Genshin Impact: Villain Life Sim

The Northland Bank was, without a doubt, Pantalone's most treasured creation—a testament to his rise from nothing. Its significance was no less than that of the Jade Chamber to Ningguang.

Of course, while the Jade Chamber could collapse and be rebuilt, the success of the Northland Bank relied on a delicate balance of timing, geography, and human effort. If it were to be destroyed, restoring it to its former glory would not simply be a matter of time.

"Snezhnaya is nothing more than a stepping stone for you to achieve your dreams," Lucas said, flicking a Mora with his fingers toward Pantalone. The latter instinctively caught it in his hand. Lucas continued, "If you could gain the right to issue Mora and combine it with your financial acumen, you wouldn't just be the 'Rich Man' of one nation. You'd be the 'Rich Man' of the entire continent of Teyvat."

Pantalone stared at the Mora in his hand, lost in thought. His ties to Liyue had always been complex and deeply intertwined. He had left Liyue back then because he hadn't been given the "recognition" he sought.

Now, the chance to return to Liyue and even gain the right to issue currency was undeniably tempting, leaving him momentarily hesitant.

"Pantalone, don't let this man's sweet words sway you," Arlecchino, sitting next to him, said coldly. "For all you know, his promises are nothing more than empty words."

"Miss Arlecchino," Lucas called out, addressing her by name. "I've heard about the orphanage you've established, the 'House of the Hearth.' Despite your cold exterior, it seems you have quite a soft heart."

"The so-called orphanage is nothing but a means to supply recruits for the Fatui," Arlecchino replied, her face emotionless. The faint red glow of the cross-shaped pupils in her eyes flickered as she added, "Those children are just my tools."

"And yet, with slashed budgets, grueling training regimens, and increasingly burdensome tasks, doesn't all of this make you even a little resentful?" Lucas smiled. "I've established an orphanage in Liyue as well, and we happen to be looking for a director."

"Hmm, it seems you've done your homework on us Harbingers," Sandrone, the Puppeteer, remarked with a doll-like grin. "If it were me, what would you offer?"

"Miss Sandrone, your mechanical engineering skills could rival even the ancient kingdom of Khaenri'ah," Lucas said, spreading his hands. "But the lack of high-quality mineral resources in Snezhnaya seems to be holding you back."

"You've done your research," Sandrone nodded. "All we have are copper and iron ores. Materials suitable for precision components are in short supply, so we're forced to rely on imports."

"You've heard of the Chasm in Liyue, haven't you?" Lucas leaned in. "I can issue you a special mining permit. The rare minerals there will be at your disposal."

"Really?" Sandrone seemed intrigued. "If I could get my hands on some Noctilucous Jade, I could build entirely new types of weapons."

"Sandrone!" Pierro's patience seemed to snap as he exclaimed, "Are you serious?"

"Hearing him out doesn't hurt," The Doctor, interjected with a smile. "What are you so afraid of, Pierro?"

"Yes," Pulcinella, the Rooster, chimed in. "Our loyalty to Her Majesty isn't so shallow as to be shaken by mere words."

"Mayor Pulcinella," Lucas clapped his hands, feigning admiration. "Managing a city as massive as Snezhnaya with such efficiency—truly impressive."

"There's no need for flattery," Pulcinella said, though his face betrayed a hint of pride. "Everything I do is for Her Majesty."

"And yet, many of your excellent proposals have been vetoed by your 'Her Majesty,' haven't they?" Lucas said mockingly. "You clearly have the capability to govern this city even better, yet you're constantly suppressed by a god who knows nothing about urban planning. Be honest—doesn't that frustrate you?"

"This…" Pulcinella's forehead began to bead with sweat.

"And then we have Lady Signora," Lucas turned his gaze to her, his tone softening. "I've heard you're quite fond of Liyue's calligraphy. If you're willing to join me, I'd be happy to explore it with you further."

Signora's face reddened slightly, though she shot Lucas a fierce glare and retorted, "Enough nonsense. Don't even think about sowing discord."

In truth, among all the Harbingers, Signora was Lucas's staunchest supporter. But to conceal her role as a double agent, the charade had to continue. Of course, the "calligraphy" reference was an inside code that only the two of them could understand.

"This farce should end now," Pierro said, his expression dark. "We will not accept your terms. Snezhnaya will resist with all its might. This meeting is adjourned!"

However, despite Pierro's declaration, no one at the table moved to leave.

"What's the matter?" Pierro frowned. "Surely you don't take this farce seriously?"

"I think a vote wouldn't hurt," Capitano, the Captain, said in a deep voice. "If all the Harbingers are truly united, then what harm is there in voting?"

Among the Harbingers, Capitano's status was closest to Pierro's as the overseer of the Fatui. With even Capitano suggesting a vote, Pierro had no choice but to acquiesce. "Fine. Let's vote. It will make you lose hope once and for all."

"I have another suggestion," Lucas said with a mischievous grin. "To avoid straining the relationships among you Harbingers, let's make it a secret ballot."

While the suggestion seemed fair, it was undeniably to Lucas's advantage. After all, no matter the outcome, anyone who cast a favorable vote would risk being ostracized for their stance.

"There's no need for secrecy," Capitano said firmly. "I vote no."

Of all the Harbingers, Lucas had the least information about Capitano. Even his true face remained a mystery. What Lucas did know was that Capitano was a man of integrity, beloved by the Fatui's rank and file, and one of the few upright individuals among the Harbingers. It was no surprise that he openly stated his position.

"I also vote no," Pierro said coldly. "The rest of you, do as you wish."

With two immediate votes against, the outcome seemed all but decided.

The remaining seven votes were cast anonymously, mixed together, and then opened one by one.

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Author's Note: Yes delay happens from me.. But anyways can I get some stones.. 

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