Fatui Third Harbinger, Damselette — Columbina.
Fatui Sixth Harbinger, The Balladeer — Scaramouche.
Fatui Eighth Harbinger, The Fair Lady — Rosalyne-Kruzchka Lohefalter.
Fatui Eleventh Harbinger, Childe — Tartaglia.
Despite the tense atmosphere, The Balladeer remained as arrogant as ever. His sharp gaze seemed to pierce through everything.
Arms folded, a condescending smile played on his lips, as if to say: "You think you're worthy to look me in the eye?"
The Delusion on Rosalyne's fingertips spun slowly, radiating an increasingly dangerous aura.
Her eyes carried not just a threat, but a quiet, unshakable confidence.
Tartaglia's spear shimmered coldly under the sunlight. His movements were swift and decisive, as always.
The Damselette wore her usual serene smile.
She stood quietly, seemingly detached from everything around her.
Her demeanor made it clear—no matter how the world changed, her heart would remain tranquil and unshaken.
Columbina's airy voice drifted out once more. Though her tone was soft, it brooked no refusal.
There was something about her words—some spell that compelled people to obey.
"Now then, let's finish Her Majesty's task first~" she said again.
No one objected.
Then Columbina turned to Shajin, smiling gently. "We're here to invite you to join the Fatui."
Her tone was as mild as if she were chatting about the weather.
Hearing this, Shajin raised an eyebrow. The corners of his lips curled into a mocking grin.
He looked at Columbina and replied coolly,
"Oh?"
His voice was laced with provocation.
Columbina continued, "So? Do you accept?"
She remained calm, unbothered by his attitude.
Shajin shrugged, still smiling.
"Well, I guess that depends… on whether you're capable of convincing me."
Columbina chuckled, then pulled a pale blue envelope from a hidden pocket in her coat and stepped forward to hand it to him.
Her movements were elegant and unhurried, as though everything was already under control.
Shajin took the envelope and opened it. His pupils contracted.
His expression hardened instantly. A flicker of shock passed through his eyes.
After a moment, he looked up at Columbina and asked, "Have you read this letter?"
His voice had grown heavy. Clearly, the contents had rattled him.
"No one would dare peek without Her Majesty's permission~" Columbina smiled softly.
Shajin understood the implication—none of them had seen it.
Yet his curiosity grew. What exactly was Her Majesty planning?
"Heh… Interesting. For her sake, I hope Her Majesty isn't lying to me."
He chuckled quietly.
But his eyes never left Columbina, as if he were trying to see past her mask of gentleness and into something deeper.
Suddenly, Rosalyne raised her hand.
Ice and fire surged forth, hurtling toward Shajin at terrifying speed.
"How dare you show such disrespect to Her Majesty!" she shouted, her voice brimming with fury.
But Shajin didn't flinch. He calmly raised his hand, and an invisible barrier woven from Imaginary power instantly blocked the assault.
Shock rippled across the Harbingers' faces.
They sensed an overwhelming force—this power wasn't from Teyvat.
This man before them… his strength was unfathomable.
Shajin smiled lightly and reassured them, "No need to panic~"
His voice was deep and magnetic. Adjusting his top hat, he added, "I accept~"
At that moment, a glowing matrix appeared in Columbina's hand. She casually tossed it to the ground, where it expanded into a massive teleportation gate.
"Step through, and you'll arrive," she said simply, then walked into the gate. The other Harbingers followed.
Without hesitation, Shajin stepped after them. His steps were light and graceful, as if he were entirely in control.
As he passed through the portal, a chill swept over him—and suddenly, he stood in a cold palace.
Atop the high throne sat a regal deity, wreathed in mist and frost, her face obscured.
Beside her stood the Fatui's director, The Jester — Pierro.
A long table stretched across the chamber floor.
The eleven Harbingers stood at their positions, draped in their heavy coats.
All eyes turned to the newly arrived Shajin.
The atmosphere was thick with solemnity and mystery, as if a grand ceremony were about to begin.
…
"Today, we gather here to welcome a new comrade."
As soon as Shajin stepped into the hall, he felt the weight of countless gazes.
He walked calmly to the space prepared for him, exchanging glances with the other Harbingers.
At the head of the table stood a figure as straight and unyielding as steel—
Fatui First Harbinger, The Captain — Capitano.
Wearing a raptor-like mask, the man swirled a test tube in one hand and stared at Shajin like a predator eyeing prey.
Fatui Second Harbinger, The Doctor — Dottore.
With cross-shaped pupils, he said nothing, but his stare was unnervingly direct.
Fatui Fourth Harbinger, The Knave — Arlecchino.
Short and hawk-nosed, her long ears framed a kind and motherly smile.
Fatui Fifth Harbinger, The Rooster — Pulcinella.
He remained silent, seated on the shoulder of a massive puppet—a small woman, quiet as a cat.
Fatui Seventh Harbinger, The Marionette — Sandrone.
Though her expression was gentle, a sinister chill hid beneath it. Her smile was fixed, mask-like, foxlike.
Fatui Ninth Harbinger, The Regrator — Pantalone.
The Tenth seat was empty.
Neither Shajin nor any intelligence network in Liyue had uncovered any information.
It was as if the Tenth did not exist.
The Cryo Archon raised her hand slightly.
A signature Fatui Harbinger coat and an ice-element Delusion flew toward Shajin.
He caught the coat effortlessly and gave it a flick, draping it over his shoulders.
The weight of the garment grounded him, its heaviness a reminder of the path he was choosing.
"Shajin. From this day forward, you shall serve as the Twelfth Fatui Harbinger — The Gambler, Adventurine."
The Ice Queen's voice was cold and ethereal, delivering an immutable decree.
"Welcome, Adventurine," Pierro said, his voice deep and resonant, tinged with an unreadable anticipation.
"May you become Her Majesty's sword and bring new strength to the Fatui."
"I'll do what I can," Shajin replied simply.
His voice was calm—so calm, none could glimpse what lay beneath.
_
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