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[outofoffice]

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[leaveofabsence]

I would not have this be completely one-sided.

That is not a contract at all.

[outofoffice]

Then I'll ask for this:

Your forgiveness should I fail to protect you in this place. Perhaps even if my team were to play on yours and I couldn't prevent it.

I normally would never request something so selfish, but this seems like a special case.

1/2

[leaveofabsence]

[ He was not expecting that.

Though, in all honesty, he didn't know what he should expect. The fact that the God of Freedom was even entering into a contract (even should it only be the length of their stay here) was already outside of his expectations (though not his hopes). ]

[leaveofabsence]

You ask for things that are already yours.

. . .

No longer are we the guiding forces within our nations. And our units are much more fractured in their responsibilities and interests than Liyue and Mondstadt ever were. I did not expect your protection nor can I offer you any in return.

But.

If that will put your mind at ease. If you will allow yourself that much selfishness.

Then I agree to those terms.

[outofoffice]

[ It does put his mind at ease.

What more can he hope for in this place? ]

Okay.

Then it sounds like we have an agreement.

[leaveofabsence]

Yes. I believe we have.

[ And he places the gnosis into Venti's outstretched hand. ]

[outofoffice]

[ He cradles it in his hands carefully, like he worries it might shatter between his fingers.

Guess he has a new worst nightmare! ]

Hmmm . . . I guess this is the most I can do for you here, isn't it?

I'm at least grateful for that, and your trust.

[leaveofabsence]

[ Zhongli pauses, a slight shiver going down his spine as Venti's fingers curl carefully around the gnosis.

But then he straightens back to perfect posture, giving the bard his full attention. ]

It is one of the things you can do for me here.

And I would not ask for more given our current situation.

[outofoffice]

And yet I still find myself curious what these other possibilities are.

[leaveofabsence]

Perhaps you will discover them in time then.

But. This is enough of a heavy burden for one day, don't you agree? I know you will not take this task I've asked of you lightly.

[outofoffice]

Well~

It does remind me that I have a favor to ask! A proposal, if you will.

[leaveofabsence]

. . .

You could have asked it as part of the contract.

[outofoffice]

[ Flaps a hand! ]

No need for anything so formal!

It's just, with all these lovely guest stars here, and other circumstances, ahh . . .

[ A pause.




There is no abridged way to explain this. So, smiling brightly: ]

What do you think about spending some more time together? Ehe, trick question, I know you're sooo excited!

[leaveofabsence]

You have my company if you ask it of me, Barbatos. I would not turn you away.

[ But--- ]

Would you enlighten me on these other circumstances? Is there something you require of me?

[outofoffice]

How comfortable are you with being a bodyguard?

[leaveofabsence]

Very. Who is threatening you?

[outofoffice]

One of the guest stars miiiight intend to indiscriminately kill sensitIVs, depending on circumstances and his mood.

But your unit has actual fighting abilities, so that's perfect!

[ The cheerful tone does not remotely waver ]

[leaveofabsence]

Then I will stay close until the danger has passed.

Can you give me a description of this guest star?

[outofoffice]

He's one of the YOU-kais. Tall -- taller than you, maybe -- with blonde hair and purple eyes.

I wouldn't take him lightly, as multiple people have reported that he can field several trained warriors at once with relative ease.

[leaveofabsence]

[ Blonde hair. Purple eyes. YOU-kai. Well-versed in fighting.

The details all click into place as Zhongli crosses his arms. ]

Does he wield a polearm? One with a curved blade at the end.

[outofoffice]

Perhaps. I've never seen him fight before.

Why?

[leaveofabsence]

[ Pulls up this profile. ]

I believe I might have.

[outofoffice]

[ Peering at the pictures ]

Oh dear.

Yes, that's the one.

[leaveofabsence]

I watched him and Xiao spar so I can attest to his ability as a fighter.

However, he also seemed concerned that people would default to see him in a negative light, which is why I was present.

I assume you have more pieces to this puzzle than I.

[outofoffice]

Mmmmm . . .

[ This might be one of the most judgemental sounds Morax has ever heard him make. ]

He's married to someone on my unit, and was holding him captive until we helped him escape during the most recent game. It's a marriage of cruelty and coercion, with one of the most appalling "contracts" I've ever heard of.

He gave my unitmate an ultimatum to hand himself over willingly or forfeit the lives of the rest of sensitIV. I cannot emphasize enough how much the former isn't going to happen.