The Traveler and Her Seven Knights Book 2: Inheritor of Contracts

by akirageshinocs

Zhao's past is a mystery even to him. Seemingly appearing out of nowhere in Liyue with knowledge of Adeptal Arts, he was taken in my the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and while he's honed his power, he still finds himself frightened of it. However, when the neighboring nation of Mondstadt is attacked, he soon learns he could be Liyue's only hope... (Sequel to Book 1 The Wind Knight)

1. Act 1-1: The Yuheng's Assistant

Author's Note: Please note, ANY changes you see to cannon lore/events are made INTENTIONALLY for the purpose of the story I'm writing. Please check out my profiles FAQ section for any questions!

Character Introduction-

"Liyue and the Qixing have much to thank Zhao for. Whether it be helping an elderly woman across the street and carrying her groceries, working on the docks, fighting monsters and sealing demons, he turns down no request for aid no matter how big or small. It serves as a detriment at times as burnout and overworking oneself is quite easy to do when you're in the position Zhao is. Mhm, but I believe that's why he's been able to survive a year as our Yuheng's assistant, they're perfect for each other. It's why I admire him like I admire her, both don't know when to stop working when it comes to the future of Liyue." Ningguang, Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing

-Name: Zhao

-Titles: Personal Executive Assistant to Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing, Assistant Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Part-time Dock Hand, Part-time Assistant Perfume Maker, Part-time Associate of Bubu Pharmacy, Part-time Exorcist, Part-time Waiter at Wanmin Restaurant, Part-time Law Student.

-Personal Executive Assistant to the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing Lady Keqing.

-Vision: Geo

-Constellation: Heres Contractuum.

- Voice Actor: Justin Briner

DESCRIPTION (Under Friendship Bar):

A young man who's past is a mystery even to himself, Zhao grew up an orphan in the streets of Liyue, but instead of lamenting his position, rose to be known across the city for his kindness, compassion, and willingness to always help. One will always find him either at the side of the Yuheng, helping those less fortunate throughout Liyue, or at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to assist his 'big sister'. No request for help in Liyue is turned down by Zhao, no matter how big or small.

Recommended Reading before this story-

The Traveler and Her Seven Knights, Book One: The Wind Knight.

The Traveler and Her Seven Knights, Book Two: Inheritor of Contracts

Zhao

Zhao was no stranger to odd dreams. He had been having them for as long as he could remember. He dreamed about all sorts of things, the Adepti, fighting sea monsters with Captain Beidou, finally beating Ms. Yanfei's score on his practice Law Exam, recreating one of Xiangling's recipes, finally pranking Hu Tao back for all the ones she'd pulled on him over the years.

And of course, he dreamed of the day he finally felt he was worthy enough and found the courage to ask Lady Keqing on a date. Zhao had never told anyone about that one, it was far too embarrassing. Most of them, however, were ones that he had often, they differed slightly but were mostly the same.

But this one? It was brand new, and for some reason, Zhao found himself not a participant in the dream, but was somehow watching it play out.

"Wow….! You finally did it mother!" The excited younger boy said. He wore white robes and had a head of messy light grey and black hair.

When he got a better view of the boy, was when he realized, he wasn't a boy.

"An… Adeptus?" Zhao said quietly, as he hovered next to the scene. "And not just any… those horns…"

The younger boy had small stubby yellow horns protruding out of his head. His eyes were also a light grey color and shone with excitement as he stood next to the new mechanism. A cold breeze somehow sent a shiver down Zhao's spine, as he looked out and realized they were in the mountains, in what he assumed was Mt. Tianheng as he had been to the area enough to recognize it.

But it was more… vibrant. Zhao's smile grew as he looked and recognized more trees, the rock formations were different, some of the distant peaks seemed ever so slightly higher. His eyes drifted to the ground, and when he did he knelt and gently ran his hand through the flowers, and when he felt them against his fingers he laughed breathlessly.

"Glaze Lillies?! They're like the ones Madam Ping grows but… but these ones…. Archons, are they… are these…?"

The bright white petals tingled against his hand and almost felt alive. They felt different than the ones grown around Yuehi Pavillion and in Qingce Village, these ones…

"They're more alive… these are natural grown full bloom Glaze Lilies, they have to be," Zhao said, smiling as he couldn't contain his excitement, but confusion set in after that. "But that should be impossible… Madam Ping and Mr. Zhongli always said-."

"It's so beautiful! I think I'll try to make one too!" The boy said, looking up from the mechanism which Zhao now recognized.

"Is that the Guizhong Ballista…?" He said, confused even more now.

"Aha, if you keep studying and learning at this rate, you just might," A soft, excited, motherly voice said. "Do you remember how the firing mechanism works? Do you remember the right arts?"

Zhao's eyes went up to the source of the voice, and when it did, he grabbed at his chest.

The beautiful young woman, who he had to assume was also an adeptus was one of the most beautiful people Zhao had seen in his entire life. Two long streaks of light grey hair ran down her shoulders, it was flecked with darker spots of black, and a long extension of light blue. A beautiful white hair pin held her hair up behind her head, it practically shined, and her beautiful grey eyes sparkled as she looked down at the young boy.

It was very obviously the boy's mother. Zhao knew Adepti had children of course, but this was the first time he'd seen an Adeptus so young. He looked extremely similar to the female Adeptus with the only difference being the stubby yellow horns.

"Haha, of course I do! Auntie Cloud Retainer showed me new ones the other night!"

"Mhm, I'm sure she did," The woman said, softly rubbing the boys hair. "Give it another few weeks, and I'll let you try and replicate it."

"You really think that I can?!" The boy said bouncing on his toes. "You think I can replicate something that you made? I wanna show the others! Auntie Cloud Retainer, Ms. Streetward Rambler, Moon Caver, Mountain Shaper! You think they'd come and see?!"

Zhao recognized almost all of the names of the Adepti that had been mentioned. Ganyu had told him all about growing up under the tutelage of Cloud Retainer, and while most people just went to ask for blessings, or in more annoying cases 'favors', Zhao always made it a point to travel to Jueyun Karst and the other traditional Adepti abodes to leave offerings as thanks.

Lady Keqing normally told him such things were pointless, and while Zhao respected her more than almost anything… and had feelings much deeper than that, he always stood firm on it. He didn't leave offerings as a form of worship to the Adepti, he left them as a form of respect and thanks for what they'd done for Liyue for thousands of years.

"Ahaha, I'm sure they'd love to come and see," The woman said, softly taking the boys hand and walking him over to sit with their legs dangling over the cliff next to the ballista. "I'll even let you invite them yourself!"

"Yay! I should start thinking about it now, I even think I can improve it again mother!"

"You think you can improve on my design?"

The boy laughed. "Ahaha, of course I would want your help with it they're just ideas I had wanted to ask father but… but he…"

The young adeptus words trailed off, and Zhao could feel the sadness in his voice. It made his own heart break, he had that own look on his face before.

Of course, Zhao couldn't remember his own parents. He couldn't remember anything before he'd being found at Yuehi Pavillion as a child.

The young woman's smile faded as well, and she wrapped her arms around the younger boy to hug him close to her chest.

"I'm sure he'll return soon, don't worry. You know how busy he can get, but he still loves-."

"Busy killing other gods… busy fighting… why do they all have to fight? Why do people always think fighting is an answer?"

"Because it was what was ordered, we don't do it because we want to, but because we need to have peace… I know it's hard." The woman said softly, holding the boys head still against her chest.

"But only Seven can win… that's what Father said, seven seats." The boy said, his voice shaking.

"Only Seven need to ascend, that doesn't mean everyone has to die." His mother tried to explain.

"But… but there's still a chance… what about you? You could die…"

"I won't, I would never leave you alone, don't worry."

"If you died… I don't think Father would want me," The boy said again, and when he said it, his mother lifted his head back up to look at me.

"Why would you say that? Is it really what you believe…?"

The boy hesitated before burying his face back into his mother. "I… I just don't want you to die… mother I… I…"

"That won't happen, I promise. Your Father promised me, and he promised you that we'd all survive this, didn't he?"

"He… he did, yes…" The boy said shakily, clearly not convinced.

But his mother just smiled at him and held his cheek. "Then believe in him, I promise you can. And if you don't trust him, trust your Mother, okay- ?"

"What?!" Zhao said, his eyes going wide, as when the woman said what he presumed was the young boys name he heard nothing but muffled silence.

And after that, in a flash, the mother and son adeptus were gone as his dream swirled. The Guizhong Ballista and the two Adepti were swept away like leaves as they faded away. Zhao's entire world spun so fast that he thought he was going to get sick, and when it finally stopped he had to blink to clear his vision.

"Unite them."

"Huh?!" Zhao said as he nearly jumped out of his skin. "What was… no… no way… you… l... Lord of…"

Every citizen of Liyue recognized the long body, brilliant bronze and gold scales and long golden horns. Many of them-including even Lady Keqing, which he liked to tease her about-had commemorative action figures of the god in front of them.

"L…Lord of Geo!" He said, bowing but almost tripping as he did. "R…Rex…Lap-."

"Unite them."

Zhao looked up again. Nothing but blackness surrounded him and his nations god. It was known that the Lord of Geo could appear in dreams to the people of Liyue. However, he had thought that it only ever happened to important individuals, like members of the Qixing.

But for Rex Lapis himself to appear to him?!

"Wh…what do you mean, Lord of Geo?" Zhao said carefully, not wanting to offend Liyue's god with his lack of knowledge.

"Unite them… be the bridge."

"Bridge?" Zhao asked, as he looked up at the gold and bronze scales to the face of Liyue's deity. "Unite who? I'll always see your will fulfilled Lord Rex Lapis but… who am I-."

"Unite them… be the bridge…"

The dragon repeated the words, but before Zhao could ask again what his god meant by these orders, and why he was in Zhao of all peoples dreams, his vision started to wisp away on the wind again.

"Huh?! No! Not yet, Lord Rex Lapis, what do you want me to-!"

Zhao reached out for the dragon, but it disappeared, and Zhao woke up.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Zhao

"DON'T GO WAIT!"

"GAHH! Jeez Zhao!"

"Huh?!" Zhao said, his head spinning around. His eyes bulged. "Tao?! What are you… is that a feather duster?!"

"Haha… whaaaat? This?" She said, the duster behind her back as she backed away. "I mean technically it is but-."

"Were you trying to poke my nose with it so I'd slap and wake myself up?! You've done that already!"

"But it works each time! And it's hilarious," She said while laughing, as she yawned and as if he wasn't even on it hopped up onto the end of Zhao's bed and turned around resting her feet up on his chest. "When are you going to learn little brother that it's a big sisters duty to prank her little brother and finally come to terms with it?"

"Get your shoes off my bed," Zhao told her, moving her feet off his chest and swinging his own feet over the side of his bed. "And I'll learn when I'm actually you're little brother, we're the same age."

The 77th Wangsheng Funeral Parlor director laughed at him as she normally did. She twirled her hat in her hands and got off his bed, she walked over and threw open his window. Morning sunlight streamed into his room, and Zhao winced as he held his hand to his bare chest. He was sweating like he'd run all the way down Mt. Tianheng, his fingers tingled as he rubbed his eyes.

That dream… that adeptus boy, that woman… it was definitely the Guizhong Ballista they'd built Lady Keqing has been wanting to get it working again for months, why would I dream about something like that?

Zhao's dreams were usually odd like that. However, they normally included someone that he knew. He'd had a dream where Hu Tao and he were rare adeptus goats and Xiangling was trying to chase them and cook them just last night.

But a dream about some two random Adepti? But even more worryingly….

"Unite them… be the bridge."

What could the Lord of Geo be appearing to me of all people for? Unite who, be a bridge for what? I don't think Lady Keqing has talked about building any new bridges lately. And this dream… only two days before…

Could it really be a coincidence that he had a dream of Rex Lapis only two days before the Rite of Descension?

"Ummm helloooooo?! ZHAO!"

"HUH?!" Zhao yelped, his head shot up and Hu Tao's face was right in front of his. "What?!"

"I asked you like three times what your plans for today were!" She said with an annoyed huff. "Honestly, you daze off so easily."

Zhao blinked and got up off his bed. "S…sorry, I had a weird dream, I'll tell you about it later."

He normally told Hu Tao everything, even about the Xiangling goat dream. Now, however, he knew that if he didn't get moving soon, he'd be late for his morning jobs.

However, as usual Hu Tao was far too perceptive.

"Mhmm… I think you wanna tell me now," She said leaning over his shoulder as he gathered his outfit for the day. "But I won't press you. A good big sister knows when to press and when to let go."

"Again, we're the same age," He told her as he pulled a shirt over his head.

"My grandfather took you in! I was living here first, you were second!" She said spinning and pinching his cheek. "That makes you my adorable little baby brother!"

"Ha… well I suppose that logic checks out," He said, unable to not smile as he let her win the argument. "But technically, it was Mr. Zhongli who brought me here."

"Same difference!" She said, sighing as she spun her way to the door. "Speaking of Zhongli, he went out even earlier than usual today."

"What time is it?"

"Just about 7 o'clock, he said he's meeting an old friend for breakfast," She told him. "He left not long ago, all stoic, stout and serious like."

Zhao scoffed. "That's how Mr. Zhongli normally is."

"You're right, but you know how he gets around the Rite of Descension, it's like he cranks up his stoicness to 11!" She said.

"Can't argue with you about that," Zhao said with a laugh. "And to answer your question from earlier, after I get to Yuehi Pavillion, I'll be out all day, you don't have any… business you need help with?"

Zhao knew she could normally handle herself, but after a few days ago when a 'normal exorcism', ended up being more demonic and Abyssal activity he didn't want to take any chances. That had of course ended with him, Qiqi and Hu Tao tumbling down Mt. Tianheng, he wanted to avoid anything else like that.

"No, no cases today I have the day all to myself and I intend to make the most of it!" She said excitedly. "At least come to dinner with Xiangling and me okay? You can even ask our lovely Yuheng to come, so long as you two don't bury yourselves in work together like you tend to do."

Zhao blushed but laughed. "Ha, I'll be there, and I'll ask Lady Keqing too, but I wouldn't hold out hope for her. You know how she gets around the Rite of Descension. We talked about it for hours last night it was… pretty great."

She rolled her eyes at him. "Yes, yes, hours upon hours of philosophical arguing, I can't think of anything greater."

"That's because you have too short of an attention span."

She didn't deny it, only laughed because she knew it was true.

"Ahahaha, I've had to listen to you and Zhongli do it for years, I think I'm a pro now," She said, before winking at him. "But I'm sure you and our darling, beautiful Yuheng have many a great debate and conversation about the past, present and future of our great city."

"We do yes," Zhao said, blushing again. "She's one of the most elegant, composed, refined and well spoken-."

"Okay, okay, Lady Keqing is great, trust me I know, you talk about it enough," She said, ducking behind his door and peeking her head around. "By the way, she isn't conducting the Rite of Descension this year right?"

"No, it's not her this time. It's Lady Ningguang, I suppose that's part of what we'll talk about today, she mentioned she may want me to help her," Zhao said, swelling with excitement at the idea.

Lady Ningguang had grown up like he had. A street urchin, who relied on hard work and intuition to help Liyue become a better place, she was an inspiration to him. He of course respected Mr. Zhongli and Lady Keqing above all others, but he'd wanted to work more with her in the entire year since he'd worked at Yuehi Pavillon for Lady Keqing.

"I'm sure you're just in heaven little brother," She giggled. "Back to our Yuheng though, Ms. Ying'er sent the present you made over late last night after she bottled it for you, be sure to pick it up before you leave."

"Oh, it's here?! Awesome, I had to re-make it a dozen times, I was up all-night last night finally getting right for today. I'll get it on the way out, I need to get dressed."

"Mhm, I need to get going too," She said, before she snapped. "Oh! I almost forgot, Zhongli told me to ask you to meet him for breakfast later at eight o'clock after you're finished at the docks. He wants you to meet someone."

Zhao tried to contain a larger smile. He spent plenty of time with Mr. Zhongli normally, but he still got excited whenever he asked to spend time with Zhao himself, let alone meet one of his friends. Mr. Zhongli knew so many people from plenty of nations, and they always had fascinating stories.

"O… oh! Okay! I… I'll go right when I'm done at the docks!"

Hu Tao rolled her eyes but smiled. "You're such a dork Zhao, you're lucky our Yuheng is also secretly a dork. I'll see you for dinner! Toodeloo!"

She left and Zhao rushed to get ready again as soon as she closed the door. He grabbed his silk brown and gold trousers and threw on his sturdiest pair of black boots before pulling on a brown and gold decorated jacket over the black shirt that he wore underneath everything. It was what he normally wore, doing a great job of letting him move around and fight if he needed to. He puffed up the collar of the hood over the back of his jacket and quickly went to brush his hair.

After cleaning his teeth and washing his face, Zhao sighed and blinked in his bathroom mirror. The sun streamed in through his window and he sucked in the refreshing smell of slightly salty air as the familiar distant sounds of a bustling Liyue Harbor calmed any anxiety he was feeling.

He'd ask Mr. Zhongli what he thought about his dream later, but for now he knew he had plenty of work to do.

And when there was work to do, people to help, that was when Zhao was at his happiest.

"Alright!" He said as he finished combing his messy hair. "Let's get… huh, that's a weird coincidence."

Zhao reached up and twisted a strand of his hair as he wondered why he didn't realize it earlier.

Could it be… nah, it has to be a coincidence. No. He knew it would never be that easy.

He ran a hand through his hair before combing it again.

Silvery light grey hair with black specks, just like the little boy in his dream.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Thanks a lot Zhao you're a life saver!"

"Yeah thanks Zhao! Happy Rite of Descension!"

"Come join us for lunch if you got time Zhao!"

"See you tomorrow Zhao thanks for all the help!"

Zhao turned back as he walked and waved to the multitude of people.

"No problem! I'll see you all later, come find me if you need any help!" He yelled, before turning to the skewer in his hand. "And thank you Ms. Su!"

He hadn't even eaten breakfast yet, but when Ms. Su had been preparing a large batch of caramel covered apples and offered Zhao one for helping her get her stall set up that morning? He couldn't resist, besides, it would have been rude not to accept.

The docks and market were even more bustling then usual with the Rite of Descension in only two days. The day was more so for the people of Liyue, but dozens upon dozens of people from other nations every year always wanted to come and see the event. Liyue made all of Teyvat's mora after all, it was probably a great holiday idea to come and see the god it was named after appearing in his city. Zhao adored the Rite of Descension, it was only during Lantern Rite that more people visited the city, and with Lady Keqing's position, Zhao naturally had to help her plan them.

This was his first major event as her assistant, Lantern Rite was so soon after he started he didn't do much. So he wanted to be sure to do the best that he could to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves. Helping the sailors coming into the docks move their shipments, helping merchants set up stalls, it was the least he could do to make sure that everything went well for the people. He knew almost every sailor and Captain at the docks anyway, he'd been helping them for years, but he felt even more obligated now.

And after all, Rex Lapis was their god, he had helped build Liyue into what it was today, the least he could do was take care of his people.

"Oh man this is so good!" Zhao said as he walked and bit into the apple. "Mhm… maybe I should go back and get one for Ganyu and Lady Keqing…"

He already had his package for her tucked under his arm. It wasn't her birthday, but a year last week had passed since he had met her and she asked him to take the job as her assistant.

That was a day he'd never forget, one of the best of his life. She had warned him right when she offered him the job, that none of her assistants had ever lasted more than three months.

Zhao took that as a personal challenge. Someone like Lady Keqing? Someone around his age who was already a member of the Qixing? Who planned all the brilliant festivals like Lantern Rite? Who led the Milileth and oversaw all the amazing building projects and protected the city?

If someone as brilliant as that wanted him to be her assistant? He was determined to not let the confidence be misplaced.

"Zhao! Zhaooooooooo!"

"Mhm?" Zhao said as he finished his apple, smiling when he saw who it was. "Xiangling! Hu Tao told me you had gotten back!"

He had just been about to pass Wanmin Restaurant when she had spotted him absolutely enthralled by his caramel apple. Xiangling had grown up with Hu Tao, so naturally years ago when Hu Tao had a new 'little brother' as she liked to call him, he and Xiangling ended up spending tons of time together when they were younger as well.

She came bounding out of the kitchen and laughed as she jumped up and hugged around his shoulders. Zhao smiled and hugged her back, after he set her back on the ground she beamed at him.

"Haha you bet! Oh man Mondstadt was awesome!" She said, as he followed her back towards the restaurant as already this early in the morning people were lining up to eat.

The sun was bright that morning, and Zhao could already see the city beginning to bustle as it filled up with people. He waved his hello to Chef Mao and a few of the people in line and eating who knew and shouted out to him. Each one made him smile more, he really didn't think there was anything better than a city of people coming together and enjoying themselves.

"I'm glad that you had fun, so what crazy thing did you find and cook this time?" He asked, as he followed Xiangling to one of the empty tables behind the restaurant, when he got there he smiled and leaned his arm down. "Hi Guoba!"

"BAH!" Guoba yelled with a happy wave. Xiangling's tiny every trusty companion jumped up Zhao's arm and beamed as Zhao pet him while he sat on his head.

"A few hundred-year-old frozen boar and the roots of a cryoregisvine!" Xiangling said excitedly, her mouth was practically drooling. "It was sooooo good! The boar was a special extinct kind but this one had been preserved for hundreds of years by the regisvines ice!"

Zhao laughed as he pet Guoba. "That sounds just crazy enough to have be something you did Xiangling. Did anything else exciting happen?"

"Oh yeah plenty! I met someone really awesome and she helped me out cooking that boar and showed me around Mondstadt before I left!" She said with a smile. "But she had told me I got really lucky! She mention I arrived just after all the trouble in Mondstadt recently."

Zhao helped Guoba back to the ground. "Trouble… in Mondstadt of all places?"

Since Mondstadt was Liyue's neighbor, it only made sense that anything that happened in Mondstadt usually was heard about in Liyue from the many merchants who went between the two cities. Sumeru was their neighbor as well, but with the Chasm situation their contact was limited for now, which made Mondstadt the nation they heard the most from.

However, that was the odd part. Normally nothing big ever happened in Mondstadt. That wasn't a bad thing of course, it meant the city was peaceful for years.

So the idea of Mondstadt suddenly having troubles?

"Yeah! It was really bad too, Lumine the girl that helped me, she was right in the middle of it all!" Xiangling told him, her eyes wide. "The city was attacked twice!"

"Attacked?! Who in their right mind would attack Mondstadt?" Zhao yelled, he was worried now.

There hadn't been any real conflict between nations in so long that Zhao couldn't even remember any time he'd heard about it. The Seven were supposed to keep their nations out of war, and Mondstadt of all nations always seemed to be the most peaceful. Barbatos the Anemo Archon was the God of Freedom, the people of Mondstadt were known all across Teyvat for their incredibly hospitality.

So… why? Why would anyone want to attack them? Why….

"Why do they all have to fight? Why do people always think fighting is an answer?"

Zhao's head shot up as he heard the voice of the young Adeptus boy from his dream.

The boy was right, why did people always see a need for violence?

"Oh, are you two talking about what's happened in Mondstadt?" A new voice said. "I've had dozens of calls and inquiries about it!"

Xiangling and he turned, Aldrich smiled again. "Ms. Yanfei!"

"Oh hi Yanfei!" Xiangling said waving at her.

Zhao had to assume Ms. Yanfei was there for the same reason all the others were, for breakfast. He hadn't been over to her home to study the Liyue codices in just over a week with how busy he'd been helping Lady Keqing prepare for the Rite of Descension, but Zhao wanted to ask Lady Keqing soon for a bit of time off to focus more on studying. Yanfei had told Zhao he was close to being able to take the test to become certified as a lawyer soon, and he liked to think Lady Keqing would give him the time off to study if he needed it.

Yanfei smiled and joined them at the table and looked at Zhao. "Zhao how many times do I have to ask you to drop the Ms.? You make me feel old!"

"Ha… sorry, but you are technically my teacher, it just feels natural," He said, rubbing his head embarrassed.

Yanfei laughed and so did Xiangling. Zhao sighed and felt the morning sun beat down on his neck. A cold sweat dripped down his forehead, as his head stirred with visions from his dream, and he tried to process what he was talking about, and all he had to do today.

"Ahaha, you'll pass your test soon and get certified I'm sure," Yanfei told him, before looking at Xiangling. "So, Xiangling, you just got back? You missed everything that happened there right?"

"Aha!" Xiangling said. "But my new friend Lumine was right in the thick of things! I asked around, she was named an Honorary Knight of Favonius!"

"Wasn't Mondstadt just having trouble with something before too? I think I heard some people talking about a… dragon?" Zhao said, trying to remember the details he'd heard.

"I heard about that too, one of their Four Winds, an anemo dragon was constantly attacking the city," Yanfei said. "The Knights of Favonius kept saying they had it handled. Was that what she was talking about Xiangling?"

Xiangling nodded. "It was! My friend told me, not only was the dragon attacking, but that it was corrupted by Abyss mages!"

"So it was the Abyss's doing?" Zhao asked hesitantly.

"Not completely… the city was attacked twice more," Xiangling said, before she shuddered. "It was the Fatui! Three Fatui Harbingers attacked the city!"

Zhao's mouth went dry, he had a suspicion deep down that this was the case but hadn't wanted to believe it.

He wasn't blind or deaf, he heard about everything they did, he saw it, felt their presence even in Liyue… but what was he supposed to do about it? Lodge a complaint with Lady Keqing and the Qixing? Try and talk to their diplomats about all their shady dealings?

Was he supposed to just go and fight them? What difference would that make?

Besides… they can't all be bad, Childe's one of the Harbingers, and he's my friend. No, there has to be a reason, maybe I'll ask him… he says I'm his friend, he wouldn't lie to me. Friends don't lie to each other.

"Yup! And they caused quite a bit of damage too," Yanfei said with a sigh. "A lot of the inquiries have been from people wondering what legal protections they can get if something like that were to happen in Liyue."

Zhao's eyes went wide. "Why would it happen here?! I know Northland Bank causes the Qixing some headaches, but they wouldn't put anyone at risk."

Xiangling shuddered. "Lumine told me one of the attacks was a sneak attack, the Fatui were after the power of the anemo god!"

"But Lord Barbatos hasn't been seen in hundreds of years…" Zhao said wonderingly.

"That's true, but it seems the Fatui thought different," Yanfei said as she shook her head. "I've heard the story the last few days, it's spreading all around Liyue. Did your friend tell you about it Xiangling?"

"She did, she was there!" Xiangling said, even more excited now. "They're saying the Vice Commander of the Knights of Favonius fought off all three of the Harbingers! He would have killed one of them if there weren't three there, the entire city was talking about it."

Three of the Harbingers had been defeated?

That… that should be impossible… Zhao thought, remembering all the rumors he'd heard about the members of The Eleven. They were supposed to have strength equal to that of gods, what could they do to stop them? He knew the Knights of Favonius were supposed to be some of the greatest warriors in all of Teyvat, but against the might of one of the Eleven?

It sounded impossible for one, let alone three to be beaten.

Yanfei nodded solemnly. "I heard that as well, I heard that one of them attacked right in the city center, and he fought her in the town square! Seriously, every person coming through from Mondstadt lately has talked about it and now my office can't keep up!"

Xiangling giggled. "Haha, my friend Lumine said she knows him! I didn't get a chance to meet him, but she said now, the Fatui are banned from entering Mondstadt!"

Zhao's stomach churned, banned?! It makes sense if they attacked them, but… that… that could mean that they…

If the Fatui had just attacked the land of Anemo for the power of their Archon, failed, and now were barred from entering… could that mean they'd turn their attention on Liyue next?

And what would he do if they did? What could he do? He was just an assistant.

"That's going to have major ramifications, especially since the Fatui can't just use The Eleven to bully Mondstadt if that Vice Commander is strong enough to stand up to them," Yanfei said, turning to him. "Hey Zhao, hasn't Lady Ningguang been trying to squeeze out the Fatui for a long time now?"

Zhao blinked in shock as he was brought back to the conversation. "H…Huh? Oh yeah, Lady Ningguang, she's been trying to get a hold on Northland Bank for years, they… definitely got some shady business going on."

"Well if Mondstadt can do it, why can't we?" Xiangling asked as Guoba climbed up her shoulder.

Zhao slowly shook his head. "It's not that simple in Liyue. To do something like that, kicking out a nations diplomats or expelling a foreign business like Northland Bank? There'd need to be solid proof of their wrongdoings, which would be hard. The Fatui are even more powerful in Liyue then in Mondstadt. After that there'd need to be a majority vote from the Qixing, and I know for a fact a vote like that would be deadlocked, a majority is hard to get, it would drag on unless-."

"Unless a new position of the Qixing was established so the numbers expanded," Yanfei finished for him, beaming like a proud teacher. "I've taught you well Zhao haven't I?"

"Ha, I also have the luxury of being a Qixing members assistant," Zhao said, his legs shaking for a moment as he stood up. "Speaking of her, I need to do some things before I go and meet her, I'll see you both later!"

"Oh yeah! Hehe, Hu Tao told me you were all busy this week since it's the one-year anniversary of your job, she said you're more smitten then usual!" Xiangling said.

Zhao blushed, Tao and her big mouth…

Yanfei giggled as well. "Ah, I saw it from the beginning! I'll see you later Zhao, be sure to visit Granny on your way up to Yuehi Pavillon."

Zhao smiled at them. "I will don't worry. I'll see you both later!"

Zhao waved at them both and rushed out to the street, and the moment he did when the sun streamed down and hit his eyes again he slowed down. He found himself walking at a snails pace now, he felt his stomach start to curl again. People passed him in the streets and each one eagerly said hi to him, he passed Milileth who saluted him, and children running along with their new toys and Rex Lapis action figures.

Kites were flying in the air, as the morning went on he smelled more and more street food, and more new smiling faces which were all filtering into the city. He made a note to stop by some of the inns to check if they needed any support with the influx of people for the Rite of Descension.

And he froze when he walked and saw a pair of Fatui from Northland Bank walking down from the terraces. He grabbed his stomach and felt his heart ready to burst. Of course, he knew that they were dangerous, he knew the things some of them did in Liyue, the shady business dealings, the intimidation, the coercion, fraud, and even the violence out in the more unpatrolled areas. Even before he had been Lady Keqing's assistant, he had seen it, he knew what they were.

But… what… what could I possibly do about it? Even with as strong as I am… what could I do about it all?

Did it frustrate him? Of course it did. Was he worried now that they'd been beaten in Mondstadt, that the Fatui could take their anger out on Liyue? Of course he was.

But what could he do?

Besides… they're not all bad, I know that. Childe's a good person, he always told me he makes sure nobody gets hurt.

If he had a choice between anger, and trusting his friend? He'd trust his friend.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"We last left Ancient Liyue beset by an ocean demon and a mountain dragon…" The storyteller said as the people watched with rapt attention. "So, Rex Lapis, mustered his Adepti, to restore peace to the land, and they say before he set out, he spoke these words…."

"This is an age of gods and monsters… I wish not for dominion, yet I cannot watch the common folk suffer…" Zhao whispered, the words to that story having been repeated to him over and over for years.

It made him smile hearing it and calmed down the anxiety stirring in his chest. He found himself finally at Mr. Zhongli's favorite spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but Zhao knew it was more so for the story telling then the food, which he didn't mind. He had hundreds of fond memories of himself when he was younger, listening to Mr. Zhongli poking holes in the overly exaggerated stories. Always so confident.

I'm not presenting an argument of interpretation, just stating fact, is what he would often say, and the bluntness often made Zhao laugh.

Normally the place wasn't packed nearly as much as the finer ones in the city center, but today with the increased business it certainly was. Every seat at every table was full, and people chatted away while listening to the storyteller who had to project even louder than normal to each everyone. Zhao noticed some of the tables set up were more than likely ones brought out of storage to accommodate the influx of people.

Zhao smiled and told the hostess he was meeting someone, and he moved amongst the unique crowd of people. Some people waved hello to him, he waved back and kept the present for Lady Keqing tucked under his arm as the storyteller continued, but still, Zhao heard the conversations around him lively as he passed.

"It's true! I was there, I'm from Mondstadt!" One person, clearly telling the truth from their style of dress told his table. "His name is Aldrich, The Wind Knight! He cut off that Harbingers arm and drove her from the city!"

"He brought down an entire cliff on one of them!"

"I heard, he can fly with the power of anemo!"

"He blew away storms big enough to swallow the whole city!"

"He's only twenty that's so amazing!"

Twenty?! He… he's only two years younger than I am… Zhao thought, as the words hit his ears, and he tried to find Mr. Zhongli.

"The Fatui ran from Mondstadt! Don't you get what this means!? The Eleven can be beaten!"

"Surely this is an exception, there was bound to be someone who could defeat at least one of them right? This isn't that big of a deal."

"But he beat three of them! That can't be a coincidence!"

"He's right! Maybe this means we can finally fight back! Those Fatui have been dominating trade and business everywhere for too long!"

"You're kidding right?! The Eleven are… well The Eleven! They can't be beat, it's impossible."

"Well this kid in Mondstadt just proved it is possible!"

"He's right! There's bound to be more people strong enough to stand up to them," Another merchant said. "Mondstadt's been fine since the Fatui left, it hasn't crippled their economy, it is possible!"

"Someone strong enough to stand up to them."

Zhao shuddered but felt a sense of admiration well up inside of him. What could someone who stood up the Fatui, risked their life fighting The Eleven be like? Being Vice Commander of the Knights of Favonius surely meant he was strong… but how strong would one have to be?

How strong did one have to be, and in what ways did you have to be strong in order to save people?

What could he do to keep Liyue safe? How would he be able to do what this Knight did if something like what happened there happened in Liyue?

How did he stop what was happening… when he didn't want to fight?

Ugh… now isn't the time for philosophical yammering even in my head, Zhao thought, scanning the crowd. Where could Mr. Zhongli-.

"You seem a bit weary old friend," The familiar voice said from a few tables over. "Surely this little business in Mondstadt they speak of had nothing to do with you, yes?"

"Ah, you know me, I can't resist being the center of attention, I've always had that problem."

Zhao turned around and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Mr. Zhongli sitting, his back turned to Zhao as they were both surrounded by people chatting and eating. Zhao smiled, ready to walk over to him, but he slowed and stopped when he saw the man across from him.

A young man who didn't seem much older than Zhao, with strikingly white hair, pale icy blue eyes, and the outfit of a regular Fatui operative.

He… he's meeting with a Fatui? Now?

Mr. Zhongli often had tea with Childe, Zhao knew because he was normally there as well, but Zhao had never seen this man before. However, he didn't know Mr. Zhongli to meet with any other operatives of the Fatui other than him.

Zhao wanted to move and go sit like Mr. Zhongli wanted him too, but for some reason his legs didn't move.

Mr. Zhongli sipped tea and shook his head. "I won't deny you've always had that tendency in the time that I've known you. I take it you at least found what you were looking for in Mondstadt yes?"

That guy… was in Mondstadt… could he… no, no way Mr. Zhongli would never meet with someone who did something like that.

Zhao still didn't move, if it weren't for the large crowd of people, he surely would have been noticed by now. He turned his back to them, to try and not be noticed as he listened.

"I did, and well, he was beyond what I expected, and every bit as stubborn," Mr. Zhongli's white-haired friend said. "But enough about that, I take it you had a reason for calling me here other than simply to catch up. I know you get busy around the Rite of Descension."

"You're as perceptive as ever, I apologize for providing so few details. I hope you'll allow me to give the rest to you in due time."

The white-haired Fatui laughed. "Ahaha, we've known each other for how long? I've dealt with your vagueness this entire time, now is no different."

"I thank you then," Mr. Zhongli said. "What about your… other personal endeavor. The one in Mondstadt was not one of them, but have you and your sister located any others?"

"Why do you ask? So you can avoid us?"

"I've dealt with you for quite some time, I can't be sure if the others would be as amenable."

"Aha, the last thing folks would describe me as is amenable," The man laughed, before Zhao heard him sigh. "We've known about the one in Fontaine since he arrived there but never met him. As for others? Well, one, an original still dwells in the desert, but I've recently sensed and learned that two more have popped up, in Inazuma and Natlan."

"I see… do you plan on going to them?" Mr. Zhongli asked.

"They happen to be in two of the most dangerous regions of Teyvat, but we will in due time," His friend said, before Zhao heard him scoff. "Let us talk about now, however, your ward is supposed to be meeting us here yes?"

"He is yes, I am a bit surprised, he's normally very punctual," Mr. Zhongli said. "It's not like him to be even a few moments late."

Zhao froze and almost tripped over someone's leg, he was going to turn around, but Mr. Zhongli's friend laugh made him freeze.

"There's no need to wonder old friend," He said, before Aldrich felt eyes staring at him. "He arrived a few moments ago and has been listening ever since."

"GAH!" Zhao squeaked, as he turned and saw Mr. Zhongli and his guest both looking at him.

"Ah, Zhao so it seems you have arrived," Mr. Zhongli said before sighing. "I thought I taught you early on it isn't polite to eavesdrop."

Zhao turned and saw the two men both looking at him. He wanted to stammer out some excuse, but he got quiet when he saw the younger man Mr. Zhongli had been talking too better for the first time. Most of Mr. Zhongli's friends that he met were normally much older, researchers or merchants.

He… doesn't even look that much older than me…

"Zhao?" Mr. Zhongli said again, more questioningly this time.

Zhao jumped and rushed over to the table bowing to them both to apologize.

"S…sorry! Tao tried to stick a feather duster in my nose this morning," He said, knowing Mr. Zhongli was used to crazy stories like that. "I got caught up at the docks, and just now well I… it's crowded here and I… I didn't-."

"Ah don't scold the boy," The man said, smiling up at Aldrich and gesturing for the seat next to Mr. Zhongli. "Sit down friend. Mr. Zhongli has told me quite a bit about you and so has Childe."

"C…Childe? You're friends with him then…?" Aldrich said carefully as he sat down next to Mr. Zhongli.

"Friends? I helped teach him much of what he knows," He said, waving his hand dismissively. "His old Master is a friend of mine… asked me to keep an eye on him, known him since he was a boy. He and Zhongli both say you're a very kind and respectable young man, Zhao correct?"

Hearing the guy across from him talk about knowing Childe as a boy was odd to Zhao. How could that be possible? Of course Adepti like Ganyu had a youthful appearance for hundreds of years, but he didn't think the man across from him was an Adeptus.

Still, him knowing Childe soothed some of Zhao's initial worries.

"Zhao, yes, that's my name, I'm sorry again for eavesdropping," Zhao said, bowing his head again as now he felt even worse. "I just enjoy meeting Mr. Zhongli's friends, my sister told me he wanted me to meet someone today."

"No harm done," The man said, looking next to him. "Mr. Zhongli?"

Zhao looked up at Mr. Zhongli, who only looked down at Zhao and sighed.

"I suppose there was no harm done. Hu was right, Zhao, I'd like you to meet an old friend of mine," He said, turning to the white-haired Fatui. "This is Antone, a Fatui Harbinger, Right Hand of the Tsaritsa."

"It's very nice to meet you, Zhao," Antone said, his smile growing. "As I said, your guardian here has had quite the high praise for you."

Zhao tried not to blush. "Oh, thank you, it's nice to meet you too. I've heard of the Harbingers, but… not the Hand of the Tsaritsa, what's that?"

Antone waved his hand dismissively. "Ah, a superficial title really. Her Majesty tasked me with… let's say looking after her Harbingers. Most of them don't need help, but Childe is young, and I trained him as I said, so I came to visit him, and Mr. Zhongli for the Rite of Descension."

It still doesn't make sense but… if he's Mr. Zhongli's friend, and Childe's teacher….

However, Zhao's mind still went to the conversations he'd heard earlier. If three Fatui Harbingers had attacked Mondstadt and there are only eleven of them, what could the odds be this man or Childe were one of the attackers?

And even if they were… what would he do?

He pushed the thoughts aside, if Mr. Zhongli trusted him, then Zhao would as well.

"Antone may seem young, but he's an exceptional warrior, and a scholar of history," Mr. Zhongli said, looking down at Zhao. "He's sought out my consultation on many of his research projects."

"Ahaha that's certainly an understatement. I wouldn't be where I am today without you my friend," Antone said, meeting Zhao's eyes. "Zhongli tells me you're the assistant to the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing. That's quite the impressive accomplishment for someone so young."

Zhao quickly shook his head. "Oh, thank you, I am really lucky to have the job but Lady Keqing? She's the same age as me and is actually the Yuheng, she's the impressive one."

Zhongli shook his head. "Zhao is humble to a fault. He's assisted and even led the Milileth on many cases and expeditions in the last year, and helped the Yuheng come up with many new ideas for projects and policies that have greatly benefited Liyue's prosperity. He has the complete trust and faith of the Yuheng, and even the Tianquan. All members of the Qixing value his work."

Zhao went red-faced and stammered. "I… I really don't do much, most of them were ideas I'd just had for a while, Lady Keqing helped refine a bunch of them-."

"A humble attitude is a very good thing to have Zhao, but there always comes a time in life when one needs to recognize their own strength and accomplishments," Antone told him, a warm, friendly smile on his face. "I recently met a young man not unlike you, who didn't want to acknowledge his own achievements and strength. I hope I'll help you as I helped him realize… there is always room for pride in oneself even if you think you don't deserve it."

Zhao was shocked by the profoundness of his words. "I… I understand, I just don't want to appear arrogant, or like I do any of these things for personal gain."

It was his greatest truth. There was a time when he had nothing, but the people of Liyue had all helped him survive when he was alone. After Mr. Zhongli had found him and taken him in to live and Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Zhao had sworn he'd use everything he learned to help the people and give back to them all they'd given him.

The reason he admired Lady Keqing so much was because she never did anything for personal glory or achievement, she did it for the good of people when she had grown up in a well-off and respected family in Liyue. She had everything growing up, and he had nothing, but neither of them let that past define them, and did all they could to help the people in the city they loved.

Antone smiled at him still. "There's a difference between confidence and arrogance my friend. Be sure to keep this humble attitude, it will do you good in the future. But in order to successfully help people, protect others, and be a good leader, one must acknowledge both their weaknesses and their strengths. The young man I met recently learned this, I'm sure you will as well."

Zhao's mouth opened and closed, he felt a tingling in his chest.

Why do I feel as if he was reading my mind?

Zhao knew how strong he was, what he had learned, what he was capable of… but even if he did acknowledge it, he didn't know what he could possibly do other then what he'd already been doing.

He didn't like fighting unless absolutely necessary, and he certainly was no leader.

"I… thank you, I'll be sure to keep that in mind," Zhao said, bowing his head.

Mr. Zhongli looked and smiled at him. "Be sure you do Zhao. As I said, Antone here may seem young, but he's wise beyond what it may seem. I had told him all that about you, so he could give you this advice when you met him here today."

"That's quite high praise coming from you old friend," Antone said, chuckling before he stood up from the seat. He bowed. "Zhongli… it is always good to see you even after all these years. Zhao, I'm sure we'll meet again at least once before I leave."

"And you as well friend," Zhongli said bowing his head.

Zhao quickly followed suite. "Yes, it was nice meeting you."

Antone smiled at them one last time before he walked off through the crowd of tables. He good naturedly greeted a few people, before Zhao watched him walk across the bridge and meet up with a few other Fatui agents who all saluted him. The Harbingers words echoed in Zhao's ears the entire time he watched him.

Acknowledge your weaknesses and your strengths.

"So, are you going to tell me how much you overheard?" Mr. Zhongli asked him, as Zhao looked and saw a second cup of tea had been delivered.

Zhao chuckled nervously and picked up the tea. He sipped some, before helping himself to some of the bacon and other breakfast pastries Mr. Zhongli had ordered.

"I… was only there for a minute or two," Zhao admitted, before deciding to test his luck. "I… don't suppose you'll tell me what you were talking about?"

"Even if I did, you'd need context and that would take quite a while to explain, time you don't have," His guardian said looking down at him. "You told me the Yuheng needs you a bit more than usual correct? This is your first Rite of Descension as her assistant, your first major festival. How has it been?"

Zhao felt his anxiety quell again. Things like this were normal, him and Mr. Zhongli having tea while he asked all about what he got up to in his dozen or so jobs Zhao did across the city.

"It's been a lot I won't lie, but Lady Keqing has everything under control like usual. She's always prepared, always has a plan and a backup plan," Zhao told him.

"You admire that about her," Mr. Zhongli said.

"I do yeah. Still, it's like I've told you, the Rite of Descension in particular gets her a… bit worked up. I think she's happy Lady Ningguang is handling the descension this year," Zhao said, he smiled as he finished his tea. "She said she may have me work with Lady Ningguang that day! I… I may get to be right there for the Descension."

Mr. Zhongli's smile grew at his enthusiasm. "You sound quite excited about that. Did you tell the Yuheng you'd accept that job? You say she always gives you a choice for jobs like that."

"She does, and of course I told her I'd do it," Zhao said before sighing. "I seemed a bit too enthused, and… she said again she didn't understand why me and everyone was getting so excited. That led to another huge debate that went on for hours."

He and Lady Keqing did that often. A simple disagreement of philosophy would turn to an hours long back and forth, they'd take the debate everywhere, from her office at Yuehi Pavillon, to all around the city, they'd simply debate while they worked. A lot of people may have looked at that and concluded Lady Keqing must have been a nightmare to work for.

But Zhao found it exhilarating. She'd give her point, Zhao would give his, it would never turn to screaming or insults, and eventually they would both concede, they'd agree and disagree. It was one of the things Zhao loved most about his job the last year, getting to simply talk to her.

"Healthy debate, willingness to listen to opposing viewpoints even from ones who you're close too is a good basis for any kind of relationship," Mr. Zhongli said, a fond smile came to his face as he finished his own tea. "Don't stress out too much over what Lady Keqing believes, even if it's radically different from what I've taught you. My opinion, is that the Adepti and even Rex Lapis himself admire skeptics like her."

Zhao choked on his words. "W…what?! Seriously?"

"You admire her despite her opinions that disagree with yours don't you?"

"Of course I do. She's never disrespectful about it, she just strongly believes in what she says. She always backs up what she says and never makes things personal."

"And what she wants more then all, is a better Liyue," Zhongli said. "That's what you want as well. I believe it was fate the two of you ended up working together like this."

"I… I like to think that too," Zhao said, trying to stop himself from smiling too much.

Zhongli chuckled. He reached over his hand over and rubbed Zhao's head of hair fondly and Zhao didn't stop the smile that came that time.

"Speaking of, you should probably go on and report to her. I have some business of my own to take care of, I'll be back later tonight," Mr. Zhongli said. "Did you want to talk about anything else?"

Zhao was about to say no, and rush off towards Yuhei Pavillion, even more eager to meet up with Lady Keqing then he was before.

But he saw a strand of his silvery hair drop in front of his eyes, and that brought the dream back to him.

That young adeptus boy and his mother. The Guizhong Ballista and Glaze Lillies.

"Actually… there is one thing I wanted to ask you about," Zhao said carefully.

"By all means, what is it?" Mr. Zhongli asked.

Zhao went on and explained everything he saw in the dream. He went into detail about everything from the first dream, what the young boy and the woman looked like, the Guizhong Ballista, the Glaze Lillies. Mr. Zhongli listened carefully as he spoke, not interrupting once.

Finally, Zhao told him about the words that Rex Lapis had spoken to him.

Mr. Zhongli as usual was stoic, but like Hu Tao had so eloquently put it that morning, during the Rite of Descension he cranked up his stoicness even higher. Zhao was worried for a second as his guardian took the time to digest what Zhao had just told him. Around them, people continued filling in at tables, chatting away as the storyteller seemed a bit annoyed people weren't paying as close attention as they usually did.

Zhao wrang his hands together and ran a hand through his silvery hair again.

This… this really, really has to be a coincidence, even if it wasn't, why would I just start seeing it now?

The secrets to his past wouldn't simply reveal themselves in a dream would they? Besides, it was utterly impossible. Glaze Lillies hadn't bloomed in decades, and the Guizhong Ballista was an ancient device.

"I see… before I tell you what I think," Mr. Zhongli finally said, "which of these two dreams concern you more?"

Zhao hesitated. "I… I'd say they're about equal. The first one I have no clue why I'd be seeing something like that, I have no clue who either of those people were. My dreams at least normally have someone I know."

"You've told me that before, what was it again the other night?" Mr. Zhongli asked. "You and the Director were both… cows?"

"We were legendary Adepti goats and Xiangling was trying to catch and cook us," Zhao reminded him. "At least there was someone I knew in those. This one…? The young boy I saw had to be an Adeptus, so I'm assuming the woman was one too."

"That would make the most sense," Mr. Zhongli said. Zhao could hear the slightest bit of hesitation in his voice. "You're… certain you didn't recognize either of them?"

"I'm sure," Zhao said. "But I know that was the Guizhong Ballista, I've seen it enough times. You always taught me, it was the God of Dust, Guizhong who built it, right?"

This time, he knew Mr. Zhongli hesitated.

"That is correct yes…" His guardian said, he met Zhao's eyes and spoke slowly. "Perhaps the one you saw in the dream was Guizhong."

That was… weird, why did he say it like that?

He said the name as it was painful to speak it. Zhao ignored it for now.

"I… suppose that's a possibility. But that doesn't make sense, I've never met any Adepti besides Ganyu," Zhao said. "And besides, the God of Dust died, she's not still with us today."

"She isn't, this is correct," He said, his voice the same as before. Pained. "Why do you believe you saw this dream Zhao?"

It was Zhao's turn to hesitate.

"I… really don't know. Maybe it's a sign I should visit the Guizhong Ballista soon?" He said, before a familiar dread welled up inside him. "Or… I thought maybe it had something to do with well… my memories. But that doesn't make sense, even if it was, Guizhong died during the time of the Archon War, wild Glaze Lillies are extinct."

Mr. Zhongli's look changed to one of sympathy. Zhao shuddered, he never liked talking about all the memories that were missing from his mind. As he usually did, he tried again to remember.

But again, he couldn't. When he tried to remember being a young boy, the same age as the one he saw in his dream, it was like a wall had gone up in his head.

The furthest thing back he could remember, was being ten years old, and waking up at Yuehi Pavillion, where Ganyu of all people had been the one to find him.

"I don't believe this is it either, but perhaps you're right. I'm… sorry I can't offer a better explanation," Mr. Zhongli said. "But as for your dream of Rex Lapis, well, the Lord of Geo's messages often have hidden meanings. It's very rare that he is straightforward. It's often meant for the receiver of the dream to figure out themselves."

"I've been trying! I… just have no idea what it could mean. 'Unite them'? Unite who?" Zhao said, sighing as he shook his head. "And 'be the bridge' has me stumped. Lady Keqing and I don't have any plans to build any bridges I don't think, where would we even put one?"

Mr. Zhongli scoffed. "I don't think he meant literal bridges Zhao."

"I know, I'm just grasping for anything right now," Zhao said as he leaned back and looked up into the sky littered with beautiful white clouds. "More importantly… Mr. Zhongli, why was it me?"

His guardian stopped, tea halfway to his mouth. "Why?"

"Yeah… why would Rex Lapis appear in my dreams? I'm nothing special, just an assistant," Zhao said, feeling the anxiety creep back up. "I… don't get why I saw a vision, and not someone more important like Lady Keqing or Lady Ningguang? A… part of me thinks that it was a mistake somehow."

A silence permeated for a moment. Zhao became acutely aware of the people chatting around him, all their voices meshed together at once, and he suddenly felt his chest start to feel heavy. He grabbed at his shirt as the ringing in his head got worse. He could hear the sound of his own heartbeat pulsing in his head, and his breathing started getting quicker. He squeezed at his chest harder, wanting to rip the source of the pounding sound out of his chest.

And then, his hand started shaking. It got so bad for a moment he had to grab hold of his pantleg. The noise all around him only made it worse, as the anxiety creeped up into his throat.

"No, it was not a mistake," Mr. Zhongli said.

The pounding stopped, his hand didn't shake anymore. The calm, reassuring smile on Mr. Zhongli's face made the anxiousness go away.

It's been that way since I was a kid… he always knows what to say.

Even if it was simple, it was effective. It was because of the trust he had in the man who had taken him in and saved him from living on the street.

"Rex Lapis isn't completely infallible, as gods can be wrong as much as humans are," He said, smiling softly at Zhao. "However, one thing that he never gets wrong, is who he decides to visit in their dreams. Often times, they're the ones on the precipice of greatness who will help usher Liyue into a new age of prosperity. I cannot tell you the meaning of his words Zhao, and you may not believe it to be true, but both Rex Lapis it seems… and I both believe you will do great things. The meaning of his words are unclear… but they were received by the correct person, this is true."

He looked up and saw that his guardian was smiling at him. All the noise around him returned to normal, the large number of people suddenly didn't seem overwhelming. He tried not to show his smile growing and probably looked like a fool as he did, but for the moment Zhao didn't feel too embarrassed.

As usual Mr. Zhongli is right… I can't let this distract me from all the work I have to do, Zhao thought, looking up at Yuehi Pavillion and Yujing Terrace where he knew Lady Keqing and the others were waiting for him. There was something special to him about seeing the smiles on people's faces all around him, the smiles of the people at the docks as he helped them, of all the people coming to the city to see one of their most important events.

If the Lord of Geo believed he would be important to the future, Zhao owed it to him, just like he owed it to Lady Keqing to meet his expectations.

It was a bit of a scary prospect, but Zhao had faced plenty of scary things in his life.

And there was the advice he'd just received playing over and over in his head.

Acknowledge your weaknesses and your strengths.

Zhao was suddenly even more glad Mr. Zhongli had asked him to meet his friend Antone that morning.

"Thank you… Mr. Zhongli, you're right, like you usually are," He said, looking up at his guardian. "Even if I don't believe it really myself… if the Lord of Geo needs me to do something, then I'll try and figure out what he meant, and do my best to meet his expectations!"

All you could ever do in life was your best. You could be hopeless at something, but even if you were, the least you could do was give your best. That was a lesson Zhao had learned very early on.

"You will, I'm sure of that," Mr. Zhongli said, as he stood and ruffled Zhao's hair. "Just continue to do the job you've been doing. The Yuheng, and all of Liyue are grateful for it."

"I'm just doing what I think is right," Zhao said.

"Good, continue on with that," Mr. Zhongli said, standing up. "Now, I have some business of my own to attend too. I assume I'll see you later tonight. You should get going."

Zhao looked at the sun and was able to tell from its position that it was almost 9 o'clock. Zhao's duties with Lady Keqing technically didn't start until 10:30, but ever since he started the job, he liked to meet up with her earlier. The two usually had tea together before going over their schedule for the day, where she would need his help, and which tasks she could delegate to him.

"You're right, Lady Keqing is probably starting to wonder where I am," Zhao said, feeling himself reinvigorated. "Thanks Mr. Zhongli!"

He waved as he took off through the crowd of people. Mr. Zhongli waved as well, and Zhao saw a fond smile appear on his face as he crossed over a bridge to the center of Liyue. The amount of people coming into the city kept growing, as he could see merchant carts, large groups of bards and other travelers, adventurers, the amount of people kept growing, and Zhao made a mental note again to make sure soon to check if any businesses needed help.

However, one thing Zhao noticed made his stomach churn.

A large majority of the people coming in, from their style of dress and their goods, Zhao could tell were from Mondstadt. What better way to get your mind off things just after your city was attacked, then to go on vacation?

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Keqing

"I see… that is troubling," Keqing said, meeting the soldiers eyes. "Go ahead and gather a squad from the Dihua Division and wait near the front gates. I'll send Zhao there to meet you when he arrives for the day, explain the situation to him, follow his command and go find them."

The soldier-Cao-sighed in relief and saluted. "Thank you Lady Keqing! If Zhao is with us, I'm sure we'll find them quickly."

"Of course, it's no problem. Get going. Zhao should be here soon."

Cao saluted again, and she watched as he started jogging off towards the front gate. Keqing sighed as he did, the last problem she wanted to add to her ever-growing list of problems was a missing squad of Milileth. At least she knew if she assigned Zhao to the task it would get done, and it would get done quickly, efficiently and have the best outcome.

She found she was relying on him more and more the previous few months, and especially since preparations for the Rite of Descension began.

This whole festival means a lot to him… despite my thoughts on it, I should at least take it seriously for his sake after all he's done to help me.

Not just for Zhao's sake, but for all of Liyue. This year, there was an even bigger influx of people coming in for the Rite of Descension. Many of the people were from Mondstadt, which made sense to Keqing given the reports that they'd received of what happened in the City of Freedom the previous few weeks. She had as much suspicion of the Fatui as any reasonable person did, and that was a lot. Her determination to run them out of the city didn't go as deep as Ningguang's, but ever since Harbingers had reportedly attacked Mondstadt, her worry had started running deeper.

She shuddered at the thought as she looked over the railing at Yujing Terrace. If they had three of the Harbingers in Mondstadt, it was clear that they wanted something from the City of Freedom desperately. And if they had been beaten, pushed back and kicked out by the Knights of Favonius and this Vice Commander, what would their next move be?

In warfare, the next move was obvious. If they couldn't exert control over Mondstadt anymore with this Vice Commander there, a smart leader would look to expand their power and influence elsewhere before trying again.

And what better place, then the neighboring nation of the one you lost in? Keqing had been increasing the number of Milileth patrolling inside Liyue itself tenfold since the news came from Mondstadt, but thankfully the Fatui had not made any moves yet beyond their normal shady business within Northland Bank. Still, the Fatui traditionally always had more power and influence in Liyue as opposed to Mondstadt, so she needed to be ready.

Not to mention there's already a Harbinger inside Liyue, she thought, letting her thoughts run. I'll ask Zhao what he thinks before making any decisions on what to do next.

With the Rite of Descension occurring soon, what better time would there be for the Fatui to make a move then when the city was distracted by the event?

She'd ask Zhao and go from there. Keqing held a hand to her chest, a warm, buzzing feeling washed over her.

Nowadays, she didn't even think of Zhao as her assistant, he was more so her partner.

She suddenly had to pat her cheeks. N…no! Stop it, thoughts like this aren't important right now. Besides, with all the arguing and debating we do, why would he-.

The sound of laughter echoing throughout the terrace took her away from her thoughts. She turned, and a sense of relief washed over her. As if he had heard her thinking about him, Zhao had finally arrived. She watched as he and Ganyu came through the gate, the two were deep in conversation about something.

He must have made some comment that was funny, because Ganyu laughed, which made him laugh. Keqing bit the inside of her cheek, as the two stopped in front of the tables that had been set up for the Rite of Descension. A few people walked by the pair, and all yelled out their greetings, and as usual Zhao knew each of their names, something about them, and did much more than just give a morning greeting. He talked with each person before turning back to Ganyu and continuing their conversation.

She hated how the first thing she noticed was how close the two were standing. When she realized that it bothered her, she bit her lip and turned to look back over the railing of the terrace so they didn't see her looking.

They're just friends they always have been, she thought with finality, before more frustration set in. Ugh, why do I even care?! I have far more pressing matters.

Besides, everyone in Liyue knew the story anyway. Zhao-the young orphan who helped everyone in Liyue-had been found in this very spot twelve years ago. A young boy simply left at Yujing Terrace with no explanation, only the clothes on his back and seemingly no memories. No parents came forward to say he was theirs, it was as if he simply appeared out of thin air.

Ganyu, the secretary of Yuehi Pavillion had been the one to find him. For a while, he stayed at Yuehi Pavillion, before going to stay at an orphanage. However, that didn't last long. It wasn't because Zhao was a troublemaker, it was the complete opposite. For years, until he was taken off the streets by the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and afterwards, he helped every person with every job possible in the city.

Keqing had heard of him of course but never met him. Not until last year, had she thought much of the rumors she heard.

But now? Well, he had lasted longer than every single one of her assistants. Someone that she had come to rely greatly on.

She held her hand to her chest again. "That's it, assistant yes. That's all-."

"Morning Lady Keqing!"

"YAH!" She jumped and turned. "Zhao, don't sneak up on me like that!"

She felt bad scolding him, given that she had seen him arrive at the terrace. She could feel her face burning ever so slightly as the embarrassment set in, and she could see Ganyu walking back towards her office behind him.

Normally, when she snapped at someone like that they folded, and practically sank down into the ground like quicksand. Keqing had grown used to that reaction from people, it didn't feel very good, but it was something she came to accept even from the people she knew well and considered friends.

Zhao, however? From the moment she met him, never faltered around her.

No… this insufferable boy, he just always gets that goofy smile and laughs.

"Ahaha, sorry, but there's no need to blush when you see me every morning," He said, teasing her of all the people in Liyue there were to tease.

Keqing choked on her words. "I… I am not blushing, you probably wish I was you insufferable boy."

He just laughed again.

"Ha… okay, okay you weren't blushing I'm sorry," He said, joining her at the railing overlooking the city. "And I'm sorry I was later than usual today, the city is really filling up."

Keqing sighed at his casual tone, but secretly didn't mind it at all. He was one of the few people she didn't mind talking to her like that, even if they technically were at work.

"Yes, I noticed it too. Reports are saying it'll be the most people for the Rite of Descension in years," She said. She scooted a tad bit closer to him as they stood there at the railing. "The Ministry of Civil Affairs says we may need to set up new lodgings with the influx."

"I was thinking the same thing on my walk over here," He said, he looked and smiled at her. "With your permission, if you don't need me later I wanna go to the different restaurants and inns in town and try to get details on what we could do to help them with the increased capacities."

He's always taking initiative like this, she thought, smiling back at him.

"Of course, I'll even go with you if I'm free that's a great idea," She said, she gripped tightly to the railing. "I suppose you've noticed the large amount of people from Mondstadt."

Zhao shifted from one foot to the other. "I did. I also finally heard about what happened."

Keqing noticed how his voice fell, she saw him gripping the railing as well. Her eyes were drawn to his soft messy silvery grey hair, the cute eyes of the same color. He was normally full to the brim with excitement but something about today was different. Something about his demeanor had shifted, she could see it, and it worried her.

"That saves me the time telling you about it," She said, crossing her arms. "I've increased the number of Milileth around the city itself. Northland Bank hasn't issued any statement themselves regarding what happened."

"And they won't," Zhao correctly surmised. "Why would they? It would only put people on edge more. And besides, even if they did, they'd just say it was another sect of Fatui under those Harbingers that attacked and they had nothing to do with it."

"Your deductive reasoning is as flawless as ever," She complimented. "I also assume you know what them being beaten in Mondstadt could mean… we have to be careful. The Rite of Descension is a perfect time to strike."

The moment she said it, she could sense the shift in him. She saw him biting the inside of his cheek, he did that when he was nervous she had realized.

She grabbed his arm and squeezed. "Go on, say what's on your mind."

"I… don't know-."

"I know you're thinking something," She said, narrowing her eyes. "You've never been shy about telling me how you feel, even when you know I'll disagree. Go on."

It was one of the many things she admired about him. As Yuheng, she often felt like people would automatically just go along with whatever it was she said, without any kind of pushback. It made it hard to get any kind of feedback on her ideas, on what she was doing, or for her to think deeper about her beliefs.

Not Zhao. Even from his very first day on the job as her assistant, he had never been afraid to speak his mind, even when it was something Keqing probably didn't want to hear.

He sighed and hesitated before meeting her eyes. "Okay… I… I just don't think we should treat the Fatui here like they were the ones who committed the crimes in Mondstadt. We know that different Harbingers control different sects of Fatui. The ones here probably had nothing to do with what happened in Mondstadt, so it wouldn't be fair of us to treat them any differently."

Keqing balked for a moment, before shaking her head.

"Zhao you know the ones in Liyue aren't exactly good people either," She said. "Of course, not all of them are crooks, but you know what they do."

"Of course I do," He said with a wave of his hand. "But that doesn't mean we should blame them for the actions of others. We can't blame them if they weren't involved in what happened."

"So you truly believe that none in Liyue knew what they were going to do in Mondstadt?" She challenged him.

"I'm not saying that, but even if they were, what do we expect? Regular foot soldiers to go and stand up to the Harbingers?"

"There is a Harbinger who's often in Liyue, we both know that," She said, her voice turning sterner. "Do you believe that he didn't know about what would happen? Do you think he's okay with it?"

Zhao didn't back down as usual. "Even if he did, I know Childe he's not a bad person. I'm sure he'd never do anything like that in Liyue. I can promise it."

"And how can you be sure?"

"He has younger siblings himself, he cares more about them than anything," Zhao said, as Keqing could see the sincerity in his eyes. "There's no way he'd put other people's younger brothers and sisters in danger by doing something like they did in Mondstadt here in Liyue."

Keqing hesitated. Her first instinct was to tell Zhao he was being naïve, which at times she knew that he could be.

But she couldn't bring herself too, and that was because she could see he really believed what he was saying.

"I… understand where you're coming from Zhao, and I'm not dismissing what you're saying," She told him. "But even with that mindset, we can't simply not react to what happened so close to our own borders! The Fatui wouldn't send three Harbingers to Mondstadt if things weren't serious."

"I know, and I'm not saying we shouldn't take precautions just in case. You are right, them attacking in Liyue during the Rite of Descension makes the most sense," He said, and when he looked at her then her heart melted. "I just refuse to believe that this has to come to more violence. I don't want to believe that fighting is the only way."

Keqing was going to respond, but found she didn't have any words too. Instead, she fought back a smile as she held her chest.

I always get that wrong… he isn't naïve, he just likes to trust and see the best in everyone that he comes across, and that… that's a very attractive quality in a person.

It was something she couldn't do herself, but to see it in someone else? It made her envious.

"I understand Zhao. I don't want it to come to more fighting either, I promise that together we'll do all we can to avoid it," She said. "But I can't not prepare for the worst-case scenario."

He breathed a sigh of relief, and his smile returned which Keqing was very thankful for.

"You always listen… thank you Lady Keqing, ha, this is why you're so amazing!" He said, smiling wide as if it was the best morning ever. "Even when it's someone like me who's bringing ideas to you, you always take the time to consider them!"

Keqing choked on her words again. She wanted to ask him what he meant by saying 'someone like me', but she started yelling before she could.

"Y… you stupid boy! Don't just say things like that in the middle of a conversation!" She told him, turning her back on him so he couldn't see her face.

"So… would you rather me say it at the beginning or the end of the conversation?"

"Don't get smart with me Zhao," She growled at him, before sighing. "We have more important things to worry about right now anyway."

She tried and failed to force back a smile. The truth was, with Zhao around, Keqing always felt inspired to do more. Her productivity and job performance had skyrocketed since he started working for her.

Not to mention she was a lot happier personally.

"Of course, I'm sorry for distracting you," He said, bowing again. "Sorry again I didn't get here earlier, I got caught up with all the people like I said, and I had to talk to Ganyu a bit longer than normal today."

"I saw that," She said, hesitating and feeling her face get hot. "What… what did you need to talk to Ganyu about?"

Zhao sighed. "I… I just had a weird dream last night. Two Adepti were in it I didn't recognize, so I wanted to ask her if she did."

"Oh thank the gods…" She said, relieved that it had been all it was, but when Zhao looked at her oddly she cleared her throat and moved on. "Weird dream with Adepti?"

"It's a long story, I'll tell you later when we have lunch," He said, his look turning more serious. "I saw Cao running pretty hard towards the gate. Is everything okay?"

Keqing suddenly scolded herself for getting distracted.

"I think so, but we need to be certain. Cao told me a squad of Milileth haven't reported back from a patrol at Guili Plains, they left last night," She told him. "I want you to go with Cao and a new squad from the Dihua division. Track down the missing squad and get them back, you're in command."

As she expected, after hearing the situation Zhao was ready.

"Of course, we'll find them. Do we have anything else today?" He asked.

"No more than the usual," Keqing said, she felt her stomach curl. "But we'll discuss you working with Ningguang the day of the Descension."

Their hours-long debate from the previous night was still fresh in her mind. As exhilarating as it was for her to have someone who actually challenged her views and made her think more on her beliefs, she knew they didn't have time for such a discussion today.

Zhao picked up on that and nodded. "You can count on me."

"I know I can," She said, her smile grew before she looked under his arm. "By the way, what is that you have there? You've been holding it since you got here."

Zhao's eyes went wide, and she saw his cheeks get red. Nervously rubbing the back of his head, with one hand, he produced the small package with the other one.

And he held it out for her.

"Ha… I got distracted I'm sorry," He said, he hesitated and his face got redder. "This is for you!"

"H…huh?! Me?" She said, gently taking the package. "But, what for, my birthday passed months ago, and giving presents isn't exactly a tradition for the Rite of Descension."

Zhao didn't hesitate this time. His hand gently grazed against hers as she took it from him, it sent shivers up her spine.

"I know that, but… well, it's been a year now since I started working for you," He said, his voice soft and kind. "And I just wanted to say thanks! I've been able to help so many people since I met you. It… it honestly may be the best thing that ever happened to me, I don't know what I'd be like today if I hadn't met you, this isn't nearly worth what you've done for me but I wanted to at least do something for you."

Keqing's heart melted.

"I… Zhao you… you didn't have to get me anything for that," She said, looking at the package in her hands then back to him. "But… you're welcome. I… I… the truth is well…"

She couldn't finish the sentence as too many emotions ran through her head. The normally eloquent Keqing for the first time couldn't think of something to say.

He… he got me this, and I haven't done anything for him! He's made it longer than any assistant and I didn't-.

"Haha, you don't have to say anything," He promised her, smiling wide. "Go on open it!"

Keqing nodded and did just that. The brown wrapping paper was quickly unwrapped, and Keqing found a small, rounded box. She opened that as well, and when she did a decently sized glass bottle. It's smell hit Keqing's nose right away and her eyes shot open, it smelled fantastic.

"Perfume?" She said, holding the bottle. Across from her, Zhao couldn't hide the excitement on his face.

"Aha! It took me a few weeks of trial and era but I finally got it down!" He said, excitedly telling the story. "Perfume making is seriously harder than I thought, but thankfully Ms. Ying'er helped me with a lot of the steps. There's Qingxin, Glaze Lillies and silk-."

"And silk flowers… I remember not long ago, I mentioned that I wanted to try new perfume with a silk flower smell," She said, looking up at Zhao as realization hit her. "You were with me when I said that. That… that was just an offhanded comment, you remembered?!"

"Ahaha, of course I did. I make sure to remember all the things you like," He said, he seemed full of pride and relief. "I hope you like it! If you don't I can try and make you a different one-."

"No! I love it…" Keqing said quickly, her face was beat red as she sprayed a tiny bit of the perfume on her wrist and sniffed it. She tried to contain her own excitement. "It… it smells fantastic! Zhao I… I don't know what to say. I… didn't get you anything I'm sorry-."

"You don't have to get me anything, this was a gift I don't expect anything in return," He said, his smile never left. "Just forgive me next time I say something to embarrass you."

Keqing scoffed and clutched the perfume bottle. "Ha… I can do that. Thank you Zhao, this was very thoughtful, I greatly appreciate it."

It meant much more to her then that, but she couldn't find the courage to say it then.

"So long as it makes you happy it was a success!" He said, full of energy still. "Okay, I should probably go and meet Cao-."

"Oh my, that certainly is a very nice smell on the air. Is that new perfume Keqing?"

Both Zhao and Keqing turned, and while Zhao smiled and bowed Keqing could only roll her eyes.

Of course she shows up now…

"Oh, good morning Lady Ningguang!" Zhao said as he bowed. "It's nice to see you, happy Rite of Descension!"

Keqing groaned and Zhao either didn't hear her or didn't say anything. Ningguang wasn't flanked by any of her attendants, and Keqing had to assume she had only just come down from the Jade Chamber. She smiled at Zhao for far longer than Keqing liked. Zhao seemed as excited as he was each time he got to speak to Ningguang. He'd told Keqing before that she was an inspiration for him, and Keqing couldn't blame him with both of their upbringings being so similar.

She managed not to get annoyed by this, since he always followed it up by saying how despite this he wouldn't want to work for any member of the Qixing except Keqing herself.

"Good morning Zhao, Happy Rite of Descension," The Tianquan said, before her smile turned to Keqing. "And you as well Keqing. I'll say it again, whatever new perfume you have smells positively fantastic, when did you get it?"

Keqing hated small talk. Normally she would have blown Ningguang off until the next time they had to have a formal meeting together, but she didn't want to appear rude with Zhao there. He had been telling her for months how she needed to have a little more tact with some people.

She agreed of course, but she'd never admit it openly.

"Thank you, I just got it today," She said, looking at Zhao. "Zhao made it for me, it was a gift."

She hadn't wanted to tell Ningguang this for exactly what happened next.

The Tianquan looked at Keqing with a very knowing smile which made Keqing both blush and clench her fist in frustration.

"Oh my, you're making perfume now Zhao?" Ningguang asked him.

Zhao sheepishly laughed. "Only this one time. I made it to thank Lady Keqing for having me as an assistant for a year!"

"Ahaha, I'm sure Keqing is the one thankful for you the last year Zhao," Ningguang teased, before looking to her. "Do you mind?"

"Sure…" Keqing said through clenched teeth, as she sprayed a small bit of the perfume on Ningguang's wrist to smell.

The Tianquan did, and when she did she smiled wider.

"Oh my this is quite spectacular work Zhao," She said, her turning back to Zhao with a very friendly and fond smile. "If I may be so bold as to impose a favor on you, would you make something like this for me as well?"'

Keqing choked on the air and glared at Ningguang. W…what?! That little-. Why is he blushing?!

"Ha… mine probably isn't as good as the ones you can get Lady Ningguang."

Ningguang shook her head. "Nonsense, this was simply fantastic. Besides, I trust your work Zhao you know that. Now please, would you mind making me some? I'll pay for it if you-."

"Oh no, no, I wouldn't dream of making you pay for it! Consider it a gift, I'd be happy to," Zhao said which made Keqing's fist clench more. The stupid boy smiled and bowed to them both. "I should really get going, Lady Keqing I'll report back right away. See you both later!"

"It's always a great pleasure seeing you Zhao, take care!" Ningguang said, waving as Zhao smiled and took off in a job towards the gate.

Keqing grinded her teeth as she watched Ningguang wave towards him. She's insufferable. What business does she have asking my assistant for something when she has a dozen of her own-.

"Ah, I must say that Zhao is one of the best things to happen to Liyue in years," The Tianquan said, looking back at her as Zhao disappeared. "Wouldn't you agree?"

"Of course I would, I'm the one who hired him," Keqing said, trying to end the conversation as quickly as she could. "Even before then, he did a lot for the people… they all love him."

"That they do," Ningguang said, before a knowing smile came to her face. "He's also quite a handsome young man isn't he?"

Keqing stammered and turned before she could blush. "His appearance makes no difference to me. He's kind, good at his job, and I trust him that's all I care about, what he looks like makes no difference."

This was of course true. However, Keqing didn't want to give Ningguang the satisfaction of saying she was right so she kept her mouth shut. She did agree wholeheartedly, however.

"But you surely have taken notice yes?" Ningguang asked, that insufferable smirk on her face. "I can say that I certainly have. Do you think he'd have dinner with me if I asked him, who knows perhaps he'll be looking for a new-."

"What Zhao does with his free time is none of my concern," Keqing snapped as she glared at the Tianquan. "Now, is there something you needed or are you just here for small talk?!"

Her outburst made Ningguang laugh, which frustrated Keqing.

"Ahaha, of calm down now Keqing. You know I only say things like that to tease you right?" She asked.

Keqing rolled her eyes. "Either way it's annoying. Zhao is my assistant, and my friend, just my friend, nothing more than that."

"Oh come now, he's at least a bit more than that," Ningguang said, seeing right through her. "I don't think any member of the Qixing has an assistant that helps them quite like Zhao helps you."

"That's because he's incredibly kind, competent and decisive when he needs to be," Keqing said, going to walk away. "I'm leaving if you have nothing to talk about-."

"But I do, and it's quite urgent," Ningguang said, her voice changing and suddenly leaving no room for argument. "Let's go speak in the Jade Chamber. It concerns what happened in Mondstadt recently, along with your 'just friend'."

If it had been about anything else Keqing would have told her to save it for later.

But of course, Keqing found herself following her.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Zhao

"I see… so it was around here…" Zhao said, kneeling down and pressing his hand to the stones beneath him. "Expand the perimeter, I'll see if I can sense anything. You said it was just a normal patrol, right? They didn't have any specific orders?"

Cao shook his head. "No specific orders no, it was supposed to be a routine patrol to Wangshu Inn and back. With what the Fatui just did in Mondstadt, Lady Keqing felt more patrols east towards Dihua Marsh and Stone Gate were necessary."

"There's a reason Lady Keqing is the Yuheng, she's right," Zhao admitted as he pressed his fingertips harder against the ground and whispered. "Please… tell me if anyone is down there, they could be in danger."

The vision on his hip glew, and his fingers tingled. Cao rejoined the rest of the squad of eight Milileth that had accompanied Zhao towards the Guili Plains, he had explained to Zhao more about the missing patrol. It had been a squad of eight soldiers as well, and while the patrol was supposed to have been a normal one, judging by the area where they were now he could easily see how the group may have been distracted or possibly even ambushed by vishaps or other monsters.

They were about halfway through the Guili Plains. He could see the ever-standing Wangshu Inn in the distance and already sent two men ahead to check the Inn. It had been his hope that perhaps the missing squad was injured and simply stayed there for the night and forgot to send word back to Liyue of their status.

But he had a sinking feeling that wasn't the case.

"These ruins… they've definitely been disturbed," Zhao whispered as his fingers pulsed against the ground and he felt the vibrations return to him. "Come on… they have to be here somewhere."

Echolocation, the ability to sense the vibrations of the earth in order to tell where things were was a skill unique to those with a geo vision, and even then only a few could do it. According to Mr. Zhongli, even the few who could do it would require years upon years of practice in order to fully use the ability. Zhao's fingers were delicately pressed against the ground, the bright color of geo ran up his fingers, his hand, and arm all the way up to his neck and up to his ear.

Zhao had practiced for years, ever since he learned he had the ability. Mr. Zhongli had helped, but Zhao could remember hours upon hours of simply being out on the plains listening to the rhythms and vibrations of the ground.

The sun was bright and cool that day, and the ruins they were at were familiar to Zhao. He'd stopped Treasure Hoarders and other bandits from trying to loot it before. Not only because the law very clearly stated the pilfering of ancient ruins was illegal, but because they were extremely dangerous if you trigger the wrong traps.

And… it seems that's exactly what they did, Zhao realized as the vibrations from the ground returned to him and he could hear them rattle in his head. Yeah that's it… eight, no… nine? Oh Lord of Geo that's at least twelve!

He could hear the underground echoing of footsteps from at least twelve people, along with very, very muffled voices returning to him. From it, Zhao could guess two things.

"The ground is hollow, they probably fell into a trap nearby. And… more people probably fell in with them, I hope it's just treasure hoarders they were chasing," Zhao whispered to himself, he shot up to his feet. "Cao! They're here, we need to expand our-."

"Hey Zhao! We found something!"

Zhao's head shot up, he saw Cao and the other Milileth waving for him to join them. They were near a sloped hill which led downwards towards the shoreline not far from there. Still the ruins towered above them casting its shadow over them all. Zhao carefully started walking over towards them, his eyes scanned the structural integrity of the large pillars and columns, he saw iron gates which were sealed shut, the remnants of whatever structure it was in was clearly meant to guard something.

"It looks like it was a cave in! I think they fell down here," Cao yelled to Zhao, Zhao watched him turn to another soldier. "Hey come on! Help me start moving this rubble, there's probably an entrance somewhere near here."

Zhao's pace slowed, he felt his skin crawling. Something isn't right. This… this would be far too easy, if that was just where they fell, moving a bit of rubble shouldn't have been that hard for Milileth, and I can still feel them… wait… wait what's that.

Zhao stopped the moment he felt it. A surge of energy around him started buzzing, it was a familiar kind of energy only someone who was sensitive to it could sense, something he'd been able to feel his entire life. Cursing under his breath, he rushed over to one of the stone support columns which was attached to a tightly sealed iron gate.

He dusted off a part of it, and a chill ran through him.

"An Adepti sigil… and that's… yeah, that's Adeptal energy I can sense," Zhao thought as he sucked in the smell of the stone around him. "This place is full of it, Adepti traps are different then… oh no, CAO!"

He felt the vibrations in his feet, the whirring of machinery and other devices were right beneath them, and when his eyes followed where the whirring led, it was right where the group of men were digging out a large pile of rubble.

Cao looked back at Zhao as he ran. "Huh?! What's wrong Zhao, did you-."

He was cut off when the ground beneath them shook and lit up. Even in the hot morning sun, the giant sigil that appeared underneath them exploded with light so bright Zhao had to cover his eyes. He heard the yelling and cries of the squad of Milileth with him, he looked over and the men were all stumbling as the ground violently quaked, and that was when the giant sigil around their feet glew even brighter.

Zhao realized what was happening with horror.

"IT'S A FAKE GROUND! THEY DISTURBED THE SIGIL AND IT ACTIVATED!" Zhao yelled over to the squad. "I'LL HANDLE IT DON'T MOVE STAY ON YOUR FEET!"

They all yelled but Zhao could see them trying to stay as completely still as they could. He looked behind him and the sigils started glowing on the ruins as well, and he could tell what was going to happen when he couldn't feel as many vibrations beneath their feet. He looked and saw the fake ground beneath them slowly start giving way, and when he did his hand glew the color of Geo and he slammed it into the ground.

And then, Zhao knew exactly what to do, with the art he had somehow known from the moment he woke up at Yuehi Pavillion.

"Trace the structure of it… find the art… and… PURGE IT!" Zhao yelled as he could see the intricacies of the art used to create the sigil in his mind as clear as day.

Geo energy shot down from his hand and slammed into the glowing white sigil. The Milileth yelled as the ground shook even more violently, and Zhao could hear more yelling from new voices which were undoubtedly the voices of the missing squad which were trapped beneath the ground, but the moment they started yelling beneath them, the ground coalesced and started forming again as Zhao's art completely erased the sigil and its effects.

It had been that way his entire life, well at least the life that he remembered which only went back twelve years.

Nobody had ever taught him. Not Mr. Zhongli, not Ganyu, he hadn't met any Adepti that secretly taught him.

He just knew, it was all inside his head and came to the forefront whenever he needed it. Zhao never thought much about who his parents were or where he came from, he liked to live in the moment, and at the moment he had everything anyone could ever ask for. He had a sister in Hu Tao, a guardian in Mr. Zhongli, friends he cherished, a job he loved… but this had been the one thing he knew he wanted to discover.

How could a random orphan who appeared out of nowhere, know so many Adepti arts and was so adept at sensing Adeptal energy? He questioned it most days, but not then, because it stopped them all from falling down into this trap.

But the moment Zhao's power destroyed the sigil, the ground still shook, and eventually it started to crack.

The now solid ground split open and when Zhao looked up he saw the Milileth squad that had come with him fall and get sent flying over the cliffs behind them.

Zhao of course, didn't hesitate to jump after them.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Lumine

"Okay! Are you ready?!" Paimon yelled from the open air in front of her.

Lumine smiled and nodded. "I am, try to keep up okay Paimon?"

"Haha you haven't been flying nearly as long as Paimon has!" Her companion yelled back to her.

Lumine sucked in the air, and felt anemo energy radiate around her. The dandelion hairpin from Aldrich and the others glew the beautiful bright green color of anemo as she felt the wind begin to pick up around her. The small spots on her outfit changed from the bright gold color of geo to the familiar anemo color as she looked out over the roof.

They had been staying at Wangshu Inn for a few days now, and she liked to think that the people staying there were used to seeing her jump off the roof of it by now. Before she had left Mondstadt, she of course asked Aldrich for any tips to continue her training in using her anemo powers, while she could fly and bring forth strong winds, she was still nowhere near his level, and Lumine knew that was the level she needed to get to.

Aldrich being Aldrich of course, had given her the even so helpful advice of 'just keep jumping off buildings' to help her continue her training in flying.

She thought he was just being silly at first, but that had turned out to really be the best way for her to train. In the two weeks since they'd left Mondstadt, she tried to find a new place to leap from every day and the training had paid off. She could fly extremely well now, she wasn't sure if she could fight a Fatui Harbinger and Dragon Sovereign in the air like Aldrich had, but her speed, agility and maneuverability had dramatically increased.

She knew, however, that soon she'd need to begin really practicing with the powers of geo she'd found herself able to use after visiting the Statue of the Seven in Dihua Marsh. Paimon suggested that she find a teacher for that like she had done with anemo and Aldrich. So, when they finally made their way to the city of Liyue Harbor that way, Lumine would look for one, but she wasn't holding out hope of finding anyone as good with geo as Aldrich was with anemo.

"Okay… let's go!" She said letting out a breath, and when she did she leapt with an anemo enhanced leap she leapt off the roof.

Paimon giggled as she flew around her, and Lumine felt the anemo energy catch her and she directed the wind towards where she wanted to go. She angled and directed the anemo energy and she found that her winds were particularly strong that day. The beautiful terrain of the Guili Plains which were south of Wangshu Inn stretched out before her. She was struck by how different the rugged ruin-filled terrain of Liyue was compared to the forested and rolling green hills of Mondstadt.

She didn't mind, it gave her plenty of obstacles to fly around. She dodged around a large pillar, she let herself drop to avoid a flock of birds before her wind carried her forward again. She picked up speed and saw that she was going even faster than Paimon was as the currents smashed against her face in a refreshing breeze.

She scanned the Guili Plains stretched out beneath her, and could even see Liyue Harbor in the distance, and its sheer size still amazed her. It was even bigger then Mondstadt was, and she could see dozens upon dozens of people coming in through the gates. She had heard from travelers at Wangshu Inn, that the Rite of Descension when the Geo Archon Rex Lapis came down to Liyue was normally a big holiday, but this year, even more people than usual were coming to attend.

Lumine felt her stomach churn at that news each time she heard it.

It's largely an influx of people from Mondstadt… I don't blame them, but this could be dangerous, she thought as she soared and saw the people streaming into Liyue. If they really are after these gnosis, Liyue is the next logical spot… and with the Geo Archon conveniently being present soon… I need to be ready.

"Wohooooo! Hahaha, Paimon's actually really happy she has someone to fly with now," Paimon said flying up next to her, before she saw what Lumine was looking at. "We should probably get going to Liyue soon, or else there may not be any more rooms to stay at!"

"You're right," Lumine said as the wind echoed in her ears. "Still I… I'm just a bit worried. We both know this would be the logical next target."

Paimon nodded as they slowed up their flying speed. "Yeah you're right…. Paimon is worried too, but we can't let that stop our journey to meet the Seven! Besides, we have that book Aldrich gave us! If any Harbinger show up, you'll just kick their butts!"

Lumine knew she meant it as a way to make her feel better, but she just felt more nervous. Yes, she'd been studying The Red Book which Aldrich had given her, but the truth was, reading about the strength of the Harbingers only made her more anxious. Aldrich had made Signora seem almost insignificant with how much he overpowered her, if Antone and Yvonne hadn't been there he really would have killed her.

That was how strong Lumine needed to be. It was how strong she would get to be.

"Yeah… but still, we should be careful," She said looking at Paimon. "Maybe we'll get lucky, and they'll want to back off for a while after Aldrich beat them back. They still got the gnosis but…"

She hoped that this new rumor that was spreading about Aldrich had some effect. Her and Paimon hadn't been able to avoid the talk at Wangshu Inn as it was full of people from Mondstadt and Liyue both. Everyone was talking about how the Vice Commander of the Knights of Favonius had defeated three Fatui Harbingers in Mondstadt and banned the Fatui from entering again.

Of course, Aldrich would have told them he didn't technically defeat Antone or Yvonne. However, regular people didn't care for specifics. All they saw, was Aldrich almost kill and drive away three different attacks by Fatui Harbingers on the city. Lumine didn't see the harm in the people having some hope.

"They may have, but still, Aldrich doing what he did is making people hope!" Paimon said excitedly as they flew. "They see it's possible to beat the Fatui! Paimon thinks it's a good thing!"

Lumine chuckled. "Ha… you're right. Come on, we should get…. Paimon do you hear that?!"

She may have been in the air, but she could hear the ground shaking even that high in the air. Paimon flew around her head as Lumine hovered in the air and they both looked down as a bright glowing light erupted from the ground.

"Look there!" Paimon pointed. "Is that… some kind of sigil?!"

"It looks like one of those Adepti sigils we heard about…" Lumine said as she scanned the area, her eyes went wide. "Look there!"

Another light counteracted the light of the sigil. The ground continued to grind and shake as the bright color of geo shot up around the sigil and exploded. The glowing sigil was snuffed out as a plume of smoke went up. Lumine's eyes found the source of the geo energy was a young man who for a moment looked relieved, but then the ground continued to shake.

Lumine watched as his powers aftershock cracked the very ground beneath him. A squad of the Milileth that was with him yelled as the ground cracked, and a moment later the ground near the cliff they were standing at cracked and the entire squad went flying into the open air down the broke cliff.

Lumine reacted with her first instinct. "Come on we have to help them!"

She shot downwards towards the scene with Paimon following, as the young man leapt over the edge as well.

People's thoughts on Zhao:

Zhongli-

As a ward: Zhao has a problem with confidence, he may appear to be a bit clumsy and disorganized, but don't let that fool you. He has an extremely sharp mind, and even sharper skills with a blade. His resonation with geo is spectacular, and he's the hardest worker you'll come across. A far cry from the boy I found on the streets… I'm extremely proud of the young man he's grown into

Hu Tao-

As family: HA my little brother?! He's adorable! Plus, super reliable, seriously, he's a bit clumsy but there's nobody else I trust more than him with important tasks. Don't let his soft-spoken side fool you, he may not have the confidence, but he definitely has the skill to be the best of the best! Ahh… I remember when Zhongli first brought him here, I never thought I'd get the chance to have a brother and it's the best! Hehe, he's so easy to prank and his reactions are always the best!

Xiangling- You wanna know about Zhao?! Ahahaha he's the best! You should see him when he puts on an apron and helps in the kitchen or to be a waiter! He drops things now and then and forget orders sometimes, but he's always been super reliable! Seriously, ask anyone else, he's always there to help no matter how big or small.

Yanfei- It's been a long time since I met someone so interested in law as me! Of course, I think Zhao only asked me for lessons so he could better understand his new job. Either way, he's always great to have over, Liyue's in good hands with someone like him helping the Qixing!

Keqing-

As a colleague: Zhao is the most reliable person I think I've ever met in my entire life. The circumstances of our first meeting were… unique, but they really helped me grasp what kind of person he is. He's kind, likes to see the best in every person he meets, and no matter the task, great or small he's always willing to help. Most of my assistants don't last more than a few weeks, I told him that when I first offered him the job. Zhao seemed to take that as a personal challenge... and now? I couldn't imagine doing my job as Yuheng without him.

As more then friends: I… I try to keep my relationships pertaining to my job strictly professional I'll have you know! His reliability and hardwork are extremely appealing traits, and I'm not blind to how he looks at me…. Or the way he dedicates himself to his work, the people of Liyue, or how no matter his position he has a willingness to help anyone…. He says I inspire him, but to be honest, I'm the one who's inspired. He's the first person to try and really get to know me for who I am, which goes hand in hand with my job. When he said that he wanted to know me better, I told him if he memorized the hundred plus contractual obligations of the position of Yuheng he'd know my dreams and aspirations like the back of his hand…. And what does that annoying boy do? He actually goes and memorizes them all… he's the kind of person I admire the most.

Ningguang:

Admiration- For someone so young, he's extremely quick witted and hardworking, it's rare for someone can use their brains as well as they use their sword or vice versa. His etiquette, diligence, and reliability are extremely well refined. It's as if Rex Lapis himself trained the boy.

Regret: That Keqing… I must admit, I'm a bit upset she was the one to offer Zhao a job first before he gained his current position before I could. Although (Smirks)… from how close they seem, I doubt young Zhao would have taken my offer over hers anyhow.

Zhao's thoughts on others:

Zhongli-

As a guardian: I can't even remember my life before Mr. Zhongli took me in. I had nothing, not even parents… I owe him everything. Despite all my clumsiness and flaws, he's never given up on me all these years, I will be successful and make Liyue a better place, so that all the effort he put into raising me was worth it for him, I won't let him down no matter what!

Hu Tao- Huh? She said she was my… jeez, she's been calling me her little brother for years, when I'm pretty sure we're the same age. Either way, I don't mind it too much. She may act goofy most of the time, but she's never given up on me, she believes in me and I'm really grateful for it. I love her as if we were born together like blood siblings. I couldn't have imagined growing up calling anyone else my sister.

Xiangling- Xiangling seriously saves me a lot of the mornings I forget to either bring lunch with me and I'm in a hurry! No matter how quickly she throws something together it's always delicious. She even asked me to go on one of her cooking expeditions to find new ingredients before. That was… enlightening to say the least, I'd never fished off the back of a turtle in Chenyu Vale before.

Yanfei- I have Madam Ping to thank for introducing me to Ms. Yanfei! Ha… I should probably drop the Ms before her name, she says it makes her feel old. But seriously, I'm learning so much from her. She said if I ever get tired of my job with the Qixing she'd be more than happy to have me work for her. I don't think I'll ever get tired of working for Lady Keqing, but if she's offering me a job then I guess she's impressed with my law progress.

Keqing:

As a colleague- Lady Keqing? She's wonderful… elegant, refined, intelligent, an extremely hard worker. I hope that I can do even half of what she's done for Liyue in the future, she's only my age and she's already so accomplished! Some people may find her a bit rough around the edges with how serious and dedicated to her work she is, but me? It's what I admire the most about her. She always listens to the opinions of others and isn't afraid to admit when she's wrong, there's nobody that I'd rather work for.

As more than friends- I'm… not afraid to admit it. I've been in love with Lady Keqing honestly from the moment I met her. I haven't told her of course, I wouldn't want to drop something like that on her when we've grown so close, besides… there's not a chance she'd stoop to the level of someone like me. No, not yet anyway… even if she did feel that way about me, I still have a long way to go before I feel worthy of someone like her… I'll get there one day, and I'll tell her then how I feel.

Ningguang- Lady Ningguang may seem to only be focused on her own self-interests, but I truly believe she does want what's best for Liyue always. She's an inspiration for me, she grew up just like I did but rose up to where she is now. Her and Lady Keqing bump heads sometimes, but they seem to get along well most of the time, I'll be honored to help the both of them make Liyue a better place.

Character Details- For the last twelve years, if you asked any business owner or citizen in Liyue who they'd go to when they need a tough job done quick, most of them would shout out Zhao's name right away. Even when he was living as an orphan in Liyue, Zhao could be found helping out at the docks, helping run a merchant stand for the day, cooking food or serving tables, he's even helped out at mining projects and surveying expeditions. No matter if it was a ten minute or ten-day favor, Zhao would always find the time for anyone who asked him.

But despite the good deeds and cheerful attitude doing them, what parent would let such a kind child run free around Liyue doing all these jobs?

The answer was that nobody knew. Not even Zhao.

The story has become famous in Liyue, and many people have put forward their guesses. A young boy was left at Yuehi Pavillion with no explanation. The only clues they had were the shining geo vision clipped to his waist and the boys words themselves. The problem? The boy said nothing, and for days the young boy, dazed and confused was taken care of at Yuehi Pavillion seemingly sapped of all strength. The people clamored for answers, was the boy secretly an Adeptus? Did the mighty Adepti leave one of their own at their doorstep? Did someone abandon their child at the Pavillion and ditch town?

Nobody could figure it out, because the young boy knew nothing but his name. Zhao. However, that wasn't the first words that came out of his mouth when he finally spoke after days of being taken care of by the workers at Yuehi Pavillion.

No, his first words were a person's name and then a question.

"Ganyu… are you… a goddess?"

That was the question the young boy asked Ganyu, the secretary of Yuehi Pavillion who had found him and kept a close eye on him for the following days and months. Ganyu naturally was completely flustered at the sweet innocent question from the young boy. However, that question was a signal of what the people of Liyue could expect from Zhao as he grew older.

He was determined to see the best in everyone, and it was a principle he'd carry into the future.