The people of Liyue were furious when they saw the announcement. The Fatui had released a god? Instantly, public outrage exploded. How dare they! The Fatui's reputation plummeted to rock bottom. Some even rushed to the Northland Bank to withdraw their savings. Anger spread like wildfire.
The Fatui and the Northland Bank faced a crushing defeat in Liyue. Depositors flocked to withdraw their money, fearing the bank's instability. Ningguang subtly spread the news to other nations. When Mondstadt caught wind of it, they seized the opportunity to condemn the Fatui as well. Liyue and Mondstadt united in their efforts to undermine the Northland Bank.
Jean, the Acting Grand Master of Mondstadt, planned a visit to Liyue, though she hadn't arrived yet. This was a positive development.
With Childe captured, the Northland Bank lost its backbone. Panic set in as they scrambled to contact other Harbingers for guidance. La Signora, who had just been preparing to leave Mondstadt for Snezhnaya, arrived in Liyue. Her icy demeanor intimidated everyone. Still fuming over Barbatos's actions, she was in no mood for nonsense.
The Fatui's misdeeds in Liyue spread across Teyvat through various channels. Seizing the moment, Ningguang launched the Liyue Bank and demanded Snezhnaya provide an explanation. Otherwise, their Harbinger would remain imprisoned indefinitely. She even drafted a list of demands, threatening to sever numerous collaborations with Snezhnaya if they refused.
The announcement shocked everyone. If Liyue followed through, Snezhnaya's economy would suffer a devastating blow. Many of their goods relied on trade with Liyue.
The Fatui were in turmoil. The Treasurer, Pantalone, was livid. Damn you, Childe! You spent so much money and caused this mess? He almost wished Childe would stay in Liyue forever.
Despite their frustration, the Fatui had no choice but to address Liyue's demands. Childe's blunder had left them with no room to maneuver.
Meanwhile, Jiang Chen's name began circulating across Teyvat. A powerful figure capable of defeating Osial with ease? This news sent ripples of unease through many nations. With Morax, the God of War, and now Jiang Chen, Liyue's strength was undeniable. Even Snezhnaya, known for its military might, grew wary of Liyue.
When La Signora arrived in Liyue, she immediately sought negotiations with Ningguang. However, Jiang Chen insisted on joining. He wasn't about to let La Signora's arrogance go unchecked. If she dared to threaten or insult, Jiang Chen wouldn't hesitate to lock her up and... well, let's just say she'd regret it.
Yujing Terrace Reception Hall
La Signora and her entourage arrived, her expression grim. After learning about Childe's disastrous actions, she was seething. He had spent a fortune and accomplished nothing. You're useless. The Fatui don't need you.
She had received a letter from the Tsaritsa, revealing Morax's true identity. This only deepened her disdain for Childe. He had been played like a fool.
As she pondered, Jiang Chen, Keqing, Ningguang, and Ganyu entered the hall. The doors closed behind them. La Signora's gaze turned hostile, though she tempered it slightly upon seeing Jiang Chen. This was the man who had defeated a god. Despite her confidence, she dared not provoke him. She knew Childe had been captured by Jiang Chen.
Jiang Chen sat down, unabashedly sizing up La Signora. She was undeniably beautiful, with an impressive figure. And, as he noted, still... untouched.
He gave Ningguang a subtle nod, signaling her to take the lead. He was here to intimidate, not negotiate.
"Let's not waste time."
"Both our time is valuable."
"We'll get straight to the point."
Ningguang cut to the chase.
"Hmph!"
"What are your demands?"
La Signora had no patience for small talk. She wanted to retrieve Childe and secure Morax's Gnosis as quickly as possible.
"The Fatui must withdraw entirely from Liyue."
"Additionally..."
Ningguang listed her demands: the Fatui's complete withdrawal, the handover of alchemical techniques, teleportation technology, and other unequal terms.
La Signora's face darkened as she listened. She slammed the table in frustration.
"Are you making a wishlist?"
"This is outrageous!"
She couldn't believe the audacity.
"Outrageous?"
"I don't think so."
"Have you seen what Childe did in Liyue?"
Jiang Chen smiled, his tone deceptively calm.
"If you think this is unfair, we can always recalculate the damages."
La Signora clenched her fists, realizing she was cornered. The negotiations had only just begun, and Liyue held all the cards.