Yae Miko didn't respond to Ei's confusion. Instead, she turned to Rosalyne and asked coldly, "Rosalyne, speak up. You knew about Sasayuri's connection to us and how much Inazuma means to him. So why did you still plant Fatui agents here? Why are you trying to take Ei's Gnosis for the Tsaritsa?"
"It's all for Her Majesty's plan!" Rosalyne's eyes turned icy. "Only by securing the Gnoses from the Six Archons can I ensure Rustan stays with me forever. I won't give up."
"Rustan... that's another name for Sasayuri, right?" Ei asked, her gaze filled with doubt. From the determination in Rosalyne's eyes, she could tell there was some history between her and Lin Mo. Even facing a threat to her life, Rosalyne stood her ground and declared she wouldn't back down. Ei could see just how deep Rosalyne's feelings for Sasayuri ran.
So, she asked again, "Why does the Tsaritsa need the other Six Archons' Gnoses to let Sasayuri stay with you forever? If it's because she won't let you leave the Fatui, you could live in Inazuma City. We'd protect you from any threats from Snezhnaya."
A flicker of surprise crossed Rosalyne's eyes. She'd never imagined Ei would offer to protect her. Biting her lower lip gently, she slowly explained her purpose. "Rustan... he's helping the Tsaritsa fight against the Heavenly Principles. Collecting the Gnoses is the most crucial part of Her Majesty's rebellion against them. So far, we've gathered the Anemo and Geo Archons' Gnoses..."
"Fight against the Heavenly Principles..." Ei's eyes grew serious. As an ancient god who had survived from that era, she knew full well how powerful the Heavenly Principles were.
In the next moment, she glanced sideways at Yae Miko and said, "Do you remember the dream you told me about?"
"Yes, I do." Yae Miko nodded slowly. "In the dream, Sasayuri appeared on Sky Island, surrounded by the seven elemental colors, drawing his sword against the Heavenly Principles."
"So... eternity's true enemy is the Heavenly Principles." Ei tightened her grip on her sword hilt in secret.
Then, her eyes turned to Yae Miko beside her, and she said calmly, "Since this involves Sasayuri, go ahead and give her the Gnosis."
"Alright. I'll fetch it for you later." Yae Miko nodded, then looked at Rosalyne. "The Gnosis is stored at the shrine for safekeeping. We'll get it after accompanying Sasayuri around the festival."
With the promise secured, Rosalyne glanced at the two Mirror Maidens behind her and ordered coolly, "Relay my command: Have the Fatui withdraw from Inazuma."
"Yes, Lady Executive."
"Yes, Executive Officer."
The two Mirror Maidens bowed in response and left the Yae Publishing House.
Just then, a portal appeared in front of the building.
"Oof!" Lin Mo stepped out and bumped right into one of the Mirror Maidens.
As the Mirror Maiden instinctively moved to push away the intruder...
"Rustan~!" Rosalyne exclaimed in delight, rushing to Lin Mo's side.
"Huh? Rosalyne, when did you get here?" Lin Mo blinked in surprise. He looked at her, then at the group behind her, and asked curiously, "Are you all... negotiating for the Gnosis? Did you reach a deal?"
"We did reach a deal..." Yae Miko's teasing voice chimed in. "But Sasayuri, don't you think it's time to break that habit of taking advantage?"
"Uh... cough, sorry about that. It was just a quick reflex from the teleport." Lin Mo reluctantly let go of the warm embrace. He had to admit, the Mirror Maiden's figure was hard to resist.
Rosalyne noticed Lin Mo's regretful expression and asked curiously, "Rustan... are you satisfied with these two subordinates of mine?"
"Hahaha, what do you mean satisfied? It was just an accident, that's all." Lin Mo wouldn't dare admit anything in front of everyone.
"Hmm... if that's the case, then never mind." Rosalyne nodded slowly.
"Never mind? What do you mean?" Lin Mo asked, puzzled.
"Well... after I get the Gnosis, I might have to head back to Snezhnaya." Rosalyne's gaze dropped sadly. "I was thinking... while I'm not by your side, should I assign two Fatui agents to serve you? On one hand, they could handle chores for you. On the other, with them around, it'd be easier for me to stay in touch. And if you need manpower, they could act on my behalf, issuing orders to the Fatui and serving as your aides."
Mirror Maidens serving by his side? Was this for real?
Rosalyne continued, "Since you're not satisfied with them... I'll assign Debt Collectors instead. They have the ability to temporarily go invisible, and they're a bit more efficient in their work than Mirror Maidens."
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T/N:
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