When Chāo woke up that day, he was surprised to learn that il Dottore slept somewhere else . After all, he had booked this place with the Sumerian's comfort in mind, even requesting for it to have a complete collection of Sumerian tea already prepared, for the nights he would spend on the balcony . But alas, Petrov told him that Zandik was nowhere to be found .

His hair still entangled a bit, the Regrator just nodded at the information, and went to the living room, where his breakfast was already served . He ate , still groggy from the morning, and looked at the Liyuean's sky . Perhaps was it a blessing of Yánwáng Dìjūn, but the skies always held a gold tint . Be it in the morning, where the blue sky had faint shimmers or gold, midday where the rays painted the rooftops with their golden radiance, or even when the sun was about to set, adorning one last time the city of Contracts with its holy color .

Chāo missed it in some sense . It was the color of his childhood, this eternal golden sky . Even after his "death" , Rex Lapis did not cease to cherish his city and still gifted it with the utmost care . He drank his tea, looking longingly at the skies , when he finally understood why Dottore had left .

- Come to fetch his boyfriend, hasn't he ? » he grumbled for himself, in the dialect of his home village . He was bitter, yes . He felt as if he had been played , and, to be fair , what a play it was ! Played like a fiddle ... Here he was, drinking tea alone in the morning, as Zandik probably enjoyed his time with the other !

Yeah, he thought that during their work trip, they could have more moments like their tea session in his office , but no, of course they couldn't , Zandik was already in a relationship, uh ?! Damn, couldn't he tell him beforehand ?! Chāo thought that the Sumerian had no one, that he was just a pathetic lonely old man, and that he could enjoy his time with him without needing too much effort , but apparently, he was the prey in this relationship. Dottore was already with someone .

And him ? Well. Forty, dead relatives , and a grand sum of one friend — being his damn colleague Signora — , and no partner whatsoever . Great. Absolutely fantastic . He was the one to pity in this ordeal !

Zandik having a lover, and what else, uh ?! Scaramouche becoming polite ? Pulcinella being Natlano ?! Fuck him ... he was a clown .

And why did it bother him so much ! It wasn't like they were very close, apart from their weird friendship and sexual intercourses . But, it did hurt to know that Zandik was spending time with a man he loved . He thought he had him wrapped around his fingers , seeing how tamed he acted in his presence, but apparently, he was nothing to him ! Absolutely fantastic !

To topple it all off, he had to meet the Tianquan today, in about an hour ! Absolutely a fantastic day ahead !

Complaining would do him no good though ... Chāo closed his eyes, and took a deep breath . He drank the rest of his tea, looked one last time at the sky , and went to take a warm bath . The relaxation of his muscles would surely translate to his brain . He didn't stay in it too long for he didn't had the time, but when he got out and brushed his hair, he did feel a bit more content .

He was just being dramatic . Nothing was that bad, really. Zandik had a lover ? Fine for him, very fine even . There was someone out there that loved him. Even if Chāo felt a bit of pain in his heart , probably because he never liked to share what he owned, he was happy for his friend .
Yeah.
Totally happy .
Fuck Zandik.

He took on another deep breath and dressed in his pale blue hanfu, absolutely luxurious . Only the best for himself : there was the symbol of Rex Lapis on his coat, and on the fabric , the symbol of the Tsaritsa and his own, to remind everyone of his true allegiance .

As he left his room, he ordered with a finger for Petrov to follow him, as he would be his guard for the entire trip. That brown haired man was , after all, a vision holder, and one of the top contestant to become an Harbinger if one of them were to die . The man followed him without uttering a word, just like Chāo liked it, and they made their way towards the plaza of communion, where the rite previously took place .

A lady was waiting for them there, and the first thing Pantalone thought was that she was a true beauty . Her long blue haired shined ethereally , only disrupted by the carmine of her horns . She was an Adepti : her beauty alone was a proof of it . She seemed in contemplation of the sky, and one second, the Fatui hesitated to disrupt her . She seemed so peaceful right now, her divine eyes looking at the skies , her delicate hands joined in a silent prayer for Rex Lapis .

But alas, he had to . His meeting with Ningguang was more important than admiring the Adepti. As he set foot on the plaza, she turned and bowed, saying in a high but enjoyable voice .

- Are you Lord Regrator of the Fatui Harbinger, commanded by the Tsaritsa herself ?

- That would be I, indeed. To whom do I owe the pleasure to ? » he bowed in return, a bit lower . She was, after all, divinity .

- My name is Ganyu, and I am the secretary of the Tianquan, Miss Ningguang. I am afraid I can only take you there, and not your servant. You surely understand that it could look threatening to my mistress if you were to come by heavily armed .» Oh, that was a problem . Chāo was a man of many talents, but physical violence wasn't one of his . He looked at Petrov, and told him :

- Give her your vision. Now . As well as your blade . » surprised, the Fatui was tempted to resist the order, his hand defensively clinging to his electro vision. The Regrator opened his purple eyes , giving him the death glare , and so Petrov obeyed — begrudgingly.

The Adepti seemed surprised, and just bowed once again .

- I suppose Lady Ningguang would be pleased to see such an act of trust . Very well, he shall accompany you . Follow me , please . » the Qilin turned her back, and swiftly left the place . Chāo was mesmerized by her graceful movements : it was as if she didn't touch the ground at all when she walked, her agile body going from one step to another, as if she walked on air .

It was stupid of him, but he didn't even paid any attention to his surroundings . It wasn't every day you see an Adepti after all, and for him, son of a tailor in Qingce, it was akin to meeting Rex Lapis himself ... He couldn't take his eyes out of the woman, and before he realized it, she already had taken them to a secret elevator , in plastrite .

They climbed up, and soon the rock floated towards the Jade Chamber, domain of the Tianquan . She wasn't awaiting their arrival : on the platform, only Liyuean guards were there , looking very sternly at Petrov . Ganyu raised her hand, and they simply bowed, saying in unison :

- The Tianquan, Lady Ningguang, welcomes you in her Jade Chamber . » they soon went back to their occupation, tending to the garden and surveilling the perimeter for any airborne foe .

Ganyu led them to the right wing of the Chamber, and opened the entry door, decorated with the Liyuean Dragon. They entered a rectangular room, all in Gold hues, decorated with the finest tapestries and craftsmanships available on Teyvat . The chair in which Ningguang sat was in itself worth as much as Qingce village : it was a relic from the time where Havria still did exist and lives peacefully with Osial — the soft underwater hue of the chair being a testament of its authenticity .

Chāo felt like a child once again . Powerless before the all powerful Liyuean bourgeoise. But now, he was the head of Northland Bank. He could and would trade with her . They were equals .

The woman was as terrifying as the stories made her to be : long platinum blonde hair, and eyes of a deeper red than Zandik's . Her lips were painted with liquid gold, and her smile was the one of a predator . She was looking with almost amusement to the banker — a predatory look, already playing with her prey .

Chāo mustered all of his courage not to look at the ground and instead look directly into Medusa's eyes . He wasn't afraid anymore . He bowed respectfully, and then looked at the other man in the room .

He too must be an Adepti. For starters, he was beautiful, but not like any common man . His beauty was old, the kind you saw depicted in antique representations . His long dark brown hair was flowing on his strong shoulders, and ended in pure gold . His hanfu was totally black, saved for the gold dragons all over it, creating an intricate and complicated design . His arms were as dark as the night, and his hands as pure and bright as Cor Lapis . He turned upon hearing Pantalone's arrival, and just smiled at him , before he sipped on his tea .

That's when Chāo understood he was in front of Rex Lapis himself, and not any other Adepti : the eyes of the divinity shined as bright as the Tsaritsa. A pure melted gold was flowing gently in his iris , and his pupils were slit just like a dragon's . He was one after all . The god also had a face carved in marble by the most skilled of artisans, and , most importantly of all, his face was kind . He looked intimidating, with his strong arms and impressive eyes , but his gentle smile and demeanor was showing the profound tenderness of the God of Contracts . He who nursed Liyue, he who taught them peace, he who was father to all .

Chāo immediately bowed lower than he ever did . He did not dare looking up, for his Lord was watching over him . It was as terrifying as it was exhilarating. He , made , it . He made it . He became so powerful, so rich, that he met his god .

- Ningguang, I didn't knew about your schedule ... I hope I am not too much of an inconvenience . I shall take my leave , and let you two discuss . » his voice was warm and profound, coming from the depths of the earth, imbued with power and gravity , nobility .

- No, please do stay. I believe your advices could be of some use here . » the Tianquan clapped her hands, and a maid immediately brought another chair for Pantalone, who was still bowing, hands shivering . He heard soft clothes move, and , a hand touch his face , lifting it by the chin with gentleness .

His gaze met the Dragon's , and he said, slowly .

- Rise, Chāo . Your talents have made you come here, to discuss with the Tianquan herself . Though it is a pity you have turned your eyes towards the snowy fields of Snezhnaya, I can only applaud your success. ( his voice became warmer, and his gaze softened ) Your father would be proud of you . » Rex Lapis turned , and sat back at the table :

- Now, let us sit . I believe we have much to discuss .

Chāo stood up straight again, hands slightly shaking . He first turned to Petrov, and gave him yet another death glare . What happened here would stay here . End of the discussion. The Tsaritsa didn't need to know about the Regrator's worship of his homeland's god. He served her, that should be enough.

He quickly sat in front of the Tianquan , and gave a quick look to Rex Lapis . Of course he knew He wasn't dead : he was a harbinger , and furthermore he was the one to sign the contract that was sent from Liyue. But to sit next to one's god ... it was enough to make any man nervous .

Was it a trick of the Tianquan ? He should be more careful, he thought, as he took back his commercial and polite smile .

- Lady Ningguang, I believe you are already aware of the matter that brought me here . » the younger woman nodded, not taking away her equally polite and obviously commercial smile, as she answered :

- I'd prefer to hear it again from your mouth .

- Very well. I came here to get back what is owed to me . You see, a few months prior to this visit, I ordered a famous Liyuean family — the Pō, if the reference is needed to check — to craft for me an elegant coat, to be delivered to my men stationed in the Northland Bank. But, they were robbed by a woman whose name I believe is Yelan. According to Lady Ekaterina of the Northland Bank, that woman is still strolling peacefully in the city, and has never done any single day of prison. I am inclined however to believe that she isn't the culprit , but you see , a small detail remains . She is wearing the coat I ordered , and you should know , as a Tianquan , that all of the Pō's coats are unique models. Hence, I wonder why the Wrath of the Rock hasn't befallen on her . »

The Dragon next to him nodded , but didn't say anything . Ningguang then just asked, ever so politely :

- If you are speaking of the Wrath of the Rock, surely you must acknowledge that one of your fellow associates, a Harbinger named Childe -

- Ajax . His name is Ajax . » said softly the Dragon with a light smile, putting down his teacup . The Tianquan furrowed her brows , but continued .

- A Harbinger named Ajax tried to drown this city . How should we punish him ? By drowning Snezhnaya ? Perhaps, you should leave this coat matter under the rug, for your nation and associates should keep a low profile here , as of now . » it was the Regrator's time to smile , earnestly this time, as he asked :

- So you didn't know ? » He paused , and asked Petrov to come closer, to hand him the documents he had brought with him . A copy of "the Last Contract of the Lord of Geo" as it was titled . He gave it to Ningguang, and politely informed her .

- Lord Morax and her Highness the Tsaritsa had come to an agreement : for Him to hand Her the Gnosis, she shall fulfill his requirements. Send an Harbinger to stir a bit of chaos , and , try to put the city in danger . Didn't Ajax do exactly what was stipulated ? He killed no one, just ... knocked some people out, which , if you look at 3-11 , article "Details on the length the Harbinger is permitted to go to" , is absolutely legal . » Rex Lapis seemed a bit uneasy, and , he explained in a somewhat sorry tone :

- Though, perhaps threatening to drown the city was a bit too much ... but, as I had not written anything against it, and nothing happened ... it shall be forgiven . »

- Then what about the Sacred Sigils ? According to Liyuean's constitution, they are considered sacred symbols and property only of the nation. Hence, this Ajax committed not only fraud, but blasphemy and attempted to summon an ancient god , banished by Lord Morax . I do not see anything allowing it . Was it permitted in an oral accord ? » asked the Tianquan, her words cutting straight to the point. This time , Rex Lapis seemed a bit taken aback . The situation wasn't turning to his favor ... He was fine with the Regrator imprisoning a thief — as thievery wasn't permitted by law — , or with the Tianquan banishing him — after all, they did replicate and sully holy symbols . But ... the way she had put it threatened Ajax, and well, how shall he put it ...

As he opened his mouth, to discuss things further, the door opened once again, with Ganyu looking a bit distressed, following the Snezhnayan ginger that just entered .

Wearing a carmine shirt and grey pants , he had adapted just fine to Liyuean climate : he was a lot more tanned than back in his homeland, and slightly taller . He was only in his 20s , it was normal for him to grow . Chāo smiled upon seeing the youngest so healthy, but then he reminded himself of their situation .

- Ajax , what are you - » he asked, a bit too loud, his mind searching for a cover-up story for his presence. Yes, he did not like to lie when he was making contracts, but the ginger apparently had no instinct of preservation .

He was accused of terrorism, assault , aggravated assault, blasphemy, blackmailing , being a spy, and his usual "self defense against everything he laid his eyes upon" — aka murder . What was he doing in the Jade Chamber ! This fool ! What was he up to !

- Ah, Zhongli ! I searched for you everywhere in the Port , haha . Mooncarver told me you were here, and thank him for that, I was beginning to lose hope ! » Rex Lapis looked at the Tianquan, bowed, and turned to Ajax , but the ginger already had noticed Pantalone .

- Oh, you're here too ? What's happening ? Did the Tsaritsa order for my ... » he left the word in suspens . He looked a bit conflicted now , crossing his arms on his chest .

- Nothing of the sort. Just a legal matter . Why did you come here exactly ? » asked the Dragon in kind of an hurry. Ajax answered , looking at the Tianquan :

- Dinner . That's all. I made reservations yesterday, you told me you wanted to try chef Mao's new menu so ... Oh . Yeah . You're that way because of Miss Ningguang ? » Ajax advanced , looking at the woman , and asked, gently :

- Hasn't everything been cleared out ? You know, the final contract business ? Everything went well, even if I was unaware of it at the —

- Have you got fucking brain damage , Ajax Yefimovitch Leskov ?! » shouted Chāo in Snezhnayan , standing up and shaking the younger man by his shoulder . Rex Lapis too looked disappointed but also trying to conceal a smile . Ajax never changed .

- What, Pantalone ? I explained myself ! » he said pitifully , knowing he was fucked as soon as the Regrator called him by his full name .

- You just admitted to these crimes ! That contract protected you only if you pretended you knew what you were doing was part of it ! For Archon's sake Ajax, has the sun burnt the few neurons that were remaining in that empty brain of yours ?! » Pantalone was in despair , but , he was lucky for once . The Lord of Geo was already trying to conceal Ajax's mistake by chatting with the Tianquan, using very obscure legal knowledge .

Zhongli was a knowledge well, of , yes , mostly useless knowledge, but the few moments they were useful, they managed to get everyone out of the mess they created . He turnt a second, and made a little hand movement to make Childe leave . The ginger nodded, and whispered in Liyuean :

- So no dinner ? See you at home . » he seemed a bit down , and just left the chambers, followed by a furious Regrator . Once they left the Jade Chamber entirely using the elevator, and had to walk on the cobblestone road to Liyue, Chāo yelled :

- Are you truly that incompetent and dumb, Ajax ! Your mistake may cause the Tsaritsa to send repairs, and you to go to prison ! Your diplomatic immunity ends at terrorism ! » Ajax turned , now looking angry, his lifeless blue eyes taking the purple taint of the abyss .

- Look, I am no law maker , banker, or anything of that sort ! I am a warrior, how could I have known of this law , uh ?! I didn't even see the contract ! I learnt what we were doing when Zhongli gave Rosalyne his gnosis ! ... Look, I'm sorry if that's what you want to hear, but keep calm, okay ? I've been doing some diplomatic exchanges here while I stayed . » he ended up calming down surprisingly easy . He had matured so much ... thought Pantalone , impressed by the Ginger's growth . He couldn't resist to tease the youngest .

- Like ... marrying the Lord of Geo ~?» Ajax looked at Pantalone, shocked, and asked :

- How did you ... and it's only engaged .» Chāo chuckled, and whispered gently :

- I am Liyuean. I know what Dragon and Phoenix chopsticks mean . You are not slick, Ajax. You're lucky I am the only Liyuean Harbinger . Plus the letter you sent to Pulcinella, the old man went to see me , for me to check his congratulation letter . You married a certain Zhongli, and a certain Zhongli also signed the Last Contract ... plus Rosalyne told me how attached you got to him. But if I may add, I find 24 a bit young to marry . » The ginger sighed, and laughed .

- Well, I don't think I'll live up to my forties so ... better start soon , haha ! More seriously, that's why we are only engaged . I do love him . But my loyalty goes to the Tsaritsa and her only . And one day that might strain our relationship. Though as of now we are doing very well. » He took a pause as they entered Liyue, and take a turn left , towards the Merchant's gallery .

- Though, even if it's technically an alliance with Rex Lapis, I've also worked with Adepti . The Qixin hates me , but the Adepti ? I think they quite like me ! Except for Xiao . He's the guar-

- I am Liyuean Ajax, I know who Xiao is ...

- Well, he is the only one that dislikes me . But the rest ? I think we worked our differences fine . Cloud Retainer and I actually are somewhat friends . Her rambles are like Talya's but in third person. Reminds me of home, you know ? » Ajax strolled the Liyuean streets like if he knew them by heart . It was strange to Chāo to see the wild Eleventh learn a new language in the span of a year , new customs and to truly build a life in another country. He had changed so much and so fast ... Pulcinella would be proud of him. Now, he really was a man .

Chāo was happy for him . Ajax seemed healthier than ever, and , he was in love . Sure, 24 was really young to be engaged in the banker's mind, but who was he to talk ? He never got engaged after all. The Tsaritsa had a soft spot for the youngest of her Harbongers, and it was probably why he was still stationed in Liyue, even if there was nothing that important happening there . It was very nice of her to indulge her warrior .

- Engaged, friend with the Adepti, lively ... if you hadn't made that mistake earlier, I would have sworn Dottore made a perfect clone of you ! » joked the banker lightly as they entered a very grand mansion, all in tones or gold and cream .

- Oh, by the way, speaking of work, why did you come here ? And do you want something to drink ? » asked kindly the younger man, serving himself a cup of strong yellow wine . Pantalone declined with one hand, and went to the open garden, being a zen garden . There were sparse bamboos and flowers, but the many rocks of different size and intricate motifs were enough to make this garden a work of art . He sat just before it, and soon, Ajax sat by his side .

- Mh. For a coat I was planning to give Her Highness. It was stolen from us by a woman named Yelan . Does that ring any bell ? ( Ajax made a small no with his head, drinking a bit of wine ) But , the Tianquan wanted to hold us accountable for the drowning of the city . And the copy of the Sigils . It's holy in Liyue so -

- If i get Cloud Retainer to give me a pass and say it was her idea, do you think it'll be fine ? » Pantalone sighed, looking at the young man, and asked a bit let down :

- Do you think before you speak ? She would never do that as it would be lying . Adeptus cannot lie ... and you call yourself the "Adepti Friend" , seriously Ajax ... either way, we are in a messy situation as of now . You admitted wreaking havoc outside of the contract, and , I may or may not have brought Il Dottore , Prime , with me . » Ajax got wide eyed, and he asked, surprised :

- Why though ?! Isn't he wanted here ? Are we planning an attack ?!

- Eh ? Oh, no , I just wanted to have him by my side . We are friends with benefits, and he seemed down recently, so I asked him to come . To cheer him up perhaps . ... but now I don't even know where he is . Perhaps he went to meet with his old boyfriend . Name's Baizhu I believe . » Ajax let out a hearty laugh, and said, still laughing :

- No way, the old pharmacist with HIM ?! Haha, comrade, you must be joking ! Baizhu would never ... ( he looked at Pantalone and lost his laughter ) no shit. He's ... like ... Dottore has a boyfriend ? Like there's someone out there willing to love him ? News of the century ... I lost my bet with Columbina ... Sex friend I'd understand a bit . But lovers ? Can he even feel love ? He's so fucked up, even amongst us ... » The ginger was deep in thoughts , and left the garden . He came back with the entire bottle and some Liyuean snacks, and put them between the two Harbingers .

- I've got a lot of catch up to do . Gossip with me as if I was Rosalyne , okay ? I need to know everything ! » he said cheerily, his blue eyes meeting the Regrator's purple .

Perhaps was he so encline to gossip because he missed doing so with the Fair Lady, but Pantalone indulged the young man . He told him all : how Arlecchino got in a fight with Sandrone , and that once again Pulcinella had to appease both parties , how Il Capitano was having a shady business with Grandmaster Varka of Mondstat — how he and Columbina thought it was frankly suspicious how they met so frequently — , and more . He told him of how Teucer was doing, how his mother was doing too , and how Anton recently got enrolled as a Fatui.

Hearing that new , Ajax frowned . Chāo knew about the ginger's position on their business . He was alright with being nothing but a weapon, not even seen as human and just being replaceable . After all, the Abyss had tainted him so profoundly that he only found meaning to his life in battle , so it was only natural for him to seek his own destruction within the Fatui . But his brother ? He knew it was his own position that motivated Anton, he always idolized him. Anton probably thought of the heroic exploits of "Tartaglia" and wanted to follow his footsteps but ... he never told his younger siblings what made him like that, and why he wasn't human anymore .

- I'll write him something. And forbid him for entering the army . I know it's not out of necessity he became a soldier, the money I give to my family should be more than enough to live comfortably . ... he's a fool . I understand him, I would have done the same if I were him but ... » Ajax gripped his pants with one hand , his voice becoming darker :

- They don't know anything about the Abyss. It's time I tell them, isn't it ? ... but I know that if I do that, Mother and Father would cast me away from the family . Fuck ... » Chāo looked at the youngest , and asked him calmly :

- I know your parents sent you away when you were 12 . I know how your siblings might react. But , isn't it more important to save Anton than your parent's image ? I'll try to find some dirt on your brother, very minor but enough to forbid him from entering the army . Is he , perhaps, a homosexual ? Or , is he a she ? »

- Nothing of that sort . ... and wait being gay's illegal in the army ? » surprised , Ajax looked at the banker , who nodded . The ginger smiled and asked :

- Why's that ? I hardly see her Highness do that ... and she's the one who married Arlecchino and Columbina .

- The council of armies . Because apparently if you're gay, your comrades' bodies distract you too much to fight . If it was up to me, I'll erase that law, but alas , I am a banker not a fighter . And I am not sure it is applied ... but, that could have been an exit for Anton . »

- Anton ? Is there a problem with him, bǎo bèi ?» the same warm and earthly voice Chāo heard an hour prior came from the living room, as footsteps approached the garden . Black gloved hands soon adorned the ginger's shoulders , and the dragon softly kissed his cheek , as his hands went down his arms .

Rex Lapis looked almost human now . His long dark hair had been tied into a modern ponytail,  and the expensive business coat he was wearing was just the norm for a Liyuean consultant . He sat near his lover, and Pantalone could almost hear a purr . The God of War seemed so calm now, still impressive as before, but much more relaxed .

- Anton is joining the Fatui . » announced Ajax, his voice being almost dead . Rex Lapis sighed, and said in return, in a perfect Snezhnayan :

- Oh. Indeed, that is ... very horrible . I'll try to see what I can do with the Tsaritsa . We still are on good terms, I should be able to request that of her . Or perhaps for her to send him station somewhere safe . Here perhaps ? Or in Mondstat . » 

- Lord. » started politely Chāo , now bowing on the ground . He couldn't stop his heart from pounding, even if he understood that Morax was now just living as a human . He had been raised with the worship of this god in mind, so of course, it was still terrifying to see him there so close, and to actually talk to him , one on one .

- My name is Zhongli. There is no need for lord or excessive politeness . Now, I just am a funeral consultant . » he said, smiling. Slowly, Chāo raised and looked at the man, asking :

- Has the mess stirred by Ajax cleaned up ?

- ... Not ... totally . As she learnt that a certain doctor of yours was present in Liyue — unannounced . Tensions are rising . But I managed to calm her down , so that tomorrow you shall be able to talk with her , but you shall bring with you Il Dottore . »

- ... Thank you . » Chāo then looked at Ajax , his glare clearly saying "it's all your fault." , before he calmed down . There was nothing more he could do . He stood up, bowed, and said :

- My presence would only be bothersome to you now . Ajax, thanks for your hospitality . I'll get going . »

- Wait , do you have something to do very important tonight or ... like, are you free ?» the ginger stood up, and asked , a bit embarrassed ? Why embarrassed ? Chāo turned , puzzled .

- Don't you two have a dinner ? And why am I needed ? Is it Fatui business, or about Anton ? »

- Oh, we missed the hour so now we can't go so no we don't have something planned . It's not Fatui, it's not about Anton, you can calm down . It's just ... erm ... I don't know how to say it in your fancy words ... Zhongli, could you please ? » he turned to the older man, who was drinking a bit of yellow wine . He turnt his head , his gold eyes piercing through Pantalone , and nodded, a little smile on his face .

- We are looking for a third . » Chāo went pale .

- Ajax .

- Not as dating, chill ! » immediately said the youngest, defensively .

- Even so . I am way older than you, I am forty one . You are twenty four . » he said , almost paternally for once, like Pulcinella would say .

- I am literally engaged to the guy that founded Liyue . He's ... 6000 ? 7000 ? Forty doesn't scare me . » he approached a bit more Chāo, unsure of if it was public matters : « Plus it's not like you and Dottore could do something tonight so ... yeah . I know the proposal seems rushed but we've got like 3 options . His kind of  ex — who's Baizhu so occupied too — , a random stranger who we'd have to conceal to Zhongli's identity , or ... you .

- ... Are you sure you want to do this ? You did drink yellow wine Ajax . » said calmly Pantalone, pushing a bit away the youngest , who protested :

- I'm Snezhnayan . That doesn't even compare to borscht. I'm fine, not even drunk . Plus I only drank one little cup . I am not drunk . Plus you may be a heartless man, but you're a decent heartless man . If I said no, you'll stop , I know it . It's okay. Though if it bothers you, I understand that too . » Zhongli stood up, and went near Ajax, his gaze not having left Pantalone's .

- I understand the proposal may come across as unexpected or even rude . You have all the rights to deny it . »

It's at that moment that Chāo understood that threesome didn't mean Ajax and him . But Ajax, him , AND Rex Lapis . He could fuck a god . A god was asking him for a threeway. Fuck ... He was visionless, just a very good banker and ... he was about to fuck a god ?

- I'm in . » his mouth went faster than his brain . You didn't turn off an occasion to rail a god . That was ... well, he was more doing it for bragging rights after ( and also because Zhongli genuinely was his type of men physically — long hair , delicate but sharp features , brownish golden eyes that were exclusive to Liyueans ,  strong but lean... — ) than for really wanting to sleep with someone . Sure , he missed having sex with Zandik as it was a week of abstinence he had done , but , hey . Chāo would fuck a god . HIS god. Could any other harbinger say that ? Ajax didn't count, he didn't rail the Tsaritsa . Yet .

- Oh, very well. Follow me please ... » Rex Lapis smiled, and left the living room, to enter the couple's bedroom. It was on the second floor, and well. The entire second floor was the bedroom, exception made for the bathroom on their right. The entire left part of the floor was a bedroom .

Immense shelves full of books , almost reminiscing of Sumeru's Akademiya , were on each wall of the room, saved for one desk space with many documents stacked on top of each other, some with the Lord's seal of the Eleventh . The line came through the room with the magnificent window just behind the immense bed , the window being made of wood and glass, and forming geometrical patterns . The bed in itself seemed to be the most comfortable Pantalone had ever seen : the cushions were soft , and the pillows too . The blankets were cream, with soft gold threads forming traditional patterns .

Chāo sat on the bed, unsure of what to do next, and looked everywhere except in his God's eyes .

- Nervous ? » asked the dragon, his voice as profound as the mines of his nations. It rumbled from the depths of his throat, and still sounded so peacefully , even if from his voice came this underlying power.