"Hmm..." Zhongli's hand holding the teacup paused slightly.
Tartaglia sitting across from him immediately grinned from ear to ear, playing with the celadon teacup in his hand while intently watching Zhongli's seemingly calm expression.
——He too wanted to know Zhongli's answer.
"It's difficult to judge the martial prowess between deities. The only comparable aspect is whether their people are happy." After pondering for a moment, Zhongli slowly set down his teacup and posed a profound question, "Everyone, why not consider this—are you happy?"
"Uh, my surname is Chen...? Wait no, I'm very happy!"
"Now that you mention it, we do seem happier than the residents of Belobog. That freezing wasteland where birds don't even poop is nowhere near as pleasant as our Liyue's scenery."
"Yeah, Belobog might look grand, but you probably can't even grow potatoes in such a cold place, right?"
"While the Preservation Aeon can protect them from freezing to death, it doesn't guarantee their comfort, does it?"
Listening to their discussion, it seemed the comparison between the Geo Archon and the Aeon had already reached a conclusion. Soon, the group dispersed.
Feeling that Zhongli had dodged the question with a vague answer, Tartaglia was somewhat disappointed.
"There's one thing I don't understand," Tartaglia couldn't help but ask, "Does Mr. Zhongli truly believe an Aeon's power could surpass that of an Archon?"
Zhongli gazed at his clear reflection in the teacup, thought for a while, and smiled faintly. "I don't know either. But there's an old saying in Liyue—'The capable should do more work.' Now that I've relinquished my divine status, I only wish to be an idle mortal. Yet that Aeon continues to uphold its duty of [Preservation] over millennia. Just the mental fortitude to resist erosion is something I fall far short of."
Zhongli slightly raised his head, his gaze seemingly piercing through the Celestial Screen, past Belobog's starless night sky, toward somewhere beyond the galaxy.
"If that Aeon could respond to me, I'd have many questions to ask."
[Listening to Gepard's stiff recitation, March 7th whispered to Stelle and Dan Heng, "He sounds so weird."]
["That's not his usual tone. He must be quoting some scripture," Dan Heng guessed.]
["Oh." March 7th tilted her head thoughtfully. "Then why's he telling us all this?"]
["Because you asked." Gepard's tone was flat but carried a faintly reprimanding sternness.]
[March 7th rubbed her head and laughed awkwardly, trying to cute her way out of it.]
[Gepard didn't press further and continued leading them forward. Soon, they arrived at Belobog's central area—a majestic, towering fortress that pierced the clouds.]
["This is Qlipoth Fort, the heart of Belobog and the headquarters of the Architects."]
[Stelle asked, puzzled, "I've heard you mention 'Architects' many times along the way. Who exactly are they?"]
["They are humanity's saviors. Long before the Eternal Freeze came, the Architects persevered in building this city despite the world's mockery and misunderstanding. History proved their choice correct." Recalling this past, Gepard's face couldn't help but show reverence, indicating how significant this history was to them.]
["Of course, this fortress is also the residence of the Supreme Guardian."]
["Supreme Guardian?"]
["The leader of Belobog, elected or appointed by the Architects. They have watched over this city for generations, providing shelter for the people. The current Guardian is Lady Cocolia Rand. All major decisions in the city are issued by her."]
["I'll take you to meet Lady Cocolia now. You may prepare your words in advance. Her time is precious, so she prefers concise reports."]
[Soon after, Gepard led the group to an elevator, arriving at the highest floor of the fortress. After obtaining permission from the guards at the door, he ushered Stelle and the others into Cocolia's office.]
[The moment they entered, they saw a beautiful young girl engaged in a heated debate.]
[She wore a silver-white combat uniform similar to Gepard's, though hers was a white dress-style that perfectly accentuated the girl's lovely curves.]
[The black stockings under her skirt had faintly visible lace patterns, adding a touch of sensuality to her elegant and solemn demeanor. Her knee-high boots were adorned with two blue gemstones, but the most eye-catching feature was her iconic hairstyle.]
[Three-turbine-boosted duckling!]
Seeing this hairstyle, this hair color, and the name "Bronya," Seele, who was sitting next to Bronya, couldn't help but stand up.
There were actually two Bronya sisters on the Celestial Screen!
——No!
To be precise, it was still one. The previous Silver Wolf, though identical in voice, face, and personality to Bronya, had a completely different name. This "big" sister Bronya shared the same name but was otherwise entirely different.
"And that figure..."
"Mmph! What am I thinking?!"
Realizing her wandering thoughts, Seele quickly patted her cheeks lightly, trying to correct her perception.
——The Bronya before her was the most, most, most perfect!!
"Oh? Two Bronyas~" Kiana grinned as she sidled up to Bronya. "Didn't expect Bronya to be so popular in another world~"
Bronya leaned back, resting her head on Seele's soft thighs. She looked up with a "ᗜ ‸ ᗜ" expression, momentarily at a loss for words.
Not only were there two alternate versions of herself, but Cocolia had appeared as well.
Bronya had a feeling she could guess how things would unfold...
Still, compared to the upcoming story, she was more curious about when Seele's alternate version would appear.
Reaching out, she gently pinched Seele's smooth cheeks, watching the girl's shy reaction as she giggled softly.
...If Seele is this cute, her alternate version must be adorable too, right?
[The silver-haired girl was arguing passionately with the woman on the platform: "...But such sacrifices are meaningless. You mustn't—"]
["You may leave now, Bronya. Our guests have arrived." Cocolia cut off the girl's words brusquely, her tone brooking no argument.]
["..."] Bronya clenched her fists. Even as her lips turned pale from biting them, she lowered her head obediently and said word by word, "Yes, Mother."]
[The girl's resolute eyes still held a trace of reluctance. Before leaving, her gaze flickered toward Stelle's direction.]
"Guardian," Gepard stepped forward. "I've brought the three [Outlanders] to meet you."