Since I am writing this story alone and have no Beta Reader. I have to do the proofreading on my own. So if there will be a LOT of errors that I may or may not have notice.
Now onto the story, in this chapter, the Traveler and Paimon will be meeting two Harbingers, with one of them someone new to them. This will be an introduction chapter for Aether when he first arrived in Snezhnaya, but most of his meeting will be with one-time characters and/or 'NPCs'. But some of them may be reoccurring characters throughout the story.
So without further udo, here's the third chapter for Hellraising Harbingers...
Hellraising Harbinger
Chapter 3: The Frozen Coast
"But the ice is slippery." Luke replied. "You didn't take too long."
Aether said nothing while looking at the agent with a blank expression.
"Please come in, I was told to give you something personally so that your journey can begin." Luke motioned him in.
Aether had never had the chance to enter the Grand Goth Hotel. Mostly due to the guard standing in front of the hotel. From what the owner, Goth, had said that Pantalone had booked the entirely of the hotel with a large sum.
The man is quite wealthy, he can probably match Ningguang in terms of wealth.
Entering the hotel, Luke then closed the door behind him. Under normal circumstances, this would alarm him, but he knew that if the Fatui wanted to assassinate him, they would need one of the Harbingers to hurt him.
"Let's get this over with, Vadim!"
A familiar Fatui agent appeared.
"Traveler."
Aether grunted.
"Just give him the sealed document, Vadim." Luke ordered. "Like it or not, this is Lord Tartaglia and the Tsaritsa's orders."
Vadim pulled out a sealed document and gave it to Aether.
"Go to Liyue Harbor and meet with Andrei INSIDE the Northland Bank." Vadim instructed with emphasis. "We don't need any more attention than we can deal with."
"Vadim! That's enough!" Luke chastised before turning to Aether. "Honorary Knight, please excuse us, but the rest of my fellows are on the edge. I would ask that you follow these instructions and leave now, the longer you stay, the more the people of Monsdstadt will talk."
"Especially that red-headed vigilante." Vadim muttered.
Aether took the letter and left the hotel, much to their relief.
Liyue Harbor
Aether did not take too long to teleport to Feiyun Slope waypoint after a short detour to his home to retrieve something. It was fortunate that no one had seen him meeting with Luke outside the Grand Goth Hotel. While on a different reason, Aether also does not want others to see him talking to the Fatui and raise suspicion.
The Traveler sighed as he walked to the Northland Bank. It was a year since he last came to Liyue. It was nostalgic and yet brough anger to him, especially on how he was first treated as a fugitive. He felt some regret for being a hero for a nation whose god refuse to help him.
No contact is worth a friendship. If that was the cost, I would rather abandon the title as God of Contract.
At least with his disguise, no one will recognize the heroic Traveler.
Walking through the streets of Feiyun Slope, Aether walked to the step towards the Northland Bank. He saw Qiqi trotting down to Babu Pharmacy, probably after finishing an errand. He swore he caught a glimpse of a certain funeral director. He saw Xinqiu reading his book while walking.
"Traveler?"
He groaned inwardly and turned and saw Keqing with her hands on his right shoulder. Quickly looking around and saw no one else noticed, Aether put a finger to his mouth, motioning silence, and motioned his head to an alley.
"Why are dressed like this?" She asked.
Aether rolled his eyes. After walking to the empty alley, the Yuheng asked a ridiculous first question after not seeing him in a year.
"Really, Yuheng, that's what you're asking?" He said sarcastically.
Keqing blushed with embarrassment and anger. She wanted to say something before she saw his eyes. A year ago, Aether was all smiles and is friendly.
He looks so, tired and lost. Keqing thought. What happened to you Traveler?
Coughing lightly, Keqing replied.
"It's been a year since you were last saw in Liyue." Keqing said with crossed arms. "Your friends in Liyue were worried about you. Especially when you missed the Lantern Rite Festival."
She sighed.
"Honestly if I hadn't heard that you were active in the rest of the other nations, I would have looked for you myself."
Aether chuckled humorously.
"As if you could. Yuheng. You are a high profiled person. I doubt you could walk in Mondstadt without getting everyone's attention."
Keqing frowned. He has a point, as one of the Qixing, she would garner some attention even in a foreign city.
"Nevertheless, the fact still remains that you were absent in Liyue." Keqing shook her head. "I've heard from Hu Tao and Ganyu that it has something to do with the Wangsheng consultant."
Aether frowned deeply which caught Keqing's eye.
"Traveler what happened?" She asked softly.
"Did Ganyu not explain to you?"
"No, at least she didn't explain exactly what happened between you and Zhongli." Keqing replied. "I tried pressing, but she said it was complicated and its between the both of you."
Aether grunt.
"Interesting, tell me what did you see in your dream when Rex Lapis confirmed to you that he is alive."
Not understanding why the Traveler asked, Keqing answered, "I didn't see him. But I heard a voice, the same voice he used all those years during the Rite of Descension. He told me that he was alive and well. Rex Lapis then entrusted us with the welfare of Liyue."
"I thought so. So none of the Qixing knows what he looks like. Can't say I'm surprised."
Keqing wondered why it went from asking what happened between the Traveler and Zhongli to asking about her dream with Rex Lapis. Suddenly she realized the link.
"No, Zhongli is… Rex Lapis…"
"Took you long enough to piece them together." Aether scoffed.
Keqing then grabbed the collar of his cowl.
"What's wrong with you!" Keqing demanded. "This isn't like you to be so mean spirited. This isn't like you."
Looking around, and thankfully no one took notice. Aether removed her hands.
"What happened to me, Yuheng?" Aether began. Keqing frowned, Aether never used her title before and she hates it. "I saved Liyue. Twice. First, as you already know, I saved your city from Osial. You, Ningguang and the adepti were all there when it happened. Second, I saved you nation from Azhdaha. Your god was a witness to that. After that, I tried asking him about something. Something he knows since he was there five hundred years ago when it happened. And what did he tell me. He can't tell because of a contract."
Keqing didn't know about Azhdaha. She knows what he is because of the legend. But from what she knows, Azhdaha was defeated and sealed. So something must have happened that unleashed him from imprisonment.
This is bad or was bad since Aether and Zhon-Rex Lapis stopped it. Keqing thought.
"After that, I ended my short friendship with him and never came to Liyue. After all that I've done for his nation and people, this is how he repaid me?"
"Traveler, the God of Contract keeps his contract." Keqing explained. "As much as I hate it, this is something he must do. There are consequences from breaking a contract, especially a contract made with the gods."
Keqing doesn't know what the contract was, but she sensed that whatever it was, there will be dire consequence if he breaks it since it involves a god.
Keqing decided to ask what Aether wanted to know from Rex Lapis.
"Traveler what did you ask from him, your sister?"
"I've asked that after sealing that sea god. I wanted to know what happened in Khaenri'ah and the Cataclysm five hundred years ago."
This was surprising. Why does the Traveler wanted to know about that.
"Khaenri'ah? Cataclysm? Why?"
Aether expression became troubled.
"My sister, I've met her." Aether explained. "She… changed… We were supposed to leave together. But she doesn't want to. She wanted to end the reign of the Archons. So she leads the Abyss to achieve this goal. It has something to do with Khaenri'ah and what happened to it five hundred years ago. So-called injustice she calls it. She wanted me to learn the 'truth of this world' and Khaenri'ah."
The revelation was a shock to Keqing. The Traveler found his sister and she's leading the Abyss Order. She wanted to overturn the world system because of an incident that happened half a century ago.
"But why would Rex Lapis know that?"
"I've learned that before the gods might have been involved in the Cataclysm." Aether replied much to Keqing's horror. "I don't know if HE was involved, but as one of the original Seven, he should know something. Barbatos was in a recovery state according to him, so he doesn't know shit. The Raiden Shogun was unaware of it and has long cut ties with Celestia after the Cataclysm."
"So it leaves Rex Lapis." Keqing concluded. "Based on what you said, he knows. But then who would want to keep the Cataclysm a secret?"
"I suspect it's the Heavenly Principles. Celestia." Aether replied. "So far none of the Archons I've met wanted to oppose them at least not directly. They've all cut ties with them and more or less left their nations to its people." Aether gave Keqing a look.
He then growled.
"I am wasting time, Yuheng. I've got an appointment and I would appreciate that I am left alone."
Aether walked out of the alleyway leaving Keqing alone with her thoughts.
Northland Bank
Few minutes later…
Thankfully, Aether didn't run into anyone he knows and was able to get to his destination without any issues. Except for some occasion, Aether never needed to enter the bank, mostly because he never needed any financial help. That, and he doesn't trust the Fatui.
And here I am at the enemy territory again.
Aether told Paimon to stay unseen while he is in Liyue, because she would be an obvious sign that the Traveler is in Liyue. His flying companion protested, but conceded to his point after he promise to make it up to her.
Looking around, Aether found the bank manager standing at the side.
"Manager Andrei." Aether greeted.
"Welcome, how may I assist you?" Andrei entered business mode.
Aether pulled out the document and gave it to Andrei. The manager opened the sealed document and spent some time reading. His eyes widened sometimes when reading it.
"Hmmm, interesting." Andrei looked up and whispered to him. "A meeting with the Tsaritsa is an honor. Only the Harbingers enjoy the privilege of basking in her presence without limit." Collecting himself, Andrei continued. "A ship will be leaving to Snezhnaya tonight. Lord Tartaglia will accompany you onboard."
Aether smiled. At the very least, there will be no attention gained if he leaves during the night.
"Also, we have prepared some clothing for you, courtesy of Lord Tartaglia, for your journey. Snezhnaya is a cold land. You might want a change of clothes."
"That's great." Aether whispered. "I needed some disguise so none of the Liyuen recognize me."
"Trust me, these clothes will make you unrecognizable to the. Speaking of, where is your flying friend, Paimon, was it?"
"I told her to stay hidden." Aether replied. "She is an obvious sign that I am near."
Andrei nodded in understanding.
Nighttime…
Waiting for the night would normally be a boring chore for Aether, but thankfully he managed to spend the day talking to his frenemy, Childe.
The two had an interesting conversation about Zhongli and him withholding what he wanted to know and his adventures across Teyvat.
I sometimes wish I can join you, Traveler. I really envy your free spirit.
Despite being technically enemies, Aether find himself able to get along well with the Eleventh Harbinger. The fact that Childe was someone more conscious than his fellow helped. He tried asking about his fellow Harbingers, but he only gave a short summary on each of them.
"The Damselette is the 3rd of the Harbinger. Rank aside, she's dangerous, comrade. Be careful around her. Something is not right with her. The Regrator is someone with grandiose ambition. I don't understand what he is saying when he goes business mode, but as long as he keeps our cash flowing, I'm not complaining."
Childe the expression darkened.
"As for the Knave, well look, I've got nothing against people who have their own agendas — I myself joined the Fatui to get more experience in combat. But I don't like her at all. If she stood to benefit from betraying others, she'd turn against the Tsaritsa in a heartbeat. There isn't a sane bone in her body."
"Betray an Archon? That's either bravely stupid or stupidly brave." Aether commented. "Did she do something to you?"
Childe shrugged.
"No, but her rise to Harbinger is paved on layers upon layers of betrayal. I pity the poor pawns she raised."
"You mean the ones in the Hearth?" Aether raised an eyebrow. "I've encounter them in my journey. To think the Fatui are raising an army of child soldiers."
"Not all of them. Only the ones with special potential. But yes, the Hearth is a sort of recruiting ground for our agents."
"What about the Dottore, Jester?" Aether asked.
"The Jester is the first Harbinger and our leader." Childe replied. "I rarely see him outside of special occasions. I don't care, my loyalty is to Her Majesty, the Tsaritsa. The Dottore is weird. From what I heard he made segments of himself from different age. With different task each."
"Wait, you're telling me there's a literal army of a single Harbinger?" Aether paled.
"I don't know about army. But I know there is multiple Il Dottore walking around. How many of them, I have no idea."
"I've heard about him from Diluc." Aether said. "From what I've heard, the man is crazy. Like the typical stories of mad scientist."
"That must be a different segment of him, I've never seen. So far the only segment of him I've met is someone calm and more… sane, I suppose."
Aether grunted.
"I don't have much to say about Capitano, aside from the fact he's good in battle. Sandrone is always engrossed in her research and machines. But for some reason, she hates me. I don't know why, but whenever we meet, she always gives me the look like she wanted to kill me."
"There are two mad scientists amongst the Harbinger?"
"I wouldn't call her mad." Childe corrected. "And don't compare her with Dottore, the last time she heard an underling saying that, poor bloke was found pulverized to the ground."
"Yikes." Aether shuddered.
"Besides the two have significant difference in what they study. The Marionette is more concerned with machines, while Dottore is someone that will try to create a chimera of human, hilichurl and gods."
"But didn't he have a research lab that studies the Ruin Guards. And Diluc said he turned a subordinate of his into a mechanical monster, after killing him might I add."
"Oh, you must mean Krupp. I've heard that it was disposed of for some reason."
Knowing that freak, it doesn't surprise me.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door.
"Lord Tartaglia, the ship has arrived." Andrei said behind the door.
Few minutes later…
Aether had changed into a Snezhnayan clothing with an ushanka that is covering his ears. He was also supplied with a mask in order to cover his face so no one would recognize him. It was lucky that it was a cold night otherwise the Traveler wouldn't be able to handle the heat of his disguise.
You need to get used to this, the winter in Snezhnaya is unforgiving.
It wasn't that difficult to add a new member on board, courtesy of a few more Mora to the inspector. Of course, the inspector was unaware of who the new stowaway was.
"Welcome on board, comrade Nebo."
Climbing onboard the gangplank, Aether and Childe was greeted by the captain in charge. Captain Igor. Nebo was Aether's alias for now.
"Permission to board, captain?"
The captain laughed heartily.
"Granted."
Getting onboard the ship, Aether notice that it was a Snezhnayan merchant vessel.
"So, that's how you entered Liyue unnoticed?" Aether whispered to Childe. To which he shrugged.
"Well, it helped that officially, no one knew who the Harbingers are." Childe whispered back. "Damn you, Signora."
Aether raised an eyebrow.
"Let's go inside and continue, shall we?" Childe continued. "We'll continue once we set sail."
Aether nodded.
Inside the ship…
"Finally, Paimon is free!"
"Shhh!" Aether hissed. "Keep it down Paimon! We're still technically in Liyue!"
Paimon covered her mouth. After going inside the ship, Aether allowed his flying companion to come out.
Childe chuckled.
"And here I thought he left you behind."
"Hey! Traveler would never leave Paimon behind no matter what!" She growled. "You should be thankful Paimon let the Traveler come to Snezhnaya."
"Even though technically it was for the Traveler to decide?" Childe retorted.
The three walked to their personal room accommodated for them.
"Hope you don't get seasick, comrade."
"Don't be stupid, this isn't the first time we were on a boat." Paimon snapped.
Aether decided to ask something else.
"How long will this journey be?"
"Approximately three days, depending on the weather." Childe replied.
"Is it rough?"
"Hardly." Childe shrugged. "If you compared to sailing through the storm the Electro Archon created, it should be more or less a smooth sailing."
"After braving THAT storm, anything else would be seems like a small turbulence." Aether joked.
"Heh, true." Childe chuckled.
Arriving into their bunker, it was rather comfortable. It was comparable to their bunker onboard the Alcor.
"This will be you and Paimon's room." Childe said. "How is it?"
"It's alright." Aether sat down the bed with Paimon floating next to him. "Reminds us of our time on the Alcor."
Aether took off the ushanka.
"I wanted to know, how is the Alcor?" Childe asked while leaning on the side of the closed door.
"The ship is large. Not surprising considering that it's a military vessel and the flagship of the Crux. The last I heard; it was equipped with the Guizhong Ballistae."
"You missed a big show when Beisht showed up."
"And I'm glad I missed that." Aether snapped. "Though part of me wanted to see how bad it turned out."
"Traveler!" Paimon exclaimed in horror.
"Come off it Paimon, do you think they can handle their problem without the heroic Traveler?" Aether sneered.
"Actually, they handled it well." Childe said. "I am sorry to disappoint, comrade, they actually dealt with the situation. Sometime before the Lantern Rite, the Tianquan wanted to rebuild the Jade Chamber. Apparently, this was a response to Beisht sighting. They were looking for you, comrade, but it was not a priority. I will say that the Tianquan and the Yuheng were disappointed at your apparent absence, but they weren't too worried."
Aether felt a strange mix of comfort and disappointment at that.
"After the Jade Chamber was rebuilt, it was immediately deployed to confront Beisht along with a contingent of Millelith and the Crux Fleet. With the latter two armed with the Guizhong Ballistae."
"And it was a success." Aether said the obvious. "Otherwise, we won't be meeting at Liyue."
"Quite but I'd say most of their help came from that human adeptus."
"Human adeptus?" Paimon parroted.
"Shenhe." Childe clarified. "A strange young lady who was the basis of the Liyuen opera story, 'The Divine Damsel of Devastation'. She's strong, but emotionless. One could mistake her for an adeptus, but she's not. She's human. Just detached to human society."
"I've heard of her as well. The Funeral Director described her as a hero. So, I guess that's what she meant."
"Anyway, after the Beisht incident, the Qixing are now aware of your startling absence in their nation and are using all resources available to track you down."
"Don't they have anything better to do?" Aether groaned. "I am just one man."
"One man who saved Mondstadt, Liyue ad Inazuma." Paimon said sarcastically.
"It was only after Director Hu confirmed you're fine that put a halt to their search."
Silently, Aether thanked Hu Tao.
"But they are very worried something happened to you. Not in danger sense, but something changed you."
They're not wrong, but there's nothing they can do about it. If there's anyone to blame, it's their Archon.
Three days later…
It turns out the entire trip was smooth sailing. There was no storm or problem during the voyage. While some of the Snezhnayan were asking the Traveler about his adventure, none of the Fatui talked to him, except for Childe. Aether suspect that it was either a direct order from Childe, or they decided to avoid him due to his infamous reputation amongst the Fatui. Perhaps it was for the best as Paimon is always wary around them.
When he asked about their homeland, the Snezhnayan mention that camaraderie and family bonds are important. Of course, loyalty to the Tsaritsa was emphasize since young. The Snezhnayan takes loyalty and debt important. Betrayal is a MASSIVE no no to their culture. When asked about the Fatui, most of the Snezhnayans obviously took the negative aspect about them with great skepticism. Captain Igor said that most of them (normal Snezhnayan citizens) only knows the Fatui as their military organization and have little to no dealings with them.
"Land ho!"
Walking up to the deck, Aether was bombarded by the cold winds.
Celestia! It's even colder than Dragonspine!
Aether hugged himself.
"Brr. It's worse than Dragonspine when we were freezing!" Paimon complained.
"Maybe you should disappear for now." Aether said. "We are going to be here for a long time."
"No way! Paimon was already hiding for a long time!" She snapped. "I am not leaving you."
"Thank you, Paimon." Aether said softly while smiling.
Walking down the gangplank, Aether was greeted by Childe who made a welcome pose to him.
"Welcome to Tsaritsagavan. The main and largest port town." Childe introduced.
The two outlanders looked in awe of the large port town. It was larger than Ritou and it seems to be less gloomy than the time Ritou was under the Vision Hunt and Sakoku Decree. There are some strange large ships that is possibly a war ship due to the large cannons on them. He noticed that they are larger than the Alcor.
These vessels make the Alcor look like a waverider.
"So, you must be the infamous Aether."
Aether frowned and turn to the condescending voice. He looked down and see a small man with glasses and a pointed nose and ears. He appears to be elderly with the white moustache. While comical in appearance, Aether can sense that he must be someone important.
"It seems my reputation precedes me as always. Harbinger."
The man smiled.
"What gave it away?"
"Your dress."
This made the onlooker shudder, except for Childe.
The man gave a hearty laugh.
"Indeed, I am Pulcinella, the Rooster, fifth of the Eleven Fatui Harbinger." He gave a small bow tipping his hat. "We were expecting you."
Aether frowned deeply.
"All the Harbinger will be seeing me?"
Motioning his head to follow, the three were followed Pulcinella accompanied by two Fatui soldiers.
"I assure you, we have no hostile intention towards you." Catching the Traveler rolling his eyes. Pulcinella quickly added. "This is a direct order from the Tsaritsa, she told us to treat you as a guest when you come with the invitation. Like it or not, me and the other fellow Harbinger must comply."
"That won't stop you and the Fatui from trying something else." Aether muttered.
"I personally have nothing against you." Pulcinella assured. "Rosalyne's death was tragic, but she has cause me to lose some of my men with the havoc she caused in Liyue along with this idiot."
Pulcinella gave Childe a sideway glare. Childe raised his hand defensively.
"But what about the others?" Paimon asked.
"I cannot speak for them." Pulcinella replied, he then looked straight at Aether. "I'll be honest, I did not expect you to respond to Her Majesty invitation."
"Really, Pulcinella, do you doubt me that much?" Childe asking faking hurt, to which the Rooster ignored.
"Let's just say, the situation demands that I respond." Aether replied.
Pulcinella raised an eyebrow.
"Anyway, I fear your audience with Her Majesty will have to wait, The Tsaritsa demands that all of the Harbinger be present in this monumental meeting."
"All this for Traveler? Something doesn't feel right?" Paimon voice her suspicion.
"Actually Traveler, I have something to do with this." Childe answered. "Since La Signora's death, we are looking for a replacement."
Aether chuckled.
"So, this is a headhunting. The letter said that your Tsaritsa was willing to share. I knew there was a catch."
Childe shrugged.
"First off, I have no idea what the letter said. I was merely a delivery guy. This whole invitation came after I suggested that you replace Signora. Of course, I did let Her majesty know how to get you on our side. Besides didn't you want to know about your sister and Khaenri'ah."
Aether sighed exasperatedly throwing his hands up.
"Well, I am here already. Too late to change anything."
"Come on, comrade, don't be like that." Childe but a hand on his shoulder. "We are all not THAT bad."
Aether and Paimon gave the Eleventh an unamused glare.
"Okay, I may have done some dirty works for the Fatui, and the same could be said for my fellow comrades." Childe glanced at Pulcinella before turning back to Aether. "But I have standards. I can only speak for myself of course."
"Enlightened me then, Tartaglia." Aether used his Fatui name on purpose. "What does the Harbinger do aside from the Tsaritsa purpose. You and Pulcinella are here rather than hunting down the rest of the Gnosis."
"It seems that you have some idea what we are after." Pulcinella said darkly. "But each of us are free to do whatever we want to further Her Majesty and the Fatui goal. As long as the latter does not hinder Her plans."
"Like taking over a nation, sabotaging peace treaty, and fueling conflicts." Paimon summarize their recent goals.
The two Harbinger were silent.
Inside Rooster Hotel, a tavern in Tsaritsagavan…
"Welcome, Harbingers, you honor you with your presence." The hotel manager bowed to Childe and Pulcinella. "We have already arranged for the accommodation for your honored guest in one of the best rooms in the tavern."
Aether and Paimon wanted to snark at the name of the hotel, but held themselves back. It was obvious that Pulcinella have a large influence on it.
Besides the name, there was a large portrait of that Harbinger behind the reception table.
"Traveler, I have arranged accommodation in this hotel until the day of the meeting with Her Majesty and the rest of the Harbingers."
"All this for me? I'm flattered." Aether said sarcastically. "So how long will I be confined in this port?"
"This isn't like Inazuma." Pulcinella snapped. "You are free to explore Snezhnaya with no restriction except for the Zapolyarny Palace."
"You can drop by my home in Morepesok." Childe added. "I am sure Tonia, Teucer and the rest of siblings want to meet you."
"Don't you have any Fatui duty, Childe?" Paimon asked.
The Harbinger chuckled.
"I had a few days off."
Pulcinella rolled his eyes.
"When will the expected day be?" Aether asked.
"Three days from now." Pulcinella replied. "Arlecchino and Dottore is not Snezhnaya and is called to return back."
"So aside from you and Childe, I may run into six other Harbingers."
"Five." Childe corrected. "Scaramouche has probably gone rogue and we have no contact on him."
Aether scoffed.
"That just goes to show what happen if you recruit someone with the power of a god." Aether muttered.
Pulcinella sighed.
"I was never fond of that puppet. That abomination was rude and snarky all the time. I thought the Dottore have some control over that thing!"
"Why did the Tsaritsa recruit him as the Harbinger?" Paimon asked.
"The Jester and Dottore vouched for him." Childe answered. "He was a useful asset to us despite his personality. He has his motive on that all of us were aware. But what that motive was is a mystery only he knows."
"That was a mistake on the Tsaritsa part." Aether said. "Scaramouche possessed the power of an Archon. Even if he doesn't have the full strength of one, he is probably stronger than all of you, more so if he is 'blessed' with a Delusion."
Childe laughed.
"He doesn't have a Delusion. The Balladeer was always proud of his inner gifts and powers. The Dottore have removed the limiters that was placed by the Electro Archon. I will admit he's strong, but he is still nothing compared to the first three Harbingers."
Aether raised his eyebrow but didn't say anything.
Aether's room
Few minutes later…
Tartaglia will be your companion during these three days. Rest assured, you're not a prisoner, but a guest here. He's just here to make sure there is no misunderstanding between you and the Fatui here in Snezhnaya.
After leaving him alone with Childe, Aether sat down on the dining table in his room. His room is the penthouse on top of the hotel.
"You know, Childe, I think your superior is trying to butter me up." Aether state the obvious while looking around his room.
"Well, I suppose he would be. Like it or not, you are can be an asset or a threat to us." Childe said. "It would benefit us if you're with us rather than against us."
Aether narrowed his eyes.
"I am here for answers, Childe! I don't intend to join you or be your Tsaritsa's personal errand boy."
Normally this would offend the loyal Harbinger, but he knows the Traveler has no reason to follow either the Fatui or the Tsaritsa.
For now, at least.
"Well, Traveler. Once you get your answers, then what?"
Aether sighed.
"I don't know." Aether admitted. "But anything is better than wasting my time going to another nation to stop the Fatui and getting no answers from the nation's Archon."
Childe was aware of how his journey went so far. It seems that he has a lot of encounters with the Fatui. First in Mondstadt, Liyue, then Inazuma. Not surprising considering what their goals are.
"You know, the more I think about it, I feel like you guys are winning despite 'stopping' you." Aether concluded.
"What! Why do you say that?" Paimon cried.
"Think about it, Pai. The Harbingers have got the Gnosis from Barbatos, Rex Lapis, and Raiden Shogun."
Although the latter was given by Yae Miko.
"We might have the battle, but we lost the war."
Childe begrudging agree to his point. But in some sense, the Fatui also lost the war. Thanks to their actions, the Fatui are hated across the nations.
"But enough about us, comrade." Childe decided to change the subject. "How about we take a stroll around Tsaritsagavan? I can show you around the port."
The Traveler and Paimon has now arrived in Snezhnaya and met with Pulcinella, the fifth Harbinger. It will be a short time before he finally meets the Tsaritsa and the rest of the Harbingers. But as it stated in this chapter, there are still five other Harbingers in Snezhnaya. So will he run into them during his short exploration before the fateful meeting?
Stay tune and find out!