"Haha, that's true."
Hearing Zhongli's reply, coupled with his perpetually calm expression, Childe understood that he already knew everything and didn't need his reminder.
And with that, he could finally relax. Now, he was no longer torn between worrying for his friend's safety and his own.
"Come, come, eat up."
Childe was in an excellent mood at this moment.
Although he had just eaten with Kaito, it didn't stop him from having another meal with Mr. Zhongli now. As long as you're in a good mood, you can eat as much as you want.
Oh, right...
Should I ask about Kaito?
Suddenly realizing he still knew nothing about Kaito, Childe felt the urge to ask Zhongli about him. He had now basically confirmed the identities of Mr. Zhongli and Miss Kiana, but as for Kaito, he was still completely in the dark.
Logically speaking, a man like Kaito who could have two such girlfriends couldn't possibly be ordinary. Although he didn't know if Mr. Zhongli knew anything about Kaito, he felt that he must know at least something.
"By the way, Mr. Zhongli, I'd like to ask you one more thing."
Pausing his chopsticks, Childe spoke to Zhongli, who had already started eating.
"You seem a bit reserved today, not quite your usual self. Go ahead and ask."
Wiping his mouth lightly, Zhongli looked at Childe, seeming to await his question.
Things are different now...
Sighing inwardly, Childe began, "It's about Kaito. ...How should I put it? I'm quite curious about his identity. I feel... he's no simple man."
He didn't ask his real question directly. Instead, Childe spoke as if he were casually mentioning something trivial.
Just as Mr. Zhongli had said, he was indeed being very reserved. But it was less about being reserved and more about feeling conflicted.
On one hand, he wanted to know everything; on the other, he was worried that knowing things he shouldn't would bring disaster upon himself.
After all, just as Kaito had said before, Miss Kiana's identity was extremely sensitive, and he didn't dare to know too much. Only a very small number of people knew of the Heavenly Principles' existence, and he happened to be one of them.
Although Miss Kiana called herself the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles, which was different from the Heavenly Principles itself, an existence of that level was still not something one could casually inquire about. The same went for Kaito, who had an intimate relationship with her.
As the saying goes, knowing too much is not a good thing. But his personality wouldn't allow him to simply ignore the matter when he was this close to it, which was why he was so conflicted now.
Of course, he had, in essence, already asked about Kaito's identity. Now, it was all up to how Mr. Zhongli would answer. Regardless of Mr. Zhongli's response, he would not press the matter further.
"That question... is best asked to him directly."
Under Childe's gaze, Zhongli spoke slowly.
Just the answer I expected...
Then I'll just drop it...
Smiling wryly to himself, Childe knew he no longer needed to ask Kaito. After all, Mr. Zhongli's response was telling enough. If he were to continue asking or go directly to Kaito, it would not only be rude but also irresponsible for his own life and the lives of his family. Some things are better left unknown.
Oh, right...
Tomorrow, Miss Kiana wants me to cause a bit of a commotion...
I hope it won't be dangerous...
Suddenly remembering he had to help Miss Kiana tomorrow, Childe started to worry.
Of course, the danger he was worried about didn't come from Liyue, but from Kiana herself.
After all, with his status as a Fatui Harbinger, Liyue wouldn't make things too difficult for him. But Miss Kiana was different. If she decided to silence him for good, he'd be done for.
"Makes sense, makes sense."
Not pressing the issue any further, Childe simply repeated that it made sense. He couldn't help it; it really did make sense.
"Tomorrow, Childe, after you've finished your own business, you should leave. Don't linger for too long, lest something happens."
Just as Childe was about to eat something, Zhongli, who was already eating, suddenly said this.
"Huh?"
Childe let out a sound instinctively, clearly not understanding Zhongli's meaning right away. He held his chopsticks, a piece of food pinched between them, and stared at Zhongli with a look of utter confusion.
"What... what do you mean, Mr. Zhongli?"
After a moment of stupor, Childe decided to ask for clarification. He didn't really understand what 'business' Mr. Zhongli was referring to, nor did he know where he was supposed to 'leave' from.
Could it be...
He wants me to leave Liyue?
Because of the situation with Kiana, Childe's first thought was leaving Liyue. Otherwise, where else would he have to leave from?
"I mean," Zhongli said, putting down his chopsticks with a very serious expression, "at the Rite of Descension tomorrow, after you've done what you need to do, leave immediately. Do not linger, and do not be curious."
After speaking, Zhongli picked up his chopsticks and started eating again.
"Alright."
Stunned for another moment, Childe finally agreed.
Honestly, he hadn't expected Mr. Zhongli to even know what Miss Kiana had asked him to do tomorrow.
In that case...
What on earth is going to happen tomorrow?
Pondering this question, Childe fell into deep thought again. He was truly curious about what would happen tomorrow.
Although there was a lot he didn't understand right now, there was no doubt that something unimaginable was set to occur tomorrow.
But this event...
"Childe."
"Huh?" Lost in thought, Childe heard Mr. Zhongli call his name and instinctively let out another sound.
"Don't put food you've already picked up back on the plate."
"Huh? Oh, right. Sorry, sorry. I was a bit distracted just now, and the food fell back."
Realizing the food he had just picked up had fallen from his chopsticks back onto the plate, an embarrassed Childe quickly picked it up again.
Sigh...
What am I even doing...
Silently eating the food he had just picked up, Childe couldn't help but smile wryly to himself.
But it couldn't be helped. He had heard far too many shocking things today, one right after another.
Tomorrow...
It's afternoon now...
Right now, Childe truly wished he could fast-forward to tomorrow. He couldn't wait to see what was going to happen.
___
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