Liyue, Tianheng Mountain.
Morax stood gazing at the thriving port below, yet he couldn't find it in himself to smile.
More than half a month had passed since Guizhong's resurrection. During that time, he had searched every corner of Teyvat—yet found not a single trace of Elliot. It was as if his brother had simply vanished from existence.
"Still brooding?" Guizhong, brought from Guili Plains by the Adepti, noticed his troubled expression and asked gently, her voice filled with concern.
"Mhm…" Morax answered weakly.
"Why have you come today?" he asked, changing the subject. He didn't want her to share his worry.
"Today is the annual Lantern Rite Festival," Guizhong reminded him with a soft sigh. "You've been so preoccupied that you've even forgotten the holiday you yourself established."
She came to stand beside him, her hand brushing his gently. "Brother will come back. Didn't he promise you that the two of you would stand together as part of the Seven Archons? You must have faith in him."
Morax nodded faintly. "Yes… you're right."
"Today is the Lantern Rite?"
He had indeed forgotten. For weeks, he had thought of nothing but finding Elliot.
Looking down at the glowing lights and lively crowds below, Morax was reminded of the very first Lantern Rite—of why the festival had been created. It had been a celebration to commemorate Elliot's existence.
"I call this festival the Lantern Rite," Elliot had once said. "People will write their wishes on lanterns and release them into the sea. The gods of Liyue will choose a few to grant. The light of these lanterns will also reach those far from home, letting them know that their land remains peaceful and prosperous."
Recalling those words, Morax fell silent.
Without speaking, he brewed himself a pot of tea—a strong, bitter brew he had never liked. But over the centuries, he had grown used to it.
Ever since Elliot's sudden departure long ago, Morax had made a habit of drinking tea every day. He would always pour an extra cup and set it beside his own—for Elliot.
After all, his brother had always liked his tea strong.
"The Lantern Rite tells those far from home that Liyue still prospers in peace and safety…"
Morax took a long sip, finishing the pot. He rinsed the teapot, wiped it clean, arranged it neatly, and put it away once more.
"Let's celebrate the Lantern Rite," he said quietly, standing. A faint smile finally touched his lips.
The Adepti blinked in surprise, then bright smiles spread across their faces.
"Mm!" they chorused in agreement.
With divine power, Morax altered their appearances, giving them the look of ordinary mortals so that no one would recognize them.
Together, they descended into the city—blending into the bustling crowds to experience the prosperity and joy of the festival firsthand.
"Alatus! Look over there—a fish-catching contest! Let's see who's better!" Bosacius threw an arm around Alatus's neck, laughing heartily.
"Bosacius, you've only got two hands now. Aren't you afraid of losing?" Indarias teased, grinning.
"Damn it, I forgot about that!" Bosacius's eyes widened. Then, scratching his head awkwardly, he laughed. "Maybe… maybe we should skip it this time. Next time, I'll beat you properly."
"Sure," Alatus said with a small smile.
"Heh, that's what brothers are for!" Bosacius clapped him on the shoulder, laughing.
"No, what I meant was—I accept your challenge," Alatus replied evenly.
"Huh!?" Bosacius blinked in disbelief.
"Since I'm disguised, I can't use my full strength today," Alatus added calmly. "You wouldn't be satisfied with a win like that, would you?"
"I'd be very satisfied," Alatus said dryly, earning a smirk from him.
"Oh-ho, Brother Bosacius, don't tell me you're helpless just because you're missing two hands?" Indarias said with mock sympathy, clearly baiting him.
"Exactly. Alatus only has two hands too," Bonanus said with a soft laugh behind her hand.
Nearby, Menogias observed the banter with a polite smile.
"Who said I can't!? Me, Bosacius? Impossible! Alatus, I was just giving you a way out earlier! You ungrateful brat—don't come crying when you lose!"
His temper flared in an instant. Just moments ago, he'd been laughing with Alatus—now he stood pointing furiously at him, full of bluster.
Moments later, the Yaksha rushed off together to join the contest.
"Wait—no! That doesn't count! One more round! Alatus! Come on, one more match!"
Soon after, Bosacius's wails could be heard from that direction. Clearly, even with his enthusiasm, he was no match for Alatus's precision.
The streets of Liyue were alive with laughter and joy. Lanterns floated through the air like stars come to earth.
Elsewhere, the Adepti, along with Marchosius and Ganyu, had gone off to enjoy the festivities on their own.
In the end, only Morax and Guizhong remained, strolling side by side through the radiant streets of the city.
They walked in silence for a while, watching the smiling faces of the people—their people.
A quiet sense of fulfillment rose within them.
Among the crowds were not only the citizens of Liyue, but also those from Guili Plains who had come to join the celebration.
The city was alight with color and sound. Children chased one another through the alleys, while adults chatted cheerfully over food and lanterns.
It was a vision of prosperity—Liyue in its golden age.