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Good fortune, dear Traveler. It has been a while since we last met. How about joining me for lunch at Wanmin restaurant? Xiangling is the one cooking today, and it would be a shame if we miss it. You need not worry. I assure you I will pay this time. I never knew I could deliver my bill and have my assistant arrange payment for it. It certainly saves a lot of trouble.
How was your stay in Liyue? I hope the city is to your liking. I heard Captain Beidou is helping you to get to Inazuma. You can trust her, for she will stick to her words. However, it's probably going to be a while. The electro archon's fortress of a country could be hard to penetrate. Why don't you go to Inazuma after the lantern festival? I'm sure your companion would be pleased. There will be a lot of food stalls, and you will see another side of Liyue Harbor.
Ah, but enough about me. I can tell you want to ask me something. Go ahead. I will assist you however I can.
No, unfortunately, I am still unable to disclose my deal with The Tsaritsa. I apologize for that. I ... never expect us to grow into good friends. I understand my action was hurtful, and I strive not to repeat it in the future.
My hair? What do you think of it?
I know it could be too much for everyday hair-do, but thank you for the compliment. My love did this for me before I went to work. He went overboard because it has been a while since we last met.
Ah, is it that surprising? I suppose so.
I don't mind you asking. I don't make it a secret as well. Although I will only give you a hint: you know this person.
... Childe?
Pardon me for laughing. Well, the two of us are close only because our organizations are business partners, nothing more. Besides, I think I burned that bridge due to previous circumstances. The same thing could be said for me. Although I look young, humans are mere children in my eyes.
You can look at my hair-do for another clue.
Yes, they are cecilias. The little flowers, as you stated, are qingxin.
You are correct. Cecilia can only grow in Mondstadt. It seems like you finally get it.
Hahaha, Tone-Deaf Bard? Of course, he would gain another odd nickname. Perhaps I will call him that next time.
We have been together for 2540 years, although we spent most of that time pining for each other. We archons could be dense in the matter of hearts; something humans seem to be fluent on.
I know what you are thinking, dear Traveler. I am atoning for my sins to Venti regarding my retirement. Rest assured, he is working me to the bone.
... I don't get what is dirty about it, but very well.
Indeed. It has been 400 years since Venti and I last saw each other. You must be aware that Barbatos is quite ... liberal in governing his country. While it is admirable, it also comes with a cost. Despite being one of the oldest among The Seven, he is the weakest, for we archons derive our power from the faith of our people.
So when Mondstadt's faith in Barbatos is weak, or if he goes overboard, he would go into a deep slumber to preserve the little divine power he had left. It could last from either a decade to hundreds of years.
It is lonely, yes, but I am always good at waiting. Besides, absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Is something wrong?
Ah, I rarely show this side of me. I suppose this could be a testament to how I value our friendship.
Well, where to begin about the braid?
After Venti takes care of whatever Mondstadt requires at the time, he would come to my abode to spend his remaining time before he goes back to sleep. That is if he doesn't plan to tour the continent to see what he's missing on.
One morning when we were drinking tea, he just stared at me. He was fascinated with my hair. "Like a night sky turned into silk and weaved into a person.", was what he said.
Since then, he would always play with my hair when he is staying over. He has always wanted long hair, but he has his reasons. Besides, I enjoy having my hair being done. Venti would always sing when he does it. Let me try to sing one.
Braid, braid the hair.
Let's give it a flair.
If you want a lovely braid,
Then spare us seven things.
Brush and hairbands,
Ribbons and wraps,
Pins and clips,
Flowers make the braid complete.
There your braid is finished.
Hahaha, perhaps I am the one who should be called Tone-Deaf. I have a bard as my partner for two millennia, yet I can not pick up his talent. It is still a charming song, nonetheless. Little girls in Mondstadt and Liyue love to sing it.
Of course, I go out with it. His work is magnificent. I don't have the heart to undo it. And why would I be embarrassed? My love did my hair for me. If anything, I feel nothing but pride.
Hahaha, you said I'm embarrassing? I will take that as a compliment. When you have lived as long as I am, you learn to hold those dear to you close to your heart. Nothing lasts forever, not even a God's life.
Except for love? I see you are secretly a romantic. I can see why Venti holds you in high regard.
Oh, hello there, dear heart. How was your walk?
I am not surprised that Mr. Degui refused to sell you alcohol. You barely look like a young adult.
My love, I don't think it's wise to get drunk at this hour. Why don't you join our lunch instead?
... Ah, so you're going to play that card. My apologies, Traveler. It looks like I have some atoning to do. Feel free to finish the rest of our food. Xiangling should know to foot the bill to my office.
Thank you for understanding. I promise we'll be safe. Until next time and have a safe journey.