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Chapter Text

To the Anemo Archon,

I’ve heard word of your disregard towards my position as the Cryo Archon. As you may come to realize, this public statement was made in regard to your blasphemous song about my scepter being a hilichurl’s. I demand you cease such actions immediately, for they are deceitful and false, as well as an apology.

With all due respect,

The Tsaritsa

oOo

Venti was drinking in the tavern when the announcement reached him through Snezhnaya’s official information distribution network, more commonly known as the Adventurer’s Guild.

For the first time in a long time, he set down his glass of wine without the intention of finishing it at all.

Venti didn’t know what was harder to believe: that this was the first thing she chose to comment on after going no-contact with him 500 years ago, or the fact that she had done so publicly.

Needless to say, it caused the expected uproar not just in Mondstadt and Snezhnaya, but in the other nations too.

This statement brought about more speculation about Barbatos as an Archon as well. To be able to sing songs, one would have to exist. In a nation where people doubted his existence, confirmation of his active presence could be quite daunting to some people.

Be that as it may, that was not the part that bothered Venti the most. After all the atrocities the Fatui have committed, she dared to complain about something so abysmally small?

That’s the part that didn’t sit right with Venti. Although she was expecting a response, Venti wasn’t planning on giving her one. It was an obvious taunt and deigning it with a response would have no positive consequences.

Venti gripped the paper gently with both hands, careful enough not to crumble it. “Master Diluc, are you seeing this?”

Diluc was indeed seeing it. A scowl on his face betrayed his anger, as well as the aggression he was cleaning some used wine glasses with behind the counter. “That god has not issued a public statement on anything in my lifetime.”

Venti nodded solemnly. “I am aware.”

“To issue one after such a small thing is like spitting on my father’s grave and laughing in his face.”

Venti nodded in agreement. “It’s so odd and out of character as well. I thought I still understood her a little bit, but I don’t think I do anymore. You know about what happened with La Signora, yes?”

Diluc nodded.

“Not even then did she issue a public statement.” He shook his head in confusion. “I don’t understand why she’s doing it now.”

If there was anything Venti had learned about Diluc, it was that there was a lot more going on in that head of his than it seemed, despite the callous and disinterested impression he normally gave off. He was not one to drown in his emotions, but when it got close to it, his words would echo his thoughts.

“She must be bearing a lot of weight on her shoulders. It would be great if I could take some off for her. Maybe all of it.”

Venti winced. “For your sake, Master Diluc, I hope no one heard that.”

If Diluc cared for his surroundings at all, he made no show of it.

“Shouldn’t you know if that were the case? I thought the wind heard everything,” Diluc asked with judgment in his voice.

Venti crossed his arms with a determined look on his face. “And so the wind does, but I am not one to order the wind around, am I?”

Diluc groaned. “Just this once. Please.”

“I suppose I could ask. Checking our surroundings shouldn’t be too big a task.” A big sigh escaped Venti’s mouth. He had never heard Diluc use the word ‘please’ in regards to him. He couldn’t bring himself to deny him something he asked so sincerely. “The nearest fatuus is trying to get information out of Nimrod outside, but Nimrod is too drunk to give any proper responses.”

“No one heard, then. I do my best to make sure none of that filth ever enters my tavern.” Diluc’s scoff was heard throughout the entire tavern. Multiple people turned around, before returning to their own again. “He would be too drunk to give any proper responses at all, even if he was sober.”

Considering Venti had been singing in the Angel’s Share when his song somehow got leaked to the Tsaritsa of all people, Diluc’s best wasn’t always enough. But for the sake of not ruining his day, he chose to keep that to himself.

Venti promptly choked on his glass of wine he’d sworn he’d put away. “Hehe, so you do have a sense of humor!”

“Unlike the Tsaritsa.”

The mood soured again. Some things never change. “You’re right, Master Diluc. Would you want for me to take action?”

Diluc’s eyebrows shot up in the air. From the looks of it, he’d interpreted Venti’s words as he’d meant them. Diluc was smart. It shouldn’t have surprised him. “Don’t respond to her. That’s what she wants.”

“Hm? No, I wasn’t planning on responding to her. No need to worry. A childish request begets an adult response. I see no need to acknowledge the thing that she wants. Additionally, have you read this part?”

Venti pointed towards the end of the statement. The sentence read ‘with all due respect’ and clearly did not sit right with Venti. “Can you believe that? You don’t sign off on that after a complaint. She just barely refrained from adding ‘which is none’. This is so bizarre I don’t even know what to say about it. If her signature wasn’t below it, I would never have believed it to be her.”

”So, you’re not responding, right? That would be an incredibly bad idea.”

Venti took a moment to answer.

”No.”

A truth bitter and wild is quickly defiled. Though lessons like these leave the listener beguiled, worry returns to a state much more mild. Such is the reason one lies to a child.

oOo

Jean could only watch as Venti shoved the paper envelope towards her. The envelope was sealed with an Anemo sigil.

With a knowing gaze, Jean tapped her fingers on her desk. A habit of hers when she was nervous. “You wish to answer her? Publicly?”

Venti nodded. Jean hadn’t seen this level of determination in him since the Stormterror Crisis.

“Are you certain this is wise? The people haven’t heard from you in a thousand years.”

“I believe this is needed. I don’t feel attacked on a personal level. She is free to do and say as she pleases, just as we are free to respond in any manner we wish. I wasn’t planning on doing so initially, but I cannot allow her to mock the pain she’s caused by issuing such a wayward statement.”

Having said that, Venti left the office.

What happens within Mondstadt’s walls is for Mondstadt’s people to deal with, but this concerned him personally. Therefore it was his task to deal with. He knew he wouldn’t regret this.

If there was one thing he did regret, however, it was not actually replacing that scepter of hers with a hilichurl’s.

Chapter Text

In response to the Tsaritsa of Zapolyarny Palace,

If a fictional song about me replacing your scepter is so offensive to you, then I urge you to reconsider your past actions. Specifically, you trying to have Dvalin, whom I hold very dear, killed, as well as endangering my children wherever and whenever you see fit.

I see no reason for you to actually take offense in this when the Raiden Shogun killing the 8th Fatui Harbinger only resulted in 12 hours of mourning and no official statement, while a song meant for entertainment oddly enough does provoke an official statement on your part.

These reasons make for the decision to not issue an apology.

Any further action against Mondstadt or its citizens will not be tolerated.

With all due respect, which mirrors the amount you hold towards me,

Barbatos.

oOo

Somewhere in Zapolyarny Palace, Columbina knelt before her archon. “Your Excellency, you have received word from the Anemo Archon.”

The Tsaritsa stood up from her throne, her heels loudly clacking against the marble floor. She did not return to her throne when she retrieved the letter.

She sent Columbina away.

As she read the statement over a second, a third and a fourth time, there was just one thought running through her mind.

How unexpected.

oOo

Hu Tao loudly knocked on the door before entering. She did not wait for a response. She never did. “Mister Zhongli, you’ve been staring at that piece of paper for nearly an hour now. Are you sure you don’t want the day off?”

Zhongli cleared his throat, putting the piece of paper away with difficulty. “I suppose a walk would be nice.”

oOo

Diluc slammed the piece of paper on the counter in front of Venti. “Explain. What is this?!”

Venti silently sipped his wine. There was no sign of regret on his face, just fulfillment. “The truth.”

“You’re taking this too far.”

The glass of wine Venti was drinking from was gently put on the table. “The only thing I’m taking is my responsibility. The Tsaritsa has what she wants from me, yet she continues to terrorize Mondstadt. This public statement was not only meant to show her I won’t stand for this any longer, but also for Mondstadt itself to know its Archon supports her still.”

Diluc’s look of fury dimmed down, furrowed eyebrows making way for wide eyes. When Diluc composed himself, he shrugged it off and refilled his glass. “I dislike relying on the divine, but…”

If any thank you’s were spoken that day, they were heard by the wind and the wind only.

oOo

Nahida found Barbatos’s choice to stand up against the Tsaritsa a commendable action. But looking from a broader perspective, this situation came with a lot of tension and fragility.

One bad move and this could turn into a disaster.

She hadn’t actually expected Barbatos to reply, but then again, she hadn’t expected the Tsaritsa to put out a public statement in the first place.

The wise thing to do now was to let the Tsaritsa and Barbatos figure out their conflicts themselves and hope no one else would respond to either of them.

Perhaps she should approach both Barbatos and the Tsaritsa for a meeting with the three of them. She could potentially act as a mediator.

No, that wouldn’t do. This was their problem to solve. Her intervention would only cause more problems.

oOo

With a deep bow, Kujou Sara greeted her Archon. “Almighty Shogun, this public statement was issued via the Knights of Favonius. It is of utmost importance that you read it immediately.”

Ei acknowledged her presence with a nod, then gestured for her to rise. “Very well. What circumstances make for this statement to be relevant to Inazuma?”

Sara retrieved a scroll from the bag she had with her. With subtle yet graceful hand movements, she loosened the purple string around the scroll. When the string was undone, she neatly folded it and put it back in the bag on her waist.

“Read it for me.”

Sara read Barbatos’s statement out loud. The message conveyed a greeting, an offense, an expression of scepticism in which the Raiden Shogun was used as an example, a final statement, a warning and an underhanded valediction.

When Sara was done, Ei looked at her with a complicated expression. “As far as I know, this is not something Barbatos would do normally. I am uncertain why he chose to reply to a relatively unserious message on the Tsaritsa’s part. I, for one, thought it was very childish.”

Ei walked forward, hand stretched out towards Sara. The scroll was soon handed to her.

While she read it over again, her neutral expression once again returned to her face. “Hm. I cannot say I disagree with his feelings on the matter, but I cannot allow him to rope Inazuma into this conflict. Especially when he chooses to compare her illogical statement to a rightful execution. The Tsaritsa might reconsider her inaction and choose to retaliate against that Harbinger’s death anyway. I must clarify my reasoning and actions immediately.”

Sara’s eyes widened. “Your Excellency, you wish to respond?”

Ei nodded. “In fact, I do. Inazuma’s name shall not be tarnished. Please find me a quill and some paper."

As it turned out, Sara already had those prepared and on her person.

"Yes, good. Please return to me in an hour so Tenshukaku can make this public."

As soon as Sara had left the room, Ei placed the writing utensils on a desk. Then, she began writing.

A greeting, an introduction, a correction, a clarification, a declaration and a valediction.

It would do.

At exactly the time Ei had mentioned, Sara was once again at her side. “Your Excellency, can I be of any help?”

Ei nodded. “Certainly. Please read this over for me, then publish the statement immediately.”

Sara took the letter with elegant handwriting and read it through carefully, occasionally nodding as she did so. However, somewhere near the end, she frowned.

“Your excellency, forgive me if I am wrong, but are you not doing the exact same thing the Anemo Archon has done? They might take it as a form of false attribution.”

Sara pointed at a certain line in the notice.

Ei shook her head. “I believe this only makes my claim more credible. Please publish it.”

And so she did.

Chapter Text

In response to Barbatos, 

As many others have undoubtedly done, I have read your statement, yet I have found a misconception I would like to correct. The comparison of the execution of Eight Fatui Harbinger, La Signora, to the Cryo Archon’s childish claim is not only foolish, but foul as well.

The Eight Fatui Harbinger, La Signora, chose to participate in the duel herself. She knew beforehand that the loser would die. Regardless, she chose her wager and was unsuccessful in her attempt to defeat her opponent.

Any punishment dealt by my hand befits the crime committed and serves to preserve Inazuma’s eternity. Therefore, my actions were justified. I am certain Focalors, as the God of Justice, would agree with me on this.

Let it be known that any further use of my name in your conflicts will not be accepted.

Best regards,

Baal

oOo

Nahida looked at the statement in disbelief. The Raiden Shogun had berated the Anemo Archon for wrongfully invoking her name and then proceeded to do the exact same thing to Focalors. 

This was bound to cause problems.

But then again, Focalors had stepped back from the spotlight a while back when the Hydro Archon’s throne was destroyed, leaving only her humanity behind.

She didn’t expect Focalors to do anything at the moment, but the same could not be said about her surroundings.

If there was anyone she was worried about, it was the Chief Justice, Neuvillette. Reportedly, he’d grown quite fond of Focalors. But then again, it was possible he did not want to bring unnecessary attention to her.

Perhaps she should contact him in advance to prevent further escalation, but it would be best if they could resolve this between just the two of them.

For now, she would let the dust settle first.

oOo

This was a problem that called for his intervention.

How dare Narukami invoke Furina’s name for her own cause? Libel and slander, that’s what she could be sued for. 

But there was still Furina to consider. She had chosen to stay out of the spotlight for a reason. Who was he to bring her back into it?

In any case, rash action always led to regret. Any action taken would have to wait until he had properly thought things through.

He would not let anger guide his words.

oOo

There were not enough words in the common tongue to describe the Wanderer’s anger.

He had immediately grabbed for a pen when he’d read the statement. His fury was immeasurable. How dare she say any punishments by her hand were justified?

He couldn’t believe his eyes.

He’d spent decades in Shakkei Pavillion just because he cried upon his creation. How was that anything close to justified? If that was justice, he wanted no part of it.

This statement of hers was just the cherry on top of his already baneful existence. She had already denounced his right to his purpose; this was just the final nail in the coffin that was his life.

Any and all regrets he’d ever felt just came boiling over, spilling over the pot that held his despair.

The Wanderer quickly made his way to Nahida’s desk and proceeded to write down every single thing he’d ever wanted to tell or shout at his creator. 

He could even sign it with Nahida’s name. She wouldn’t ignore another Archon. That way, he could be sure she would open it. Or he could even send it to the Steambird, just so everyone could hear about Beelzebul’s so-called justice. About everything he had done to him.

It must have been hours later when he finally finished writing the letter. He suddenly found that he was a lot calmer than before.

What was he doing?

His ties with his past had been severed. Life was peaceful. Nothing was worth disrupting that peace. Sending this message would only cause more problems for him <i>and</i> for Nahida. That was not something she deserved to deal with.

He was going to burn that message to make sure nobody would ever read it.

“Hat Guy? Why are you in my office?”

The Wanderer quickly shoved the envelope beneath one of Nahida’s stack of papers on the desk to hide it. He couldn’t further burden her after everything she’d done for him. “Nothing.”

She was standing in the doorway, trying to figure out what he was doing. Not too long after, a moment of understanding flashed over her face. “Is this about the Electro Archon’s letter?”

“It’s fine, Buer.”

Nahida observed him for a little while longer before she smiled. “I’m glad to hear that. I can see you mean it.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

With that, the Wanderer quickly left the room.

Nahida eyed the stack of papers on her desk. She had spent the entire day signing those. Perhaps it was time to send those out.

She would call for someone to pick them up later that day.

oOo

Venti had been reading the Electro Archon’s response together with Diluc in the tavern when Kaeya decided to join them. He swiftly swiped the statement from the counter.

Kaeya narrowed his eyes in suspicion as he observed Venti. “Are you going to respond to that?”

Venti grabbed a bottle of wine. “No. I told the Tsaritsa what mattered. That’s enough.”

It took a moment before Venti’s words properly settled in Kaeya’s mind. He hadn’t expected him to admit to anything, really. “So, Venti–“

Diluc made the ‘I’ll kill you’ gesture by trailing his pointer and middle finger horizontally along his neck. 

So that’s how it would be. Just bottled knowledge, never to leave anyone’s lips. 

“Master Diluc, can I have another bottle?”

Kaeya eyed the bottle in Venti’s hands. He had stopped counting the amount of times he’d heard that sentence after the 20th time.

Diluc still gave it to him.

Venti did not seem drunk at all.

At this point Kaeya doubted if he was even trying to keep it a secret.

oOo

Hu Tao knocked on the door of Zhongli’s office. “Hey, Mister Zhongli, how are you doing?”

Zhongli slowly turned towards the door, a piece of paper firmly resting in his grip. “I am fine, Master Hu.”

If the disapproving look on Hu Tao’s face was anything to go by, she didn’t believe him. “Why don’t we go on a walk together?”

Just when Hu Tao didn’t expect a reply anymore, Zhongli replied. 

“A walk would be nice.”

Chapter Text

In response to the Raiden Shogun,

[REDACTED]*

With all due respect (which is none),

Buer

*A string of ancient Inazuman curses and blasphemy unfit for uncensored translation in the Steambird. For the original, uncensored version, please refer to page 39

oOo

Venti did not know why it happened, but at some point reading the statements from the Seven had become a reoccurrence at Angel’s Share. First it was just Diluc, then Diluc and Kaeya and now Diluc, Kaeya and Rosaria.

Kaeya had obviously figured out who the person behind the guise of Venti the Bard was, but never spoke about it.

Venti held the statement, which had been published in the Steambird, in both hands, wide and disbelieving eyes continuing to scan the paper again and again.

“…as not even ashes will remain of your soul in the fire that is my fury.” This must have been a mistake. It reads like a private letter. Why else would it have been written entirely in ancient Inazuman?”

Kaeya took the letter from Venti in a swift motion, ignoring when the latter tried to scold him for it. “You can read this stuff?”

“What kind of bard would I be if I was unable to understand stories from times gone by?”

Diluc stared at Venti for a long second before giving up. “What does it say next?”

Venti snatched the paper back before wincing. “That is one creative insult. Very creative. I’m not translating that.”

Rosaria crossed her arms. “Why would you say the insult is creative? Now I want to know what it says.”

“I’m not translating it.”

oOo

There have been times I wished it was you who had died instead.

The door to Hu Tao’s office bursts open with a loud bang and Hu Tao is met with the distressed face of her consultant.

“Master Hu, let’s go on a walk.”

oOo

There is a couch in the Sanctuary of Surasthana. The couch is referred to as the ‘talking couch’ as it was meant as a way to talk things out when asking to talk felt too heavy or difficult.

Neither Nahida or Wanderer had ever made use of it. Until today.

Both Nahida and Wanderer were sitting on the couch of their own volition with the full intention of being the first, wearing similar expressions of devastation on their faces.

“I did not mean to cause so much trouble, Lord Kusanali.”

“I know you didn’t. This is just the start of a rather unfortunate chapter. The chapter is bound to end eventually.”

A few moments passed in silence, yet the lack of sound made way for a myriad of emotions. Sadness, embarrassment and just a little bit of anger not directed towards the other, but towards the self.

“You don’t need to do anything. I’m going to fix this. I wrote it, so I’ll make sure the consequences aren’t yours to bear.”

Nahida shook her head. “No need. I’ll see what I can do. We could try to pass it off as a mistake.”

“It was a mistake,” Wanderer said, “One I’ll make right myself.”

Nahida stared at him with a twinkle in her eyes that Wanderer recognized all too well. It was the kind of expression she wore when she was trying to brighten the mood. “I didn’t know you had such a poetic side to you, Wanderer.”

Retrieve that sword from your chest and aim it at your heart, instead. Perhaps then may my grief be laid to rest.

“Please don’t say that.”

oOo

Neuvillette, by regular standards, is rather old.

That did not mean he was fluent in every single ancient language he had ever come across. However, there were some words or sentences here and there that he did recognize.

None of them could be described as pretty, some of them even uncivilized, yet one fragmented passage kept replaying in his head.

You locked me up for the mere fact of my […] and threw away my […]. Years […] and I spent all of them hoping you would […], yet you never did.

It left him wondering what kind of person was hidden behind the guise of the Narukami Ogosho. Certainly not the type that deserved the Authority of Electro. Had she aided in caging the Lord of Verdure?

If even Buer had seen fit to reply in such a manner despite her kind and gentle nature, then surely she had her reasons for it.

Perhaps a statement in defense of Furina was in order, then. Furina had done a lot for Fontaine and had suffered from it as a consequence for half a millennium. For her name to be further dragged through the mud by mention of such a despicable god, he could simply not allow.

And thus, Neuvillette took a quill from his desk and began writing his own statement.

oOo

Kujou Sara kneeled in front of her god. “Almighty Shogun, you have received word in reply to your letter regarding the Anemo Archon’s address of your name.”

Ei gestured for Sara to rise. “Barbatos must have replied then. Surely even he is not so unwise as to refuse me an apology.”

“Actually, it wasn’t the Anemo Archon who replied, your Excellency.”

“Excuse me? Not the Anemo Archon?”

Incredibly odd. If not for the Anemo Archon, who had any business reaching out to her? Maybe one of his advisors, if he even had any.

Sara shook her head. “This letter was addressed to you, Your Excellency, yet it was spread via the Steambird, a news agency in Fontaine.”

If Ei wasn’t confused before, she certainly was now. “Please hand the letter to me.”

Sara handed her the letter. The moment she opened it, she was stunned by the handwriting: beautiful, elegant and above all, perfect.

Unlike its contents.

It was written in the ancient Inazuman language. For a moment, Ei was elated to see something reminiscent of times gone by.

But then she read its contents.

It was filled with all kinds of insults and profanities Ei could never imagine coming from Buer’s mouth. And yet, the letter was marked by the Dendro Archon’s official seal.

Ei did not know what could have caused this enmity on Buer’s part. If anything, it seemed like the letter had come from an angry child, meant for its mother. Not from one god to another. 

There was a time where I loved you, yet you still took away my heart.

Whatever had caused this misunderstanding, she would have to set it right immediately.

Chapter Text

In response to Narukami,

Calling upon Lady Furina’s role as the God of Justice to rectify your own skewed system of punishment is not only foolish, but also a form of slander and libel. I suggest you retract your statement immediately.

Additionally, if the Dendro Archon saw fit to insult you in the manner she did, then I am certain she has her reasons. After all, she is the God of Wisdom. You would do well to consider her words, as well as reconsider your own.

Sincerely,

Iudex of Fontaine,

Neuvillette

oOo

Kujou Sara knocked eight times on the doors of Tenshukaku to announce her presence and bowed deeply when Ei opened the doors. “Your Excellency, you have received word in response to your letter to the Anemo Archon.”

Ei did a double take. It might have been the very first time Sara had seen her Archon taken aback. “Excuse me? The letter in response to the Anemo Archon? Did you not mean my response to Buer, which I sent out a few hours ago?”

Sara shook her head. “That one has likely not made it overseas yet. This is a response to your response to the Anemo Archon.”

Logical, Ei thought. Perhaps Barbatos finally had an apology ready for her. It was about time. “I see. Please tell me what the Anemo Archon has to say for himself.”

Sara cringed a little, a tell sign that this letter wasn’t written by the Anemo Archon either.

“If not the Anemo Archon, who would have any business replying to me? And in a public manner at that?”

“This one is from Fontaine, Your Excellency.”

“Fontaine?” Ei was beyond baffled. What was it that Focalors had to say about her communications with the Anemo Archon? “Is this about me using her name? Surely she wouldn’t take offense to the truth.”

Sara had warned her Archon about this being rather insensitive beforehand, but for the sake of her respect towards her God and her own livelihood, she chose to keep that to herself. “Yes and no. The subject of the matter does pertain to the use of her name, but the writer of this statement isn’t the Hydro Archon.”

“Excuse me? What do you mean, not the Hydro Archon?”

“This statement was written by the Chief Justice of Fontaine, Neuvillette.”

Ei remained quiet for a moment, contemplating his involvement in the matter. In any case, this would not bode well for her. “Hand me the letter. I wish to read it for myself.”

Sara nodded and handed her the letter.

As Ei’s eyes scanned the page, she found herself perplexed. Although she could understand his apprehension towards the sue of Focalors’s name, his callback to Buer’s letter was not only irrational, but also an enormous insult towards her as an Archon. It painted her as unwise. That was something she could not accept.

“Sara, be prepared to send out another statement for me, will you?”

The beration of another Archon is already a stab in Inazuma’s pride as a nation. But for Focalors to send in a representative instead of contacting her herself?

Ei didn’t even know what to think about that, yet.

oOo

“Archon,” Iansan called out, “Have you already heard of the public argument between mutiple members of the Seven?”

Mavuika turned around, a very mild curiosity in her eyes. “Hm? An argument?”

She had had been very busy making preparations for the incoming disaster that could strike at any moment, so she hadn’t had the time to check up with recent developments in the other nations. 

Iansan handed Mavuika a few of the statements. When she received them, she quickly scanned them and handed them back after.

“If they want to concern themselves with such trivial matters, let them. There is no reason for me to get involved, especially not now. Please burn the letters.”

“Burn?” Iansan asked, “But these won’t produce any contending fire for the Sacred Flame. They’re from outside Natlan.”

“I am aware that these won’t help, but I’ve been due a nice, hot bath for a while and I don’t have the time to visit the Meztli tribe right now.”

oOo

The Wanderer was sitting at Nahida’s desk, still figuring out what to write in regards to the letter that had accidentally been sent out in Buer’s name. 

He had faced many difficult situations in his lifetime, and this was certainly one of them. Not the most difficult, but difficult nonetheless.

Far be it from fate to grant him a single moment of rest. He couldn’t even figure out whether the Chief Justice standing up for ‘Buer’ made him want to laugh in irony or scream in despair.

oOo

“Ah, you wish to speak to Mister Zhongli, the consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, yes?”  

Once Hu Tao received a confirmation from the client, she began explaining further. “He took his vacation days for the year. Until then, allow me to help you instead! You said it was for the burial of your parrot, correct?”

The client corrected Hu Tao.

“This little thing here, an adeptus parrot, you say? Aiya, very intriguing. How about we freeze the bird for a week or three until Mister Zhongli is back, yes? How does that sound? …no?”

oOo

“Why would you think that’s a good idea? Why must I always be at the spotlight? I just wanted silence. Not this! Just… silence.”

Perhaps Neuvillette should have thought more about the consequences of his actions for Furina. Had he really dealt with rationality, or had he blatantly forsaken it for the sake of his anger towards those Teyvat called the Archons?

Lady Furina had cried many times in the centuries he had known her, most of them consisting of incessant whining and crocodile tears.

It was nothing like how she was now. There was not a single thought dedicated to the dramatics she loved so much. Instead, she was trying, and failing, to keep her tears to herself.

He had made a mistake, and this time he wasn’t sure he would be able to rectify it. 

Chapter Text

To the Dendro Archon,

I was unaware you held such strong feelings towards me, nor can I find a reason for them. Please know that any and all harm I have committed towards you was unintentional.

To whom it may concern: This misunderstanding will be resolved in private. Any further probing will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, journalists and academics. Any who approach me about this issue shall face the consequences.

Consider this matter closed.

Baal

oOo

Everything that could go wrong, was going wrong.

Nahida was normally not one to show when she was upset, but this was proving to be the exception. And if things went on at this rate, it certainly wouldn’t be the last one yet.

It had only been a few days since she and Wanderer had sent out their clarification regarding the latter’s logistical mishap.

Why had Beelzebul chosen to proclaim that this misunderstand —and yes, a misunderstanding it surely was— at right this moment? They had been both too early in sending it, as they couldn’t make any changes to the message to fit Beelzebul’s anymore, and too late, considering Beelzebul had managed to sent a message ahead of them, without actually informing them she would resolve this in private.

Such matters should never have been disclosed to the public, let alone involving them. Even putting aside their respect for the Archons, which Nahida didn’t particularly see as particularly important, this was reflecting badly upon their nations as a whole.

Now, due to this form of public communications, their courses of action had intersected at precisely the wrong moment. Had they resolved this in private in the first place, this would never have happened. Just one single interruption could have minimized these disastrous consequences. It was logical a communication method such as this would often be ill-timed.

She had been right. She should have approached Either Barbatos, Beelzebul or the Chief Justice of Fontaine when she’d had the chance. It was her own cowardice that had prevented her from taking a mediator role.

She did not blame the Wanderer. It was her own fault. She should have checked the stash of letters on her desk. Making mistakes was human, but she wasn’t human.

Nahida could barely digest it all. How could she possibly break this to the Wanderer, when she didn’t feel like she’d broken it to herself yet?

oOo

“That’s the adeptus parrot?” Hu Tao exclaimed. “First of all, that’s just a quail with a golden bracelet. It looks fat. Quails are fat. Second of all, I don’t think that’s an adeptus. Adeptusses… Adepti? Adepti. Adepti tend to never have anything of monetary value on them… I heard.”

She needed Zhongli to come back. A vacation at the Wangshu Inn couldn’t possibly be more interesting than his job at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, right? He was coming back, right?”

oOo

“Miko,” Ei called out, “What is it that you are doing?”

Miko didn’t even look up from the paper in her hands as she responded. “Me? No cause for concern. I am merely writing down some ideas. I keep finding new sources of inspiration these days.”

“Please don’t get me wrong, Miko. I care for you tremendously, but for you to catch an interest in something? It worries me. Please do not make any rash decisions.”

Miko laughed loudly. “I would never.”

“I think we both know that is no truth coming from your mouth. I’ve chosen to place my trust in you. Do not misuse it.”

oOo

Neuvillette held out the Electro Archon’s statement towards Furina, something reminiscent of a smile on his face. Furina couldn’t quite figure out if it was one.

“Ah, Lady Furina. Things might just work out on their own. Narukami has not commented on the letter I sent out. I hope this information helps you find some peace.”

“I have caught people staring at me more recently. I mean, with a face such as this, who can blame them? …what?” Furina crossed her arms, her lips forming a pout. “Why are you looking at me like that? I’m only speaking the truth.”

Neuvillette nodded. “I apologize. I’m merely glad to see you are doing better.”

She was. The healing process was hard and tedious at times, but she was truly doing better.

oOo

“Consider this matter closed? What makes her think that’s up to her to decide?” Venti shook his head. “Even if such a proclamation works in Inazuma, which I doubt, that reputation of hers may not be as intimidating outside its borders.”

At some point, the Angel’s Share had become Mondstadt’s public meeting space to discuss the matters regarding the Archon’s statements. The tavern was more crowded than ever and business was booming, much to Diluc’s dismay.

“It’s rather ironic for her to call out academics and journalists when specifically Sumeru and Fontaine took offense to her words,” Kaeya commented. “Isn’t anyone else reading what she’s sending out? This whole thing could have been avoided if she’d had someone to warn her about invoking the Hydro Archon’s name.”

“That’s not true,” Jean said. “I doubt whatever Sumeru sent out could have been avoided. However, I don’t see where that reaction came from so suddenly. Venti, what do you know of Sumeru’s archon that could have warranted this? Last I heard, she was described as softhearted and gentle.”

“Last I heard,” Venti parroted, “she is kind to her people, despite the way she was treated by them. I genuinely believe she did not write it.”

Kaeya quickly claimed a stool at the counter after hearing those words. “Last you heard? Are you sure about just hearing that? Or perhaps you actually spoke—“

Diluc bent over the countertop, pushing Kaeya’s shoulder away from him as hard as he could. Kaeya —stool and all— fell backwards on the ground. A miracle in and of itself, for him to not land on anyone.

“Play stupid games, win stupid prizes,” Diluc spat. “I’m not warning you again.”

“If that’s a warning in your eyes, I’d hate to see what you would do without a warning.”

“Okay, that’s enough.” Jean put herself between Diluc, who was still behind the counter, and Kaeya, who had just gotten up. “Why not discuss another topic? Someone lost their shoes yesterday. High sentimental value, she said. She asked me to find them personally—”

“No,” Diluc and Kaeya screamed in unison.

Venti sighed. “Maybe the Raiden Shogun should scare you into taking a break. Celestia knows Barbatos can’t do it.”

Chapter Text

In response to Chief Justice Neuvillette,

As stated before, my punishments are completely justified. There is only one person who is qualified to stand up for Focalors’s name, and that person is not you.

Any further attempts at humiliation from you shall not be tolerated. You do not have the authority to question my decisions nor must you interpret Buer’s words when you do not have any context to them. Such actions originate from weak spirited souls.

I suggest you consider my words carefully, as well as reconsider your own. It is blatantly obvious some thorough reflection on your part is required. Had you not merely utilized your wits as embellishment for your personage, you would surely have realized this by now.

Baal

oOo

Venti read the statement with his mouth wide open. Whether the crease between his eyebrows was due to worry or confusion was unknown even to himself. “Why would she say that?! She needs to stop antagonizing people!”

“To be fair, the man did tell her that Sumeru’s god had her reasons to insult her,” Diluc stated. “Whether it was true or not doesn’t matter, it was uncalled for.”

“Telling him that his wits are a decoration for his public image is uncalled for! Why are you defending this? She needs to stop!”

Diluc crossed his arms. “Just like you need to stop spending all your money on alcohol, you mean?”

“Hey, am I not a regular here? Am I not boosting your business?”

That small quirk of Diluc’s where his eyelid began to twitch showed up only when he was irritated, hence why Venti knew that was the wrong thing to ask. “You have defaulted so much as a customer that the present value of my accounts receivable is negative. I was forced to move the entire category from the Angel Share’s balance sheet from the assets to the debt side because serving you costs me more than it earns me, making any new business partners doubt the validity of my business at first glance, and you dare make the claim you’re boosting my business?”

“…yes?”

Jean sighed. “I see your point, Venti. I am actually having trouble seeing myself why she would reply to him in the first place. That just seems like a diplomatic nightmare waiting to happen. Not to mention the paperwork.”

“No paperwork, just a piece of paper, a pen and an order,” Venti muttered under his breath. “But yes, not just diplomatic. No amount of pressure can convince me to involve myself in this particular problem.”

Diluc blinked a few times, as if something in that sentence had struck him as concerning. “…why does this letter bother you more than all the others?”

“Eh, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Hearing the unease in Venti’s voice, Kaeya had decided he wanted to know more. “I think you know exactly what Master Diluc was referring to. The Dendro Archon quite literally told the Electro Archon to stab herself in the chest, and this is the exchange you worry about? Seems quite fishy to me.”

“That was not the Dendro Archon!” Venti whined; he had told them that at least ten times by now.

“Don’t agree with me,” Diluc spat completely ignoring Venti, “That’s disgusting.”

“Excuse me? Disgusting? You would say that about your own—“

“Yes, I would say that about a Knight of Favonius.”

If only the tinge of pain in Kaeya’s eyes wasn’t so noticeable to Venti, perhaps he would have felt less guilty being happy about the distraction from the entire ordeal around Beelzebul and the Hydro Dragon.

oOo

To say Xiao didn’t know why Rex Lapis had chosen to visit him now of all times was an understatement. He’d figured he had wanted to discuss something with him or maybe had prepared a task for him. In any case, Xiao’s expectations of his lord were high, as they always were.

However, he did not know what was going on right now.

Rex Lapis had just been thinking an contemplating, occasionally writing something down before throwing it back down in the trash again.

“Are you feeling well, Rex Lapis?”

Rex Lapis took a moment to respond. And when he did, it was almost as if he’d picked up on the speech humans of this time used and made it his own. “I am sick of being forced to watch this unfold, especially now that he is involved. Xiao, I have given you something in the past. Would you be willing to let me use it for a while?”

And who was Xiao to deny him anything?

oOo

Monsieur Neuvillette was decidedly not seen outside of his office for an entire day. Not a particularly odd occurrence due to his enormous work load, except it was his day off.

It wasn’t necessarily Narukami’s words that had brought him these feelings of unease, but more so the person behind them herself, and hypocrisy seemed to lie at the root of them.

Neuvillette had been called many worse things in his time as the Chief Justice. Just how often had criminals insulted him or attempted to belittle him as anger left through their lips and despair settled in their throats?

So no, he was no stranger to such things. Narukami was one of many who held a form of contempt towards him, and he felt nothing as she did. She would simply have to stand in the back of a long line he wasn’t willing to concern himself with.

What did bother him was the mention of Focalors.

Oddly enough, Furina herself hadn’t seen the statement herself yet. Instead, she was immersed in a light novel she had become rather fond of in the past few days. 

She seemed to be in good spirits with a smile plastered on her face the whole time she was reading. Occasionally, she would laugh loudly, unconcerned about whether someone might or might not hear her. And all that laughter his ears were registering formed into just one singular thought.

Some things were much more important than his vision on justice.

He ripped the statement apart and threw it in the bin. He had no intention of escalating this situation any further. If anyone else made any assumption based on his lack of response this time around, that would be on them.

oOo

“I think I’m beginning to see where you got your snark from.”

If Nahida noticed the Wanderer’s glare, she made no show of it.

oOo

“Miko, I cannot claim to understand what you think is so funny. This is no laughing matter.”

“No laughing matter?” Miko snickered, making a half-hearted attempt to hide her laughter behind her hand. “It is quite hilarious, in my opinion. And it certainly brings about a new source of joy for me.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Ei, you told the man his head is nothing but a decoration.”

Upon those words, a furious purple blush began creeping up on Ei’s face, starting at the ears and eventually extending to her cheeks.

In Miko’s defense, how could she keep herself from laughing again when she couldn’t even recount the last time Ei had showed —genuinely showed— a form of embarrassment so genuine and bright? If anything, it hid the sadness the Archon usually seemed to drag along with her.

Chapter Text

Regarding the earlier statement written in Buer’s name,

To rip the bandage off, the earlier statement in Buer’s name was not written by her, but by me, her assistant. Due to an unfortunate series of errors, a letter I wrote out of frustration ended up in the Steambird. It was never my intention for it to be seen by anyone, let alone have it published.

To briefly explain the contents: yes, my relationship with “Baal” was of a more personal nature and no, I will not further disclose any information about the true nature behind that relationship. Due to this relationship, my anger towards her is personal as well. When she spoke of her means of punishments being justified, I found myself further angered, as I have been, factually and objectively, the victim of her injustice.

Now that I’ve explained this, know that Buer was never personally involved. She does not deserve to have any ill will directed her way and for that, I apologize. The god of wisdom is, unlike a certain person, a benevolent goddess. Should you have any real, valid and non-idiotic concerns regarding that letter or me, please take them up with me and not with her. To any others: I am sick and tired of being asked for comments on that letter on Buer’s behalf, please go do something worthwhile with your useless lives. Or don’t. I don’t care.

Be warned if you do not take up on my suggestions. If I hear one more person talking about this or speaking ill of Lord Kusanali, know that I will hunt you down. And believe me when I say that I will find you.

And to ‘Baal’: do not even think of replying to this either publicly or privately; you’ve already shamed yourself enough as it is.

With great displeasure,

Lord Kusanali’s assistant,

Wanderer

oOo

Contrary to what most would believe, this development pleased Rex Lapis.

Xiao was ‘most’, in this case.

He didn’t understand how this random Sumerian human cussing out the Electro Archon could possibly be a pleasing outcome.

But that was alright. For all the respect Xiao held for his lord, he was quite content in not always knowing what was going on inside that head of his.

oOo

“I told you!” Venti yelled triumphantly. “I told you she didn’t write this!”

Sadly for Venti, his victory was noticed by few and acknowledged by none.

Meanwhile, Rosaria held the note in her hand, a small smirk on her face. “Remind me to sign my next letter to Sister Barbara off with ‘with great displeasure’ the next time she pesters me to complain about my attendance in choir.”

“Sister Rosaria!” Jean yelled, appalled by her words. “Do not talk about Sister Barbara that way.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Kaeya snatched the letter from her. “That’s the thing that caught your attention? I am more interested by the complete 180 halfway. That escalated so badly so fast. That cannot possibly have been the same person.”

Diluc rolled his eyes. “If you would care to use that brain of yours, you would remember that Venti said she is a gentle god. I think she supervised half of it at most and left the rest to them. Look, you can see the exact moment she left the room. Not very wise when your assistant has a personality that foul.”

That confused Rosaria. “How do you know she’s gentle? What makes you think that bard knows the Dendro Archon’s personality well?”

Venti put his hands on his hips, eyes confident and mischievous. “Because I, Lord Barbatos, have descended just to share this knowledge with you!”

“If that were to be true, I think the church would disband on the spot.”

Having heard this, Kaeya and Venti burst out in laughter. Even Diluc seemed to be slightly amused.

Not Jean, though. She didn’t drink a lot normally, but she sure could use a glass or ten right now.

oOo

Nahida was relieved to say that the Wanderer was beginning to find his place more and more in Sumeru. However, there were still many moments where she almost didn’t know what to do with him. Sadly, this was one of them. “I do not recall having seen those last few paragraphs, Wanderer.”

The Wanderer shrugged nonchalantly. “I suppose that could be correct.”

“You suppose?”

“Yes, I suppose.”

Nahida sighed deeply. “I suppose that the misunderstanding was worked out, at least.”

“Exactly. See? Aren’t you proud of me for taking responsibility?”

Nahida pondered over his words long enough for the silence to be noticeable. “Well that’s… that wasn’t necessarily the first thing to come up in my mind, but I suppose it takes some bravery to apologize publicly. Even if you insulted half of Teyvat and the Raiden Shogun while doing so, which you really should not have done.”

oOo

“Hey, Monsieur Neuvillette. Does she have a sibling or something? Because I, uh, I think I’m seeing a resemblance.”

Neuvillette shook his head. “She had a sister, but she perished during the cataclysm.”

“I do find this interesting, you know,” Furina said. “I want to know what prompted that earlier letter. And how it ended up at the Steambird, for that matter. You don’t know, do you?”

Frankly, Neuvillette felt no need to see how that had happened, nor did he have the slightest interest in diving deeper into the matter. As much as he loathed to admit it, Narukami had been right; he’d jumped too quickly to the Dendro Archon’s defense. Or rather, her assistant’s.

Now don’t get him wrong, he still would have agreed with whoever opposed the Archons in most matters, but he did not want to be forced into a position where he would have to negotiate about apologies with Narukami.

“I don’t.”

Furina sighed deeply. “I see. A shame.” She carefully placed the statement on the table in Neuvillette’s direction. “Do you still have a copy of the previous one? I didn’t read it back then, and I’m quite curious about its contents.”

Neuvillette stared at Furina for a few seconds before he could bring himself to respond. “What little I was able to understand, you don’t want to know. In all my years, I have never heard of insults like the ones this one wrote.”

“Oh, now I have to know!”

Not the most surprising response, coming from Furina. After all, she had always had a penchant for drama. As long as she wasn’t involved herself, of course.

oOo

When Kujou Sara walks into Tenshukaku with yet another scroll in her hands, Ei knows there has been yet another statement from one of her fellow archons. “Kujou Sara. Surely this time Barbatos has issued his apology?”

She shook her head. “No, Your Excellency.”

“I see.” At this point, she wasn’t expecting any anymore. It was her fault for expecting anything worthwhile from Barbatos in the first place. “Please share the news with me. Who is it this time?”

“The Dendro Archon’s assistant.”

That caught her off guard. “…excuse me?”

“The Dendro Archon’s assistant. It was the Dendro Archon’s assistant who wrote that letter that was sent in the Dendro Archon’s name. They claim that the entire thing was a mistake.”

“How does one write such an elaborate letter mistakingly?”

“Ah, no. Excuse me, Almighty Shogun. I meant that sending the letter out had been a mistake, not the contents itself.”

The letter had never been meant to be sent out, yet the content were still true to heart. Ei did not know what warranted such a grudge from someone from Sumeru. Unless this person escaped during the vision hunt decree. But then again, the letter had been written in ancient Inazuman; a language lost to time. That meant the sender had to be some kind of Youkai or other long-lived species.

“Please, read the letter for me.”

Sara remained uncharacteristically silent.

“What’s wrong?”

“I apologize, but I cannot read aloud such words about you.”

The contents of the letter weren’t pretty, then. “Please hand me the letter, then. I will read it myself.”

Sara reluctantly handed her the letter.

As Ei read it over, she could see why Sara had been so hesitant. The letter started out normal enough, but soon showed an abundance of… personality, for lack of a better word. It was obvious this person held Buer deeply in their heart, and even more obvious that the opposite counted for Ei.

As a god, Ei was not unaware that a lot of people both loved and hated her. It was a given fact that her presence brought about both positive and negative emotions. Especially after the Vision Hunt and Sakoku decrees. Normally, she would brush that aside, but something in the letter caught her attention.

‘Baal’

In quotation marks.

This person knew that Makoto had perished.

That was not something known to a lot of people, and she doubted Buer would leave that piece of information open for just everyone to stumble upon.

How curious.

In addition to the highly personal information in the first letter, how could her curiosity not be piqued?

Perhaps she should reach out for Buer privately to ask what’s going on over there.

Reputation be damned, she wasn’t about to respond to this publicly. 

Not until she had answers, at least.

oOo

Mavuika remained silent for a short moment after reading the statement, clearly unsure how to begin voicing her thoughts on the hypothetical shipwreck in her hands. “…Do none of them have advisers? Where are their advisers?”

The Pyro Archon did not receive a reply, until Kinich finally broke the silence. “I think the adviser left halfway… or died. Maybe both.”

It was a plausible theory, at least the first one was, but not one that was worth her time. She had more important things to focus on. She put the entire thing on fire and flicked its remains with the simple motion of her wrist. That which fell to the ground was nothing but ashes.

Chapter Text

To the mortal world,

I speak on behalf of the Seven. Let it be known that They have convened together and resolved Their differences. Should you be in haste, know that this statement will be the last of its kind.

All worries of Their communications have been acknowledged. Although They might have made an uncouth impression, it is of the utmost importance that it be remembered that They are as capable as They have always been. 

All has been resolved and grudges have been disposed off as intended. Never again shall such an occurrence be.

In lieu of discussion, please remain silent,

Conqueror of Demons,

Adeptus Xiao

oOo

Venti did nothing but stare at the statement, mouth agape. For all his talent as a bard, he couldn’t make this up if he tried. It was incredibly audacious to lie about such a meeting. It was incredibly obvious Zhongli had been the writer of this letter; how could it not be Zhongli when he used such outdated capitalization when referring to the gods. It was equally obvious that he wanted to stop this string of increasingly more problematic statements from escalating beyond the point of no return.

Although he disagreed with the methods, he understood why Zhongli did it, even if the repercussions could be disastrous.

Venti trusted the Dendro and Pyro Archons enough to not make things worse.

…

Venti trusted the Pyro Archon enough to not make things worse, and the Dendro Archon only if that assistant of hers wasn’t anywhere near her.

He didn’t know Fontaine well enough to judge, but they weren’t the biggest problem. The real problems were Beelzebul, who did not seem to use any of her intelligence when responding publicly and relied only on her lack of reading comprehension, and the Tsaritsa, who had changed too much in the past 500 years for Venti to know what she would do.

Before he could allow that thought to spiral further out of control, he was shaken out of his thoughts.

“Why are you so surprised, Venti?” Rosaria asked, eyes narrowed in suspicion.

Venti remained silent for a significant amount of time. The moment he opened his mouth to respond, Rosaria stopped him.

She shook her head. “Don’t say it.”

Venti deliberately ignored her warning. “In lieu of discussion, please remain silent.”

Rosaria sighed. “I’m not drunk enough for this. Luckily Jean isn’t here to scold me for it. Or even worse, Barbara.”

Kaeya, who had been talking to Eula previously, turned around on his barstool. “Speaking of Jean, why isn’t she here?”

“Ah, I can answer that,” Eula said from her place at the bar. “Poor Mika had his parrot stolen by a liyuan treasure hoarder. He’s inconsolable. Jean is currently helping him find it.”

Kaeya did his best to stifle his laughter. “The fat one? The one he had been overfeeding for months? The one he bought an 18 carat golden bracelet for?”

Eula looked him in the eye, disapproval of his behavior evident. “How dare you mock him? That parrot is very dear to him. Vengeance will be mine.”

“Maybe,” Kaeya stressed, “he shouldn’t have bought an 18 carat golden bracelet for it then. If I were a treasure hoarder, I’d steal it too.”

Diluc hit Kaeya on the back of his head. Not because he disagreed with Kaeya, but because this was an opportunity he couldn’t bring himself to miss.

Once again, Venti was saved by the beauty of changing the subject. Perhaps he would have to thank Kaeya later, by having him buy him a drink in exchange for a song. 

In lieu of payment, please grant me drinks.

Venti really did like the sound of that.

oOo

Needless to say, Mavuika was thankful for the sliver of reason that had made its way to the public. 

It was obvious it had been one gigantic lie to deescalate the situation, as she hadn’t been invited to any such meeting, but frankly, she didn’t care. 

The renovations that were being made for the Flower-Feather clan had taken up much of the Captain’s time. It was only natural they share a meal together to discuss remuneration.

Said meal consisted of nothing but alcohol, but it was the thought that mattered.

oOo

Xiao had left for Liyue Harbor without prodding any further in Zhongli’s personal matter.

Strangely enough, people were staring at him whenever they spotted him. This wasn’t necessarily an uncommon occurrence, if it hadn’t been for the confusion in their gazes instead of awe.

In short, they were looking at him as if he’d done something.

He hadn’t done anything unusual at all to warrant that kind of attention, so he found himself a little baffled by their behavior.

Not baffled enough to bother finding out what was going on, however. And so he went on with his life.

Until he happened across a boy with light blue hair and even lighter eyes.

He’d met him a few times before, the first of which during that poetry festival that Barbatos and the funeral director had organized a year or so back. Chongyun had requested to spar with him, and since he was respectful and disciplined —except for that one yang episode induced by the cat girl’s spicy beverage— Xiao didn’t mind his presence too much. 

“Greetings, Conqueror of Demons,” Chongyun said as he bowed, “It’s an honor to meet you again.”

Xiao gave him a nod in response.

“Please forgive me for speaking out of line, but I think it’s best if you leave the harbor for now. It’s quite busy now, especially with that statement going around. If there is anything I can get you, though, please do let me know.”

“Statement?” Xiao asked puzzledly. “What statement?”

Chongyun stared at Xiao for a good few seconds before he sighed in relief. “Ah, I see. I did think it was fake.”

“I don’t follow. What statement?”

Chongyun quickly began rummaging through his pockets, before he retrieved a nearly folded paper from it. “Here it is. I can read it for you, if you want.”

Xiao took the paper in his hands, but Chongyun tried to take it back. “It’s alright,” Chongyun said, “Let me read it for you.”

“It’s alright. I can read it myself.”

Chongyun froze in place, eyes wide. “I wasn’t aware you were able to.”

“Able to what?”

“Well,” Chongyun drawled out, “You know.”

Xiao crossed his arms. “I don’t.”

“What don’t you know?”

Had it been anyone else, Xiao would have walked away. “I don’t know what you’re trying to say.”

As if the shame Chongyun was feeling fueled his breath, a word burst from his lips. “Read.”

“…what?”

Chongyun’s face became a furious crimson. “Read. I… didn’t know you could read.”

Xiao had never felt so confused in his entire life, but for the sake of finding out what was going on, he chose to keep that to himself. 

When he read the letter, it became abundantly clear just what had happened. The thing Zhongli had wanted to borrow back then? It had been his name.

“From now on,” Xiao said sternly, “I will have written this letter. The writer of this letter is me, and no one else.”

oOo

“The audacity!” Ei nearly yelled when Kujou Sara showed her the statement. “He never informed me of such a thing. However, I am no fool. If he wishes to de-escalate the situation, so be it. I shall play along.”

Kujou Sara, on her part, almost seemed thankful.

oOo

The Wanderer stared wordlessly at Nahida.

Nahida just shook her head. She’d never been to such a conference in her life.

oOo

Usually, the public correspondence between the Seven left the Tsaritsa’s desk as quickly as it arrived there, yet this time was the exception. As long as there was correspondence at all, she didn’t need to know the contents within it.

Except for this one in particular. There were many things she had merely glanced at that didn’t beget her attention, but this was different.

For Morax —it could not have been anyone else but Morax to capitalize the pronouns referring to the Seven when it had been before her own existence that such practices were used— to outright lie in order to resolve such a situation? She could not allow such a thing. Regardless, even if he had conveyed a similar message without speaking a single lie, she would still have scorned him.

And so, in the middle of the night, surrounded by nothing but the coldness of ice, the Tsaritsa writes.

Chapter Text

To all,

Divine failure is oft unthinkable, yet impossible times are met with impossible situations.

This time, however, it is not failure, but deceit that lies at the root of the cause.

Be informed that there has been no such meeting as the one described in the letter written by one who hides behind the name of 'Xiao'. And no, Snezhnaya has not been excluded. If so, I would have known.

In retrospect, perhaps it is appropriate to speak of divine failure. After all, deceit is only deceit when one is deceived.

And for all their faults, not one other member of the Seven will have been deceived either. This includes the untruthful one among them.

For such tricks to work, one would have to deceive themself. And even with such practices being familiar to all except myself, it will not have been now.

The Tsaritsa.

oOo

”This is embarrassing,” Ei told Kujou Sara, “I don’t want to see it anymore. Remove it from my presence.”

oOo

So the entire meeting had been a lie to begin with, Neuvillette thought. In retrospect, it was the logical conclusion to arrive at.

He had been offended on Furina’s behalf. For all her lack of divine power, she had held the responsibility befitting it for five centuries on an end. If anyone deserved to sit at that table, however much Neuvillette saw their presence as a disfavor and displeasure —in the eyes of most, it was not— it was Furina.

This just meant that Deus Auri had lied to de-escalate the situation surrounding the Electro Archon. And yes, in all fairness, she was the one whose reaction, aside from the Tsaritsa’s, was the most unreasonable.

But now that he knew it had all been a lie —one called out by one of their own, even— Neuvillette couldn’t help himself.

He wouldn’t quite call it entertainment, to await the chaos that would likely ensue soon, but it was at the very least a matter that would bring a smile to his face, should he choose to direct his attention towards it.

Not entertainment at all.

oOo

Zhongli stared at the broken vase on the ground. Surely the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor could cover it for him.

oOo

The faces that had stared him down in skepticism had now become confused and even scrutinizing in some cases. Needless to say, Xiao was incredibly confused himself.

Until Chongyun once again came to find him, and explained everything in a very un-Chongyun-like fashion, that is.

Chongyun grabbed him by the shoulders, disrespecting each and every single of Xiao’s wishes for personal space, and shook him violently. “Conqueror of Demons, Conqueror of Demons! The Cryo Archon knows!”

“…knows what?” Xiao ended up asking after not being able to find the right words.

“She knows you didn’t write the letter!”

Xiao stared Chongyun dead in the eyes, causing the latter to back off. “I did write the letter. Any who claim that I didn’t, lies.”

When Chongyun opened his mouth, it was bizarrely loud. He was still whispering, but anyone in the vicinity might as well have overheard him. In all his years, Xiao had never heard someone scream while whispering. “But she knooooooows!”

Xiao looked at Chongyun, completely at a loss for words. “You need to cool off. Don’t you have any of those popsicles of yours with you?” On a second look, Xiao saw that Chongyun’s bag was dripping with water. “Hold on, how long did you run for to get here?”

“Yes!”

Xiao simply sighed, took Chongyun by the hand and led him to the harbor. When they got there, he gently pushed Chongyun into the water. It didn’t take Chongyun a long time to calm down after that.

Chongyun climbed back onto the pier and dried his face off with his sleeves. When he finally made eye contact with Xiao, his eyes widened in urgency. “Conqueror of Demons,” Chongyun said in a silent whisper, “I need to tell you something.”

Xiao took a deep breath. This was going to be a long day.

oOo

“Buer,” the Wanderer said, his voice tired, “You seem to have forgotten how dumb the average human is. Now imagine this: half of them are even dumber than that. There is no underestimating them, they’ll always sink lower.”

“Do not underestimate humanity,” Nahida stressed. “You would do well to keep your wit in line.”

The Wanderer laughed mockingly. “My wit in line? At least I have my wits. I guarantee you, most people won’t know that the Geo Archon was the one who wrote that letter just from this one, which the Tsaritsa wrote so cryptically for reasons beyond me. If anything, you overestimate them.”

“I’ve never underestimated you either, and isn’t that the reason you’re here with me right now?”

The Wanderer pushed his hat down his face and left the room after that.

Nahida almost stopped him, but ended up letting him go. Some things are better taught than spoken.

oOo

[!Spoilers Natlan AQ!]

What must have been the sixth victory banquet this month was held by the People of the Springs once again, yet none seem to hold anything against it.

Remarkable was the abundance of attendees; despite there having been so many celebrations already, the amount of people attending did not seem to dwindle at all.

And so, it was one specific comment on the Pyro Archon’s behalf that managed to grab the attention of the ones closest to her

“My friends,” Mavuika said rather suddenly, her meal around halfway eaten, “do you think I am unfeeling as an Archon?”

Chasca turned around from her discussion with Xilonen, clearly uncomfortable by the question. “Is this what about what happened to the Captain? No matter what anyone says, it was not your fault. He made his choice, and you made yours. Please refer those who disagree to me. I’ve been growing restless and I’m in the mood for some peace-making.”

A small, apologetic smile grew on Mavuika’s face. “Ah, no. It’s not about that. I am very thankful for his actions and I’ll make sure generations to come will know of his sacrifice.”

With an expression mirroring Chasca’s, Xilonen looked at the former. “Why are you growing restless? Natlan has never known better times. You alright, Chasca?”

Chasca suddenly turned bashful. “Don’t worry, there’s nothing grave going on. It’s just, that thing, it irks me.”

Following Chasca’s gaze, Xilonen’s eyes eventually landed on Ajaw, who was using the reserves of drinking water as a bath. Mualani, in turn, was screaming at him to get out.

Xilonen had never heard Mualani scream like that before.

“Oh, that,” Xilonen said, “I’m sure Mualani would appreciate the help. Though I’m not sure where Kinich—“

A claymore flies through the air, used as an Inazuman shuriken yet thrown with the rage of a mitachurl. It’s the most unique use of a claymore she’s seen yet.

“—okay, nevermind, they’ve got it covered.”

“But more importantly, Archon,” Iansan said, “What were you saying?”

Mavuika wore a fond smile, any sign of worry gone from her face. “Ah, it’s nothing important. You know that argument between the Seven, right?”

Chasca cringed. “Sadly, yes. I read up on it recently. The Electro Archon needs a peace-keeper of her own. Insulting Fontaine’s Iudex and killing a Fatui Harbinger? Would you even get away with such things, Archon?”

Mavuika shook her head. “I don’t know. The Fatui have done a lot of bad things in other nations. From what the Traveler has told me, that same Harbinger attacked the Anemo Archon outside of his own church, aided in the resurrection of a problematic god in Liyue and fed the corruption in the Inazuman government.”

“Sounds like she was a lot different from the Captain,” Xilonen remarked.

Mavuika sighed. “I suppose so. In any case, what I wanted to ask you about. Some Liyuan Adeptus has claimed that the Seven have had a meeting to resolve their issues, but now the Tsaritsa is claiming there was never a meeting to begin with.”

“You were invited to a meeting?” Iansan asked skeptically.

A blow-up whale suddenly crashed into a very pissed-off Kinich. Mualani apologized profusely while Ajaw ran away laughing.

Iansan took a full two seconds to recover from that spectacle and repeated her question. “Were you invited to a meeting?”

Mavuika carefully scanned her surroundings, before directing her full attention on the three women in front of her. She mouthed ‘no’, yet never let a single sound escape her lips.

Iansan grimaced. “Oh no.”

Mavuika nodded. “See what I mean? This is bound to cause problems. But when I look at this piece of paper, I feel nothing.”

It is silent for a while after that, until Chasca eventually breaks it. “I can’t blame you. No need to involve yourself, you shouldn’t go after the low-hanging fruit. Compared to you, these guys sound like imbeciles.”

Mavuika’s mouth turned into an ‘o’ shape, her face painted with shock, before the premises were met with what must have been the most boisterous laugh they’ve heard that entire day.

At least it had startled Ajaw for long enough for Mualani and Kinich to finally catch him and stuff him in the most air-tight container they could find.

oOo

Venti stared at the paper in his hands, then stuffed it into one of his back pockets before anyone else could see it. This reeked of problems that weren’t his to deal with. If Morax is called out on his lies, then that’s his problem, right?

But then again, Morax is his friend.

And, well, as a friend… doesn’t he have a duty?

Chapter Text

To the Tsaritsa of Zapolyarny Palace,

The lack of invite on your end might hint towards time ill-spent.

But who is to say just how fickle your gaze is?

You might just have missed it, wearing such unreliable faces.

–Barbatos

oOo

Mavuika read the poem over a few times before she winced. “Oh no. Before, it was between an Archon and an… external party. The Anemo Archon has now officially insulted the Cryo Archon. Traveler,” Mavuika said, “What do you make of this? You know them better than I do.”

The Traveler’s nose scrunched up in disdain, their facial expression turning nauseous. “Please don’t involve me.”

Mavuika blinked a few times before she could bring herself to answer. “Duly noted. Now, on to the next issue. What kind of crate did Mualani and Kinich say they put Ajaw in? Because depending on the crate, he could have been shipped to either Sumeru or Inazuma.” 

oOo

Does one have to be aware of an emotion to feel it? 

That’s the thought that ran through Columbina’s mind after she had delivered the letter.

The Tsaritsa seemed as emotionless as always, but Columbina had not felt such anger from her in a while.

oOo

The entire ordeal around Lesser Lord Kusanali’s assistant and the Electro Archon was admittedly quite entertaining, according to Furina’s humble opinion.

After pestering Charlotte for around 10 seconds, Furina had managed to get her hands on an uncensored translation of the letter.

It became a little less entertaining and a little more sad after that. She almost felt like she had violated the assistant’s rights while she was reading it.

But on the other hand, they truly had a way with words that conveyed their sorrow accordingly. Like their existence was written to be a tragedy. They remained vague, and the context of their story was clearly missing, so there wasn’t anything conclusive to be said about their bond.

That was partly compensated with their creativity, because they were creative.

Very, very creative.

Regardless, it’s what made the ordeal less real. Like she was reading a book, or watching an opera.

But this? With the Anemo Archon actively insulting the Cryo Archon?

She wouldn’t even touch that situation with a stick. It felt real and terrifying. What would the consequences of an argument between two members of the Seven even be? Would Fontaine be involved in some way and be punished for it?

How could she not be frightened in the face of such uncertainty?

She briefly wondered how Neuvillette did it, considering he was in such an uncharacteristically good mood.

She had never seen such a big smile on his face.

oOo

Xiao watched the city from a nearby mountain, perched atop a tree branch extending from its edge. 

If not only his master, but Barbatos defended the notion of the meeting, then surely there had been one. 

He had some doubts at first, that it was a lie to de-escalate the conflict surrounding the Electro Archon. But his mind was set. His master was no liar.

And even if he was, he wasn’t.

The mere notion that he could ever attribute something negative to Rex Lapis was so sacrilegious, so wrong that he could never consider it. In all his years, Xiao had only knelt before the altar of two gods; disloyalty had never been one of them.

oOo

Far be it from Zhongli to deny a gesture of friendship, especially one as big as Barbatos had shown, but he wished Barbatos had been more… nuanced in his wording. He certainly had the capability to do so. He just didn’t do it.

Frankly, Zhongli hadn’t expected Barbatos to interfere at all. He was one to avoid responsibility in things that did not concern him, yet he’d chosen to defend him despite it.

Perhaps he was still upset about the very first letter, but Barbatos was not one for ire. The only thing Zhongli could make of it was that he’d chosen to let the last remnants of his irritation leave his heart through the pen, without thinking too much about it afterwards. 

It might just have been the opportunity to do so.

In any case, although Zhongli’s own ire was still very strong, he’d decided that he would have to depart for Liyue Harbor soon to see what the public’s opinion on the matter was.

But he also really needed Director Hu to cover for that vase he had broken, so some compromises had to be made.

And so he would depart soon.

By foot, that is.

He also really needed to take a walk, should he wish for his anger to fade by the time he arrived there.

oOo

Normally, Kujou Sara was the one to deliver messages to the Raiden Shogun. But since she had left for Watatsumi Island to participate in the negotiations for the promised compensation for the damages during the Vision Hunt Decree, it was Kamisato Ayaka who had to pick up where she had left off.

“…and so I’ve come to deliver this letter to you on behalf of one of the Seven, Your Excellency.”

The Raiden Shogun stared into Ayaka’s eyes for a good minute, as if she expecting something else. “Do go on. Who is it? If it is Morax or the Tsaritsa again I need not hear it. His lies and her lack of conduct are not my responsibility.”

Ayaka’s heart began beating against her ribs, like it was trying to escape the confines of her body. What she had just heard had not been meant for her ears, yet her god did not seem to realize her mistake.

Had it been a mistake?

Was it a test?

If there had been anything she could do to remove that piece of information from her mind, she would have done it. Yet what is known remains known, so the only thing she could do was to bury it somewhere deep inside her, never to be found again.

Ayaka looks at her god, and although she would never admit it, she felt fear.

“Whose letter is it, Kamisato?”

Ayaka could barely hear herself talk over her heartbeat. “This one is from Anemo Archon, I believe.”

At that very moment, Ayaka bears witness to a sight she could have never imagined before. The eyes of her god widen significantly and she suddenly seems like a person, and not an omnipotent deity. A child-like curiosity glimmers in the Raiden Shogun’s eyes like the stars in the sky, completely unaware that they reminded Ayaka of the times Inazuma had been surrounded by nothing but lighting and thunder.

“He finally apologized?”

The Raiden Shogun is no perfect deity. How could she be so excited for something so insignificant and, dare she think it, rather undeserved, when she had seemed to emotionless before?

Ayaka didn’t know, nor was she sure she wanted to in the first place. She did not hate her, nor she did love her. She didn’t know whether she wished for that to change either.

“He did not, Your Excellency.”

The excitement fades from the Raiden Shogun’s eyes, immediately replaced by nothing once more. Even the brightest stars in the sky are destined to fade eventually.

oOo

In hindsight, Venti regretted writing what he had. 

At least, he would have if he wasn’t sitting in a tree with an apple in his hand, admiring the sunset.

It would be a shame not to enjoy it. Or so Morax would say, probably.

oOo

Nahida needed to do something, but she didn’t know what yet. Another statement would definitely not help and a visit to Snezhnaya to talk to the Tsaritsa was out of the question. 

The only plausible option was to visit Mondstadt, but she had never been there. The Wanderer had been, but he wasn’t in the Sanctuary currently, so she couldn’t ask him.

Maybe she could ask her people? But that would put a burden on them. If even their god did not know what to do, would they not be frightened?

Sometimes, she had the feeling they were much wiser than she would ever be. But in the end, the responsibility to protect them from such things lies with Nahida.

She would have to figure this out herself, somehow. If she didn’t know yesterday, she could always try tomorrow.

oOo

Somewhere in the Favonius Cathedral, a discussion ensued.

“Look,” Barbara said, the knot between her eyebrows progressively tightening, “It just doesn’t feel like it’s Lord Barbatos. He just seems so warm and gentle. I’m still having a hard time with the first message, you know. But would he really call the Cryo Archon unreliable?”

“Well,” Rosaria said monotonous, “Is she unreliable?”

Barbara didn’t seem like she quite knew how to respond to that. “Well, yes? With all these Fatui around… I guess. But I just don’t know what to think anymore.”

“Barbara, frankly, I don’t have time for your crisis of faith. Barsibato is your god and he did… things, I guess. I don’t know. Maybe he’s just a reactive person? Did it even occur to you that he might have a personality?”

“A… personality?”

Rosaria did not even know what to do with that reaction, so she ignored it. “Yes, a personality. What if he’s shrewd like Kaeya? Stoic like Diluc Ragnvindr? Or maybe he’s a stalker like that worthless creature I keep running into around the Cathedral. That guy has serious problems.”

Barbara angrily put her hands on her hips. “Now you’re just going off on rumors! Albert is a sweet person. It doesn’t matter what people say. Some people think I’m annoying. And I’m not annoying.”

“I did not even mention Al— never mind.” There were so many things wrong with what Barbara had said, most of all the claim that she wasn’t annoying, but arguing over that with Barbara was not worth the energy it would cost. “Just hard facts then. No one can deny Venti the Bard’s alcohol problem. Maybe Bartobas can outdrink him.”

Barbara looked absolutely horrified. “Don’t even joke about that.”

“Then ask Jean next time instead.”

Chapter Text

Barbatos,

It is quite ironic for you to speak of unreliable faces when, between the two of us, you are the one to have stolen the face you wear. I hope you have found some solace in using it while masquerading as a mortal.

Regretfully,

The Tsaritsa

oOo

“This is bizarre, do you really think it’s true, Hao?”

“I don’t know, Tu, don’t you think they would have noticed? They have an entire statue of their Archon in the middle of the city, do they not?”

“I just know that if someone who looks like Rex Lapis’s depiction on the Statue of the Seven walked up to me, I would not even consider it being him.”

“That would be because Rex Lapis is dead.”

“Oh come on, you know what I mean! Do you not remember what happened in Sumeru? How was I supposed to know that was the Dendro Archon?! She looks like a child!”

“In your defense, his hair was grey. You had no way of knowing the Acting Grand Sage wasn’t her grandfather from that angle.”

“The man said he was 25! How is his hair grey?!”

”Maybe he has a skin condition?”

”A skin condition?!”

Around halfway to Liyue Harbor, Zhongli overheard a few miners talk about something interesting to most and alarming to him in particular. Thinking it odd, Zhongli asked to see what exactly had prompted that particular conversation. 

“Oh, that. Take a look at this,” Tu said, “Bizarre, right?”

“Not as bizarre as you mistaking the Dendro Archon for the Acting Grand Sage’s granddaughter,” Hao added.

“Seriously?!”

Zhongli took the statement from the man’s hands and carefully read its contents.

“Oh no,” Zhongli said to no one in particular, “This is a problem.”

This was personal. It is one thing to insult a god. It is another to reveal information about them that is entirely unknown to mankind.

Maybe he ought to walk a little bit faster than he had planned initially.

oOo

“That one,” Ei said with disbelief in her voice, “does not seem to care about anything anymore. She’s throwing the people’s faith in the Seven into the fire.”

Miko gaze was focused, drilling into the paper in Ei’s hands as if she was analyzing every last letter on it. “Oh, on the contrary, I think she does care. The first two were meant to stir the fire. For what reason, I don’t know. It’s not the first time a god has made uncouth decisions, as you know well.”

Ei did not even acknowledge the jab at her.

“Regardless,” Miko continued, “This one is different. It’s personal. Her pride is wrecked because Barbatos made fun of her. It is obvious she did not think this through, because this is enough incentive for Barbatos to reveal personal information about her too.”

“Would he, though?”

oOo

“And so,” Heizou said with a voice full of confidence, “I would like a few days off.”

Kujou Sara couldn’t help but blink. Shikanoin was an odd one, as he’d always been, but this request took the cake. “Let me get this straight. You want to take up some free days because you want to figure out how long it would take for you to figure out the Anemo Archon’s disguise? Because you think it would be fun?”

Heizou nodded happily.

“Absolutely not.”

oOo

“Wanderer, why would you do that?” Nahida asked with an amount of patience Cyno couldn’t even begin to comprehend.

Wanderer’s face did not show a single speck of regret from behind the bars of his cells. In fact, Cyno could’ve sworn the sparkle in his eyes was pride. “It’s just some Fatui. I don’t see the problem.”

Nahida crossed her arms disapprovingly. “You don’t see the problem with reading the Barbatos’s statement in front of random Fatui soldiers, asking them which side they’re on and kicking in their heads regardless of the answer?”

“There’s no problem in that. And if you think there is, that’s on you.”

Nahida sighed. “Never mind, we’ll talk about this later. Cyno, you said the Tsaritsa has sent a reply?”

Cyno rummaged through his pockets, trying to find the map he’d put the statement in. “Yes, I have it here.” He retrieved the map and handed it to Nahida.

Nahida opened the map and carefully unfolded the piece of paper within.

The statement was rather short—not as short as Barbatos’s had been—but short nonetheless. It did not take long for Nahida to read through it.

When she was done, her eyebrows twisted into a frown. 

“What do you think of it, Lesser Lord Kusanali?” Cyno asked. “What does that mean? I can’t figure out what kind of metaphor this is.”

Nahida’s eyes trailed the ink on the page one more time. “I… don’t think it’s a metaphor, actually. I have no memories of Barbatos, but I do know he’s an elemental spirit by nature. If he wanted to walk amongst his people, he would have to take on a mortal form. It could be possible that he took the form of someone else, seeing he couldn’t have had his own.”

Nahida handed the paper to Wanderer, who was impatiently sitting on the ground of his cell. “Wanderer, you’ve been to Mondstadt. Do you know what kind of reaction we can expect from him? Depending on your answer, I might have to go there myself.”

Wanderer took the paper, scanned it thoroughly and put it on the ground next to him. “I don’t know, but he does have a very hands-off approach, even during the Stormterror crisis. As far as I’m aware, he intends to keep it that way. Something about giving their people the freedom to live without a god or something.”

“Wait,” Cyno said, “How do you know that?”

Wanderer merely scoffed as if he’d been asked a very simple question. “He is very hard to miss, believe me. If you know what to look for, you’ll find him. The people of Mondstadt are blind and naive.”

“Take that back,” Nahida demanded. “When one describes a feral dog, it is inevitable that another will eventually mistake a wolf for it.”

Wanderer shrugged her off. “Lord Kusanali, the amount of time he spends near that statue is bizarre. Apparently, he frequently climbs it and spends hours there, just looking at either the view and the statue itself. And— oh.”

“I see,” Nahida said. “What the Tsaritsa said was true, then. He probably took a face he loved, but whether it was stolen or not I can’t say.”

Cyno did not even grant them a single moment of silence before he brought about his own contribution to the discussion. “Guessing that, now that the truth is out, it’s time for Barbatos to face the music.”

Nahida would have laughed, had the joke been more appropriate.

Wanderer rolled his eyes. “Don’t even explain that one.”

“Don’t get it?” Cyno said, smiling widely. “Because he is the god of music? And now he has to face it?”

“Did you not hear what I said?” Wanderer exclaimed loudly, “No one cares about your jokes! Are those ears of yours just for decoration?”

Cyno’s grin grew even wider.

“Utter another word and you’ll be next on the list under all those Fatui I beat up.”

“Killed, you mean?”

Nahida clapped her hands, grabbing Wanderer and Cyno’s attention. “Okay, Wanderer, you need to think about what you’ve done. And Cyno, that joke was in poor taste. I may not know Barbatos personally, but he is still my colleague.”

oOo

“Lady Furina, why don’t we have dinner together in Hotel Debord tonight? I think a celebration is in order.”

“A celebration?” Furina was utterly confused. She had never seen Neuvillette so happy before. “But you hate the smell of charcoal-baked ajilenakh cakes. They serve Sumeru cuisine tonight. The entire venue smells like it.”

“I see no reason why that would matter.”

“What?”

oOo

Mualani was a positive person, but that did not mean every single moment was filled with positivity. “I can’t believe we shipped Ajaw off to Sumeru,” she exclaimed. “How are we supposed to get him back? If it had been Inazuma, I could have asked Mizuki if she could do something.”

“Don’t be so dramatic,” Kinich said, “I’m leaving for Sumeru tomorrow to get him back, if you’ll allow it, Archon.”

Mavuika nodded approvingly. “You no longer need the Wayob’s approval, so you’re free to go. Would you like me to contact the Dendro Archon to send you an aide? I’m sure she would agree. I don’t know her well, but I’ve been informed she’s a gentle person. It would be wise to cross it with an aide. The desert can be a treacherous place.”

Kinich shook his head. “Thank you Archon, but I’ll be all right.”

“Kinich,” Mavuika said, “I’m contacting the Dendro Archon. You survived the war against the Abyss. You will not die to the desert heat.”

“I’ll come too,” Mualani said loudly. “Ajaw contaminated our tribe’s entire water reservoir. He is going to fix that himself and it doesn’t matter whether he wants to or not.”

“…Fine.”

oOo

The Angel’s Share had erupted in a cacophony of noises. How could it not, having heard their Archon walked amongst them as a mortal. The rest of Mondstadt was in a similar state.

“Imagine it’s Nimrod!” Six-fingered José exclaimed. “I think I’d cry.”

Nimrod took that one personally. “If it were you I’d emigrate to Inazuma.”

“Why Inazuma?”

“Because I’d rather lose my freedom than have an Archon like you!”

“What are you saying, you idiot? What if he’s in here with us! You’re lucky the Acting Grandmaster is still looking for that fat parrot!”

Venti dropped his head in his hands. Unlike those in the tavern, and by extension, the rest of Mondstadt, Venti was concerned about a different section of the letter.

Diluc put down a clean glass in front of Venti and poured one of his more expensive wines into the glass. “Tonight is on me, bard.”

To Venti, however, a glass of wine had never seemed to unappealing. “I don’t feel like drinking tonight, Master Diluc.”

Kaeya looked at Venti, wide eyed and slack jawed. “Well, how about you donate that glass to the Kaeya Foundation, hm?”

The glass was promptly removed from where Kaeya could reach it. Diluc sharply looked Kaeya in the eyes, never breaking eye contact as he blindly poured the contents of the glass back into the wine bottle. Not a single drop of wine was spilled. 

“Seems the Kaeya Foundation is left forgotten once again.”

“That would be because the Kaeya foundation is incredibly stupid,” Rosaria spat. “The bard clearly isn’t feeling well. Why?”

Venti sighed deeply. “Just feeling a little under the weather.”

“A little?” Rosaria parroted. “You look like someone drove over you with a mining cart.”

“There is no need for worry. I am fine.”

“Did that statement mean so much to you, Venti?” Rosaria asked, her brows furrowed. “You’ve come into the church many times claiming you’re Barbatos. Are you disappointed because you won’t be able to claim such things anymore?”

“Rosaria, please stop.”

The truth of the matter was obvious at this point. Kaeya had figured it out, partly because he’d been told indirectly, but Rosaria was beginning to form her suspicions as well now.

Not that Venti cared a lot about that, because the Tsaritsa’s letter kept swirling in his mind. He’d told her about that as a friend, and yet it was now out for the entirely of Teyvat to see. And to top it all off, she spoke of stealing his friends face, as if the mere act of taking it was an insult of his life.

How could he not be bothered by such words?
 
“Venti, you’ve been like this since you read the statement. It couldn’t have been anything else that has bothered you. Unless it was the first part that did, and I can’t see any reason why that would do it. You’ve never been the pious type.”

“Neither have you, but you still work in a church.”

Diluc’s neck snapped in their direction. “Okay, enough. Both of you, calm down. Especially you, bard. That was uncalled for.”

“Not as uncalled for as her interrogation.”

“Okay, look,” Rosaria said, “I just don’t see why you would be offended by the Anemo Archon stealing a face or whatever—“

“This face is a eulogy, not a desecration.”

That shuts Rosaria up.

“I did not steal it, okay? You’ve got your answer. I hope it satisfied you.”

Venti’s sudden calmness was rather unnerving,  yet Rosaria made no comment on it. Masking her feelings on the matter, she took a glass of wine from the counter.

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m leaving for the day.”

And with those final words, Venti left for the door. Or he would have, if it hadn’t suddenly burst open from the outside.

Tears ran down Barbara’s face as if she’d been standing in a downpour for hours. No matter how much she wiped them away, they didn’t seem to stop anytime soon. “Sister Rosaria, I think you were right! If the Cryo Archon speaks the truth, then Lord Barbatos really is a person!”

Rosaria spat out the wine she’d just put to her lips. 

Kaeya’s jaw was almost on the ground. “Excuse me?! You thought he wasn’t a person?”

“If he is really walking amongst us but hasn’t revealed himself, then he really has a personality and emotions. I think he hates us!”

Venti, who had barely been away from the exit, could only blink, barely processing what she’d said. “Wait, what? Barbara, calm down. Why do you think that?”

“Isn’t it obvious,” she sobbed, “We’ve disappointed him. Why else would he not show himself?”

Barbara’s sorrow was so genuine, yet so misplaced that Venti’s own sadness suddenly didn’t seem to matter as much anymore. 

Venti put his hands on his hips. “Maybe Lord Barbatos is scared.”

“Scared?” Barbara asked, appalled by the mere idea of it. “But he’s our Archon! He’s perfect.”

Venti shook his head. “I don’t think he is. He loved Mondstadt, right? There is no place for love in perfection.”

“What do you mean?”

“If Barbatos loves Mondstadt, would he not be sad if he lost it? Would the idea of losing it not scare him? I think it would. To be honest, I think Barbatos loves Mondstadt enough to die for it.”

“…what?”

“The people of Mondstadt have always fought for their nation, no matter the consequences. It would stand to reason that Barbatos would want the same, right? Isn’t that proof that he feels sadness the same way that you do? Maybe he likes what he’s been doing so far. Walking around Mondstadt as a normal person, doing what everyone does. If that makes me flawed, then so be it.”

Barbara was speechless, standing still in her place. The silence in the tavern was deafening. For the first time in a long while, Barbara felt no pressure at all.

And for some reason Venti couldn’t tell, he felt the same.

Chapter Text

Bronya,

As the winds aid in ascension, so for descent they do. And for all that will fall, there have been times they rose too. So let it be known that I forgive you.

But should you continue seeking marriage with the shade, you might just find yourself shackled by it, unable to see anything beyond its darkness. Do not let your love misguide you, should there be any left.

On a side note, to whom it may concern: Mika lost his pet parrot. It is quite big, has an 18 carat golden bracelet and was stolen by a liyuan treasure hoarder. It is very precious to him. Please inform the Knights of Favonius if you’ve seen it.

Sincerely,

Barbatos

oOo

”Guess someone’s got an advisor, huh?” Kinich said.

Mavuika shook her head in disagreement. “No, I don’t think so. He knew exactly what he was doing when he revealed her name.”

oOo

“You wouldn’t happen to know where that parrot is, Lesser Lord Kusanali?” Cyno asked jokingly, handing her a letter in the meantime.

She accepted the letter, then scanned over it quickly. 

Nahida had not seen the parrot.

She hadn’t expected Barbatos to reply in this manner, either. And least of all had she expected him to include the Tsaritsa’s personal name. Nahida had never known the name, far from it, but the implication that it was the Tsaritsa’s personal name was clearly there. Perhaps that was Barbatos’s way of getting back at her and forgiving her after.

Evidently, for him to do such a thing to a god that kept her distance from her people, he was rather upset about the ordeal, but at least he had thought things through before sending out a message.

This would be a great, great stopping point. Looking at the addendum Barbatos had included, she didn’t think there was anything to worry about anymore. At least, on his side.

But the parrot, though. At least he is involved with his people and that’s a good thing. A thing she can learn from. Nahida was certain there was lots of wisdom to be found in the nation of Anemo. 

Nahida folded the paper neatly and put in on her desk. She was quite content with this outcome, although she hoped that the Tsaritsa wouldn’t follow up further.

“Thank you for letting me know, Cyno,” Nahida said. “Was that everything for today?”

Cyno shook his head. “Actually, there is one more thing.” 

“There is?”

Cyno nodded. “Another letter for you. It was sent to you personally.”

“Ah, thank you. Please place it on my desk. I will see to it later.”

“I do think you should see to it now. It’s from the Pyro Archon. She has adressed you personally.”

Nahida couldn’t help but swallow away her dread. Considering the timing, she feared there was something wrong.

The Pyro Archon — who went by Haborym as far as she was aware — had not yet reacted to the public discourse between most Archons. She was the only one who had not been involved at all.

Nahida herself and Focalors had been dragged in indirectly and the remaining Archons personally.

It was quite commendable of her to manage to stay out of it entirely, but on the other hand, it was worrying how she had sent her a personal message.

“That is alright,” Nahida said as she nodded. “I will read it now.”

She cut the envelope with a sharp, wooden knife, trailing its edge neatly along the uppermost groove, and carefully pulled the letter out of it when she was done.

As Nahida read its contents, her worries melted like snow on a sunny day. It was nothing grave.

The Pyro Archon — who preferred going by Mavuika — was in search for something that a friend had lost. It had ended up in Sumeru for some reason that hadn’t been disclosed. However, the desert bordering Natlan was treacherous. And so, she had requested for an aid to be sent so this friend of hers could safely cross it.

She read it over one more time, making sure she didn’t miss anything, and handed the letter to Cyno. “I would like your opinion. Who do you think is best suited for the task?”

Cyno took a moment to read it, his eyebrows twisted in contemplation. “What about Hat Guy?”

Nahida shook her head. “That won’t do. He’s been restless lately, so I sent him away on a … vacation to Bayda Harbor for a while. And even if he wasn’t, I would like to offer a warm welcome to them. I’m not sure that is something he would be able to offer at this point in time.”

“I see,” Cyno said. “If I hadn’t been as busy, I would have gone myself, but I could ask Sethos if he could go?“

Nahida clapped her hands enthusiastically, her mouth forming into a big smile. “Oh, that’s perfect!”

oOo

“So, Bronya huh? She doesn’t really look like a Bronya to me,” Childe murmured during a Harbinger meeting.

”Neither do you look like a child,” the Doctor said mockingly, “Even if you do act like one.”

”Says the Doctor,” Childe stressed, “without any actual qualifications.”

Perhaps it was a good thing that Arlecchino had hinted at him to stop talking after that, seeing as the gaze of the Second had followed him that entire day and the day after that.

oOo

“Aiya, Mister Zhongli!” Hu Tao exclaimed, hugging Zhongli tighter upon seeing him. “You’ve been gone for such a long time. I’m so glad you’re here. The Anemo Archon is looking for the parrot I forgot in my fridge!”

Nothing in his 6000 years of life could have possibly prepared Zhongli for that particular sentence. “…excuse me?”

“There was this man a while after you left. He claimed that his adeptus parrot died.”

“…a what?”

“An adeptus parrot!”

Zhongli’s face remained blank. He had never heard of such a thing. “…I see. Please elaborate.”

Hu Tao nodded. “Okay, so the adeptus parrot was dead. And he left it, but he never came back again. And I just remembered it because the Anemo Archon is looking for it!”

“You mean to tell me that Barbatos,” Zhongli stressed, “is looking for an adeptus parrot? After he was deeply insulted by the Tsaritsa?”

“Well, yes! Here’s the letter.”

Hu Tao opened her desk drawer, retrieving a crumpled note from it. “It’s all in here.”

Zhongli read the note thoroughly after he’d accepted it, yet he couldn’t help but frown. The response was surprisingly mature of Barbatos, although said god had always had a penchant for gravitas when it came down to more emotional matters. In all his years, Zhongli had never seen him truly angered. “Thank you for showing me. Where did you say this parrot was?”

To Zhongli’s utter horror, Hu Tao pulled the parrot out of her pocket. “I defrosted it because I hoped the Conqueror of Demons could revive it. But alas, it remains unmistakably dead.”

"The… Conqueror of Demons tried to help you revive this… little creature?

“Yes, he actually tried to help me, but one look was enough for him to decide it was futile. I guess not even ancient Adeptus powers can revive the dead.”

Zhongli’s mind wandered to Qiqi for just a short moment before he focused his thoughts on the matter at hand. “So the Conqueror of Demons is in the city right now?”

“Not for long, though. I heard he’s setting out to leave for another nation soon.”

Xiao, leaving for another nation? That was the cherry on top. Such rash decisions did not fit Xiao’s personality. Zhongli had never felt so confused in his life.

oOo

“That is surprisingly mature of him,” Ei muttered under her breath as she read the letter in her study. “Surely he will send me an apology now.”

Miko shook her head. “He will not be sending you an apology, Ei.”

oOo

There was this bard called Helen in Mondstadt, who was notorious for claiming her song was the deciding factor in quelling Stormterror’s rage. There were few that even acknowledged she had uttered such things, and even less that believed her.

To Diluc’s dismay, that same bard had come to the Angel’s Share with her rancid theories on who exactly the Anemo Archon might be.

“And so, after countless hours of contemplation and research, I have concluded that the Anemo Archon can be no other than Huffman.”

Mika’s jaw was on the ground. “What?!” 

“You don’t truly believe that, right?” Kaeya asked, his voice soaked in amusement. He was clearly enjoying this. 

“N-no!”

“Then that means this case is closed, dear Helen.”

“But hear me out,” she retorted, “Clearly the Anemo Archon cares deeply for Mika’s parrot. Thus, he could be no other than Huffman.”

Kaeya crossed his arms, barely able to contain his laughter at his point. “That has to be the most flawed of arguments I have ever had the displeasure of hearing. Are you implying there’s nobody aside from Huffman Schmidt to love Mika?”

Hearing that, Mika got red in the face and sat down on one of the unoccupied chairs.

“Of course not,” Helen argued. “I’m just saying—”

Diluc loudly put the glass he was cleaning on the bar, breaking it on impact. The sound quickly brought silence back in the tavern. “I can’t hear this anymore. It’s useless to seek out the God of Freedom. If he doesn’t want to be found, he won’t be.”

“And that’s why that bard isn’t here right now?” Eula asked skeptically. One of her eyebrows almost reached her hairline. “I heard about what happened. Most have. Know that I do not tolerate being lied to. If so, I will have my vengeance.”

And therein lies the problem. Diluc had been trying to silence the rumors, but some had grown much too suspicious for ordinary methods to work.

The fact that Venti had stayed away for two weeks since then hadn’t particularly helped either. That moment had been far too sincere to have been fake. For someone who spent most of his time drunk, such sobriety was bound to be noticed by many.

Having shown no further concern for the broken glass he was surrounded with, Diluc scoffed. “That bard has claimed this same thing at least six times this past year. Who is to say the letters themselves are even legitimate to begin with? Did you even think about that?”

That managed to break down Eula’s resolve a little. “Come to think of it, you do make a point. It does seem logical that they could be fake. How did we never think of that?”

Somewhere from another table, Jean was sitting together with Barbara. The conversation had caught Jean’s attention, although Diluc did not know how long she had been listening for. “Although I cannot speak for the other Archons, the Anemo Archon’s letters are completely legitimate.”

At this point, Eula was just staring with an open mouth. “Excuse me? You are aware that implies that you knew of his presence all this time?”

Evidently, not long enough. He could not believe his ears. “Jean.”

Upon seeing his grimace, she mirrored his expression. “Oh. Well, it seems I was mistaken. The Anemo Archon’s letters are fake.”

“Wait, so it’s true? You knew?” Barbara asked owlishly.

Jean reluctantly turned around to face her sister, although she tried not to let it show. Her eyes met Barbara’s for a short moment that seemed like it lasted for an eternity. “…knew what?”

“Lord Barbatos’s identity! You knew all this time and you didn’t even tell me! Is it really him?”

“…tell me what, exactly?”

“Sis— Jean? I don’t understand, you’ve never been like this. Why are you avoiding my questions so weirdly?”

By Barbatos’s grace, someone slammed the door of the tavern open with a hard gust of wind, and Diluc was incredibly relieved. That is, until he saw who exactly it had been to walk through the door.

Venti, the discussion topic of the week. Or the month even, taking the rate people at which people had been gossiping about him into account. 

At least he looked a little bit better than he had before. Even so, there was something unreadable in his eyes. Something shuttered. Something more guarded than Diluc was used to. “Yahoo! Master Diluc, one of your finest of wines, please.”

“Bard,” Diluc began, “Are you okay? You’ve been gone for—”

Diluc didn’t even get to finish his sentence, and neither did Venti have the chance to sit down on the barstool. Eula had stopped him in the middle of his tracks. “No, hold on. I need an answer.”

Before Venti could even utter a single syllable, he was interrupted by Helen. “Did I not already tell you the answer? It’s obviously Huffman.”

Venti glanced over to Helen, and then to Eula. The glint in his eyes betrayed a sense of mischief, but he winked it away before anyone could think deeply about it. “And so the question has been answered.”

Eula halted, a look of astonishment clear on her face. “I did not even ask my question yet.”

Venti’s blinked. “What question?”

“You’re just going to deny everything, aren’t you?”

“Why would I confirm something so obviously false?”

Eula furrowed her brows. “And if I wanted to thank you for the message about Mika’s parrot?”

“Then I would have been the wrong person to thank. My name is Venti, if you’re pulling a blank. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a drink to get to.”

Completely ignoring Eula’s protests, Venti walked towards Diluc, who was standing behind the bar.

”Master Diluc, could I have a bottle of apple cider?” Venti glanced around the bar, noticing the eyes on him. “To go, please.”

oOo

There had been a great many mysteries in Furina’s lifetime. This was certainly one of them.

“You’ve been very chipper these days, Neuvillette. Don’t get me wrong, it’s good to see you like this. But you’ve changed today. You seem disappointed. Why?”

Furina tried to peer at the paper in his hands, but he quickly rolled it up. “Nothing you need to concern yourself with, Lady Furina.”

“How many times do I have to tell you to stop calling me lady? Just Furina is fine!”

“Then you must cease calling me monsieur as well.”

For a lack of other appropriate reactions, Furina could only blink a good few times. She looked him in the eye, trying to figure out just what it was that he was trying to hide. “You’re being very weird. I have not called you as such for what must have been months now. What’s wrong?”

She stepped further into his office, leaning over a little to try to get a peek at what he was holding. “What are you reading?”

Neuvillette rolled up the letter in a swift motion, his fingers tightly curled around it. “Nothing of note, Lady Furina.”

“Lady Furina this, Lady Furina that. What is going on for you to act this way?!”

With all the agility of a harpoon on a mission, Furina shot forwards and snatched the paper from Neuvillette’s hands. “Ha-ha! Finally got you!”

Neuvillette stood up in an instant, clearly bent on taking the piece of paper back as soon as possible. But Furina wouldn’t have it.

It wasn’t the first time Neuvillette had tried to hide such letters from her and she was sick of it. Knowing that Neuvillette would catch up with her soon, she unfurled the paper and tried to grab as much as its contents as quickly as possible.

Sadly for her, she could only catch a few words before she had to relinquish her freshly caught spoils.

However, those words were enough for her to get the gist of the letter.

She stared at Neuvillette, lips slightly parted as new understanding suddenly began blooming in her mind. It was as if she had uncovered a whole new part of who he was. A previously unfamiliar heart had suddenly become crystal clear, right before her very eyes.

“Lady Furina,” Neuvillette spoke carefully, “Why are you making that expression? It does not fit the contents of this letter.”

“Why would I not, Monsieur Neuvillette?” Furina completely ignored his question itself after, instead asking her own. “I never would have taken you as the… jealous type. So which one was it?”

“What… exactly do you mean by that?”

“Alright then, alright then,” Furina teasingly shook her head. “Keep your secrets. You’ve got your right to them. But is this not a wonderful occasion? Not only for their nations, but for Teyvat on its own?”

“I’m afraid you’ve lost me, Lady Furina.”

Furina shook her head. “I cannot demand your happiness, but you must understand that this might be a good thing. Think about all those Fatui stationed in Fontaine, as well as that dreadful Harbinger. Maybe she will leave Fontaine now indefinitely.”

“What on Teyvat are you taking about, Furina?”

But Furina had chosen her stance. She ran out of the office as she compartmentalized what she had heard. Although she did feel bad for Neuvillette, there was no doubt about the benefits this could bring to everyone.

The only qualm she had was the 18 carat bracelet. Should an Archon not be able to afford much more than that?”

Chapter Text

Somewhere on a Bulletin Board in Mondstadt City (Mondstadt)

Subject Title: Am I the jerk in this scenario?
Author: Pavo Ocellus (Anonymous)

Okay, so I need your opinion on a remark I made in a bar. My colleague is quite young, so some foolishness is understandable. But these past few months, he’s been obsessed with a parrot he found in the wild. The only thing he does is feed it. I cannot stress enough just how much the parrot eats. It sleeps, wakes up, eats, then sleeps again. It doesn’t do anything. I once tried to throw it out of the window of my… company’s headquarters and this upset my colleague.

Anyway, he even bought an 18 carat bracelet for it. 18! I genuinely don’t know where he got the money from, but the thing was massive.

Needless to say, it was stolen by a Liyuan treasure hoarder. If anyone did not see this coming, that’s on them. So I told my colleague that I would steal it too if I were the treasure hoarder. This upset him.

Am I the jerk for saying that? I would say no, but now even the Anemo Archon has enabled him in his ways. 

Is everyone losing it, or am I the one who is?

oOo

Tempus Fugit: I know who you are, Pavo Ocellus and I know whom you’re speaking about. He is a child. Children do not always make the best decisions.

Pavo Ocellus: Then why does a 16 year old have the resources to buy an 18 carat bracelet?

Tempus Fugit: Is a child who does not long for sweets truly a child?

Pavo Ocellus: Is a librarian who loathes to share truly a librarian?

Spinea Corona: Where are your horses?

oOo

Noctua: That description of the parrot starkly reminds me of the Knights of Favonius.

oOo

Cervus Minor: You mean to tell me that a 16 year old earns enough to afford an 18 carat bracelet in Mondstadt?

Pavo Ocellus: Don’t get me wrong, I’m a proponent for good wages, but the way he spends it is quite… special.

Pavo Ocellus: From what I’ve heard, the Knights of Favonius are always looking for people, if you’re interested.

Cervus Minor: The Knights of Favonius are much like the Tenryou Commission in Inazuma, right? Would you recommend the place? I never get off time.

Pavo Ocellus: First of all, I don’t work for the KoF. Second of all, then how are you here?

Cervus Minor: I may not get off time, but that doesn’t mean I won’t take it.

Aphros Delos: You are not getting hired. I’ll make sure of that.

oOo

Astrolabos: This is a horrible way to stay anonymous.

Pavo Ocellus: You only have the right to say that if you’re an astrologist and as far as I am aware, there is just one in Mondstadt. I doubt that’s you.

Ampulla: Her constellation’s name is Astrolabos. Hypothesizing that this is Mona Megistus is not ungrounded. 

oOo

Palumbus: Mister Kaeya, is that you? Do you really think that way of me?

Palumbus: Mister Kaeya, it’s been three days. Please respond. I can’t find you in your office.

Palumbus: Der Geliebte means a lot to me, please don’t talk about him that way.

Palumbus: Mister Kaeya?

Grus Serena: Poor child. One believes children should enjoy their childhood. Please come with me to Liyue. I’ll take you under my wing.

oOo

Rota Calamitas: [Unintelligible]

Somewhere on a Bulletin Board in the Stadium of the Sacred Flame (Natlan)

Subject Title: Must haves for Sumeru?
Author: Phoca Neomonachus (Mualani)

A friend and I may or may not have made a mistake by sending something of value (debatable) to Sumeru. We need to get it back. 

However, the both of us have never left Natlan. Does anyone have any tips, suggestions or things to keep in mind before we travel there?

Thank you! (^-^)

oOo

Carnotaurus: Remember to pack enough foods rich in protein. You wouldn’t want to lose any muscle while traveling. Also take some water with you. Unlike the climate in Natlan, the air in the desert is dry, not humid. At least, according to what I’ve read.

Phoca Neomonachus: Thank you! I packed some eggs and milk with me thanks to your suggestion. 

Carnotaurus: I’m not sure if that will work. Be careful taking eggs with you, as they get spoiled easily.

Vampyrum Spectrum: Do not bring milk with you.

Vultur Gryphus: These are the worst food options you could have thought of.

oOo

Ignis Purgatorius: The weather is hot during the day, yet cold at night. Be sure to take this into account.

Phoca Neomonachus: Thank you!

oOo

Tapirus Somniator: Dreams are regarded as very precious in that land and its god protects them earnestly. As far as I know, she walks amongst her people as the Pyro Archon does. Lesser Lord Kusanali is a gentle god, so there is no need to worry, should you happen to bump into her.

Phoca Neomonachus: I hadn’t even thought about that yet! Now I’m hoping I’ll meet her. If she’s anything like our Archon, I’ll know we’ll hit it off immediately!

Patina Anavatlaca: You shouldn’t talk about her in the desert. I heard that most of the desert folk still worship another god. Praising the Dendro Archon might not be a good idea.

Chimaera Alebriius: We will take that into account.

oOo

Acer Palmatum: I traveled to Natlan by passing through Sumeru. If you speak of a package that was wrongly sent there, it probably went through Port Ormos. It’s the busiest of the two ports and (commercial) goods are mostly sent through there. 

Acer Palmatum: The other port is Bayda Harbor, but this one is used mostly for transport between Sumeru and Fontaine and Chenyu Vale (in Liyue). 

Acer Palmatum: Therefore I would advise taking a boat to Port Ormos if you need to be there quickly. It should be a 2 day journey.

Phoca Neomonachus: You can travel by boat?!

Chimaera Alebriius: That would have been a less costly and more comfortable arrangement, but arrangements have already been made for our travel through the desert. Thank you for your advice, we will keep it in mind.

Acer Palmatum: You could say the benefits outweigh the costs anyway. The journey itself is a destination on its own. Do not forget to take in the sights. Sumeru is a beautiful nation. 

Chapter Text

To the Tsaritsa,

It truly is a sad day when Barbatos of all people is the voice of reason in an argument. I suggest you cease your actions immediately.

To Barbatos,

I still have not received an apology from you. In the case the letter was lost, please resend it again.

To Buer,

You have not yet replied to my private message. Please let me know if you’ve received it and respond when you are able to.

Baal

oOo

“I’m beginning to feel a little bit bad for Venti,” Kaeya said, listlessly swirling the drink in his glass. “Where is he anyway?”

oOo

For all his years spent looking into the far distance of the desert and catching small glimpses of Natlan, Sethos had never actually been to the nation before.

Suffice to say, when Lesser Lord Kusanali of all people had asked him to guide a close friend of the Pyro Archon through the desert to Port Ormos, Sethos had been both honored and overwhelmed by the responsibility of it.

How could he not accept? Natlan was much more peaceful after the war with the Abyss to the point where the Natlanese were finally allowed to travel to other nations on their own.

Sethos had been quite sheltered himself; he’d barely left the desert in his life, let alone Sumeru as a whole. But now, he had officially arrived at the border between Sumeru and Natlan.

In addition to that, meeting Pyro Archon herself was surely an enormous step away from his previous lifestyle.

The Pyro Archon — Mavuika, she had introducted herself as — had a blinding smile and a presence that exuded radiance. Sethos wasn’t surprised that people had often described her as the personification of the sun itself.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Archon,” Sethos said, bowing his head.

Mavuika mirthfully shook her head. “The honor is mine. I’m grateful for your service. Both Kinich and Mualani are indispensable friends of mine. It means everything to me that Buer was willing to help us.”

“Oh, I was under the impression there would just be one person traveling with me. No worries, though. That just means twice the fun!”

Just as Sethos was about to ask where the Pyro Archon’s companions were, he could hear two sets of footsteps running towards them.

“Archon!” A girl yelled as she ran, “I am so sorry for running late, but the Children of Echoes just received news on a new statement!”

Oh no, a new statement. Other than this debacle being a little bit entertaining and downright embarrassing on multiple levels, it was also becoming a source of tension in Sumeru. After all, if even the Archons were arguing amongst each other, who was to say how reliable they were?

Poor Lesser Lord Kusanali, one of the sole whispers of reason in a storm of chaos. Sethos was glad he wasn’t in her shoes right now.

Mavuika sighed deeply. “The Tsaritsa, I presume?

“No,” the boy stated. “The Electro Archon. Again.”

Oh no, the Electro Archon. In Sethos’ opinion, her replies were why this situation had escalated the most, aside from the Cryo Archon. This could have died out at every single moment she chose to reply, yet her reactive attitude prevented that desirable outcome from happening.

And perhaps seeing the normally callous and rude Hat Guy show such an unstable form of anger had shifted something in his perception, too. He didn’t want to be derogatory, but if a god could evoke such a strong reaction in someone he thought he knew well… he didn’t know what he would have done himself. Maybe he would have left the country, too.

“Is it important for me to know?” Mavuika asked. “If so, could you give me a rundown of the letter?”

“Okay,” the girl said, “She said it’s a sad day when the Anemo Archon is the voice of reason, told the Tsaritsa to stop, then told the Anemo Archon to apologize to her and finally asked the Dendro Archon to reply to a letter she sent her personally.”

“…the Electro Archon told the Anemo Archon to apologize to the Tsaritsa?” Mavuika asked incredulously.

The boy shook his head. “No. She wants the Anemo Archon to apologize to her.”

Mavuika blinked. “Not sure what’s going on there, but I doubt I even want to know. Sethos, these are Mualani and Kinich. Mualani and Kinich, this is Sethos, your guide through the desert.”

Mualani happily extended her hand in a greeting, which Sethos eagerly accepted. Kinich was a bit more reserved, offering a nod of acknowledgment instead.

oOo

“Just send it to the Cathedral, Master Hu,” Zhongli said. “They will make sure this Mika person is informed about his parrot.”

Having said that, Zhongli left for the door.

“Hey! You just came back! What do you think you’re doing?”

Zhongli turned around to face her, and the moment they made eye contact, Hu Tao regretted asking in the first place. He looked tired.

“My best, Master Hu.”

His response had been said in such a serious manner that Hu Tao couldn’t bring herself to stop him.

oOo

Normally, it was Venti who bumped into Diluc at his own tavern. Now, Diluc had sought him out specifically. Apparently, his place in Windrise wasn’t as inconspicuous as it had been in the past.

“Bard, what’s going on?” Diluc asked. “You’ve been acting weirdly for a while now. Is this about what happened with the deaconess?”

Venti jumped from one of the higher tree branches. Had he not had any control over the wind, he would not have been unscathed. “Look, Master Diluc. There is no cause for concern. Mondstadt should attend to her own matters, as I will to mine.”

“You’re upset,” Diluc stated.

He shook his head. “Not at all. I just need a moment of repose to think things over.”

“Then why did you say you forgive the Tsaritsa?”

Venti did not respond immediately. When he finally did, he gazed into the distance instead of meeting Diluc’s gaze. “I do not.”

“Why lie, then?”

“Because I needed to confirm a hunch I have. If I’m correct, that means she will not respond to my message.”

“This hunch being?”

Venti smiled, yet it did not quite reach his eyes. “Do you feel the wind along the branches, Master Diluc? I love the way it smells.”

Knowing Venti, Diluc should have expected that question would not be answered. “I see. Are you at least up to date with the most recent letter?”

“To quote you, Master Diluc: I would rather be crushed to death by a meteorite than apologize for her lack of reading comprehension… don’t tell her I said that, though.”

oOo

Ajaw had been stuck in the crate for what must have been weeks by the time he finally saw the sunlight. His savior was a young boy — likely a teenager — with an impressively big hat.

“You, Servant!” Ajaw yelled loudly, scaring away any and all small animals in the vicinity. “You have been chosen to serve me, K’uhul Ajaw, for all eternity! Rejoice all you want, for your worthless existence has finally found a purpose.”

“…what?”

“Carry me to Natlan at once, puny human!”

The boy with the hat — Hat Boy, Ajaw decided to call him — regarded him with wide eyes. Perhaps he had finally seen the greatness his listless little existence had had the honor of meeting with.

“First that letter and now this. Can’t I ever catch a break?” Hat Boy’s eyes narrowed. “Do you truly think I would listen to even a single word from the mouth of an insignificant pest like you?”

Ajaw didn’t think he had ever felt such anger in his life. “You would dare speak to me, the Almighty K’uhul Ajaw, in a manner like this?! How dare a lowly mortal talk to me like—"

“An idiotic question for an equally idiotic ant. It’s to be expected.” Hat Guy sneered, “Your lips keep moving, but nothing of substance passes them. I guess that means you’re simply too stupid to ask the right questions. So you’ll have to do with the answer on its own.”

Hat Boy retrieved a letter from his pocket, ripped a part of the text off it and attached it to the lid of the crate. “You talk too much.”

Hat Boy picked him up and shoved him back in the box. The last thing Ajaw could see was Hat Boy’s face, rigid and unfeeling, as his sandal came down to kick the lid of the crate shut once again.

That face would haunt Ajaw in his nightmares for weeks to come.

oOo

“So, just to be sure, Bronya is the Tsaritsa’s name, right?” Furina asked.

Charlotte nodded. Before she could even ask why Furina had asked her that, she was already gone.

Normally, Charlotte would have tried to stop her, but she simply didn’t have the time. She had to prepare for an important interview, after all.

oOo

“Ei, that was not nice thing to say about the Anemo Archon.”

Ei nodded. “I do agree with you, Miko. This is the reason I spoke up against the Tsaritsa in the first place. She is undermining our authority. Even if this means she might retaliate against me for the Eight’s death, the consequences of the former are much more severe. I will not stand for such disrespect.”

For a short moment, Miko simply stared blankly in Ei’s eyes. However, whatever she had been looking for, she could not find within them. She moved to pick up the piece of paper and presented it to Ei, nearly shoving it in her face.

“You see absolutely no problem with this letter?”

“I do not.”

Miko took a deep breath. “It truly is a sad day when Barbatos is the voice of reason in an argument?” she quoted, mimicking Ei’s tone of voice as closely as possible.

Ei nodded once more. “So it is.”

Miko merely put the paper down. She had nothing to say if Ei truly didn’t see the problem at hand. “While all of this is very entertaining, I would appreciate it if you could run these things by me beforehand.”

It was clear Ei did not agree. She crossed her arms disapprovingly. “You are my familiar, not my superior. What is discussed between the Seven stays between us. I see no need for you to involve yourself any further.”

“Between the Seven? With all due respect, Ei, but what are you taking about? You sent this out publicly.”

“What? Surely not. I clearly stated that these letters were meant to be sent separately as well as privately.”

Ei walked towards her desk, looking through the papers stacked neatly upon it. Not long after, she retrieved a single page from the stack.

“Miko, please find whoever is responsible for managing my mail and bring them here at once.”

Miko attempted to snatch the piece of paper from Ei’s hands, but she was unable to. “What is that? The piece of paper in your hands?”

“The letter Buer was meant to receive months ago.”

“Surely you don’t mean the letter you berated her for not answering?”

Ei was quiet for a moment too long.

“…yes, that one.”

oOo

Nahida spent a very long time reordering her mail that night.

Chapter Text

Dear Tsaritsa and Barbatos,

What wonderful news I have heard!

I, Furina, am delighted to hear of this wonderful occasion. When I read the news, I could barely believe my eyes.

A marriage between two Archons is unprecedented, yet the mere fact that you chose two chose for this so fiercely means that you’ve deeply thought about this.

My utmost congratulations on your engagement. A union between Love and Freedom is sure to be a perfect one.

Perhaps this could even mean that the presence of other Fatui and its harbingers, such as the Knave, is no longer needed in other nations, such as Fontaine. I look forward to the day she can return home — Snezhnaya — indefinitely without being bound by any remaining duties in Fontaine. Her lack of presence would certainly be noticed in this scenario.

After all, the Knave is much like a spider: nurturing many children without so much as a lack of expectation from them. I can only surmise how many of her children are missing her at this very moment, much like baby spiders miss their mothers. I very much understand their sentiment.

Please do let me know if I can be of aid in speeding up this process; I’ll do everything I can to help.

Let the people rejoice in this occasion.

Most sincerely,

Furina

oOo

“Baby spiders? Does she mean spiderlings?” Tighnari asked sceptically. “Spiderlings quite literally eat their mother. Who does this Furina think she is to send out a statement with such an embarrassing error as if it’s some kind of grand news?”

“That would be the Hydro Archon,” Alhaitham said listlessly, counting his dice on the table.

If Tighnari was even slightly embarrassed, he did not show it. “That makes it even more embarrassing.”

Cyno grinned. There weren’t a lot of people who liked it when Cyno grinned. “I guess you could say she must be drowning in embarrassment, get it?”

Kaveh shook his head, as if he were trying to discourage Cyno from speaking any further. “Didn’t… the entirety of Fontaine almost drown a year ago?”

“Tsk, that’s low even for you,” Alhaitham said monotonely, “Perhaps even embarrassing.”

Tighnari rolled his eyes. “You’re not getting a reaction from me. I’m not as easily embarrassed as Kaveh.”

“I’m not embarrassed!” Kaveh screeched. “Alhaitham, just choose your next card quickly, please. We need a new topic to talk about.”

Cyno shook his head. “No one said that you’re feeling embarrassed right now.”

“I didn’t say you’re feeling embarrassed. Only the other nine out of ten cases.” Alhaitham added, still not having chosen a new card. “So emotional.”

Cyno nodded affirmatively. “So embarrassing.”

From the other side of Puspa Café, someone loudly pushed their chair aside. “If hear the word ‘embarrassing’ one more time, you youngsters will regret it! It doesn’t even sound like a word anymore!”

Whether Kaveh throwing Alhaitham’s dice in the air fast enough to have one of them embedded into the ceiling was an act of embarrassment would be left for future patrons to discern.

oOo

Venti had been wallowing in his sadness for too long now, at least according to his own opinion.

Furina’s letter was a certain confirmation of this. How she had even gotten to that conclusion, he didn’t know — and probably didn’t want to know — but that would be a topic for later.

What happens within Mondstadt’s walls is up to Mondstadt’s people to deal with, but this was of a caliber beyond them. This directly concerned their Archon, meaning that it was up to him, and not up to them, to make things right.

Perhaps he ought to contact Dahlia to deliver a message on his behalf. It was unfair to his people to impose the presence of their god upon them.

Venti approached the city gates, fully intending to make his way to the church, when he was promptly interrupted by a voice he hadn’t personally heard before.

“Man alive, I didn’t think it would be so easy.”

Venti blinked. “You mean entering Mondstadt?”

“No,” the red haired youth — likely Inazuman — said, “finding the Anemo Archon.”

”…the statue is hard to miss?”

“As are you, now that I’ve found you.”

Venti sighed deeply. Maybe he had been so busy with himself that he had underestimated the consequences for the people of Mondstadt. “Hey, Heizou, can I ask you a question?”

If Heizou hadn’t been alert before, he was now. “I didn’t introduce myself to you.”

Venti shook his head. “No, you did. Right at the beginning.”

“I didn’t.”

“You did.”

“I really didn’t, but I am curious as to what the Anemo Archon wants to ask me.”

Venti put his hands on his hips. “Suppose your god was with you, would you want to know?”

Heizou stilled for a moment, quietly contemplating the question. However, when he found his answer, it proved to be a surprising one. “Mondstadt’s Archon is with them. Whether his people wish to be lied to or not is up to you to find out.”

Maybe he shouldn’t have Dahlia deliver the message after all.

oOo

It was not often that Neuvillette found himself battling with confusion of this caliber. He could have a blade pointed at his throat and have his assailant demand him to tell him how Furina had come to such an utterly bizarre conclusion; Neuvillette would still be unable to find any semblance of an explanation for this bizarre occurrence.

“Furina,” Neuvillette managed to let out in an uncharacteristically unstable tone of voice, “How did you come to that conclusion?”

Evidently, Furina had not even noticed that the man had approached her. Instead, she seemed to be too immersed in the plethora of cakes in front of her.

Neuvillette knew it had been a long time since she had had access to such a grand variety of cakes. Although he did not want to interrupt her after she had rediscovered such a sense of normalcy — or what would have been normalcy to an Archon, he supposed — there was much to be discussed.

Furina hadn’t even swallowed the first bite of her desert yet, instead answering him with a mouthful of cake. “Oh? You’ve come to see me?”

Neuvillette nodded, even if his demeanor was a little more tense than he had hoped. “I… have. It’s about the letter.”

Furina placed her fork back on the table in front of her and wiped the last few crumbs of cake on her lips away with a white handkerchief. “Ah, that. Well, as I said before, I’m sorry it had to be this way. Sometimes we just have to accept that what we desire is not meant for us.”

“Furina, you speak of things I do not understand. How did you come by this information?”

Furina eyed him reluctantly. “You’re sure you want to talk about this openly?”

“You seemed to have no qualms in publicly announcing your opinion, after all.”

Furina shook her head. “I have not disclosed your… circumstances regarding her at all. Did I… truly hurt you that badly?

If Neuvillette wasn’t lost before, he certainly was now. “I knew there was something off about that expression on your face back then. I fear I am still in the unknown about what you were thinking.”

Furina nervously licked her lips. “Well, you know. Your… thing with you know who.”

Neuvillette was completely stunned, as he felt hadn’t even scratched the surface of what she was thinking with that answer. “My… what with who, exactly?”

“Well, you know.”

“No, Furina, I do not know. I don’t know anything. I don’t know what you’re trying to tell me and I don’t know what’s going on inside that head of yours.”

Neuvillette met Furina’s eyes and to his horror, he saw a hint of pity in them. It wasn’t often that Neuvillette felt genuinely terrified by the thoughts of others. “You need not hide anything, I already know.”

“Please, do confirm for me then, just to ascertain we are on the same page.”

Furina quickly looked around her like a child about to steal a cookie from a cookie jar from the counter, then began leaning in to whisper what must have been the most devastating string of words Neuvillette had ever had the absolute dishonor of hearing.

“I know you’re in love with the Cryo Archon. I’m deeply sorry it didn’t work out for you. You deserve someone better than her. Anyone who would employ that Harbinger could not be a good person at heart.”

Neuvillette could barely bring himself to breathe, let alone produce any kind of sound from his vocal cords. He sat down on the chair opposite to Furina, rubbing his face as if he was physically trying to massage any form of sense back into his mind.

Furina, on her part, completely misinterpreted the reason behind his despair.“Not to say you have a bad taste in—”

“Lady Furina,” Neuvillette stresse, his voice having barely any energy behind it as his head demanded all of it. “I am not in love with the Cryo Archon. I have never been. And I never will be.”

Furina just seemed to be confused for the longest time — though Neuvillette couldn’t tell whether it had actually lasted as long as it had felt. Then, her facial expression acutely shifted into something akin to shock.

Neuvillette would have felt relief if it hadn’t been for that weird look in her eyes. The kind of look someone would have when they’ve had an epiphany.

The kind of epiphany Neuvillette did not want anything to do with.

And it’s a very, very scary thing. Had he had a choice, Neuvillette would not have touched whatever thought was circling Furina’s mind with a 10ft pole.

Furina’s lips parted slightly while she didn’t do anything but stare at Neuvillette. “You’re in love with Barbatos?!”

If their discussion hadn’t drawn eyes to them, this particular outburst certainly had.

Neuvillette had never felt such disgust in his life.

Before he could even properly register what she’d said, he’d stood up, slamming his hands on the table as if it had personally killed all he held dear. “No!”

“Don’t get me wrong, but I just hadn’t really expected that—“

“Purge those thoughts of yours this very instant as they are blatantly untrue. If a day comes to pass in which such a catastrophe comes to fruition, strike me dead.”

Furina couldn’t even bring herself to subdue the grimace growing on her face as the truth of the situation came to light. “You mean to tell me that you are not in love with either of them?”

“I am not.”

“…then what was the love, marriage and 18 carat bracelet talk all about?”

Suddenly everything made sense. Having only barely scanned the letter, it was clear that Barbatos’ flowery choice of words had instilled such a conclusion.

Aside from Furina’s reckless impulsivity, this had been a fault of his own making. Having been too ashamed to admit that he had derived happiness from the suffering of people Furina might idolize, his weakness had once again been a bane to Furina.

How was he supposed to fix this? For now, the only thing he could tell Furina was the truth.

“They were having an argument, Furina. It escalated.”

Neuvillette watched as Furina’s soul left her body. “So, this was no marriage proposal?”

No matter how much Neuvillette tried against it, his lips still parted in incredulity. “You mean to tell me you congratulated them before you even knew whether the proposal was accepted?”

Furina hands shot up to cover her mouth.

In her defense, what she was showing outwardly was only restrained within himself by his composure and nothing else.

oOo

“Wow,” Nahida muttered under her breath. “She really dislikes the Knave.”

Nahida didn’t spend too much time on the message after that. Furina’s congratulatory message was clearly a misunderstanding, one she simply did not have the time for yet.

She needed to find Beelzebul’s letter first, after all.

oOo

“Chongyun, you’re telling me that the Conqueror of Demons left for Chenyu Vale and not for another nation?”

Chongyun nodded. “That’s right, mister Zhongli.”

“I see, thank you. May I inquire what the reason is for his departure?”

“He didn’t write a letter.”

“Pardon?”

“I mean, he wrote a letter. You know, a while ago.” Chongyun avoided Zhongli’s gaze as he suddenly turned to look at the sun. “Oh wow, look at the time. I have an appointment with Doctor Baizhu.”

Chongyun then proceeded to run off to a place that was decidedly not Baizhu’s clinic.

How odd.

oOo

Mavuika felt particularly tired after she had read the letter for the fifth time.

She didn’t fear that Natlan would be dragged into this hypothetical burning pile of garbage by her hand — she dreaded that Natlan would be pulled in without having any say in it. Natlan had just found its peace; she could simply not allow it to be taken away. However, after everything Natlan had been through the past years, Mavuika needed a break. The only thing she could hope for was that Sumeru would not be involved any further, considering Mualani and Kinich were there.

Dealing with unlikely marriages between people who insulted each other publicly was not something she wanted to be involved with at all, but there were many other scenarios that were far worse than that. Hopefully, Mualani and Kinich would remain safe. At the very least, they had the blessing of the Dendro Archon, who seemed to possess more reason than most participants in this public disaster.

How on Teyvat had the acting Hydro Archon even come to this conclusion? Focalors had to be either illiterate or severely dyslexic, there was no other way. Mavuika couldn’t find any other reasonable explanation.

It simply wasn’t possible that the Cryo Archon and Anemo Archon had fallen in love after that argument. Perhaps she simply wanted to publicly express her disdain for the Knave and used this as an excuse.

It was an incredibly bad excuse, both subjectively and factually — none could dispute the truth behind its lack of subtlety.

It was one thing to say that the Knave didn’t operate ‘without a lack of expectation’. It was another thing to compare her to a spider, as she was pretty sure some baby spiders eat their mother upon their birth.

Mavuika couldn’t continue that trail of thought, as a sudden knock on the door to the Speaker’s Chamber interrupted it. The door opened before she could even give her visitor any permission to enter.

The visitor was a tall woman with a rather imposing demeanor. Her eyes stood out most, drilling into her own as if they were looking for any hint of vulnerability.

Mavuika really was too tired for this, but she couldn’t allow herself to falter.

“I apologize for the intrusion, Haborym. I am Arlecchino, the Fourth of the Fatui Harbingers. I’d like to make an appointment, if you will.”

Mavuika thought it was bizarre, to have read the acting Hydro Archon’s letter in which this specific harbinger is described as a spider moments before said harbinger appears before her without any kind of notice. It was downright disrespectful and certainly undiplomatic; she didn’t even know how the harbinger had gotten to her without notifying any of the guards outside.

To reject her request was very reasonable, yet the culmination of notable events in the past months suddenly made her brain short circuit.

A thought that should have passed the prefrontal cortex — where impulse control is processed — bypassed it entirely, instead finding itself ricocheted around her mind, ending up in places it was not aware of.

Her thoughts traveled back to danger, then the fact that Mualani and Kinich had sent Ajaw to Sumeru, then to Ajaw, and then to his awful character.

Eventually, it ended up in that truly bizarre scenario Ororon had posed to her. The one where he had told her and the Traveler that he had listened to Ajaw and Cacucu argue for over two hours — that it was one of the dumbest things he had ever witnessed in his life.

Mavuika’s lips moved before she could even regain control over them, repeating one of the most cursed sentences that had occupied but a splinter of her mind, just for its entertainment value.

“Do you even hear yourself, bro?”

The Spider The Knave regained her composure as quickly as she had lost it. “I… see this is a bad time. I’ll see to it that my next visit is announced beforehand.”

Shortly after she left, the Traveler revealed themselves. Both the Traveler and Paimon seemed to be at a loss of words after they had heard what Mavuika had said to the Knave.

Mavuika really needed a break.

oOo

“Guuji Yae,” Ayato said carefully, “Would you be so kind as to inform the Raiden Shogun that she should not deposit her private mail in public mail boxes if she wishes for them to be sent privately?”

Thoma cleared his throat. “Please kindly notify her Excellency that we cannot deliver mail that she leaves behind in her personal study.”

“Do not bother me with such insignificant things,” Miko scoffed, rolling her eyes, “Fix it yourselves. In order to be a witness to greatness, one must not participate in it.”

Miko stood up from the chair, leaving Komore Teahouse without as much as a goodbye.

Ayato sighed. “I’ll be contacting Kirara then.”

oOo

Sethos wasn’t even angry. He was used to the desert heat as well as the preparations needed for this journey. It was his own fault for not checking with Mualani and Kinich beforehand.

“…you mean to tell me all the rations you brought are eggs and milk?” is what Sethos ended up asking after a very long yet bafflingly empty moment of contemplation.

Mualani’s bag reeked of rot. The wet stains that had formed in her bag would probably never fade again.

“Iansan told me protein is important.”

Kinich shook his head disapprovingly, clearly exhausted and overheated by the sun. “Three different people, including Iansan, told you eggs and milk were a bad idea.”

Sethos sighed. At least Mualani didn’t seem like an obstinate person.

“But the milk was on sale.”

Never mind.

“Did you even think to consider why it was on sale?!”

“No need to worry,” Sethos said, trying to keep the situation from escalating. “You can have my rations. How do you like smoked beef?”

Sethos could survive without food for a few days, probably. And even for the water, he would find a solution eventually. Luckily, Sethos knew this place like the back of his hand. He could drink when they found an oasis.

There wasn’t an oasis anywhere close.

He just had to pretend there was. And even if he didn’t, he could always drink the tears he could feel welling up.

He had spent months growing the spices he’d marinated the smoked beef with.

oOo

The publication of that particular letter was restricted in Snezhnaya by order of the Tsaritsa herself.

Chapter Text

Hello all,

I hereby apologize for the misinformation I have spread. I had misread Barbatos’ last public statement.

This means the Cryo and Anemo Archons will not be wed. They are in fact angry with each other. Please don’t ask me why, I don’t know.

Also, the Knave is still free to depart for Snezhnaya as she wishes. Please do, I insist.

Sincerely,

Furina de Fontaine

oOo

“I sorry am your dyslexia for.”

Children had approached Furina for all matters of things for a long time in her life, yet this was a question she had never had directed to her yet.

“Excuse me, what?”

The young girl excitedly swung with her arms as she shared her recollection of events. “My mom said you have dyslexia and that you switch a lot of words—wait, I’m sorry Lady Furina! Mean sorry Furina I Lady. Have lot and you switch dyslexia mom of words that you my said.”

Some prefer the comfort of silence to soothe their thoughts; other perceive silence as a confrontation with the mind. Having been a part of the latter group for a long time, Furina had often sought to fill any gaps with as many words as her lips would allow passage.

However, that child was mocking her in such a bafflingly innocent way that there was not a single coherent thought behind her words. “How… how are you even— Child, you’ve had more breakfasts in your mothers womb than outside of it! You don’t get to tell me I have dyslexia. I just jumped to conclusions!”

“It’s okay, I can’t read too. Mean wait I, okay too can’t I it’s read.”

“I am not illiterate!”

“Birthday? I like cake.“

“I said illiterate, not celebrate.”

“Wow, my mom was right. She says if I don’t eat my celery I’ll be sick. But celery tastes like fish. Oh, my dad works on the boat, do you know him? He lives in my house.”

Furina blinked. That sounded like it was a clinical psychological test measuring short term memory. If that were so, she would definitely not have scored above the 90th percentile. “What, celery?”

“If I don’t eat celery I get sick like Furina.”

“The only thing I’m sick of is you!”

That particular argument had been going on for about two hours before Clorinde had finally stumbled upon the scene, taking Furina as far away from the child as possible while remaining in the Court of Fontaine.

oOo

Ororon couldn’t do anything but watch with a gaping mouth. And here he thought the Hydro Archon’s letter was unprofessional.

“No way, bro,” Ifa said, “You really said that to a Fatui Harbinger?”

Mavuika nodded, her face rigid and clouded. “I did. That’s why I wanted to ask you about your experience with these things. What kind of reaction do you usually get when talking to high-end clients?”

Ifa shrugged. “I dunno. Usually the people on my doorstep aren’t figures of authority. I doubt you came off as a professional though.”

“A shame. Thank you, Ifa.”

“No worries, bro. I gotcha.”

oOo

“Ah, Lan Yan. It’s good to see a familiar face in Chenyu Vale. I am looking for Adeptus Xiao, also known as the Conqueror of Demons. Have you seen him?” Zhongli asked.

“I… don’t think so. Have you tried the village yet?”

oOo

The Dendro Archon is a child. If she is not, the idea itself is still very convincing, Kinich thought to himself. It was odd to think this was the god that had granted his vision. The vision that had puppeteered his dead body after he had died during the Night Warden Wars.

“Sethos,” the Dendro Archon called after their guide, “Thank you for your time and guidance. I’ll make sure you are properly compensated as soon as possible… and do visit the Bimarstan before you go home.”

Kinich did not know what a Bimarstan was, but the rigid reaction on Sethos’ part indicated he was trying to hide something.

“Ah, no need to worry, Archon. I’m alright!”

“I would like it if you went there anyway. I will personally take care of your expenses.”

Sethos took a moment to reply, taking the offer in. “I see, thank you.” He nodded and left after.

The very second the door behind Sethos had closed, the Dendro Archon called out someone else. “I know you’re there. Could you make sure Sethos is taken care of well?”

Kinich was a perceptive person—as was essential for a hunter—but he had honestly not noticed another presence in the room. It was almost embarrassing, taking in the sheer size of the hat he was wearing.

The boy looked to be about his and Mualani’s age. But then again, the Dendro Archon looked a lot younger than she was. There were a lot of races outside of Natlan with lifespans in the hundreds or even thousands. Naturally, he couldn’t conclude anything on the matter when he was so ignorant of the factors he had to work with.

“Sure. I don’t get how he got dehydrated, though. Didn’t he grow up in the desert? He should know how to deal with these things, unless an external factor caused this.”

Mualani slapped her hands over her mouth in shock.

Nahida sighed. “Just confirm he arrived at the Bimarstan safely, alright?”

“Sure.”

The boy walked towards the door, ready to leave.

The Dendro Archon’s attention was on them once again after that. “So you must be Kinich and Mualani, yes? Please just call me Nahida. There is no need for any titles.”

She was like the Pyro Archon, then. More casual and connected to the people rather than reigning from up high, except that Nahida was not a human like they were. Even if he hadn’t known that before, her ears would have given her away.

“So,” Nahida began, “You are looking for a small yellow dragon with… sunglasses, was it? He was presumably sent to Sumeru by mistake in a box.”

The boy—who was about to close the door behind him—suddenly came to a halt, his face expressionless.

If that description rang a bell with someone close to the Dendro Archon was concerning.

“…you said he was in a box?”

Nahida blinked, carefully phrasing her words. “Wanderer, do you recognize that description?”

The boy—now dubbed Wanderer—began approaching them.

Wanderer… where had Kinich heard that name from before?

“That depends. Why do you need him?”

Before either Kinich or Mualani could answer, Nahida shushed everyone. “Wanderer, I need you to show me the ripped piece of paper in your pocket.”

Wanderer clearly did not want to comply, but reluctantly handed over the paper anyway.

It was largely intact, safe for a missing piece in the top left corner of the paper.

“Clearly you already know I attached the sender’s address of… her letter to that box.”

Nahida shook her head. “I suspected it, but I didn’t know for certain until you confirmed it.”

Mualani had been watching the exchange like she was watching a game of ping pong. “Wait, you send Ajaw to who? Who is she?”

At least the Wanderer didn’t seem to be too pleased by this turn of events himself. “I sent him to the Raiden Shogun. Tenshukaku, specifically. It’s the Raiden Shogun’s residence.”

That answer was far from satisfactory to Kinich. “You sent him to Inazuma?!”

The Wanderer tsked. “Maybe you should keep your dog on a leash next time.”

“Forget about Ajaw, someone put this guy on a leash! Aren’t you the guy who told Inazuma’s Archon to stab herself in her chest?” Mualani pouted.

Kinich’s jaw was positively on the ground in the metaphorical sense, but he wasn’t about to reveal his feelings on her unexpected outburst openly. Moreover, she had also inadvertently triggered his memory on the man in front of him.

This was the Dendro Archon’s assistent; the one who had threatened each and everyone who dared to speak on that letter. No matter how irritating his actions were, he was wholly unpredictable and a completely unknown variable. He had to approach the matter cautiously.

“Thank you… Mualani, but there is no need to bring that letter up now.” Kinich turned to the Wanderer. “I believe you when you say he deserved it. But we did not.”

Kinich narrowed his eyes.

“Surely you understand there is a price to be paid.”

oOo

Arlecchino held the letter in her hands. Firstly, Haborym had completely disregarded her presence as if she was a mere child, then Furina had publicly declared that she wanted her gone.

The latter Arlecchino could… somewhat understand. She had attacked her back then and as far as Arlecchino was aware, Furina did not want to hear a single word about her or the Fatui anymore.

But the Pyro Archon she had no explanation for. What did it mean when one such as herself called her bro? Was it an attempt at establishing a horizontal line of communication, or did it serve to be an act of denigration towards her?

Asking Lyney about his thoughts on the matter would have to wait until later. For now she would have to try to get into contact with Haborym again, if only to report on the Captain’s current state of being.

oOo

Dahlia had been looking for Venti for ages now, yet had been unable to locate him at all. But as they say, you’ll find what you’re looking for only if you don’t—and that was exactly what had happened.

At the very least the wedding debacle was cleared up before he’d managed to find him.

“Venti, finally! Do you know how long I’ve been looking for you? Why are you sitting next to the side entrance? It’s not one of your usual spots.”

Venti turned around, and as was usual, he didn’t show any sign of surprise as they made eye contact. “Hello, old friend. I like the view here.”

Dahlia crossed his arms; that wasn’t anywhere close to the answer he was looking for.

“Why are you looking at me like that? What do you want me to say? That you’re my best view? I mean, I suppose the view of a friend is always a nice sight— oh is that a bottle of wine?” Venti’s voice shifted into a much more excited tone. “For me? D’aww, you shouldn’t have.” Venti said, clearly not being earnest at all at the end.

Dahlia crossed his arms cheekily. “Am I just a consolation price to you?”

Venti shrugged. “Oh, semantics. Can’t I appreciate a short term happiness once in a while?”

Although Dahlia tried to contain his laughter, but failed the moment he felt his lips separate. “Your long term happiness consists solely of short term happinesses, as far as I’m aware.”

Venti shook his head, a gentle smile still lingering on his face. “Long term happiness to me is Mondstadt’s wellbeing. Short term happiness is being able to participate in it myself.”

Venti’s participation in Mondstadt’s day-to-day routine as an ordinary citizen was exactly why Dahlia had come to find him.

Venti still hadn’t come to realize his great oversight.

“Venti, there is something I need to tell you. Something I think you haven’t realized yet.”

Venti blinked. “Oh, you’re serious. Okay, then. I suppose this is about that letter from back then? The Tsaritsa’s?”

“So you… do know?”

Venti nodded. “I think so. I was considering having you share the truth, actually. But then I was thinking, would that be fair? Meeting Shikanoin Heizou only strengthened my resolve.”

Dahlia only knew that name as he had been kicked out of the Knights of Favonius’ headquarters for asking for a job or something similar. Apparently, Eula Lawrence didn’t agree with that and scolded him about his bad work ethic, which was particularly notable as he hadn’t worked a minute for the Knights of Favonius yet. The only reason he had heard about it at all was the weird anecdote Eula had subjected the guy to. Something about conquering Mondstadt and the late worm terrorizing cats. 

Earlier, in the headquarters of the Knights of Favonius…

”Look,” Heizou said with an amount of confidence he did not deserve to carry, “My experience as a detective will revolutionize the Knights of Favonius!”

“I think you mean to say it will be pulling a coup d’état. In any case, I don’t have enough vacation days to deal with a colleague like you. Now, go terrorize that commission of yours in Inazuma and confiscate some visions or whatever you do over there. The early bird gets the worm and the early cat gets the late bird. Get out before I enact my vengeance on you for wasting my time with your presence.

Eula paused for a second, then held her hand over her claymore.

“Meow.”  

Must have been an eventful afternoon.

“Venti, you’re missing the point. It’s about Diluc Ragnvindr. About what he has been doing for you.”

It wasn’t often that Venti was caught off guard, despite knowing him for so long. “Master Diluc? I mean, I know he’s been silencing the rumors, but—”

“Exactly,” Dahlia said determinedly, “But he hasn’t been silencing the rumors to stop its spread amongst the people. He’s been silencing them so they wouldn’t reach you.”

oOo

Ei had been reading the letter that had come from Fontaine when she was interrupted by a delivery. She didn’t know what had happened between her and that harbinger, but she was inclined to side with Furina on the matter simply because the Fatui Harbingers were overly arrogant and incredibly intrusive.

“A package for you, Almighty Shogun! It was found at sea.”

The girl standing in front of Ei was not unfamiliar, but certainly not so recognizable as to ascertain her identity within a glance in Ei’s mind. “I see. Who are you again?”

If the delivery girl was in any way offended, she did not show it. “Kirara of Komaniya Express!”

“Ah, the delivery group. Well then, please place the package here.”

Kirara did as she was told and left Tenshukaku after. Either the Tenryou or Yashiro Commision would likely handle the payment. Such trivial matters were not meant to be dealt with by the Electro Archon herself.

Although Ei was planning to open the package later, a sound from within stopped her in her tracks.

Ei tapped the box, resulting in an incessant screech coming out of it. Whatever it was, it was clearly an inhuman sound, likely belonging to some kind of abyssal beast Ei was not personally familiar with.

“It seems that something dwells within.” Ei muttered to herself.

She steeled herself, summoning her polearm into existence and pointing it towards the lid. With a short yet graceful motion, she easily popped the lid off the box—yet never removing the blade on the other end of her weapon from the box.

A small, yellow creature emerged from the box, its expression irascible and tight. However, it stopped in its tracks as its eyes met Ei’s.

“No! Not you again, spare me! The Almighty K’uhul Ajaw cannot tolerate your tyranny any longer!”

Ei lowered her blade and her composure with it. A seemingly emotionless face softly contorted into something akin to confusion—no, interest. “What do you mean by again? Have we met before?”

She paused.

“No, we haven’t met. But you know me?

Ajaw didn’t respond, cowering in the box.

“Not that either, then. Hm, is it possible… that you know someone who resembles me closely, then?”

Ajaw peeked out from the box, visibly relaxing as he scanned Ei’s appearance more carefully. “The Almighty K’uhul Ajaw does not fall for such cheap tricks! I have rights! Give me a lawyer. What kind of police officer are you?! Shouldn’t you be informing me of the rules?!”

“Silence,” Ei demanded, “You talk too much, yet you say nothing of substance. It’s quite the talent.” Ei narrowed her eyes, staring Ajaw right into his soul. “Now, answer my question. Did you come from Sumeru?”