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The journey to Snezhnaya was a cold and unforgiving one. Even for someone like Yoshika, who had spent most of her life in the frozen nation, the biting winds and heavy snowfall were relentless. But she walked through it with practiced ease, her spear strapped to her back, her expression as unreadable as ever.

By her side, a small entourage of Snezhnayan soldiers moved in disciplined formation. They had been sent to escort her, but she neither needed nor wanted their protection. The only thing she wanted now was to see the Tsaritsa.

After hours of travel, the grand city of Zapolyarny Palace came into view, its towering structures gleaming beneath the pale light of the snow-covered sky. The sight was as majestic as ever, yet Yoshika felt no warmth from it.

At the palace gates, she dismissed the soldiers with a simple wave of her hand. They bowed and left without a word, disappearing into the icy expanse behind her.

As she stepped inside the grand halls, she was immediately greeted by the familiar presence of 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮, who was waiting near the entrance with her usual unreadable expression.

"Yoshika," Columbina smiled as she see her, acknowledged, her from head to toe. "You look well."

Yoshika let out a soft scoff. "Surprised?"

Columbina gave a small shake of her head. "Not at all. But you wouldn't have returned unless something was wrong."

Yoshika's eyes darkened slightly. "It's about Celestia."

Columbina's gaze sharpened. "Come. The Tsaritsa has been expecting you."

The two walked through the palace in silence. It was a place Yoshika had long been familiar with, yet every time she returned, she felt more like an outsider. The grandeur, the chilling beauty-it was all fitting for the God of Love, but Yoshika had never truly felt like she belonged here.

At last, they arrived before the throne room. The massive ice-carved doors opened on their own, revealing the ethereal figure of the Tsaritsa, seated upon her frozen throne.

Her presence was overwhelming, her beauty both haunting and divine. Cold mist swirled around her form, and her piercing eyes settled on Yoshika the moment she stepped forward.

"Yoshika," the Tsaritsa's voice echoed through the chamber, smooth yet distant. "You have returned."

Yoshika knelt on one knee, lowering her head in respect. "I have."

The Tsaritsa's gaze lingered before she spoke again. "I assume this is about Fontaine."

Yoshika stood, her expression unreadable. "Yes. Celestia is making its move. Fontaine is preparing for battle, but I came here because I need answers."

The Tsaritsa nodded slowly, as if she had already foreseen this. "Celestia's hand has always been present in the affairs of Teyvat, whether we saw it or not. But if they are finally revealing themselves... then war is inevitable."

Yoshika's fingers twitched slightly at her sides. "Then tell me-what do you know? What do they want?"

The Tsaritsa was silent for a moment before finally speaking. "They want to reclaim what they believe is theirs. And they will not stop until they do."

Yoshika narrowed her eyes. "And you? What will Snezhnaya do?"

The God of Love's gaze remained steady. "We will act when the time is right."

Yoshika's jaw tightened slightly, but she said nothing. She had expected this answer. The Fatui never acted impulsively-they moved only when the moment was most advantageous.

Columbina, who had remained silent throughout the conversation, finally spoke. "You're not planning to stay, are you?"

Yoshika turned to her, her dark pink eyes gleaming. "No. I will return to Fontaine."

Columbina expression didn't change, still smiling with her eyes close, but there was a knowing thought in her mind. "Because of her?"

Yoshika smiled slightly, though there was no humor in it. "Because of the fight ahead."

Columbina didn't press further. Instead, she simply said, "Then don't die."

Yoshika gave her a small, almost mocking smile. "I don't plan to."

The Tsaritsa watched their exchange with an unreadable expression. "Very well. If war is coming, then prepare yourself, Yoshika. You may find that your place in this world is far greater than you realize."

Yoshika held the Tsaritsa's gaze for a moment longer before turning away. She had no intention of staying longer than necessary.

She had a battle to return to.

And a certain former celebrity waiting for her.

---
𝖠𝖭 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: 𝖥𝖨𝖭𝖠𝖫𝖫𝖸 𝖢𝖮𝖫𝖴𝖬𝖡𝖨𝖭𝖠 𝖮𝖧 𝖬𝖸 𝖦𝖮𝖣????