“Respect me?”
Gu Sanqiu glanced at the Fatui members thoughtfully.
“So… does that mean you’re usually the type to act like you’re above everyone else?”
“Not exactly,” one of the Fatui members clarified. “These are orders directly from the Harbinger, instructing us to approach you with an attitude of utmost respect—far beyond our standard level of deference.”
The member added earnestly, “We even conducted a crash course in Liyuean language on our way here to ensure smooth communication with you.”
…
From their words and demeanor, it was clear these weren’t ordinary operatives. They were likely part of the elite ranks, possibly even personal guards—highly trained individuals who could seamlessly take over the work of vanguard troops if necessary.
For the Doctor to dispatch such personnel to deliver a letter, and to deliberately bypass Childe in the process, spoke volumes about the Harbinger’s regard for him.
“Alright, I’ll take the letter. By the way, once you’ve completed your mission, are you heading back to Snezhnaya, or are you staying in Liyue under another Harbinger’s command?”
Since they were supposed to treat him with respect, it couldn’t hurt to fish for a little intel.
“Hmm… the fact that you’d ask such a question was anticipated by the Harbinger,” the Fatui member replied. “The Doctor instructed us to inform you that ‘the Fatui have significant plans in Liyue.’ That’s all we can say.”
“How is that any different from saying nothing at all?”
Gu Sanqiu sighed in exasperation. He could already imagine the scheming genius back in Snezhnaya meticulously drafting multiple conversational scenarios, complete with pre-written responses for his subordinates.
“Well, thanks anyway. Are you heading back now? I could sponsor some travel expenses for you.”
“We appreciate the offer, but we’ll be stationed in Liyue for a while longer.”
The group gave a courteous Liyuean bow. “We’ll take our leave now.”
“Safe travels,” Gu Sanqiu replied, waving them off.
—
Once they had departed, he sat by the stone table and opened the box. Inside was a scroll of paper, neatly rolled. He unfurled it and began to read.
To Mr. Gu, Far From Home,
My dear friend, please allow me to call you that.
To be honest, when I first received your letter, I was quite disdainful. It reminded me of the kind of opportunistic fools who seek connections to advance their own selfish goals.
Such individuals can hardly be considered human. No, they are little more than maggots squirming in filth.
There’s an old saying in Liyue: Those who live by the sword cannot always choose their path. Out of duty, I opened what I initially assumed was another worm-ridden plea.
For the first time, I found satisfaction in fulfilling a mundane protocol. Those irritating bureaucratic rules ensured I didn’t miss the opportunity to meet someone as fascinating as you.
This world is filled with trash, but in the midst of it all, Liyue stands apart, showcasing purity and dignity amidst the refuse.
I reread your letter several times, even poured myself a glass of strong liquor to celebrate. In you, I saw another who refuses to wallow among the garbage—a Liyuean who might understand my perspective.
Regrettably, I am currently engaged in a far more pressing task. Were it not for this, I would have accompanied my team to that land under Morax’s protection to meet you in person.
Your letter also included your background. As a Fengxiang Ren of the land of contracts, you likely have your own duties to fulfill, and I wouldn’t wish to intrude.
You are no part of the refuse. I would never resort to having my subordinates drag you to Snezhnaya by force.
For those who are not trash, I maintain the utmost respect—even if our goals ultimately diverge.
Ah, I find myself at a loss for words. During this rare moment of rest, my thoughts keep drifting back to Liyue and our potential meeting. Your tales have inspired me.
Perhaps it’s time I revisit what I’ve neglected. Perhaps I should contact a colleague currently stationed in Sumeru to retrieve some archived data for me.
One last piece of advice: as someone who is not trash, remember to restrain your ambitions and ideas when dealing with the Akademiya’s ilk. Otherwise, they might cause you unnecessary trouble.
Enclosed with this letter is a small gift—my token of blessing. Should you ever require assistance, feel free to contact my subordinates. I look forward to your next correspondence.
[The Doctor – Written in a Non-Harbinger Capacity]
Setting the letter aside, Gu Sanqiu peered into the now-empty box. After a moment’s thought, he pressed down lightly on the soft lining at the bottom.
“Of course, it’s double-layered.”
Channeling Geo energy into his hand, he gently applied pressure to the base.
Click, click—
The sound of gears whirring filled the air as the box transformed, its parts shifting like a mechanical automaton. Moments later, it revealed a pair of sculpted hands, palms up, cradling a translucent gemstone radiating black and crimson light.
“Heh. That man’s sense of humor is something else.”
Gu Sanqiu chuckled at the display, which resembled an offering of tribute to a deity. Still, the box itself was worth keeping.
An artifact created by the Doctor, free of any immediate hazards? Such a piece would undoubtedly fetch a high price on the market.
But the true treasure lay in the gemstone held in the box’s mechanical hands.
The Doctor’s Work: A Delusion.
To Mr. Gu,
A mere trinket. Upon reviewing some data, I noted that your Vision is quite unique. However, from a researcher’s perspective, your Geo Vision may lack the raw destructive force to create a crater the size of Guyun Stone Forest with a single blow.
This Delusion—what I refer to as the Sublime Eye—might help compensate for that shortcoming. Of course, you are surely aware of its effects and potential risks.
[The Doctor]
“Well, this turned out to be quite the haul.”
Gu Sanqiu rubbed his chin. His initial goal in writing to the Doctor had been to acquire a Delusion. He hadn’t expected the man to actually send one.
“A Pyro Delusion, huh? Thoughtful, in its way.”
“But seriously, Sublime Eye? That’s some next-level edgelord nonsense,” he muttered.
Shaking his head, he tucked the Delusion securely beneath his clothes. No way he could leave it in plain sight—if anyone caught wind of it, the consequences would be catastrophic.
Not even Ningguang could cover for him if this got out.
He ran his fingers over the gemstone, noting how it felt starkly different from his Vision.
If his Vision was like a piece of smooth jade, then the Delusion felt rough and cold—like ordinary stone that carried a faint sense of unease.
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