Eleutheromania (Various Genshin x Reader)

A Business Dinner -32-

The red-shouldered hawk of a man stood ideally in front of the Northland bank, happily humming a tune as the two Fatui Guards beside him at their posts sweat dropped. 'What's he in such a good mood for...?' They wondered. After all, the only thing that excited the 11th harbinger was bloodshed.

Suddenly, upon seeing three incoming figures, the orange haired male perked up and raised his hand up in a wave. "You've finally returned. How was your journey to Jueyun Karst?" He asked.

Paimon and Aether went on an explanation of the events which included (but was not limited to) an emo, a ghost, a Ruin Hunter, and almond tofu. At the end of the rant, Childe only looked at the two with a deadpanned smile, not completely sure what to make of that. "...I see," he drew out, glancing at you for any guidance. You simply shrugged and looked away, still not totally warmed up to him yet.

Eventually the male cleared his throat and brought the conversation back on topic. "Oh, you didn't get to see all the adepti yourself? Oh as they say, it's up to fate, no? Not a worry," he reassured, "If you have the free time, there's no harming giving it a go again. Besides, the information on the conqueror of demons is already very valuable. As a returning gift, I too have information for you."

You turned to look at him with an eyebrow raised. "Information?" You echoed curiosity. Childe grinned now that your attention was fully on him. "Regarding the archon's passing..." he clarified, "The Liyue Qixing's response really 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."

The male crossed his arms and shrugged. "They've even gone so 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," he said.

As he finished his piece, Paimon furrowed her eyebrows in confusion and tilted her head to the side. "Exuvia?" She asked. "It's common knowledge in Liyue that Rex Lapis is also an adeptus," Childe explained with a grin, "The Geo Archon is also the God of Contracts, and is also known as the Exuvia, Prime of the Adepti. The mighty and illuminated adepti of today all signed contracts to protect Liyue back then."

"But it wasn't just contracts, of course," you added on, "he could fight real well, too. You can't always win a war through negotiations." Paimon hummed in understanding. "Guess that explains why they're all so focused on Liyue's well-being," she concluded.

Childe let out a little laugh. "Naturally. They both have the responsibility and the aptitude for the job. If the ruling Qixing became unable to perform their duty properly, the adepti have the right to take corrective action. The Geo Archon's spirit has risen, so why would the Qixing hide his vessel!? Truly suspicious," he exclaimed.

Aether placed a hand to his chin in thought. "I agree, something is definitely not right. This just makes things difficult for me too," mumbled the blonde. You pursed your lips and placed your hands on your hips. "So they're hiding something. They gotta be."

The little pixie gave off a pensive look. "If the Liyue Qixing has locked up Exuvia and won't let anyone near... Then Aether's quest to find The Seven is already over!" She cried, hands coming up to pull at her silky white locks.

This seemed to catch the redhead's attention, bland eyes briefly lighting up in interest. "Oh? You're trying to find The Seven? And just why might that be, pray tell?" He questioned, staring down at Aether.

You narrowed your eyes towards the taller male. "Nothing to do with you..." you grumbled. Rather rude sure, but this guy did kill for a living so you had no regrets.

In any case, Childe apparently seemed to actually somewhat enjoy your response. Looking at you with an amused, satisfied grin, he gave off a little chuckle. "Heh... nice answer," he said before turning back to the rest of the group, "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," he slyly suggested with a smirk.