition that no one else reads it."
Childe frowned. "First, why the Doctor? And second, you know that making sure no one else reads it won't be easy. You know his rank."
"And as I recall," Childe continued, his expression sharpening, "I've told you before—I don't approve of his methods. You're not trying to ask him for some kind of 'enhanced' battle technique, are you?"
"It's not nearly as dramatic as that. And knowing how you feel about him, I didn't intend to ask you initially."
"But since you're here," Gu Sanqiu shrugged, "and we're on good terms, I thought I'd ask for a little favor."
"Fine, I'll deliver it. But I get to read the letter first. Once I'm sure there's nothing suspicious in it, I'll send it with the highest confidentiality rating possible."
Childe fixed Gu Sanqiu with a hard look. "Though, I can't imagine what you two would have to talk about."
"You'll see once you read it. I'll bring it to you tomorrow."
Gu Sanqiu gave him a casual nod of thanks. "But tell me—what's got you in such a sour mood? The Knights causing trouble?"
"No, not exactly. While the Doctor's actions have left deep scars, the Knights aren't in the habit of publicly taking it out on us."
Childe's face took on a frustrated look. "Actually, I'd been hoping to slip away from the main group and visit the famous Wolvendom. Figured it'd be a good chance to run into something interesting."
"Knowing you, that would mean a good fight, right?"
Childe laughed. "Caught me. Actually, I wanted to check out that legendary wolf's graveyard. If I'm lucky, maybe I'll even find a worthy opponent."
Realization struck Childe, and he glanced over at Gu Sanqiu.
"How could I forget?"
Childe's face lit with a cunning smile. "If you want that letter delivered, you'll have to meet my conditions. First, I get to read it. And second…"
"I refuse."
"Then I won't help with your letter," Childe replied, clearly amused. "Not like I was itching to do it anyway."
Childe's grin widened as he continued, "Want my help with your letter? Then spar with me a few times. We can count the spar at Mondstadt's tournament as one, and the rest… well, we'll arrange them when the time comes!"
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