Chapter 19: Bewitching Tartaglia
To be honest, after seeing Aiden's attitude, Tartaglia immediately lost interest in him.
Was this man, so easily swayed by money, really worth befriending?
Moreover, Aiden didn't seem particularly strong.
If it weren't for the chance to gather more information about Ningguang, Tartaglia would have walked away without hesitation.
"Ningguang has told me a bit about the Fatui before," Aiden remarked casually.
"But now that I've met one of you in person, I realize that forming opinions about people before getting to know them is a mistake."
He smiled. "Maybe Ningguang's view of the Fatui is a little one-sided. At the very least, you seem like a decent person to me, Tartaglia."
Tartaglia laughed. "Of course, I'm a good person! In fact, the Fatui is an organization dedicated to maintaining peace.
But as any organization grows, there will inevitably be some bad apples. Unfortunately, their actions have given the Fatui a rather… questionable reputation in certain places.
Not everyone is as open-minded as you, Aiden. Most people form their judgments before giving us a chance."
"Oh? Is that so?" Aiden nodded thoughtfully. "Well, there's a way to fix that."
Tartaglia's interest piqued. "Oh? And what might that be?"
"There's an old saying: 'Distance tests a horse's strength, and time reveals a person's heart.'
If the Fatui wants to improve its image in Liyue, there's a simple solution—just do good deeds."
Aiden leaned forward slightly. "I've heard rumors that the ley lines in Liyue have been in disarray lately.
Monsters have been appearing more frequently, and they're stronger than before. If the Fatui steps in to help Liyue deal with these threats—and makes sure people know about it—it could help change public perception."
Tartaglia went silent for a moment, considering Aiden's words.
He was aware of the ley line disturbances, but he hadn't paid them much attention. After all, such disruptions weren't uncommon in Teyvat.
But Aiden's idea had merit.
The Fatui already conducted regular combat training. Clearing out monsters wouldn't be difficult. And if it helped polish their reputation in Liyue, it could be beneficial—at least until they acquired Morax's Gnosis.
In fact, if done right, it could even boost the standing of the Fatui and the Northland Bank in Liyue.
"This… might actually work," Tartaglia murmured.
"In addition," Aiden continued, "the Northland Bank could sponsor some charitable projects—perhaps funding infrastructure development.
For example, I've heard that Yuheng Keqing wants to build new roads but lacks the necessary funding.
If the Fatui steps in to help, I doubt she'd remain hostile toward you."
Tartaglia frowned slightly. "Donating Mora isn't an issue. The Northland Bank has plenty.
But I worry that Yuheng and the Qixing might think we have ulterior motives. What if we give out Mora, only for them to remain just as wary of us?"
"That's still better than doing nothing," Aiden replied with a shrug. "Ultimately, it's up to you.
I'm just offering a suggestion. Either way, that money is nothing to the Northland Bank.
You could also start with helping clear the monsters. If that goes well, you can consider taking further steps."
Tartaglia's expression shifted as he thought it over.
Then, with a grin, he clapped Aiden on the shoulder. "Aiden, you truly live up to your reputation as Ningguang's advisor.
I'll give your idea a try. If it works, I'll owe you a favor!"
"Haha, no need for that. After all, we're friends, aren't we?"
As he said this, Aiden couldn't help but find the situation amusing.
Here was Tartaglia, a Harbinger of the Fatui—blissfully unaware that he was casually patting the shoulder of someone they considered an enemy of Celestia.
If he knew, he might start questioning his life choices.
"Haha, yes, we're friends!" Tartaglia said with a hearty laugh.
At that moment, the food arrived. Tartaglia, acting as if they had known each other forever, ordered a few extra dishes and started eating with Aiden.
"Liyue's cuisine is incredible," Tartaglia said between bites. "But these chopsticks… they're tricky to use."
He awkwardly fumbled with them, struggling to pick up his food.
"Think of it as training," Aiden chuckled. "Using chopsticks properly can improve dexterity.
I've even heard of warriors who train their toes for better control. That might not be necessary, but extra practice never hurts."
Tartaglia's eyes lit up. "Training, huh? I hadn't thought of it that way. Looks like I've been slacking off!"
Determined, he redoubled his efforts to use the chopsticks properly.
Aiden watched, amused.
Was Tartaglia seriously taking this as some sort of warrior's discipline?
Master Mao's cooking was, as always, excellent. While Wanmin Restaurant's dishes weren't as refined as those from the prestigious Liuli Pavilion, the flavors were still rich and satisfying.
And the price difference was enormous. A dish that cost a tenth of what it would at Liuli Pavilion tasted nearly as good—especially when prepared by Master Mao himself.
If Xiangling were here, the food would probably be even better. While her plating might not be as elegant as that of Liuli Pavilion's chefs, her cooking skills were just as good.
At least, that's what Ningguang had once told Aiden in their chat.
After finishing their meal, Tartaglia paid the bill with his usual generosity before saying his goodbyes and hurrying off.
Watching him leave, Aiden couldn't help but wonder—would Tartaglia actually follow through with his suggestions?
Curious, he opened his chat with Ningguang and Keqing.
They were deep in discussion, once again talking about how evil the Fatui were and warning Aiden not to be deceived.
Chuckling, he sent them a message summarizing his conversation with Tartaglia.
For a few moments, the chat fell silent.
Then, all at once, Keqing and Ningguang erupted into speechless reactions.
Good grief. Did you just trick the Fatui into working for Liyue?!