part 9

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Childe walked towards the specific camp, noticing three large figures wielding their weapons. One of them, a big purple man, held an electro hammer, while a blue figure gripped a cryo machine. The remaining large individuals stood nearby, alert and preparing for potential enemies."Good morning, comrades," Childe greeted them warmly, wearing a smile. They stood ready for combat, but upon seeing a higher-ranking officer, they immediately knelt down. "Good morning, Sir Tartaglia," they replied. Childe scoffed. "Come on now, I'm in disguise. Call me Childe when we're alone or with unfamiliar faces. Don't blow my cover," he instructed before heading to inspect their table. They nodded in understanding. "So, any new information?" Childe asked, shuffling through the papers laid out before him. After scanning through them, he realized it was a fruitless endeavor. "No, sir. There haven't been any unusual occurrences. We've stopped and questioned some individuals, but La Signora remains hidden," the big purple man reported formally.

Childe turned around. "How's the stock? Have you checked everything before sending it to headquarters?" he inquired, taking a seat at the table. The three nodded in unison. "All the stock is of good quality. No damage, and all equipment is fully prepared," the purple man responded. Childe glanced over at the treasure hoarders tied up nearby. "And who are they?" Childe asked, pointing to the group of treasure hoarders. Some were conscious, while others remained unconscious. "They attempted to steal our data, information, and belongings. We've tied them up to teach them a lesson," the purple man replied proudly. Childe observed them silently before praising the purple man, Michael. "Good job, Michael. As expected of you," he commended, patting Michael's shoulder. "Thank you, sir. I appreciate that" The purple guy smiles discreetly. Childe walking to one of treasure hoarders. The treasure hoarders look up to Childe and spit' "Hey ginger, are you the aster in this area? You are just like weaklings that wander around. You sure are the master. Lol, I bet you can't even hold a sword" The treasure hoarders laugh as if that person in front of them is just a weak person. The members of Fatui Harbingers are stunned and try to smack their heads, but their actions are stopped by Childe. Childe grabs that man's collar and makes him look in the eye.

 "Listen here, you piece of shit. You're the last person I want to deal with. I don't give a damn what you call me but stay out of my life. Mind your own business before I send you to headquarters cause' in there, we got a 'doctor' who loves to treat scum like you," Childe threatened sharply. The treasure hoarder gulped, glancing nervously at his comrades. Childe released his collar, tilting his head. "Scared that I might do something to you?" he scoffed before walking away. The Fatui Harbingers exchanged glances, aware of Childe's unusual demeanor. "Boss, don't you think he's acting differently today? I thought he would say something more diplomatic," the blue man remarked. The purple man nodded in agreement. "Indeed, he seems off. I wasn't expecting that reaction. It's as if he's angry about something..."

Childe groaned and kicked his bag in frustration. "I lost it again" he sighed. He knew he needed to maintain professionalism during work, but any mention of his personal life seemed to set him off. Zhongli wouldn't be pleased, but even if he were, Childe had sworn to move on. Yet, the sting in his heart persisted, despite his efforts to ignore it.


Childe takes a little of his sweet time, eating some bread that he buys in Inazuma market. "Isn't it good when Thoma starts making me breakfast? I think I wouldn't survive if I keep buying something. Like the fuck, this bread is pricey? Is just a plain bread damn" Childe swallowing his bread. "It is because the bread is made with such care". Childe turns back and sees a short samurai wandering around smiling as soon their eyes meet each other. "But it's still pricey. It took me a whole budget to buy this plain bread but well I guess it's true since the bread is quite smooth" Childe disagreed with that samurai.  The samurai continued smiling, making Childe feel uneasy. "Isn't it impolite to stare?" he questioned.  "As a traveler moving through unfamiliar territories, I have encountered a situation that compels me to seek your assistance. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I find myself without sufficient funds to sustain even the most basic needs for sustenance. It is with the deepest humility and respect that I kindly ask if you could offer me a small bite to ease my hunger. I understand that this request may seem unconventional, and I apologies for any inconvenience it may cause. Please accept my sincerest apologies for any inconvenience or discomfort my request may cause. I am genuinely grateful for any support or assistance you might extend to a weary traveler in need." The samurai begged politely, just asking for a little bite of bread. Childe stunned. He never saw a people talk like that in many regions.

"What's your name?" Childe asking the samurai. "My name is Kazuha. Kaedahara Kazuha" the samurai smiled. Childe looks at his bread and looks at Kazuha forth and back. He sighed, "You could eat all the way. I'm done eating." He gives it to Kazuha. Kazuha beams. "Thank you for your kindness. I don't know how to repay your kindness" Childe was silent, not answering the replies and looked at Kazuha. "Well, you don't have to repay me. It's basic manner." Kazuha was touched by his words. "Childe." Childe says. "You are a fun kid. unfortunately, I need to settle my unfinished business. Sorry" Childe got up and walked away from the scene. "Send my best regards to your family" Kazuha waves to Childe. 


"Is that his natural hair?" Kazuha continues eating the bread.


As Childe traveled alone to Tatarasuna, he observed the mechanical device that had been rescued by the Traveler. He always found amusement in the Traveler's actions, as they helped others gather information about his sister/her brother. It was quite amusing to see the Traveler in moments of desperation, yet they remained a kind-hearted individual. It is enough reason for them to be a villain. As he glanced at the scenery of Inazuma, Childe couldn't help but find it fascinating. It was refreshing to behold a different view than the bustling crowds of people. "Indeed, the scenery are quite amusing," Childe mused, a smirk forming on his lips at the thought of seeing Thoma flustered. It was entertaining. "Is it okay for me to fall in love with him? It seems impossible to make a move on him since he's waiting for someone," he sighed, contemplating his feelings for Thoma. " Initially, we were just strangers. He's a royal worker, and I'm just a Fatui."

"Of course, you can like him." Childe heard a familiar voice behind him and turned around abruptly. "You?! Why did you follow me?" Childe exclaimed, surprised. "Oh, I'm sorry if I startled you. I just wanted to hand this to you," Kazuha said, searching into his pocket and retrieving an item. "You left it. It seems like something you treasure," Kazuha remarked. Childe took the item and opened it, expressing his thanks. They sat in silence for a moment before Childe broke the quiet. "Do you have anything to say?" he asked Kazuha, who sat there with a wide smile. "I'm sorry, I'm just on my way to meet someone, and they asked me to wait here as they have something to do. If you don't mind, I can offer you some advice on your relationship issues," Kazuha offered. Childe sighed, feeling slightly annoyed. "Sure," he replied with a smile.



"So, you mentioned that you just wanted to tease him a bit, which is why you both made those agreements? It's quite an awkward situation. And what's even more awkward is that he cried in front of you. He really does like his crush a lot. Such pure love. But are you sure you want to just let them continue with their lives? Because you said that if you admit that you've fallen in love with him, you'll have to help him make his Lord fall for him. Do you like that idea?" Kazuha questioned Childe. Childe hesitated before responding, delving into his past experiences. "I don't know. Back in my hometown, I tried to find a one-night stand to replace my ex-lover. Of course, I found one, but the person reminded me of my ex," Childe ranted. Kazuha blushed at the candidness of Childe's words. "Wow, are you okay? Your face is so red," Childe asked, showing concern. "Oh, I'm sorry. I don't usually discuss these things so openly," Kazuha admitted, feeling anxious. Childe simply smiled. "So, you are like virgin maiden?". Kazuha flushed red while Childe chuckle looking at Kazuha.

"Hey, Kazuha!" another short individual with a tail called out to get Kazuha's attention. "Is that your companion?" Childe asked. "Yes, I believe we should depart soon. I wish you all the best. I trust you, friendly strangers. You can slowly make him fall in love with you," Kazuha said, patting Childe's back. Childe waved as Kazuha left. He continued to walk away from the scene, lost in his thoughts.

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