Chapter 28: Never Enough Time

"Oh by the stars that is delicious~! Paimon, here, have some of this soup, the bamboo is so good!"

"Paimon will happily accept, but only if you accept Paimon's offer of this Perch Stew!"

The celebrating pair traded dishes, Lumine ensuring her napkin was still in its proper place to deflect the onslaught of morsels that pelted its valiant surface, not wanting her borrowed dress to end up a splattered disaster before the night had even gotten started.

And it was a pretty nice one too, provided by Ningguang in just her size and style, with a comfortable and flexible body stocking inlaid with gold stitching while a white Cheongsam satisfied her desire for the color to be present and accounted for.

As durable and familiar as her usual attire may have been even she felt a little bit bad for all the abuse she put the poor garment through. It had earned a break and trip to the finest seamstresses Liyue had to offer, free of charge.

"Where does it all go?"

"Answers yet elude the midnight eye, for tells of excessive weight distribution exist not upon the white knight's body."

"Aww, I love the way you say I'm not fat, Fischl~!"

Smirking at both her girlfriend and Keqing's familiar looks of complete astonishment as she and Paimon demolished a spread meant for a group of young and healthy men the Traveler poured a glass of wine for all present, clinking her glass against Paimon's as she and the sprite threw their heads back and chugged the entire thing in a single go, Keqing resignedly stating, "You're not supposed to guzzle wine like it's a cheap beer."

"And you also don't have a metabolism that's out of this world like mine~! Besides, a palette as refined as yours truly can appreciate it all at once rather than through-"

Thump!

"-oops, there goes Paimon."

The tiny girl had collapsed face first onto the table, lightly snoring as she hit her limit, a goofy giggle escaping Lumine's lips as she remarked, "Give me a second, I need to get her situated for the night."

"What do you mean by-"

Not waiting for Keqing's question to run its course the traveler instead carried Paimon like a baby to where the venue had a number of alcoves for the local cats, placing the winged girl onto a fluffy basket before covering her with a blanket, skipping back to the party with a spring in her step and smile on her lips as she caught sight of Fischl and Keqing both speaking to a number of other Qixing members, the Mondstadt native making some grandiose comment that predictably left the Liyue residents a fair bit perplexed until Keqing smoothly took over and translated what the investigator had meant, drawing looks of comprehension from the others as they smiled and laughed at something before taking their leave not long after.

It was a pretty adorable sight all things considered, Lumine's slightly inebriated gaze traveling downwards to the posteriors of her companions and feeling a predatory hunger wet her lips. Both Amy and Keqing had dressed not too dissimilar from her, although Amy sported a deep black as opposed to the lighter purple of Keqing, a contrast in colors that further had her libido rising to levels that weren't in danger territory yet but were one errant movement away-

"Whoops, there it is."

Amy had just cocked her hip while politely listening to the Qixing representatives, revealing just enough leg that she could see the curve of her butt, the Traveler deciding then and there that she was going to have one fair maiden in her bed come tomorrow morning, maybe two if she played her cards right and got lucky.

"After all, the headiness of a hard fought victory combined with no shortage of alcohol should make it easy for a gal such as myself to score a couple pretty flowers whose petals I get to pluck to my heart's content…eh heh heh~!"

Pausing only long enough to make sure she wasn't drooling - from either end - Lumine resumed her approach, arriving just in time to hear one of the departing Qixing state, "...ation beginning, thank you for you time, Madame Yuheng, Investigator Fischl."

"May the winds of fortune and tides of grace lift under your wings."

"Your words are appreciated, we will resume this discussion in a week's time."

The Traveler's eyes drifted to where the visitors had motioned, delight coursing through her body as she realized cheers had broken out where a gigantic replica of Rex Lapis was being carried around by the citizens of Liyue, more and more joining the parade as the sinuous body grew ever longer as people rushed to hold up their icon.

"Ladies, shall we?"

"Well, this is typically an event meant for the common citizenry to enjoy without-"

"I approve of your agreement, let's go!"

"Eh?!"

Grabbing both Fischl and Keqing's hands the Traveler dragged them towards the throng of people, grinning like a madwoman as she chirped, "You're the local, you lead the way~!"

Keqing seemed caught completely flat-footed at the sudden turn of events, Lumine taking the opportunity to get in a little close and bump her hips against the Qixing's, drawing a startled yelp while simultaneously guiding Fischl's hands to her waist, leaning back before sultrily whispering, "Make sure to hold on tight, Amy…" as she inwardly crowed with success at the pair of atomic blushes she drew from both girls.

A success that was briefly halted as she felt a gaze land upon her, subtly glancing around to see what had brought about such a tangible bit of focus…and smirked as off in the distance she saw Alec smirking at her, the man offering a thumbs up before mouthing 'later' as he vanished into the crowd, Lumine feeling a ball of warm relief settle into her gut at the sight of the fallen god alive and well.

Sure, it was unlikely he had been going off to die or something depressing like that but given his clearly weakened state compared to long ago she couldn't help but worry.

"Guess we're going to be having a fun little chat later on. But for now…"

"Come on, let's party~!"

With a wild laugh she all but bullied the other two into darting beneath the twisting effigy of Rex Lapis, the night descending into a haze of revelry and laughter.

"I hope those two brought their chastity belts, I don't think Lumine is going to let them escape her clutches so easily."

Shaking his head the girl's seemingly eternal quest to get laid the fallen god continued his way through the party, winding around revelers and dancers alike as he simply took in the atmosphere, curious what the harbor city would be like moving forward. After all, Morax stepping down was a momentous occasion that most would have associated with the end times of Liyue rather than a new era.

"You'd think being alive for so long would dull the many surprises that come along with it, but nope."

While history had the unfortunate tendency of repeating itself the people and means such events occurred through tended to be novel no matter how many iterations he witnessed…also his memory wasn't all that great and he tended to forget the finer details, meaning things managed to stay fresh thanks to his faulty old man brain.

"I suppose that's an advantage I have over the rest of the Archons. Their very nature 'blesses' them with minds and bodies more esoteric and impressive than my own. No need to feel the weight of my years too much when so much of it goes in one ear and eventually falls out the other."

Grinning at his own stupidity Alec almost missed the Qixing attendant easily falling in at his side, stating, "Alec Daman, correct?"

"That's me. What can I do for you?"

"Lady Ningguang asks for your presence, although she wished it made clear that this was not an order and merely an invitation."

More than happy to put off his awkward and impending talk with a highly charming young woman - because wasn't that a sterling example of ancient wisdom and bravery - Alec motioned for the man to lead the way, ending up at a private area of the venue where a group of finely dressed men and women amicably chatted or laughed, a smaller group of them departing from a concealed and guarded pavilion where he was ushered through without delay, finding none other than the Qixing leader herself, reclining on an ornate sofa and having abandoned her typical attire for something more festive, the golds and white still present but flowing sleeves and billowy skirts providing an air of relaxed authority that she wore well.

"You called, Empress of Liyue?"

Her eyes briefly flicked toward both ends of the pavilion, finding no others present…and a small smile was sent the man's way as she unleashed a satisfied groan, languidly stretching like a satisfied lioness as Alec openly smirked.

"I'm no politician, but so openly relaxing and admitting weakness before another seems out of character. Is this the part where I find myself silenced?"

"Nothing of the sort. I merely pride myself on being able to read and understand people and I believe I have you unraveled, to an extent. Sit, no need to stand on ceremony in private."

She poured him a glass full of wine, Alec happy to accept the offer before curiously responding, "Would you grace me with your thought process regarding how I was left bare before your gaze? And I didn't even get to take you out to dinner first."

Raising an eyebrow at his comment she nonetheless took it in stride, primly replying, "The first clue was your convenient arrival to Liyue just when guidance was needed most, your familiarity with many of the Adepti and our Archon suggesting a storied and trusted past, considering how Ganyu treated you as a dear companion rather than distant figure of authority. Factor in your equally close relationship with the Traveler and Mondstadt's famed investigator - both unconventional personalities - and you obtain the corner pieces of a puzzle."

She took a sip from her wine, seeming emboldened at Alec's intrigued expression before continuing on with, "The clinching behaviors were your general irreverence for most forms of authority and how you offered advice and aid for essentially no compensation whatsoever. However unlikely and strange it may seem you truly care not for most forms of material wealth or payment and focus on one's character rather than their station or projected image."

Taking a cheerful swig of his wine Alec replied, "You're essentially right on every front, My Lady. If nothing else I can assure you that many millennia of existence has not made me a more complex or deep soul."

"One could argue that age gives one a naturally intriguing outlook and wealth of experience to draw upon."

"They would be wrong, never underestimate someone's capacity to make fresh, entirely new mistakes over the course of however long they live. Also it somewhat hurts to have a woman as lovely as you imply I'm old."

"I have had more than a fair share of suitors seek my hand on a monthly basis, it will take more than a few appreciated compliments to sway my stance."

"As if your reputation or standing would suffer if you decided to take pity on a Mora-less wanderer such as myself. And nobody cares about the meaningless fifth wife or whichever alliance of convenience I would be relegated to."

"I'm hurt by the insinuation that I conquer and make use of hearts so callously."

"Oh I meant no offense by it, if anything it's an inspiring tale you've woven, of the little girl from the streets rising to the throne of the mercantile juggernaut of Teyvat."

It was brief but there was the slightest of twitches on Ningguang's features, a momentary lapse in control before she smoothly stated, "I'm not certain what origin stories you may have heard but-"

"Were you not the one who said that I care little for appearances and quirks? Or that I'm a friend to many Adepti and such that reside in Liyue? Madam Ping and a few of the older Liyue citizens of Human heritage had quite a few interesting stories to tell of a snowy-haired girl doggedly walking up and down the harbor, selling her wares to any and all who would give her the time of day."

The leader of the Qixing glared at Alec, the man vapidly smiling…and a defeated groan left her lips, hand pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Dare I ask how many know of this?"

"Not many. And you don't need to worry about your past being brought up as a weapon, all of those that I spoke up to did so with great pride and eagerness, they feel honored that they could see you rise to where you are now."

Much like her earlier movements the proud straightening of her spine was hard to see but nonetheless present, Alec grinning at the sight.

"Also that was a whole bunch of lies, I only had time to talk to Morax about Ningguang's past. Guess I'm still a passable liar."

Finishing off his wine the woman was gracious enough to refill it, the mood far more relaxed and friendly than it once was as Ningguang stated, "Forgive my lack of manners, I never thanked you for your counsel and actions during Liyue's most recent time of crisis. Your words and advice made the transfer of power and leadership as seamless as it could hope to be despite the trying circumstances and the Adepti have proven to be far more amenable to these changes than I initially hoped. Something that I imagine you had a hand to play in."

"Would you believe me if I said that was largely thanks to Keqing, Fischl and Lumine's actions? While I need to get the whole story from her in person I never stepped foot in Jueyun Karst since my arrival."

"Your energetic companion also snuck into the Golden House without permission and spoiled a Fatui plot, forcing them to awaken Osial before they had the opportunity to fully regroup and begin their assault. Preliminary raids and investigations have revealed that they intended to attack far more than the Jade Palace during the God's awakening, she has done Liyue a great favor. And I have not even touched upon her joining of the battle or her climactic part in it."

"I always knew blondie was an adrenaline junkie."

Chuckling at the fond statement Ningguang released a sudden huff, rubbing her temples in a moment of clear exasperation as she mused, "Yet problems aplenty exist, despite an ideal start. The role of the Adepti as mascots and idols or as tangible and active forces in Liyue policies is one of obvious contention. Or the tension-fraught issue of how monetary and financial decisions will be decided now that Rex Lapis no longer offers his foresight and vision."

Alec could practically imagine the bags carefully hidden by makeup underneath the woman's eyes.

"And let us not even speak of what we are supposed to do now that the energy that minted Mora with its qualities has vanished. Far more troublesome than 'mere' domestic issues we now face one that can affect all of Teyvat."

Alec paused with his wine glass halfway to his lips, brain stuck in a rut.

"Sorry, you said that the Geo flow is, well…gone?"

"Just so. It seems we relied on Rex Lapis for more than his counsel."

"...Morax you scaly IDIOT. How someone manages to be so wise and brilliant yet simultaneously DUMB is something I'm going to need another ten thousand years to process. I don't know how Guizhong didn't tear her hair out dealing with you when you were younger and a hell of a lot more hard headed."

Thinking quick on his feet Alec said, "Well if there's one thing we can learn from this it's that gods as powerful as Morax and Osial are never truly dead, their essence and memories shaping the world around them. I can talk with the Adepti and much like how their sigils revived Osial maybe we can stimulate the flow of Geo once more. Have contingencies, certainly, but maybe don't raise the alarm quite yet."

"If you can avert this crisis Liyue would willingly enter even further into your debt."

Resisting the urge to smack his head the male internally grumbled, "How do you forget about the Mora when it's named after you? Seriously, I'm the one with a mortal memory here!"

Breathing a bit easier and relaxing in her chair Ningguang idly observed, "In your presence one can't help but feel relaxed and at ease. Perhaps the wisdom and calm of your years washing over us mortals?"

"Being made fun of by a lady with vastly more amounts of power and influence than I possess is what I'd like to call bullying."

"Oh I imagine you have fought and beaten far greater threats than little old me, I find it difficult to believe you are belittled or intimidated in any fashion whatsoever."

"True, but I also wasn't trying to impress them."

Alec raised his glass the smiling woman's direction, petulantly stating, "And I saw you use your personal status of wealth and prestige to smack a God in the face with the force and fury of a meteor strike. I have reason aplenty to be worried."

Now openly laughing at his false complaints Ningguang made a shooing motion with her hand, amusedly stating, "As much as I would enjoy to spend the rest of the night with you there exists another maiden that is more deserving of your time. Perhaps you should use that wisdom of yours to woo my faithful secretary? She has been anxiously waiting for you to arrive all night and it's honestly becoming somewhat sad to see how hopeful she's acting."

Sighing in defeat Alec dryly replied, "As I said earlier age is no indication of wisdom, young lady. Nor is it any indication of courage, hence why I leapt at the opportunity to speak with you."

"For what possible reason could you be hesitating on this matter? You clearly are not awkward around women and I have never seen that Adeptus so girlish and silly before, I dare say she would leap at even the slightest showing of attention on your part. Although I suggest you not string her along, I intend to rebuild the Jade Palace and would not be above showcasing 'force and fury' once again."

Downing the rest of his wine Alec resignedly stated, "Because tonight I'm going to have to break a maiden's heart. Probably twice. A pleasure speaking to you, Lady Ningguang."

Leaving it at that and leaving a fairly perplexed woman in his wake the male resumed his journey through the party, sighing in defeat.

"What a mess. A mess I apparently made without prior consideration as well, who knew I was just that appealing?"

Shaking his head Alec decided to face the music, straightening his evening wear - thoughtfully provided by Morax as he didn't exactly have anything nice to wear at the moment - and making sure the hasty stitching to fit his slightly broader frame hadn't unraveled.

"Geez, when was the last time I was nervous for a date?"

Breathing out a sigh of resignation his sharp ears quickly picked up a collection of concerned and cajoling voices, the man correctly intuiting this was his target as he came across the sight of three nicely if professionally dressed young women surrounding Ganyu, quickly and quietly speaking about a subject that had him smiling in amusement despite his nerves.

"Lady Ganyu, I'm sure there must be a good reason for his absence! You needn't look so despondent on such a momentous occasion!"

"And why waste your time worrying over a man that cannot even have the decency to show his face during one of Liyue's most momentous celebrations?"

"Is there not a bevy of additional partners that you could instead seek out? I'm sure there exists not a bachelor in Liyue that would turn away your hand!"

Ganyu was quick to raise her said hands in protest, no doubt coming to his defense with a protest he couldn't hear as the man felt a smile pull at his lips.

It was reassuring to know that even among the mortal population of Liyue there existed no shortage of people willing to argue for the secretary's sake, even when she wasn't willing to argue for herself.

"Who's this dastardly fool that would dare miss out on the opportunity to grace the most lovely lady in all of Liyue with his presence?"

Four sets of eyes stared his way, three of them in surprise at his sudden appearance and one with delight, a radiant smile gracing Ganyu's lips as she eagerly announced, "Alec, you made it!"

"Any particular reason I wouldn't have? This is to celebrate your triumph over an age old enemy without the aid of your Archon, after all. And while I hate to break up a meeting between friends…"

Electing to have what fun he could despite the unfortunate circumstances Alec lightly pulled Ganyu to his side, slipping an arm around her waist as gasps and coos of delight left the trio, the Adeptus frozen mid-motion as no doubt tried to process the sudden showing of affection.

"Would the three of you mind if I borrowed your senior for the rest of the night?"

"Not at all~! Your timing could use some improvement but if you are truly here to entertain Miss Ganyu…"

"Biaxiao?!"

The Adepti's protest went unanswered as the three gave her gleeful waves and amused smiles, vanishing into the crowd as Alec innocently asked, "Are they your fans?"

"Please stop that…and no, they are my understudies and juniors. Biaxiao, Baishi and Baiwen. They only recently began aiding me in my work about two years ago and are proving to be quick at learning the job, even if there's a great deal to it."

"Which is your eternally polite and friendly way of saying they're still getting their feet wet in the labyrinthine beast that is the Qixing but show promise."

A rather cute pout was directed his way as the male smirked in amusement, relenting a moment later as he guided her deeper into the party, the Adeptus only making a half-hearted protest for a moment before acquiescing with a fond smile.

"How have you been ever since the battle? Ningguang pulled me aside and provided a brief rundown of all the headaches you're likely going to be facing in the future now that Morax isn't the supreme authority in Liyue."

"It's nothing too different, I was always used to-"

A knowing look from Alec had the woman sagging slightly.

"It's…difficult. When Rex Lapis still watched I was confident in my place and role within Liyue, certain that I was serving his will after all he had done for us and everyone else. Now? Lady Ningguang has been nothing short of wonderful and brilliant in guiding us during our first tentative steps but I wonder if there's now a place for us within…if Rex Lapis is gone what purpose do his retainers serve as expressions of his will? The Humans have long since outgrown our assistance in all matters except personal strength. And even that is a contentious topic."

Nodding in comprehension of her worry Alec replied, "I can understand your concern, if you ever want to step away from Liyue feel free to let me know and I'll take you on a tour across all of Teyvat. I'll help plead your case to Ningguang."

He favored the surprised Adeptus with a stern look.

"And if there exists not a single trace of apprehension or panic at the news that she's losing one of the most integral and valued pieces in the Qixing's function then I'll eat my hat or whatever article of clothing you pick."

"...Alec, that's not-"

"Feeling lost and uncertain is perfectly acceptable in this situation, millennia of tradition is being turned on its head. But to denounce and forget all that you've accomplished and contributed?"

He shook his head, concluding, "Look for and ask those among the Qixing's ranks who acts as the bedrock of Liyue's success and continued running and if you aren't included among that list I'd call into question their sanity or grasp of proper leadership and organizational skills. Or do you think your three juniors simply downtalked me earlier in your defense because you have horns on your head and not because they respect and admire you?"

"Y-you heard that?!"

Raising an eyebrow at the incorrect placement of focus Ganyu blushed slightly before regaining her composure, slowly asking, "You…believe that I still have a place here? In spite of all that's changed and will change?"

"If you don't want to take my word for it we can always go the Ningguang route and gauge her reaction. If you really want to see her tear her hair out we can do it right now."

An admonishing swat on the arm preceded a half-hearted glare, the Adeptus stating, "You really should be a bit nicer to her, while she can seem harsh and manipulative Lady Ningguang is nothing short of driven and dedicated to the prosperity of Liyue."

"And you should really learn to delegate, or am I wrong in assuming you also archive and read through intelligence reports in addition to your usual duties? How else would you have known about my return ahead of time?"

Ganyu awkwardly twirled a strand of hair around her finger, defensively murmuring, "Oh, well, it's just that I was a trusted member of the Qixing and rather than run the risk of someone unscrupulous reading those reports-"

"Say no more, I already know listening to your reasoning is going to give me a headache."

"Mmm…"

Chuckling at his earning of yet another pout the male gave her a brief squeeze closer to his side, stating, "You have something special you've built here, Ganyu. When all of you fought against Osial I was reminded of the days of the Guili Assembly…and this time I believe you have the strength to ensure it stands."

"You were watching us?"

"I was. Barbatos was also in attendance upon my invitation, although I'd ask you to keep that part to yourself."

He held up a hand to forestall the question he saw coming, gently stating, "I wouldn't have been of much help, Ganyu. The most I could do was hold off the Fatui foot soldiers and you had that part down just fine, I'm a far cry from how I was back then."

He shrugged, amicably musing, "And besides, against heavyweights like Osial I would have been helpless even if I was at full strength."

"I feel as if you undersell your prior strength and skill, Alec."

"I could do a lot of things, Ganyu. Fight a sentient storm capable of crushing and drowning me in just a few seconds definitely wasn't one of them."

"Rex Lapis and the other Adepti often suggested otherwise."

"Eh, they were just being nice."

Sighing at his perpetual irreverence - and drawing an amused smirk from the fallen god - Alec was quick to move the conversation along, stating, "We have heavy subjects aplenty to cover later tonight, enough about work. Unless my eyes deceive me there's a dance stage to the right and tonight is about rewarding you for all of the hard work you've done for a truly commendable span of time."

He capped off the statement with a brief caress of her right horn, the Adeptus shivering before giving him a petulant glare-

-that turned into a blaze of scarlet shyness as he whirled her around into an improvised waltz, a bit of departure from the local customs but the surprised glances and ecstatic grins they were receiving as the other partygoers realized the famed secretary of the Qixing had scored herself a date seemed a fair enough pass.

"Well, Ganyu? May I have this dance?"

Working through her titanic embarrassment enough to shoot him a pouty gaze the Adeptus mumbled, "It seems you have already taken liberty to do so."

"I'll take that as a yes."

The night still held it's share of unpleasant truths…but for now a small, tender moment of happiness didn't seem all that out of reach.