The banquet at Xinyue Kiosk was of a very high standard. Those fortunate enough to attend were all prominent figures and tycoons from Liyue. However, even so, most of them did not have the opportunity to interact with Inazuma's chief and deputy envoys, only being able to speak with the accompanying personnel from the delegation about less important collaborations.
As for Yuto, Yae Miko, and Kuki Shinobu, the three most important individuals, they were naturally received directly by the Qixing.
This was clearly a case of 'soldiers against soldiers, generals against generals,' with clear divisions of labor and an orderly hierarchy, reflecting Liyue's impeccable reception standards.
Yuto, Yae Miko, and Kuki Shinobu were led by Ganyu to the most important room of the banquet, where they saw Ningguang, Keqing, and a kind and amiable old man already waiting.
Besides them, Yuto even saw a familiar figure: Yelan, with her prominent 'mole'. She was here too? The moment Yuto saw Yelan, he recalled some of their previous, somewhat flirtatious, encounters.
Ningguang: "Welcome, Ambassadors of Inazuma. You have braved hardships and traveled across vast oceans to re-establish diplomatic relations with our Liyue. Ningguang is deeply grateful."
"Oh, allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Tianquan Ningguang. To my right is Yuheng Star Keqing, to my left is Tianshu Star Uncle Tian, and the Qixing's secretary, Ganyu. Behind me is my special intelligence officer, Yelan."
Yuto: "You are too kind. Inazuma's sudden closure of its borders caused some inconvenience to Liyue back then. It is my honor that Liyue is able to overlook past grievances now."
Ningguang: "Please, take a seat."
Yuto: "You as well, please."
Inside the room, there was an antique-style round wooden table. Under the lamplight, the entire tabletop displayed a noble, golden-yellow, silken-veined luster.
As the current head of the Qixing and the host, Ningguang naturally took the main host seat directly opposite the door. Yuto was guided to the main guest seat to Ningguang's right, while Yae Miko sat in the secondary guest seat to Ningguang's left.
Keqing sat in the third host seat next to Yuto, Ganyu in the fourth host seat next to Yae Miko, Kuki Shinobu in the third guest seat next to Keqing, and Yelan in the fifth host seat next to Kuki Shinobu. As for the eldest, Tianshu Star, he sat in the secondary host seat with his back to the door.
This seating arrangement was clearly meticulously planned by Liyue, taking into account every aspect for each guest.
With the guests seated, the banquet officially began.
Not only that, but the dishes also catered to all the guests as much as possible. Ningguang's favorite boiled cabbage, Keqing's favorite golden shrimp balls, Ganyu's favorite blanched Qingxin, and Yae Miko's preferred fried tofu were all effortlessly prepared by the chefs from Xinyue Kiosk and Liuli Pavilion.
As for Yuto and Kuki Shinobu, since their preferences were not well understood, a wide net was cast.
As for Yelan's favorite spicy dishes, they were not suitable for a state banquet, as it would be unseemly to have the high-ranking officials of two nations sweating profusely. However, to accommodate her taste, the chefs prepared a pot of strong tea brewed from dried jueyun chili and Violetgrass stamens, ground into powder and evenly mixed with Yunlai White Dew.
Amidst the clinking of glasses, everyone set a foundation for the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Liyue and Inazuma, and reached an initial agreement on economic and cultural exchange between the two nations. The remaining specific details would be discussed later.
After discussing these official matters, the banquet entered its private phase. Unfortunately, by this point, most of the dishes on the table had already grown cold. It was a pity for such a table of fine dishes, barely eaten.
Yuto glanced at the people present. Hmm, Geo, Electro, Cryo, Hydro, Electro, Electro... Good heavens, was there no Pyro user at all?
Yuto sighed, then stood up. Everyone looked at Yuto in confusion, wondering what he intended to do. He stood up, extended an index finger towards the now-cold dishes, and with a slight movement of his fingertip, the cold dishes instantly became steaming hot.
Well, now! Could it really be done like that? To instantly heat dishes without a single spark of fire appearing—the elemental control required for this feat was something no one present could guarantee they could achieve.
Ningguang: "Regent is truly remarkable. That Raiden Shogun has Regent as an ally is truly a blessing for Inazuma."
"Speaking of which, after Regent helped us repel Osial, I once considered having you take over the position of Tianshu Star. It's a pity I was a step too late."
Good heavens! Was there such a thing? Apart from Yelan, who knew the inside story, everyone else looked surprised. Only Uncle Tian maintained his cheerful demeanor. From the looks of it, Ningguang had apparently already discussed this with Uncle Tian.
Upon hearing this, the eyes of Yae Miko and Kuki Shinobu, who were nearby, instantly sharpened. Their biggest mission on this trip was different from Yuto's; it was to bring Yuto back to Inazuma, not to leave him in Liyue.
Initially, they thought the biggest obstacle on this trip was Yuto's girlfriend in Liyue, and that everything would be fine if they brought her back to Inazuma as well. But they hadn't expected to underestimate Ningguang's regard for Yuto.
Amidst her shock, Yae Miko also felt fortunate. Thankfully, Ei had acted first and reported later, making the right decision for once. If it had been a step later, Yuto might have been snatched away by Liyue.
Yuto, thinking Ningguang was merely being complimentary, chuckled: "Is that so? Uncle Tian still looks as sharp as ever, no need to retire so early, right?"
Uncle Tian: "Heh heh, Regent, you don't know. Perhaps it's due to overwork in my early years, but recently my energy has become increasingly depleted. I feel powerless over many things. Alas, time spares no one. I want to smoothly hand over my position before I become too muddled."
"Originally, Tianquan had approached me about this matter. Her original intention was for me to persevere for a few more years, gradually handing over my work to you for experience. After accumulating a few years of seniority, you could then, based on your merits, legitimately be formally promoted to the Qixing. However, it seems now I'll have to re-evaluate candidates."
Yuto glanced at Uncle Tian, as if recalling something, but quickly chuckled: "Uncle Tian and Ningguang, you flatter me."
The Liyue Qixing and the Inazuma Regent, although both high-ranking officials in their respective nations, still had some differences.
Liyue was a nation established by Lord Rex Lapis, and under his governance, the entire country flourished. The Qixing and Eight Gates checked each other, and it was not a hereditary system; the power structure was already very complete.
Furthermore, with Lord Rex Lapis now having faked his death and retired, even with an introduction from Ningguang, who was the head of the Qixing, he couldn't directly leap to become a Qixing. He would still need time to build up his qualifications.
Even if he successfully became a Qixing, he couldn't act according to his own will; everything had to follow the rules.
Inazuma, however, was different. Raiden Shogun's governance was hard to describe, and the positions of the Tri-Commission had been hereditary for hundreds of years. Coupled with Inazuma's emphasis on martial prowess, as long as he could gain Raiden Ei's support and suppress others with his outstanding strength, he could ultimately achieve a meteoric rise.
As long as Ei didn't object, then in Inazuma, it would be his word alone.
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