Genshin Impact: Villain Life Sim

Even someone as cautious and composed as Lucas couldn't help but have moments where he got carried away.

La Signora frowned slightly, her expression tinged with curiosity. "What did you just say… sand pen? What does that mean?"

Oh, come on, how sharp is your hearing? I practically whispered that under my breath, yet she still heard me.

Fortunately, Lucas was quick-witted. With a slight flicker in his eyes, he immediately responded, "Ah, sand pen. Literally, it means a brush used to write in the sand. In Liyue, there was once a master calligrapher named Shao, who loved to write in the sand using willow branches. In his honor, people crafted brushes out of willow wood, calling them 'willow branch brushes,' but they're more commonly referred to as sand pen. As for me, I don't have many hobbies, but I do enjoy tea and calligraphy with a few friends. Just now, I was thinking of going to purchase a new sand pen."

(AN: Confused, are you? Well, let me explain: The phrase "沙笔" literally breaks down into "sand" (沙) and "pen" (笔) when translated literally, but this is a misunderstanding of its use in modern colloquial Chinese. In slang, "沙笔" (shā bǐ) is a homophone for "傻逼" (shǎ bī), a vulgar insult meaning "idiot", "moron" or "fucking moron". From what I understand, since it's a modern slang term, La Signora likely interpreted it literally as "sand pen" in Chinese. Well sorry if it confused you more, just trying to help...)

"I see." To Lucas's surprise, Signora's expression actually softened, showing a rare glimmer of interest. "I've always been intrigued by Liyue's calligraphy. I didn't expect you to be such an expert."

"An expert? Hardly," Lucas said with a humble smile. "I merely dabble in it. Once we succeed in obtaining the Gnosis, I'll personally present you with a few pieces of calligraphy by Master Xue and Master Shao. We can enjoy the art together."

"I look forward to it." Signora rose to her feet, her tone as cold as ever. "Don't disappoint me."

"Midnight tonight, at the Golden House entrance." Lucas handed them a map and added, "I'll be waiting. Please, esteemed Harbingers, do not be late."

As Childe and Signora walked away, Lucas's face twisted into a subtle, secretive smile.

This time, Lucas didn't log out of the simulator. Instead, he waited patiently for the night to arrive.

It seemed the system wanted him to personally see this grand plan through to the end.

Night fell.

The moon hung low in the sky, and the occasional chirping of insects broke the silence.

At the entrance to the Golden House, two Millelith guards—named Xiao Zheng and Zheyuan—stood watch. They were casually chatting to pass the time.

"Sigh… Who would've thought the Geo Archon would pass away like this?" Xiao Zheng sighed. "What does the future hold for Liyue now?"

"Why be so pessimistic?" Zheyuan replied, trying to offer some comfort. "Even though the Geo Archon is gone, we still have the Qixing, don't we? Especially Lord Tianshu. He's young, talented, and his policies are sound. Under his leadership, Liyue might yet carve out a new path."

At that moment, the sound of approaching footsteps caught their attention. The two guards immediately straightened up, gripping their weapons tightly. In unison, they called out, "Who goes there?"

"There's no need to be alarmed."

A calm and gentle voice responded as a man stepped into the dim light. Smiling warmly, he said, "If I'm not mistaken, you must be Xiao Zheng and Zheyuan. You've worked hard."

"Lord Tianshu?"

The two Millelith guards quickly recognized the man before them. Immediately, they lowered their heads and spoke in unison, "Forgive us for our lack of courtesy, my lord!"

Indeed, it was Lucas. Though the two guards were initially tense, they couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. After all, being remembered by the renowned Tianshu was no small honor.

"You've both been diligent in your duties. There's no need for apologies," Lucas said softly. "Raise your heads."

Hearing this, the guards hesitated before cautiously lifting their heads. Xiao Zheng, curious, asked, "My lord, it's so late. Why have you come to the Golden House? Do you have important business here?"

"No, not at all. It's just that, with the Geo Archon's passing, I've been feeling terribly melancholic. I thought a quiet walk might ease my mind," Lucas said, a trace of sorrow appearing on his face. "I once had the honor of meeting the Geo Archon here, so I thought revisiting this place might bring me some solace."

His words, so full of emotion and sincerity, moved the two guards. Their eyes reddened slightly as they listened.

"You've worked hard as well," Lucas said, taking out two bottles and handing them to the guards. "Here, have some tea to refresh yourselves."

The two Millelith guards were naturally unsuspecting of the Tianshu. Overwhelmed by his kindness, they gratefully accepted the bottles and each took a sip. The tea was refreshingly pure and indescribably delicious, but before they could savor it further, a wave of dizziness hit them. Moments later, they both collapsed to the ground in a deep sleep.

"That's settled," Lucas muttered calmly. "You may show yourselves now, esteemed Harbingers."

The moment the words left his mouth, Childe and Signora materialized before him, their movements swift and precise—a testament to the formidable power of the Fatui Harbingers.

Their confidence was unsurprising. After all, in the game's storyline, Childe alone had the audacity to storm the Golden House. Now, with the eighth Harbinger, Signora, by his side, they were even more assured of success.

"Was all this trouble really necessary?" Signora asked coldly, glancing at the unconscious guards. "Wouldn't it have been simpler to eliminate them quietly?"

"There's no need to leave unnecessary traces," Lucas replied calmly. "The sleeping potion will erase their memories of the past few moments."

"I still find it strange," Childe remarked cautiously. "If the Golden House holds the Geo Archon's remains and the Gnosis, why is its security so lax?"

"The Golden House's primary defense lies in its nearly impenetrable doors," Lucas explained. "The Millelith guards stationed here are few in number by design. An increase in security might draw unwanted attention."

"Enough talking." Signora, clearly growing impatient, smirked coldly. "The Gnosis is behind this door, isn't it?"

"Indeed," Lucas confirmed with a nod. "On either side of the door are mechanisms. Please, infuse them with your elemental energy, and the doors will open."

Trusting him—especially since they'd already poisoned him—the two Harbingers saw little reason to suspect deceit. For Lucas, betraying them would carry an immense risk.

Childe and Signora took their positions on either side of the door, channeling their elemental powers. Sure enough, with a low rumble, the massive doors began to open.

As the heavy doors slowly swung inward, a sly smile crept onto Lucas's lips.

The Golden House was the most heavily guarded location in all of Liyue. How could it possibly be so easily breached?

The three of them stepped inside, greeted by a sight that took their breath away. Piles upon piles of glittering Mora filled the room, the golden light reflecting off every surface. The sheer abundance of wealth was staggering, even to those like Childe and Signora, who were generally indifferent to money.

But their attention was drawn to the far end of the hall. There, in a place of reverence, lay the Geo Archon's remains—the "Exuvia." Embedded in its chest, glowing with a brilliant golden light, was the Gnosis.

"There it is!" Childe exclaimed, stepping forward to retrieve the Gnosis.

But before he could reach it, Signora suddenly moved to block his path.