Episode 174.8: Prince Yan, he's that societal good-for-nothing again?
『 Paimon gazed at the familiar faces before her, surprised, and looked around, blurting out:
"It's Zhongli and Childe? And you, you're that most detestable Fatui Harbinger from Mondstadt!"
Besides Zhongli, who was expected to be there, the culprit, Childe, was also present.
Even more surprisingly, an old "friend" from Mondstadt was there too.
"It's you, Signora!" Lumine instantly entered combat mode, fully focused and ready for any challenge.
Signora, standing between the two, noticed Lumine walking in, crossed her arms, and slowly taunted: "Haha, it's you two. I believe we've met once before... In the City of Bards, was it? I'm glad you still remember my name."
"Ah, right. I imagine that it must have been rather hard to forget watching helplessly as something precious was snatched away from your friend."
"Hmph, I'm here to take it back; it's still not too late." Lumine pointed her weapon at Signora, her attitude firm.
Signora, however, was unfazed by Lumine's threat. In Mondstadt, she wasn't really a big deal.
If she hadn't wanted to completely fall out with the Knights of Favonius, Lumine wouldn't have had the room to be so arrogant.
Seeing the atmosphere growing increasingly tense, Tartaglia quickly stepped forward to draw attention to himself.
"Hey, dear traveler, this is our first meeting after settling old scores, isn't it? Though the atmosphere is a bit subtle, haha."
"Tch, if I had known you were a Fatui Harbinger, I shouldn't have trusted you," Paimon grumbled at Childe, annoyed.
Now, Paimon regretted it deeply. How could she have believed a Fatui Harbinger's sweet talk back then?
But she seemed to have forgotten that if it weren't for Childe's help, they might have already been in a tough fight.
Perhaps all of this was within Zhongli's predictions, or perhaps it was all just fleeting memories.
What was certain was that the Childe before them was definitely not someone to be trifled with.
Facing their hostility, Childe looked a bit awkward but still shamelessly defended himself:
"Aiya, don't say that. Although I did hide some things from you, I bear no ill will towards you, the traveler."
"Aside from the unpleasant parting at the end, we actually cooperated quite happily, didn't we?"
"It's just that our positions are different. I didn't intend to turn this into a personal grudge. Of course, I don't care how you treat me."
"It's Signora and Zhongli who really put me through the wringer."
"Signora and Zhongli put you through the wringer?" Lumine looked at the two with a puzzled expression.
Seeing Lumine's confusion, Tartaglia was about to explain the full story.
"Actually, it's like this..." Unexpectedly, Signora, who was watching from the side, suddenly interrupted him.
"Stop dawdling, Childe. If you want to chat, wait until I'm done with my business."
"Business?" Lumine and Paimon were confused by Signora's sudden interruption.
Signora ignored their questions and walked straight to Zhongli, extending a hand: "As per our agreement, we've come for your Gnosis."
Amidst everyone's astonishment, Signora slowly uttered the name: "Morax." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "Aren't you called Zhongli? How did you become Morax..." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "No, the name Morax is!" ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Morax, isn't that the Geo Archon...." ]
[ Venti (Genshin Impact): "Oh dear, identity exposed, huh?" ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "..." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "What, what exactly is going on!" ]
[ Kafka (Honkai: Star Rail) "Interesting." ]
[ Rimuru Tempest (Tensura) "But, wasn't he already dead?" ]
[ Rimuru Tempest (Tensura) "He didn't die directly, and then he's been with everyone?" ]
[ Ganyu (Genshin Impact): "Lord Rex Lapis, was he really Mr. Zhongli?" ]
[ Ganyu (Genshin Impact): "Indeed, my cultivation is still insufficient; I actually didn't notice." ]
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "??????????" ]
[ .....]
" In Between "
〜Genshin Impact World〜
Liyue, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—
The moment she heard that name on the screen, Hu Tao's gaze immediately fell upon her own consultant.
"Good heavens, what did that Fatui call you?"
"Morax?"
"Geo Archon? YOU'RE ACTUALLY THE GEO ARCHON!!!!"
"No wonder you know so much."
Looking at her Director's expression, Zhongli felt incredibly helpless.
Although he didn't mind revealing his identity, in the current situation, exposing his identity in front of so many people wasn't a good thing.
Moreover, since his identity was exposed, his Director would surely look at him differently.
But before Zhongli could even lament.
Hu Tao had already begun secretly preparing to drag Zhongli towards the backyard.
No, no, I can't let go of such a good opportunity.
"No matter if you're the Geo Archon or whoever, since you're now our consultant at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, you should consider our parlor's interests."
"Later, help me hand out flyers. I DON'T BELIEVE THOSE QIXING WOULD DARE TO STOP YOU!!"
Looking at the beaming smile on Hu Tao's face.
"Uh..."
After hearing those words from his Director, the black lines on Zhongli's forehead grew more and more numerous. And some of the explanations Zhongli had prepared in his heart were completely retracted.
Indeed, his Director, this person he had watched grow up since childhood, was still the same as ever.
Yes, it was still that familiar feeling; this was his Director.
—
『 "Gnosis?" Lumine exclaimed in surprise.
Paimon, leisurely flying beside her, also showed a confused expression.
"What are you two mumbling about?"
"The contract is complete. This is what was promised to you." Zhongli said calmly, unhurriedly pulling out an item resembling a chess piece from his robes.
Lumine was all too familiar with this item.
Just like in Mondstadt, Venti had also taken out an almost identical item.
That's right, this should be the so-called Gnosis.
However, Signora, upon receiving the Gnosis, gave Zhongli an annoyed glare.
"Tch, still putting on that high-and-mighty act even now."
Even though he had lost his divinity, he still maintained such an arrogant posture.
Perhaps having obtained the Gnoses of two Archons made her a bit overconfident.
In her eyes, even divine beings were nothing special.
But if she continued to maintain this complacent mindset, the future might truly be unpredictable~
"So Zhongli is actually Rex Lapis? This is just too outrageous. Although I had a bit of a guess before, but..." Lumine scratched her head, full of confusion.
"What?! You're actually the Geo Archon!?" Paimon's eyes widened, her jaw almost dropping, then she shook her head vehemently. "No, no, although this is shocking enough, why did you have to give the Gnosis to the Fatui?"
"That wasn't a gift; it was based on the spirit of a contract, an agreement between me and the Cryo Archon of Snezhnaya."
"I really don't understand your plan, and why did you have to fake your death?"
Paimon gestured excitedly, vividly reenacting the farce at the Rite of Descension, gesticulating as she spoke, "Remember? When you faked your death, it was such a commotion! Everyone was excitedly welcoming you, and then a giant dragon fell from the sky with a bang, nearly turning Liyue Harbor upside down and almost causing a great disaster!"
At this moment, Signora, standing nearby, glanced lightly at Zhongli, a meaningful smile playing on her lips.
"Hehehe, gathering the undercurrents to their extreme and then suddenly releasing them, isn't that the scene he wanted to display?"
"What do you mean?" The two looked at each other, utterly bewildered.
And Zhongli stepped forward, ready to personally unveil the mystery...
"Let me explain this matter myself."
"As you know, I have descended for over six thousand years, and even establishing Liyue with the Adepti was three thousand seven hundred years ago."
"Even whirlpools, unable to shatter bedrock, will experience erosion under the scouring of time."
"It's just that I've always been trying to convince myself that the time for erosion and cracks hadn't arrived yet."
"Until, on a slightly rainy white day, when I was strolling alone in the harbor."
"I once heard a merchant praise his subordinate: 'You have completed your duty. Now, you can rest.'"
"At that time, when I heard these words, I, alone, stood amidst the bustling crowd and pondered for a long time."
"At the same time, I kept asking myself in my heart: 'Have I, have I completed my duty to Liyue?'" 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "Lord Rex Lapis, the people of Liyue see all your efforts for us." ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "Perhaps we still have many shortcomings." ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "But please believe that we will not let down your expectations." ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "Hehe, originally I wanted to test you, but now that I've seen Liyue in the future, I know that you are capable." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Ningguang," ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "As fellow Qixing, I also have ambitions, don't I?" ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Indeed.." ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "Since Lord Rex Lapis, you've said so, we won't say anything more." ]
[ .....]
『 "However, when I was about to consider stepping down from godhood, I discovered again that I still had many reasons why I couldn't simply leave."
"Is Liyue, which has walked with gods, now ready to enter the next new era?"
"Therefore, I had to create an opportunity for careful observation before making a decision."
"Finally, this fake death was designed, involving Childe, the Adepti, the Liyue Qixing, and you all, into this chaos."
"In that case, it could also be considered a good ending." Lumine asked Zhongli curiously, "By the way, even if it failed, there would be a backup plan, right?"
"You're right. That's why I kept my Gnosis until now." Zhongli nodded, expressing his thoughts.
"But, that means, if the situation here became unmanageable, you would still personally step in and use your power to suppress the final crisis for Liyue?" Paimon said with some hesitation. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Ganyu (Genshin Impact): "It's good that we defended Liyue ourselves, otherwise Lord Rex Lapis would have been disappointed." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Yes, and that's also because Ningguang was willing to sacrifice her Jade Chamber." ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "For Liyue, it's nothing. Besides, my money comes from Liyue, so what's wrong with spending it on Liyue? The Jade Chamber? If it's gone, I'll just build another one." ]
[ Xiangling (Genshin Impact): "Boss is generous." ]
[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "Boss is generous." ]
[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "Boss is generous." ]
...a round of flattery...
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "Alright, alright, it's nothing, let's keep watching." ]
[ .....]
『 Because she also began to not know what this Zhongli in front of her was thinking.
"Of course, this matter is easy for him." Signora, snatching the conversation, said arrogantly:
"What a pity, now it seems that just as children who suddenly lose their parents quickly mature, this city called Liyue, in the face of its god's death, has grown up quickly."
After hearing the question, Zhongli crossed his arms, his eyes revealing certainty, and he answered in a clear voice:
"Should circumstances change and become uncontrollable, there is no need to worry. I shall personally intervene and handle it with stability."
"And the solution to this matter, its perfection, far exceeded my expectations."
"Those Adepti who live in seclusion knew little of this."
"But they maintained the utmost restraint from beginning to end, willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Qixing in times of crisis, and even tried to understand the difficulties of mortals."
"This Lady, dispatched by the Cryo Archon, came specifically for this contract, and further, as per my instructions, concealed the entire process from her companion—that Childe."
"As for me, I transformed into the mortal Zhongli, wandering the lands of Liyue, and with this mortal body, personally participated in and experienced the ancient traditions of Liyue."
"Throughout this journey, Traveler, your companionship has truly been a blessing, and I am grateful."
After this explanation, Zhongli changed the subject, wishing to speak of an unexpected turn of events beyond his plan:
"Up to this point, all that has been stated was within my scheme. However, one matter exceeded my expectations, and that was the actions of the Qixing."
"Initially, my expectation for them was merely to guard Liyue, like the Adepti."
"Who would have thought that the answer they ultimately presented was: to seize the opportunity to completely replace the divine authority in Liyue, and in the power vacuum left by my demise, swiftly take full control of Liyue's internal affairs." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "Speaking of which, now that I know your capabilities, I can hand over my authority earlier." ]
[ Ganyu (Genshin Impact): "Lord Rex Lapis?" ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "My decision is made." ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "We will not fail Lord Rex Lapis's expectations." ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "..." ]
[ Saitama (One Punch Man): "So, who will be your new god?" ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "I don't know yet. Perhaps, the current problem can be left for the future to manage." ]
[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "Exactly, with the livestream, what's there to fear about not having a future?" ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "Precisely." ]
[ .....]
『 "Why does this sound less like praise?" Paimon tilted her head, asking with a puzzled expression. Is rapidly seizing power also something to be applauded?
"Haha, no, not at all. I believe this is the best course of action." Zhongli explained carefully again, "This is also the situation I, as a god in the past, both worried was not yet time for, and secretly hoped for. It is the best interpretation of my past divine identity."
"Hey, hey, what about me? You guys played me for a fool like this. Aren't you going to apologize?"
Facing Childe's protest, Signora simply picked up the microphone and entered taunting mode.
"Hehe, on the contrary, I should thank you. Your disruption was always part of the plan. The Geo Archon should truly be grateful for your excellent performance."
"You brought such great pressure to the war between the Adepti and mortals and the ancient Archons. How could the steadfast bedrock, protected by the Geo Archon for a millennium, not seize this opportunity to shine as a brilliant diamond?"
As soon as Signora said this, it immediately drew dissatisfaction from her colleague.
"Huh? Why are you siding with another nation's god and mocking your own people? Looking for a fight?" Childe glared at Signora, displeased.
This scene also made Lumine suddenly realize.
"Speaking of which, just like Childe, I was also fooled by you."
"You can't say that. You are now Liyue's great hero, and I, I'm afraid, am already a permanent resident on Liyue's blacklist." Tartaglia said this, a bitter smile flashing across his face.
In the same game, Lumine won Liyue's supreme glory, while he received Liyue's most notorious wanted poster.
Seeing Childe's helpless expression, Signora put away the Gnosis and said to him: "It doesn't matter. Since the Gnosis is in hand, there's no point in saying more. Let's return to the Zapolyarny Palace to meet the Tsaritsa."
"Alright, but I'll be late. I don't want to travel with you." Childe gave Signora an annoyed glance.
Signora, however, swept her gaze over him indifferently.
"Suit yourself."
After Signora left, Tartaglia looked at Zhongli and Lumine, then resolutely turned and departed.
Zhongli needed time to cool down. After all, the other party was once a god.
As for Lumine, he still didn't know what to say; after all, they were opponents not long ago, and his impression of her wasn't good.
Thus, he could only choose to leave silently alone and return to Snezhnaya. 』
『 .....』