Lucky for us that it is, really. Otherwise we'd lose a major entry route to Liyue's economy. [Sure, the Fatui have their fingers in other pies (arms dealing, black markets, even some legitimate business ventures here and there), but their most lucrative operation here is definitely loans and debt collection. As a Harbinger, Childe's got more wealth than he knows what to do with, but it's not like the other Fatui are strapped for cash either. (Well, unless they're stupid, but that's not his problem.)]

Spend a week or two with my mother, she'll make you an expert at it in no time at all. [Sometimes you manage a household of 257863587 kids and there is simply no choice but to budget wisely... but anyway. He lifts a hand at the guards, acting for all the world like it's not supremely weird for him to be back here after he already left. Vlad greets him with a startled "sir?", but Childe doesn't stop to respond as they head inside. Ekaterina is clearly surprised to him too, but he doesn't acknowledge her beyond a little wave either, dodging the counter and leading the way up the steps so they can go talk in his office.]

Ah, yes--I'll have to let them know I'll be later than expected. [He sighs, running a hand through his hair.] I was supposed to, ah, "return" directly there, but it didn't work out.