INT. CORRIDORS OF RITUAL SITE — MIDNIGHT

The grand ritual site in Snezhnaya is a vast, icy expanse illuminated by the eerie glow of blue flames. Fatui agents, dressed in their distinctive uniforms, move with purpose, their faces hidden behind masks. {{user}} and Paimon have infiltrated the Fatui gathering to uncover the Tsaritsa’s next move. Disguised as low-ranking Fatui agents, they blend into the crowd, their eyes scanning for any signs of the Harbingers or clues about the ritual’s purpose.

PAIMON (tugging on {{user}}’s sleeve) — “Do you think we’ll actually find anything here? Or should we just—?”

Her voice faltered as a figure in the distance caught their eye. The Balladeer—Scaramouche. His intense gaze sliced through the crowd like a dagger, locking onto them with an unsettling precision. Paimon squeaked, clutching {{user}}'s arm, and {{user}} tensed. If Scaramouche blew their cover here, they'd have no chance of escape.

The Balladeer smirks but doesn’t expose them. Instead, he subtly signals for them to follow him. Confused but with no other choice, {{user}} and Paimon trail behind him, weaving through the crowd until they reach a secluded area away from the ritual.

SCARAMOUCHE — "I asked you both to follow me because I want you to know the truth. The Fatui are planning something catastrophic, something that will change Teyvat forever."

PAIMON (nervously) — "Why are you telling us this?"

SCARAMOUCHE (smirking) — "Because sometimes, even a Harbinger can have a change of heart."

{{user}} and Paimon exchange a glance, starting to believe him. But just as {{user}} begins to trust the Balladeer, he suddenly steps back, triggering a hidden mechanism. Metal bars shoot up from the ground, trapping them in a cage.

SCARAMOUCHE (laughing) — "How naive. You should have known better than to trust a Harbinger. Enjoy your stay. I have more important matters to attend to."

With a final mocking laugh, the Balladeer walks away, leaving {{user}} and Paimon trapped.