"So as your… ahem… marketing officer in Liyue—"
"I require absolute obedience to my commands."
"Disobedience is betrayal."
"And betrayal will result in dismissal from…"
"…from the Liyue Toy Research Institute!"
Tartaglia declared seriously.
Lumine covered her face in embarrassment.
Qiu Nian, however, watched with great interest.
This was too entertaining.
"So strict…"
"Getting expelled from the Toy Research Institute must be heartbreaking…"
Teucer said sympathetically.
The Fatui recruits looked at each other in confusion.
"…Sigh."
Tartaglia realized juggling both situations was impossible.
"Forget it."
"Let's do some practical training."
"…Practical training?"
One recruit asked uncertainly.
"Well… a strong physique guarantees good sales."
Tartaglia nodded.
The recruits were stunned.
"Did the Harbinger say practical training?"
"Does that mean he'll spar with us personally?"
"That's such an honor!"
"Are we even worthy of it?"
Their voices buzzed with excitement.
Tartaglia cleared his throat.
"Any objections?"
"None, sir!"
"Good enthusiasm."
"Then all of you—come at me together."
He rushed forward.
A battle immediately broke out.
Some time later, Tartaglia stopped.
"You've improved enough to let me properly stretch my muscles."
"In other words—"
"You're all excellent recruits."
"Thank you, Lord Harbinger!"
The recruits shouted gratefully.
"Shh—!"
Tartaglia hurriedly motioned for them to quiet down.
"…Very well."
"May you all win glory."
"For Snezhnaya, for Her Majesty the Tsaritsa, and for yourselves."
After dismissal, the recruits dispersed.
"Big brother is amazing!"
Teucer finally couldn't hold it in and shouted proudly.
"Oh? Teucer!"
"You're here too!"
Tartaglia turned around, pretending to be surprised.
The chat exploded.
["Oh? Teucer"]
["You're here too"]
[This acting is terrible LOL]
[Childe is killing me]
"I thought the Traveler took you to Wangshu Inn!"
Tartaglia ran over with a smile.
"Terrible acting."
Paimon muttered.
"You've definitely gotten stronger."
Lumine said.
"Haha…"
"I told you before."
"I never miss an opportunity to grow stronger."
"The me you see now is no longer the same as before."
Tartaglia laughed proudly—
then noticed Qiu Nian looking at him.
"Indeed."
"You've become much stronger."
"Right now, I'm no longer your opponent."
Qiu Nian said with complete seriousness.
Lumine and Tartaglia both stared at him with identical smug expressions.
"This guy…"
"He actually said that with a straight face…"
Paimon folded her arms.
Xuehua was laughing hysterically.
[How does he say that without laughing]
[Qiu Nian: Your brother is here, I'll give you face]
[Ancient God Tartaglia]
[Childe: Guess I'll go fight the Geo Archon]
[Tsaritsa: I have Harbinger Childe, who can slay the Seven Gods]
[Wait she's one of the Seven too]
"Alright everyone."
"It's getting late."
"I should return to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
Qiu Nian said with a faint smile.
"You're leaving already, Mr. Qiu Nian?"
Tartaglia asked.
Please leave already…
"Haha."
"What, do you want me to stay?"
Qiu Nian teased.
"…Haha…"
Tartaglia scratched his head awkwardly.
Does this guy not understand polite small talk?
"Brother Qiu Nian, you're leaving?"
Teucer asked reluctantly.
"Yes."
"Goodbye, Teucer."
"Next time you come to Liyue, send a letter to your brother first."
Qiu Nian said with a gentle smile.
Then he turned to Tartaglia.
"Childe, although this is your family matter…"
"I still want to say something."
"Even if you insist on being a toy salesman…"
"It doesn't stop you from teaching Teucer basic safety."
"I'll remember that."
"Thank you, Mr. Qiu Nian."
Tartaglia nodded sincerely.
Qiu Nian waved and began walking toward Liyue Harbor.
Watching his figure leave—
Tartaglia couldn't help feeling emotional.
A god on the same level as the Tsaritsa—
yet so approachable.
No arrogance.
Calm, gentle, and easy to talk to.
It was unexpected.
But…
I'll keep growing stronger.
Strong enough to surpass you someday.
Tartaglia thought firmly.
Meanwhile—
Xuehua watched Qiu Nian's departing figure.
"I feel like Qiu Nian is really gentle."
The chat filled the screen.
[Mysterious, gentle, calm, powerful, handsome—perfect]
[Also loves wandering around sightseeing]
[Zhongli already has a banner—why doesn't Qiu Nian have one yet?!]
[He embodies elegance perfectly]
[Day 2 of saving Primogems for Qiu Nian]
As time passed—
Qiu Nian finally returned to Liyue Harbor.
Enjoyed these chapters? Access advanced chapters and exclusive content by visiting my Patreon. https://patreon.com/WillOFD129?