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"You let her go so easily, Mr. Zhongli."
Childe spoke as he was at the dining table with the consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, who was sitting peacefully sipping a cup of tea.
When the traveler had successfully stopped her brother from being corrupted by the Abyss Order, they decided to continue with their journey from world to world. Everyone wanted to stop them. They didn't want their dear traveler who changed their life to go.
But there was one person who just hugged the traveler and wished them a good trip. It was Zhongli, or you can call the deceased Geo Archon. He didn't ask the traveler to stay.
"I don't wish to stop her from doing what she wants."
"She might never come back again, you know."
Of course, he knew there's a chance he won't come back. With an unknown amount of world besides Teyvat, she could found a home there and loved ones.
"If she's happy, then it's fine. You shouldn't give up on a chance that she might come back."
"Hundreds of years later, perhaps?"
Childe chuckled at his joke. But Zhongli just smiled.
"I can wait."
Childe was surprised by his answer. He knew that Zhongli is God who can live endlessly, but so does Lumine. What makes an immortal wait for another?
"Hah...Immortal people are so weird."
Childe could only sigh. He knew many men like Lumine, and he was not an exception. He didn't even know if he had a place in her heart. Unlike Zhongli, Childe is a mortal with limited time. He can't wait for her forever, but he couldn't have the same feeling he has for her to others.
"...Such a lovesick."
"Me? Or you?"
"All of us."
They both had times accompany Lumine on her journey. Both had heart-fluttering moments and saw men who approached her along their journey. Even knowing she will eventually leave when it's time, how could they regret seeing her smile. In the end, they discovered that to love and let go can be the same thing.
"Are you going to wait for her, Childe?"
"Somehow, I feel like you're mocking me, Mr. Zhongli."
Zhongli chuckled when he heard Childe's angry noises. Even though they are rivals in love, they can still sit together like two losers talking about their life.
A Geo Archon who had lived for more than six thousand years had only fallen in love twice but never success. On the other hand, we had Number Eleven of the Fatui Harbingers, who had only fallen in love once, which was with the traveler. Despite the differences, both were amateurs in love.
"Mr. Zhongli, do you think I should wait for her?"
"Are you asking me as a friend or as an opponent?"
Zhongli casually sipped his cup of tea while answering Childe, who was using a spoon to eat.
"I think I would rather asking an opponent."
"No matter who you ask me as my answer will still be the same. Wait for the traveler to come back together patiently. Then we can fight for her with the others."
"Aren't you afraid that I might successfully steal her if you say that?"
Childe mischievously asked. The consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor startled a little but quickly answered.
"You are underestimating the Geo Archon, Childe."
"Such a dangerous vibe, Mr. Zhongli. I might be challenging you for a battle."
"Too bad. My break is going to end here, or else that child is going to cause a ruckus in town."
Zhongli left the Liuli Pavilion as Childe was paying as always. Tartaglia noticed how sad Zhongli's back was when he left, like a lonely person who hid their feelings. But such feeling was what Childe felt too. Bothering it too much can also annoy himself.
He left the Liuli Pavilion and thought about what he talked about with Zhongli earlier. His intention was indeed to wait for her return. Even though his time won't be as long as Zhongli's, he still has his next life to wait for her. Childe believed he won't be dying alone, especially with a bunch of losers in love around him.
"I will find us the place where you and I could be together. When that time comes, will you stay?"
The man said as he looked up at the starry sky.