The next day, late at night.
In the Whispering Woods, which should have been quiet, a large number of Fatui figures emerged, staring intently at the city before them.
In addition to the regular Fatui skirmishers, there were dozens of elite Pyro Agents and Cicin Mages.
Most of these Agents and Cicin Mages had once been subordinates of the Fatui Harbinger, the Fair Lady, but after she took Barbatos's Gnosis, she left Mondstadt for Liyue, leaving these subordinates to the Snezhnayan Diplomatic Ambassador stationed in Mondstadt.
After all, Mondstadt City had once experienced an incident where a Snezhnayan Diplomatic Ambassador was attacked, resulting in the deaths of two diplomats. That incident was named the "Black Fire Incident" by the Knights of Favonius.
Due to the precedent set by the Black Fire Incident, when Sergei became the new Diplomatic Ambassador, he specifically requested a large number of personnel for protection from the higher-ups. At the same time, he exploited the Knights of Favonius's shortage of manpower during Grand Master Varka's expedition, allowing these personnel to gradually infiltrate all of Mondstadt.
However, this time, to show his sincerity to the Lawrence Family, Sergei gathered almost all of the Fatui combat personnel, preparing to conquer Mondstadt City tonight.
Mondstadt City is a city built on Cider Lake, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. Apart from the main gate in the southeast, there is only a side gate in the northeast, but even this side gate requires passing over the main gate's bridge and circling around.
But this only applies to ordinary people. As Fatui skirmishers equipped with various element weapons, they could easily use their Cryo guns to create an ice path across Cider Lake, leading directly to the northeastern side gate.
Snezhnayan Diplomatic Ambassador Sergei stood at a high point in the Whispering Woods, delivering his final pre-battle mobilization speech to his subordinates below.
"My fellow countrymen, do you see the city to your right?
This ancient city of Mondstadt belonged to the Lawrence Family a thousand years ago, but the Knights of Favonius used despicable means to seize power from the Lawrence Family.
A thousand years later, Grand Master Varka of the Knights of Favonius was so arrogant as to take ninety percent of the Knights in the city on an expedition. Under this opportune moment, the last descendant of the Lawrence Family sought us out, wishing to ask the great Tsaritsa of Snezhnaya to return the jurisdiction of Mondstadt City to its rightful owner.
After the matter is concluded, the Lawrence Family, in gratitude for our efforts, will no longer refuse you entry into this city after tonight. You will no longer have to sleep in the open; on the contrary, you can swagger into every corner of the city.
Even without Mora, you can enjoy all kinds of services in the city, and even if you violate the laws of Mondstadt City, no one will judge you."
At this moment, a Fatui soldier below asked, "Sir, why, after we occupy Mondstadt City, must we let that Lawrence Family govern it? Wouldn't it be better to directly incorporate Mondstadt into our Snezhnayan territory?"
Sergei said with a sarcastic expression, "What are you talking about? What are you talking about! We Fatui are law-abiding citizens who uphold justice; how could we commit such acts of aggression?
We are helping the Lawrence Family set things right, returning the jurisdiction of Mondstadt City to its rightful owner. After the matter is concluded, the Lawrence Family will grant us Fatui appropriate courtesy. Everything will be logical; this is an act of justice.
If our Snezhnaya were to replace Mondstadt City, what would that look like? Wouldn't it give other nations a handle for accusing us of invading other countries?"
Sergei's words immediately drew laughter from the Fatui soldiers below; everyone understood Sergei's implied meaning.
At this moment, another person raised his doubt: "Sir, I once heard that Barbatos, the Anemo Archon of Mondstadt, has always protected Mondstadt from the shadows. Will our grand assault on Mondstadt City not incur the wrath of the God?"
Before Sergei could reply, a Pyro Agent under the Fair Lady's command scoffed, "Barbatos, the Anemo Archon? You haven't seen how weak that God is now. The Fair Lady easily subdued him and even extracted his Gnosis from his body, greatly reducing his power.
Although our strength is not as great as the Fair Lady's, there are so many of us here. If Barbatos really dares to show himself, we can overwhelm him and make him suffer!"
"Exactly!"
"That's right!"
"I think I could do it too!"
Most of those who responded were direct subordinates of the Fair Lady, all of whom had personally witnessed the famous scene of the Fair Lady extracting Barbatos's Gnosis. Each of them scoffed at the strength of Barbatos, the Anemo Archon. Compared to the great Tsaritsa, Barbatos was simply a disgrace to Gods!
Sergei: "Ahem! Now I will announce the battle plan. According to the Mondstadt City defense map and annotations provided by the Lawrence Family, in two hours, the city gate guards will change shifts, creating a window of about five minutes. This is the most relaxed period for the Mondstadt City gate.
Everyone will split into two groups, striving to enter Mondstadt City smoothly without alerting anyone.
Remember, after entering Mondstadt City, do not engage in any rape, pillage, or plunder. Such things will be made reasonable and legal after the mission is accomplished.
Upon entering the city, first deal with the patrolling Knights, then capture the Knights of Favonius Headquarters in one fell swoop, and re-hoist the Lawrence Family's flag atop the Knights of Favonius Headquarters.
If we can kill Acting Grand Master Jean of the Knights of Favonius, that will be more than half a success. As for what comes next, it is to deal with the influential noble families in Mondstadt City. Remember, the Gunnhildr family is the first priority! They must be eliminated first!
Also, there is currently an Inazuma Delegation staying at the Goth Grand Hotel in Mondstadt. Remember, do not provoke them under any circumstances. The Inazuma Regent recently slayed a Liyue God, and his strength is not to be underestimated!
Do you all understand?"
"Understood!"
Sergei: "Good! Since you all have such confidence, I wish you a resounding victory in advance.
Didn't you all leave your homes and loved ones to join the Fatui skirmishers to make a name for yourselves? After this battle, you might even achieve a class leap, like Childe, and reach the pinnacle of your life.
Everyone, the time has come to earn merit for the noble Tsaritsa!"
Oh!!!
Sergei's pre-battle mobilization indeed had remarkable results. The Fatui soldiers below were enthusiastic and full of confidence regarding this operation.
With Mondstadt City's current meager forces, wouldn't taking them be a piece of cake?
There are still two hours until the operation begins, so it's time to rest and conserve energy.
Sergei looked at his subordinates, who were full of fighting spirit, a gratified smile on his face, and walked off the stage with his hands behind his back.
However, no one noticed that a very small piece of wood seemed to be stuck in the sole of Sergei's shoe, and it was unknown when it got there.
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