Chapter 45

Gathering intelligence goes both ways.

Ever since the arrival of the La Signora, the diplomatic envoys of the Fatui have been brazen, often openly challenging Captain Jean to flaunt their strength. If Albedo had focused more on his work as head of investigations, instead of only putting in 5% effort to "go with the flow," he would have unraveled La Signora's true origins and intentions sooner.

Even so, that 5% of effort yielded enough intelligence to aid Jean and the Knights significantly. At least they learned that La Signora's presence was temporary, assigned only to carry out a crucial mission. She wouldn't be staying in Mondstadt for long.

In truth, the strained relations between the Fatui and the Knights in Mondstadt were due to La Signora's own orders. She tested Jean and the Knights' limits, pushing boundaries to further her ultimate plan.

"La Signora…"

Albedo sensed that this conceited witch might not respect the rules of Mr. Takumi's store today.

He took a deep breath and stepped in front of her.

"What's this?"

The masked woman looked at him, her eyes glinting with mockery. Half her face was visible, and it bore an amused sneer.

"This is a store, and all customers should be welcomed. And you? You're just another guest," she said coolly. "Who are you to stand in my way?"

Albedo remained calm and polite, but his tone was resolute.

"You may act arrogantly anywhere else in Mondstadt, even when facing Captain Jean," he said. "Captain Jean tolerates this to maintain peace. But if you aim to cause trouble here and damage this store, even she won't let it go unanswered."

La Signora raised an eyebrow, a glimmer of surprise in her eyes. However, her curiosity only grew stronger.

"I'm intrigued. Why would Captain Jean risk going to war with the Fatui to protect a mere store?"

A slight smile tugged at Albedo's lips.

"This establishment represents a new era—one that neither the Fatui nor the Delusions can bring about. Mr. Takumi, the store manager, is the true pioneer of this age."

The air around La Signora grew colder, her eyes narrowing.

"Move aside," she ordered, her voice dripping with menace.

Three icy flowers formed and circled her, and the powerful Cryo element granted by the Tsaritsa began to surge within her.

Albedo, however, remained calm, his gaze unwavering. He wasn't one to care much for titles or fame. Since his creation, he had been devoted to ancient secrets alongside Rhinedottir. Though the head of investigations, he rarely operated openly, which left many unaware of his true strength.

Behind him, a sword imbued with Geo energy flickered into view, signaling his resolve.

There would be no retreat.

Sucrose and Timaeus, who were standing at the counter, exchanged shocked glances.

They had never seen their usually gentle and composed teacher take such a firm stance.

"It seems that Mr. Albedo truly respects Mr. Takumi," Sucrose whispered. "Wealth and influence aren't his goals. For him to praise someone so highly, Mr. Takumi must be a figure of remarkable knowledge."

A chilling smile appeared on La Signora's lips as she overheard them. She hadn't anticipated such a reaction from Mondstadt's higher-ups regarding this store. Albedo's stance revealed much.

This establishment, this mysterious "Mr. Takumi"… It was clear they held considerable influence, perhaps even strategic importance.

"Then let's see what lies hidden here. Whatever secrets are kept from the Fatui, I'll uncover them," she murmured.

As her eyes grew colder, La Signora began to gather her Cryo energy, intent on unleashing a powerful attack. She would hold back for no one.

Suddenly—

Boom!

Sharp ice spears filled the store as La Signora unleashed her Cryo assault.

But Albedo, expecting her to strike, was ready. He summoned the power of Geo, "Rite of Progeniture: Tectonic Tide!" A defense wall of Geo energy rose in response to the freezing barrage.

However, before the two forces could fully clash, Cresselia, stationed behind the counter, intervened with a sigh.

"Magic Room!"

The powerful Psychic energy created a spatial field that enveloped both La Signora and Albedo.

Instantly, to Sucrose and Timaeus, the movements of both combatants slowed to a crawl.

Recognizing the intervention, Sucrose and Timaeus felt both astonished and relieved.

"Hypnosis!"

La Signora fell to the floor, her body paralyzed by Cresselia's psychic influence.

Shards of ice, already created by the initial attack, continued to rain down. If left unchecked, they would cause considerable damage to the store.

Cresselia raised her wings gently, sighing.

"Psychic!"

A vast telekinetic force caught the icy projectiles mid-air, propelling them far outside Mondstadt's boundaries and into a distant field.

As fate would have it, the unfortunate Hilichurl tribe stationed there was caught in the icy barrage, the shards turning the clearing into a frigid wasteland.

With the danger resolved, Cresselia visibly relaxed. If she were a humanoid Pokémon, she might have sighed in relief and patted her chest in reassurance. Her elegant, crescent-shaped wings gave a faint, contented flutter.