While Lucian and Ningguang were conversing, in another room, Keqing was receiving Furina and her companions.
Ningguang had already shared her suspicions with Keqing, so the latter was in no hurry to find the "culprit" at the moment.
However, as mentioned before, Ningguang would not draw conclusions until she was absolutely certain.
Thus, she only mentioned her speculation that the Geo Archon might still be alive—she did not bring up the possibility that Lucian could be Rex Lapis.
"Lady Furina, welcome to Liyue as our guest," Keqing said, serving Furina a cup of tea.
"No need for formalities," Furina replied gracefully, accepting the teacup with a gentle smile.
"I merely came to offer my assistance to the Geo Archon after reading about the situation... How unexpected..." Her expression turned sorrowful.
This Hydro Archon is quite amiable—that was Keqing's first impression.
But if Ningguang had already deduced that Rex Lapis might not be dead, why hadn't Lady Furina noticed?
Or was Ningguang mistaken? Had the Geo Archon truly passed away!?
Or perhaps... was Lady Furina helping Rex Lapis conceal the truth from them? Was this also part of the Geo Archon's plan? Just how far ahead had he planned...?
"Thank you for your concern, Lady Furina," Keqing said.
Navia stared at Furina, unable to fully comprehend this Archon.
She often seemed unreliable and exaggerated, yet during diplomatic occasions, she appeared entirely composed.
Come to think of it, Lady Furina seemed far more natural during opera performances than during her usual speeches...
In truth, Keqing and the others had also wanted to invite the Anemo Archon to join them, but by the time they arrived, he had already disappeared.
This was Zhongli's doing—he had deliberately taken Venti's wine to lure him away, leaving Lucian an opportunity to interact with the Qixing.
"Big Sis Beidou, I've always wanted to meet you!"
"Isn't sailing adventures super exciting? You must have tons of fun stories, right?"
"Oh, and since the sea is so dangerous, have you considered pre-purchasing funeral services from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"
"I just came up with a premium package—how about having the Prophet send you off?"
Hu Tao flitted around Beidou, appearing at her left one moment and her right the next, chattering incessantly in her ears.
"Director Hu is this interested in sea adventures? Why not come sailing with us sometime?"
"As for your package... I doubt we'll need it. I'm their captain—I can't let anything happen to them."
"And if we do die, perhaps the ocean is where we belong. Hahaha!"
Beidou laughed heartily—she liked talkative people like Hu Tao.
If no one spoke on the open sea, it would be far too dull.
"That's so cool!" Navia also adored ships, as the Spina di Rosula's headquarters was a vessel.
To her, ships symbolized opportunity, conquest, and voyages toward the future.
"Oh? This young lady knows her stuff too. Care to share a drink?" Beidou handed Navia a bottle of wine.
"Wait—are you even of age?" Beidou asked curiously.
With Hu Tao's petite frame, Beidou could tell at a glance she was underage.
But Navia was harder to gauge—her figure was well-developed, yet her face carried a youthful softness.
At first, Beidou had assumed Navia, with her elegant attire and refined demeanor, was like Ningguang—a talkative, "parental" type.
But it turned out she, too, loved sailing and adventure.
Little did Beidou know, while Navia appeared every bit the poised noble lady, her liveliness wasn't far behind Hu Tao's—she just wasn't as much of a prankster.
"I'm of age, Boss. I'll drink with you." Navia cheerfully accepted the bottle and clinked it against Beidou's.
"Hahaha! Now that's what I call refreshing!" Beidou was delighted. Venti, meanwhile, was envious.
Drinking tea here was nowhere near as fun as drinking wine with the Qixing. Venti shot Zhongli a resentful look.
Zhongli pretended not to notice, taking a sip from the teacup Granny Ping handed him and praising, "Truly excellent tea."
"If you enjoy it, Mr. Zhongli, feel free to visit this old woman more often. I may not have much, but tea is plentiful here," Granny Ping said warmly.
"Poet, would you like some?" She offered a cup to Venti.
"Ah well... Last time you drank with me, so this time I'll humor you with tea," Venti sighed, shrugging.
Cloud Retainer glanced around. Aren't you all a bit too relaxed?
Not far away, the Yujing Terrace was in complete chaos, with the Geo Archon's divine form still lying there.
And here they were, sitting around drinking tea—wasn't this a bit inappropriate?
And really, Granny Ping—hadn't you adjusted too quickly? Switching to "Zhongli" so soon?
"Rex—ahem—Mr. Zhongli, you're welcome to visit my abode for tea as well," Cloud Retainer said.
"Oh? Has Cloud Retainer already chosen a residence in Liyue Harbor?"
"I happen to have some knowledge of interior design and furnishings—I could offer suggestions," Zhongli replied.
Cloud Retainer was stunned. Even Rex Lapis thinks I'm moving to Liyue Harbor?
What's with all of you trying to "trick" this adeptus into settling down here? What are your true intentions?
Hmph. But with so many of you persuading me... I suppose I could consider relocating.
As they chatted, a short, green-clad figure suddenly appeared before them.
No one was particularly surprised—they had anticipated Xiao's arrival.
"Rex Lapis, Lord Barbatos," Xiao addressed them.
Venti hastily raised a finger to his lips. Shhh—there are too many people around! Good thing I set up a wind barrier earlier.
"Hey now, no need for formal titles! I'm not the Anemo Archon, just a wandering bard from Mondstadt—Venti."
He then gave Xiao a once-over. "Hmm... If the payment is a bottle of fine wine, I might be persuaded to play you a tune."
"How about the wine I gifted you as payment?" Zhongli suggested.
Venti pretended to consider it before sighing dramatically. "Ah, fine, fine. You never let me take advantage, do you?"
"Thank you... Lord Venti. Lord Zhongli," Xiao said.
"And drop the 'Lord' too! A free-spirited bard has no use for such titles," Venti chuckled.
"..." Xiao fell silent.
"Alright then, allow the greatest bard in all the land to perform for you!" Venti produced a flute.
He wasn't limited to the lyre—he could play other instruments just as well.
As Venti's enchanting melody filled the air, a gentle breeze swirled around them.
The wind seemed to suppress Xiao's karmic debt while also seeping through the barrier, soothing the distraught citizens gathered at Yujing Terrace.
"Huh? Music?" The people of Liyue perked up at the sound of the flute.
"What a miraculous melody..." Some noticed how the music eased their grief.
They looked around curiously, trying to locate the source, but the adepti within the barrier remained invisible to mortal eyes.
As the music continued, the noisy terrace fell silent, everyone listening intently to the performance.
The Millelith sighed in relief—they no longer had to restrain the emotionally overwhelmed crowd.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voiceline · Beidou: About Navia
"That girl? She's quite the interesting one. If I get the chance to visit Fontaine, I'd love to see her Spina di Rosula."
"She calls me 'Boss,' so maybe I should call her 'Boss' in return? Hahaha."