Undercover in Snezhnaya, My Teyvat Spy Life [30]

When news came that the Fatui were mobilizing in force, the Knights of Favonius weren’t about to be outdone.

Every team out on patrol was called back at once.

Chief Alchemist Albedo, the elusive Librarian Lisa Minci, and even the famed adventurer Alice were summoned.

That last detail had been emphasized in Artem’s intelligence:
If they wanted to force the Fatui to abandon the idea of a forced draft, Mondstadt needed to show its full strength.

And right now, Mondstadt’s strongest was, without a doubt, Alice.

This 'near-omnipotent sorceress', Elder of the Hexenzirke, had lived for over five centuries, is unquestionably the most powerful in Mondstadt.

Originally, Alice hadn’t wanted any part of this mess.

But to get her to agree, Varka had gritted his teeth and promised:
From now on, no more grounding her—no matter what she did, even if she blew up the Knights headquarters.

That was the price for her to stand with Mondstadt for a single day.

As for Mondstadt’s second-strongest, there was no doubt: Varka himself.

The present 'Titan of the Knights of Favonius' a living legend, the pillar that let Mondstadt stand firm in the face of Snezhnaya’s pressure.

Then there were the wild cards—Albedo and Lisa.

Though rarely seen in action, both were recognized as true heavyweights within the Knights.

Albedo’s alchemy was leagues beyond anything else in Mondstadt. Even holding back, he could wipe the floor with most Knights.

As for Lisa...

No one understood her true power better than Nymph, Captain of the 8th Company.

Back when they’d both competed for that captaincy, Nymph and Lisa had a “practice match” in magic.

It lasted less than two minutes before Nymph lost.

So while Lisa now played the role of mild-mannered librarian, all the veterans knew she was hiding frightening power.

She simply had her own reasons for never going all out.

With this lineup, Mondstadt had mustered all its public strength.

If the Adventurers’ Guild hadn’t refused to get involved, Varka would’ve tried to summon their heavy hitters too.

But the Guild’s reason was unimpeachable:
“Adventurers are free. We have no reason to force our own members to take sides.”

That left Varka no retort.
The spirit of free Mondstadt—even the Grand Master couldn’t go against it.

...

“Yo, Grand Master. All this fanfare just to greet me?”

Artem’s voice was as cocky as ever.

But this time, a discordant voice cut in:

“Hmph, the Knights’ Grand Master is certainly polite—unlike certain others who don’t know the first thing about manners.”

Every Knight in the hall turned furious eyes on Krupp.

Varka was an idol among the Knights, seeing him insulted like this set every one of them seething.

But Varka himself just smiled blandly at Artem.

“And this is…?”

“The servant of the Fatui’s Second Harbinger, The Doctor—Krupp,” Artem said, biting off the word “servant” with particular emphasis.

But Krupp only puffed out his chest, prideful.

“That’s right. My master is none other than the continent’s true guardian, the great Doctor himself.”

The Knights exchanged baffled looks.
In freedom-loving Mondstadt, it was almost unimaginable for someone to boast about being a servant.

“Let’s cut the nonsense,” Artem snapped, shooting Krupp a glare.
“I come today bearing the will of Her Majesty the Tsaritsa.”

He swept his gaze arrogantly over the room.

Then, in a high and mighty tone:
“These extras aren’t worthy to hear Her Majesty’s orders. Grand Master Varka, let’s find a quiet place.”

“Remember, only those with the right qualifications should be present.”

The Knights bristled at the slight, but Varka nodded calmly.

“This way, gentlemen.”

...

This time, the meeting was set in the Knights’ main conference room.

On the Fatui’s side, only Artem and Krupp were present.

Mondstadt, by contrast, seemed overwhelming.

Varka took the center seat.
Alice, Lisa, and Albedo flanked him.
Jean stood behind, with ten squad captains arrayed along the long table’s sides.

Outside, Knights and Fatui soldiers guarded the doors.

With tensions so high, one spark could easily set off a massive fight.

Inside, the air was even more charged.

Everyone stared down Artem and Krupp with grim faces.

Artem looked utterly unconcerned.

Krupp, though—just an ordinary man—could barely stand the pressure, cold sweat beading on his brow.

Artem smirked in contempt, then turned to Varka.

“By the Tsaritsa’s command: The Fatui require additional manpower.”

“We hope the Grand Master will cooperate.”

Apart from Varka, Seamus, and Jean—who had already been briefed—everyone else glared daggers at Artem.

Especially Frederica Gunnhildr, current head of her clan.

She rose, fury in her eyes, and pointed at Artem:
“Snezhnaya short on people? And you think you can draft in Mondstadt?!”

Artem just smiled, nonchalant.

“Heh—”

“Snezhnaya has always devoted itself to protecting Teyvat. Joining us is an act of the highest honor.”

That drew Frederica’s sword in a flash.

“Get out of Mondstadt!” she snarled, teeth gritted.
“You’re not welcome here!”

Her outburst set off the other captains, who all reached for their weapons—the air instantly crackling with danger.

Varka cleared his throat, rapping on the table.

“What are you all doing? Put those away! Don’t frighten our Snezhnayan guests.”

He glanced at Artem and Krupp, shrugged:
“Gentlemen, Frederica’s attitude is mine as well.”

His tone was apologetic, but his words were ironclad.

Krupp stiffened, but forced himself to stand, blustering:
“Grand Master, all the other nations have already accepted our protection. Only Mondstadt remains. As your neighbor, we’ve always wished for friendship. I believe now is the perfect time to formalize that with a treaty.”

Frederica’s face went cold.

“Sorry, but Mondstadt has no wish for ‘friendship’ with Snezhnaya.”

At those words, everyone in the room tensed.

---

This is a fan translation of 提瓦特之我在至冬做臥底 by 曉風殘月聽荷 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!