Verisimilitude (GI Various x Reader)

Chapter Sixteen

        It was a journey just trying to get to the Jade Chamber. Ganyu didn't explain how to get to the Jade Chamber, and then when we went up to Mt. Tianheng we were attacked by Millelith guarding one of the Guizhong Ballistas. That, however, was a misunderstanding that led us to meeting another one of the Liyue Qixing- the Yuheng, Keqing.

"Hmm? You want to go to the Jade Chamber? Who are you?" The lilac haired girl asked, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"We're invited guests, here to look for the Liyue Qixing! Who are you?" Paimon repeated the other girl's question.

"Well, as it happens, I am one of the Liyue Qixing." She revealed. Oh? Which one is she then? She then swiftly introduced herself.

"I'm Keqing, the Yuheng of the Qixing. I know of you, Traveler." Keqing then turned her attention over to me.

"And I know of you as well, Oracle Knight. You're both Ningguang's guests, yes? Didn't expect to meet you here in the mountains."

"Wow... Paimon didn't think we'd meet some super rich big shot out here in the middle of nowhere either." Paimon muttered.

"These Millelith are just here to guard the Guizhong Ballista, not to arrest anyone. Lately, bandits have been trying to disarm it. The Millelith on guard must have thought you three were with them." She explained. Paimon 'oh'ed.

"So, this was all a misunderstanding? Paimon never would've thought..." She muttered. Lumine saw the perfect opportunity to tease Paimon.

"Thinking isn't that hard, Paimon." Paimon opted to ignore her, instead asking Keqing why Ningguang would have invited us to the Jade Chamber.

"So, Lady Yuheng, might you have any idea why Lady Tianquan invited us to go to the Jade Chamber?"

"Just call me Keqing. I'd say that Ningguang's purpose is to request that the saviors of Mondstadt take a more neutral stance... Or at least, to not wholly side with the adepti." Hm, I would have thought it'd be because of how buddy buddy the Fatui have been with us lately.

"Are you sure? Because I thought it was because of the Fatui Harbinger Tartaglia. He's been really friendly with us lately. I'm sure Ningguang would want to know where we stand on that front as well." I explained. Keqing nodded with a slight wince.

"I see nothing escapes you, Oracle Knight." I placed a hand on my hip.

"You can just call me (Y/N). I'm not here on official Knight business anyways, as you're probably already aware." Paimon nods her head rapidly.

"Yeah! We're not taking any sides. We spoke with the adepti. They want to protect Liyue as well..." Keqing scowled.

"When you say "protect," you're referring to their sanctimonious arrogance, aren't you?" I raised a brow at Keqing's blatant disregard for the adepti.

"Huh?"

"You are mortals, and thus under their protection. There was no way they would have regarded you as someone with the ability to assassinate a god. Naturally, they would also regard Ningguang's locking down the area, questioning the citizenry, and pursuit of the assassin to be pointless work. Perhaps they even wonder if there might be a cover-up. I'll say it like it is: they're underestimating us." She states. I have to say, I really admire Keqing's way of thinking. It's a breath of fresh air compared to other citizens of Liyue. I tune myself back into the conversation.

"Well, you've got a point there... Still, this is the first time Paimon's seen a person from Liyue who doesn't respect the gods or the adepti." Keqing laughs dryly.