"In that case," Yun Jin said gently,
"there's no need to keep calling me 'Miss Yun.' We're friends now—formal titles aren't necessary."
"Alright," Cael nodded.
"Then when do we start training?"
Yun Jin tapped her chin thoughtfully.
"Whenever you're free. Your fundamentals are solid, and your memory is excellent. It won't take long before we can perform together onstage."
"Then tomorrow," Cael replied without hesitation.
"I don't have much going on tomorrow."
"Mm. Then it's settled."
"Yes. Settled."
...
...
Before he left, Yun Jin told him he didn't need to continue working backstage—he could join the Yun-Han Opera Troupe as an official member.
Cael declined.
He wasn't interested in formally joining the troupe yet.
Still, Yun Jin granted him a special exemption—he didn't need to work today.
So Cael returned early to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
When he arrived, only Zhongli was there.
Hu Tao was out—most likely promoting business.
Zhongli glanced at him and said calmly,
"You're back early today."
After putting away his things, Cael smiled.
"Now this is rare. Consultant Zhongli didn't go listen to storytelling or watch an opera today?"
"What—did you bring back another bill?"
He sat down beside Zhongli as he spoke.
Zhongli narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at him.
His strength has recovered somewhat, Zhongli noted inwardly.
Something must have happened.
He took a sip of tea and continued casually,
"Mr. Xiaochen… may I ask you a question?"
Cael froze for a moment.
"A question? S-Sure… you can."
The Geo Archon is asking me something?
Zhongli studied him intently before speaking.
"Do you know of a demon god known as… Agarest?"
"…Agarest?"
Cael was genuinely confused.
There's a demon god like that?
Is this some hidden Genshin character?
"I don't," he said honestly, shaking his head.
"I've never heard of that demon god."
Zhongli lowered his gaze slightly.
As expected, he thought.
He has forgotten his identity as a demon god… and remembers only Morax of Liyue.
That confirmed Zhongli's conclusion from five hundred years ago.
If that was the case, then—
His memories and power would recover soon enough.
On the surface, Zhongli simply nodded.
"I see. Then that's all. Thank you for answering."
The abrupt conclusion left Cael completely baffled.
"…Alright?"
He stood up, preparing to return to his room.
"Since I finally have a day off today, I'll go rest," he said casually.
"When the Director comes back, let me know."
Zhongli watched him leave and nodded slowly.
"I understand… ah, right—when you wake up later, help me pay a bill."
Cael: ... (ー_ー)!!
...
...
Keqing's Office
"Haaah… finally done."
Keqing set her pen down and slumped forward onto her desk.
"At last, some free time…"
Then something came to mind.
"…Right. I can go see Cael now."
She stared blankly at the ceiling—then frowned.
"But what should I bring him?"
She had promised a reward, yet hadn't prepared anything.
"…I really should ask Ningguang about this," Keqing muttered, standing up.
Just then, the door opened.
Ganyu walked in—and immediately noticed Keqing's troubled expression.
She chuckled softly.
"Hehe. Lady Keqing, are you troubled by something? You look like you've hit a wall."
"Secretary Ganyu?" Keqing blinked.
Then she explained,
"A few days ago, a young man named Cael helped us capture a group of Fatui. I said I'd reward him once I had time… but now I don't even know what to bring."
"…Cael?"
Ganyu's eyes lit up.
"You mean the one who nearly got buried by the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor half a month ago?"
"Yes," Keqing replied instinctively.
"Is something wrong?"
Ganyu quickly said,
"I think I have an idea. I can come with you."
"Huh?" Keqing was surprised.
"Don't you still have work?"
"It's fine," Ganyu said hastily.
"I can make up for it later."
"…Alright then."
Ganyu smiled the moment Keqing agreed.
This doesn't count as seeking him out, she reassured herself.
I'm just helping a colleague. Yes. Just helping.
Meeting him once… should be fine.
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