Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

"Of course I want to hear your opinion. Otherwise, what's the point of this fight?"

"What do you mean, 'what's the point'? Testing your current strength and stretching your muscles is never a waste."

Tartaglia grinned. "I've been drowning in paperwork lately. Today was the first time I felt alive in a while."

"Paperwork, huh."

Gu Sanqiu smirked. He'd just finished an overtime marathon himself.

"Don't change the subject. What did you notice?"

"You might not realize it yourself, but as someone fighting against you, I've got a pretty clear sense of it. You're leaning toward the dark side."

"What? That's slander, and slander is a serious crime."

Tartaglia shook his head. "Fighting you before, you always gave off a calm, composed aura. Like a righteous path kind of guy. Maybe that's because of your upbringing."

"But just now? You felt... off. Like a little unhinged, almost manic. Reminds me of some of the crazier opponents I've faced before."

Gu Sanqiu frowned. "You think it's because of the Delusion?"

"I wouldn't jump to that conclusion. A Delusion primarily affects vitality. If the user is stable, their mental state usually isn't impacted."

Tartaglia sat up. "So, what have you been up to lately? Don't tell me you went somewhere like Wuwang Hill and ran into something cursed."

"Cursed?"

Gu Sanqiu chuckled darkly. "If any malevolent spirit dared show itself to me, it'd be begging for mercy before I was done with it."

"Oh, then there's another possibility. Maybe your recent power boost wasn't as solid as it should've been, and that's throwing your mindset out of balance."

Huh?

Gu Sanqiu froze for a moment. That… might actually be possible. Could the Shinma Pill he used have lingering effects?

Trust the inconspicuous cheat item to come with hidden side effects. What if it really was some knockoff junk?

"You're telling me you have been straying down a darker path?"

Tartaglia caught the subtle shift in Gu Sanqiu's expression. "Come on, with your talent and family backing, you could rise to the top without shortcuts. What's got you so desperate?"

"It's not desperation. And I don't think that's entirely the problem here."

After being grounded by the old man—and thoroughly lectured by both Qiqi and Ningguang—he'd had plenty of time to reflect. Any lingering effects from that should've faded by now.

"By the way, why are you suddenly doing desk work? Did Snezhnaya hit a budget crisis and start cramming multiple jobs onto one person?"

Tartaglia laughed. "As if. Let's just say that for us Fatui stationed abroad, the benefits are still pretty decent. Especially with the Northland Bank backing us."

"Got it. I'll just come up with a reason to shut down the Northland Bank tomorrow, and you can come begging me for financial aid."

"Do you even hear yourself? Try being a decent person for once."

Tartaglia sighed, rubbing his temples. "If you really want to know why I've been doing admin work, it's because we recently had a 'friendly match' with the Millelith. Or rather, a combat drill."

Gu Sanqiu perked up, sensing something interesting. "Don't tell me... you guys got your butts handed to you?"

"Yeah, we really did." Tartaglia groaned. "The Millelith summoned this giant blood-red titan that wiped the floor with us."

He gave Gu Sanqiu a sharp look. "Now that I think about it, the Millelith never had that kind of thing in their arsenal before. This has your fingerprints all over it, doesn't it?"

"I'm telling you the truth—it wasn't my doing."

Gu Sanqiu's face remained solemn, but internally, he was grinning. Before heading to Inazuma, he'd handed over some esoteric techniques he'd bought from Mona to the Jade Chamber. It seemed the fruits of that were starting to show.

No wonder the Fatui had been lying low lately.

Their vanguard got demolished?

Good. Increase the intensity, Millelith.

"Yeah, sure. I totally believe you."

Tartaglia stood up. "You sticking around for a meal? Or do you have more pressing matters to attend to?"

"I'll eat first. Might as well see what your Fatui rations are like."

"Oh? Is Liyue planning to micromanage our meal plans too?"

"Nah. But if you're interested, I can hook you up with Liuli Pavilion or Xinyue Kiosk for takeout. Mention my name and you'll get a 10% discount."

…

"Forget it. That's too evil even for me."

Laughing to himself, Gu Sanqiu flew back home. Ningguang was gone, leaving only a note with a smiling Mora drawn on it.

"Looks like you're in a good mood, Sis."

Gu Sanqiu smiled, feeling reassured.

"Good moo—wait."

His smile faded as he frowned. With a quick circulation of his energy, the alcohol-induced haze instantly cleared from his mind.

"Tartaglia said my mindset might be off. If I remember correctly, back when I was researching the Slayer's Spirit techniques at home..."

---

T/N: hmmmmmmmmmmmmm who should i replace the cover with, ningguang? orrrrr another cover of his true love childe?

"Gar... Devoir!! Voirrr!!"

- Gardevoir

(End of Bonus Chapter—If you like my work, consider supporting me at [patreon.com/WiseTL]!)