La Signora snorted coldly. "What's there to fear? Our men are hardly pushovers. This little trip won't take more than a few days. Are you seriously suggesting that someone could dismantle the Fatui in Liyue in such a short time?"
"And besides, haven't the agents in the shadows already confirmed it? If he's willing to co-found the Ten Pull Alliance with you, that means Liyue's government doesn't see us as a major threat for now. It's relatively safe."
Childe sighed heavily. "Those 'agents in the shadows' you're talking about? They're clueless. Hiding in the dark won't get them full intel. I bet they don't even understand what kind of lunatic they're dealing with."
Signora's expression shifted slightly. "Are you implying that their assessments were inaccurate?"
Childe shrugged helplessly. "What do you think?"
Within the Fatui's organizational structure, there was a highly regimented chain of command, overseen by the Harbingers. However, parallel to this hierarchy was an autonomous intelligence division, directly answerable to the Tsaritsa herself.
Known as the Shadow Fatui, they were the hidden ravens in the dark, the invisible shadows beneath the Fatui's sunlit image.
The intelligence they'd provided for this mission had suggested that Gu Sanqiu and Liyue's leadership harbored no significant hostility toward the Fatui. That's why their report to the Tsaritsa had led to the order for Childe to accompany Signora.
Even though it rankled him to play escort duty, orders were orders.
Signora narrowed her eyes at Childe. "If Liyue's people think so highly of Gu Sanqiu, why are you concerned?"
Childe's response was sharp. "If I told you the people of Liyue describe him as gentle, strong, and dependable—a paragon of generosity and responsibility—what would you think?"
Signora scoffed, dismissive. "I'd think it's irrelevant. To the people of Liyue, Gu Sanqiu may be a saint, but that has no bearing on me."
Childe leaned back in his seat. "And what if I told you they also believe he wouldn't harm a fly? That he's so kind-hearted that many have dared to slander him, knowing full well he won't retaliate?"
Signora's hand instinctively brushed the still-healing scars on her body.
Kind-hearted?
This was the same man who had nearly torn her apart simply because she'd criticized Rex Lapis. If Childe hadn't arrived in time, she doubted she'd even be alive to argue the point.
She snorted incredulously. "You're joking."
Childe sighed again. "Not a joke. Cross-check our own intelligence reports if you don't believe me. Ever since I realized how complicated he is, I've had our people keep tabs on him."
Childe continued, his voice grave. "Before the Lantern Rite Festival, many in Liyue dismissed the Gu family as nothing more than opportunistic con artists who amassed wealth through shady means. But after the festival, when Sanqiu's contributions to Liyue became public knowledge, the narrative changed."
Signora's expression grew more serious. "So, it's about controlling perception?"
"Not entirely," Childe clarified. "The information is true—it's just that the timing of its release was almost too perfect."
He hesitated before adding, "Remember when we jointly requested access to the Gu family's records from the archives, only to be denied for 'insufficient clearance'? Even Dottore sent a letter, warning us to stay out of his friend's affairs."
"Here's what I think: The Shadow Fatui weren't wrong because they were incompetent. They were wrong because they were deceived. The information they uncovered was true, but it wasn't complete."
Signora felt a chill run down her spine. She finally understood Childe's concern.
"You're saying that Gu Sanqiu deliberately orchestrated this. He chose the perfect moment to leak specific pieces of information, creating the illusion that everything was laid bare?"
Her voice grew cold. "No wonder you call him a lunatic. This kind of convoluted, almost obsessive scheming is beyond reason."
Childe gave her a grim smile. "Exactly. And the scariest part? He's so good at it that even our agents in the shadows couldn't see through it."
Signora leaned forward. "Do you think he's afraid of something? Or does he know that any major move on his part would draw certain entities' attention?"
Childe shrugged. "Maybe. Or maybe he's just biding his time, waiting for the right moment to act. What I do know is that now isn't the time to provoke him."
"You're suggesting I shouldn't make an enemy of him?"
"At least not yet," Childe replied, gazing out the carriage window. "The Gu family operates under their own rules. Like you and me, they answer only to their higher power—in their case, Rex Lapis or whatever contract binds them."
"Laws, morals—none of that applies to someone like him. That's what worries me."
Signora's gaze darkened. "So the Shadow Fatui believe that his involvement with the Ten Pull Alliance is a sign that Liyue's government is tolerating us, as long as we don't overstep?"
"Exactly," Childe replied. "They think Gu Sanqiu won't make a move against us because he doesn't dare—or doesn't care. They're wrong."
He tapped his fingers on the carriage's armrest. "He's been feeding the world just enough truth to weave a narrative. He lets idiots slander him, acts like a saint who selflessly helps Liyue's government without asking for anything in return, and hides behind a facade of being harmless."
Signora's tone was heavy with realization. "The result is that outsiders underestimate him. They see him as nothing more than the Seven Stars' lapdog—an obedient servant who does whatever they ask without question."
Childe smirked darkly. "Exactly. Everyone sees the wagging tail and goofy grin. But when you're busy laughing at the dog, that lunatic is already behind you, holding a blade to your throat. And worse, he's smiling."
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T/N: slander