"Is there anything else to report?" Ningguang asked Yelan.
"Yes," Yelan nodded. "It concerns recent security issues in Liyue."
Hearing that the report involved public safety, Ningguang reminded her, "Keqing is responsible for security within Liyue Harbor. Matters of that nature can be taken directly to her. With so many affairs at hand lately, it would be more efficient to coordinate with her directly."
The division of responsibilities among the Qixing was clear.
Overstepping one's jurisdiction not only disrupted the balance among the Qixing, but also made it difficult for the departments under them to function. As the head of the Qixing, Ningguang was especially careful to set an example and uphold these rules.
"This isn't about security within Liyue Harbor," Yelan shook her head and relayed the intelligence gathered by her informants.
"It concerns the greater Liyue region, particularly the area around Mt. Hulao. A number of suspicious individuals have appeared there. They call themselves the Abyss Order and seem to be conducting some kind of ritual. When the Millelith attempt to question them, they flee immediately and never engage directly."
"The Abyss Order…"
Ningguang frowned slightly at the name.
"Liyue has had no religion for thousands of years. Even if there were one, it would be devotion to Rex Lapis. A name like 'Abyss Order' must come from outside Liyue, wouldn't you say?"
"That's my assessment as well," Yelan nodded. "They're likely a religious group originating from another nation."
Religion was born from humanity's faith in the divine. In Liyue, however, one was either a follower of Rex Lapis—or a warped follower of Rex Lapis. Those who did not believe in Rex Lapis were practically nonexistent.
And with the strength these people displayed, it was impossible for them to establish a religion on their own.
"Send additional Millelith forces to drive them out," Ningguang said decisively. "Liyue is walking a tightrope right now—there can be no room for error. If those Abyss Order members dare to do anything that threatens Liyue, the Millelith are authorized to act immediately, without seeking approval."
"Understood," Yelan replied with a nod. "I'll notify the Millelith right away."
"Thank you for your trouble."
...
"Miss Lora, are you tired?"
Qiqi walked ahead with a small medicine basket on her back. Because she was a zombie, her movements were noticeably stiff—far more awkward than those of an ordinary person. Watching her, Lora felt a pang of sympathy. Qiqi had been nothing more than an innocent little girl who was swept up in the conflict between the adepti.
She never should have had to endure the wary stares of people who saw her as something unnatural.
"No, I'm not tired," Lora replied gently. "But Qiqi, make sure you don't push yourself."
"Qiqi is a zombie. Qiqi doesn't get tired," Qiqi said seriously. "Qiqi exercises every day to keep her body… flexible."
She slowed her pace a little so she could walk alongside Lora, then lifted her head and looked up at her.
Walking together, Lora glanced down at Qiqi, who only came up to her waist, and asked softly, "Qiqi, what do you like?"
"Like?" Qiqi paused, looking at her in confusion.
Seeing the blank look in her eyes, Lora nodded. "You've worked so hard guiding me to Qingce Village. Of course I should thank you properly. Tell me what you like—when we get back to Liyue Harbor, I'll give it to you."
"Mmm! Qiqi likes… coconut milk!" Qiqi nibbled on her finger, then answered earnestly.
"Coconut… milk?" Lora tilted her head.
"Yes!" Qiqi continued. "Milk from coconut sheep. That's why it's called coconut milk! Qiqi wants… a coconut sheep!"
"Uh… well…" Lora blinked, her smile turning slightly awkward.
If she remembered correctly, coconut sheep probably—maybe—possibly—meant… Ganyu?
Lost in thought, Lora stayed silent for a moment, while Qiqi walked beside her, watching intently.
"What's a coconut sheep? I've never seen one," Lora said at last, deciding to deny it for now.
"Qiqi knows!" Qiqi said confidently. "Coconut sheep appear at Mt. Tianheng! So next time, Miss Lora, come with Qiqi to Mt. Tianheng, and we'll catch coconut sheep together!"
She extended the invitation with utmost seriousness.
Lora suddenly thought of something for no reason at all. "Uh…"
"What's wrong?" Qiqi tilted her head when she saw Lora hesitate.
In the end, Lora decided it was better to explain things clearly. "Qiqi, actually… coconut milk isn't milk produced by coconut sheep. It's made by mixing the juice of coconuts with cow's milk."
"Mm… is that so?" Qiqi blinked, her mind struggling to process the information.
"Qiqi, don't crash!" Lora quickly waved her hand in front of Qiqi's face when she saw her freeze, afraid the child's thoughts might really seize up.
Qiqi snapped back quickly and shook her head. "Qiqi won't crash. Qiqi is very smart. If coconut milk isn't from coconut sheep, then when Miss Lora goes back to Liyue Harbor, just give Qiqi a cup of coconut milk."
That was all Qiqi wanted. She was practically guiding Lora for free.
Looking at her, Lora felt her heart melt from the sheer cuteness.
"Alright! When we get back, I'll give you lots and lots of coconut milk!"
"It's a promise."
"It's a promise!"
One big, one small, the two continued on toward Qingce Village. As night fell, they found a nearby ruin and decided to rest there for the night.
Lora lit a fire and was about to look for something to eat when she saw Qiqi take out a bundle from her medicine basket. When Qiqi opened it, several cured-meat buns were revealed.
"Qiqi often goes out for days to gather herbs, so Mr. Baizhu put food in Qiqi's basket," she explained. "Miss Lora, let's share!"
She handed one of the cured-meat buns to Lora.
Lora remembered that these buns were a dish passed down from Guoba. She took the bun, then sat down by the fire with Qiqi. The two leaned against each other, quietly eating.
"Is it good?" Qiqi looked up at her.
Lora nodded. "It's delicious."
"Qiqi doesn't have a sense of taste," Qiqi said calmly. "Qiqi can't tell if it's good or not. But seeing Miss Lora so happy makes Qiqi happy too."
She smiled as she said it, speaking in the same flat, ordinary tone—yet the words themselves were heartbreakingly sad.
Lora's movements froze mid-bite. She looked at Qiqi, fell silent for a moment, then reached out and pulled her gently into her arms.