＊𝔸𝕞𝕠𝕟𝕘𝕤𝕥 𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℍ𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕔𝕙𝕦𝕣𝕝𝕤＊

＊Seegnorah!!

While the others conversed, Xuan had an intense gaze directed to Signora - the woman occasionally glancing at Xuan from time to time.

"So actually, I think--"

"Stop wasting time, Childe. There'll be plenty of time to chat once I'm through here," Signora sneered, "You remember the agreement, Morax. Now, if you would be so kind... The Gnosis, please."

"Agreement? Gnosis?" Aether questions as he looks over at Zhongli.

"What in the world are you talking about!?" Paimon shrieked.

"The contract is fulfilled. That which thou seeketh is now bestowed unto thee, for my promise is solid as stone." Said Zhongli.

"Hmph, how sanctimonious..." Signora remarks.

"So Zhongli is actually Rex Lapis? I mean, I did have my suspicions..." Says Aether.

Paimon let's out a gasp. "What! So you're the Lord of Geo?"

Xuan huffed as he crosses his arms, stating, "Me know it. Obvious the along really, Peeman stupid. Kucha Gusha Peeman."

"Hey! Stop calling Paimon by such an ugly name! I know you're also insulting me, stop it!" Paimon yells as she flies over into Xuan's face.

Xuan frowns and harshly flicks the petite pixie's nose. Paimon yelps while moving away from Xuan along with holding her nose.
As expected, the two immediately bicker.

"Why give the Gnosis to the Fatui?" Aether asked Zhongli - ignoring Paimon and Xuan's little quarrel.

·

"Well then, with the Gnosis in my possession, I have no use for such idle chatter. We should return to Zapolyarny Palace and seek an audience with Her Majesty, the Tsaritsa. Come, Childe." Signora said and Childe grumbled in annoyance.

"Ugh, fine... I'll meet you there later. I'm not sharing a boat with the likes of you." Childe scoffed.

Signora rolled her eyes, "Hmph, do as you wish."

Just as she was about to leave, Signora takes one more glance over at Xuan - smirking as the boy gave her a spiteful glare.

·

"You're leaving so soon? Why?" Aether asked, saddened a bit while Paimon nods her head in agreement.

"Yeah! We were supposed to spend some fun time together while in Liyue!" Paimon exclaimed and Xuan sighed.

"Me see Kuzi Celi and go back home with Kuzi Celi. Me miss Kuzi Celi... and home where Abedu is." Xuan states and Aether smiled softly.

"I understand, make sure you stay safe, and tell Albedo I said hi for me - I should visit him again sometime as well." Said Aether as he wrapped an arm around Xuan with a grin.

Xuan laughed along with a proud, wide smile. "Kuzi Xuan do that!"

"Well Paimon can't believe she's saying this, but Paimon will miss you and adventuring with you - even if it was for a little while." Said Paimon.

"I'm sure we'll be adventuring again together soon eventually." Aether said and Xuan nods.

·

Almost exiting Liyue City, Xuan stops in his tracks in a secluded area and quietly stood there for a moment while greatly focusing on his surroundings.

"Me know you here, Seegnorah... I right?" Xuan queries and Signora steps out of her hiding spot.

"I'm surprised someone as boorish as you was able to sense I was here - I'm truly amazed." Signora remarks and Xuan clicks his tongue.

The moment Xuan saw Signora, he'd immediately grown a strong hatred towards her from nowhere.

"What you want? Why after I?" Xuan asked and the woman's smile widened.

"I've been waiting to come across you and see you up close in person myself - someone who's of high value to Her Majesty for some inexplicable reason."

"Dala? What you saying? I not understand." Xuan bluntly states - surprising the Harbinger.

"So I guess you aren't even aware of you your own status and how much importance you hold." Said Signora; looking up to the sky and musing to herself for a moment.

"Regardless of that, it's interesting how her highness hasn't told us about you - now I'm truly curious." Signora says to herself before suddenly disappearing.

"Haaaah!!? Where you go!?"

·

' after confirming some of my suspicions, I could try investigating further... ' Signora thought.

---