Chapter Text
The tweet that inspires this chapter.
Despite the fact that the death of their beloved Archon had occurred just a week ago, the streets of Liyue Harbor remains populated by lots of people.
What had occurred last week was a tragedy that every citizen of Liyue that was present that day would never, ever forget, but they had no choice but to carry on. Their Archon's death is such a tragedy but being sad and doing nothing wouldn't change the fact that their god is truly gone for good.
Just like any other day in Liyue, business is always booming. Travelers and adventures from different parts of Teyvat that passes by would never pass the chance to look at the merchandises and foods that can only be bought in Liyue.
Qingge, the current guard stationed in front of the pond, near the place where their Archon breath their last, was yawning and completely bored out of his mind.
As much as he loves his job, he can't deny the fact that standing guard for the whole day and stare at the civilians was pretty boring.
He leaned his body to his polearm, looking proudly at the citizens who looked pretty much unbothered that they nearly got drowned by a sea monster last week. The children are still laughing and playing around, the elders and adults are selling their wares, and the teenagers and on the side are gossiping like there's no tomorrow.
Qingge couldn't believe that functioning properly would be possible without the divine guidance of their god and the adepti, but seeing how lively the people that they are protecting, the impossible can be possible after all.
He was about to yawn for the nth time when the woman of his dreams, the most beautiful woman that he ever met, walked towards him.
He coughs, "Y–Ying'er, is there a problem?"
Qingge tried his best not to blush at the coy look that the woman was giving him but it was pretty difficult, praying hard to their deceased Archon that the woman didn't notice the reddening of his face.
The woman in front of him giggles, "There's no need to be stiff, Qingge, I'm just planning to look at the lotus roots."
Upon hearing that, he immediately moved away, making sure that his goddess is getting a full view of the lotus roots and the fishes inside the pond.
Ying'er just smiled at him before focusing her attention on the fishes swimming aimlessly inside the pond, Qingge looked at her in awe, wondering if there's a great chance that he'll be with this woman in front of him.
Qingge's fellow millelith was looking away, trying to help their fellow guard by simply letting the two speak to each other. Knowing that with their responsibilities, finding romance is simply difficult for them.
"It's weird isn't it?" Qingge blushed furiously as the guard beside him elbows him to make him respond, "W–weird? What's weird?"
The other millelith near him gives him a dissapointed look and he tried his hardest to ignore it.
Stop trying to blame him! He never had a girlfriend in his entire life! Qingge mentally cried at the various annoyed and dissapointed looks that his coworkers gave him.
"It's weird that just last week we are looking forward for the Rite of Descension, hoping that we'll get an advice from our dear, Rex Lapis. But now, what we're looking for is a future without him, a future where instead of his and the adepti's guidance, we are now waiting for the guidance of the Liyue Qixing." Ying'er says absentmindedly.
Qingge raised his chin proudly upon hearing the name of the organization that he works for, "Don't worry, Ying'er! Even though Rex Lapis is gone, Lady Ningguang and the whole Liyue Qixing is here to protect and guide us!"
The millelith around them crossed their arms to their chests, nodding to show their support to their fellow guard.
Ying'er just smiled, amused at the proud flush on Qingge's face, "Oh, really~", she replied coyly, playfully playing with her own braid. Clearly flirting to the guard that she's talking to.
But it seems like Qingge didn't notice the looks that the woman was giving him and started ranting how great the Liyue Qixing is, especially Lady Ningguang.
"No one can ever surpass the wealth of our Lady Ningguang! Not only is our Tianquan a great businesswoman, she's also a woman who's well-known for her meticulous work! Such an amazing woman who holds the largest amount of influence in Liyue! She's so untouchable, working under her governance is such a wonderful–"
Ying'er and the other millelith near Qingge was looking at him blankly. Ying'er's brow was twitching with annoyance as the oblivious guard continuously rant how great, beautiful, wonderful–blah blah blah, Lady Ningguang is.
As much as she admires their Tianquan too, hearing the man she's flirting with rant about the great qualities of another woman seriously pisses her off.
She's about to shut the man up when a figure suddenly plunged in front of them.
All of the people around them; travelers, adventurers, citizens, guards, especially Qingge, gaped as he watched their illustrious and untouchable, Lady Ningguang, jumped into the pond and pick the lotus roots.
They all watched with their mouth open, as the Tianquan of Liyue Qixing catched the fishes with her bare hands, putting the fish that she caught inside the spacial bag that she brought.
No one move even after their Lady Ningguang stole all the fish, step out of the pond completely drenched and walked away without a word.
Ying'er sneaked a glance at the millelith guards, especially at Qingge, and saw all of them staring at the now fish-less pond. It seems like their souls all left their bodies because it's been 10 minutes since Lady Ningguang came and left, yet the look on their faces remains the same stupefied look.
"I–is that Lady Ningguang?" Ying'er sighed, pitying the obviously distressed guards, before nodding.
"Yes. That's Lady Ningguang. Our illustrious and untouchable Lady Ningguang just grabbed all the fish and lotus roots in this pond and walked away."
Ying'er would have laugh at the distress on their faces but chose to remain silent since the other observers near them started screaming in disbelief of what they had witnessed.