Volume 5 – Chapter 41(Ningguang)
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Author Note:
[ ] = When Twilight is speaking.
{ } = When talking through Telepathy.
' ' = When thinking in your mind.
<< >> = When talking with your Pokémon or Tamed Beast.
--- --- = When describing a certain period of time OR Another place.
** ** = Point Of View i.e., POV
/// /// = In Call
" " = System and when talking to it.
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Somewhere in the distance, a man was sitting on a table with a cup of placed at the side. From the look of it, it seemed that tea had cooled off long ago. Still, the man didn't care. His gaze was on the 'couple' who were walking through the crowd.
Days ago, the man sensed someone's prying eyes over the Liyue. That time the man tried to catch him/her but the person was one step and left.
And today when the ship returned, the man sensed the same presence and checked. That's how he found this 'couple'.
Looking at the man he was certain that it was the same person few days back. But when he saw the woman, he had a drastic change in expression.
'???: What is Raiden Shogun doing here for? Isn't the entire Inazuma closed off according to her decree?.................It seems that things are more complicated than they appear to be.'
Suddenly the 'husband' turned his head and looked at the man's direction, their eyes met and the man confirmed that the other party long detected him.
Still, the man only narrowed his eyes and didn't look surprised. He had expected this after seeing Electro Archon.
'???: Looks like I have to delay my retirement.'
He then let out a deep sigh before disappearing from his spot.
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Makoto: He left. Huh.
She muttered slowly while making sure only Primis heard her.
Primis: Yeah.
He replied nonchalantly while waiting to see how Liyue will response. From people talk he had already confirmed that "Rite of Descension" was in few days but no one knew the specific date time. It was as if the date and time of the event had vanished from their mind.
Primis didn't inquire about it because he knew it was Will of the World doing. Only when Lumine will make her way here, will the event start.
Makoto: Liyue Qixing? It seems they are the one with highest authority here.
Primis: Um. The Liyue Qixing also known as the "Seven Stars of Liyue" is a committee made up of seven merchants and business leaders who govern Liyue specializing within the commerce and trade sectors. The job of the Qixing is to implement the policies laid out by the Geo Archon Morax and manage the day-to-day governance of the region of Liyue.
Makoto: So, that's how it is. Though the way I see it, if Morax left one day then the entire Liyue Harbor will face into the hands of this Liyue Qixing rather than Adepti.
Primis: Well, there is a saying "The time of the adepti has long passed. If even the Liyue Qixing don't want to face that truth, then what future is there for Liyue?".
Narrowing her eyes at his, she responded.
Makoto: Oh… So, they really want Adepti to no longer take part in their conduct.
Primis: Does it really matter? The Adepti no longer take part in mortal's matter. They remained in their place, minding their own business. Hence, even if mortals took over the nation, nothing much will change.
Remaining silent for a second, Makoto posed a question.
Makoto: …Do Lord hate Adepti or Archons?
He raised one of his brows at this.
Primis: You do really think you, Ei, and Venti would still be alive in case I do.
Makoto: …Then do you like them?
Primis: I am neutral. I neither like them nor hate them. The same is the case for every single being in this world. Humans, Vision holders, Fatui, Abyss Order, or even Heavenly Principles. As long as you don't get in my way, I mind my business, you mind your own. That's all.
Makoto: …I see.
Lowering her hand, Makoto started pondering about something.
While they both were having 'normal' conversation, there was another person who was trembling in fear.
Primis and Makoto were currently standing in front of Guild stall and talking with each other while completely ignoring the pale faced reception in front. Katheryne face was long turned pale when she saw Primis. And now both him and Makoto were talking about Adepti, Archons, Heavenly Principles like some everyday talk.
Nevertheless, Katheryne didn't dare to open her mouth and remained silent. She knew that she didn't have the qualification to enter in the conversation between Higher beings.
Primis: Let's talk about it later. For now.... Katheryne.
Katheryne: Y-Yes!
Primis: How's the quests of materials gathering going?
Katheryne: I-I-It's going fin----
She then closed her mouth and didn't continue after noticing the blank look Primis was giving her.
Gulping, she lowered her head and spoke.
Katheryne: W-We post the r-r-r-requests saying K-K-Knights of Favonius will be the responsible for the r-r-r-rewards. However, because the A-A-Acting Grandmaster is still in c-c-c-coma. The Adventurers didn't r-r-r-receive the rewards and got angry. So, right now n-n-no one is taking those r-r-r-r-request.
Primis: is that so. Huh.
Katheryne: ...…Um.
Primis: Leave them all to Yuuya.
Katheryne: E-Eh?
Primis: Just told him that because of some circumstances you can't provide the rewards for now. You will give them when Jean will wake up.
Katheryne: H-H-He will accept?
Primis: He will for sure.
'Primis: Once it's confirmed that Katheryne is in need for help, Yuuya's system will definitely generate a quest. Making it difficult for Yuuya to refuse.'
Katheryne: I will do so.
Primis: Let me know when he is done. I will give you the list of next materials.
Katheryne: Y-Yes, Your Excellency.
Then Primis grabbed Makoto's hand and left.
Seeing them disappeared in the crowd Katheryne let out a sigh of relief.
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Makoto: Can we really let that person handle it?
Asked Makoto in cold voice. She didn't have any good impression of Yuuya at this point. Only Hostility.
Primis: Yes, we can. Because he will think that by doing so, Jean and Lumine will be impressed learning about his deeds once they will wake up. He won't let go such opportunity.
'Makoto: In other words, he will do so that those women will start liking him and he could bed them.'
The image of Yuuya was falling deeper and deeper in Makoto's eyes. However, she just let out a sigh of disappointed and didn't even bother to get at it at this point. Why? Because…...
Stealing a glance at Primis she thought.
'Makoto: Even though Lord said he is neutral and don't take what others do. There is still one person he cares about. And since Yuuya has his eyes on that person, his end is imminent.'
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Yujing Terrace.
The westernmost part of Liyue Harbor and its wealthiest residential district. It is built along the cliffside of Mt. Tianheng, overlooking the Harbor. The entrance to the district is located at the north, where a crossroads links Yujing Terrace, Feiyun Slope, the small island that Bubu Pharmacy stands on and the road exiting the city and leading towards the Guizhong Ballista.
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---Yujing Terrace---
While walking around Primis and Makoto made their way to the place where the rite will be held.
After climbing a lot of stairs, they arrived at Yujing Terrace. The highest place in the harbor. The place best suited for communicating with deities. Well, that's what they heard along with way.
They looked around and didn't see much people. Only a few with one or two making offering to the shrine and few guards at the centre. Why? Because there was an offering table there with many offerings on it. Even if it was a stupidity to steal the offering of the Archon, there would still be some idiots who will try to do so in greed.
Makoto: The way I see it, everything is ready for the ritual.
Primis: Indeed.
He replied before walking to the edge and looked at the city below. It was really a beautiful city.
'Primis: No wonder it is called the bustling nation in the whole teyvat.'
Seeing enough, Primis decided to leave.
Though just when they were about descend the stairs, someone stopped them from behind.
???: Hello, travellers. I hope you enjoy your time in Liyue Harbor so far.
Looking back Makoto saw a woman along with her two servants approaching them.
She was a tall and very elegant young woman with fair skin, red eyes. She had long straight hair, half of it being tied into a wide bun resembling a bow and the rest was left to flow into two individual divided sections.
She was donning a sleeveless qipao dress with wide side slits that reached up to the thigh.
Makoto: And you are...
???: My apologizes for the late introduction. I am Ningguang, Tianquan of Qixing. I am also the one who is handing the Rite of Ascension this time.
Makoto: Nice to meet you too. Anyway, I am just a maid so my introduction is irrelevant. So, I won't do so. I am sorry if my words offended you.
Ningguang: A Maid?
This really surprised Ningguang she never expected that.
Makoto: Since you approached us, can we help you in anyway?
Collecting herself, Ningguang responded.
Ningguang: It's nothing. I just want to see the couple who everyone is in Liyue were talking about it. That's all.
Makoto: Is that so.
Just when Makoto was about to continue, Primis spoke.
Primis: Morax sent you, didn't he?
Ningguang: !!!!!
This caught Ningguang off guard since she never expected Primis to see through her right away.
Makoto: So, he does. Huh.
Narrowing her eyes at this, Makoto started thinking about something.
As Ningguang was thinking of her next words, Primis started climbing down the stairs.
Throughout the talk, he didn't even bother to turn and gave Ningguang a glance.
Makoto also followed without saying anything.
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*A/N: Please throw some power stones.
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