SENLIN--

Snow covered every corner of Snezhnaya, covering the streets and rooftops in white. People

hurried through the streets wrapped in thick coats and layers of fur.

The male adeptus walked through the snow-covered road with steady steps, his feet crunching softly beneath him. A cloud of fog left his lips every time he exhaled.

'shit, I really should've brought a coat agh'

Even someone like him could admit Snezhnaya's cold was excessive. Still, he continued forward without slowing down.

Soon, a massive mansion came into view behind tall iron gates. Fatui guards stood outside, some of them leaning against the gate sleeping and some of them alert and armed.

The adeptus paused for a moment, eyes narrowing slightly.

'Should I kill them? No, that would be necessary' his thought disappeared almost as quickly as it came. There was no reason to cause trouble over something so minor.

He walked toward the gates calmly instead.

The guards immediately tensed.

"Halt. State your business," they spoke up with Weapons shifted toward him cautiously.

The adeptus raised one hand slightly, expression unreadable.

"I'm here on behalf of Lady Ningguang," he said evenly. "I was sent to deliver an urgent message to the Regrator."

He pulled out a sealed letter marked with the golden emblem of the Liyue Qixing.

One of the guards inspected the seal before nodding.

"It's legitimate," he says to others.

After a brief pause, the gates opened.

"Follow me."

The mansion's interior was warm compared to the freezing streets outside. Marble floors gleamed beneath golden chandeliers, and expensive decorations filled nearly every corner.

Money.

That was the first thing the adeptus thought of when looking around.

Everything about this place screamed wealth.

The guard led him deeper into the mansion until they stopped in front of a large ornate door.

A knock echoed through the quiet hallway.

"Come in."

The guard opened the door and stepped aside.

Inside, Pantalone sat behind a large desk, casually reviewing documents. Candlelight flickered against his glasses as he looked up.

A polite smile appeared on his face almost instantly.

"Well," Pantalone said smoothly, setting his pen down, "this is unexpected."

The adeptus stepped forward and placed the letter onto the desk.

"Lady Ningguang sent me."

At the mention of her name, Pantalone's interest visibly sharpened.

"How rare," he mused before taking the letter. "She usually prefers handling negotiations herself."

He broke the seal and began reading.

"There's been an issue involving Mora transfers into the banks of Liyue," the adeptus explained. "Only half the expected amount arrived. The remaining funds disappeared during transport."

Pantalone's smile faded slightly.

"I see."

His voice remained calm, but there was something cold underneath it now.

"For Mora to simply vanish..." He tapped his finger lightly against the desk. "Someone has either become careless or far too confident."

"Lady Ningguang requested this be handled immediately," the adeptus added.

"Of course she did," Pantalone replied with a chuckle. "Whenever money disappears, everyone suddenly remembers my value."

The arrogance in his voice was subtle,

He folded the letter neatly before setting it aside.

"I'll handle the matter personally."

Silence settled briefly between them.

Then Pantalone's gaze lifted toward him again.

"And you are?"

"My name isn't important." the adeptus stated

"Hm."

Pantalone leaned back slightly in his chair, studying him more carefully now.

The elegant clothing. The exposed skin despite the weather. The calm posture.

Interesting.

"You're not human," he concluded casually. "No normal person would walk through Snezhnaya dressed like that."

"I can tolerate the cold. besides your not the one to question my dressing choice"

"Oh my apologies" Pantalone chuckled,

Still, his eyes lingered for a second too long before he looked away.

"My task here is complete," (M/N) stated. "I'll be taking my leave now."

"So soon?"

"You travel all this way only to leave immediately?" he asked, voice smooth as silk. "How cruel."

"My task here is done."

"So serious." Pantalone stood from his chair and adjusted his gloves neatly. "You sound eager to leave."

"I don't enjoy staying around Fatui Harbingers."

That earned a soft laugh from him.

"You wound me."

"You've traveled a long distance through unforgiving weather. It would reflect poorly on me to send a guest back out into the snow so carelessly."

Before the adeptus could protest further, Pantalone reached up and removed his own long coat, draping it carefully over (M/N)'s shoulders.

Warmth immediately surrounded him.

Their hands brushed briefly.

"Your clothing is far too revealing for Snezhnaya," Pantalone murmured, gaze trailing downward again. "Even if you insist you can endure the cold."

His fingers ghosted near the adeptus' thigh before (M/N) caught his wrist firmly

"That still doesn't give you permission to touch me."

"My mistake."

Though judging from the amused curve of Pantalone's lips, he didn't sound sorry in the slightest.

He simply admired him openly instead.

After a moment, the adeptus accepted the coat, staying here won't be that bad right? Besides he might even get some information as well.

"Prepare a guest room."

The adeptus narrowed his eyes slightly.

"You already assumed I'd stay?"

"I assumed the snowstorm outside would worsen before nightfall," Pantalone replied simply. "Unlike some people, I prefer planning."

A servant entered and bowed.

"Escort our guest."

As the adeptus turned to leave, Pantalone spoke again.

"One more thing."

He looked back.

Pantalone smiled faintly, unreadable behind his glasses.

"Tell Lady Ningguang that sending someone competent certainly makes negotiations easier."

There was the slightest pause before he added,

"Though sending someone interesting helps as well."

The adeptus frowned but said nothing as he left the room.

The door shut quietly behind him. Silence returned.

Pantalone stood there for a few moments before returning to his desk.

He opened one of the drawers slowly and pulled out a thin folder.

Inside were reports, notes, and information carefully organized.

Among them was a photograph.

The same adeptus.

Pantalone stared at it thoughtfully before adjusting his glasses.

A small smile crossed his lips.

"How interesting,"