"Yánwáng Dìjūn, as per his contract with the Anemo Archon, agreed to act as a "Dragon Carousel" and give rides on his back...!"
It was some time that those news reached them and the Millelith guard soon left the area,
And thanks to this shocking news, the two quarreling women had long stopped arguing,
Deciding to put their differences for now and continue with the earlier discussion...
*Apparently, both of them were at fault and also spoke the truth, at the same time,
And if they were to actually listen to one another, they would realize that what they both want is not so different, after all...
...
...
Now the meeting at the Yuehai Pavilion has been successfully resumed,
And yet, Dvalin still couldn't help but feel annoyed about how Barbatos betrayed him!
*To ride someone else instead of himself, especially the Geo Archon, who was a much older dragon...
...
Barbatos didn't plan to replace him, did he...?!
*And yes, Dvalin did realize that he still had Durin to mingle with,
But his relationship with the other dragon and his relationship with the Archon were fundamentally different!
...
With Durin it was more of a romantic soulmate relationship,
While with Barbatos, it was a special bond of trust and comradeship!
...
The vow of a dragon to serve and follow someone of a different species.
*It would still have been fine if Barbatos rode Durin, but as for anyone else...
...
...
He would need to have a few words with HIS Archon later.
...
"Uh, while we understand your annoyance with Barbatos, Dragon Dvalin and wouldn't stop you from lecturing our favorite Archon...", the Winds started, sounding a little unsure, before there was a small pause, "...The music event should be starting soon and we were pretty certain that you would want to see Barbatos participating, either way...", they words slightly cut off at the end there, before there was another short pause, "...Even though you seem to be annoyed at him, you are still going to listen to him sing, right...?"
They decided to end with this, soon waiting for the dragon's reply,
Who was reminded of the recent news at the start, his annoyance persisting...
...
Before he finally sighed, realizing that he couldn't really be mad at the Archon...
*He could be annoyed, even frustrated, but not mad...
...
Never truly mad...
"Fly freely in the sky.
Just like you did in those days when we met, when I walked upon this land and sang the songs of the wind,
And you soared on high, looking down on the world from above.
Today, the sky is no longer swept by wind and snow. The green grass grows all over the earth, and it is beautiful.
If you could walk on the earth and listen to the songs of shepherds and the scattered sound of the wind chimes in the distance, if you could have tasted wine as sweet as honey, you could understand.
How wonderful it would have been if you were as I, witnessing your noble, beautiful form as you soared through the blue sky.
Then you would know that this sky and this earth are both things worth fighting for."
...
Barbatos was the first person to accept him.
And the one who welcomed him back after he was led astray...
...
-I apologize, but I would have to leave this meeting now. -He soon told those around, trying to sound as formal as possible, upon getting up from his seat. -I heard that the music event should start soon and I don't plan on missing Barbatos participating in it.
He explained and before anyone could as much as blink, proceeded to turn around and swiftly walk away from the area,
Leaving everyone to look after his quickly retreating form, which soon completely disappeared from sight...
...
-Well then, it's about time we left for the event, too. -Madame Ping was the first to break the silence, as she soon got up from her seat, as well. -We discussed quite enough for one day and should join the celebrations, right...?~ -She added in some amusement, as she soon turned around, with her back to everyone. -The matter of the mortals and the Adepti cooperation might be important, but we shouldn't forget the importance of Lantern Rite.
She added in a more quieter and calmer, yet slightly melancholic voice,
Before proceeding to slowly leave the area, as well...
...
Leaving everyone else to look between one another, soon deciding to do the same...
...
"On this marvelous Lantern Rite, we pray that the fallen heroes may be guided home.
Every single wish, no matter how small, is worth seeing to fruition.
We will finally reunite with those we long for on a dreamlike night."
...
...
As many changes as Liyue might have had until now and would have in the future,
Some things should still remain the same, as reminiscences of the past...
At the same time in Wanmin restaurant,
Some time after everyone stopped eating,
Klee was suddenly struck with an important memory!
"Everyone, it's regrettable for me to say this, but I am going to leave you now.
Don't worry, you will see me during the music event, as I am going to be one of the participants. So make sure to attend it, alright...?~
As for who I am keeping in charge of our exciting "Dragon Carousel"...Hu Tao, Klee, it's up to you two to make it the best!"
...
-The food was so tasty, that Klee forgot about the music event! The one where Venti, Sister Barbara, Miss Xinyan and Miss Yun Jin will be performing! -She yelled out soon enough, her eyes widening to the size of saucers, with the rest of the children soon showing similar reactions. -WE HAVE TO LEAVE FAST OR WE WILL BE LATE!
At these words, they turned to look towards Zhongli,
Who at the moment was busy enjoying a cup of Osmanthus wine...
*He did notice everyone's stares, but he was having a well deserved break,
And moreover, in order to fully enjoy the delicate taste of Osmanthus wine...
-Zhongli, it's time to go back to being our ride~ You do remember that your punishment is still not over, right...?~ -Hu Tao almost sang into his ears, looking and sounding very amused, as she went towards and stood near him. -I know how much you love your Osmanthus wine, but you better hurry it up, so we can get to the event in time~ -She added in some teasing, while starting to poke his right cheek with her finger, without much reaction from him. -Heh, just like Venti said, you are truly just like an unmoving rock, aren't you, Zhongli...?
-Director Hu, if you just let me finish this cup, I will make sure to "hurry it up" to the specified area. -Zhongli soon said, trying to sound calm, yet slightly failing. Of course that drunkard would tell her that...! -Moreover, I do remember my punishment, so there is no need to...
-Grandpa Zhongli, can you bring Klee and the others to Venti? -His words were suddenly interrupted by a saddened voice, as the child was now standing nearby and looking towards him with teary eyes, the others mimicking her in varied states of success. -Klee promises to be a good girl and not use her bombs for a whole week!
She continued, her teary expression now turning into a full blown "Kicked Puppy",
With most children now mimicking it perfectly, while Qiqi just looked depressed instead...
*Zhongli soon realized how powerful the manipulation effects of these expressions were on others,
So strong that the one who perfected and used it the most, Barbatos, was not entirely immune to them...
...
And while Zhongli had to admit that he also occasionally used a variation of one to his advantage,
The ones that the children were showing him now, even Qiqi, were on another level entirely...
...
...
Albeit he did not appear as one outward, Barbatos was truly a dangerous teacher,
If left unchecked and allowed to roam free, sooner or later all of Teyvat might get infected by this dangerous...
-If you would let me, I would love to escort you to the event area. -His thoughts were interrupted once again, this time by Kazuha, who proceeded to partially pay for their tab, as well as buy a bottle of Osmantus wine. -I also wish to see their performance, one which would surely be the unforgettable, the pleasant experience for this Lantern Rite~
He made sure to add upon giving Zhongli the wine bottle, which the other calmly took,
As he soon realized that perhaps, his current punishment was not truly as dissatisfying as he initially thought...
...
...
It was high time to ascertain what that drunkard was currently doing...
-Uh, isn't it almost time for the music event to start...? I think they called it "Xīn xīng dēng lóng". -Chongyun couldn't help but comment, as he opened his eyes after some time of intense self-imposed meditation. "Rising Lanterns", it was quite a fitting name...-...Perhaps we can come down to the harbor and listen to...
He suddenly cut himself off mid sentence, as realization hit him...
...
Xinyan is one of the participants, isn't she...?
And if that's true...
"I avoid Xinyan's performances like the plague. That heated atmosphere... Even if you don't intend to get involved, it still... Let's just say that it gets me all hot and bothered."
...
...
It was not such a good idea for him to attend the event, after all...
*If he got overly enthusiastic again and did something embarrassing...!
-You know, my good friend, you are absolutely right. It wouldn't do for us to ignore such an important event~ -His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by an eerily cheery voice, as Xingqiu now stood near him, looking quite amused and slightly teasing. -And due to my request, dear Chongyun, you had to sit down and wait for us to finish our discussion. Attending the music event would surely be a good change of pace.
-...That indeed would be a nice change of scenery. -Emilia agreed, as she also soon got up from her seat and went to stand by the other two. -Seeing as we unitedly agreed to spectate it, it would be best if we leave for the event now. Were we to delay any longer...
-We would surely miss its beginning. -Xingqiu ended for her, sounding slightly intrigued now too, as he soon turned to look towards his still sitting friend. Who had quite the entertaining expression on his face~ -So, let us depart now, dear Chongyun. The faster we reach the event area, the better.
And with these words, he practically ushered the exorcist to stand up and follow along,
Which the other soon did, as he realized that his "friend" has completely set his mind on it...
*Well, if it was just for this reason alone, he would have already tried to run away,
But as things stand, Xinyan isn't going to be the only participant, right...?
...
And in order to harmonize with everyone else, she would be taking it easier, right...?
*The atmosphere shouldn't become as heated as usual and he would also be able to listen to the others sing...
...
...
Surely, it's truly going to be a "good change of pace" and he would be able to...
-Oh, hello Chongyun, Xingqiu and a guest! Are you also going to the music event? Mind if we join you? -He was interrupted by a happy voice, as Yoimiya soon walked towards the group, followed by a few "pets". -I was staying in Qingqe village for some time and was late for the start of Lantern Rite. I am truly glad that I am just in time for the music event! -She gratefully added, as she and her small companions soon mingled with the trio. -It was truly shocking to find out that Traveler left most of their little friends here before leaving for Sumeru, but I can still understand why they did it. I just hope that whatever they are doing at the moment, they are alright...-Her voice got sadder by the end, as she was quiet for a few seconds, before her smile came back. Wherever happens, she would be here to cheer them up when they return! -...I am actually glad that the Traveler left them all here, as they are very good company. During my stay in Qingqe village and the work on the fireworks for the festival, they were all a great help~ Not only did they kept me company and helped me out in various tasks, they played with the children and helped the villagers when I couldn't~
She continued with this, feeling quite happy that her time in Liyue went so well,
Though she still felt a little sad that her father couldn't join her, left to take care of their shop...
...
But it was alright, even if her father is not here, she will make sure to have fun,
To experience Lantern Rite, take a lot of photos and buy souvenirs for her father...
*And not just her father, she was going to buy gifts for the Inazuma children, as well~
Surely, they would be happy to receive some new toys~
...
...
...
-Oh, hello everyone. It's a nice evening, right? Are you on the way to the music event, too...? -A familiar voice was heard from nearby, as Childe and Tonia were walking towards the group, the ginger male looking a little sheepish. -This is my little sister, Tonia! And my two younger brothers, Teucer and Anthon would surely be spectating the event, as well~ -He explained to them, clearly trying to act cheery and mostly failing, all the while Tonia was giving him judging looks. And he was trying really hard to ignore those looks...-W-well, we better hurry it up, right...? The event is almost...! -His words were interrupted by a melody reverberating in the area, to which he and the others got taken aback for a few seconds, before proceeding with their walk. -Haha! It's really starting soon, isn't it? Should be any minute now, right...? We should really hurry it up or we will completely miss the beginning!
And with these words he hurried his pace, short of running,
Though as for why he reacted this way, most of the people didn't know...
*But Tonia surely did, Childe was pretty certain of it,
After they left for Northland Bank for the "talk"...
...
...
The lecture ended only recently and he was still shaken from the occasion...
*To think she would lay out on him like this...His own little sister!
...
Moreover, once she found out he would have readily drowned Liyue Harbor,
Indifferent to the safety of the people and especially their families...
...
She started giving him these judging looks,
A reaction which he realized he deserved, but still...
*Unlike himself, she was a good person...A good child...
...
...
But still, he was her big brother and she was his little sister,
For Tonia to react to him in this way…
…
It just felt so wrong!
…
…
Did she really hate him now?!
...
DID SHE?!