[He meanwhile heads to the table, pulling the food he made out of its carrying bag. Chilled Chinese Noodles, a good summertime meal and the closest he could get to Liyue cooking between his own skill, research, and the ingredients he could get. Because of course he overthought and overachieved with making someone food. ]
Good! You do look less tired than last time I saw you.
[The sounds and smells of the tea brewing was nostalgic, in a way. It reminded him of all the evenings Father Abel would brew him some tea. He prays he's doing well, wherever he may be.
And even if he had his own news to share, he doesn't mind the lectures. He is curious how things are for Zhongli, after all]
[ Zhongli observes Jun's handiwork for a few moments. He's able to identify most of the ingredients at a glance and by the smell that rises from the box. Jun's attentiveness to his handiwork is evident - though, given that he holds a Geo Vision, it's not at all surprising.
But, he'll ask Jun about his cooking later. ]
The Adepti of Liyue are well-versed in the arts of sealing. The basic structure of the seal is to create laws of binding that then are applied to the target of the seal by the authority of the caster. This is how most Adepti are able to store their spells by sealing a piece of paper. But to seal an individual would be more difficult - the authority factor of it must also be taken into account.
[ He pauses here to close his eyes and fold his arms, a posture that Jun is no doubt familiar with at this point ]
Consider - what sort of person can claim authority over one of the Archons? Only the divine realm of Celestia would have such power. They who gaze down upon the world from their lofty seat in the skies would see that their edicts be obeyed to the absolute.
[ A long sigh, and then: ]
Perhaps they wished for this as my punishment. [ But Zhongli hasn't done anything. ]
[Like always, Jun listens in silence. He already knows a lot about seals, what with being a Seal Knight and all, but he's not about the interrupt Zhongli as he's talking. Besides, it's good to hear different perspectives in case things change world from world.
Which for his theory...he can follow the logic. It's not an unreasonable explanation. But at the same time...it doesn't sit fully with Jun. Not with his own background and observations.
But before he voices that objection, he'll ask a gentle prodding question.]
Have they punished an Archon in such a way before? You can't have been the first to displease them.
Celestia is not above decreeing the erasure of entire civilizations if it displeases them. [ Zhongli's voice is calm, factual - brittle. ] To them, their law is absolute. The fate that they decree is absolute. Any that try to question or disobey them will face a fate worse than death.
[ Five hundred years ago... that was the incident that set everything in motion. ]
Those that live in Heaven and abhor stepping onto the earth will never understand the true nature of humanity.
[Like any mortal, the idea of something wielding that much power sends a chill down Jun's spine. But it's not completely alien to him either, since it sounds like something straight out of the old Testament or other tales of deities on Earth.
And more important, it makes it a bit clearer.]
If that's how they act, then this doesn't fit their M.O.
[Jun will pull away from setting up the table and put his hand to his chin. Get ready Zhongli, because the tables have turned and it's time for a Jun lecture]
If the Celestia are willing to erase civilizations, I'd wager they'd be much more direct in their actions if they wished to punish you. They'd make it clear it was them. And there'd be no reason to bring you to Mondstadt either, Liyue would be the target.
Not only that, if the Celestia hold that much control over Teyvat, why would they risk bringing in outsiders? Our very presence threatens the status quo - myself most of all, considering I serve a god that exists outside their control.
[Not that Jun intends to do anything to upset the system or religions of this world. He simply wants to resolve this situation and then go home. Still, it's a Bold Choice for gods to make. ]
...Were I to say my own hypothesis, I'd say what's causing this situation is a different entity altogether. One that's managed to exert its realm of influence over all of Mondstadt, which is why none of us can leave. The seal on you is possibly a means of protecting itself, as you'd be the biggest threat to its control.
[ Zhongli chuckles. Jun is quick on the uptake, and it's a commendable quality. However... ]
If that was the case, Celestia might choose to erase Mondstadt entirely, to supplant this mysterious outside entity. In their eyes, all that exist here can be eventually replaced. [ But they're still here, very much alive and undamaged. ] Unless... this elaborate scheme was enacted by one of their own.
[ Rebellion from both within and outside. Most interesting, Zhongli would say, as if he was merely watching a turf squabble between children. ]
Mm ... Both are unfortunate possibilities. [he acknowledges with a grim but neutral tone.] We are likely pawns in someone's grand scheme, though I don't have enough information yet to say whose.
[If it was someone within Celestia, or the outside entity- he needed more evidence first. Either way, it was definitely something drastic if outsiders were being brought in.
Well, this felt like a good time as any. He'll touch his arm, and a glowing mark appears - albeit it's much fainter than normal. Still, there's detectable energy from it - an element different from the seven in Teyvat ]
Speaking of seals, I wanted to tell you my power's starting to return.
[ It wouldn't be too long before some of the Outlanders begin to dig into Teyvat's past. It is in the buried history of lost civilizations that the cyclical nature of the world is revealed. Was it truly wise to hide so much from humanity? Zhongli may never know the answer. ]
So it has. [ A lighter topic, definitely; Zhongli is glad to switch. ] Did you feel any discomfort? Or was it a gradual process?
[ His hypothesis being proven right... even more interesting. He had felt like he was going out on a limb when he made that claim, because he's too used to working with plenty of information. ]
[Jun will lower his hand, the sigil disappearing as he does so. As for the question...well, that hand will now move to scratch his cheek in a mildly embarrassed manner]
Well, I broke my sink.
[Like it was straight up out of a superhero movie. Does that answer the question]
[Thanks Grandpa. Jun can admit it's funny, at least. It feels weird to ask for help from a god over a sink, but Zhongli did say to treat him like a mortal so...]
Haha, can you? That'd ... be really appreciated. I don't know anything about plumbing.
[he can't even google how to fix it either here, alas]
[ Even if Zhongli is reduced to a mortal's strength, he still has the wisdom of millenniums to back him up. Careful rearrangement of the ceramic should restore the sink to its proper form. ]
I could do it after dinner.
[ Because he should appreciate Jun's handiwork while it's still tasty. Speaking of which... the tea smells like it's ready, so he'll pour out a cup for both of them. Jun will have something to drink and/or stare at while Zhongli tries the food. ]
[Jun will nod his head gratefully, and also slightly embarrassed.]
Thank you. And of course- please enjoy!
[He'll gladly occupy himself with drinking that tea. It really is nice tea, and also it's hard not to feel self-conscious about someone trying his cooking. His experience with feeding people is other teenagers and Father Abel - who well, basically had the diet of a seven year old lets be real here.
That said, the food is...pretty good! It's certainly not on the same level as the best restaurants in Liyue. Nor is it authentic considering it was made by a Japanese kid using a recipe for a Chinese-inspired Japanese dish using what ingredients he could find in a fantasy!Germany in hopes of achieving fantasy!China flavors. But even so, Jun's got some skills for his young age and he put a lot of effort into it between the research and the cooking.]
Edited (i used the same icon twice /shame) 2021-01-28 17:37 (UTC)
[ Zhongli makes a show of focusing only on the food and not looking at Jun unless necessary. His honed palate lets him pick apart the various ingredients and seasonings that Jun put into his dish - it's not perfect, but given the limits that he's working with, he has done very well.
He puts down his chopsticks after a while, giving Jun a nod. ]
Your work is remarkable. I can sense the effort and care that you put into the food.
[ The noodles do remind him of home. For all his age and experience, Morax rarely had any reason to leave Liyue. Being torn away from all that he was familiar with had been unsettling enough; the experience of it happening a second time is tempered by the knowledge that he is at least back on Teyvat once more. ]
When all is said and done, I would be glad to bring you to Liyue for a visit.
[He doesn't show his nerves as he wait, sitting still and focusing on the tea instead. But hearing that compliment? It's elating enough to make that poker face break and he beams with joy]
Ah, really? I'm glad! I know it's not perfect, but I'd heard people sometimes like having food that reminds them of home so I thought I'd give it a try.
[He knows Zhongli's likely been homesick and wanted to help, in other words. It wasn't a feeling he was entirely familiar with. As much as he's grown to care about his life in Morimiya, his attachment was more to specific people than any culture or cuisine. But he's heard from enough people and stories to know it's different for others. And even if Zhongli wasn't human, there was no way someone could watch over a land for that long and not feel attachment]
I'd like that! I've never traveled anywhere just to visit, so it'd be nice to see your home as a vacation.
[Joke's on you Jun when you go to Liyue it's going to be for WORK]
[ Liyue is Zhongli's life and love; though the love of a deity is much different from the love of mortals. For six thousand years, he had walked those lands as its guardian, through peace and war, through joy and loss. No matter where he goes, Liyue will always be a part of him. Such is the fate of the Archons. ]
You are very thoughtful.
[ Zhongli gives Jun a smile of his own, though tempered by his austerity. Maybe it's a good thing that Jun will be there not completely as a vacation, because Zhongli doesn't have any money and Wangsheng Funeral Parlour will probably be paying the tab. Then again, Zhongli can probably manipulate the Fatui out of some more money, or something like that. ]
It is rare that I am able to afford a moment of rest, and to speak freely with others. With great power comes great responsibility; in Teyvat, a god who is unable to fulfil their duties will inevitably meet their end.
[ He sounds more somber this time, remembering a distant farewell. ]
Every journey will come to an end one day. I look forward to the day where humanity no longer needs me.
[Zhongli please he'd be perfectly happy to crash on someone's couch and eat a couple cheap meals at Wanmin Restaurant, you don't have to bankrupt people over him.
Ah, there's that descriptor again. Seeing Zhongli smile is nice, but he's never quite sure what to make of words like that. Acknowledging his good traits is not something Jun is good at. Besides, how many times had he neglected to think of others in the past, even as they suffered? Making someone a meal doesn't make up for that.
... No matter. He's going to focus more on what Zhongli says after than his own self-reflection. This isn't the first time he brought up such talk...stepping down must be on his mind a lot. ]
You've mentioned that before ... what will you do after that day comes?
[ Technically, all Mora that was ever minted on Teyvat belongs to him. He only needs to take into account how to redistribute it optimally for the best effect.
He doesn't answer immediately, instead taking a long sip of his tea. When he speaks, he sounds nostalgic; a sentimentality that would not have been ascribed to him in centuries past. ]
I will visit some old friends, and have a drink in their memory. Then, I suppose I will take a very long nap.
[ At least he never took naps while on duty, unlike a certain tone-deaf bard. ]
The answer Zhongli gives is a simple one, one very fitting for an old man. Jun can appreciate it though. His own dreams of life outside his duties weren't exactly thrilling by any measure. ]
Haha, that sounds really nice. [Another reason to solve this situation, so Zhongli can have that]
Speaking of your old friends - is Barbatos here? This is his region, isn't it?
[Jun tried to look for him, but it's hard to spot divinity without his spirit senses]
[ It's definitely how money works, says the god of money. ]
Yes. Barbatos is the Anemo Archon, but just as how Mondstadt is the city of Freedom, he is also the God of Freedom. To embody such an aspect is to live life according to his own whims. [ Which is to say... ] He has a habit of disappearing for centuries at a time. You would be lucky to catch even a glimpse of him.
[ Is that slight disapproval in Zhongli's voice? ]
Though, the arrival of Outlanders would be a good enough reason for him to show himself. I would expect him to make an appearance soon enough.
[ That's bad...that's real bad. He knows the gods on earth don't often show themselves to mortals, but they're still there in some capacity, watching over. Feel that on the wind, Venti? It's respect for you quickly going out the window.]
In a way, yes. We are colleagues, and we would be able to sense each other's presence from many miles away.
[ For better or for worse, Barbatos has managed to keep Mondstadt mostly crisis-free. Durin aside... slavery aside.... yeah.... ]
Barbatos does not wish to rule over humanity. His predecessor, Decarabian, was a tyrant and was cast down by the people he lorded over. That experience shaped his identity and motivations to become the God of Freedom.
[Well, he supposes that means Barbatos isn't dead anyway. That's something. He was hoping to know if he'd been affected by the same curse that Zhongli had, but ...oh well. He'll find out whenever this God of Freedom presents himself.]
Mm, I remember the story you told me. [Back on the island, when Jun had first learned of Mondstadt through that story. Back then, he'd never expected he'd end up in Mondstadt. His life has a way of taking surprising turns]
Don't worry, I won't say anything about how he should do his duties. [He knows it's not his place. Both as a mortal and an outsider.] Mondstadt seems to be doing well on its own, aside from the current situation. It must give you optimism about how Liyue will fare on its own, right?
[ Barbatos is the weakest of all the Archons, and this was by his own choice. Perhaps his lack of constancy in his presence was an unintended side effect, for it would cost far more of his energy to do something that Zhongli would be able to accomplish easily. But that's a question that Zhongli will leave Venti to clarify - it's not his place. ]
It was Mondstadt's freedom that first gave me the thought of stepping down. For better or for worse, the kindness of its citizens' hearts have brought the land a measure of peace. Liyue is far more prosperous and far more intricate, so it will be quite some time before I am able to assess whether it is time to move on.
[ Thanks, Venti. Even if Zhongli will never compliment you in front of your face. ]
[He had a feeling Mondstadt had something to do with Zhongli shifting towards retirement. Seeing a country function with an inactive god must've been a relief.
Still... it's endearing hearing Zhongli speak of his assessment. He's like a protective parent, working himself up to accept that its time his kids leave the nest.]
I'm sure they'll pass your assessment. They had a good role model to learn from.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Good! You do look less tired than last time I saw you.
[The sounds and smells of the tea brewing was nostalgic, in a way. It reminded him of all the evenings Father Abel would brew him some tea. He prays he's doing well, wherever he may be.
And even if he had his own news to share, he doesn't mind the lectures. He is curious how things are for Zhongli, after all]
Oh? What're your hypotheses?
im making this all up tbh
But, he'll ask Jun about his cooking later. ]
The Adepti of Liyue are well-versed in the arts of sealing. The basic structure of the seal is to create laws of binding that then are applied to the target of the seal by the authority of the caster. This is how most Adepti are able to store their spells by sealing a piece of paper. But to seal an individual would be more difficult - the authority factor of it must also be taken into account.
[ He pauses here to close his eyes and fold his arms, a posture that Jun is no doubt familiar with at this point ]
Consider - what sort of person can claim authority over one of the Archons? Only the divine realm of Celestia would have such power. They who gaze down upon the world from their lofty seat in the skies would see that their edicts be obeyed to the absolute.
[ A long sigh, and then: ]
Perhaps they wished for this as my punishment. [ But Zhongli hasn't done anything. ]
It's all good welcome aboard the SS Make Shit Up
Which for his theory...he can follow the logic. It's not an unreasonable explanation. But at the same time...it doesn't sit fully with Jun. Not with his own background and observations.
But before he voices that objection, he'll ask a gentle prodding question.]
Have they punished an Archon in such a way before? You can't have been the first to displease them.
[I mean Barbatos is RIGHT THERE. ]
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Celestia is not above decreeing the erasure of entire civilizations if it displeases them. [ Zhongli's voice is calm, factual - brittle. ] To them, their law is absolute. The fate that they decree is absolute. Any that try to question or disobey them will face a fate worse than death.
[ Five hundred years ago... that was the incident that set everything in motion. ]
Those that live in Heaven and abhor stepping onto the earth will never understand the true nature of humanity.
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And more important, it makes it a bit clearer.]
If that's how they act, then this doesn't fit their M.O.
[Jun will pull away from setting up the table and put his hand to his chin. Get ready Zhongli, because the tables have turned and it's time for a Jun lecture]
If the Celestia are willing to erase civilizations, I'd wager they'd be much more direct in their actions if they wished to punish you. They'd make it clear it was them. And there'd be no reason to bring you to Mondstadt either, Liyue would be the target.
Not only that, if the Celestia hold that much control over Teyvat, why would they risk bringing in outsiders? Our very presence threatens the status quo - myself most of all, considering I serve a god that exists outside their control.
[Not that Jun intends to do anything to upset the system or religions of this world. He simply wants to resolve this situation and then go home. Still, it's a Bold Choice for gods to make. ]
...Were I to say my own hypothesis, I'd say what's causing this situation is a different entity altogether. One that's managed to exert its realm of influence over all of Mondstadt, which is why none of us can leave. The seal on you is possibly a means of protecting itself, as you'd be the biggest threat to its control.
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If that was the case, Celestia might choose to erase Mondstadt entirely, to supplant this mysterious outside entity. In their eyes, all that exist here can be eventually replaced. [ But they're still here, very much alive and undamaged. ] Unless... this elaborate scheme was enacted by one of their own.
[ Rebellion from both within and outside. Most interesting, Zhongli would say, as if he was merely watching a turf squabble between children. ]
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[If it was someone within Celestia, or the outside entity- he needed more evidence first. Either way, it was definitely something drastic if outsiders were being brought in.
Well, this felt like a good time as any. He'll touch his arm, and a glowing mark appears - albeit it's much fainter than normal. Still, there's detectable energy from it - an element different from the seven in Teyvat ]
Speaking of seals, I wanted to tell you my power's starting to return.
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So it has. [ A lighter topic, definitely; Zhongli is glad to switch. ] Did you feel any discomfort? Or was it a gradual process?
[ His hypothesis being proven right... even more interesting. He had felt like he was going out on a limb when he made that claim, because he's too used to working with plenty of information. ]
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Well, I broke my sink.
[Like it was straight up out of a superhero movie. Does that answer the question]
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I can fix it for you, if you like.
[ It would be hard to bathe without a sink. Or wash his clothes. Clearly troublesome for a self-sufficient young man. ]
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Haha, can you? That'd ... be really appreciated. I don't know anything about plumbing.
[he can't even google how to fix it either here, alas]
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I could do it after dinner.
[ Because he should appreciate Jun's handiwork while it's still tasty. Speaking of which... the tea smells like it's ready, so he'll pour out a cup for both of them. Jun will have something to drink and/or stare at while Zhongli tries the food. ]
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Thank you. And of course- please enjoy!
[He'll gladly occupy himself with drinking that tea. It really is nice tea, and also it's hard not to feel self-conscious about someone trying his cooking. His experience with feeding people is other teenagers and Father Abel - who well, basically had the diet of a seven year old lets be real here.
That said, the food is...pretty good! It's certainly not on the same level as the best restaurants in Liyue. Nor is it authentic considering it was made by a Japanese kid using a recipe for a Chinese-inspired Japanese dish using what ingredients he could find in a fantasy!Germany in hopes of achieving fantasy!China flavors. But even so, Jun's got some skills for his young age and he put a lot of effort into it between the research and the cooking.]
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He puts down his chopsticks after a while, giving Jun a nod. ]
Your work is remarkable. I can sense the effort and care that you put into the food.
[ The noodles do remind him of home. For all his age and experience, Morax rarely had any reason to leave Liyue. Being torn away from all that he was familiar with had been unsettling enough; the experience of it happening a second time is tempered by the knowledge that he is at least back on Teyvat once more. ]
When all is said and done, I would be glad to bring you to Liyue for a visit.
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Ah, really? I'm glad! I know it's not perfect, but I'd heard people sometimes like having food that reminds them of home so I thought I'd give it a try.
[He knows Zhongli's likely been homesick and wanted to help, in other words. It wasn't a feeling he was entirely familiar with. As much as he's grown to care about his life in Morimiya, his attachment was more to specific people than any culture or cuisine. But he's heard from enough people and stories to know it's different for others. And even if Zhongli wasn't human, there was no way someone could watch over a land for that long and not feel attachment]
I'd like that! I've never traveled anywhere just to visit, so it'd be nice to see your home as a vacation.
[Joke's on you Jun when you go to Liyue it's going to be for WORK]
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You are very thoughtful.
[ Zhongli gives Jun a smile of his own, though tempered by his austerity. Maybe it's a good thing that Jun will be there not completely as a vacation, because Zhongli doesn't have any money and Wangsheng Funeral Parlour will probably be paying the tab. Then again, Zhongli can probably manipulate the Fatui out of some more money, or something like that. ]
It is rare that I am able to afford a moment of rest, and to speak freely with others. With great power comes great responsibility; in Teyvat, a god who is unable to fulfil their duties will inevitably meet their end.
[ He sounds more somber this time, remembering a distant farewell. ]
Every journey will come to an end one day. I look forward to the day where humanity no longer needs me.
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Ah, there's that descriptor again. Seeing Zhongli smile is nice, but he's never quite sure what to make of words like that. Acknowledging his good traits is not something Jun is good at. Besides, how many times had he neglected to think of others in the past, even as they suffered? Making someone a meal doesn't make up for that.
... No matter. He's going to focus more on what Zhongli says after than his own self-reflection. This isn't the first time he brought up such talk...stepping down must be on his mind a lot. ]
You've mentioned that before ... what will you do after that day comes?
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He doesn't answer immediately, instead taking a long sip of his tea. When he speaks, he sounds nostalgic; a sentimentality that would not have been ascribed to him in centuries past. ]
I will visit some old friends, and have a drink in their memory. Then, I suppose I will take a very long nap.
[ At least he never took naps while on duty, unlike a certain tone-deaf bard. ]
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The answer Zhongli gives is a simple one, one very fitting for an old man. Jun can appreciate it though. His own dreams of life outside his duties weren't exactly thrilling by any measure. ]
Haha, that sounds really nice. [Another reason to solve this situation, so Zhongli can have that]
Speaking of your old friends - is Barbatos here? This is his region, isn't it?
[Jun tried to look for him, but it's hard to spot divinity without his spirit senses]
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Yes. Barbatos is the Anemo Archon, but just as how Mondstadt is the city of Freedom, he is also the God of Freedom. To embody such an aspect is to live life according to his own whims. [ Which is to say... ] He has a habit of disappearing for centuries at a time. You would be lucky to catch even a glimpse of him.
[ Is that slight disapproval in Zhongli's voice? ]
Though, the arrival of Outlanders would be a good enough reason for him to show himself. I would expect him to make an appearance soon enough.
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C-Centuries at a time, huh...
[ That's bad...that's real bad. He knows the gods on earth don't often show themselves to mortals, but they're still there in some capacity, watching over. Feel that on the wind, Venti? It's respect for you quickly going out the window.]
Lucky us, I guess. Have you seen him yet?
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[ For better or for worse, Barbatos has managed to keep Mondstadt mostly crisis-free. Durin aside... slavery aside.... yeah.... ]
Barbatos does not wish to rule over humanity. His predecessor, Decarabian, was a tyrant and was cast down by the people he lorded over. That experience shaped his identity and motivations to become the God of Freedom.
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Mm, I remember the story you told me. [Back on the island, when Jun had first learned of Mondstadt through that story. Back then, he'd never expected he'd end up in Mondstadt. His life has a way of taking surprising turns]
Don't worry, I won't say anything about how he should do his duties. [He knows it's not his place. Both as a mortal and an outsider.] Mondstadt seems to be doing well on its own, aside from the current situation. It must give you optimism about how Liyue will fare on its own, right?
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It was Mondstadt's freedom that first gave me the thought of stepping down. For better or for worse, the kindness of its citizens' hearts have brought the land a measure of peace. Liyue is far more prosperous and far more intricate, so it will be quite some time before I am able to assess whether it is time to move on.
[ Thanks, Venti. Even if Zhongli will never compliment you in front of your face. ]
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Still... it's endearing hearing Zhongli speak of his assessment. He's like a protective parent, working himself up to accept that its time his kids leave the nest.]
I'm sure they'll pass your assessment. They had a good role model to learn from.
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3/3 DONE
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