After another hour has passed,

The two Archons have finally teleported back...

-Shenhe, how long were you waiting? -Zhongli couldn't help but ask soon enough, starting to feel a little guilty for having her wait for them, before he noticed the bundle in her arms. -...The outfit in your hands, is it perhaps...?

-Traditional Liyue attire given to me by Ganyu for Lord Barbatos. I kept it a secret from her that you two left. -Shenhe respectfully answered him, as she proceeded to get up from the chair, walk towards and stop by Venti, soon giving him the outfit. -I heard it and a few others were specially prepared for the "Lantern Rite guests" as per Lady Ningguang's request. -She calmly explained, as she noticed him looking the clothes over. -I can help you don it, if you wish me to. It should go faster this way. And then, as your guard, I would like to escort you through the Harbor.

She suggested, glancing towards Zhongli at the words "as your guard",

A look that the Archon clearly noticed, yet decided not to say anything about...

-Thank you, Shenhe. I appreciate your help! -Venti gratefully said, as he gave her back the clothes and made "his own" disappear, only the Anemo tattoos now seen on his "naked" body. -Hehehe, it should be a lot easier like this, right...? And since we are already inside a building...-His words suddenly broke off, as he saw Zhongli's slightly tired expression, which made him realize something crucial. He was not in Mondstadt at the moment, but in Liyue...-...Uh, well, Liyue culture...I know it, yes...It was just so long that I was here last...

-It doesn't matter to me wherever you are clothed or naked. -Shenhe interrupted him, looking and sounding unbothered, as she proceeded to give him the first layer of clothes to wear. -...Human culture, for me who lived in the mountains alongside the birds and the beasts for so long, it doesn't matter all that much...

She soon mumbled, as she continued helping Venti wear the Hanfu,

Sounding pretty nonchalant, yet there was also a tint of sadness in her voice...

*Sadness that both Archons could clearly discern, though only Zhongli knew the reason for:

Shenhe's traumatic past, before she was taken in as an apprentice of Cloud Retainer...

...

...

But as much as he might have wished to help her, he wasn't the right person to do so,

As her master's "liege", she held him in high regard and refused to "burden with her problems"...

*But he did notice how she befriended the Traveler, as well as the people of Liyue, including Ganyu and Yelan,

As such, sooner or later, Shenhe is bound to open her heart to them and slowly heal from the scars her own father inflicted on her...

...

...

Speaking of opening up, he couldn't help but ponder on his and Barbatos' earlier discussion,

As well as the fact that he was still keeping many secrets from his friend...As well as his latest realizations...

...

The first one was quite silly on his part, the truth of Barbatos' actual age,

Which, if you take the "before Wind Spirit" phase into account, would make his friend at least twice as old as himself...

*And yet that drunkard kept teasing him about being "an old grandpa", when he himself is actually...!

...

It seems that thanks to the Power of Time that Barbatos possessed and was gradually growing,

He had a certain resistance to the effects of corrosion, which in due time might turn into an immunity...

*So even if his friend might be older, he is still in better shape than someone with "Godly dementia"...

...

Not only that, but even if he was unlike the Traveler from the stars, who could completely purify corruption,

Thanks to Barbatos' connection to Istaroth, as well as the effect of the Equivalent Exchange, he can stop, revert and speed up someone's time...

*This ability, which Istaroth used on Barbatos 500 years ago in order to save his life, was as powerful as it was dangerous...

...

And Istaroth must have also been the one who was currently using the Anemo Gnosis in order to infiltrate Celestia's system,

The Power of Time, which was now enveloping the Gnosis and seemingly shielding the Anemo Power beneath, was a clear indication of that...

*Zhongli wasn't sure what Istaroth was trying to do by this, but from what he already knew and what Barbatos told him,

There seemed to be a secret war going on in the background, with all of Teyvat being its stage...

...

At the moment and considering everything that happened up until now, things were still fairly calm,

But sooner or later, with all the organizations working against one another and everything that was going on in the background...

...

This world and everyone within it, would surely be sucked into this "game of chess",

All of them simply chess pieces on a board, some just less disposable than others...

...

...

...

It was a long time since he played chess with anyone, Zhongli soon realized,

As he couldn't help but wonder how much time was left until the start of Lantern Rite...

*He would really like to have a stroll through the Harbor before it starts, gladly accepting Shenhe's earlier offer...


"Theater Mechanicus is a fairly new kind of board game that I invented around a year ago.

All you need to play is a table, a few game pieces and a game master.

The objective of the game is to use various strategies to withstand the monster attacks.",

Was the game's summary, as told by its designer, Ruijin...

...

And yet the currently ongoing game was even more excitable than usual,

With both of its players desperately trying to have the other experience a crushing defeat...

*Which would normally be an extreme reaction to have over a tabletop, tower defense like, strategy game,

Yet this "desperate battle" between a Mondstadt guest and a Fatui Harbringer was still enjoyable to watch for many people...

...

As such, it didn't take long for a big crowd to gather around it's two players,

With Kaeya and Yelan soon deciding the gather a "special VIP access" fee,

Which gave people the ability to watch the "battle" from closer by...

*This whole idea turned out quite profitable to the two blue haired masterminds,

Who also agreed to share some of the profits with Enjou, as a token of appreciation for the initial suggestion...

-...I simply didn't want to lose my sparring partner...-The Lector-in-human-form soon quietly admitted, as he continued to watch Childe and Diluc play, while Madame Ping was acting as their game master. -...But I don't mind getting a small "reward" from you two. Having some Mora in my possession is always a good thing~

-...I am glad that we came to an understanding. -Kaeya told him, looking and sounding a little amused, as well as glad. -...But really, it looks like Diluc is having a lot of fun with the game.

He couldn't help but add soon enough,

Quite happy about seeing the growing smirk on the other's face...

-It's not quite the break that you wanted him to have, but it still turned out pretty effective, nonetheless. And we already managed to secure a good amount of Mora out of this. -Yelan was the next to comment, as she looked between the players and the crowd with an amused expression, before she turned to glance at Kaeya. -...Cavalry Captain Kaeya, I am glad to say that this event has initiated the start of our "special relationship".

She soon respectfully said, upon offering him a handshake...

-...Likewise, Intelligence agent Yelan. -He soon answered, in a similarly respectful way, as he proceeded to shake her hand. -This is a successful start of our partnership. I am certain that...

His words suddenly cut off, as he looked somewhere to the side and his expression turned a little confused,

With Yelan soon realizing that he might have seen something puzzling and followed his line of sight,

Just in time to see the crowd hurriedly parting to the sides, creating a straight line to the front...

-...Well, this was quite fast! It's like the parting of the red sea! -A familiar voice was soon heard from further along the line, sounding amazed, yet also slightly confused. -...Do the people here usually react like this, Morax...?

-...They are normally quite respectful and considerate, but usually not to this extent. I truly wonder what happened for them to react in this way...-Another familiar voice was soon heard, sounding as confused and also slightly thoughtful, before there was a small pause. -...Shenhe, there is no need for you to glare at them with such murderous intensity. -Zhongli soon added, before there was another small pause. -...I understand your sentiment, but they didn't even know we were coming. As such it is not a show of disrespect in any way or form and shouldn't be...

-Before you start one more of your long lectures, Morax, let's just go to the front, okay...? -He was soon interrupted by the familiar, yet now slightly annoyed voice of the other Archon, as seconds later Zhongli and Venti were seen walking through the parted line, Shenhe tailing them from behind with a frown on her face. -Oh, Master Diluc, Childe, you seem to be having so much fun! What is this new game you are currently playing? -Venti soon ran towards and stopped by the game table, proceeding to inspect the game. -...Hm, even though Childe seems to have an advantage, if you just put that Cryo Mechanici near the...

-No outside help allowed, bard. I want to crush the Fatui by my own hands. -Diluc interrupted him midway, as he and everyone else were now looking towards the sudden arrivals. -But a small break wouldn't hurt anyone. We already played a few games on repeat. -He soon added, upon moving his chair slightly away from the game table. -...Now then, I see that you were also given a Hanfu by Miss Ganyu. It fits you well, Venti.

The redhead admitted in slight warmth, as he glanced at the outfit in appreciation:

A sky blue Hanfu with long billowing sleeves and the emblem of Mondstadt stitched into the back,

And with Dandelions and Cecilia flowers stitched all over the Hanfu, a thick dark blue ribbon securing it around his middle,

Over the Hanfu was a sheer light green robe that faded to light blue at the ends and a wind pattern was subtly stitched into it…

...

He had to admit that it looked truly good on the bard...His Archon...

...

Though it was weird that the Geo Archon didn't wear anything similar to this,

Were the people of Liyue perhaps still preparing a special outfit for him...?

*Considering how respectful they were towards "Zhongli", this must truly be the case,

But if Venti's outfit was this grand, just how more grander would...?

-Lord Barbatos, Yánwáng-dìjūn, it's most pleasing to see you two here. -His thoughts were interrupted by the respectful voice of Xingqiu, who together with Chongyun, just walked towards the recently arrived trio and went into a little bow. -I have to apologize, for now that the greetings are done, I must leave you in order to speak to a future partner of mine. -He continued with this, before straightening up, turning around and proceeding to go towards and stand by a certain Alchemist. -Miss Emilia, I presume...? I heard that you planned to discuss a certain new book you wish to publicize?

He asked in respect, as well as some enthusiasm,

Clearly already highly intrigued by the book she wrote...

...

-Uh, Lord Barbatos, yes...? -Chongyun slightly sheepishly started, before he straightened himself. -My name is Chongyun. My family has practiced the art of exorcism in Liyue for many generations. May you enjoy this year's Lantern Rite. -He respectfully continued, before looking up towards a certain person, his expression turning a little embarrassed. -...It's good to see you too...A-auntie Shenhe. As a member of our...-His words suddenly cut off, as his expression turned from embarrassed to scared. -...I-I am sorry, but I have to go! If I stay here she will surely target me again!

He couldn't help but say aloud, already deciding on his route of retreat,

As he really didn't want to meet up with the person who almost poisoned him before...

*He still clearly remembered the last time she made a spicy popsicle for him and...!

-Oh, Chongyun, so you were here~ -A familiar amused voice was soon heard, as Hu Tao walked into the scene, the aforementioned person bolting through the crowd. -...Oh, he ran away from me again. Even though it was just a prank. -She soon added in some disappointment, before she noticed the glare sent her way, her expression turning confused. -...Yes, Shenhe, what is it that you...?

-What did you do to Chongyun, Hu Tao? -The other interrupted her, looking quite murderous again. -...You didn't aggravate his "congenital positivity" condition again, did you...?

-W-well, you see...-Hu Tao sheepishly started, a little intimidated by the other's murderous glare.

-Hu Tao is afraid. Seeing her like this...Makes me happy. -Was heard from nearby, as another group, this time consisting of Qiqi, Yaoyao, Klee and Baizhu(+Changsheng) soon arrived to the area. -Must be because Hu Tao tried to bury Qiqi before. I still despise Hu Tao.

-Hi, Venti! Hi, Big sister Emilia! Hi, Weird Grown-up! Hi...! -Klee soon enthusiastically started with her greetings, the whole thing taking quite a while, as many familiar people were in the area. -After having a lot of fun with Qiqi and Yaoyao, we heard there was "something fun" happening here and decided to come and see what it was!

-I DEEPLY APOLOGIZE! -Was suddenly heard from nearby, as a brown haired and brown eyed woman suddenly ran into the scene and fell into a bow before Venti. -You are Lord Barbatos, right...? Seeing you together with Yánwáng-dìjūn...I...! I DEEPLY APOLOGIZE! DURING LAST YEAR'S RITE OF DESCENSION, WHEN THE DISTINGUISHED TRAVELER WAS HERE, I...! -She soon continued in even more panic, as she moved even lower to the ground. -...My name is Linlang and I am the owner of "Xigu Antiques". I, without even knowing anything about you or your love for Mondstadt, believing mere rumors...I badmouthed you to your friend and even insinuated that "Mondstadters are akin to orphans" and...!

She soon went on a whole apologetic tale about what she did, the sin that she so shamelessly committed against the Anemo Archon,

And the words she uttered at that time, ones she regretted saying and couldn't forget, once she found out the truth...

...

"The Qixing is comprised of mere mortals. Rex Lapis is a god. Mondstadt's god is nowhere to be seen, whilst our god is forever with us.

Stay in Liyue long enough and you'll see...

Given that you just left your godless city, it's time you experienced what it's like to be in a city whose god has walked with it through all of history."

...

"Rex Lapis is like a father who takes care of everything for you.

I guess Mondstadters are more like orphans in that sense — no father or mother to look after them...

They must get lonely sometimes?"

...

...

Those words she so shamelessly and ignorantly uttered back then,

Only to be proven wrong once she heard about what happened during the "Fatui invasion" and after…!


The soothing sound of the waves,

The sea air gently blowing through her hair,

The beautiful sight she saw from atop the crow nest...

-I am truly grateful that we could go on this small cruise, sister. -Barbara couldn't help but say soon enough, as she was warmly smiling. -...And I am glad that I could share this experience with you...

She added a little quieter, almost in a mumble,

Pretty certain that her sister didn't hear her due to the wind...

*But in truth, Jean did hear her, yet decided to keep this fact secret,

Not wanting to ruin the good time that Barbara was clearly having now...

...

Instead, she quietly watched her little sister enjoying herself,

Before glancing down, towards the others at the deck of the ship...

...

She could clearly see Noelle enthusiastically discussing something with Furong,

Though as for what they were talking about so vigorously, she had no idea...

*But for some weird reason, she couldn't help but feel slightly embarrassed...

...

She also noticed Kazuha and Huixing standing a little further away from Sea Drake and the steering wheel, having a discussion of their own...

*Since she already knew about Huixing's job as a Navigator, it was pretty clear what they could be talking about...

...

The rest of the Crux crew appeared to be busy doing their duties,

And seeing this, Jean couldn't help but wonder how things were in Mondstadt at the moment...

*As soon enough she started imagining how everyone was doing and if everything was alright...

...

...

Unbeknownst to the now thoughtful Acting Grandmaster, or anyone else on the ship for that matter,

A big and ominous purple-like shadow has suddenly appeared beneath the waves,

With it soon separating into two, as they proceeded to quietly tail after the vessel...