"Miss Barbara, we have retrieved the Holy Lyre der Himmel from the Fatui."
He handed the divine artifact in his hand—the Holy Lyre der Himmel—to Barbara.
With unconcealable excitement, Barbara carefully took the Holy Lyre der Himmel and hugged it tightly against her still-developing chest, as if embracing a lost and found treasure.
"This is truly wonderful," she said, filled with gratitude. "Otherwise, I could only choose death to atone to the great Lord Barbatos."
Hearing this, Lin Yide and his companions' expressions became subtle. Their gaze involuntarily turned towards the still-lazing Venti beside them. They really wanted to tell this incredibly devout deaconess that it really wasn't necessary.
Afterwards, Lin Yide and his group said goodbye to Barbara and slowly walked out of the church.
Venti remembered it was his turn in the plot and quickly stepped ahead. Just as he crossed the church threshold, a sudden change occurred.
A biting cold wind suddenly struck. The freezing aura transformed into tangible ice, starting from his feet and gradually climbing upward, solidifying.
Signora, with her proudly full chest, walked over elegantly and slowly. She said mockingly, "Oh dear, it seems the little hamster from home has finally been found."
Venti was about to respond according to the established script, but he suddenly found it too boring. So he got an idea and decided to spice up the scene.
He dramatically declared in an exaggerated opera voice: "Ah~, you Burning Witch, your cunning methods shall never make me yield! Even if I am bound by ice, it cannot stop the love and pursuit of freedom in my heart. Now, please allow me to sing a song to express my current feelings..."
Signora slightly furrowed her brow, confused as to why the person opposite wasn't following the script and seemed endless.
But none of that mattered. She quickly stepped forward and delivered a sharp slap.
Venti immediately turned his head, his eyes filled with anger mixed with disappointment. As an artist of the old generation, he was highly dissatisfied with Signora, who could only stiffly recite her lines.
Next, Signora gently lifted Venti's chin with her slender fingers and said scornfully, "Hmph! At the moment Mondstadt needed you the most, you chose to evade. Tell me, how should I punish you?"
Venti answered with a serious expression, "I despise drinking the most. Forcing me to drink would be my greatest punishment, causing me profound pain. Come, torment me with alcohol! Do not spare me just because I am a god!"
"You glib fellow, do you take me for a fool?" Signora snorted disdainfully, raising her other hand, preparing to deliver another slap.
Just then, Aether, who had walked out of the church entrance, saw this scene. He didn't hesitate, gripped his Dull Blade tightly, and charged forward.
However, having only resonated with one element, his strength was only comparable to that of a regular Vision holder. Before he could reach Signora, he was elbowed to the ground by a Debt Collector who suddenly appeared.
Aether struggled to get up, wanting to go and rescue Venti.
Signora glanced at Aether, then turned to mock Venti, "This feeling of helplessness intertwined with pain must be quite unpleasant, wouldn't you agree?" Before her words finished, she abruptly reached into Venti's chest and effortlessly extracted his Gnosis.
Venti lay weakly on the ground, showing a pained expression.
Signora raised the Gnosis. "Is this the Gnosis? Hmph, it's far inferior to the elaborate chess pieces I treasure."
This time, Venti didn't add any extra lines for himself. He retorted contemptuously, "That's probably because your taste... is truly awful."
Signora kicked Venti to the side. At the same time, a long flaming whip with barbs appeared in her hand, and a cruel smile curled at the corner of her mouth.
"Barbatos, I hope the upcoming whipping will please you."
Venti's eyes widened in astonishment. He clearly remembered this scene wasn't in the script. Just as fear arose in his heart, tinged with a little anticipation, a gentle voice came from the church entrance, "Signora, that's enough!"
Everyone turned to look and saw Lin Yide slowly walking over.
Signora coldly issued a warning, "I advise you not to interfere in our Fatui affairs, otherwise you will pay a heavy price."
"Oh really?" Lin Yide completely disregarded her threat. "I originally didn't really want to meddle in your affairs, but your subordinate just elbowed my friend. Therefore, you must pay the price you deserve!" His words were firm and forceful, revealing an unquestionable determination.
Hearing Lin Yide's words, a warm current surged through Aether's heart. In this world, he felt the feeling of being cherished by others for the first time.
Immediately after, Lin Yide summoned the Black Sword. A cold light gleamed on the sword's edge, causing Signora's heart to tremble.
Originally, according to the script's design, Signora should have engaged in a fierce battle with Lin Yide. But at this moment, facing Lin Yide's imposing presence and killer intent, she actually flinched, not daring to easily make a move.
Under everyone's astonished gaze, Signora threw the Gnosis towards Lin Yide, then quickly turned and left.
Lin Yide never expected Signora to be so cowardly, lacking even the courage to fight him, even if it was just acting.
Just as the scene he had directed was about to fall flat, Columbina finally made her appearance.