Liyue, atop the Jade Chamber.
A small figure curled up on a chair. Li nestled close to Zhongli, holding a lotus pastry in both hands and nibbling on it like a little squirrel. Crumbs scattered over her black and gold clothing as she stuck out her tongue to lick the remnants off her fingers.
Raising her head slightly, Li looked at Hiroshi sitting beside her and tentatively stretched out a small hand.
"Big brother, Li… wants more snacks," she said softly.
With a gentle smile, Hiroshi pulled out another box of lotus pastries and placed it in her tiny hands. Seeing Li's eyes light up, he couldn't help but smile too.
"Eat slowly. I have more if you finish these," he said.
"Okay~"
Li nodded and gave Hiroshi a small smile before curling back into her chair. Carefully opening the box, her little face lit up with happiness at the sight of the pastries. She picked one up delicately and held it out to Zhongli.
"Ah~"
With an expectant look, Li said softly, "This is Li's favorite. I want you to try it."
"Alright."
Looking at the small figure before him, Zhongli's eyes filled with an unprecedented warmth. He opened his mouth and accepted the pastry from her hand.
Gently patting Li's head, Zhongli said, "It's delicious. Thank you, Li."
"Hehe~"
Li giggled happily, nuzzling against Zhongli's large hand.
Suddenly, a stern gaze fell upon them. Startled, Li's tiny body shivered. Turning, she saw Cloud Retainer's piercing eyes fixed on her. Instantly, she shrank back into her chair, hiding behind Zhongli like a frightened squirrel.
Quietly shielding herself from the gazes of the others, Li pressed tightly against Zhongli and resumed eating her pastries with delight.
Taking a deep breath, Cloud Retainer turned to Ningguang and said, "Now that Rex Lapis' remains have been laid to rest, it is time we discuss Li's future."
Fixing her gaze on Zhongli, Cloud Retainer said sternly, "Though I do not understand why this child is so attached to you, one thing is clear!"
"Li is Rex Lapis' child, Liyue's child. She is a natural Adeptus and demigod. In this era, only we Adepti have the right and ability to raise her properly."
"Li will be raised by me."
Zhongli's calm expression remained unchanged as he repeated his earlier words, "Li will stay with me."
"Mere mortal!"
Cloud Retainer's feathers bristled in anger, her wings flapping as she glared at Zhongli. "Do not overstep your bounds just because this child is fond of you!"
"Please, calm yourself."
Ningguang rose to pacify Cloud Retainer, sparing a curious glance at Xiao, who seemed unusually hesitant. Moving to Li's side, Ningguang gazed fondly at the child who was focused on her food.
"I understand the concerns of the Adepti," Ningguang began, "but I urge you all to consider the current times."
Turning to Moon Carver, who had calmed from his earlier excitement, Ningguang continued, "The fall of Rex Lapis and the attack by Osial have shown us that this era is no longer what it once was."
Gently stroking Li's hair, Ningguang smiled as the child curiously looked up at her. "Li's bloodline and identity mark her as Liyue's next Geo Archon."
"To fulfill that role, she must grow up in Liyue Harbor. Only by understanding Liyue's past and present can she protect its future."
"Moreover," Ningguang added, turning to Zhongli, "while it is unclear why Li is so close to Mr. Zhongli, separating them against her will seems inappropriate."
"Mr. Zhongli is one of the most knowledgeable individuals in Liyue. I trust he can take good care of her."
"I refuse!"
Cloud Retainer's vehement objection rang out. Her gaze burned as she stared at Li. "A mere mortal cannot properly care for Li! Only we Adepti are qualified for this responsibility!"
"Cloud Retainer."
Moon Carver stepped forward, placing a calming hand on her wing. His eyes lingered on Li, who clung tightly to Zhongli's side, and then shifted to Xiao's unusual behavior. The name Zhongli repeated in his mind as pieces began to fall into place.
Fixing Zhongli with a serious gaze, Moon Carver lowered his head slightly in respect. "Mr. Zhongli…"
The sharpness in Zhongli's eyes stopped him mid-sentence. With a wry smile, Moon Carver amended, "I believe Mr. Zhongli's proposal is reasonable."
Turning to the astonished Ningguang, Moon Carver continued, "As Tianquan has said, we Adepti have secluded ourselves in Jueyun Karst for so long that we lack understanding of the mortal realm. We are ill-suited to raise the next Geo Archon."
"However, as a natural Adeptus and demigod, Li requires guidance that Liyue Harbor alone cannot provide."
"Thus, I propose a compromise," Moon Carver declared. "Li will live in Liyue Harbor, but we Adepti will serve as her mentors, teaching her cultivation and the ways of the Adepti."
Looking to Ningguang, Keqing, and Ganyu, Moon Carver added, "You Qixing will also act as her mentors, teaching her about Liyue's people and culture."
"As for her daily care, that will be entrusted to Mr. Zhongli."
Lowering his teacup, Zhongli met their gazes and nodded. "This matter is settled. Our words shall form the contract."
Ignoring the stunned Cloud Retainer and Ningguang, Zhongli stood, cradling Li in his arms. Smiling gently, he said, "Li, let's go home."
Snap!
Unfolding her fan, Ningguang chuckled softly. "So that's how it is. No wonder Mr. Zhongli is so knowledgeable."
"It all makes sense now," she murmured, watching Zhongli leave the Jade Chamber with Li in his arms. "What plans does he hold this time?"
"There's no need to delve into it further," Keqing said quietly, stepping beside Ningguang. Watching Zhongli disappear into the morning sunlight, she smiled faintly.
"Now, he is simply a mortal named Zhongli."
"The era of the gods has passed. He has entrusted the future to us."
"The coming era belongs to humanity."