"I'll be taking my leave then." After finishing the meal and stepping outside with everyone, Childe was preparing to depart.
Although he really wanted to ask Kaito to walk him part of the way, he was worried that doing so would interrupt the time Kaito would be spending with his girlfriend, so he ultimately decided against it. Of course, his main concern was that Kiana would settle old and new scores with him all at once, and that would be the end of him.
"See you next time, Childe."
Waving to Childe, Kaito said as much.
"See you next time, see you next time. Goodbye, everyone."
After smiling and waving to them all, Childe turned and left.
A little while later.
It should be... fine now, right?
Wandering aimlessly around Liyue Harbor, Childe appeared to have his guard down completely, but in reality, he was constantly paying attention to the slightest disturbance in his surroundings. Ever since saying goodbye to Kaito and the others, he had maintained this state of intense focus.
Although he felt this was a bit unnecessary, he did it anyway. He didn't know if it was out of habit, or if he thought he could defeat Miss Kiana.
Alright... Time to go back...
Feeling that enough time had passed, Childe started walking towards the Fatui's base in Liyue. There was no point in wandering around anymore; it was better to head back early.
More importantly, this morning he had been drawn into a fight with Azhdaha, and then immediately caught in the crossfire of the battle between Miss Kiana and Azhdaha. He really needed to rest properly now, or he felt like he'd fall apart.
And so, having made up his mind, Childe went straight back to the base.
"Lord Harbinger."
"Mm."
Nodding to the two subordinates at the entrance, Childe walked inside the base.
Hm? Why is it so quiet? Where is everyone?
As soon as he entered, just as he was about to wash his face, Childe suddenly noticed the base was far too quiet. It had never been like this before.
Something's wrong!
Instantly, Childe, who had been looking relaxed just a second ago, wore a grave expression.
"Who's there!"
Whirling around, Childe saw a familiar figure, causing him to swallow the words that were on the tip of his tongue.
His previous fears had now become reality. Miss Kiana had no intention of letting him go.
"Is it because of what happened this morning, Miss Kiana?" Knowing he was definitely done for, Childe asked this question with great calm.
Although he had been dreading this very thing, for some reason, the moment he saw Kiana, he didn't seem to feel much emotional turmoil. He even felt a slight urge to invite Kiana to sit down for a cup of tea.
No... What tea... I need to write a will...
The thought suddenly struck him, and Childe knew there was something he had to do, but he didn't know if Miss Kiana would give him the chance. No matter what, he had to leave something for his family.
"Miss Kiana, I..."
"What happened this morning? Why don't you tell me what this 'what happened this morning' is?"
Just as Childe was about to ask if he could write a will, Kiana spoke.
Why... is she asking like that?
Childe was a bit baffled by Kiana's question. He didn't understand why she would ask it that way.
But even so, he still answered, "It's that I followed Miss Kiana."
"So you think what happened this morning was that simple?"
Seeming to sneer, Kiana spoke word by word, uttering phrases that left Childe completely bewildered.
That... simple? What's going on?
It had to be said, Childe had absolutely no idea what Kiana was talking about. He even carefully recalled the events of the morning again, but still came up with nothing.
He felt that he had merely followed Miss Kiana, and then he had seen Azhdaha.
Wait a minute.
Azhdaha?
Could the problem lie with it?
But... it didn't really say anything, did it?
No!
Outsider?
Took something that belonged to them?
At this thought, Childe was suddenly alarmed.
Clearly, these few words must contain some very important information. But as for him, he truly didn't know what it all meant. In fact, when he heard those words, he had already sensed the profound meaning behind them; he just couldn't understand it.
Hmm... Should I... tell Miss Kiana that I didn't understand the conversation between her and Azhdaha at all?
But she probably wouldn't believe me... I wouldn't believe me either...
His expression shifting, Childe knew he was definitely going to meet his end here in the foreign land of Liyue.
But he was still very uneasy. After all, he hadn't even understood what they were talking about, and now she was going to silence him. It was just too tragic.
No... Since it's come to this, I have to ask!
Figuring he was a goner for sure, Childe decided to ask for clarification. After all, there's a saying in Liyue: even in death, one should be an informed ghost.
"Then, Miss Kiana, can you tell me what Azhdaha meant by 'Outsider' before? And why did it say you took something that belonged to them?"
Taking a deep breath, Childe posed these two questions.
He didn't know if Miss Kiana would answer, but he had to try. If it really didn't work out, then there was nothing he could do.
"Haven't you seen the Abyss? And as a Harbinger... are you truly unaware of any forbidden matters?"
In response to Childe's question, Kiana retorted with a question of her own.
The Abyss?!
Forbidden matters???
Hearing these words, it was as if Childe remembered something that filled him with dread.
"You... you're from the Abyss?" After the initial shock, Childe asked this question.
He knew that in that place called the Abyss, there were countless terrifying things. Therefore, the immensely powerful Miss Kiana was very likely from the Abyss, or perhaps she was like his master.
So that's what 'Outsider' meant... Coming from the Abyss... That would indeed make one an outsider...
Now, Childe felt like he understood.
However, he still didn't understand the phrase about taking something that belonged to them.
"This Childe... Why can't he understand what I'm saying?"
Hearing Childe's answer, Kiana was speechless.
She had originally intended to guide Childe into thinking she was the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles to complete a system quest, but instead, he immediately assumed she was from the Abyss.
But it didn't matter. She could just give him a few more hints.
"To think you'd mistake me for one of those monsters that only know how to hide in the shadows."
__
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