Chapter Text
The sounds of heels on the stone-cold palace floors are heard throughout the room, echoing due to the silence of all her children waiting for the Tsaritsa to present herself.
Click, clack
The Tsarista makes her way in, her very presence demanding respect from everyone.The long trail of her dress drags across the floor as she circles around her chair and sits at the table. All of them sit down after her, looking at her for guidance. “May the frigid winter reign supreme, Your Majesty.”
The Tsaritsa does not delay in relaying the agenda, “To cement our bond with Liyue, and to fulfill our end of the contract, we will send one of our own to the Emperor of Liyue to be his lawful spouse. It is a blessing to be married to the Warrior God, Yanwang-Dijun.”
Sandrone scoffs, “A blessing? Who would want to be married to a man with a heart of stone? Although his wife is rather interesting to talk to…”
“Would that be any better than your current options? I wouldn’t be surprised if you married one of your robots, Sandrone.” Capitano states from the second closest chair to the Tsaritsa.
“At the very least I would have something that could support me, but what about you? Your hands are not used to holding anything other than a weapon.” Sandrone retorts, she only settles down as she feels Columbina turn her head in their direction.
Columbina innocently smiles, “Mother, do you already have anybody in mind?”
The Tsaritsa turns to look at their most recent member, “Tartaglia. Prepare yourself, you will leave when the night falls. Do not disappoint me.”
“Him? Why him of all people?” Sandrone mutters, her disgust showing clearly on her face.
“Wonderful! How wonderful! Yanwang-Dijun has aided us in several battles, perhaps we will be able to pay back our debt with this. Your Majesty is wise and sees beyond what we could see!” Punicella says, patting the young man on his back.
Said young man looks up to meet the eyes of his mother. He rises from his seat before dropping onto one knee, “Your son will not disappoint you.”
The Tsaritsa takes a good look at him, his copper hair shines against the pale light much like fire on a cold night. A slight warmth in the freezing tundra that is her nation, ravaged and being rebuilt from the centuries of wars. His eyes glow an eerie blue like beacons lulling and cursing sailors to depths of the ocean floor—her recent but most treasured son. She still cannot forget the day she and her husband met the young one, battered and beaten, breathing harshly on one of the many beaches of their nation. The memory of him snarling at them, getting up to fight despite the strain of slaying countless gods to the point making the island uninhabitable.
“It had to be done, for if not you then who?” The Tsaritsa had said at that moment, cradling the young man’s face in her hand. Brushing aside the dried and fresh blood off the man’s serpent scaled cheeks, being careful to avoid his sharp protruding horn that sat in the middle of his forehead. The young man had all but collapsed at that moment, she in turn carefully supported him, watching the way his tail moved, disrupting the vicious vortex that had been dragging minor gods down into the abyssal depths.
Holding him in her arms, she could not avoid noticing how young he was. Despite this, looking off to the side, his people continued to believe in him. Poking their heads out from the water and not leaving his side, with some of them holding spears and large nails, poised to attack.
She could feel the love they had for him, and the way he loved his people. As the goddess of love, how could she standby and seem them suffer? She did not hesitate to make a promise to them: she would save their lord and if she should fail, she would not protest when they dragged her down into the icy vortex…
She is not the only one looking at him, the eyes of her children stare at him with a mix of emotions. Rightfully so, he had only joined their little group for just under two centuries. While logic told them that he was just as capable, if not more, they still could not help to feel as if it was unfair.
Clearly, the Tsaritsa thought the same, as she turns away from the sight of the kneeling man, “Do not delay.”
“As Mother wishes, your son will comply,” Tartaglia says, standing back and leaving the large room, with only the echo of his shoes touching the floors to be heard.
Eventually, that too, disappears, leaving the meeting room in utter silence.
Most would be wary to break it, thankfully Capitano was always the straightforward one. “We should send guards to accompany him. His people at the very least should accompany him, was it Ekaterina and Nadia, the rusalki? ”
Columbina nods, smiling gently, “That would be good, his trusted subordinates should accompany wherever he goes. Although some new fabrics and silks to replace those garish robes he wears would also do him good, we wouldn't want him to bring down our mother’s good name by dressing in rags. A plethora of music instruments and jewelry too, he should be able to entertain himself and others, should he choose.”
“Sister, you are always too focused on aesthetics. It would be better to send him with manuals, and weaponry. Yanwang-Dijun has claimed the land of Liyue as the Geo Archon, but war is still prevalent!” Sandrone exclaims, shaking her head in exasperation.
“Send him books on the Liyuean Language, Etiquette, and History, so that he won’t be made a fool the moment he enters the palace walls. Either way, it’s relieving to see that you all are contributing to his dowry, what a kind-hearted gesture from you all to see the level of care you hold for our darling Tartaglia,” Punicella states, a knowing smug smile on his face.
Silence fills the hall once again, only to be broken by the cacophony of voices yelling at the old mayor for misinterpreting their words once again.The Tsaritsa takes in the chaos that is in the meeting hall, letting a small smile make its way onto her normally expressionless face.
She hopes Morax will treasure her son with all his heart, he won’t escape the biting cold if he doesn’t.
That was a promise.
***
Guizhong grabs her brush, moving away her sleeves so that they don’t impede her steady hand. Each stroke must be precise, for they will be immortalized on the plaques surrounding their city. “Teach with wisdom, be bound by virtue, fortify the bones, unite in ambition. The four virtues of the Guili Assembly…”
“Madam! Madam, there is a ship coming from Yaoguang! Should we gather the Adepti, oh no, Yanwang Dijun still hasn’t returned from handling matters in the east- '' The panicked servant stated, going back and forth in the small study.
Guizhong places down her brush, “No need. His Majesty is already on his way, we simply need to prepare for the ship to dock and begin the procedures as he’s asked for us to. Settle down, A-Ming.”
Li Ming, her most trusted maid, helps her get up and leads her outside of the study. As Guizhong overlooks the bustling nation before her, every single individual goes about their lives with slight weariness and unease, something she can still sense even from above.
She can see the ship slowly approaching from the horizon navigating the clear waters of Yanguang Shoal before landing in Luhua Palace. She sighs, her hands grasping on the stone rail, “Our assembly has not known peace for some time now, and I can only hope that what he’s planned will not worsen the conditions.”
“Madam?”
Guizhong turns around, her gown moving with the wind, “Prepare the main manor of Liuli Palace, it shall house Noble Consort Caeli of Snezhnaya as ordained by Yangwan Dijun.”
“Yes, Madam!” A’Ming says she walks away, her excitement clear on her face. With her A’Ming gone, Guizhong stands in the middle of the room before looking down at her hands. She summons the little bit of geo she can, ignoring the stinging that travels up her arm the moment she tries to harness anything more than a small floating rock. She lets go, watching the geo construct she made fall to dust on the floor. If she was stronger, would their situation be different?
It’s not the time to think of ifs and their endless possibilities. She gathers herself, heading down the walkway from her study to the main hall in the most inner portion of the palace. The walkway from her study to her palace overlooks the city, which flourishes and advances due the water of Luhua.
It’s been quite some time since this entire palace was built, her people coming to her and Morax with suggestions and ideas to honor them. Eventually, with the help of Morax and the Adepti, a giant palace and its subsidies was built in little time. Tianshan Palace at the very top of Mount Tianheng, followed by her Guizhang Palace closer to the Fields of North Tianheng which sat in the same range as Luhua Palace, its namesake due to its clear view of Luhua’s clear pools. At the mouth of the pool sat Liuli Palace, which overlooked the stream that transitioned the water from Luhua Pool down to Yaoguang. Across the stream and Liuli Place was Cuijue Palace. It happened to be the farthest from Tianshan Palace, but blessed with wonderful gardens. She had seen the start and finish of each palace, her people overzealous in providing them a space to rule and live in.
Her heart warms before it drops as she’s reminded of who exactly lives in each palace. Of course, not everyone was unpleasant. Liuli Palace housed Consort Ling and Concubine Wan, both of them were pleasant women who she regularly enjoyed dining with on evenings such as these. However, the same could not be said for Imperial Concubine Yu and Consort Xiu.
She looks over to Cuijue Place in the distance, her eyebrows furrowing as she thinks about how Consort Xiu would react to Morax’s decision. To bestow the title of Noble Consort to someone not from these lands, to a man, she can already hear Consort Xiu’s complaints surfacing under guise of maintaining order and tradition.
In fact, she can almost feel a headache forming just imagining the scenario. The feeling only becomes stronger as she walks into the receiving hall of Tianshan Palace and sees Morax already sitting, no, sprawled, on a chair, with his hood covering his eyes allowing only his mouth to be seen. She hastily sits down next to him before leaning over to scold him, “You-”
“Noble Consort Caeli has arrived. He shall enter the manor to pay his respects.” The servant announces, Guizhong sits up, watching carefully as the man in stunning red wedding robes walks through the doors. Whereas she cannot see his face, just by his presence alone, she can tell he’s quite the looker and someone not to be taken lightly. He’s the son of an ally, someone that has not gone back on their own promise, but she still can’t help to feel wary. Noble Consort Caeli steps forward kneeling before the two of them, and waiting to be acknowledged. She waits for Morax to speak only to be disappointed when he doesn’t say a word.
Fighting the urge to sigh, she shifts in her seat, “We’ve been anticipating your arrival, I’m sure you’ll find Liyue to be pleasant. As spouses of Yangwang Dijun, I hope we’ll have an amicable relationship. Now, while today is a day for celebrations, you’ve certainly traveled far to be welcomed into Liyue. With your lodgings prepared ahead of time, please go and have some rest.”
“Thank you for your grace, Empress Haagentus. I shall take my leave.” Noble Consort Caeli says, his voice smooth and steady. His movements were graceful, all of them following the etiquette and rules set in place. She couldn’t find a single flaw in his presentation, his facade.
Outstanding, she thinks, what else can she expect from Noble Consort Caeli, The Treasured Prince of Snezhnaya, Tartaglia, Overlord of the Devouring Deep?
In a futile attempt to at least give Noble Consort Caeli a heads up before he’s thrown into the impasse they find themselves in, she turns to Morax, “You should go visit him,”
Morax doesn’t respond.
However, even without a response, she can tell that she didn’t have to say anything. Not when Morax showed such obvious signs of intrigue .
***
The servant in front of him opens the doors as Ekaterina helps him over the boundary and into the manor he’ll call home. The servant steps aside once they are inside, “This servant will prepare hot water for a bath.”
“Shouldn’t I wait until His Majesty comes to unveil me and consummate our marriage?” Childe asks, looking at the servant through the gauzy veil.
The servant bows, “Apologies. His Majesty is known to not consummate any of his marriages. This servant does not mean to offend-“
“Only prepare the water once the moon has risen to its peak. Surely that’s enough time to judge if His Majesty will view me worthy enough to visit, wouldn’t you agree?” Childe says, walking to the most inner part of the manor, his sleeping chamber.
The servant nods, “As you wish, Noble Consort Caeli.”
Childe hums, letting the curtains fall as he walks to bed to wait for his husband. The material of the veil impedes his vision, Childe wants nothing more than to remove it after days of travel. Travel that pushed his limits, not being one to be away from water for that long. With that said, the lack of water has already made itself known, and while a simple bath would help, he knows that eventually he’ll have to find a way to find a good pool to soak in.
He sighs and plays with the hem of the veil, a futile attempt to calm the tension building up inside him. Although he told the maid confidently, he also is uncertain to what extent Yanwang-Dijun can involve himself and how far he’s willing to either directly or indirectly help him fulfill their end of the contract.
Tsaritsa, Archon of Snezhnaya,
Time has come for you to repay the involvement that I, Morax, held in order to contribute to your continued efforts to collect the debt of blood and war that Celestia forced upon us. As allies, the request for your own involvement during a pivotal time for Liyue, should come to no surprise.
With Qiong Qi in Lisha, Chi in Bishui Plains, Osial in Sea of Clouds, and BaQiu of Yaoguang impudently causing chaos at the border of my own Qiongji Estuary, Even I, do not have the ability to fell gods and protect my people from their the inevitable surge they’ll leave behind upon their deaths. Therefore, it is my solemn request for you to send your best warrior to aid in the protection of Liyue and its people.
Should the person you sent meet my expectation, I will be willing to entertain and speak on the plan you’ve meticulously worked hard to produce.
Set in Stone,
Archon of Liyue, Yanwang-Dijun
The Tsarista had met with Capitano and Columbina for days when the letter first came in. Eventually leading to his own assignment to the Nation of Commerce, Liyue. Childe was only given the context of the letter once he had boarded the boat, a secret gift most likely prepared to him by Pulcinella. Letters that ultimately let him know of the surface issue rather than the intricacies that were in play in this recovering war-torn land. A land with strong enemies that even Morax himself was hesitant to take on alone, Childe feels his fingers twitch, wanting to test his own prowess against foreign gods.
The sound of footsteps broke his thoughts, he smooths the wrinkled fabric and places his hands in his laps. He looks down, his heart racing as he sees the black and gold shoes of Yanwang-Dijun from underneath the veil.
“I was beginning to think that you would not show.” Childe says, looking at Morax’s obscured face through the veil.
“I’ve only come to lift up your veil. Consummating our marriage is not a requirement, nor something I will seek this evening.” Morax states, his smooth voice betraying no emotion. He tries not to smile at the words, perhaps not this evening but another?
Childe watches as Morax’s hands hold the bottom of the veil, slowly bringing it up and off his head. The action reveals his orange hair that glows like embers as the Tsarista loves to say, the way his hair frames his heart shaped face and plump lips, a face of beauty. Childe knows he’s easy on the eyes, though it’s another matter having a god look at him with a hint of desire, it does wonders to his confidence.
Morax has yet to move from his spot, silently staring at him. He feels his heart race, before chuckling, “Is there something you like, Lord Morax?”
The god looks away, but Childe doesn’t want to run away, to back down. Not when he feels the desire to have the gods full attention on him. Childe leans forward, tilting in an attempt to take a good look the god’s face. With a hum, he boldly asks, “When do I get to unveil you?”
A small huff escapes Morax, “You certainly are curious, Noble Consort Caeli.”
Still, he leans down and reaches the perfect height for Childe to push back the hood he wears. Fueled by said curiosity, Childe reaches out, pushes the hood back, and lets it fall on his shoulders.
The first thing that Childe notices is his husband’s eyes. A glowing amber, much like the cor lapis that adorns the hillsides of mountains, accentuated by deep red liner. His face was framed by brown hair and golden tips, which glowed from the power of geo he used. Childe has always been appreciative of literature, yet here he finds himself failing to string together words that truly portray the gods' beauty.
Upon seeing his own speechlessness, Morax lets a small smile reach his face. “Have your words failed you?”
It should be illegal, Childe briefly thinks as his heart melts at the sight, for a handsome man like him to smile in such a way. Childe feels his throat dry up, he looks away as heat travels from his neck to his ears. It’s not the first time they’ve seen each other, yet, somehow it feels completely different. Perhaps it’s because they've never seen each other’s faces, always obscured by a bright red mask or by a white hood that the mere view is enough to make them stumble for their words.
Childe can hear Morax’s small chuckle as he rises from his position, “The moon will soon reach its peak, and with it I must leave. I’ve come only to greet you and respect you as a spouse should. Come tomorrow, the Adepti and I will head out to finally conquer the Qiong Qi of Lisha. While the Tsaritsa has informed me of your battle prowess…”
Morax seems to hesitate, and with it, Childe feels the light mood from earlier fade away. “As useful as it is, your raw power is not the only thing needed here.”
Childe lowers his head, the sound of dangling ornaments reminding him of his task, “My Mother has explained my role in this contract to me, My Lord. I will not fail to meet your expectations.”
Morax is silent, his neutral face fading to one of grave seriousness. “For the sanctity and sustainment of the contract, I certainly hope that you’re able to back up your words with actions.”
Childe looks up at him, crossing his hand over his heart, “Then, upon your return, I promise to prove my words to be true.”
“The Tsarista’s promises have never been broken, whether yours are the same- I will have to wait and see…” Morax states, as he walks away from Childe, exiting the room to continue on with own duties. Childe waits until he hears Morax leave the manor before letting out a deep sigh.
It seems like he has his work cut out for him. While he doesn’t enjoy the usual scheming and plotting of the Harbingers, he’ll do what he has to in order to further the goals of his Royal Mother.
Plus, he thinks, he’s always up for a challenge.
***
He looks at himself in the bronze mirror, his hair is too short to support the palace provided ornaments, but he makes do by using the ones the harbingers provided to him. He raises the small simple tiara to his head, aligning it so that the small hanging red pendant hangs in the middle of his forehead. He feels Ekaterina place the light blue shawl over his shoulders, hiding the sleeveless dark blue form fitting changshan he’s worn today.
“Your Grace, we should leave to go greet Her Highness.” Ekaterina says as finishes the last touches of his make-up.
Childe nods, standing up and letting Ekaterina guide him to the sedan chair that will bring him to the Guizhang Palace. The guards and palace servants accompany him, helping him board the sedan that will take them across the walkways to the bottom of the stairs that belong to the Empress’s Palace. The actual ride there is uneventful, Childe spent much of the time pondering over Morax’s words. There wasn’t much he was able to currently do to aid in the war efforts physically, even so, he was certain he could pull strings here and there to subtly stir the pot. That is of course, if there wasn’t already tension and plots occurring within the palace.
The sedan chair stops right at the bottom of the stairs, but just as he was being helped off and guided towards the stairs, he saw another chair arrive. The young woman, wearing a mix of bright red and cream dress, is helped off the chair with her hair accessories making a small twinkling sound. Childe takes note of her carefully braided and tied white hair along with her bright red eyeliner, three petal huadian, and golden nail guards. She moves carefully, skillfully, with the grace that could have only been taught from years of practice. Many would admire and envy her grace, the obvious care she takes of her image and her manners.
Childe is not one of them, the only thing he feels for her as he looks down at her is concealed contempt and judgment. He did not know her, and yet, she had told him everything he needed to know about her: a calculating snake that cared only about herself and furthering her motives.
This is Consort Xiu, Daughter of BaiQiu: Bai Zhieli.
A Consort, an official and legal wife, one title lower than his, yet she dressed as if she was the Empress of Liyue. Even Empress Haggentus did not use bright colors like she did, preferring creams, light blues, and grays much like he did. Childe turns around, walking up the remaining flight of stairs to the Empress’s welcoming hall. He walks in and is guided to the chair closest to her, he watches as the other women slowly file in, all sending barely hidden looks at Consort Xiu. They all kneel as the Empress walks in to sit down first, “Greeting to Her Highness, may you live a thousand years,”
“Sit down,” the Empress orders, they all sit down carefully in their seats.
She turns to Childe, “Noble Consort Caeli, last night, I was not able to welcome you properly due to the long travel you made to arrive here. As a gesture of my goodwill to you, please accept these earrings.”
Childe looks at the earrings of the servant, taking it out of the box to admire the way it shines in the light, “Empress Hagentus, I am truly honored and touched by your care. To show my thanks, I shall wear them immediately.”
The Empress smiles, turning to the other women, “Noble Consort Caeli is the youngest son of Her Majesty, The Tsaritsa. She has been a long-standing ally of Liyue and a true friend to His Majesty for centuries. It pleases me to see that with Noble Consort Caeli’s marriage into the palace, Liyue will be closer to Snezhnaya.”
Consort Ling, the petite woman dressed in a purple hanfu, sets down her tea cup, “I heard that Snezhnaya is quite cold, the women and men wear thick fabrics and coats that protect them from the frigid temperatures. Even so, seeing Noble Consort Caeli in his beautiful changshan, I'm sure he’ll fit right in Liyue.”
“I don’t find Liyue to be much different than Snezhnaya, at least when it comes to etiquette and manners. I’m sure you will feel at peace within the palace.” Empress Haagentus before she lifts up her tea cup, “Although, Noble Consort Caeli, among the women in the palace, yours is the highest, please indulge yourself in wearing more elaborate clothes, I will send some more accessories for you to choose from.”
“I still have much to learn, but I appreciate your words, Your Majesty.” Childe states as he lifts up his cup, he debates bringing up Consort Xiu’s dress, he decides against it in the end. The last thing he wants is to aggravate others too early, he must not rush to win. Fights are more enjoyable when they’re hard won than they are when they finish too early.
“Even if you have much to learn, Noble Consort Caeli seems more well-educated than Consort Xiu. Today, she’s dressed in bright bold colors, it’s as if she’s the one new to Liyue.” The woman in green, Concubine Qiu, states as she opens her white fan. “It’s as if she has no one to teach her.”
Consort Xiu looks at her hand, as if she’s used to Concubine Qiu’s tactics, “Today is the Festival of Lights in Yaoguang, we are not prohibited from celebrating our own rituals under His Highness’s gracious rule. I’m simply wearing the clothes my people would wear, but I do not expect someone like Concubine Qiu to know this.”
“Enough.” Empress Haagentus says, looking at the two of them. “Consort Xiu, while His Majesty does not prohibit the celebration, the rules do state to limit said celebrations to your personal palace. Yesterday, I spent my time greeting dignitaries and handling the affairs of the state. I have no wish to hear you two bicker. You two are dismissed, and not to leave your respective palace for the rest of the day. As for the rest of you, you are free to leave and enjoy the day as usual.”
All of them kneel, “As you’ve ordered, we shall follow, Your Majesty.”
Childe heads out the door, following the small crowd to the sedan chairs only to be stopped by Consort Ling, “Noble Consort Caeli, it's still early to go back to our palaces. Empress Haagentus has invited us over for tea and snacks, will you accompany me?”
“Her Highness is thoughtful of me, if it isn’t too much, please lead the way.” Childe says, as he accompanies Consort Ling across a bridge and into a small courtyard not far from the entrance hall of Guizhang Palace. The courtyard is surrounded by glaze lilies, big and small, with the only place to sit being the small stone table set up in the middle.
The Empress is accompanied only by her right hand maid, Lady Ping. Childe bows, only to be stopped. “There’s no need to observe the rules in this place.”
Childe is carefully guided to sit, offered tea and small cookies to eat. The Empress takes one look at him, “Your name, it was Tartaglia, correct?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Childe answers, wary and unsure of what she plans to do.
“Tartaglia, I’m sure Morax has already talked to you about what he expects. Everyone who is tied to him has a contract, from a noble man to an Empress, we all have a duty to fulfill. Which means aside from the-“ She pauses as her hand maiden sets down blueprints, “thing the two of you have going on, you are also expected to carry out other duties assigned to you.”
She opens the blueprints, allowing him to look at them. “The Tsaritsa was generous enough to give me these blueprints in turn for a few minerals we had in our possession. However, Snezhnaya script and terminology prove to be a barrier. Previously, we would have to wait weeks for our inquiries to be answered, whereas with you here...”
“It won’t be an issue.” Childe reads the familiar script of Sandrone breaking down each piece of the equipment to its smallest components. Yet, Childe only needs once glance to understand that it’s a turret one that can be used to kill minor gods. He explains that to the Empress, who eagerly bombards him with questions.
Yes, it can be used atop towers. In Snezhnaya we use pyro and electro, though other elements could be used as well. No, the loading is done automatically. Maintenance is every century, but my sister is always making updates as she comes up with them. Tampering with the actual firing mechanism would be ill-advised, tampering with the amount of firepower, however, should be fine. Yes, a fail safe has been placed-
The Empress writes it all down, seemingly sketching new plans for her to bring to fruition. Childe watches as each answer brings about changes in the plan, becoming more specific with each minute that passes. She places her brush down, looking over it one last time before she shows him the new blueprints. Blueprints that look like a majestic flying palace with an array adapted from the very technology his sister had created.
Sandrone would be proud of her ingenuity.
“If you really want to pack a punch, I would also add Noctilucous Jade and Trishiraite for a six-petal purifying array. When you add those together, not even Osial would be able to pose an issue.” Childe says, pointing at the way the Wonder Cores.
Guizhong purses her lips, “Wouldn’t the addition cause the mechanisms to overheat?”
“If that becomes a concern, then grinding Beryl Conches to circulate between the Wonder Cores could be an easy and maintainable solution.” Childe responds, summing hydro to demonstrate the formation and how the energy would flow between the mechanisms. Guizhong keeps his words in mind, making small changes in the formation before presenting the blueprint again. This time Childe has no more suggestions, only offering to help her with the collection of materials should she want them.
“It is alright, we have plenty of soldiers to do that work for us.” Guizhong says as she summons her servant, Lady Ping to her side to serve the two of them more tea. He sips the tea, noting how Guizhong’s eyes linger on the exposed wrists of her servant. Childe looks down, wondering if this is a move he should play. He has nothing against the Empress, and yet, he can’t help to wonder.
Childe grins, he’s never been one to hold his tongue. “The Empress seems to be quite interested in the creation of weapons, I am glad to see my sister's work being used and improved upon. On the topic, what else does the Empress like to do?”
“Typically, I spend time working on my own experiments. However, on the days that I have time to spare, I enjoy painting, singing, and playing instruments with my fellow court ladies or Adepti.” The Empress answers, her answer giving little to go off of, regardless, Childe will not relent.
“The Empress doesn’t spend her free time with His Majesty?” Childe asks, reaching towards a pastry. Giving her the sense that he isn’t really paying much attention to her and what she’s saying.
The Empress looks at Childe, hesitance in her tone, “His Majesty is busy leading the war amongst other things. Surely, as a lieutenant, you would understand.”
“That is correct.” Childe smiles leaning forward, “Yet, Her Majesty seems to be more interested in women than His Majesty.”
The courtyard becomes tense. Except Childe isn’t interested in holding a card on someone he knows he doesn’t have to fight or scheme around. Childe looks at Lady Ping, her face is thunderous, and he can’t hold back a laugh, “Oh, don’t worry. As you said earlier, there is no need to observe rules in this place. I simply just pointed out something I noticed, there is no benefit for me holding this over your head.”
Childe stands up, “Guizhong, right?”
Guizhong eyes widen, “How do you-”
“I was promised a gift for my service here in Liyue. I happen to be eyeing a dragon, so I had hoped that you wouldn’t be an obstacle. Zhongli mentioned that you preferred the company of women over his. I doubted his words, after all, who wouldn’t want to be in the company of a man like him? Still, I am glad to see that it’s true. It makes me feel a little less worse for coming here to disrupt the peace. I take no pleasure in scheming, you see.” Childe says, before extending a hand out towards her.
Guizhong looks puzzled, reaching up to grab his hand. Childe knew that wary as she was, Morax would not disclose their names easily. Childe let go before bowing to her, “It’s nice to meet you, Guizhong. You can call me Childe, if that’s what you wish. I hope to get along with you as we share the same goals in the end.”
The goddess assessed him for a second, before her shoulders fell in relaxation and she smiled back, “I look forward to getting along with you as well, Childe.”
***
Childe has spent most of the following week accompanying Guizhong and Lady Ping in evenings. With each subsequent meeting, he found out more and more about the situation plaguing Liyue and the court politics he was being dragged into. With Guizhong as his ‘teacher’ there was little he was privy to, even the stories and past grievances of the harem were aired out.
“Consort Ling is a bright woman, a good friend of mine, who oversees the Textile Division with ease. As a child of the Goddess of Weaving, she knows much about business, so it is only natural for her to be awarded the title and given her status and importance to Guili. She is much like me, in a number of ways. Now, Consort Xiu is of the same rank as her, but I’m sure you don’t need me to talk about her, do you?” Guizhong says as she raises her cup up, the two of them listening to Lady Ping play her zither on the far left. While waiting for the metal impurities to melt out of one of the key components for the Ballista, they decided to take a small tea break out on the patio of Guizhong’s study.
She holds the cup in her hands, the warmth grounding her, “Imperial Concubine Yu was handed over by her mortal mother. Not one to care for ranks or favor, she doesn’t present much of an issue. She is very much a friend of Consort Xiu”
Childe can’t help but purse his lips, those who don’t present much issue only ever come back like a hounding dog: out for blood. He keeps that thought inside, continuing to listen to Guizhong and her small lecture.
Guizhong pulls her knees up to her chest, “In the concubine rank, we have Concubine Wan and Concubine Qiu. Concubine Wan is also a friend of mine. She is a mortal woman who thinks the best of people, innocent in a way that makes her naive. However, she will carry out any orders on my behalf. I can only assume she still believes that she must repay me for getting her out of that horrible marriage. Concubine Qiu, on the other hand, there is nothing more she enjoys than drama. She came as a part of a peace offering, an illegitimate daughter from a rival god that’s been vanquished prior to your arrival. Happy to sow chaos, she cares not for ranks and runs her mouth if she thinks she’ll get a rise out of someone.”
“She sounds like the stereotypical antagonist for a play.” Childe comments, chewing on peanuts as the clouds roll in from above.
Guizhong chuckles, “She’s more like a one-sided villain, canon fodder even. She’s quite bitter and manipulable.”
“Huh. Well, they have yet to bother me, to which I can only attribute that to you, jiejie .” Childe flicks a peanut shell towards Guizhong. His words ring true, most of the women in harem don’t bother him, only dishing out snide remarks here and there, if at all. He’s sure they think that he could not pose a threat to them, even taking into account his title. He could not bear heirs, so of course, the only reason why he could be there was to protect the palace.
Guizhong glares at him, throwing the peanut shell back. “If only they knew how much trouble you are, didi .”
“How am I trouble? I’ve been on my best behavior since I’ve arrived. I wouldn’t be here helping you with your project if I wasn’t!” Childe teasingly says, picking up his own tea cup.
Lady Ping stops playing, “Sending Yangwang-Dijun poetry almost every week under the guise of ‘reports’, infiltrating the houses of almost each harem member, and being a nuisance to Guizhong is your best behavior? I wouldn’t want to see you at your worst, then.”
“How hurtful, meimei! ” Childe calls out, before standing up to go check on the smelting progress. “I can assure you that Zhongli loves my poetry!”
“If the only entertainment was poorly written scriptures, then I guess this one could learn to be slightly amused.” Lady Ping retorts, her gaze landing on Guizhong who had fallen silent.
“Guizhong?” Lady Ping calls out, breaking Guizhong out of her thought she suddenly found herself in.
Guizhong hums, acknowledging her lover’s inquiry, “On the topic, how did you find out about Zhongli’s name? He doesn’t share that easily, surely not within one night, no matter how interested he was in you.”
“He told me himself,” Childe pokes the warming crystals around, “I met him in Snezhnaya.”
Guizhong sips her tea, her interest piqued, “That much is obvious, but you aren’t, ah, spilling the tea .”
“Is my escapades with Zhongli that interesting to you?” Childe raises an eyebrow. How nosey of her, it’s not like he could fault her for it even if he wanted to though.
“Of course they are, how could they not be.” Guizhong counters, leaning forward as he comes back and sits down.
Childe doesn’t see the harm in it, and relents. “The first time I saw him, he was fighting in our sparring field…”
Childe holds his mother hand, accompanying her to the reception hall close by. The both of them are followed by royal knights, walking slowly across the bridge built overseeing the frozen lake near the sparring fields. During times like these, it was common to accompany his mother to the fields, who saw it her responsibility to make sure he was never slacking in his training. Not that it was much of a struggle, training against her own skills was always entertaining to say the least. However, it was uncommon to hear anyone else in the field. His head snaps to the right, hearing the sounds of a spar not far from their path. Intrigued, he runs forward to see two men clashing their chosen weapons with admirable strength. Captino sparring was not a surprise, seeing the newest ally of his Mother, the Geo Archon, was.
The Geo Archon and Capitano matched blow to blow, each swing precisely calculated to immobilize the other. Normally, Childe would be too focused on the fight, but the Geo Archon’s outfit was a sight to see. Those onyx arms flexed with each decisive swing of his spear with moves that he had not seen before-
Childe was no stranger to desire, it was just seeing such strength and confidence in a man, it certainly brought on the ardent need to challenge him. Perhaps, even pin him down and shake the god’s very heart. Morax, he remembered, was a god that ruled over Geo. He could tell, it was firmly reflected in how he moves as if he was indestructible, not once giving Capitino an inch to gain. One strong swing caused Capitano to trip, a slip up, and one that Morax took full advantage of. Morax moves with grace, lifting up his leg and roundhouse kicking Capitano straight in the chest, before a spear appears right at the man’s throat. Childe leans forward, trying to get a better view of Morax. He wonders if Morax would be willing to teach him that move. He feels a hand grab his scarf, “Lean further and you’ll make a fool of yourself and me.”
“Mother! Apologies I…” Childe feels himself try to find the words as he finds Morax staring right at him. The gaze of a dragon, and one that Childe did not think he would ever feel. He had given up on the idea of a mate, a hybrid like himself.
The Tsaritsa looks between the two of them, a sinking feeling forms in her gut. She holds on tighter, squeezing the scarf, before she reluctantly lets go. “I happen to need to speak with Capitano, yet I cannot leave Morax alone. Tartaglia, what do you think about accompanying the Geo Archon for the day?”
“Of course, after seeing such moves. I could not bear to say no, I wanted nothing more than to test my own skills against the power I saw that day.” Childe recounts, sipping his tea. He wonders if his Mother knew then, how exactly Morax intrigued him.
Guizhong wrinkles her nose, “And here I thought it would be more romantic…”
“This is not a novel…” Childe mutters, before huffing, “Still, even after I relentlessly pursued him in hopes to teach me those moves, he never did. Instead, I found myself taking him around the city.”
Childe glances at Morax, trying to judge if his choice of venue was appreciated. The Grand Opera was a last minute choice, thankfully, going off Morax’s posture, it was a good one. He wonders if he should bring up their spar again, it would only be the tenth time he’s denied him since they’ve met. Surely that isn’t too much, was it? His fingers twitched, wanting to summon his blades to fight the god that occupied his mind completely be it day or night. It had only been a week or so since they’ve started to go out on daily outings, Childe still felt as if it was not enough. He wants nothing more than to spend more time with him, but their duties often pull them away. Not that he is complaining, being of service to the Tsaritsa is the greatest honor of all.
“Your thoughts seem to occupy your mind more tonight, should we turn in for the night?” Morax asks, pulling Childe away from his internal dilemma.
Childe shakes his head, smiling before he remembers that Morax would not be able to see with his mask in the way. “There is no need. In fact, I happened to hear that a new cook will be arriving today and serving some food native to Fontaine, perhaps a dinner would be a perfect way to end the night?”
Morax takes a couple seconds to answer, “Very well. So long as you share the story you spoke of earlier.”
“Ah! How could I forget? Tell me, xiansheng, did you know that at one point Snezhnaya had three major gods? One to oversee the sky, the land, and the sea, they worked in harmony in order to achieve glory and prosperity to all. However, as you know, times of peace rarely stay the same—” Childe starts off, extending his arm so that Morax could use him to balance himself, a habit he has gained from escorting the Tsaritsa. He doesn’t expect Morax to take the offer, so he slightly jumps when he feels the god’s warm hand touch his forearm.
He tries to play it off, “Their titles are recorded in all of our history books, whereas their names are private, only to be uttered by their closest ones. Although, I’ve heard Liyue also practices this tradition… ”
“You would be correct. It is the same in Liyue, where one uses a family name or title when spoken to. Given names are to only be shared between those who share close bonds.” Morax says in his usual deep voice that shakes the heart of many, including Childe.
“Then, is Morax your given name?” Chidle bluntly asks, going as far as turning and blocking his path up to the stairs of the guest palace. He doesn’t expect anything, simply goading him into finally accepting the spar he’s wanted for over a week. Or he should say, he expects to be told to behave or simply brushed off. But Morax always exceeds anything Childe thinks might happen.
“It is one of the many names I use. One that shouldn’t be used lightly, perhaps if you prove to be patient enough, I’ll be willing to share the one I let only those closest to me utter.” Morax chuckles, a light one, almost indiscernible, “Of course, it would only be fair for you to allow me the honor of learning yours in return. Don’t you agree?”
Childe most certainly did, except he didn’t speak it, instead falling back and offering his hand once more. He could endure a couple more days of accompanying Morax, he thinks.
“In the end, we never made it to dinner. We spent the entire evening talking in the Frost Gardens of Snezhnaya. I also never got the spar I wanted. I suppose that learning Zhongli’s name was enough for me.” Childe finishes his story, looking up to both women who stare at him as if he’s grown three heads.
Guizhong is the first to speak, “Those meetings were meant to bolster the allyship between Liyue and Snezhnaya. To think he spent them on romantic outings….”
“It’s not as if you can speak, using the pretense of her being your head servant just so that you can spend every waking moment beside each other…” Childe grumbles, before standing up to finish the task he actually came here for.
Guizhong wrinkles her nose, sighing as she stretches, “Eh. I still thought there would be more.”
“Or maybe, you don’t want to share?” Lady Ping inquires, her far to knowing eyes staring at his back as he tries to cool down and shape the smelted metal. Childe doesn’t answer, and Lady Ping knows enough to shepherd Guizhong’s attention on something else and drop the subject. She takes Guizhong into the other room to pull out some of the necessary supplies for the next steps, gracious isn’t she?
Childe chuckles, focusing back on his task, before quietly muttering to himself, “Ever the insightful one, huh? Forgive me then, for wanting to keep some of our memories only between the two of us. I happen to be quite greedy with them…”
“Zhongli. It’s the name I currently only share with close friends of mine.” Zhongli says as he leans against Childe’s shoulder, an attempt to share some warmth. He cannot fault him, they’ve been ice-skating for hours, and the weather hasn’t exactly been forgiving. Spurred on by guilt, Childe takes off his coat, slightly moving the Archon, before draping it on and moving Zhongli back where he was contently snuggling into him.
Ah. He really couldn’t deny it. Heat floods his face, becoming even more pronounced as he whispers, “Zhongli.”
Zhongli looks at him, amber eyes that shine with a warmth that Childe has not felt in decades. He feels himself falter, before he musters up the courage.
“It’s nice to be by your side, Zhongli.” Ajax says, his eyes shining with an eerie bioluminescent glow that points his power, a power of an immortal, “As a friend, as your Ajax.”
***
It has been months since Morax has left to fight Qiong Qi in Lisha. Childe has settled himself in, establishing a routine here. In the mornings he will greet Guizhong with the rest of the women, he will have breakfast with Guizhong typically chatting about romance novels and the latest inventions she managed to cook up. Afterwards, he will go back and work on the records given to him by Guizhong, this will take up most of his afternoon, but he stops right before the evening comes so he can have his dinner. It’s a simple yet well-established schedule, one that Xiao Ying and Xiao Ming have gotten used to.
He thinks back to the marks that Xiao Ying had on her wrists. It’s clear that Consort Xiu is becoming impatient with the lack of results from the two spies she's planted in his court. It won’t be long till one of them cracks and becomes sloppy in an attempt to appease their lady. They’ve already provided him with plenty of information either way. Their little escapades to Dihua Marsh in order to provide false information on Yanwang-Dijun and his rule to Chi of all gods have not gone unnoticed. Honestly, did Consort Xiu really believe that the two maids she planted would not be caught?
He goes back to writing his report, recalling the words that Ekaterina and Nadia had told him from their investigations. He was glad that Pucinella was smart enough to smuggle some of his people with him, it made communications and covering as much ground as possible incredibly easy. After all, where there was water, his people and him could infiltrate it.
Baqiu has initiated contact with Chi.
Collaboration between them is highly possible.
Guizhong’s Floating Palace is still missing some vital parts, namely Subrosium, Sunset Vermillionite, and Star Splinter Iron. However, once completed it will be able to be deployed and used by Guizhong. The Ballista and Six-Petal Purifying Array have already been developed and are ready to be merged with said palace.
The development of Nine Pillar Array has been stalled due to insufficient geo power.
By the time Your Majesty’s returns, the first phase of Defensive and Protective Measures will be completed.
Your Consort awaits diligently for your return…
Childe signs his title on the enchanted parchment, folding it into a small square, before conjuring up a small hydro narwhal to deliver the message straight to Yangwang Dijun. He stretches, before his hands go back to the small embroidered tapestry he had been detailing for the past month. He threads the needle, working slowly to build the geo symbols around the border of the tapestry.
“Noble Consort Caeli, forgive my interruption. Her Majesty has summoned you to have dinner with her in the Luhua Pool Courtyards.” Xiao Ying says, her hands fiddling with the ends of her sleeves.
Childe narrows his eyes, not getting up from his stool, “Where is Ekaterina?”
“Miss Ekaterina is currently speaking to the Department of Rituals about the quality of black coal being sent to the palace as winter will soon arrive.” Xiao Ying moves towards the door, clearly expecting Childe to drop it. Childe grabs the small tapestry, setting it down on his workspace, noting the amount of “confidential” plans placed on it. He grabs them and stores them into a small compartment attached to his desk, making a show of grabbing a small key from his sleeves and locking it. He takes no pleasure in being sneaky, but he knows when resources have run dry. A simple bait for her to slip up could bring forwards more rewards, even if it came at the cost of people. His priority will always be the happiness and orders of his Royal Mother, and by extension, Zhongli. Once locked, he briefly tidies himself up, and leaves his room. He watches Xiao Ying linger for a couple seconds, before she catches up to him and walks him to Luhua Pool Courtyards. No one lived in these courtyards and those lovely pools made him want to ask for Zhongli to move him here. Yet, his current place had its advantages, and he hadn’t exactly accomplished much yet. He turns his gaze instead to the table where Guizhong and Lady Ping were waiting for him.
Guizhong is seated beside Lady Ping, the two of them oddly close, so much so that Childe quickly dismisses Xiao Ying. He gets close and just as they lean into each other he separates them with a quick insert of his hand. The two of them rear back, looking at him in shock. He smirks and joins them at their dinner table, “The two of you will get caught one day, if you aren’t careful.”
Guizhong nervously chuckles, “Aiyah, Childe. We didn’t expect you to get here that soon.”
“Well I didn’t expect the two of you to be seconds from interlocking lips, but I guess we are surprised by new things everyday.” Childe retorts pointing at them with his chopsticks.
Lady Ping deadpans, “Don’t do that, it’s rude.”
“What’s rude is the two of you locking lips and force feeding me dog food.” Childe says as he shoves a small dumpling into his mouth, ignoring his friend's disgusted look.
“It’s not that we want to, it's just one of the few times we can be ourselves…” Guizhong trails off, looking wistful. Childe chews and lowers his chopsticks as the women look away from each other, their shoulders hunched. He places his chopsticks down, crossing his arms, “You’re married to Morax, and even if you don’t necessarily love him as a lover, wouldn’t it not look good for you to have someone on the side?”
Guizhong nods, looking at Lady Ping, “A-Ping also deserves more than that. She should be able to hold my hand in public, to be honored and recognized as my spouse. I don’t want-”
“I would be fine-”
“How can I do that to you?” Guizhong interrupted, her eyebrows scrunched together as if they’ve had the same conversation millions of times before. He hums, shakily placing the meat and steamed veggies on each of their plates.
He stirs the sauce and pushes it towards them, contemplating if his own advice would be welcomed. “Eat.”
The two of them look at him, and grab their own utensils in order to eat the food he placed for them. Childe doesn’t hesitate to grab more for himself, “When the Tsarista told me of my assignment, I was determined to bring her joy and was looking forward to the promise of excitement the mission brought.”
“I desire, live, for battle and combat. To me, the outcome of the battle is irrelevant, what matters is what you learn from it, the strength you gain from it. To be married to Morax, it is not a hardship, not when it allows me to grow more, to experience more. I am quite eager to be here, to fight, and to be married to a man who most certainly holds his own against me.” He looks over to the pools, the way they remain still against the sturdy rock they're surrounded with.
He looks back at the pair, “I can understand that it’s not the same for you. You are strong, the two of you, but your strength lies elsewhere than hand to hand combat. There is no shame in that, just as there is no shame in realizing that at one point you had to rely on someone else’s strength to harness your own. Nevertheless, at some point you will have to stand up and go on your own, Guizhong, isn’t it time for you to depart?”
Guizhong looks up at the sky, looking at the floating civilization in the sky, “I love my people. I love A-Ping. Just like your Tsarista, just like Morax and Marchosius I have a duty to fulfill. How can I part from them?”
“Your people aren’t so weak that they need to be coddled like that by you. Humans have their own strengths, you know this, and they will not only have Morax but me as well.” Chidle says, his voice harsh enough that Guizhong feels reprimanded.
He looks at her, before softly apologizing, “You do not need to feel guilty for wanting to be your own person and having your own needs. You may be a goddess with duties to fulfill, at the same time, that does not rid you of emotions or wants. Plus, I’m sure when the time comes that you wish to lead your people once again, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.”
Guizhong contemplates his words, her lips pursed and eyebrows close, before she sharply turns to look at Lady Ping, “A-Ping! I may not be able to marry you now, but once we’ve solidified our rule more, would you do the honor of accepting me as your wife?”
Lady Ping goes bright red in an instant, her cheeks flushing as she fumbles her words. Childe can only hear a small mutterance of acceptance, before she’s tackled to the ground by Guizhong. Seeing their happiness, Childe can’t help feeling its warmth. In truth, these were the same words the Tsaritsa had told him some time ago when his heart started to open to a certain amber-eyed god. He was also not the type to set aside his own duties, or pursue his own goals if they clashed with the Tsaritsa. Yet his goddess, his mother was kind enough to allow him this respite.
He laughs as they talk over each other, making millions of plans in a minute. Really, once you get Guizhong going, there is no going back. The smile fades as he watches Guizhong’s maid quickly walk into the courtyard. In an instant, he is up, hiding the two of them from sight, “What is it?”
“Noble Consort Caeli! Dijun! Yanwang Dijun is back! He defeated Qiongqi of Lisha!” Li Ning panics as she paces and tries to recount the story of how Yangwang Dijun was able to corner the beast and slay him once and for all.
Morax was back.
***
The palace was in a frenzy with the arrival of Morax. Palace servants seem to always have somewhere to go and somewhere to be. He was no exception.
Childe held back a groan as he felt Ekaterina rearrange his hair for what seemed to be the third time today. It had grown a little which allowed his servant to braid a couple of pieces to tie at the back and adorn with small twinkling pearls and dangling gems. He looks in the bronze mirror, eyeing the way that the golden liner accentuates the blue of his eyes. He feels the light gray shawl draped over shoulders, accentuating the dark blue cloud adorned silk over robe and tight mesh bodysuit that make up his outfit today. He rubs at the gap that conveniently aligns with the mesh bodysuit, allowing for some sort of decency to be observed. He couldn’t walk out with his chest fully on display, he didn’t need to play that role…
At least not at this point.
He’s rushed into the carriage that will join the entourage towards the Dihua Marsh, the land that the Goddess of Salt has allowed them to use. Childe looks out the window, peeking out and waving as people light up at the chance of seeing him. It seems that he’s gonna be quite the talk of the assembly after this. He closes his eyes, hiding away from the window as he tries to predict what could possibly happen during the feast. It would be safe to stay with Guizhong, but then he’s risking losing out on new information. The carriage stops, and Childe does his best to put on a small smile as he walks out of the carriage to join all of the other consorts behind Morax and Guizhong.
Many of the guests already there, minor gods and deities that have sworn fealty towards Morax in some way or another.
“Entering, Yangwang-Dijun and Empress Haagentus!” The official announces,
The first part of the feast goes by in a blur, he finds himself holding a glass of wine and conversing with minor gods he didn’t pay attention to when introducing themselves. He sips on the wine, eyes scanning the crowd and stopping on people crowding a small group of people. It doesn’t take long for him to identify each of the prominent figures as Osial, Beisht, Chi, and Baqiu. He wonders why they would be so obvious, but if they carry enough arrogance to think they can take on Morax, then why be discrete?
He hums, before his attention is grabbed by the women next to him.
“- was said to be personally chosen by Her Majesty, only she seems to be pitied more than respected in the palace. A woman as old as her, surely she would be better suited as a maid than Consort. Either way, I am not from the palace, what does Noble Consort Caeli think of this?
Childe swirls the wine in his cup, “Consort Ling brings much more to her contractual marriage than what people outside the palace can see. She’s a woman of honor, and respected for aiding the Empress while others fall short of the expectation.”
The women eat his words up, gossiping to each other and trying to investigate who exactly he was insinuating was failing to meet basic standards. Easily distracting his ‘acquaintances’ of the night, he wonders if Ekaterina was able to infiltrate the group from before. He glances towards the crowd again, spotting a smaller group speaking to each other in polite platitudes. He looks away, Ekaterina will share what she was able to get, there was no need to stress about it now.
“Attention!” The crowd slowly comes to stop, all of their eyes on the Emperor and Empress who stand together in unity.
Morax looks over to the crowd, “The Guili Assembly thanks everyone for attending and celebrating the defeat of the Qiongqi of Lisha. With their death, the Guili Assembly would like to announce plans on retaking and expanding towards Lisha.”
The crowd gets louder, all of them wondering how the expansion will affect the different gods and deities attending. Childe can almost feel the dissent and anger the announcement brings. It’s quite obvious that a lot of people are annoyed by Morax’s conquest and success. Still, Guizhong steps up next, stating how it will benefit everyone, an attempt to placate the offended gods.
Really, Childe thinks, they have Morax to thank for this opportunity. After all, if he hadn’t defeated the Qiongqi, the land would not be up for grabs. It seems that even gods believe that they are entitled to rewards they did not fight for, how amusing…
He downs his drink just as Baqiu and Consort Xiu walk closer to him.
“Noble Consort Caeli,” Consort Xiu greets him, her father looking at him from behind his daughter. Baiqi was a tall, buff man who wore dark purple robes with snake scale patterns and accents throughout. His black waist length hair was braided in the front and placed into a low ponytail, pinned by a wave shaped pin. His mere presence demanded respect, something Childe did not have for him. To Childe, Baqiu was nothing but a coward.
Childe doesn’t bother to bow back to give her the respect she ‘rightfully deserves’, instead he places the cup down at the table he had been idling by for the past hour. “Consort Xiu, is there a reason why you are seeking me out tonight?”
“This one only wanted to introduce one’s father to you. Father is an amazing man, surely he would be a good conversation partner should you wish to learn more about Liyue and its surrounding waters.” Consort Xiu steps aside, except Childe won’t let her back him into a corner.
He examines his nail guards, “I appreciate your concern, Consort Xiu. However, it is not needed, Empress Haagentus is already a wonderful conversation partner. Who else could be a better partner than jiejie, one of the rulers of Guili?”
Consort Xiu sticks on a sweet smile, “Even so, you should not bother Her Majesty with such things. Liyue is bigger than Guili, it would not hurt to have other perspectives.”
“Perhaps...” Childe muses, he knows his fellow siblings would jump at the chance to learn more. Yet, he always preferred to be more direct, and that had made him a bit different than others.
He picks up two glasses from the table, “The Guili Assembly may be smaller now but with His Majesty’s plans on expansion, I can assure you that having other perspectives will bring upon more trouble than it’s worth.”
Consort Xiu purses her lips, except Childe has had enough of them for the night. He raises the cups, “Then, if you could step aside, I have yet to congratulate His Majesty on his successful campaign.”
He doesn’t wait for them to move, simply going around them and heading towards the main stage, only to find him gone and out of sight. He walks away from it, and into the hallways, hoping to catch sight of him. Just as he’s about to turn the corner, he hears some mumbling.
“- a tyrant. Today it is Lisha, tomorrow it may be your city. Although, perhaps you’d be spared if you sign a contract.”
“And risk the wrath of the rock? I’d rather die than witness his fury. That said, it is easier for him to have received the recognition and sit on the thrones of the heavens compared to others.”
“Silence. Don’t bring that up, or do you wish us to be killed? I swear you don’t think-”
He frowns as the voices fade, such discussion should be brought to Morax and yet he’s nowhere in sight. Childe sighs, thinking of the places Morax would likely lean towards when trying to escape the scorn and judgment of gods. With few choices in mind, he turns towards the far east balconies that overlook the center plaza. The balcony is secluded enough that people won’t see anything from below, whereas the people from above can see mostly everything occurring down below. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the celebration while having space for yourself. He carefully steps at the entrance of the balcony. There he is.
He observes Morax’s back, the way his robes gently move with the wind, a man who seemingly stands firm against all odds. Childe walks to him, leaning on the balcony rail, and offering him a drink. “Care for some company?”
Morax looks over to him, one hand behind his back while the other grips the railing of the balcony. Childe’s offer of wine is accepted, despite Morax remaining silent. Childe sips his wine, looking below to see the common people dance and walk around with food or beverages.
“Do you wish to join them?”
“It is not my place.” Morax says with certainty, as if he’s had this very thought several thousand times. Childe disagrees, but he won’t comment today, not when Morax looks so burdened by his actions. While Morax hasn’t ruled over his people for long, the duty he has taken on, along with the threat of war for a chance to sit in one of the seven thrones can weigh anyone down. As immortal as Morax is, infallible, he is not. Every decision he makes, will determine the way his people will live, prosper, and eventually pass away. Childe had seen the same burden on his Mother’s shoulders in the privacy of their weekly dinners, only further weighed down by the heaviness of grief. His hands clench around the handle of his cup, he wonders if eventually every divine being that sits on the heavenly thrones will suffer the same fate. Still, this is not the time for being burrowed in his thoughts. Childe tilts his head, “I did not expect you to come back this soon. I’m sure you had just received my last letter before heading back home.”
Morax breaks away from his own thoughts with a soft exhale, “There was no use in lingering in Lisha after defeating Qiongqi. There is much to do and little time to spare, but you know this with how busy you’ve been. Admittedly, while I have no intent to offend, I had my doubts on how quickly you would be able to get results. Despite my doubts, I had hoped that the pride your queen had placed on you and the time we spent together would reflect on your abilities. You’ve kept your promise. Your letters and progress so far is satisfactory.”
“I aim to please.” Childes says, thinking that he could still do much more. Rather than lingering on that thought, he leans against the rail and observes the man in front of him. Morax is a sight to see, he carries himself with certainty, leaving no cracks in his facade. With gods contending against each other, Yangwang Dijun’s approach is one of boundless slaughter, so gentleness could not be ascribed to him. When he was in Snezhnaya, he heard rumors about how Morax’s expression was always stoic, a stone-cold expression hidden from sight by a white hood. Observing him now, Childe can only see a caring god that wishes to honor the contracts he’s made for his people.
Childe turns to look up at the sky, Celestia looms in the distance, right above Sal Vindynr. “The people see you as some tyrant, slaying gods and taking their territories afterwards. It won’t be long until a war of gods chasing to claim recognition and divinity from your own hands will come to your borders, just as it did for My Mother.”
“It is inevitable, such is the way of today. Arrogance is not a trait unique to mortals, even the immortals wish for a fraction of the power granted by the heavens. Even so, while I wish not for dominion, I cannot watch the common folk suffer.” Morax confidently says, crossing his arms. There are many things that Childe feels at seeing Morax speak with such confidence, ranging from admiration to desire.
Childe finds himself curious, remembering the small glimpses of want from their previous interactions, “No. You couldn’t bear it. Although, I’m curious, was marriage always the option you were going to explore?”
“By no means was it the first option, regardless, I could not miss the chance to develop deeper ties with the Tsaritsa.” Morax says looking at the couple dancing below. His facade begins to crack, showing a twinge of longing. Childe understood, he too found himself yearning for simpler times where they were able to enjoy their company more freely.
Morax turns to Childe again, and for the first time of the night, smiles, “Marriage was not the outcome I expected, and yet it was the one I found myself leaning towards after meeting you. It was only furthered by the time we shared in Snezhnaya. When I returned, and found myself craving for your company once again, I could not deny myself the opportunity that presented itself. That hunger, it solidified my decision.”
Childe feels himself falter, his heart beating quicker as he remembers the nights he felt the urge to write to Zhongli again. To see him, and spend the evening together enjoying whatever activity he had prepared the day before. Still, the rational part of him makes him speak with uncertainty, “We did not know each other for long.”
“That is true, however,” Morax, no, Zhongli says softly, “Time does not define the value in relationships, so I’ve learned with each passing day by your side. For those that live too long, the friends of days gone by and scenes from their adventures live on in their memories. I found myself unsatisfied with the time we spent together and the memories we shared… Greedy as it might be, I wanted more. I wanted you. ”
Really, what can Childe say to that? It’s unfair, how tightly Zhongli has a hold on him. He closes the gap between them, resting his forehead on Zhongli’s shoulder. “I missed you.”
It’s only three words, but to them, who have been playing the roles they’ve been assigned and must see through for the protection and advancement of the people they care for… it means the world. Being able to express the longing the both of them felt, yet did not have the chance to say, brings a new surge of want to life within Childe.
Childe lets go of Zhongli, before stretching his hand out, “Care for a dance?”
“With you, always, my dear.” Zhongli says, pulling Childe’s body against his. Childe lets himself be maneuvered around with one hand on his waist, the other on his back, glad to let Zhongli lead tonight. He could not deny them the want to be close to each other, to share the warmth and joy that sprouts from their reunion. The moon shines down on them, the music drowning their thoughts, and the presence of one another making their worries leave for just one night. Childe lifts his hands from Zhongli’s shoulders to wrap around his neck, pulling him down, and lifting a leg to lock him in place.
Looking at the bright amber of Zhongli’s eyes, that look upon him with adoration, Childe can’t fight back a mischievous smirk. “I’ve done well so far, won’t you give me a reward?”
Zhongli chuckles, grasping the leg around his waist tighter and closing the distance between them, “What is it that you wish for? If it is in my power, there is little I won’t grant you.”
“The power and strength to fell gods, to command them, and be recognized by My Mother and those who hold divinity… It’s something I would like to go against. Humor me with a spar?” Childe whispers as he places a cheeky kiss on Zhongli’s neck. He can feel Zhongli’s pulse, the way he sharply inhales at his action.
Childe chuckles, moving up to his ear, “Did you wish for me to ask for something else?”
“I will give you what you wish, and much, much more .” Zhongli whispers back as he closes all distance, tasting the bittersweet wine that Childe has been sipping all night with a heated kiss.
Perhaps it’s the wine taking effect that causes Childe to feel a flash of heat ignite in him, he does not hesitate to lean into Zhongli. Times like these are best not wasted with indecision and hesitance, after all… Celestia, the gods that the promise of power will embolden are not far from the balcony, nor the people they both swore to protect, and yet, the two of them only have enough space for one another. Tomorrow will bring about new issues, but tonight is just for them.