Sekai currently asleep right now as he opened his eyes… Still half-asleep Sekai looks around and saw a blue furry thing.
His hand moves towards it and starts ruffles it. Sekai had a happy smile as he felt how soft the fur of this entity.
Ganyu: A-A—ahhh. Mr. Silver can you remove your hand for a bit.
Sekai: Huh? Huh?! waHhhh!
…
Sekai currently bowing down toward Ganyu due to his action
Sekai: Forgive me Miss Ganyu! I was half asleep!
Ganyu: I-its okey. *mutter* it was quite nice…
Ganyu joint two fingers with a bit of blush on her cheeks.
Then more people were coming inside the room.
Aether & Paimon: Sekai!
Then the two tackled the Silver Knight and hugs him to his surprised.
Aether: We, though you're dead!
Paimon: Waah!! Your meanie, don't do that again!
Sekai: Geez… come on Aether, I do understand if Paimon cry, as she was a big baby.
Aether: Ishk… Yeah… that's true. If someone must cry, let just leave it to Paimon.
Paimon: Hey! That's unfair.
Aether & Sekai: Pft…
Ningguang: You give us quite surprise back there.
Keqing: Do you have anything to say for yourself huh?! What an idiot! Hmph!
Xiao: To think you can hold on your own against a god, you have truly earned my respect.
Cloud Retainer: That was the most reckless things you did there.
Mountain Shaper: But we can't deny how magical your technique was.
Moon carver: Thanks again for your effort Elemental Hero.
He said while other also make a low bow showing gratitude to him.
Sekai: Sheesh… again with that name, btw what happened at the end?
He asked the rest while looking around the scene upon them.
Ningguang: We won
Then the Mercenary collapses into the bed again and give a thumbs up to them. Making everyone chuckle at him as they seem to enjoy their victory for now.
…
-Several days later-
-Northland Bank,Liyue-
After the defeat of the Overlord of the Vortex, Osial, through the combined efforts of humans and adepti, the people of Liyue had finally earned a moment of peace. Despite their differences, the adepti and the Qixing had put aside their conflicts, and the Rite of Parting was able to proceed as planned. Yet, amid the shifting tides of Liyue's destiny, one notable figure was conspicuously absent—Zhongli.
Concerned, the group headed toward the Northland Bank, where they spotted Zhongli talking to Childe and a tall woman clad in Fatui regalia.
Childe: "You call this 'cooperation between Harbingers'? Cooperation involves communication, you know..."
???: (Smiling coldly) "Now, now, Childe, don't take it to heart. You did get to skip the formalities and bring a little chaos to the land. I'm sure you enjoyed that."
Just then, the woman noticed Aether, Paimon, and the others arriving.
???: "Ah, it seems some of your little friends have arrived as well."
Paimon: "Hey, it's Zhongli and Childe! And… you! You're one of the Harbingers too!"
Aether: "Dora the Explora."
Paimon: "Wait... wasn't her name… Explordorado?"
The air in the room fell silent as everyone stared, sweat-dropping at the mix-up.
Signora: "It's you two, again. My name is Signora—not whatever nonsense you just mumbled!" (Her voice drops to a deadly whisper) "Now, where's that monster? I still have a score to settle…"
Before she could finish, a beam of light whizzed past her face, missing her by mere inches. Signora froze, her eyes widening. The memory of a past encounter with the devastating strength of the "Silver Knight" flooded her mind.
Everyone turned to see Sekai standing nearby, sipping his coffee nonchalantly, his left hand poised in a finger-gun gesture.
Sekai: "Ah… what a good cup of joe, this really hits the spot."
Signora: "Y-you! How dare you!"
Childe, sensing the danger, moved quickly, placing himself between her and Sekai.
Childe: "I wouldn't provoke him further, Signora. He's not the kind to hesitate…"
He said this with a slight grimace, instinctively covering his lower back—a reminder of a prior encounter with Sekai's "special move" that had left a lasting impression.
Signora: "Tsk! As if a mere traveler could—"
But before she could finish, Sekai was suddenly behind her, his finger lightly pressed against her neck, his coffee cup still in his other hand.
Signora: "Wh-what do you want?!"
Sekai: (Takes a loud, slow slurp)
Signora: "ANSWER ME, YOU BAS—"
Aether: "Alright, Sekai, that's enough."
At Aether's words, Sekai stepped back, leaving a visibly shaken Signora. As he passed Childe, Sekai raised his fingers in a "jutsu" gesture, making Childe instinctively shiver with a nervous smile.
Signora began to gather herself, tempted to attack him, but Sekai's calm, eerie tone stopped her.
Sekai: "You know… I can be anywhere I want… anytime I want. Just imagine... the moment you close your eyes at night, drifting off to sleep… 'blink'—I'm there, watching over you." (He gives a light chuckle) "You might not even notice me… not until it's too late."
His words sent a chill down both Childe and Signora's spines.
Sekai: "But don't worry, I have better things to do than babysit Harbingers…"
Silence fell across the bank. Childe, clearing his throat, tried to ease the tension.
…
Childe: "Ah… if it isn't the Traveler and his companion. Strange to see each other again after nearly watching Liyue get wiped off the map. Feels a bit… awkward, wouldn't you say?"
Paimon: "Paimon knew we couldn't trust a Fatui Harbinger!"
Childe: "Aw, now don't be like that. I may have misled you, but I never had anything against you personally." (With a smirk) "I actually thought we got along quite well, aside from that little… tussle."
Sekai: "Little tussle? Judging by that moan at the end, you did sound like you were enjoying it." (He turns to Aether with a grin) "Say, Aether, feel like learning a new move? We've got a willing punching bag here."
Aether grinned back, sharing Sekai's mischievous look as they both eyed Childe.
Childe: (Holds up both hands defensively) "Now-now, friends, let's not take things personally. We just happen to see things differently, that's all. Of course, you're welcome to hold this against me… but perhaps our time would be better spent chatting with Zhongli and… Signora."
Aether: "'Signora'? I thought it was Dora?"
Sekai: "Yeah, Dora the Explora. Tsk tsk, Fatui don't even know the names of their own people."
Signora: "Stop wasting time, Childe! And for the last time, my name is SIGNORA!" (She glares at them with barely concealed rage)
Signora: "There'll be time to chat when I'm finished here. Now, Morax—the Gnosis, if you would be so kind."
Aether: "Gnosis…? Agreement? What's going on, Zhongli?"
Paimon: "What are you talking about?!"
Sekai: (Shakes his head with a sigh) "Old man… so you were playing both sides all along."
Zhongli: "The contract is fulfilled. That which you seek is now bestowed unto thee, for my promise is solid as stone."
Signora: "Hmph, how sanctimonious…"
Aether: "Wait, so you're actually Rex Lapis? I mean, I did have my suspicions…"
Paimon: "What?! So, you're the Lord of Geo?"
Zhongli: "Indeed. And yes, Mr. Silver has known from the beginning as well."
Paimon and Aether turned, wide-eyed, to Sekai.
Paimon: "Wait… you knew all along? And you didn't bother to tell us?!"
Sekai: "Hey, the old fossil asked me to keep it under wraps. Though I can't say I understand why. Maybe he's got a thing for Fatui women. After all, giving away a Gnosis? Quite the grand proposal, if you ask me."
Paimon: "What?! So, Zhongli used the Gnosis to propose to Dora the 8th Harbinger?"
Zhongli: (Clears his throat) "Mr. Silver, that was never my intention. It's simply an agreement—a contract between the Tsaritsa and myself."
Aether: (Nods knowingly) "So, technically, the one he's proposing to is the Tsaritsa, and Dora here is just the… messenger."
Sekai clapped Aether on the shoulder approvingly, sharing a grin.
Paimon: "Wait, is that true, Zhongli?"
Sekai, Aether, and even Childe couldn't help but laugh, watching Paimon's confusion. She stomped her foot in exasperation.
Paimon: "Stop laughing! Did you all just trick Paimon again?"
Sekai leaned over to pat her head.
Sekai: "It's okay, Paimon. You're perfect as you are."
Aether: "Exactly, Paimon. Stay just the way you are."
Paimon: "You're both so mean! Paimon demands a tribute!"
Sekai: "Yes, Your Majesty. How about we head to Xiangling's? I don't know about you guys, but I need breakfast."
Aether: "Now that you mention it… I am pretty hungry."
Paimon: "But… what about the Gnosis and… and the Harbingers?"
Sekai suddenly made a shocked expression, grabbing Aether's shoulder.
Sekai: "Aether, Paimon must be sick! She just turned down food! We need Dr. Baizhu!"
Aether crouched, placing his hand on Paimon's forehead in mock concern.
Aether: "This is serious, Sekai. She may only have a few hours left."
Paimon: "Wait, what? What's wrong with Paimon? Did Paimon catch some strange disease in Liyue?"
Aether glanced over to Sekai with a sad nod. Sekai put on an exaggeratedly solemn face, patting Paimon's shoulder.
Sekai: "It was a great journey, Paimon… but alas… we'll give you a farewell feast. Today, order whatever you want."
Paimon: "What?! Paimon only has one day left to live?! NOOO!"
Aether and Sekai exchanged a look, then burst out laughing.
Paimon: "Ugh! You tricked Paimon again!"
Sekai: "But you are hungry, right? Let's go—just being here won't fill our stomachs."
Aether: "Yeah, let's go."
Taking Paimon's hand, Aether led the way to the exit, with Sekai close behind, grinning as they left the bank.
…
As the doors of the Northland Bank swung shut behind the Traveler trio, silence settled over the room. Childe watched them go, shaking his head with an amused sigh. He then glanced at Zhongli, eyebrow raised, while Signora stood a few steps away, her posture tense, her eyes still narrowed from Sekai's warning.
Signora: "That boy... is a menace." (Scowling) "How does such an insolent creature have the audacity to threaten me?"
Childe: (With a smirk) "You're the one who threatened him first, Signora. Besides, you have to admit... he's got style."
Signora glared at Childe, crossing her arms.
Signora: "I'm not amused, Childe. The Tsaritsa expects results, not theatrics. And here we are, wasting time on… games."
Zhongli: (Calmly) "As with all contracts, Lady Signora, we must honor each agreement's nuances and avoid… unnecessary aggression. Liyue values its stability, even now."
Signora's eyes flashed, and she turned toward Zhongli with a skeptical look.
Signora: "Stability, you say? Handing over your Gnosis as part of some elaborate 'contract' with the Tsaritsa hardly sounds like stability to me. Are you so eager to abandon the people you once ruled?"
Zhongli looked at her thoughtfully, his calm demeanor unfazed.
Zhongli: "It is not abandonment. Liyue is no longer in need of a god. The people are capable of guiding themselves—a freedom they've earned."
Signora scoffed, casting her gaze away.
Signora: "Tch. The sentimentality of Archons never fails to astonish me. Perhaps it is better for Liyue that you retire."
Childe, sensing the tension, cleared his throat and interjected.
Childe: "Alright, alright. We all know the Tsaritsa has her reasons for wanting the Gnosis, but it doesn't mean we can't… lighten the mood a bit. Don't you agree, Zhongli?"
Zhongli: (With a slight smile) "Indeed. There is always room for a touch of civility."
Childe's eyes glinted as he leaned in toward Zhongli.
Childe: "But you know, 'Morax,' I'm curious. Were you ever really planning to tell me you were Rex Lapis? Or did you just enjoy watching me stumble around in the dark?"
Zhongli chuckled softly, folding his hands behind his back.
Zhongli: "You were never in the dark, Tartaglia. You merely hadn't yet asked the right questions."
Childe snorted, shaking his head.
Childe: "Well, I can't say I didn't enjoy the adventure. Liyue turned out to be more… colorful than I'd expected."
Signora, tapping her heel impatiently, finally turned back to face them.
Signora: "Enough. Our business here is concluded. Zhongli, I trust you will remember the significance of this agreement, especially if the people of Liyue… resist our future plans."
Zhongli met her gaze with a calm, steady expression.
Zhongli: "The contract has been honored. But if you truly wish for Liyue's loyalty, I would advise restraint and understanding, Lady Signora."
Signora's eyes narrowed, a flicker of defiance flashing in her gaze. She opened her mouth to retort but was interrupted as Childe grinned, stepping between them with a mischievous glint.
Childe: "Oh, come now. Don't you both think this was a bit more fun than usual? Perhaps the Tsaritsa will grant us more 'excursions' like this."
Signora: "Fun is hardly the point, Childe. Remember that next time your little 'games' come back to haunt you."
With that, she turned on her heel, her crimson cloak sweeping dramatically behind her as she strode out of the bank. Childe chuckled, watching her go, then glanced back at Zhongli.
Childe: "You know, for all her talk of loyalty to the Tsaritsa, she's wound pretty tight. Maybe you should recommend some of Liyue's teas. Might help her loosen up a bit."
Zhongli's gaze followed Signora's retreating form before returning to Childe with a faint smile.
Zhongli: "Perhaps some things are beyond the powers of tea."
Childe laughed, clapping Zhongli on the shoulder.
Childe: "Now that's a pity. Well, I should be off before anyone else tries to recruit me as a 'test subject.' I'll see you around, 'consultant.'"
With a final nod, Childe turned and made his way out, leaving Zhongli alone in the quiet room. As the doors closed behind them, Zhongli stood still for a moment, gazing thoughtfully at the spot where his Gnosis had once been.