In Your Eyes: Empyrean Admonition

You Go On A Lunch Date With Two Archons

Vimara Village, Sumeru

 "I accidentally created a domain and I'm afraid that I might hurt someone since I lack control with my adeptal powers so… I think I should stay with Mister Zhongli for a while." 

 You say those words as nonchalantly as possible so Alhaitham or Kaveh will not know that the first part is a lie. But honestly speaking, you want to know more about being an adepti from the Prime himself. This opportunity is quite hard to come by and you know you can't go to Liyue yet while Rex Lapis can't stay in Sumeru for too long. 

 Alhaitham stares at your face, trying to read your expression. When he doesn't speak, Kaveh speaks for both of them. 

 "Are you sure? We just met Zhongli a few days ago," Kaveh's voice is laced with distrust. "No offense but I don't want to leave them in your care when we barely know you ourselves. Right, Haitham?" 

 Alhaitham crosses his arms before he speaks, "I agree with Kaveh, you should stay with my team so I can protect you." 

 "I didn't mean to say that they should join your team! They should join my team with Captain Beidou and Kazuha, three Vision holders!" 

 "Just because you have a Vision doesn't mean you are invincible," Alhaitham tilts his head to the side as he says to Zhongli, "but Kaveh has a point, are you a Vision owner?" 

 Zhongli reaches out behind him and shows them a Geo Vision connected in his belt. You wonder why he carries one when he clearly doesn't need it.. You look at him but he doesn't look back, avoiding your eye contact and you sigh. Since the Vision excuse doesn't apply to Zhongli, Kaveh and Alhaitham are now discussing which team should you join but your decision is final. 

 Your voice shakes a little and goes out in a high pitch when you say, "I ha-have decided that I will join Zhongli. Trust me with this one, please. He can teach me how to control my growing adeptal powers and I know he can't stay long in Sumeru, not unless both of you want me to start my pilgrimage to Jueyun Karst instead." 

 Both men shut up immediately and you can see Alhaitham already thinking about what to say next. Kaveh however immediately speaks what's on his mind, "Let's not be hasty here and I'm sorry if you thought that I don't trust you or Mister Zhongli. If that's your final decision then I guess we have two days to prepare." 

 "I can see your point and I understand how problematic it can be if your adeptal powers suddenly go haywire during the mission. You might be a liability to the team you'll be joining as well if you can't control your innate abilities," Alhaitham looks at Zhongli with a cold stare before adding, "Rabbit is already a very important person for me and if they trust you enough to join you in this mission then I'll trust you as well. And also a warning, do not make any untoward advances on them. I am a very jealous person and I don't want to be on bad terms with you."

 Instead of backing down, Zhongli looks like he's enjoying the situation. He looks directly at Alhaitham when he says, "Possessiveness is a bad trait in a man but I am also someone who strives to conquer, to acquire anything I desire. I understand that you, Kaveh, and Rabbit are in a situation where you are all stepping around each other's… boundaries. I can assure you that I will keep them safe."

 Alhaitham doesn't reply back though his lips turn into a frown, Zhongli must have hit a nerve. Kaveh goes quiet too and the atmosphere becomes awkwardly quiet. The Archon calmly smiles at you, unbothered that he had both geniuses back down. You try to start a conversation but Zhongli shakes his head. 

 "I must take my leave, it's getting quite late and I want to see the final show in Zubayr Theater," Zhongli places both hands behind his back as he walks away. He turns back at you and says, "Meet me tomorrow at noon in front of the Adventurer's Guild office."