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Chapter 63

The cold wind of Snezhnaya bit through Yoshika's coat the moment she stepped off the airship. Snowflakes swirled around her, the skies as gray as ever. Despite the frost, this place was home-or as close to home as she could have in Teyvat.

She walked through the streets of the capital, her presence instantly recognized by those around her. Whispers filled the air.

"She's back..."

Yoshika ignored them, making her way toward the grand palace where the Tsaritsa resided. The guards at the entrance bowed, opening the massive ice-carved doors without a word.

Inside, the atmosphere was just as she remembered-elegant yet cold, silent yet heavy with power.

At the end of the grand hall, atop an elevated throne of ice and silver, sat the Tsaritsa. Her presence was commanding, yet there was a quiet warmth behind those frostbitten eyes.

"Yoshika," the Tsaritsa greeted, her voice even. "You've returned."

Yoshika bowed slightly. "I have."

The Tsaritsa studied her carefully. "You've been gone longer than expected. Was Fontaine so compelling?"

Yoshika met her gaze, unfazed. "I had reasons to stay."

There was a brief pause before the Tsaritsa spoke again. "And now you are here. Tell me-what have you learned?"

Yoshika stepped forward. "The battle for Fontaine is inevitable. The enemy's movements are unpredictable, but we know they are coming. Fontaine's forces are prepared, but it won't be enough. They need Snezhnaya's support."

The Tsaritsa leaned back slightly. "And why should we intervene?"

Yoshika didn't hesitate. "Because if Fontaine falls, the balance of power shifts. The enemy isn't just after one nation-they want control over all of Teyvat. If we do nothing, Snezhnaya will be next."

A long silence filled the room. The Tsaritsa's expression remained unreadable.

Then, she gave the slightest nod. "Snezhnaya will stand with Fontaine."

Yoshika exhaled, though she hadn't realized she was holding her breath.

"I trust you have a strategy in mind?" the Tsaritsa asked.

Yoshika nodded. "Yes. But first, I need to speak with Arlecchino."

At the mention of her name, a voice echoed from the shadows.

"You called?"

Arlecchino stepped forward, her crimson gaze fixed on Yoshika. She looked the same as always-imposing, unreadable, and effortlessly composed.

Yoshika turned to face her. "We have work to do."

Arlecchino smirked. "Then let's not waste time."

The war was approaching, and Snezhnaya would not stand idly by.

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𝖠𝖭 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: 𝗌𝗈𝗋𝗋𝗒 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝗁𝗈𝗋𝗍 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋!!