Chapter 140

The fourth executive officer of the Fatui, after the 'Harbinger' Tartaglia, the 'Servant' Arlecchino, said: "All the executive officers were called, but almost half of them did not show up. This situation seems to be the first in history. Whether it's a good thing or a bad thing is hard to say."

Pantalone, the ninth executive officer of the Fatui, the 'Regrator,' laughed: "Miss Arlecchino is as suspicious as ever, even though others say that the employees of 'Northland Bank' have working hours arranged like slaves. But what about us executive officers? It's normal for the Queen to check if you're absent from work."

Rosalyne, the eighth executive officer of the Fatui, the 'La Signora,' said disdainfully: "Hmph, it's full of nonsense. Only a businessman like you would say such disgusting things."

Pantalone shook his head: "Miss Rosalyne is as upright as ever. I must have misunderstood."

The seventh seat of the Fatui, 'Marionette' Sandrone, was lifted by the giant puppet on her arm and chuckled: "Oh, it's ridiculous... Your conversation lacks logic."

Pantalone continued without paying attention: "In addition to half of the executive officers not being present, the 'Captain,' who has never participated in these meetings, also did not heed the Queen's call this time. If all the executives were summoned and only the six of us came in the end, wouldn't that be a bit too unreasonable? Furthermore, when I arrived, the city hall was arresting so-called 'guilty people' everywhere. Can I assume that things will change drastically in Snezhnaya?"

Arlecchino sneered: "Speaking of suspicions, Mr. Pantalone is on a higher level than me. After all, 'Northland Bank' transfers the money of workers from the seven nations. It is a history of blood and tears."

Tartaglia spoke up: "Speaking of which, even I think it is inappropriate to argue when receiving the Queen's decree." Having said this, he looked at 'Rooster' Pulcinella: "Mr. Mayor, it's about time to announce the Queen's order. If this continues, I don't know how long the noise will last."

The cane in Pulcinella's hand hit the ground: "Your questions are contained in Her Majesty the Queen's new decree. I'm afraid it will leave you in disbelief, but it must be done. Otherwise, the consequences will be dire."

Arlecchino frowned: "Oh? Even the mayor delivering the Queen's decree says the consequences are severe. It seems something significant has indeed happened in Snezhnaya."

Pantalone nodded: "As a qualified businessman, I felt the chill of winter the moment I heard about it."

Pulcinella said: "Alright, listen carefully."

The five Fatui executives who were loyal to the 'Tsaritsa' immediately turned serious. Even Sandrone, who didn't care about anything other than resurrecting 'Marion,' listened attentively.

"Just before you received the order to gather, Snezhnaya faced the crisis of disappearing from Teyvat."

Tartaglia frowned: "Mr. Mayor, are you sure you're conveying the Queen's decree? Snezhnaya experienced a crisis of disappearing? This isn't funny at all."

Pulcinella knocked the ground heavily with his cane. Remembering what he had just experienced, the pupils behind his toad glasses trembled: "It is indeed true. Celestia came to Snezhnaya not long ago and prepared to send the 'Nail of Punishment' to Snezhnaya."

"What?!"

The words were like thunder, stunning everyone.

If Pulcinella hadn't been the one delivering the Queen's decree, they would have doubted whether they had heard correctly.

Before anyone could recover, Pulcinella continued to explain the cause and effect.

The Queen's plan was exposed, and Celestia's punishment came.

However, because Celestia was no longer Phanes, there was still a chance to change things.

After hearing this, everyone couldn't help but sweat.

Although it was only a verbal description, they could already feel the weight of the situation—they had walked on the edge of death.

Celestia, Sky Island, and all those other things were mentioned in the missions of the Fatui executives from time to time.

No one understood better than them what this meant.

For ordinary people, cursing the gods casually was just words, but for those who knew a little of Teyvat's secrets, it was like dancing on the edge of a knife.

Arlecchino clenched her hands to calm herself: "So that's it, Celestia? All the changes in the world stem from the new arrival who became the law of heaven?"

Sandrone said: "So that's it. I did detect a power in the sky that was so massive it could destroy everything. I thought it was just the power of the Queen, but I didn't expect it to be Celestia's punishment."

Tartaglia was sweating profusely: "Hey, the country almost disappeared while I was away. This is unbelievable!"

Pulcinella took out a handkerchief and wiped the cold sweat from his face, then continued: "Celestia has given Snezhnaya one last chance. If it fails, Snezhnaya will disappear in three days.

"In addition to the 'Captain' and the 'Damsel,' who are special among the executive officers, the 'Jester' and 'Doctor' have been expelled from the ranks of the executive officers and classified as 'sinners.'

"Her Majesty the Queen has summoned us to eradicate the evildoers among the Fatui. Those who have committed crimes in other nations must also be sentenced.

"Otherwise... I think everyone understands the consequences."

Tartaglia swallowed: "No wonder half of the executives didn't come; it's like this..."

Some among the Fatui had indeed used the power of the organization to do things that even Tartaglia found intolerable.

For example, 'Doctor' Dottore.

At most, Tartaglia would find a target and fight them openly; if he won, they would have to comply with his demands. But Dottore was different.

He had once broken into Dottore's lab because he couldn't stand experiments being conducted on children. From that time on, the relationship between him and Dottore soured.

But it didn't matter—after all, the Fatui executives were not friends with one another; they were colleagues at most.

Tartaglia spread his hands: "The Queen wants us to eradicate the sinners among the Fatui. I support this unconditionally. Although I don't want to admit it, as the last seat, I am far from being a match for any of the top executives."

Arlecchino frowned: "The first three seats are all god-level strength. Together, we are no match for them. The Queen is asking a lot of us."

Pantalone spread his hands: "Me too. I'm just a businessman. I might be able to manipulate markets and destroy economies, but that's about it."

La Signora said: "Hmph, my life was given by the Queen, but I'd like to try and see if the top three seats are as strong as rumored."

At this moment, an ice-blue light descended into the hall.

Everyone knew that the Queen was arriving, and they quickly bowed their heads in the direction of the light.

The Queen's voice echoed.

It was gentle yet majestic, with a hint of urgency and coldness in her tone.

"I will temporarily grant you the power to eliminate all 'sinners' within three days. This is already a matter of life and death for all of you."