Contracts & Conspicuous Characters || Genshin Impact

VI: Breaking the Stalemate

As your group teleports back to the Harbor, you walk over to the Northland Bank, discussing your trip. You see Childe exiting the bank, and wave to him, "We're back!"

Childe notices your trio and waves back, "You've finally returned. How was your journey to Jueyun Karst?"

As your group retell the adventure in a nutshell, he takes the information in, nodding once in a while and asks questions to clarify. After the summary, Childe hums and mumbles to himself, "I see. Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, Cloud Retainer, and Conqueror of Demons..." He whispers the last title to himself, which piqued your curiosity, "Some of these names have never come up in the intel the Fatui gets a hold of." He looks up from the ground and claps, "As a returning gift, I, too, have information for you."

"What would that be?" You ask, crossing your arms.

"Regarding the archon's passing, the Liyue Qixing's response has given me food for thought. They've announced that as the true killer has not yet been found, they are not allowing anyone to pay their respects to the Exuvia. They've even gone as far as to try and cut off information, but with the Rite of Descension and all, even the Qixing isn't able to keep a lid on things."

Paimon clasps her hands behind her, "Exuvia?"

Childe explains to your group about Rex Lapis's other identity, the adepti signing contracts to protect Liyue, and the consequences the Qixing might face if their duty is done poorly.

Aether shivers beside you, "That makes things difficult for us, too."

Paimon solemnly nods, "If the Liyue Qixing has locked up the Exuvia and won't let anyone near, then Aether's and Y/N's quest to find The Seven is already over!"

Childe raises his eyebrow at you and Aether, "Oh? You're trying to find The Seven? And just why might that be, pray tell?"

You chuckle nervously as Aether scowls, "Nothing to do with you."

"Heh, nice answer. A knight that gets duped by the Fatui would really be no knight at all now, would they? But I can help you with that too, you know."

You stare at him intently, "Really, now?"

He smiles, "Give me some time... to find someone. Someone who can help you break through this stalemate."

Truly fascinating, Childe thinks, The harder they try to silence the situation, the greater the chaos that erupts.

"If you want to be around to see the situation come crashing down, best you stay alive until we next meet, yes?"

You bow at him, "Thank you. We'll be going."

As your group retreats, Childe murmurs to himself, "A person to help... I think I know exactly who to call. As for Y/N..."

-

The next morning, your trio quickly eat breakfast, then heading to the Adventurer's Guild to complete a task for the day. As much as you hated going out so often, you grumble to your blond friend about staying in, although risking the lack of currency in doing so. After your errands from the guild and a light lunch, you decide to check up on Childe, making small talk about him to Aether on your way there.

Reaching the receptionist, she gives you all a nod, "Welcome Travellers, friends of Childe. And congratulations on the first day of your illustrious career with the Fatui."

Aether frowns, "We have no intentions of joining the Fatui."

"You sound remarkably sure of yourself," The woman, as you read her name tag, Ekaterina, straightens her pile of papers, "Remember, we are mere mortals—our ideas are fluid like water. Only the Tsaritsa has a will as solid as the permafrost."