"She didn't?" Looking as though she didn't know what to say, Keqing was deeply puzzled, but she continued anyway.
"I don't know if Rex Lapis instructed her to do this, but I can't shake the feeling that the timing of that young man, Kaito, and his two girlfriends' arrival is a bit too coincidental. It's right around the Rite of Descension, and then Miss Kiana does something like this... There must be a connection, right."
As she spoke, Keqing's confidence in her own speculation clearly wavered.
But there was nothing for it; this was as far as her thoughts could take her for now. She had no idea what the truth of the matter was.
"That is true. After all, a disturbance of this magnitude couldn't possibly escape Rex Lapis's notice, yet he has not made an appearance."
Ningguang nodded, finding Keqing's speculation very plausible.
"So what should we do now? Pretend nothing happened?" Keqing asked.
Regardless, something this major had occurred; the Qixing had to have some sort of response. But the other party was clearly no ordinary person. What kind of response should they even have?
Having said her piece, Keqing began to ponder this point seriously.
Then, as if she'd suddenly remembered something, she added, "And there's the Rite of Descension tomorrow."
"The Rite of Descension will proceed as scheduled, unless Rex Lapis gives any specific instructions otherwise."
Ningguang knew that if Rex Lapis gave no instructions, the Rite of Descension would certainly have to be held as usual. Conversely, if Rex Lapis wanted to postpone the Rite, he would definitely let the Qixing know. So, for now, they should just proceed as normal.
However, Keqing's question about whether they should pretend nothing happened was indeed a problem. Obviously, they couldn't just pretend nothing happened, and in fact, that's exactly what she had been doing.
After the incident that morning, she had immediately informed the people of Liyue that what happened at Nantianmen was caused by an earthquake and was nothing special. Although many people might not believe such an excuse, she still had to say it.
There's a world of difference between doing something and doing nothing. Of course, this was the response she gave when facing the public.
As for Miss Kiana, who was at the center of the event, she was still thinking about what to do.
Should I go find her?
She's probably having a meal with her boyfriend right now...
With this thought, Ningguang's gaze shifted toward Liyue Harbor.
After the incident, she had immediately sent people to keep an eye on Kaito's movements. Although such an action would certainly be detected by his two girlfriends, she chose to do it anyway. After what happened in the morning, she definitely had to take this step, even if she knew they would notice.
"Are you planning to go to that person, Kaito, again?"
Seeing where Ningguang was looking, Keqing made her guess. She knew Ningguang wouldn't just let it go and pretend nothing happened.
"Let's go take a look."
After saying this, Ningguang walked towards the interior of the building.
At the same time, the Jade Chamber began to move again, flying back towards Liyue Harbor.
"Then let's go together."
Following behind her, Keqing said.
In any case, they didn't know Miss Kiana's attitude towards Liyue, so going to her directly might be dangerous. Of course, if there really was danger, she alone wouldn't be of much use.
But she couldn't let Ningguang face this kind of thing by herself; as the Yuheng, she also had a responsibility.
"What? Afraid I'll be in danger?"
It wouldn't make a difference, really. Ningguang smiled, knowing what Keqing was thinking.
But whether she went alone or with Keqing, it made no difference at all.
Unless...
Unless Rex Lapis went with her, then it would make a difference.
Of course, that was only for her. For Rex Lapis, it would be the same whether she was there or not.
"Then that's settled. It makes no difference anyway."
"Suit yourself."
Saying no more, Ningguang walked inside.
Liyue Harbor.
"Why are you sitting in his girlfriend's spot? You're not Kaito's girlfriend."
Having finally arrived and sat down to order, Paimon suddenly noticed Childe sitting to Kaito's right, with Wendy on the other side. Lumine hadn't even sat there yet, but this Childe actually took the seat. She couldn't stand for it.
In other words, this Childe had taken Kiana's spot. Even though he was the one treating them to this meal, she still felt that Childe had taken either Kiana's or Lumine's spot.
"Uh..."
Caught off guard by the pet named Paimon's sudden comment, Childe was momentarily embarrassed.
Because of what happened this morning, he wanted nothing more than to stick to Kaito like a shadow, terrified that if he strayed too far, he'd be instantly killed. So, he had sat down next to Kaito without a second thought, not considering the implications at all.
Oh no...
I think I took Miss Kiana's seat...
Glancing to Kaito's other side, Childe saw Miss Wendy sitting there, which meant he had, with the worst possible luck, taken Miss Kiana's seat. This was fatal.
If only he had taken Miss Wendy's spot instead, at least his crime wouldn't be compounded.
Although Miss Wendy had caught him before, that was in the past, and she seemed much more easygoing.
"I'll move then."
Realizing he had taken Kiana's seat, an awkward Childe quickly stood up, preparing to change places.
"It's fine, Childe. Kiana won't mind."
Looking a bit confused, Kaito also stood up and pushed Childe back down into his seat.
Then he turned to Kiana, who was sitting nearby, and asked, "Right, Kiana?"
"Right, I don't mind."
Kiana nodded, her expression neutral, looking as if she genuinely didn't mind.
What is this Childe up to?
Why does he seem so guilty?
Did he do something to provoke Kiana at some point?
At this moment, Lumine, who was standing nearby, looked at the clearly nervous Childe, then at the composed Kiana, and couldn't help but wonder.
"Well... thanks then, hehe."
Although he still felt it was extremely dangerous, since both Kaito and Miss Kiana had said so, Childe could only sit back down, muttering some strange words.
Sigh...
This feels like a Hongmen Banquet...
___
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