At Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Zhongli had already finished brewing the tea. The steam curled quietly upward as he sat in the hall, hands folded, patiently awaiting the arrival of Futsu Mitama and the others. The pastries he had purchased were neatly arranged, untouched.
He was also looking forward to meeting Albedo. They had exchanged many words in the Chat Group, and Zhongli could already tell that this young man's attainments in alchemy were by no means shallow. Even for one who had witnessed countless eras, there were still fields beyond his own expertise. Alchemy was one such domain, and Zhongli wished to discuss condensed resin with him—perhaps this Chief Alchemist of Mondstadt might possess insights he himself did not.
Before long, the doors of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor were pushed open.
Zhongli lifted his gaze and saw, for the first time, the young man he had only known through words on a screen. His eyes lingered on Albedo for a brief moment, and then—almost imperceptibly—the corners of his lips curved upward, as if he had discovered something intriguing.
"Oh?"
That single sound was soft, but it landed like a stone in still water. In that instant, Albedo's pupils shrank. Almost instinctively, he took half a step back.
"Eh? Big brother Albedo?" Klee was the first to notice. She tugged lightly at his sleeve, her face full of confusion. "What's wrong?"
Kuki Shinobu also sensed something amiss. She glanced from Albedo to Zhongli, who wore a calm, faint smile, and asked, puzzled, "Have you two met before?"
Albedo's reaction made no sense. By all accounts, he should never have encountered this Wangsheng Funeral Parlor consultant—yet his body had responded faster than thought.
"That is—" A thin sheen of cold sweat appeared on Albedo's forehead. He looked at Zhongli, whose expression remained gentle and composed, and for a moment found himself unable to answer either Kuki Shinobu or Klee.
Because in the instant their gazes met, Albedo knew.
This man was no ordinary consultant.
The one standing before him—this seemingly refined mortal known as Zhongli—was, without question, the Geo Archon himself.
Morax.
The aura of a god could not be concealed from someone like Albedo. His own origins were far from simple, and that ancient, weighty presence was unmistakable. It was steady, vast, and immovable, like the mountains themselves.
But that realization only deepened his shock.
Why?
If Zhongli truly was Morax, then he should already know of Azhdaha's existence. He should also be aware of Raiden Makoto. And yet, in the Chat Group, he had never once revealed his identity, continuing to speak and act simply as "Zhongli," as though nothing were amiss.
Countless thoughts raced through Albedo's mind, confusion tangled with disbelief.
Now, with Klee looking up at him in concern and Kuki Shinobu waiting for an explanation, Albedo stood there, having seen through the Archon's disguise—yet utterly unsure how he was supposed to respond.
What more could Albedo say? At this moment, he truly could say nothing at all. He had no idea why the Geo Archon before him insisted on concealing his identity, and thus could not afford to expose it recklessly.
If the other party chose to hide himself, then there must be reasons of his own.
Just as Albedo's mind raced, searching for a way to smooth things over, Zhongli spoke first, his tone unhurried.
"Of course we've met," Zhongli said calmly. "Once, in Liyue, I commissioned Albedo to paint a picture for me. At the time, neither of us disclosed our names."
"It was precisely because of that," he continued, "that Albedo failed to recognize me. Frankly speaking, I find it rather surprising. I never imagined that someone with such refined skill in painting would, in fact, be an alchemist."
His words carried a subtle implication. The moment Albedo had stepped through the door, Zhongli had already discerned his identity—and this was only natural. Albedo was indeed worthy of the title Kreideprinz, the foremost alchemist of his generation.
Albedo immediately followed along, giving a slight nod and letting out a soft sigh. "I also never expected, Mr. Zhongli, that you would be a consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
His words, too, concealed another meaning—as if to say that such a position hardly matched the stature of the person before him.
Zhongli merely smiled, offering no reply. His gaze then shifted to the small figure standing beside Albedo. For the first time since their meeting, a faint irregularity appeared in Zhongli's expression.
He rose from his seat.
Walking up to Klee, Zhongli studied her features carefully, as though confirming something long suspected. Then he asked, his voice steady, tinged with an almost imperceptible helplessness,
"You are—Alice's daughter?"
"Huh? Mr. Zhongli, you know Aunt Alice too?" Albedo looked at him in surprise. He had not expected Zhongli to be acquainted with her. After all, Alice had been missing for quite some time. It was only known that she still existed somewhere in this world—her whereabouts were a complete mystery.
"You know Mommy?" Klee's eyes immediately lit up. She hugged Zhongli's leg and looked up at him eagerly. "Do you know where Mommy went?"
She was curious, though not anxious. Klee knew that one day she would walk the same path as her parents. Until they returned, she only needed to grow up properly and protect Mondstadt alongside the Knights of Favonius.
Still, if she could learn something about her mother now, she would be very happy.
…
As Morax, Zhongli knew the answer.
But as a mere consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, he did not.
Thus, Zhongli gently shook his head.
Seeing this, Klee's shoulders drooped slightly, disappointment clear on her face. Zhongli sighed softly. He reached out and patted her head, his voice calm and even.
"When the great adventurer Alice once traveled through Liyue, I accompanied her for a time," he said. "Her ideas were—extraordinarily imaginative. Though, admittedly, they were also rather dangerous."
Albedo broke out into a cold sweat.
Rather dangerous? No—Alice's ideas had been extremely dangerous.
Some of her experiments had left the Knights of Favonius deeply shaken, to the point of altering terrain itself. Those were not minor incidents by any measure.
"Oh! Really?!" Klee's eyes sparkled instantly. She leaned forward eagerly. "Then, then! What was Mommy doing back then?"
Zhongli met her expectant gaze and allowed a small smile to surface. He began recounting several anecdotes from those days. As he spoke, he invited everyone to sit, to drink tea and sample the pastries, the stories unfolding naturally amid the quiet atmosphere.
Futsu Mitama, Kuki Shinobu, Albedo, and Klee all took their seats, listening.
Time slipped by unnoticed.
Klee's eyes shone brightly, filled with wonder. Far from being alarmed, she delighted in her mother's boundless creativity. Albedo, meanwhile, could only twitch at the corner of his mouth.
Did Aunt Alice recognize Morax's identity back then?
He had no way of knowing—and decided not to dwell on it.
Just as Zhongli finished his tale and lifted his teacup for another sip, the door to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor swung open.
"Yo—so many guests today?"
Hu Tao returned, arms full of bags. Upon seeing everyone present, she grinned brightly. "Looks like I'll have to show off my skills tonight! I'll treat you all to my specialty—Yoyo Grand March!"
The moment those words left her mouth, Zhongli stiffened.
This was his cue to leave.
Before he could act, however, Kuki Shinobu spoke decisively, "I'll handle the cooking, Director Hu."
She continued calmly, "These two are my friends. Please allow me to prepare the meal myself."
For the sake of Albedo's—and Klee's—continued survival, Kuki Shinobu made her stance unmistakably clear.
Hu Tao's cooking was—unforgettable. Even if Zhongli insisted it was passable, Shinobu preferred to trust her own judgment.
"Eh~~~~"
Hu Tao's expression immediately fell.
"Oh, right." Futsu Mitama suddenly had an idea. He lifted Klee into his arms and said to Hu Tao, "This little one is from Mondstadt and hasn't seen Liyue Harbor yet."
"Director Hu, could you show her around? Guests should be properly treated, after all."
Klee blinked. She didn't fully understand what was happening, but she sensed that everyone seemed oddly wary of this lively big sister. To her, however, Hu Tao felt like a very good person.
"If it's Director Hu…" Zhongli said, forcing himself to speak against his instincts, "…then it should be relatively safe."
Though in truth, Hu Tao paired with Klee was a combination even he dared not imagine.
Still, Zhongli wished to remain and speak with Albedo, and he had no intention of joining the evening meal. Thus, letting Hu Tao take Klee out was the only option.
"Thank you for the trouble," Albedo said politely. He could tell Zhongli had matters to discuss with him.
And surely, with an adult accompanying her, nothing too disastrous would happen.
Unless that adult actively encouraged Klee.
But aside from Alice, Albedo had yet to see anyone do that.
"Well then~" Hu Tao handed her bags to Kuki Shinobu and beamed at Klee. "I'll take this adorable little one to explore Liyue Harbor."
"Oh—almost forgot~" She suddenly turned back. "I should introduce myself properly!"
"My name's Hu Tao. The 'Hu' of eating to one's heart's content, and the 'Tao' of… definitely not mischief! Hehehe!"
"Hahahaha~" Klee burst into laughter, utterly delighted.
Seeing this, Hu Tao's eyes lit up. "Good! Then Sister Hu Tao will take you on an adventure through Liyue Harbor!"
"Yay!!!"
The two cheerfully departed together.
Futsu Mitama glanced at Kuki Shinobu. "Need any help?"
"No," she replied calmly. "And do you even know how to cook? Go drink tea."
Without waiting for a response, she headed straight for the kitchen.
Futsu Mitama could only shrug and return to Zhongli and Albedo. Both sat quietly, tea in hand—yet their expressions were tense. Albedo worried for Klee; Zhongli worried for Liyue Harbor.
"Enough," Zhongli finally said, setting aside his concerns. "Director Hu should be manageable."
He looked at Albedo. "What are your thoughts on condensed resin?"
Since his identity had already been seen through, Zhongli no longer bothered with concealment.
Albedo paused, then answered seriously. "In terms of research, most of its materials are surprisingly common—Crystal Cores, sweet flowers for sweetness, even ingredients for different flavors."
"But the final component—" He shook his head. "I cannot analyze it. If forced, I might have to consume the condensed resin itself and attempt to discern it through my senses."
An extreme measure, considering how precious it was.
"There is no need," Zhongli said evenly. "A friend of mine has already analyzed it."
Futsu Mitama reacted on cue, wearing a look of surprise.
Albedo, on the other hand, stared at Zhongli expressionlessly, his gaze saying plainly: That 'friend' would be you.
Still, he did not press the matter. Instead, he asked, "What is the core ingredient? If possible, I might help obtain it."
Zhongli turned his gaze to Futsu Mitama instead.
"Time," he said. "The essence of condensed resin contains the power of Time. That power is exceedingly rare—and extraordinarily difficult to acquire."
Albedo fell silent. After a moment, he spoke slowly. "Perhaps—the Anemo Archon might know a way."
"In Mondstadt, there is a saying: The wind carries the seeds of stories, and Time makes them sprout. Barbatos may possess a method to access such power."
Zhongli contemplated this briefly.
"Or," Futsu Mitama added, "we could ask Raiden Makoto. The original Electro Archon may also hold knowledge of Time."
Albedo instinctively glanced at Zhongli again.
As if the Geo Archon himself were not already here—
Outwardly, however, he nodded. "It's worth attempting."
Perhaps Zhongli already knew the method—only that the cost was too great to bear. It was also possible that there was something about the Geo Archon himself that made him so cautious—something that compelled him to tread carefully when the matter involved Time.
Regardless, at this moment, Albedo and Zhongli had reached a consensus on their objective: the search for the material known as Time.
Albedo's motivation stemmed from pure scholarly curiosity, while Zhongli sought it for a far more pressing reason—to resist erosion.
Within the Chat Group—
Futsu Mitama: "@Lady Makoto, after some discussion, we believe the core material of condensed resin involves Time."
Azhdaha: "Time?? That thing—can it even be turned into dessert?????"
Yae Miko: "Ah, then it seems I don't need to continue researching it. How disappointing~ You two solved it far too quickly. If it truly involves Time, then it's not something we can easily meddle with."
Lady Makoto: "Hmm~ I see. Time, is it? That answer is shocking, yet somehow—it makes sense."
Azhdaha: "Hm? Baal, you sound like you know quite a bit."
Albedo: "According to Mr. Zhongli's friend, the primary material of condensed resin is Time. In Mondstadt, there is a saying."
Albedo:"'The wind carries the seeds of stories, and Time makes them sprout.' For that reason, I suspect the Anemo Archon, Barbatos, may possess something related to Time."
Zhongli: "As a scholar, I find this line of inquiry deeply fascinating."
Kamisato Ayaka: "This topic feels…far beyond my level."
Sangonomiya Kokomi: "I share the same feeling."
Aila: "..."
Lady Makoto: "Regarding Time, I only know a little. I cannot explain her matters in detail…mainly because I fear you may inadvertently touch upon a taboo. Her name is Istaroth. You may understand her as the Archon of Time."
Lady Makoto: "I know of her existence, yet now—I no longer know how to speak of her freely. After all, five hundred years have already passed."
Seeing this, Futsu Mitama's thoughts immediately drifted to Enkanomiya beneath Watatsumi Island, where that name had once appeared in ancient records.
As an early player, he remembered those details all too clearly.
The most shocking revelations from Enkanomiya concerned the era before the Archon War and the establishment of The Seven. The deeper history would not be discussed here, but the key point was simple—
The name Lady Makoto had spoken, when read in reverse, revealed an existence far more ancient and revered than the Seven Archons themselves.
Istaroth.
Information about her had appeared only twice: once in Enkanomiya's records, and once when Lady Makoto entrusted the Sacred Sakura seed to Raiden Ei, explaining the truth behind it.
Lady Makoto clearly knew of Istaroth's existence. The moment Time was mentioned as the core material, she understood immediately—yet even so, she only revealed what was strictly necessary for Albedo and Zhongli to grasp the essentials.
Even within the Chat Group, she did not dare speak more.
Azhdaha: "I've heard of her. According to Morax, she is dangerous—but not an enemy. Still… that name always feels strange."
Lady Makoto: "That is enough, Azhdaha. Some things are best known only to us. If others were to know and speak of it, the consequences would be far greater."
Azhdaha: "Indeed—taboos and the Heavenly Principles. But if Time is the main material, then how is it to be obtained?"
Albedo: "I have no method. For other elements, even space, I might attempt something—but not this."
Zhongli: "Among my acquaintances, few understand Time. However, there is one in Mondstadt. If necessary, I will personally go and inquire."
Kuki Shinobu: "Mr. Zhongli seems very determined to create condensed resin."
Futsu Mitama: "Aren't you cooking?"
Kuki Shinobu: "It's fine. I'm used to chatting while cooking."
Sangonomiya Kokomi: "I also have high hopes for condensed resin. If it can dispel fatigue so thoroughly, it truly is remarkable."
Kamisato Ayaka: "But if Time is the main material—even Mr. Zhongli and Mr. Albedo have no solution, and Lady Makoto herself finds it difficult—"
Lady Makoto: "It is not merely difficult. I do possess an item that contains Time. With the talents of Albedo and Zhongli, if I were to provide it, they might learn how to capture the power of Time."
Lady Makoto: "Not mastery—only perception would suffice. However, I cannot upload this item. It concerns Inazuma's future. If it were to leave my possession, the consequences would be dire."
Albedo: "In that case—it is truly regrettable."
Zhongli: "If it is of such importance, one cannot ask for it lightly."
Lady Makoto: "Futsu Mitama may see it someday. Once Inazuma's affairs are resolved, I will allow him to witness my future—and Inazuma's. Condensed resin, which can resist erosion, is something I care deeply about as well. If feasible, this item must be pursued."
Azhdaha: "Then—I may yet see the light of day again."
Lady Makoto: "If condensed resin can truly be mass-produced and resist erosion, you could indeed return to the Liyue continent. Unlike me—a lingering consciousness destined to fade."
An inexplicable melancholy quietly spread through the group.
Futsu Mitama sighed softly. The item Lady Makoto referred to was almost certainly the Sacred Sakura seed—imbued with Istaroth's authority, carrying the essence of Time itself. A future that took root in the past, saving all of Inazuma.
"Mr. Zhongli, what do you think?" Albedo asked quietly after reading Lady Makoto's words.
Zhongli shook his head gently. "After the Rite of Descension concludes and all matters are settled, I will depart for Mondstadt."
Albedo understood. Contracts bound even Archons.
Yet if it concerned Istaroth, then perhaps… visiting that old friend might yield answers.
"Then I will lead the way," Albedo said. "I can guide you to Mondstadt."
"Excellent," Zhongli replied with a nod.
Albedo then turned to Futsu Mitama. "Will you come as well?"
Zhongli's gaze followed.
"No problem," Futsu Mitama answered with a smile. "I also wish to see Mondstadt."
He had no intention of returning to Inazuma so soon. His strength was still insufficient—and sooner or later, confrontation with the Raiden Shogun or Raiden Ei was inevitable. After confirming their journey, the three continued chatting—
Until a thunderous explosion echoed in the distance.
Their expressions froze.
"Who set off firecrackers?" Kuki Shinobu called from the kitchen.
Zhongli rose with a sigh. "I'll take a look."
"I'll come too," Albedo said immediately.
Futsu Mitama followed silently.
Moments later, two red figures came rushing toward them.
"Oh dear~ Why did you come out?" Hu Tao said awkwardly.
Klee looked close to tears.
Zhongli sighed deeply.
Albedo's expression grew subtle.
They returned to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
"Mmm~ Smells great!" Hu Tao exclaimed brightly, as if nothing had happened.
Zhongli placed a hand on her head. "Director Hu…what happened?"
Silence.
Then Klee spoke softly, holding out Jumpy Dumpty.
"We wanted to fish—"
Zhongli stared at the small bomb in his hand.
"Why was it so loud?"
Albedo wondered the same.
And somewhere in Liyue Harbor, the Millelith were still scrambling.
Futsu Mitama's gaze shifted to Hu Tao, who stood stiff and motionless. He asked evenly, "Director Hu—could it have been you?"
Though Klee was famously mischievous, her understanding of explosives was anything but crude. In truth, her research into bombs was remarkably refined—she could design harmless fireworks, specialized fishing bombs, devices meant only for hostile targets, and even explosives capable of shattering mountains. She knew precisely where each kind should be used.
Under normal circumstances, a simple fishing bomb would never have caused such a commotion.
Unless she had somehow miscalculated and increased the yield during her research—but that was almost impossible. Klee had grown up around explosives; she understood their dangers better than most adults. She would never recklessly endanger others.
Which meant there was only one remaining possibility.
"Ahahaha~~~" Hu Tao laughed awkwardly under the weight of Zhongli's and Albedo's gazes. Turning away, she scratched her head helplessly. "I didn't expect it either."
"I thought it was just a small bomb, like a firecracker. So I asked Klee if she wanted to see what a bigger one looked like. Then I secretly added a few talismans to it—you know, the kind that amplify power. You probably felt it when it went off."
She shrugged, half-relieved. "I really didn't think the increase would be that terrifying."
"Fortunately, the place we chose was uninhabited. No boats, no people nearby."
Her lips curved into a mischievous smile. "If there had been people, I definitely wouldn't have done it. Hehehe."
Zhongli covered his face, letting out a long sigh. Allowing Hu Tao to look after a child had indeed been a grave miscalculation. Barely a dozen minutes had passed, and Liyue Harbor had nearly been blown sky-high.
Albedo, on the other hand, felt a trace of relief. At least it had only been a fishing bomb. If Klee had brought out a Jumpy Dumpty designed for mountain demolition, the consequences would have been unthinkable.
Even with Zhongli present, that trip to Liyue might have ended catastrophically.
With that thought, Albedo gave Hu Tao a long, meaningful look. No—under no circumstances could she be entrusted with childcare again. The risks were far too great.
"Sister Hu Tao is a really, really, really good person!" Klee suddenly declared. Hugging Zhongli's leg, she looked up at him pitifully. "Mr. Zhongli, please don't be mad at her, okay?"
"It's Klee's fault. If Klee hadn't wanted to fish with bombs, none of this would've happened."
Seeing her expression, Zhongli fell silent for a moment. He had never intended to blame Hu Tao in the first place. After all, she had merely mistaken Jumpy Dumpty for a harmless firecracker and wanted to surprise the child.
In the end, it was Klee who had surprised her instead.
"Rest assured," Zhongli said at last, his voice calm despite his inner helplessness. "I am not angry."
"Just…please refrain from playing with bombs in Liyue Harbor in the future."
As long as explosives stayed away from the harbor, things would generally remain manageable.
"Phew."
"Phew."
Hu Tao and Klee both let out a breath at the same time, clearly sensing that the matter had finally passed.
"By the way," Futsu Mitama added casually, as if recalling something, his eyes turning to Klee. "Klee, you said Sister Hu Tao is a really, really, really good person. That means…"
"She's even better than a good person. Shouldn't you call her Saint Hu Tao?"
Hu Tao's smile froze instantly. She stared at Futsu Mitama, speechless. "Why does that sound like you're calling me old? What, am I some ancient fossil now—a saint?"
Klee looked from Futsu Mitama to Hu Tao, then suddenly beamed with innocent delight.
"Sister Hu Tao is a Saint!!!"