Genshin Impact: The Gambler of Teyvat

"Get up, you lazy bum!!! The sun's already baking your butt!"

With that shout, the entire Palais Mermonia seemed to tremble slightly.

A sharp, urgent knocking sounded at the door to Shajin's spacious and luxurious room—thump, thump, thump, rhythmic like a drumbeat, pounding directly on the nerves.

Before any response could come from inside, the door was flung open.

A dazzling figure burst into the room in a flash—it was Furina.

Today, she wore an exquisite qipao made of soft, shimmering silk, embroidered with vivid, lifelike patterns. Her waterfall-like hair was neatly coiled at the back of her head, but despite the careful styling, that stubborn ahoge on top of her head refused to bow, adding an adorable, quirky charm to her appearance.

Furina strode toward the bed, cheeks puffed in anger and hands planted firmly on her hips.

On the bed, Shajin was just waking up. He lazily extended a slender, fair hand and rubbed his eyes, clearly still lingering in sweet dreams, reluctant to return to reality.

It took him quite a while to open his dreamy, slightly dazed eyes.

His black pajamas, trimmed in dazzling gold, were loosely unbuttoned at the collar, exposing his elegant neckline and faintly visible collarbones.

The cut of the nightwear was extremely refined, made from luxurious materials that shimmered faintly in the light. It complemented his innate nobility, making that regal aura even more pronounced.

Seeing this, Furina's cheeks flushed bright red—like a ripened apple, juicy and glowing.

She cleared her throat awkwardly, trying to mask the embarrassment welling up inside.

"Ahem… You scoundrel! Didn't you say we were going to Liyue today?! Why are you still in bed?!"

Her voice was both petulant and flustered.

Shajin finally stretched with a dramatic yawn, then glanced at the clock on the wall.

"Aiya~ It's still early, isn't it? We've got plenty of time."

Then, he slowly climbed out of bed and began unbuttoning his shirt at an agonizing pace—one button… two buttons…

With each undone clasp, his well-toned chest became increasingly visible.

Furina's face went from red to crimson. She squeaked in alarm and quickly covered her eyes with both hands. But perhaps from panic, she left just enough space between her fingers to peek.

Through that tiny slit, she could still catch glimpses of his movements.

"Y-You… You… YOU YOU YOU!!!" she stammered, flustered beyond measure.

"What about me?" Shajin asked, innocently tilting his head.

"You… You're seriously asking that?!"

"You're undressing right in front of me!!"

Shajin raised his hands in exaggerated exasperation.

"It's just a shirt. No need to act so scandalized, right?"

Furina's head practically started to steam.

"Y-You—I—AAAHHH! I'm leaving! Get dressed this instant!!!"

SLAM!

The door slammed behind her, leaving Shajin standing there, baffled.

...

Later, Shajin strolled out of his room in a fresh, regal outfit, looking perfectly polished and radiant.

At that moment, he happened to run right into Neuvillette.

His face lit up in a broad smile as he waved enthusiastically.

"Yo, Neuvillette! Morning!"

His voice rang out crisp and clear, echoing down the corridor.

But Neuvillette merely stood there in silence, eyes fixed on Shajin with a complex, unreadable expression.

Despite his reluctance, good manners ultimately won out. He forced a polite smile and gave a soft reply.

"Good morning, Mr. Shajin."

Suddenly, Neuvillette's brow furrowed slightly, as if something had just occurred to him.

"By the way, Mr. Shajin… I caught a glimpse of Miss Furina earlier. She was wearing a traditional Liyue-style qipao. Are we expecting a guest from Liyue today?"

At that, Shajin burst out laughing, waving it off.

"No, no! The Moon Chase Festival's just around the corner. I'm planning to take our dear little Furina to Liyue for a trip. With the Hydro Archon herself dropping by, she'll be the honored guest there!"

He finished with a smug wink.

Neuvillette nodded thoughtfully.

Then his eyes widened.

"Wait—what?!"

Before he could ask anything more, Shajin had vanished like a ghost into thin air.

Neuvillette stared at the now-empty hallway, completely stunned.

Just destroy everything already. I'm tired.

...

Inside the Northland Bank's Fontaine branch, peace reigned—for the moment.

Outside the window, however, a sudden torrential downpour came without warning. Raindrops as large as beans hammered the glass in a relentless pitter-patter.

Lyney stood by the window, frowning at the abrupt change in weather.

"Sigh… Fontaine's weather's been nuts lately. Rains like this just show up out of nowhere…"

He mumbled while slowly shutting the window, trying to keep the clamor at bay.

On the living room sofa sat the Eighth Harbinger—La Signora.

She took a delicate sip of steaming black tea, exhaling softly, her eyes never leaving the report laid out in front of her.

"So you're saying Tartaglia actually got arrested by Fontaine's Chief Justice and thrown into the Fortress of Meropide?"

Setting her teacup down, her voice dripped with irritation and disdain.

Lynette, standing nearby, quickly nodded in affirmation.

"Yes, Lady Signora. That is what our sources confirm."

"Hmph. Useless fool."

Signora let out a cold snort, a flicker of rage in her eyes. With a flick of her fingers, a wisp of fire sprang to life and landed directly on the report.

In seconds, it turned to ash, vanishing into the air.

Then she looked up, addressing the woman across from her.

"By the way, Arlecchino—do you know what that Gambler is up to these days?"

Seated opposite her was none other than The Knave—Arlecchino.

Legs crossed casually, arms folded, she lounged against the sofa, her crimson cross-pupils glowing faintly with amusement.

Hearing the question, her lips curled into a slightly mocking grin.

"Aventurine? If I had to guess, I'd say he's probably circling around Lady Furina right about now… trying his best to win her favor~"

She answered lazily.

Spurt!

The moment she said that, Signora nearly spat out her tea.

Eyes wide, she shrieked in disbelief.

"WHAT?!"

_

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