36 36. La Signora

Feiyun Commerce Guild, Liyue Harbor.

In the office inside the guild, Xingqiu explained the new project to the two servants in front of him. Those two servants were called Sheng and Hongxing.

Sheng disagreed with Xingqiu's proposal.

"Young master, don't you think you're too rushed? There's no one running this kind of clothing shop—" But, before he could finish his words, Xingqiu cut in.

"That's why I said this is an opportunity. You know how long Manga Impact has been around, but it's already very well known in Liyue Harbor. Because of its popularity, I originally thought of making figures of the characters in the manga with the owner's approval since I know him. But he actually said, it would be more interesting if someone wore clothes or outfits like those in the manga. I was hesitant at first, but…" Xingqiu turned to Hongxing. "What do you think, Hongxing?"

"The stories are good and the main characters are awesome and unique. Maybe some people also want to be a character like them. For example Zoro with the three-sword style, Goku with super strength, or maybe Luffy who was inspired to become the pirate king. Maybe there will be other unique characters that will come out, that's why the young master's idea is very good. Even though the initial opening of this business may be stagnant, I'm sure we'll grow considering that the manga shop is also growing in popularity." Hongxing explained at length. He himself was also surprised when Xingqiu asked him to buy manga on Manga Impact and gave him the idea to open a new business based on that manga. Surprisingly, he felt that the idea was pretty good after reading all the available volumes of the One Piece and Dragon Ball manga.

"And don't forget that we're the Feiyun Commerce Guild." Xingqiu smirked.

By using the reputation of the Feiyun Commerce Guild, Xingqiu couldn't imagine if his plan would fail.

Then, they continued to discuss the implementation of Xingqiu's idea.

— — — —

The airborne palace, Jade Chamber.

Ningguang who was sitting in her chamber was accompanied by a dark blue-haired woman the same age as her. The blue-haired woman was called Yelan, Ningguang's old friend.

"He's getting famous. But well, it can't be helped since the stories of those manga are so good. Coupled with the graphics, the manga is more appealing than novels. However, he will completely control the literary industry. Do we need to do something, Ningguang?" Yelan asked Ningguang's opinion. But she shook her head.

"No need. Novelists may feel threatened by the arrival of manga. But that doesn't mean they will be afraid of being outdone in competition because novels also have their own charm."

"I see." Yelan laid her back on the chair. "I bet some people might have started drawing manga like One Piece and Dragon Ball."

"Yes. But, didn't you notice something?"

"What kind?"

"All the manga sold on Manga Impact are full-color pages even though they are copies. Moreover, the manga in that shop is only priced at 2000 Mora even though it's a 50% discount. That means the normal price is 4000, the same as the price of a novel in general." Ningguang explained the crucial point of Manga Impact in attracting customers.

"Hmmm, it's indeed odd. It shouldn't be weird if it's priced at 6000-8000 Mora."

Ningguang puffed the smoke produced by the burning tobacco from the pipe through her mouth. Then, she replied.

"Perhaps, Niwa Ryūhei used a more advanced printing technology. Though I don't know what kind of printer he has. In any case, it will be impossible for people intending to compete with the manga from Manga Impact for now. Especially since the manga was reported in the newspapers, many people from other nations have started coming to Liyue Harbor, either with good or bad intentions."

After hearing that, Yelan rested her chin on her hand before replying.

"There is also the Crimson Witch of Flame. One of the eleven Fatui Harbingers. I don't know why she came to Liyue Harbor. But considering the Fatui agent that Niwa Ryūhei caught the other day, it's likely that she's up to something."

"There's still no evidence. So, just keep an eye on her! Regarding Niwa Ryūhei, I was surprised that he caught someone planning to copy his manga and had other ulterior motives, even though the Fatui agent planned it on the same day he had been caught. He is very sensitive when someone wants to plan something bad for him. And he also realized that you were observing him even though his response was different from the Fatui agent he caught. Well, we can leave him be since he hasn't done anything to harm Liyue Harbor."

"Thanks to him, the treasure hoarders' illegal activity was exposed. Too bad, he is not a person you can order around. Otherwise, he can be your precious pawn, Ningguang. Or perhaps, you can try to seduce him with your body. All men are the same after all." After Yelan teased Ningguang, Ningguang responded.

"Ara? C'mon, Yelan. I'm pretty sure you're the one who is interested in him. Why not use yours instead? Your body is top-notch as well. Perhaps, that youngster would be willing to be whipped by you." Ningguang smirked.

And just like that, when talking about Ryūhei, they began to argue.

— — — —

Everyone who heard that Ryūhei was releasing new volumes immediately flocked to Manga Impact. And some who visited the shop said that Ryūhei published a new manga with the theme of cooking battles. Even the young lady of the Wanmin restaurant bought the new manga because of that. So, some cooks and chefs wanted to try to read the new manga.

After reading the new manga, one commented that it was erotically good. Another one commented that it was a devilish temptation. And so on. All in all, their responses were almost 100% positive.

Meanwhile, Ryūhei and Zhongli arrived at the Northland Bank, then directly walked to the receptionist.

"Welcome to the Northland Bank. I am a receptionist at the Northland Bank, Ekaterina. I believe this handsome gentleman is called Mr. Zhongli, the famous consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. And this handsome young master is called Niwa Ryūhei, the recently famous author that created an innovation called manga. I'm pleased to meet both of you." Despite being a receptionist, the woman called Ekaterina wore a standard female Fatui attire with a mask. And after she flattered both Zhongli and Ryūhei, they nodded as if they didn't care about her flattery.

"I have an appointment with a diplomat from Snezhnaya." Zhongli said.

"Yes. The Fair Lady had informed me beforehand. Please follow me!"

Ekaterina led them into a room. Inside, an enchanting and gorgeous woman was sitting cross-legged on a long sofa. She has pale skin, platinum-blonde hair, and light gray eyes. Some of her hair is tied into two rose-shaped buns at the back of her head. From her appearance, it was inconceivable that the woman in front of Ryūhei was someone who had lived for more than 500 years even after he heard stories about her from Zhongli.

The woman glanced at Ekaterina and gestured to her to back off.

After only three were left in the room, Zhongli greeted her.

"It's been a while, Rosalyne."

"Please don't call my old name, Mr. Zhongli. Just call me La Signora. You don't want to be called by your old name either, do you?"

It seemed that the woman who was nicknamed the Crimson Witch of Flame and The Fair Lady had the real name Rosalyne. Oddly enough it didn't sound like the Snezhnayan name. And perhaps, she wanted to throw her old name away because of her tragic past.

"I see. I will call you that name then."

"That's more like it. And this younger brother is?"

"My name is Niwa Ryūhei."

Ryūhei didn't want to talk more because he could feel that some people were spying on the outside. He knew that Zhongli wanted to talk about a serious matter, so he suggested it to Zhongli.

"Should I put up a barrier? It would be troublesome if our conversation was overheard by the people outside."

He didn't reply to Ryūhei, but turned to La Signora first.

"What do you think?"

La Signora chuckled.

"It seems that you trust this little brother, Mr. Zhongli. It's fine even if you kill those people who spy on us, you know! They don't have manners after all."

Ryūhei twitched after hearing her words. He didn't think the woman in front of him was so ruthless. However, he put her nature aside and raised his index finger.

"Emerge from the darkness, blacker than darkness. Purify that which is impure."

Then, a dark curtain started to cover the room, separating the room with a black force field that was imperceivable to outside observers.