Ningguang's performance in the future had already answered one question clearly—
The people of Liyue were not fools.
Having witnessed the chaos in Mondstadt and Inazuma, they were naturally terrified that something might truly have happened to Rex Lapis.
"Hmph. So future Ningguang still didn't dare speak the truth outright."
"She pretends not to say it, but deep down, she longs for human rule just as much."
"Under human governance, Tianquan Ningguang would hold absolute authority over Liyue."
"I've even heard she's been pushing policies to exempt elemental-concentrated minerals from taxation."
"Disregarding the Rite of Descension's guidance and proposing policies on her own—this alone exposes her ambitions."
Xianyun spoke nonstop, clearly dissatisfied.
"Human hearts are far too complicated. Leave Liyue in their hands, and one day their selfish desires will drive it to ruin."
Shenhe and Ganyu exchanged a glance, silently holding back their smiles.
Their master was, as always, sharp-tongued yet soft-hearted.
She spoke as though she looked down on humanity, yet whenever a child in Liyue suffered, she was always the first to help—quietly, in secret.
"I want to see how Tianquan Ningguang plans to make up for deceiving the people."
"I've long heard she's ambitious and calculating. I wager she'll rule Liyue under the banner of the late Geo Archon."
"Isn't that right, Ganyu?"
The sudden shift startled Ganyu so badly she instinctively raised her hands.
"R-Right… True Lord…"
"I don't fully understand what the future holds, but from long observation—Tianquan may support human rule, yet she would never intentionally harm Liyue."
Xianyun shot her a sideways glance and snorted.
"Hmph."
[The unexpected incident at the Rite of Descension quickly caused an uproar across Liyue.]
[No one truly believed Ningguang's claim that Rex Lapis was merely unwell.]
[How could the oldest god in legend suddenly fall ill?]
[Most believed the Geo Archon had been murdered.]
[And the culprit—very likely the invader who had brought disaster to Mondstadt and Inazuma.]
[Yet Tianquan Ningguang remained alone atop the Jade Chamber, ignoring the growing rumors.]
"Lady Ningguang! Lady Ningguang!"
Baishi rushed into the chamber, breathless.
Ningguang rose at once.
"Any news? Yelan? Ganyu?"
She had to confirm one thing—
Whether the rumor that the Raiden Shogun slew the invader was true.
The only way was to verify it in person.
"Lady Yelan and Lady Ganyu will arrive shortly."
Moments later, both appeared.
"Well?" Ningguang asked.
"We met the Raiden Shogun personally," Yelan reported.
"And confirmed the battle through both Lady Yae Miko and Kamisato Ayaka."
"It is true. The Raiden Shogun emerged victorious. No one could withstand Musou no Hitotachi."
"The invader was slain."
"And the disappearance of the thunderstorm surrounding Inazuma was due to the repeal of the Sakoku Decree."
Ningguang turned to Ganyu.
Ganyu nodded lightly.
"Lady Yae Miko showed no abnormalities."
Ningguang finally exhaled.
So Inazuma was stable.
The invader was dead.
Rex Lapis' fall had nothing to do with those calamities.
Just as countless adepti had passed on before—
The Geo Archon had simply reached the end of his era.
"…So the old man has finally departed."
Sadness flickered in Ningguang's eyes.
She straightened.
"Ganyu, please inform the adepti."
"I'll handle the people—gently."
Keqing shook her head hard.
"Even with such caution… she was still played like a fiddle."
She knew future Ningguang had done everything possible.
But no one could imagine that Raiden Ei herself had already become Aerin's puppet.
If Keqing understood Ningguang correctly, the next step was obvious—
Guide public opinion.
Ease the people into accepting Rex Lapis' death.
Then formally usher in an era of human rule.
And once that happened—
"…Disaster will strike."
Inazuma · Tenshukaku
Raiden Ei was restless.
The sealed consciousness space of Raiden Makoto kept resurfacing in her mind.
Yae Miko glanced at her and spoke quickly:
"I've received word—the Fifth Descender has already entered Inazuma."
"Kamisato's boy is moving. He plans to welcome Aerin by bearing guilt upon his back."
"We should prepare as well. Let Kujou Sara guide him."
From what they'd seen, Sara was blindly loyal—but harmless.
Perfect as a guide.
"As for the rest of us…"
Yae Miko sighed, looking at Ayaka and Kokomi.
"We greet him as servants."
"Ei—are you listening?"
"Do not mess this up."
[After days of uncertainty, Liyue's people finally received confirmation.]
[Rex Lapis had not been ill—he had passed on.]
[Tianquan Ningguang delayed the announcement only to verify whether the invader was responsible.]
[After confirming the invader's death in Inazuma, she allowed the truth to spread naturally.]
[Without a grand proclamation, she let rumor become fact.]
[And through steady governance, she made one thing clear—]
[Liyue had entered a new era of human rule.]
The people mourned Rex Lapis—
Yet also felt anticipation.
Outside Liyue Harbor · Guili Machine Ruins
"Stop right there! What do you think you're doing?!"
A sharp, angry voice rang out.
A少女 glared at the man crouched beside the Guizhong Ballista.
"Are you trying to sabotage it, thief?!"
Aerin looked up.
Purple dress.
Twin ponytails.
Sharp eyes and sharper heels.
"Ah?" He paused, then smiled casually.
"Of course not, Lady Yuheng."
"I was merely curious about adeptal mechanisms."
Keqing's room echoed with a scream.
Her eyes bulged as she stared at the screen.
"My brain is shutting down."
"Why did I have to meet the Fifth Descender?!"
She had been thankful not to appear—
Only to realize she was the real unlucky one.
[Ningguang]:"So Keqing was the heavyweight all along."
[Keqing]:"N-Ningguang, don't say things like that!"
[Ganyu]:"Lady Keqing seems… very agitated."
[Shenhe]:"She'll probably die."
[Paimon]:"He even called her Yuheng—wow."
Keqing felt dizzy.
"How did this turn into a direct encounter?!"
"You're interested in adeptal creations?" Keqing narrowed her eyes.
"Treasure Hoarders have been sabotaging these lately."
"Come with me. We'll see the Millelith."
Aerin spread his hands.
"They are sabotaging them—but I repaired this one."
"You?" Keqing blinked.
"…Are you an adeptus?"
"I'm human," Aerin replied.
"I just know a bit of adeptal technique."
Then he smiled faintly.
"Why so tense, Lady Yuheng? Afraid I'm an adeptus?"
"Why would I be afraid?" Keqing scoffed, hand on her hip.
"Even if you were, I have no reason to fear you."
She hesitated internally.
I've done nothing wrong. Why should I fear them?
Aerin nodded.
"I thought you feared the adepti might descend over Rex Lapis' death."
Keqing frowned.
"It is strange."
"Yet they haven't attacked us."
"Perhaps they simply look down on mortals."
"But even gods fall."
"If we continue relying on them, what future does Liyue have when they're gone?"
Aerin listened, nodding in agreement.
"Well said."
Then he looked up suddenly.
"Lady Yuheng—do you see that?"
Keqing turned.
The distant sky had darkened unnaturally.
"This weather…"
"Disturbing."
Aerin stepped back, smiling faintly.
"I'll take my leave."
"The rest… is up to you."
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