The night was deep, and the entire Winter Capital was shrouded in tranquility.
The study in the House of the Hearth was brightly lit, with warm light reflecting off the heavy bookshelves and dark carpet.
Arlecchino sat upright behind his desk, looking up at Lynney and Lynette standing before him.
“What are your thoughts on Alex’s victory?” “Father… Alex was just a bit lucky,” Lynette spoke first.
“If Ms.
Columbina hadn’t spoken up, he wouldn’t have been able to win at all.” ” Lynnette,” Arlecchino asked calmly, “is that what you, Makoto, think?” Lynette certainly didn’t think that way about Makoto.
Just thinking about Alex’s hateful face makes me furious.
She pursed her lips, forcing herself to insist, “Yes.” Arlecchino remained silent, only turning his gaze to Lynney beside him.
” Lyney, what about you?
Do you also think it was luck?” “Of course not!” Lyney answered without hesitation, her tone firm.
“A very clear-headed judgment.” Arlecchino nodded slightly.
“Then you can review his entire plan.” Lyney gathered her thoughts briefly and slowly began to speak: “From the beginning, Alex knew one thing: only by making the cost of human experimentation exceed its benefits could Makoto force Snezhnaya to ban it.” “He used a suspense novel as a starting point to expose the long-standing problem of missing children in Winter Capital, which quickly attracted worldwide attention.” “Following this, they launched Serial Disappearance of Young Girls Case, successfully dragging Fontaine into the fray.” “The most ingenious and crucial step was to introduce mandatory conscription.
This move directly prompted Mondstadt to intervene, creating a situation where pressure was exerted from both sides.” “At this time, Snezhnaya was at a critical stage in its pursuit of Gnosis, and the cost of human experimentation had already exceeded the benefits.” “As for Dottore’s subsequent counterattack, it was all within Alex’s expectations, and it was just a futile struggle.” As he recounted the story, a deep sense of admiration involuntarily appeared on his face.
Alex’s entire scheme was meticulously planned and flawless, and he single-handedly forced Snezhnaya to ban human experimentation.
The treacherous and despicable Dottore, in front of his opponent, was as inexperienced as a green recruit, being manipulated at will.
Arlecchino nodded in satisfaction: “Well said.
In addition, he has an even more precious quality—he has never been lost in hatred.” If Alex deliberately lets Teucer die in the Medical Experimental Center, it will cause a deadly conflict between Tartaglia and Dottore, triggering an internal war within Fatui.
But he didn’t do that.
Instead, they chose restraint and upheld the bottom line of humanity.
It seems that my initial refusal was not the right choice.
She turned her gaze back to Lynette, who was pouting slightly: ” Lynnette, do you still stand by your opinion?” Lynette’s eyes were lowered, and her voice was muffled, “I’m not going to insist anymore…” “Very good.” Arlecchino’s tone was calm but left no room for argument.
“Starting tomorrow, you will work for him.” “What?!!” Lynette looked up abruptly, her small cat ears instantly standing straight up.
“Go to him?
No way!
I don’t want to go!” Arlecchino’s expression was cold and stern.
” Lynnette, what I just said was a notification, not a request for your opinion.” Lynette immediately wilted, her ears drooping, her cat-like face looking sullen, and she muttered softly, “…I understand.” Lyny stood quietly to the side, a glint of light flashing in her eyes.
Alex’s demonstrated talent makes him a worthy investment for House of the Hearth’s future.
…..
The following morning, Snezhnaya officially released an announcement, which quickly spread throughout the world.
The announcement is as follows: “Yesterday, we conducted a surprise inspection of the Medical Experimental Center and found that there were indeed egregious cases of ‘human experimentation’ being conducted.” In response, we immediately dispatched Harbinger [ Childe ] to handle the situation.
He has destroyed all experimental facilities and executed all personnel involved in the experiments.
All those in charge of the forced conscription in Mondstadt have died.
Following a thorough investigation, the Serial Disappearance of Young Girls Case has been found to have no connection to this experiment.
Fontaine may proceed with further investigations according to procedure.
To enhance the credibility of the announcement, Pulcinella also released a large number of horrific photos of the scene.
Although Neuvillette and Jean were still dissatisfied, they ultimately chose to accept it in order to avoid a large-scale military conflict.
Thus, the storm that once affected the three countries of Snezhnaya, Mondstadt, and Fontaine has finally subsided.
….
On the boundless sea, an ordinary Snezhnaya passenger ship braved the wind and waves, speeding towards the distant Mondstadt.
Inside the cabin, Alex sat by the window, gazing quietly at the surging blue waves outside.
The scenery of the sea is indeed magnificent.
But after watching it for a while, it can get boring.
He withdrew his gaze and turned to Lynette, who was slumped over from seasickness, and asked in a softer tone, ” Lynnette, are you feeling better?” Damselette, with her cat ears, weakly glared at him, her voice soft but still trying to sound tough: “Who wants your concern!” “I’m your uncle.” Alex’s lips curled into a gentle smile.
“Isn’t it only natural for me to care about you?” “Bastard…
I absolutely refuse to admit it!” Lynette struggles to even sit up straight, yet she insists on putting on a fierce look, which is both awkward and adorable.
Alex shook his head slightly, looked out the window at the vast sea again, and his thoughts drifted away.
My purpose in coming to Mondstadt was twofold: first, to escape Dottore’s retaliation; and second, to take this opportunity to further my relationship with Rosalyne.
In addition, he also planned to seize the opportunity to make contributions and seek a higher position for himself.
Currently, Fatui Harbinger’s seat is occupied by Aether.
If he were to become the leader, even if Dottore wanted to kill him, he would have to consider the serious consequences.
As for obtaining Gnosis, the god of wind, it’s actually not difficult at all.
That drunkard didn’t care at all about who owned it.
But that’s precisely where the problem lies— If the task is too easy, where does the credit come from?
And what basis is there for promotion?
So how do we turn something “easy as pie” into a “hard-won victory” worth making a big deal out of?