He was the Eleventh Harbinger of Snezhnaya. He should have taken "acquiring the Geo Gnosis" as his sole objective. He should have treated Yunqin, as a "descendant of a god," as a potential threat.
But just now, when Yunqin's eyes sparkled as she said "I'll give you some grilled fish next time," Tartaglia's mind completely forgot about any mission or position.
He just felt that her expectant gaze was even more dazzling than the setting sun, making him subconsciously reply "Sure."
So this was how relaxing it was to spend time without having to hold a weapon, without having to calculate interests.
No need to think about how to win a battle, no need to think about how to deal with other Harbingers, no need to think about how to report back to the Tsaritsa...
Just looking at the smiling face of the person beside him, listening to her chatter about trivial things like "grilled fish" and "eating candy," felt as if his heart had been soaked in warm water.
He even found himself somewhat longing for such moments.
Wanting to truly wait for the next time, to go fishing for fresh fish with her, watch her clumsily set up a fire, and listen to her complain, "The fire's too big, I burned the fish!"
He wanted to stroll through the stone carving stalls with her again, this time learning to carve a whale properly so she wouldn't laugh at him anymore.
He wanted to see her blush as she handed him something, listening to her stubbornly insist, "I didn't save this for you on purpose."
So what if their positions were opposing?
So what if he had a mission?
At least at this moment, he wasn't that cold Harbinger, but just an ordinary person watching the sunset with a friend.
Moments like these... it wouldn't be bad to linger in them a little longer.
Yunqin watched the sun gradually sink below the horizon, its golden afterglow scattering handfuls of crushed gold across the sea. The distant returning sails became silhouettes under the sunset, and even the cries of the seagulls sounded gentler.
The sea breeze, carrying a salty, damp scent, swept across the wharf, lifting Yunqin's ink-black hair before letting it settle slowly back onto her shoulders.
Silence spread between the two of them, with only the sound of waves gently echoing against the rocks.
Yunqin stared at the shimmering waves, dyed into crushed gold by the sunset, feeling a faint tug in her heart.
Today's joy was too vivid, from the laughter at the stone carving stalls to the flustered commotion at Scent of Spring, all the way to the sunset falling on her shoulders at this moment. Every scene felt as if it were being etched into her very bones.
But the more vivid it felt, the more she feared it was all just a fleeting dream. She feared that when tomorrow's sun rose, she would once again have to face the tug of her bloodline, the Abyss's entanglements, or even... never see the person before her again.
After hesitating for a long time, she finally spoke softly, her voice so faint it seemed as if it would scatter in the sea breeze: "Will you remember me?"
The moment the words left her lips, she regretted them.
How overly sentimental of her, thinking they were just "friends" with opposing stances, and that spending today together was already an unexpected gift. How could she dare ask for "remembering" now?
She subconsciously clenched her skirt, her fingertips turning white from the pressure. Even her breathing grew shallow, as if she were terrified of receiving a negative answer, yet also afraid her small, hidden thought would be seen through.
And Tartaglia was lost in thought, gazing at the sunset.
He recalled the winters in Snezhnaya, with only the biting cold wind and the frozen sea, never such a warm sunset, nor such lively bustle.
Yunqin was like a warm light, shining into his world accustomed to conflict.
He was so immersed in this rare moment of peace that he completely missed her words. He only felt the sea breeze in his ears seem to have grown a little gentler.
"What did you say?" He turned his head and looked at her in confusion, his eyes still holding a trace of the daze from emerging from the sunset. Even his tone was softer than usual. "The wind was too strong, I didn't hear you."
Yunqin met his gaze, and the tiny flicker of hope that had just surfaced in her heart was instantly suppressed.
She quickly shook her head, a smile returning to her lips. But the smile didn't reach her eyes, where a faint, almost imperceptible loneliness remained, like a shadow untouched by the sunset.
"It's nothing!" She deliberately raised her voice slightly, feigning a casual tone, and pointed to the sea with her finger. "I just think today's sunset is really beautiful. It's much more stunning than the ones I saw on Mt. Aocang."
As she spoke, she deliberately narrowed her eyes as if seriously appreciating the view, but her fingertips silently released their grip on her crumpled skirt.
The sea breeze blew again, carrying the sunset's final warmth. She stole a glance at Tartaglia's profile.
Whether he remembers me or not... it doesn't matter.
At least today, I am very happy.
Tartaglia didn't notice her subtle movements. He followed her gaze to the sunset, smiling and nodding. "It is indeed beautiful. Much more interesting than the snowy scenery in Snezhnaya."
He didn't see it. The moment he turned his head, Yunqin quietly let out a breath of relief, the loneliness in her eyes gradually covered by a smile.
It's okay...
As long as today is real, that's enough.
Just then, a familiar voice came from behind, tinged with a bit of surprise: "Childe! Why are you here alone?"
Tartaglia and Yunqin turned around at the same time to see Lumine walking down the stone steps of the wharf, with Paimon floating beside her, hands on her hips.
"We thought you were handling official business at the Northland Bank! We never expected to see you at the Liyue Harbor Wharf."
She floated at a height that just reached Lumine's shoulder, bobbing gently as she spoke, like a little dumpling hanging in mid-air.
Tartaglia smiled and shook his head: "Not alone, there's also..."
But the words reached his lips only to be blocked by an invisible hand. His throat tightened, and he couldn't say them no matter what.
He instinctively looked beside him, only to find that Yunqin's figure had already vanished. Only the sea breeze still carried the faint fragrance from her body just moments ago.
Lumine and Paimon exchanged a confused glance: "What also? There's no one else here besides you."
Tartaglia frowned deeply, a flicker of unease rising in his heart.
The vivid images were crystal clear in his mind, yet the name "Yunqin" was stuck on the tip of his tongue. Even the memories of her seemed cursed, unable to be converted into words.
He opened his mouth, but in the end, he could only manage a vague, "It's nothing, I'm just out for a stroll."
"A stroll?" Paimon nimbly circled Tartaglia twice, her tone full of impatience. "What could possibly make you smile so happily? You were clearly about to say something, why did you swallow it back? Hurry up and tell us!"
Tartaglia tried several times, his tongue pressing against his teeth, but he still couldn't utter the name "Yunqin." He could only sigh helplessly and change the subject: "Forget it, it's not important."
"You came specifically to find me, so you must have something you need, right?"
Paimon immediately nodded and leaned forward: "We do have something we want to ask you for help with!"
Tartaglia raised an eyebrow, his tone carrying his usual teasing: "The famous Traveler, actually asking a Fatui member for a favor? If the reward is equal, I'm not opposed to helping."
"How can you even ask us for a reward!" Paimon stamped her feet in anger, her little face puffing up like a bun. "We're friends, aren't we! Do friends really charge money to help each other?"
"Friends are friends, but there are still rules to follow." Tartaglia waved his hand with a smile, his fingertips lightly tapping his cuff. "However, it doesn't have to be Mora. Information I'm interested in will do as well."
"For example... Liyue's hidden secrets. As long as it's something I want to know and you can tell me, I'll help you."
Lumine and Paimon exchanged a look. Paimon floated closer and whispered two words into Lumine's ear.
Both of their faces were full of hesitation, clearly weighing the importance of the situation.
Seeing this, Tartaglia added, "Tell me your request first. If it's beyond my ability, no matter how much you offer, I won't be able to help, will I?"
Lumine took a deep breath, took half a step forward, and looked earnestly into his eyes: "We want you to help us find Yunqin."