As the Lantern Rite drew near, Liyue Harbor grew ever more lively. Households hung sky lanterns at their doorways, one after another, until the streets were awash with warm light.
The radiant Mingxiao Lantern of the "Skyward Guide," carved from an enormous floating stone, was placed at the most prominent location in Liyue Harbor. Anyone who looked up could see that massive lantern shining overhead.
"It's been a long time since I last strolled through Liyue Harbor like this."
Xiao followed behind Rhodeia, lifting his gaze to the bustling city before him, his emotions quietly stirred.
The Yaksha fought for Liyue's prosperity—seeing it flourish like this was, perhaps, the greatest reward he could receive…
No—rather, the greatest reward for all of his brothers and sisters.
"My lady said you haven't been around Liyue Harbor in ages, so you're probably not familiar with it anymore. That's why she told me to show you around."
Rhodeia spoke as she walked, giving the Mora pouch in her hand a light shake. "I brought plenty of Mora. Eat whatever you like. If it's not enough, I'll just send the bill to Northland Bank."
"Ah… that really isn't necessary. I don't particularly enjoy eating other things…" Xiao lowered his head as he spoke.
Rhodeia looked him up and down. "You're a Liyue Adeptus—why are you acting so shy?"
"I'm not shy," Xiao argued. "I'm just not used to—"
"You—"
Seeing his reaction, Rhodeia let out a sigh.
"You won't listen to my lady, but surely you'll listen to Rex Lapis? Your Lord specifically said that you're to follow my lady's arrangements in everything. And my lady told me to take you along, so you'll follow my arrangements. Understood?"
A figurative black line seemed to form on Xiao's forehead. Left with no choice, he nodded. "I… understand."
"Good. Come on—I'll take you to try my lady's favorite candied hawthorn."
Rhodeia led Xiao toward a nearby stall.
Xiao followed behind her, looking as though he had resigned himself to fate.
…
Inside the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Lora was busy preparing the evening banquet together with Hu Tao and Xiangling.
Hu Tao muttered nonstop as she worked, "We were supposed to host this banquet at Xinyue Kiosk, but they told me it was fully booked. Such rotten luck! Guess we can only hold it here at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
"It's fine," Xiangling said with a cheerful smile. "I think the location doesn't matter. As long as everyone's happy together, that's what counts!"
"Yes, Xiangling's right." Lora nodded in agreement.
Hu Tao carried over a dish and noticed Zhongli sitting off to the side.
"Guest Consultant, what's going on with you? Can't you see Miss Lora and Xiangling are busy? Sitting there all by yourself—where's your sense of gentlemanly conduct?"
"Ah, my oversight. Thank you for the reminder, Director Hu." Zhongli immediately stood and walked over.
The moment he entered the kitchen, he took up most of the space.
"…You're a bit too big. Why don't you wait outside?" Lora looked up at Zhongli and politely asked him to step out.
Zhongli nodded.
"Indeed. By common rationality, you are correct."
Watching Zhongli walk back out and sit down again, Hu Tao was left speechless. "Guest Consultant, you really are…"
She suddenly exclaimed mid-sentence, "Oh! It's getting late—I need to go see if the guests have arrived!"
"Guests? Who else is coming?" Xiangling asked curiously.
"Xingqiu, Chongyun, and that legendary Traveler who fought alongside the Anemo Archon in Mondstadt and thwarted an evil plot in Liyue Harbor—plus her companions! Hey, aren't they also Miss Lora's friends?" Hu Tao poked her head into the kitchen, looking at Lora.
Lora nodded. "Yes. My friends Lumine and Paimon. Mm… besides them, I also have a few friends coming—Zhongli's friends, Xianyun and Zhongyue, and Shenhe."
"Haha! Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is going to be incredibly lively today!" Hu Tao laughed and went out first to wait for everyone.
After arranging the dishes on the table, Lora glanced at Zhongli, who was still seated, and asked, "Are you really just leaving Venti outside on his own?"
The winds over Liyue carried an unusual feeling that day. Both she and Zhongli could sense the pure, gentle breeze blowing in from Mondstadt, and they knew that Venti had already arrived in Liyue Harbor.
"No. I'm simply ignoring him," Zhongli replied calmly, shaking his head.
"…I see." Lora sighed helplessly. It really did feel like something Zhongli would do to Venti. "Then keep an eye on the food. I'll go help Xiangling."
"Very well." Zhongli inclined his head.
Before long, Xiangling finished preparing a lavish spread, and Hu Tao returned with the others.
Zhongyue held a palace lantern in her hands, looking around in curiosity. When she spotted Zhongli nearby, she walked straight over.
"Hey, Zhongli! Look what I bought—doesn't it look great?" She waved the lantern in front of him. "I put the bill under your name, so no need to hold back."
"…It's quite nice." Zhongli examined the finely crafted lantern and nodded.
Xianyun paused briefly upon entering and seeing Zhongli, but quickly regained composure, smiling and nodding in greeting before sitting down with Shenhe to one side. Shenhe appeared even more reserved once seated.
Lora gestured for everyone to sit. "Come, come, take your seats. Today, Director Hu is hosting—we're all guests here."
"Exactly!" Hu Tao nodded enthusiastically. "I'm treating everyone today, so no need to be stiff. Just sit!"
Once most of them had taken their seats, Hu Tao looked around and asked, "Oh, Miss Lora, where's your attendant?"
"She went to invite the Conqueror of Demons," Lora replied.
"The Conqueror of Demons!?" Hu Tao's eyes widened in shock. "Miss Lora, you have connections with an Adeptus too?"
"Oh, it's nothing special," Lora said with a light wave of her hand and a smile. "We met on the way to Liyue Harbor, so I thought I'd invite him to celebrate together this time. More people makes it livelier."
As they spoke, Rhodeia entered with Xiao.
"My lady, we're back!"
The moment Hu Tao saw Xiao behind Rhodeia, she hurried forward with a bright smile. "Oh my! The Conqueror of Demons himself—your presence truly brings honor to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!"
"Indeed. For the Conqueror of Demons to grace Wangsheng Funeral Parlor with his presence is our great honor," Zhongli rose and addressed Xiao.
Xiao: "…" He knew he shouldn't have come.
Lora clasped her hands politely.
"Xiao… Adeptus, this way please."
Zhongyue glanced at Lora, then at Zhongli, and broke into a grin. She trotted over to Xiao, tugged at his sleeve, and said, "Adeptus, come with me. I'll find you a seat."
Xiao: "!"
Wonderful. This meal was definitely going to trigger his karmic debt.
Xianyun looked at Xiao with eyes full of sympathy, a deep sense of reflection welling up within.