"Ehe~ I felt a familiar presence in Liyue all the way from Mondstadt. So it was you, dear Furina!"
A green-clad bard descended from the sky, lyre in hand and a grin on his face.
"Barbatos," Furina said with a sigh, "So now that Dvalin's problem is solved, you're just wandering around again?"
"Aww, Furina, I sensed you were in Liyue and thought—why not drop by? It's been ages since we last met, right, old man?"
Zhongli nodded.
"By general rational judgment, you're not wrong."
Zhongli took a sip of tea. "So, Venti… has the Traveler arrived in Liyue yet?"
"He has. Should be reaching the harbor today."
Furina tilted her head. "Which one is it—Lumine or Aether?"
"Aether." Venti replied cheerfully. "And he's still got that little floating companion, Paimon."
Furina nodded, then turned toward the inn. "Madam Verr Goldet! One order of Matsutake Meat Rolls and Grilled Chicken-Mushroom Skewers, please!"
Venti gasped. "Furina! You actually have Mora? Look at me—I haven't had a proper drink in days!"
Furina rolled her eyes. "You hopeless drunkard. Zhongli, what do you say—shall we have a few drinks?"
Zhongli gave a small nod.
"Madam, one jar of Osmanthus Wine as well," Furina called out.
Venti raised his cup. "Furina, if anyone bullies you, just say the word—I'll come punch them for you!"
Furina smirked. "Please. If I really needed you, I'd be lucky to find even your shadow."
"Ehe~"
Once the food and wine arrived, the three Archons settled in for a long-overdue conversation.
"You know, Furina," Venti said between bites, "I've heard a rumor… Apparently, if the Seven Archons pooled their wallets, we still couldn't scrape together a single Mora. And yet you have money?"
Furina raised an eyebrow. "Have you ever seen a Hydro Vision holder who wasn't a celebrity or a millionaire?"
"Fair point," Venti chuckled. "But that brings us to a very serious question."
"What question?" Furina asked warily.
"If you had to choose—would you rather be expelled from the Archons for having Mora, or from the Hydro element for not having any?"
Furina shot him a glare. "Get lost."
Venti turned to Zhongli. "So, old man, I hear you're retiring? Even faking your death?"
Zhongli nodded solemnly.
"By general rational judgment, yes. Liyue must enter an age of humanity. As long as I live, that transition cannot truly begin. When I am forgotten, Liyue will finally belong to its people."
Furina understood his reasoning. "But Zhongli… have you considered Osial? If he breaks free and Liyue can't handle it, what then?"
Zhongli fell silent.
"…Then I will return once more," he said at last.
Venti and Furina exchanged a knowing smile.
"Seems like you still don't fully trust your people," Venti teased.
"With Liyue settled," Zhongli said, "perhaps it's time we talk about Mondstadt."
Venti waved a hand. "All taken care of. Nothing to discuss."
Furina leaned in with a grin. "Oh really? What about that little incident with the Fatui Harbinger—La Signora, was it? I heard she nearly ripped your heart out."
Zhongli chuckled.
"Hey! Don't laugh!" Venti protested. "I haven't done my Archon duties in centuries—of course I was weaker! And besides… I do feel guilty about Rosalyne."
Furina smirked. "And what about that slap?"
Zhongli burst into laughter.
"Come on, old man! I told you—I felt bad for her!" Venti flailed dramatically as the others laughed.