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Xiao
But I didn't... expect there to be so many people.
Xingqiu
There's no need to worry, Conqueror of Demons. We're not feeling anything unusual so far.
Xingqiu
Our young exorcist over here is protected by his pure-yang energy, so he's probably the most resilient.
Xiao
...
Traveler
You seem pretty quiet today. Is everything okay?
Traveler
Not used to being around so many people?
Xiao
I'm doing fine.
Xiao
Not long ago... before Lantern Rite, I met an old friend.
Xiao
Thanks to his help, things have been a lot more stable than before.
Traveler
That's good to hear. Give everything you don't eat to Paimon.
Hu Tao
Not to brag, but our consultant truly is impressive. His knowledge extends across the stars and the land, and there's nothing throughout history that he doesn't know.
Hu Tao
From the sophisticated way he speaks, it's hard not to suspect that he could very well be an adeptus in disguise! Hehe.
Xiao
...
Hu Tao
Xiao, you're an adeptus! Do you think it might be possible?
Xiao
I...
Xiao
...Sorry, I'm only good at conquering demons. I'm afraid I don't have much knowledge in that matter.
Xiao
Are you alright?
Traveler
I should be the one asking you that.
Xiao
...
Xiao
I... it's hard to describe.
Traveler
Unfamiliar with gatherings like this?
Xiao
It's not that.
Xiao
There were those among the adepti who loved gatherings and idle chit chat. Sometimes, they would call up a few others for a drink. Even I got dragged along to their gatherings, many times.
Xiao
The adepti all have their specialties, making most of them proud and arrogant. Everything they say is straight from the heart... It never gets too complicated.
Xiao
But this time...
Traveler
I understand. It's all Zhongli's fault.
Xiao
That's not what I meant!
Xiao
Or perhaps I should say Zhong... Rex Lapis is really good at adapting to human life. You could say that he actually enjoys doing so.
Traveler
I understand. It's all Venti's fault.
Xiao
N—No, I didn't mean that...
Xiao
So you know his true identity. I'll get straight to the point then.
Xiao
The Anemo Archon is a free spirit, and his temperament is as carefree as the music he plays on the flute. It's easy for a god like him to live in harmony with humans...
Xiao
And that's something I might never be able to do.
Traveler
You don't have to be like them.
Traveler
You do you.
Xiao
Hmm... That does sound like something you would say.
Xiao
No matter. I know my circumstances.
Xiao
Whenever I think of the ordinary conversations I've had with you, it feels... strangely novel.
Traveler
Strange in a good way?
Xiao
Yes.
Xiao
The parlor director went out of her way with the invitation, so it was difficult to turn her down. I had made mental preparations before agreeing to come.
Xiao
She told me that all the guests today would be "acquainted with elemental power," and I knew that you would be here.
Xiao
But I didn't expect the other guests to be...
Traveler
No one would've guessed.
Xiao
General Kapisas always said that we should live in the present and enjoy every pleasant surprise. Perhaps that's what I should do with what I'm feeling now.
Xiao
...But I think he meant designing clothes for those around him.
Xiao
The clothes were intricately designed, but inconvenient to wear. Brother Bosacius never tried to hide his distaste in front of him.
Xiao
Rex Lapis did like his designs and even collected quite a few. The outfit he wears now was also designed by General Kapisas himself.
Xiao
I never saw him wear this during the war. I didn't expect him to start wearing it later.
Xiangling
Oh, here you are!
Xiangling
Um, I'm not intruding, right...
Xiao
You're not. What is it?
Xiangling
Hu Tao saw that everyone's done eating and asked the staff to bring out the desserts.
Xiangling
Paimon got so anxious that you weren't back yet that she scarfed down her dessert without the usual slurping and munching.
Traveler
But not so anxious that she can't eat. Sounds like she'll be okay.
Xiangling
To be honest, I was kinda worried too.
Xiangling
You looked a little restless just now, and I thought you weren't used to the food here and was planning to head back to Wangshu Inn for something Yanxiao made.
Xiao
You're worrying too much.
Traveler
Xiao, don't pull any Lemniscatic Wind Cyclings on us.
Xiao
...Why would I.
Xiao
Anyway, let's head back.
Xiangling
Please wait!
Xiangling
There's another reason why I came looking for you.
Xiangling
Here, take these. I brought them for you!
Xiao
...Almond Tofu?
Xiangling
Yup!
Xiangling
Since the Masterful Chefs competition, you could say that Yanxiao and I are not only competitors, but good friends as well! I visit him at Wangshu Inn sometimes to discuss our cooking.
Xiangling
I heard him say that the esteemed guest on the roof loves nothing more than a good plate of Almond Tofu, so I learned a thing or two about the dish from him.
Xiangling
I'll be honest... Before Hu Tao invited everyone, she secretly came looking for me, told me about the guests she planned to invite, and asked me for some suggestions on what she should order.
Xiangling
So I made a few servings of Almond Tofu for you guys in advance! Take them as a token of gratitude for your support.
Xiangling
When I told Guoba that I was making these for you, he started eagerly running around the kitchen and helping a lot too!
Xiao
Thank you for the trouble, there was no need to...
Traveler
Ahem...
Xiao
...I'll take them. Thank you... and Guoba too.
Xiangling
You're welcome!
Xiangling
Oh, the Almond Tofu I made probably tastes and feels a little different from the type Yanxiao cooks. Please let me know if there's any improvements I should make!
Xiao
Okay.
Xiangling
Hehe, that's all!
Xiangling
Alrighty, we should head back now. We can't keep Paimon waiting!
Xiao
Sorry to keep everyone waiting.
Zhongli
Well then...
Xiao
Rex Lapis...
Zhongli
Just Zhongli will do.
Zhongli
I live as a mortal in Liyue Harbor now. I am just one among many who begin work at sunrise, and retire to rest at sundown.
Zhongli
If we were to consider status and seniority, as Zhongli, I should be respectfully referring to you as Adeptus Xiao.
Xiao
Heaven forbid!
Traveler
Adeptus Xiao!
Xiao
...Not you too!
Traveler
Let's stop teasing him now.
Zhongli
Haha, I meant what I said.
Traveler
I really like Xiao...xiao seems like the type of person who, despite being clumsy and not too certain on what to do, is naturally comforting. i mean he can protect you, and he will, along with being warm and sturdy to lean on and cry to. he also makes an amazing listener, where despite trying to help you even if that’s not necessarily what you need, it proves how well he listens and cares. he also would probably sing to you like guizhong used to him, and his voice would be the perfect mix of raspy and soothing, soothing enough in fact to lull you to sleep.
Traveler
Hug me Xiao...
Xiao
You really...The closest you'll be able to get is a quick hug, but even that will not be often. Remember my karmic debt...
Traveler
Oh Xiao... you came...
Xiao
You're hurt! I don’t want to do something wrong; I will help you, I didn’t want to hurt you more.*So with extreme precision and care, he lifted back her sleeves and the clothing that revealed her wounds. He tore a long strand of the white bandage with his teeth before gently wrapping it around each wound, attempting not to disrupt her sleeping. But it seemed his precision was futile* “Are you hurting? Is something too tight?”
Traveler
It's fine...