Under the blazing noon sun, a large number of travelers gathered in the open space and on the platforms of Wangshu Inn, discussing the recent events in the sky.
At the highest point of Wangshu Inn, Xiao stood, staring intently in the direction of Liyue Harbor, his expression heavy.
"Lord Rex Lapis..."
Suddenly, Xiao felt a familiar aura approaching rapidly from Jueyun Karst. He looked up to see a flash of white light streak across the sky, landing on the upper level of Wangshu Inn.
Seeing Xiao looking cautiously at him, Hiroshi smiled and gestured for Klee to come over.
"Hmm?" Klee, who was busy looking around, turned and asked curiously, "Brother Hiroshi, did you call for me?"
"Klee, bring out the antlers that Moon Carver just gave you."
"Oh~"
Klee turned around, rummaged through her red backpack, and took out a large antler. She obediently handed it to Hiroshi, then turned to Xiao and gave a cheerful smile.
"Big brother, long time no see! I really liked the almond tofu you told me about."
"Who are you?" Xiao's wariness relaxed slightly as he glanced at the antler in Hiroshi's hand, then at Klee's smiling face. He turned his gaze back to Hiroshi.
"My name is Hiroshi. These are my two adopted sisters, Klee and Qiqi," Hiroshi introduced. "We've come here to inform the Vigilant Yaksha about the Emperor's assassination."
Xiao exhaled deeply and turned to face Liyue Harbor. "So my senses weren't mistaken after all," he said in a low voice. "Lord Rex Lapis has truly been slain."
Seeing the antlers in Hiroshi's hand, Xiao nodded. "It appears you've already been to Jueyun Karst if you have Moon Carver's token."
Crossing his arms, Xiao sighed softly, his gaze drifting to the slowly moving clouds in the sky. "I... cannot imagine it. No matter how the times change, I have never imagined a Liyue without the Geo Archon."
"What role did the Qixing play in this matter?" Xiao asked, looking at Hiroshi.
"The adepti will not shy away from responsibility," Xiao said, his voice low. "Even though I have my reasons for staying away from mundane affairs, duty remains duty. Our god is the God of Contracts, and if the land of Liyue is stained, it is our responsibility as adepti to act."
"Now leave," Xiao said, his words fading in the wind as he disappeared from the high platform.
"Qiqi... seems to recognize him," Qiqi said, tilting her head in confusion as she looked at the spot where Xiao had disappeared. "But... Qiqi has no memory of him. It just... vaguely feels like Xiao is an old-fashioned name."
Hiroshi chuckled and patted Qiqi's head. Glancing in the direction of Jueyun Karst, he said, "Our mission here is done. Let's go back."
A stream of light rose from Wangshu Inn, shooting toward Liyue Harbor.
At Yujing Terrace, in Yuehai Pavilion, the Seven Stars of Liyue and the Eight Gates had gathered, quickly dealing with the various disturbances that had erupted across Liyue following the fall of Rex Lapis.
Throughout Liyue Harbor, Millelith soldiers were patrolling swiftly, working to calm the restless citizens.
Landing in front of Yuehai Pavilion, Hiroshi quickly explained to the Millelith soldiers rushing over, "I am Keqing's emissary, returning after completing a mission."
"Make way! This gentleman is indeed the emissary of Lady Yuheng," called out a yellow-haired Millelith captain, holding a halberd as he approached and saluted Hiroshi. "I am Fengyan, Captain of the Millelith. Lady Yuheng ordered me to wait here for you."
"Thank you." Hiroshi nodded, saying quickly, "Take me to see Keqing. I need to report the mission's outcome."
"Yes, sir."
Pushing open the door to Yuehai Pavilion, Fengyan led Hiroshi quickly toward Keqing's office.
Seeing the many secretaries of the Qixing rushing about, their arms full of documents, Hiroshi asked Fengyan, "How is the situation in Liyue now?"
"Thanks to the Seven Stars, things are much better," Fengyan replied. "But the citizens are still very agitated. After all, it's unbelievable that the Lord of Geo would be slain during the Rite of Parting."
Shaking his head, Fengyan spoke with a heavy tone, "It's simply something we can't believe."
Stopping outside Keqing's office, Fengyan said, "Here we are, sir. I will take my leave now."
Seeing Fengyan force himself to stay composed, Hiroshi sighed softly, then walked into Keqing's office.
Amidst the piles of documents, Lumine was furiously scribbling with a brush, while Keqing paced anxiously around the room.
Hearing the door open, Keqing turned around immediately, her eyes locking onto Hiroshi. "How are the adepti responding?" she asked urgently.
"They seem to be handling it," Hiroshi replied, smiling slightly as he recalled his interactions with the adepti. "Even though the whole situation was orchestrated by Rex Lapis himself, we still need someone to take the blame."
"So, I pinned it all on the Fatui. They're the ones who have been eyeing the Geo Archon's Gnosis. Makes them the perfect scapegoat," Hiroshi said with a smirk. "Not that it was undeserved, of course."
Seeing Hiroshi's mischievous smile, Keqing felt her tension ease a bit. She approached Hiroshi, sincerely expressing her gratitude, "Thank you, Hiroshi, for stepping in to help."
"No problem, we're all friends here."
"In that case, care to explain what you meant by 'not undeserved'?"
"Uh..." Hiroshi quickly opened the chat group interface and pointed to a message Zhongli had sent. "Zhongli has something for me. Gotta go. You two take care!"
Hiroshi picked up Klee and Qiqi, and with one step, vanished from Yuehai Pavilion.
Watching Hiroshi disappear, Keqing smiled helplessly. "What on earth did the Emperor say to Hiroshi?"
"This might be part of the Emperor's trial for us," Lumine replied. "But we did gather some valuable information. It seems we need to keep a close eye on the Fatui."
At the entrance of Liuli Pavilion in Liyue Harbor, Hiroshi appeared with Klee and Qiqi, startling the maid nearby.
Letting out a small sigh, Hiroshi muttered to himself, "Almost let Zhongli's secret slip. Gotta be careful next time."
"Mm, definitely next time," Qiqi echoed softly.
Turning to the startled maid, Hiroshi smiled. "Nice name for the place. I'm Hiroshi, here by Zhongli's invitation."
"You must be Mr. Hiroshi?" The maid, named Licai, quickly bowed. "I am Licai, a maid of Liuli Pavilion. Lord Zhongli instructed me to wait here for your arrival."
Opening the door, Licai bowed slightly. "Please, come this way."
Upon entering Liuli Pavilion, Hiroshi noticed that this usually bustling restaurant was now eerily empty.
Walking alongside Licai, Hiroshi glanced at the deserted hall. "It seems the passing of Rex Lapis has also affected your business," he said softly.
Licai hesitated, her voice restrained, "It's only natural that with Lord Rex Lapis suddenly gone, things would be like this. If Lord Zhongli hadn't reserved a private room today, I would probably be hiding at home, crying."
With a sad smile, Licai opened the door to the private room and bowed. "This is the room Lord Zhongli reserved. Please, come in."
"Thank you."
Holding Klee and Qiqi's hands, Hiroshi stepped into the private room.
As the door closed behind them, Hiroshi's voice echoed down the hallway.
"Rex Lapis might just have found a new way to live on in Liyue."
The sadness on Licai's face faded slightly, and she murmured softly, "What a kind guest, comforting a stranger like me."
"But... thank you. Lord Rex Lapis will surely always live in everyone's hearts."
Inside the private room, Hiroshi smiled and waved at Zhongli and Childe, who were sitting at the table.
"Good afternoon!"