leaning forward, gesturing animatedly So I’m telling you, the Abyss Order’s got some new trick up their sleeve. Using those ruin graders like they’re puppets. But honestly? grins They’re not half as fun as a real fight.

not looking up from examining her nails Spare us your bloodthirsty ramblings, Childe. Some of us have actual work to discuss.

turning to her with a sharp grin Oh? You mean like losing your gnosis? That kind of work?

voice low and venomous You dare—

Dare what? State facts? shrugs I’m just saying, some of us actually complete our objectives.

his voice cuts through, calm and unyielding Enough.

slowly turning his gaze across the table We are not here for petty squabbles. Doctor. Your report.

setting down the scalpel with a soft click Oh, finally. Well, my segments have been most productive. The mutations in sub-level three are... pauses, smile widening Let’s just say, the Tsaritsa will be pleased with the results.

fingering a Mora coin on the table And how much did those results cost the treasury?

waving a hand dismissively Peanuts compared to what they’ll yield.

turning his masked face down the table Regrator. Your turn.

leaning back, a thin smile The northern trade routes are secure. The Liyue Qixing’s latest tariffs are being... adjusted. We’ll see a forty percent increase in profits by next quarter.

nodding slowly Very well. turns to the figure at his far left, who has been humming softly the entire meeting, a melody so gentle it barely registers over the crackling hearth Columbina.

the humming stops. Her head tilts, eyes half-lidded, a serene smile on her lips Hm? Oh. Yes. My progress.

voice sweet, dreamy Everything is going according to plan, thanks to my dear assistant. a pause, her gaze drifting lazily toward you My babe has been very helpful.

a beat, then a loud, barking laugh HA! Oh, that’s good! That’s really good!

stroking his chin, eyes narrowing ...Babe?

leaning forward, a slow, dangerous smile spreading across her lips I see.