In Liyue Harbor, Zhongli and Childe walked along the commercial street. Through Childe's deliberate attempts to ingratiate himself, Zhongli had developed some thoughts about this simple-minded Fatui Harbinger. The actor to play the villain in his plan had yet to be determined. Perhaps this man called Childe would make a suitable pawn.
"Mr. Zhongli, I didn't expect Liyue's wine to have such character. Before I return to Snezhnaya, I must buy plenty."
"I'm glad it pleases you, Lord Harbinger. When you return to Snezhnaya, I will certainly procure some fine wine for you."
"Haha, good. Then I'll trouble you, Mr. Zhongli. Hic~"
Childe's face was slightly flushed as he let out an unceremonious burp. As a warrior, he cared little for formalities. As for Zhongli, he wouldn't hold it against his mobile wallet. After all, he hadn't encountered a mobile wallet of Childe's quality in several thousand years.
"You're too kind, Lord Harbinger. It seems someone is selling Cor Lapis over there. Would you be interested in taking a look?"
"Since Zhongli is so interested, how could I refuse?"
Zhongli brought Childe to a middle-aged man's stall. Amidst the noisy commercial street, this silent middle-aged man seemed somewhat out of place. Childe keenly noticed the aloof expression on his face and sneered. Already reduced to running a stall, yet still wearing such a sour expression. No wonder he had no business.
Normally, Childe might have pretended to be interested. But he had clearly underestimated the aftereffects of the wine. Slightly drunk, Childe had already shown his disdain on his face. His expression did not escape Zhongli's eyes.
"If you're not interested, Lord Harbinger, feel free to look around."
"Alright, Mr. Zhongli. I'll take a look around. Call me when you're done choosing."
Childe had already spotted the nearby stalls selling toys. These toys were not common in Snezhnaya. Tonia, who had never left Snezhnaya, would probably be very interested.
Thinking of his younger siblings, a rare genuine smile appeared on Childe's face. It had been so long since he had seen them. Now that he thought about it, they must have grown taller. He wondered if the letters he had sent back had arrived.
'Wait for me at home, little ones. Once I complete Her Majesty the Tsaritsa's mission, I will return to Snezhnaya immediately.'
As a Harbinger, no matter how much Childe missed his family, he could not return. Her Majesty the Tsaritsa's orders were not to be disobeyed. Moreover, Signora could arrive in Liyue at any moment. If that woman found him absent, it would be troublesome.
The Fatui were not as united as they appeared on the surface. Childe had no desire to be drawn into any factional disputes. He only craved strength—and more strength.
"Sir, would you like to buy a doll for your child? I sewed this one stitch by stitch. Children especially love them."
A female vendor waved a plush Geo Slime doll in front of Childe. Seeing such an exquisite plush toy, Childe pulled out a bag of Mora and handed it to her.
"I'll take every toy on your stall."
A group of Fatui agents were returning to Snezhnaya soon. Even though he couldn't go back himself, he could have his subordinates deliver the gifts. This wasn't the first time he had done this.
Childe's generosity turned him into a God of Wealth in the vendors' eyes. Countless merchants crowded around him, desperately introducing their wares. Childe waved his hand and bought it all. Unknowingly, Childe had been influenced by Zhongli.
Back at Zhongli's side, the middle-aged man stood respectfully beside him. The surrounding vendors looked at him with disdain, though the envy in their eyes was unmistakable. Everyone in Liyue Harbor knew that Mr. Zhongli was a big spender. Whatever caught his eye, no matter the price, he would buy.
"Tch, who was he putting on that aloof act for? Look at him now, all smiles."
"Exactly. I thought he was some refined gentleman, but this is all he amounts to."
Facing the taunts of the surrounding vendors, the middle-aged man's expression grew increasingly uncomfortable. Zhongli noticed his distress. His lips moved slightly, and a resonant voice reached the man's ears.
"Mountain Shaper, if you wish to experience mortal life, you must set aside your adeptal pride. Otherwise, you will only ever be an outsider in their eyes."
Hearing Zhongli's words, the middle-aged man took a deep breath and calmed himself. He hadn't expected mortal life to be like this. It seemed he was ultimately unsuited for this existence. After buying the hair growth serum, he should return to Mt. Hulao and go into seclusion. If he stayed here any longer, he worried he might inadvertently release his adeptal pressure—and that would be troublesome.
"Mountain Shaper, you must understand that in the torrent of time, you and I are but small pebbles on a vast beach. No matter how prominent the pebble, it will eventually be buried by the sand."
"People may pass down our stories, but in this age of humanity, humans are the vessels of the era. What we must do is set the final safeguard for Liyue."
"But, Rex Lapis..."
"Mr. Zhongli, aren't you done yet? Liyue has so many kinds of toys. My little siblings will love them."
Mountain Shaper clearly wanted to say more but was interrupted by Childe, who was carrying an armful of toys. Childe cheerfully bounded over to Zhongli. Zhongli pocketed the Cor Lapis Mountain Shaper had put on display and gave Childe a look that said "pay up."
Childe didn't overthink it. He simply told Mountain Shaper to take his signature to the Northland Bank to collect payment. Then, after handing the toys to a Fatui agent in the shadows, he suggested finding another place to drink with Zhongli. Zhongli gladly agreed.
Left behind, Mountain Shaper could only watch helplessly as Rex Lapis was 'taken away' by that detestable man. There was nothing he could do but stand there, watching his god disappear into the crowd.
Only when Rex Lapis was completely out of sight did Mountain Shaper snap back to reality. But for some reason, he couldn't stand that frivolous man by Rex Lapis's side. He even felt an urge to beat him up.
At the foot of Mt. Hulao, Su Bai was frowning at a stone tablet. Several simple pictures were carved into it. But they were too abstract; Su Bai could only understand the general meaning. It seemed to show Azhdaha beating someone, after which that person led him out of this small pocket space.
"So Azhdaha probably didn't escape on his own. Someone let him out."
"Based on what Azhdaha has said before, that person is most likely Rex Lapis."
"If I had known I could see Rex Lapis here, I wouldn't have gone to Mondstadt so early. Sigh, missed my chance. Whatever. I should go find some Dendro Samachurls instead. Mark their locations so I know where to look if I ever get in trouble."