Arriving at Liyue Harbor, Furina stepped off the ship in a wide-brimmed hat and dark sunglasses. She scanned the bustling port, hands on her hips and lips pursed.
"Hmph! So you didn't come to greet me, huh, Zhongli? Just wait—I'm coming to find you."
As she wandered through the streets, the grandeur of Liyue caught her eye.
"This place is stunning… so rich in ancient charm."
Eventually, she arrived at Wanmin Restaurant. Glancing to the right, she spotted Zhongli seated calmly, sipping tea and listening to a storyteller. The sight of him so relaxed irked her.
She marched over and sat directly across from him with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Well, well. Morax himself, enjoying a leisurely afternoon. Your junior comes all the way to Liyue, and you don't even bother to greet me?"
Zhongli took a sip of tea and replied evenly,
"By general rational judgment, I have greeted you. Otherwise, you would not have found me here."
"Oh, how thoughtful of you," she said with a dramatic sigh.
Zhongli stood. "Come. You've just arrived in Liyue—it's only proper to sample the local cuisine. As for other matters, we can discuss them later. And please, call me Zhongli. I am no longer the Geo Archon."
"…Did you bring any Mora?"
That question made Zhongli pause.
"By general rational judgment… no. But we can charge the bill to the Northland Bank."
"Then thank you kindly for the meal, Mister Zhongli."
Inside Wanmin Restaurant, Chef Mao and Xiangling greeted them warmly.
"Mr. Zhongli! What would you like today?"
"This is an old friend of mine, newly arrived from Fontaine. I've brought her to experience Liyue's finest cuisine. I'll have the Fragrant Pepper Chicken and Triple-Layered Consommé. And you, my friend?"
Furina smiled. "Zhongli, you know Fontaine leans toward sweeter dishes. I'll have the Golden Shrimp Balls and Almond Tofu."
Chef Mao nodded. "Very well. Please wait a moment while we prepare your meals."
As they sat, Zhongli took another sip of tea and asked,
"Should I address you as Focalors… or something else?"
"Just call me Furina."
Zhongli nodded.
"Well then, Zhongli, since we have time—shall we talk about the Seven Sovereign Dragons?"
"Of course."
Furina leaned forward. "You're aware, I'm sure, that your nation's Azhdaha and our Neuvillette are both second-generation Dragon. In your opinion, if they were to fight… who would win?"
Zhongli rested his hand on his chin, thoughtful.
"By general rational judgment, if both were at their peak, it would be difficult to say. But as things stand now, the Chief Justice's strength likely surpasses Azhdaha's."
Furina smirked. "And if you were to face Neuvillette?"
That question gave Zhongli pause.
"If I were in my prime… perhaps I could win. But now? I cannot say. The current Dragons are incomplete. If they were whole… even at my peak, victory would not be guaranteed."
At that moment, Xiangling and Guoba arrived with their dishes.
"Here you go! Please enjoy!"
Furina watched Guoba waddle away and asked,
"That little one… he's the Stove God, isn't he?"
Zhongli, mid-bite of Triple-Layered Consommé, paused… then nodded.
The rest of their meal passed in pleasant conversation, sharing stories from their respective nations.
As they finished, Zhongli stood. "Come. Let's head to Wangshu Inn. It's time we discussed the real reason you're here."
Furina rose with a smile. "Lead the way."