Archive of Our Own

Liyue was a large land; when Aether thought he was done exploring it, another mystery appeared. Aether and Paimon ran around Liyue every day to train and find their way to Inazuma; while running away from the abyss enemies and the ruins, they collapsed into a cave. This cave was different from other caves Aether discovered. It seemed to have more vitality, not wet, dark and was also decorated quite eye-catching.

"Let's explore it; maybe it will have treasure!" Paimon's eyes lit up at the mention of treasure.

Aether agreed and stepped deeper. The deeper the Aether went, the more he was sure this place was inhabited. He looked at the red curtains being hung up; the torches automatically fired as if it knew someone was coming here. Reached the middle of the cave, his eyes widened to see a statue placed here with the flowers blooming around. Viewing the figure, Aether felt somehow familiar, but the statue's eyes were obscured entirely, so he was not sure. Aether just knew that this person was wearing a traditional Liyue outfit, like a noble, with long hair reaching their heels.

The standing pose reminded Aether of Venti, but it couldn't be him because he was the Archon of Mondstadt, and Venti's hair wasn't long, plus the statue didn't show its face. Aether couldn't jump to a conclusion soon.

"Look at this rock here, Aether!" Paimon waved her hand and called for Aether to look at the stone stele. "There's an inscription on it."

Aether began to read the words along with Paimon.

"Empress of Liyue, Rex Lapis's wife."

"WHAT!?" Paimon raised her voice in surprise; she rubbed her eyes a few times to make sure she wasn't mistaken. "Aether, did I read it wrong!?"

Aether shook his head because Paimon's words were exactly the same as what he read. Zhongli had a wife, Zhongli had an Empress…This was really hard to believe because since Aether meet him until now, Zhongli had never once talked about this! He didn't even look like a married man.

"We should look around for more information." Paimon flew away, and Aether went to the left for the bookcase. This place looked like a temple but also looked like a home. Next to the statue were Cecilia, Qingxin, Glaze Lily, Silk flower, and many more.
On the wall hung pictures of Rex Lapis and his Empress, who both survived the Archon war. They guided the people of Liyue together, especially next to the Empress's image; there was the land of Mondstadt? Why would a god of Liyue appear in Mondstadt and help them? Wasn't that Venti's responsibility?

Aether found an old book about the Empress, but it was pretty thin, showing that the Empress was not a character who often appeared in front of the people.

The Empress's identity was unclear and still was a mystery to everyone. A few warrior could see the Empress's figure when they were severely wounded in battle. But when questioned, all replied that they could not answer, as the Empress expected them to keep it a secret.

The Empress had no name; even if the people of Liyue asked Liyue's Adepti, they wouldn't respond due to their promise to the Empress. So from then on, the Empress was only known as the Empress.

But the warrior could give them other information, except the appearance. They said the Empress sang beautifully; their voice calmed a warrior's mind and made them relaxed. No one knew what the Empress's weapon was, but they had the ability to control storms and sweep away the enemy.

The warriors hinted that the Empress was not Liyue's God. They knew such little information because the Empress was a person who liked to talk and have fun, regardless of status.

The book's first chapter ended, and Aether looked to the second chapter, which wrote about the love between Rex Lapis and the Empress.

The book said that their feelings were intense when God was still active in the eyes of mortals. From time to time, the people of Liyue caught sight of a giant dragon carrying someone in a pure white costume.

Not only that, their ancestors had witnessed their Archon wedding. That was hundreds of years ago, just after the Archon war ended. Rex Lapis threw a large party to celebrate their marriage, which was rare for the Empress to appear in public. Still, even so, no one could see the Empress's face clearly.

To show his affection, Rex Lapis personally sculpted the statue for the Empress, not only that but also established a holiday in Liyue to honor his lover.

Ancestors said it was the best wedding they ever attended. Rex Lapis always held the hand of the Empress and did not let go. The Empress wasn't afraid of people's judgments and kissed Rex Lapis' cheek out of the blue. Even though the people didn't see Rex Lapis's reaction, they only saw him holding the Empress's waist with one arm and whispering something in their ear. Rex Lapis gave the Empress a piece of his hair as a sign of passionate love; the Empress did the same. They exchanged a loving kiss in front of their people.

Aether's eyes skimmed over the lines left by Liyue's ancestors; he didn't think that Zhongli was a person who had the guts to kiss his wife in front of everyone. He must love his Empress deeply to act like that.

Aether read until he finished the book; he closed it and sighed, with so little information he couldn't find the true identity of the Empress. Aether didn't want to get involved in other things, but this was the Zhongli they talked about. He would be a liar if he said he didn't feel interested in this.

In the book, it was mentioned that the Empress often went to Mondstadt. Aether sure Venti would know about this, and he could also ask Zhongli, just hope they both would answer.

"Aether! Look what I found!"

Aether looked at Paimon, who was pointing at something; it looked like a puzzle. Aether considered whether what was inside could answer his question. Looking around the cave, Aether found no hints for this mystery, not even a piece of paper. This wasn't the same puzzle Aether usually met while going on an adventure. It looked easy; he just need to enter numbers in it, but it was difficult because he found no clues.

"I think we should ask Zhongli; he's probably taking a lunch break at the Third-Round Knockout right now..."

Aether nodded to Paimon and left the cave with her, but Aether's eyes took one last look at the statue before leaving. The similarities between it and Venti were impossible. He couldn't put it right. Sometimes ago, when Aether asked Zhongli about Barbatos, he looked annoyed and didn't give him a straight answer. Hence, Aether assumed Zhongli didn't like the other Archon. Aether shrugged; he'd better ask Zhongli because guessing wouldn't do anything.

_____

As expected, Aether watched the man with long brown hair sipping his tea, listening to the storyteller. Aether stepped closer and greeted the man.

"Ah, traveler, is everything all right?" Zhongli smiled, poured another two cups of tea for Aether and Paimon.

"We have something to ask." Paimon happily looked at the plate of pastries in front of her. She reached out her hand to take a piece of it.

"I'll try to answer as clearly as I can." Zhongli put down his teacup, showing his interest.

Aether began to explain his exploration near the interstitial distance to Zhongli and ended with a sentence. "Liyue's Empress…who is it, Zhongli?"

He glanced at the man, who was surprised by his story. His amber eyes looked into the distance; there was a hint of sadness in them. It was different from when he said goodbye to Azhdaha; the atmosphere was also much quieter. Each breeze blowing through Zhongli's hair made him look even duller. Aether was not familiar with this because Zhongli always appeared strong, not showing many of his emotions to others, always smiling, and being a person everyone could rely on.

"So you found the domain." Zhongli smiled lightly.

"Yes, I have a spouse. We got married after the Archon war ended; that was my best moment." Zhongli hesitated, eyes staring at the teacup at its tiny ripples.

"I think you already know how much I love them. The people of Liyue always deep research things about Rex Lapis." Zhongli chuckled.

Aether nodded.

"I can only give you a hint because it's up to them whether they want to reveal their identity or not," Zhongli finished, taking a sip of tea.

"The winds of Mondstadt always call their Empress back home."

Zhongli's voice filled with nostalgia and regret. Aether didn't understand why he had such feelings, wasn't the Empress still alive? If so, why didn't the two meet? More importantly, why was Mondstadt involved in this?

"I must warn you, the Empress has left Liyue for 500 years, or rather, from Teyvat. They have been asleep somewhere and haven't woken up yet."

Zhongli got up from his chair, hands clasped behind his back, and walked out of his favorite spot in Liyue. Aether followed, he realized that Zhongli's mood had suddenly turned sour. According to Childe, Zhongli never left midway while the storyteller told a story. Well, there was only one person in Liyue who could make him leave, which was the Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Hu tao. She was his boss after all.

"How long has it been? Does Zhongli still have feelings for the Empress?" Paimon innocently asked before Aether could silence her. He sighed, hoping Zhongli didn't feel sad about this question.

"Of course still. I will always love them for the rest of my life." Zhongli smiled. It was a smile Aether had never seen in him, a smile of happiness and affection.

"I didn't know Zhongli was this romantic," Paimon expressed in amazement.

"Really? They always told me I'm a blockhead." The man closed his eyes and chuckled bitterly.

Aether thought, remembering someone used to tell that to him.

"Thank you, Zhongli. We will go to Mondstadt and then give you the answer later." Paimon waved and then grabbed Aether to teleport to Mondstadt, leaving Zhongli alone on a busy street of Liyue Harbor.

A wind blew through Zhongli's hair; he gazed out over the wide sea, his eyes locking on Mondstadt's discretion.

"It's been 500 years; why haven't you come back yet?"

No one answered his question, only the wind blowing quietly in his ears as usual.

_____

Aether arrived at Mondstadt in a flash, and he was delighted he had this teleportation skill. Venti must have been standing singing in the square or at Diluc's tavern. Aether decided to go to the Barbatos status first. Aether knew Venti wouldn't be drinking at this early hours; this was the time he had a lot of guests.

Walking into the square, Aether and Paimon could already hear Venti's sweet voice. The crowd surrounded him like bees meeting honey; Venti stories and his songs had enchanted their minds like always.

Aether stood to one side listening, letting his mind relax from his exhausting adventures. Aether hadn't yet to tell Venti that Venti was the emotional support for him. Whenever he talked with Venti, the exhaustion disappeared; Aether loved how Venti's head rub made him feel loved and protected like a mother.

That was why Aether didn't want to tell Venti because he wouldn't be able to escape from his teasing.

Venti's performance finally ended; the Anemo Archon hugged his hat filled with Mora, grinning and thanking his kind people. Aether took the opportunity to move forward.

"Ah! Traveler, how was your journey?" Venti grinned, gathered Mora's punched into his space bag then put his hat back on.

"Things are still going well, and you seem to live very happily too, Tone-deaf bard?
"
Venti laughed regardless of the nickname Paimon called. Paimon always liked to give people nicknames. At first, they did react, but eventually, they got used to it.

Aether and Venti talked on the way to the shop because Venti wanted to buy some fresh apples for him and Paimon. After finding a place to rest under Vanessa's tree, Aether began to ask questions.

"Venti, do you know who the Empress of Liyue is?"

As soon as he finished asking that question, Venti choked on an apple, and Aether had to pat him on the back to spit it out. With such a reaction, Venti definitely knew about this person.

"So you finally know, according to Aether, who the Empress might be?" Venti curled his lips into a smile, showing curiosity in his answer.

Aether had a person in mind, and those clues also pointed to that person in his head. But he still couldn't conclude soon. "I have my doubts, but I need more hints to be certain."

"Since I'm feeling generous today, I'll give you a hint." Venti held up his index finger.

"The Empress of Liyue is very fond of Cecilia."

In this world, people loved Cecilia a lot. Still, for some reason, whenever someone mentioned a mysterious god who loved Cecilia flowers, Aether could only think of Venti. He then looked at Venti with wide eyes, and Paimon watched the two of them back and forth with a huge question mark on her head.

"Perhaps this hint is too easy." Venti narrowed his eyes.

"You and Zhongli, you two…." Aether stammered, pointing at Venti because this was a real big deal. Venti used to say Zhongli beat him back to Mondstadt; that sounded very harsh!

Although Aether didn't tell Zhongli Venti's true identity, he only said that Venti was a friend in Mondstadt. But he still clearly remembered how Zhongli made a face and said Venti was a shame. The first impression was not so good; how did you two get together!?

Moreover, according to ancient people, Geo Archon and Anemo Archon loved each other very much, not like this.

He sighed and looked at Venti. "Why didn't you visit Zhongli yet?"

Aether also wondered about this; Zhongli himself confessed to him, he loved Venti very much. So why hadn't Venti visited Zhongli yet? These two are husband and wife, right?

Venti glanced forward, his eyes fixed on the lake in front of him. "Teyvat is about to have a war. I can't leave Mondstadt just like Zhongli can't leave Liyue, even though he has given up his position as Archon."

"He and I love each other, but at the same time, we put our country and people first."

Aether was speechless, although no longer Archons, both still devoted to their country. Being an Archon, to Aether, was a heavier responsibility than a reward.

"That's pretty stupid." Paimon hovered beside him, her arms crossed with judgmental eyes. "Right now, Teyvat is still peaceful. Why don't you two meet and spend precious time together? Furthermore, wouldn't it be better if the two of you worked together?"
Aether nodded at Paimon's words; he looked at Venti shaking his head with a small smile. "We've thought about this, but we're afraid the longer we're together, the more it'll be hard to let's go each other."

"Then why not go for it?" Aether said. "Mondstadt and Liyue both have wonderful guardians. I think while the two of you meet, the two lands will not be sunk in flames."

"Try to relax once, Venti, don't do anything you'll regret later."

Aether stood up, prompting Paimon to follow, turning his head to gaze at Venti again before leaving. Although Aether still couldn't believe everything, he didn't want them both to miss an opportunity as he had with Lumine. Leaving the person he loved was so painful.
______

A few days had passed since Aether and Paimon advised Venti. The two were busy training and earning money, so they didn't know if things were all right between them. Today, they had the break, so they decided to return to Liyue and went for the Empress domain. Upon learning that someone had solved the puzzle, Aether panicked and quickly teleported to Liyue Harbor to inform Zhongli.

But when they entered Liyue Harbor, there was a lot of gossips. This place was always buzzing, but today, everyone talked about a topic that caught Aether's attention.

"Did you know the Empress is back?"

"Really! Why so sudden?"

"Every year, Rex Lapis will remind the Qixing to take care of the Empress's places. At that time, I thought the Empress had passed away, but who knew they weren't."

"I feel a little sorry for the Empress who just woke up to hear their husband had been murdered."

"So will the Empress take over Liyue from Rex Lapis or…."

"I do not know."

Aether and Paimon looked at each other then ran to find Zhongli, they ran all over Liyue Harbor, asking people, but no one knew where Zhongli went. He then bet on elemental vision; there still a faint trace of element showed that Zhongli had been gone for quite some time. Aether needed to catch up before the trail disappeared.

"Hey, Aether wait!"

He dragged Paimon along without saying a word. They went to the high mountain near Liyue Harbor, climbing to reach the top. Zhongli's figure appeared in Aether's eyes, making Aether breathe out relief, then frozen when he saw another person.

Isn't that Venti?

"Hey, tone-de--" Aether quickly covered Paimon's mouth so she wouldn't ruin the air between the two.

They seem very intimate…

Maybe Aether should move away for a bit; he would talk to them about the problem later.
_______

"Traveller really knows how to feel the mood, unlike anyone else." Venti grinned, holding the harp in his hand, playing the soft, melodic music continually.

"It's been a long time; when will you let it go." Zhongli sighed, hand tightening his lover's waist.

"Ehe"

Venti giggled, resting his head on Zhongli's chest again, and continued to play their song, the song that Zhongli himself wrote for him, on the day of their marriage.

"Looks like the people of Liyue know that their Empress is back." Zhongli chuckled, hearing the wind chimes swaying in the fields and streets.

Venti pursed his lips and poked at Zhongli's muscular arms. "I didn't expect that Liyue still has those wind chimes."

"They like to preserve the legacy." Zhongli stroked his lover's hair. In fact, it was Zhongli who informed the people of Liyue every year to take care of these unique wind chimes because he was also waiting for his other half's return. He was always waiting for the wind chimes to ring so he could meet Venti again.

Venti looked at Zhongli; he just smiled and said nothing because he knew Zhongli. He immediately leaned up and kissed the corner of Zhongli's lip. "I love you."

Venti's sudden action took Zhongli by surprise but then leaned over to kiss Venti's lips, exchanging sweet kisses. "I love you too, my dearest."

"We should tell Aether that we opened the puzzle." Venti let go of Zhongli's arms, adjusted his clothes, and pretended not to see his husband's disappointed face.

Venti looked down at his finger, the gorgeous golden ring resting on his finger. Surprisingly, the ring still looked anew after many years.

"Let's get going, my beloved husband." Venti smiled mischievously, reaching out to his husband of two thousand years.

"Coming, my beautiful Empress." Zhongli shook his head and laughed. After two thousand years, they still haven't gotten used to all the pet names. Because, according to Venti, it's too sweet, too mushy, so they only used it when joking with each other.
Zhongli took the hand of his beloved; his emotions welling up reminded him of the old days. When they stood in front of heaven and earth, and the people of Liyue, showed their everlasting love as long as they lived.