Chapter 119

"Why... should we make way for a god who only appears once a year!"

Due to her past experiences, Keqing had always harbored complaints about Rex Lapis.

This led to her developing into the least dependent on and worshipful of the Geo Archon in all of Liyue.

"Keqing, you shouldn't say that. It's precisely because of Rex Lapis's guidance over these thousand years that Liyue Harbor has become as prosperous as it is today."

Ningguang shook her head, feeling that her colleague's thinking was often too ahead of its time.

Liyue was a nation that walked alongside its god - how could they possibly diminish the divine influence?

However, among this group, only Nathan and Zhongli knew what would happen next - the eventual parting between mortals and their god.

"Hmph, this is a matter between us, it shouldn't be subject to divine intervention!"

Keqing let out a cute snort, clearly not accepting Ningguang's reasoning.

"Don't rush. We can have Rex Lapis resolve our dispute during the Rite of Descension!"

Ganyu interjected timely with her suggestion.

This was actually part of her own calculations, given her thousand-year relationship with the Geo Archon.

As someone with connections, surely he would favor her.

"Rex Lapis has important matters to attend to, how could he decide our private affairs!"

"Speaking in terms of common sense, Rex Lapis would likely be quite pleased to handle such matters!"

Zhongli, Rex Lapis himself, spoke up to refute Ningguang's view.

"So then, shall we declare a truce until the Rite of Descension?"

Having accepted this reasoning, Ningguang was the first to make the proposal.

"A truce? How do you suggest we manage that?"

Hu Tao had calmed down by now, though her tone still carried some hostility.

"Simple - until the Rite of Descension begins, none of us can make a move on Nathan!"

"But how can you guarantee no one will act against Nathan!"

Hu Tao immediately objected - she herself couldn't possibly resist making a move on Nathan!

"We'll all establish a contract, guaranteed to take effect under divine witness!"

Liyue was the City of Contracts, and Rex Lapis was the God of Contracts.

Those who break their word shall face the Wrath of the Rock - everyone immediately understood the weight of these words upon hearing "contract."

"Only a few days remain until the Rite of Descension. During these days, let friend Nathan stay with me."

Zhongli's suggestion became the best solution to this proposal.

If Nathan stayed with him, a man, the others wouldn't need to worry about anything untoward happening.

"Hmm, the Director finds this proposal acceptable!"

Hu Tao was the first to agree, mainly because Zhongli was her Funeral Parlor's consultant.

With Nathan following him, it would be easy for her, the Funeral Parlor Director, to make her move.

"We need to add one more restriction - all the ladies present must stay together to prepare for the upcoming Rite of Descension!"

To this, Ningguang smiled slightly - how could she possibly let Hu Tao find an opening?

With all the women gathered together, there would be no chance for anyone to slip away!

"Curse you, Ningguang!!!"

Seeing her schemes exposed, Hu Tao gritted her teeth.

This evil woman who had ruined her engagement party was truly her greatest enemy at present.

"Very well, I agree with Ningguang's proposal!"

Ganyu spoke up in support - everyone's thoughts were actually unspoken but mutually understood.

Only by watching each other could they maintain a balance.

"Then Ganyu, what about your junior disciple?"

Ningguang looked toward Shenhe beside her, feeling the latter seemed rather unwilling.

"No worries, I'll agree on Shenhe's behalf!"

After patting Shenhe's shoulder and apparently whispering something to her junior disciple, Ganyu managed to stabilize the latter's emotions.

"Now only Keqing remains - you'll agree, won't you?"

"Hehe, I have no objections. Let's see who's truly capable after the ceremony!!!"

Keqing ultimately chose to agree, feeling she needed time to prepare as well.

After the Rite of Descension, it would likely be time for the grand battle between all of them.

"Since everyone agrees, let's establish the contract! Under Rex Lapis's witness, until the Rite of Descension ends, no one may act alone. Those who break their word shall face the Wrath of the Rock!"

Ningguang spoke with a smile, extending her hand.

"Contract established, those who break their word shall face the Wrath of the Rock!" x4

The others each placed their delicate hands on top of hers in turn.

With the contract established, Nathan could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

The battlefield of these young women had reached a temporary conclusion in an unexpected way.

At least until the Rite of Descension ended, he wouldn't have to worry about facing their advances.

However, the one drawback was that the playboy mark on Nathan allowed all the women to precisely know his location.

Once the Rite of Descension ended, they would surely find him immediately.

So during this time, he couldn't relax.

He had to find a path that would lead to everyone's happiness.

"Zhongli... I'll leave the Funeral Parlor to you temporarily!!!"

With the contract established, according to its terms, Ningguang naturally wouldn't let Hu Tao leave.

"Speaking in terms of common sense, Director, you may go with peace of mind!"

"Peh! Peh! Zhongli, how dare you curse the Director!"

Before being led away by Ningguang, Hu Tao left with one final retort...

The thick mist gradually dispersed, leaving only Nathan, Zhongli, and Tartaglia at the scene.

Without those noisy girls, the atmosphere became considerably more peaceful.

"Childe, I'll leave compensating the tavern owner to you..."

Sure enough, at this moment, Tartaglia's greatest role as a wallet came into play.

Originally Ningguang had offered to compensate, but since she had left, now it could only fall to poor Childe.

"Mr. Zhongli... I... fine!"

After a moment of silence, Tartaglia chose to fulfill his responsibility as a wallet.

"Then we'll be taking our leave!!!"

Zhongli nodded at this and left with Nathan.

However, as they parted, Tartaglia, the Fatui Harbinger, kept his gaze fixed on Nathan.

His schemes seemed to require changes due to Nathan's appearance.

The first person he needed to inform was his fellow Fatui colleague.

That ill-tempered lady would surely develop a keen interest in Nathan...

a/n - Read 60+ Chapters ahead on my patreon

[ Patreon.com/nneol ]