Genshin Impact: It All Began With Me Being Stepped On by Arlecchino

After a long and winding journey through the underground city with Melus and Silver, Lu Li finally arrived at the meeting point. The perimeter was guarded by members of the Spina di Rosula. Deep inside, Callas sat alone at a table, reading a newspaper by the light of a lamp.

"Lord Lu Li, we will leave you here. Please have a good talk with the President," Melus said solemnly.

Lu Li nodded and, as the crowd parted for him, he finally came face to face with the president of the Spina di Rosula, and the father of his good friend, Navia.

He was a man with the air of a British nobleman, dressed in a well-tailored, custom-made suit. He had blond hair and a beard, looking like a majestic golden lion in his prime. This was the president of Fontaine's largest gang, the Spina di Rosula—Callas. The sea routes connecting the various districts of Fontaine were named after his family—the Clementine Line, the Navia Line, and the Callas Line—in recognition of the Spina di Rosula's immense contribution to the completion of this vital infrastructure.

Seeing Lu Li arrive, Callas's one good eye studied the boy his daughter often mentioned. It was their first time meeting, but thanks to his daughter, he was already familiar with Lu Li's character and his background in the House of the Hearth.

"Mr. Callas, thank you for taking the time to meet with me despite your busy schedule."

"No need for such formalities. You are Navia's friend, and I trust her judgment. Being her friend proves you are a good person," Callas said with a nod, gesturing for Lu Li to sit opposite him. "Besides, you proposed a deal that I couldn't refuse."

Lu Li nodded and took a stack of documents from his coat. "We have a common goal. At my request, that person has granted me full authority to handle this matter. Coincidentally, our intelligence network has learned that the Spina di Rosula has also been working hard on this. This could be an opportunity for cooperation."

"Of course, the Spina di Rosula never minds having more friends. However, I am also aware of the House of the Hearth's reputation and methods. So, this can only be a cooperation for now. I cannot guarantee that we will maintain this relationship in the future. Do you understand, Lord Lu Li?" Callas said gravely.

"Naturally. I cannot speak for the entire House of the Hearth. This cooperation is a special privilege granted to me," Lu Li said, rubbing his nose awkwardly. "Ahem, alright, Mr. Callas, why don't you take a look at this information and the experimental research report I've written? Then we can discuss where we can cooperate more deeply."

"I understand. By the way, Lord Lu Li, according to your letter, we will also be cooperating with the Special Patrol?"

"Yes, I have some connections in the Special Patrol. However, given the special nature of our two organizations, they will likely only provide assistance where they can and will not get directly involved."

Callas nodded and smiled faintly. "Even so, that is enough. I never thought we would have such a deep cooperation one day." He then lowered his head and began to read the documents Lu Li had provided. The more he read, the more his brow furrowed, and his eyes grew sharper with realization.

So... "L'es" is such a terrible thing... and this is the real reason why the case of the missing young women has remained unsolved for a decade. I see...

After a long while, Callas closed the file and said sincerely, "I understand. This is all very useful information. It has cleared up many of my previous doubts. Now, the answers to many questions are clear."

"But the key is, how do we eradicate a force that has been lurking for over a decade and has spread the 'L'es' industry throughout Fontaine through unknown channels?"

"Actually, I've already read your report and learned many secrets. Now, I have a clear idea. To have deceived the Spina di Rosula for ten years and spread 'L'es' to everyone from fishermen to corrupt nobles... that's impossible. Unless... they used the power of the Spina di Rosula to break into every level of society!" Callas said in a low voice.

"In other words, Mr. Callas, you're saying... there's a mole in the Spina di Rosula?"

"That's right. I suspected it after several failed operations. And now, with your information, and knowing the immense profits involved and that even the Lefebvre family was a part of it, I think I can identify the most likely suspect. I just lack concrete proof," Callas continued calmly. "But perhaps, it won't be long before everything comes to light."

"I'd like to hear more."

"Not long ago, after tireless efforts, we managed to appeal to the conscience of someone who had gone astray selling 'L'es.' Through his operation, I received an invitation to a banquet, which is scheduled for tomorrow night. And the merchant who 'produces' 'L'es' will be among the guests."

"I already have a good idea of who it is. I just need to see 'him' among the guests at the banquet tomorrow to confirm my suspicions," Callas said calmly. "But this banquet will definitely not be simple. I will likely face retaliation, even mortal danger. But that doesn't matter. What's important is that 'he' has endangered my family, Navia!"

"So, Lord Lu Li, if possible, would you be willing to accompany me to the banquet tomorrow night? And while we are acting, can we use the forces of the Spina di Rosula, the House of the Hearth, and the Special Patrol to crush the remaining 'L'es' production and sales dens in Fontaine?"

Lu Li's eyes flickered. "All or nothing? Mr. Callas, you have such great courage?"

"Since we have a chance for a fatal blow, we must not let it go. After this, the remaining small fry will only be a matter of time!"

Lu Li was silent for a moment, then said softly, "I understand. I accept your proposal!"

"A pleasure doing business with you!"

Callas extended his hand, and Lu Li shook it firmly. They spoke in unison.

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