"I understand your thoughts."
"And I don't take offense."
Seeing that Ningguang also spoke without beating around the bush, Taro nodded slightly:
"The Rite of Descension is Liyue's most important annual event. It's only natural for you to be cautious."
"I've nothing to hide."
"I came to Liyue for one reason—retirement."
Yes, a very simple purpose.
There was no truer statement.
Now that he thought about it, landing in Liyue as his first stop actually saved him some trouble.
If he'd arrived elsewhere, he might've had to run around more.
But in all of Teyvat, only Liyue was truly comfortable.
It suited his tastes.
And as for Ningguang's caution? He could understand it, and it didn't bother him.
If it were him, he might've been ten times more careful.
The fact that Ningguang sent Ganyu to invite him and lowered her posture, speaking politely—that was already good enough.
Not like some others who would point a spear at you and basically demand you kneel.
Honestly, if this had been him in the past, he might've backed down.
But now?
If you treat me with courtesy, I'll be civil.
If not, I'll smack the arrogance right out of you.
In his past two lives, he had no power. He had no choice.
But now, having crossed into Teyvat and finally gained power, if he still acted meek and spineless—had all that struggle been for nothing?
What was the point of decades of suffering as a wage slave, grinding away in despair, pouring time and money into games?
All for this day—to enjoy life.
And this… was pretty damn good.
When you have strength, people have to treat you with respect.
Isn't that comfortable?
"Retirement, huh…"
Ningguang looked skeptical, but her face betrayed nothing.
"Mister Taro, you are… quite the peculiar man."
Her plan to recruit him had died before it even began.
After all, what Taro wanted to express was very simple: retirement.
So, was he truly just eccentric, or… was he an adeptus?
He looked like a young man, dashing and vibrant.
"I'm just an ordinary man."
Taro shook his head, denying the thought:
"Once, I pursued worldly fame and wealth with all I had. Now, looking back, I've lost interest."
"Instead, a life like Zhongli's seems just fine."
"Leisurely days—listening to operas, strolling around town, bird-watching."
"Now and then, gathering with a few friends. It has its own flavor."
"I like it."
"..."
Hearing this, Ningguang and Keqing exchanged glances, each seeing the same odd look in the other's eyes.
So Mister Taro's ambitions… really were unlike others.
"Mister Taro, you once pursued wealth and fame?" Keqing asked with some doubt.
In her mind, Taro was like Zhongli—vast in knowledge, detached from material desires, with the caliber to shape the world.
Such a person?
"You people like to imagine things that don't exist."
Taro shook his head with a smile.
"Once, someone said a line that stuck with me."
"'Yearning is the most distant feeling from understanding.' I've always agreed with that."
"In essence, I am just an ordinary man. Don't think too strangely of me."
He was no sage. Not in any of his three lives.
What was wrong with chasing worldly fame and fortune?
In his first life, he hadn't even graduated college before he "restarted." Alone, yes, but not too regretful.
In his second life, he landed in a dystopian society, born in a refugee slum.
He did have parents, but… his father died from overwork when he was three, his mother when he was four.
Once again, he was left with nothing.
He fought with everything he had just to survive.
If he hadn't later found YGGDRASIL, something to look forward to…
Heh.
What use was knowledge?
In that cruel society, the lower class weren't even considered people—just cheap labor.
Crushed from start to finish, with no opportunity, no way out.
There, just surviving was already an achievement.
So yes, he was an ordinary man.
"I never imagined Mister Taro had such a past..."
Seeing the mood grow heavier, Ningguang tactfully shifted the topic:
"Mister Taro, since you are new to Liyue, surely there must be some inconveniences. If you do not mind, Keqing and I could offer some assistance."
"Assistance?"
Taro rubbed his chin:
"I've got a house, I've got a shop, even a free storekeeper."
"Made quite a few friends too. Honestly, I've got no difficulties."
"But I appreciate Tianquan-daren's kind offer."
He hadn't been in Liyue long.
But Zhongli had basically arranged everything for him, down to the last detail.
He was just short of arranging a marriage at this point.
What troubles could he possibly have?
"True enough…"
"This guy lives more comfortably than most of Liyue's citizens," Keqing muttered.
Thinking it through, Taro's life was probably more leisurely than anyone's.
Backed by adepti.
Aided by Zhongli in Liyue Harbor.
As expected, capable people thrived anywhere.
'Why does this brat always undercut me?'
Ningguang gave Keqing a sidelong glance, exasperated.
If you won't offer help, fine.
But did you have to outright shut the door on it? How am I supposed to build rapport?
Sigh~ forget it.
She really shouldn't have let Keqing stay here.
Next time, she'd find an opportunity to invite Mister Taro alone.
His identity was too unusual.
Recruitment was out of the question.
But forging a good relationship? That was essential.
People like him couldn't be judged by common standards.
And if one day they needed his help, whether they had a good relationship—or no relationship, or even a bad one—would make all the difference.
"Mister Taro."
Ningguang smiled:
"In my personal capacity, I invite you as an honored guest to tomorrow's Rite of Descension. Would you be willing?"
"I'll attend the Rite," Taro replied. "But skip the guest part. Standing up there with you would make me stick out too much."
"Watching from afar is good enough."
Tomorrow was the Rite.
How would Zhongli play it now? Would he still fake his death to step down?
Taro doubted it.
"Then it was inconsiderate of me."
Ningguang nodded with a smile:
"Then, would you perhaps be free the day after?"
"Hey, Ningguang."
Keqing's brows arched:
"Mister Taro is my guest the day after."
"You'll have to get in line."
This woman was trying to cut in again?
And right in front of her, no less!
Unforgivable.
"..."
Tch. Too late again?
Ningguang's heart sank with regret.
If she'd acted without hesitation, she wouldn't have lost this chance.
A missed opportunity indeed.
(End of Chapter)
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