Liyue Harbor.
Yujing Terrace.
Ganyu had just returned from the Second Life general store.
Her junior, who was in charge of tax collection, had run into difficulties again, having been run in circles by the owners of Wanyou Boutique and Second Life. With no other choice, Ganyu had to step in to assist with the junior's work.
Now, returning to Yuehai Pavilion, a massive pile of work was still waiting for her to process. The mere thought of it made her sigh in resignation.
Living in the bustling Liyue Harbor was wonderful, but it was simply too busy. While lamenting her situation, Ganyu walked toward Yujing Terrace.
Just as she ascended the stairs, she heard a familiar voice.
"...Indeed. So many years have passed since those events... Things have changed and people are gone, yet this potted landscape of Liyue has only become more beautiful. It gives me a measure of comfort."
"Mn."
"That being said, there are still shortcomings. Only when all living beings are wealthy does it truly look like a city of commerce. Therefore..."
This familiar voice immediately piqued Ganyu's interest.
She quickened her pace, climbed the steps, and looked back. Sure enough, two figures were standing not far away.
One had a tall, magnificent physique with a refined and scholarly air, while the other had a kind face and a slightly hunched posture.
"Rex Lapis, Madame Ping? You actually have time to chat here?"
Hearing Ganyu's voice, both Zhongli and Madame Ping turned around.
"Ganyu, you have come at just the right time."
"Eh!?"
"Does Rex Lapis have instructions for me?"
Zhongli nodded. "There are some matters regarding Sumeru today that are worth mentioning."
Upon hearing this, Ganyu instantly perked up. If something was deemed 'worth mentioning' by the Geo Archon, it must naturally be a momentous event.
"Rex Lapis, ever since the change in the Dendro Archon five hundred years ago, Sumeru has had little contact with Liyue. We have visited the Akademiya several times, only to be turned away at the door. Since this is a matter you mentioned, could it be that Sumeru is willing to initiate contact?"
Over the years, trade between Sumeru and Liyue had decreased significantly. She couldn't even get Sumeru fruits anymore! The same went for Inazuma; due to the Sakoku Decree, she hadn't eaten Sea Ganoderma for hundreds of years. It was only recently, when Inazuma restored diplomacy, that she was able to fill up on many new delicacies.
If Sumeru really could restore relations, there would be fruits to eat again!
Zhongli smiled and nodded. "Five hundred years ago, the Dendro Archon changed, becoming Lesser Lord Kusanali. Nowadays, Lesser Lord Kusanali rules as regent, and Greater Lord Rukkhadevata has returned from death to assist her side. They have formally restored relations with Liyue Harbor."
" The Tree King returned from death!? This is truly good news!"
In reality, Ganyu didn't care about the Tree King; her eyes saw only food, food, and more food!
Ganyu felt a burst of joy in her heart. She was already craving Sumeru's fruits! Zaytun Peaches, Rukkhashava Mushrooms, Ajilenakh Nuts...
Aside from specialties, she also craved even common fruits like watermelons and cantaloupes. Because of Sumeru's rainforest environment, the fruits grown there were all delicious. Thinking of this, she couldn't help but drool.
"Aside from that, there is one more thing."
Zhongli spoke again, "I went to see the Tree King today and met a friend, a Khaenri'ahn named Ye Xi. This person is quite talented and has many whimsical ideas. He wants to help every nation... engage in infrastructure."
"Engage in fencing?"
Ganyu looked puzzled. "Rex Lapis, is this 'fencing' the kind of sword fighting I understand?"
"No. The so-called 'infrastructure' generally refers to building roads and launching engineering projects to promote trade."
After explaining, Zhongli continued, "Ye Xi's concept is to use Liyue as the core to connect the surrounding nations, facilitating the flow of personnel and goods, and enhancing interaction. I have already hired him as Liyue's Infrastructure Consultant. I leave this matter to you. Go and invite young friend Ye Xi here."
"Mn... Eh!?"
Ganyu suddenly snapped back to reality and hurriedly asked, "Rex Lapis, under what name should I have the Qixing arrange this!?"
One had to realize that the Geo Archon had already faked his death. Liyue was currently under the full management of the Qixing and the Eight Trades. She absolutely could not use 'The Will of Rex Lapis' as a reason to demand the Qixing go and welcome a so-called 'Infrastructure Consultant'!
Because in the eyes of Liyue's common folk, the Geo Archon had already ascended to the heavens.
Since that was the case, asking the Liyue Qixing to recognize a strange Khaenri'ahn and then putting him in charge of Liyue's economic trade and construction—how was that possible!
Ningguang would definitely ask her a string of questions: Who is Ye Xi? How do you know him? Why do we need an outsider to be responsible for Liyue's economic construction?
And Keqing would certainly pull a scowling little kitten face and say: 'The current Liyue is in the Age of Humanity. Interference by the Adepti will cause the Qixing a great headache. Please think thrice before you act!'
She could already imagine everyone's expressions and tones in her mind!
Hearing Ganyu's question, Zhongli paused for a moment, then began muttering to himself as if he hadn't heard a thing.
"What did the Hall Master ask me to do just now...? Sigh... I really can't handle that child, insisting on going out to drum up clients... Never mind..."
As he spoke, Zhongli drifted further and further away, leaving Yujing Terrace.
"Rex Lapis...!"
Ganyu was on the verge of tears. Watching Zhongli's retreating figure, she turned back to look at Madame Ping. "Madame Ping, what should I do!"
"This old woman is going back to tend to her potted plants. Ganyu, you have to do your best."
After saying that, Madame Ping slipped into her teapot in a flash.
"Ehhh—!?"
Ganyu wanted to cry but had no tears. She had just managed to solve one troublesome matter, and unexpectedly, another one arrived! What was she supposed to do!
........
Evening, Mondstadt City.
Knights of Favonius Headquarters.
Grand Master's Office.
Jean, having been busy all day, finally returned to her office where she could drink a cup of coffee. She cupped the steaming coffee in her hands, taking a sip while looking at the various documents on her desk.
Suddenly, a light tapping sound came from the window behind her.
Knock, knock—
Jean stood up and turned around, only to find a drunkard with a flushed face lying sprawled outside the window. He held half a bottle of cider in his hand, looking completely serene.
If one had to describe what 'completely serene' looked like... it was probably like a salted fish basking in the sun.
"Lord Barbatos..."
This wasn't the first time Jean had seen such a scene. previously, she would go to Angel's Share for a drink every night, and she would always see this Anemo Archon, who did no honest work, drinking himself into a stupor at the bar, only to have Diluc waive his bill with a speechless expression.
Diluc had complained to her several times about how this Anemo Archon could drink too much, and every time he asked for money, Venti would use trickery to dodge the bill, claiming he would use a performance to settle the debt.
She had no solution for this either. Who asked him to be the Anemo Archon?
Unexpectedly, Barbatos had drunk himself into this state again today and even came to the Knights of Favonius.
She stepped forward and opened the window, and a stench of alcohol immediately hit her face.
"Hic~ Acting Grand Master of the Knights... I have something today... I want to say... Just now... I went to Sumeru..."
"Lord Barbatos, anyway, please come in first before speaking!"
Separated by the windowsill, Jean couldn't do anything, let alone take care of a drunkard.
Hearing this, Barbatos slumped on the windowsill, propping his face up with his arms and giggling foolishly. "Listen to me... There is a Master Ye Xi in Sumeru who says he wants to engage in fencing with us..."
"Fencing?"
"Yes, yes, yes~"
Venti stood up and mimicked a swordsman's pose. "Swish—Swish swish! Fencing...! The Geo Archon of Liyue and the Electro Archon of Inazuma have both agreed to this matter... So, we must also send a representative... Everyone needs to gather at Liyue Harbor. I leave it to you~"
Listening to this, Jean fell into deep thought.
She didn't understand why, out of nowhere, the four nations suddenly wanted to compete in swordsmanship. The key was, was this swordsmanship competition for single-handed swords or claymores? And what was the prize?
Moreover, she remembered that the Geo Archon of Liyue had clearly passed away, shifting the nation to an Age of Humanity. How could they suddenly say they agreed to fence?
"Lord Barbatos, can you explain the arrangements in detail? For example... Lord Barbatos?"
Before she could think of a conclusion, she discovered that Barbatos had suddenly disappeared without her noticing!
Only a giant watermelon remained on the windowsill. There was even a note left on it.
['Sumeru's melons are delicious!']
Jean instantly sighed, feeling very helpless. "This Lord Anemo Archon... Sigh..."
Just as she was at a loss, the office door was quietly pushed open, and a mature woman with an enchanting and graceful figure walked in.
"Yawn— Jean, are you done with work?"
Lisa lazily walked over to the bookshelf and leaned against the railing, looking sleepy-eyed. Like a cat full of arrogance.
"Lisa, uh... I just received a letter from Sumeru..."
Only she and Diluc knew Venti's true identity; she couldn't let those around her know for the time being. So, she embellished the story slightly and spoke about the 'fencing' matter.
"Tell me, who would be suitable for us to send?"
"I see..." Lisa pondered and said, "Then let's send our elite."
"Who?"
"How about the Captain of the Reconnaissance Company?"
"Eula?"
Jean thought for a moment and nodded. "Eula's swordsmanship is superb; she is indeed the best candidate. Moreover, the Fatui have quieted down recently, so we can give her a small vacation."
"But we can't just let her go alone, can we? Hmm... If the destination is Liyue, I remember Little Amber's grandfather was from Liyue. Why not let her return to her hometown to relax?"
Lisa's suggestion made Jean's eyes light up again. Amber and Eula had a particularly good private relationship; if the two of them went, they could look after each other.
"Good, it's decided then! It will be the two of them! Lisa, call Klee and everyone else to come eat watermelon!"
Jean smiled and patted the large watermelon beside her, sighing in relief.
"My, where did such a big watermelon come from? Looking at the size and variety, it looks very much like it's from Sumeru~"
"Uh..."
Jean was startled. She had forgotten that Lisa had stayed in Sumeru for a long time and could tell the origin of a watermelon at a glance. Now she didn't know how to explain!
Lisa smiled and left the office to call for people.
........
Inazuma City, Tenshukaku.
"Lady Guuji Yae!"
The Okuzumeshuu guards at the gate bowed their heads, saluting Yae Miko.
"Mn."
Responding lightly, Yae Miko walked into Tenshukaku.
Seeing that there was no movement, the Okuzumeshuu guards began to whisper.
"Lady Guuji is truly a great beauty!"
"Yes, yes! I never dare to look into Lady Guuji's eyes. I heard that her beautiful eyes are full of charm and can hook a person's soul!"
"Shh... Don't talk nonsense. If you're heard, you're finished!"
"What are you nervous about? Which man in our Inazuma didn't grow up listening to Lady Guuji's legends? Everyone just yearns for her!"
"...That's true. In that perilous Mt. Yougou, there lives a beautiful Fox Immortal sister... My grandfather grew up listening to this story!"
"Sigh, it's been hundreds of years, yet Lady Guuji's beauty remains unchanged, and no one has been able to win her heart. We mortals should just be content with looking."
"...."
Outside, the Okuzumeshuu sighed with emotion. Inside Tenshukaku, Yae Miko had already arrived within Raiden Ei's Plane of Euthymia.
"Ei, you contacted me—do you want to drink Dango Milk again?"
As she spoke, Yae Miko took out a prepared gift box of Tricolor Dango and smiled playfully. "A pity I didn't bring Dango Milk, only Tricolor Dango~"
Normally, if she teased Raiden Ei like this, Ei would probably be exploding with anger. She might even cry and make a scene, rolling all over the floor.
However, today's Raiden Ei was actually unmoved. She didn't even look back at the Tricolor Dango in Miko's hand! This made Yae Miko feel extremely puzzled.
Impossible. Could it be that my best friend has changed her nature?
She hurriedly walked behind Raiden Ei and saw a piece of pure white fruit mousse cake sitting on the table.
"Oh my, it looks delicious."
"Mn?"
Raiden Ei immediately shielded the cake in front of her with both hands, turning to look at Yae Miko with a fierce gaze. "This is mine. Don't get any funny ideas!"
She hadn't even brought herself to take big bites of this cake she brought back! She just held a small spoon, taking a bite, and then savoring it. She would wait until the taste of the cake in her mouth had completely dissipated before taking another spoonful.
She was afraid that if she ate big bites, the happy times would vanish.
If Yae Miko messed around and ate it, she would really fly into a rage!
Yae Miko feigned sadness. "Is there no love left? You actually guard your food like this over a piece of cake... So, where did you find this delicacy?"
"Sumeru."
Raiden Ei recounted the reasons for going to Sumeru today and what she had seen.
"...Greater Lord Rukkhadevata returned from the dead? Sumeru has been taken over by a Khaenri'ahn?"
A touch of shock appeared in Yae Miko's beautiful eyes. Looking at the Seven Nations, the only ones controlled by humans were the extinct Khaenri'ah and the current Liyue. For that Khaenri'ahn named Ye Xi to be able to ascend to the throne of Sumeru's governance, he must be extraordinary.
"Ah-woo..."
Raiden Ei put a small spoonful of cake into her mouth, and a blissful expression subsequently appeared on her face.
There were many fruits on the cake: crystal-clear grapes, bright red strawberries, dark purple blueberries, as well as watermelon and cantaloupe.
This bite carried a few plump little blueberries. The moment they entered her mouth, those little blueberries burst open on the tip of her tongue—pop, pop, pop—releasing extremely sweet juice.
Sumeru's rainforest had abundant rainfall, and the fruits had fully absorbed the moisture, becoming plump and full. Following that was the fragrant white cream; its rich taste merged with the fruit juice, repeatedly stimulating her taste buds.
At this moment, she felt her whole body cheering for the deliciousness in her mouth. The more it was like this, the less she could bear to swallow.
She tasted it carefully on the tip of her tongue, fully experiencing the sweet taste of the blueberry juice and cream. Then, she swallowed the deliciousness bit by bit.
In this way, the sweet taste lingered between her lips and teeth for even longer. This kind of deliciousness left one with an endless aftertaste.
Yae Miko was drooling just watching.
"So you called me here just to make me watch you enjoy cake? That's too excessive of you."
Raiden Ei held her cheeks with both hands. Only after the fresh, sweet taste in her mouth had dissipated did she speak.
"It is Ye Xi who wants to build infrastructure. I want to send you to Liyue to meet him and discuss this matter."
"You're actually calling him by his name?"
Yae Miko smiled, her gaze full of amusement. She knew the majestic Raiden Shogun too well. The people she usually met were 'Who?', 'That who!', or 'The person called so-and-so'. Aside from the other six gods and her friends, she rarely remembered a human's name.
"Although I don't know what 'infrastructure' means, I do intend to make a trip to Liyue. It is time to send some fresh Sea Ganoderma to sister Ganyu."
Incidentally, she also wanted to see exactly what kind of sacred figure this Ye Xi was.
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