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[outofoffice]

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[outofoffice]

Who plans ahead that far??

I just came whenever I wanted to see you!

[ Which was, apparently, all the time ]

[leaveofabsence]

[ He is silent for a long time, bringing a hand to his chin in thought. ]

Ah.

Was I being discourteous to you?

[outofoffice]

Why did you think I came? You're always discourteous! That's why I call you an oaf, a blundering buffoon!

[leaveofabsence]

Sometimes I thought you came to visit myself and the other people and sites in Liyue. Sometimes for distraction. And sometimes merely because you were bored.

[outofoffice]

[ Not a single pebble in his skull . . . ]

Then why would I specifically come to you? Liyue's a big country!

[leaveofabsence]

[ Brain empty. Only governing Liyue.

There is another long considering pause as his brow furrows. He's really concentrating quite hard on this. ]

My first thought would be because we were friends. But our recent talks have made me come to realize that you thought that our friendship was unrequited. So if that is not the reason---

I am unsure why you would be coming to see my specifically since it seems you did not gain anything from our encounters.

[outofoffice]

[ SIR

PLEASE. ]

Because I like being around you, idiot! So I chose to be around you whether you liked it or not.

[leaveofabsence]

[ A long slow nod of comprehension ]

I see.

I shall work on that as well.

2/2

[leaveofabsence]

And before we have a chance to rehash the previous argument - it is because I would like to spend time with you as well.

[outofoffice]

[ PREENS!!!!! ]

I would hope so! I'm a delight!

[leaveofabsence]

[ Oh good. Does that mean Venti is feeling better?

He picks up his discarded goblet and places it back in his hands. ]

So allow me to indulge you. Just for the moment.

I know one bottle is not even enough for you to feel anything.

[outofoffice]

[ Sometimes giving a man the only important object he's ever owned speaks more than words ]

. . . How many did you fit in that basket?

[leaveofabsence]

Just the one.

[outofoffice]

And here I thought you were about to do something unbelievably amazing . . .

[leaveofabsence]

Regarding this matter in particular, it is always best to set low expectations of me.

[outofoffice]

At least you didn't pour me a glass and then immediately confiscate it.

[leaveofabsence]

You've had a rough time. I will not deny you your vice if that is what makes you feel better.

[outofoffice]

Hehe . . . I accept your flexibility graciously.

[leaveofabsence]

You should. It is a rare occurrence.

[ He picks up his own cup. ]

What do they say in Mondstadt? Cheers.

[outofoffice]

[ Lifting his goblet ]

Exactly that -- cheers!

[leaveofabsence]

[ He takes a sip from his glass, not particularly interested in having too much wine as he expects Venti to drink the rest of it. ]

Unfortunately, I was unable to purchase high-grade cecilia to my liking to complete the Rite. So we will have to make due with what we presently have.

[outofoffice]

[ And yet Venti is mostly enjoying in moderation. Just for him.

He should be flattered. ]

You've always had a much more discerning eye than me when it comes to these things. I've picked many a cecilia with half their petals missing.

[leaveofabsence]

... And you just gave them to people like that?

[outofoffice]

[ Snorts out a laugh ]

You're really over-estimating how often I give people flowers.

[leaveofabsence]

Are you saying you created a festival that you did not even participate in?