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[ His expression darkens at the reminder of the earring ]

So what is it you intend to do?

Make a contract or two. That usually takes care of the issue.

[ Sighs . . . ]

I don't know what I expected.

I suppose I should consider myself fortunate that I can still keep you guessing after all these years.

And I should consider myself fortunate that some things really do stay the same.

[ A considering pause.

And then he lefts his hand to turn Zhongli's face towards him, making sure he's looking at him. ]

[ He does not resist the gesture, but he does raise one eyebrow in Venti's direction curiously.

Yes, Barbatos? ]

I didn't realize the degree to which erosion has weighed heavy on your mind, though I should have. I'm sorry.

You have nothing to apologize for.

Unfortunately such a burden must be born in brunt by the individual. And you yourself have many troubles of your own to deal with.

Do you know why I write my songs, Morax?

I have my theories.

But I would like to hear your answer directly.

Songs and stories scatter the seeds of the future. They outlive us when we're gone, but carry our memories to those who will never know us. The children of the future will hear of our triumphs and heartaches alike.

Take a lullaby, for example . . .

[ A certain someone has certainly never met Guizhong ]

So, if you share them with me -- I'll commit each and every one of your memories to song.

A generous offer. And one that I will most certainly partake in.

[ But after a somewhat thoughtful pause ]

But do you intend to live the rest of your days out in Teyvat?

Well, yes . . .

[ A halting, trepidatious pause ]

--Don't you?

I believe I do. At least for the coming centuries. And certainly when it is time for me to find my final resting place.

But the stories you speak of -- if they are to be spread across the stars, then we cannot depend on unexpected events such as...

[ And he points to Imeeji around them ]

To do the work for us.

. . .

So you'd like to follow in the Traveler's footsteps, then? To journey across many worlds and share your stories?

[ Now it is his turn to reach for Venti - cradling his cheeks in his hands so that he is looking up at him. ]

I am not certain. This place has made me uncertain of many things.

But it is something that I have been thinking of. Nothing set in stone.

But it seems that such a thing might upset you...

[ Ahhh, how different it is now from when Barbatos was the one with wanderlust, roaming every possible corner of the world.

"Nothing set in stone" indeed . . . ]

No.

[ Leaning into those hands. ]

I simply wish for the opportunity to go with you.

Who better to tell the tales of Teyvat than its self-proclaimed greatest bard?

Hehe . . .

[ He slumps forward until he has Zhongli locked in an embrace. A little clingy, perhaps, but he figures he's allowed every now and then. ]

It's about time this bonehead got out and traveled . . .

Yes, I do believe I am quite overdue.

But I do wish for things to settle before setting out.

[ Or explode. Really. Who knows what's going to happen?

A hand comes up to pet Venti between his wings ]

[ Who knows what's going to happen? That seems like the twins' problem to work out. ]

Of course. But things will be okay.

I've been telling you for millennia that humans can manage fine without us.

[ Perhaps with just a little pouting: ]

I had to be completely sure.

[ The satisfaction of an "I told you so" 3000 years in the making . . .

Pets his hair~ ]

Mmmhmm, of course you did.

They had never lived without an Archon before. And I needed to know what role would the Adepti play in shaping the future of Liyue.

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