Loyal as a Xiezhi
Summary : Some Harbinger’s arrival in Liyue deep to have set off more people than it should.
You answer to the worst of them in kind.
You were no stranger to Zhongli’s serene demeanor, and occasionally sharpness once promoted— Which was a rarity in itself given his position as the keeper of the Golden Chamber.
With that titre alone, of unique person behind Teyvat’s Mora stocks, most were rightfully warry.
Yet all but one man, one chose name had your eyebrows raised curiously.
— Lady Ningguang » You nonethless replied. « Why so worried ? After all, how horrenduous can it be to host a single Harbinger ? »
The mention of such diplomatic representant hadn’t escaped you. But a decade worth of services to a man that had gone from tyrant to saint had instilled in you a certain contenance against the unexpected. « The Tsaritsa should better, than to set herself to wrestle against Morax’s ethics– And his lack of, when involving Liyue. »
You’ve reminded this woman who had not most a single minute to have you dragged to her office, the minute you’ve set foot in the Jade Chamber.
And neither did the mistress of that heavenly-like palace lost another to demand answers for Zhongli’s absence.
But your words were certainly far from what she wanted to hear given her new double and growing frown.
— It doesn’t mean her men will. »
The lady’s robe was hardly conversationnal. Much Closer to a sterness set so deep by the présent emergency she already dermes to think a step ahead. Therefore, already as if adressing Zhongli himself rather than the you she had to for now accommodate with, « Nor do I have the patience to wait until the cracks shows. That man is dangerous enough as it is.»
Her tone was resolute and final, spoken like a decree.
You couldn’t even sight at her overcalculating side : She would immediately notice.
Instead, you’ve remained leant against the door as she hadn’t even bothered offering you a seat.
— What, then ? After all, it isn’t like the Adeptus or even I could make this man disappear.» Nonethless as silence setted, you’ve to on the decision to break it. Just so you might make this unexpected discussion amount to gaining useful Intel. « He is after all another herald of the Tsaritsa’s will. »
The mention of the ‘Adeptus’ seemed to make her perk up. Due to your eyes meeting, as her red ones held a renewed sense of comtemplation.
Even her frown seemed to soften up.
— You’re right. But this man is still human. » To your minor disappointment, lady Ningguang’s voice has shifted back to it’s decree-like tone. « And I am assured your master and I have the same wish : Liyue’s stability being preserved no matter the cost. »
But this time, for once her red eyes weren’t looping past you, but pining you in place : Right underground the weight of her newfound expectations— Deal with it. You both owe such to this nation, the message was clearer now.
Like her present plan, which was making you cave in to her demands. Right now.
Yet, as you stood before a woman that was undoubtbly used to being obeyed by all, a smile slowly spreaddd across your face.
A lazy, but serene one.
Because right now, if one was to be found unable to stay in their place, it would be her for giving such orders.
Especially to sole one who oued her nothing : No contract. No loyalty, and therefore not a single obligation to abide and cause a geopolitical catastrophe.
Soon, you pilles yourself off the door and stepped towards the lady’s office.
— Megrez. Liyue’s stability won’t be thrown off by a man. Not even the Tsaritsa. » You’ve finally reminded her, while trying to remain courteous before her. After all she was perhzps rightfully stressed. But that was somrthing you could verify at another time.
Right now was rather time to make sure she didn’t képt such behaviour before Zhongli himself. Which meant you had to be firm now above all else.
— No, that I can assure you. » You continued. « But it will be if you let yourself be led on by fear. And right now all you need is to wait, and listen to your elders— My master will be on it. » You didn’t wait for her response to turn on your heels. Her recoiling back was enough of a response in itself. « So fear not. Live on and look at Liyue’s clear water. Because the day they turn back red hasn’t arrived yet. »
By now you had gotten past the door.
And finally took a moment to re-adjust your tie and breathe in.
The first thing you be doing once back at the Wansheng Parlor would be warning Zhongli.
This issue was now taking root into something much bigger than it had any right to be.
