Back within the docks of the Wangshu Inn, after making sure that the scrawny looking child she saw earlier had managed to escape towards the reeds south of the inn, Artoria returned her attention to her children, who were now excitedly watching the various merchant and fishing vessels docking at the local pier at the side of the inn.
Artoria's heart still ached for that child. She wanted to do more, to make sure that the poor child was safe, but she couldn't just leave her own children alone, even with the presence of so many of her honor guards.
She decided to look at the situation later when she had the time, but for now, she'll indulge in the company and happiness of her own precious children.
"Mama look! A big boat with a funny looking design!" Bennett pointed at a large merchant ship that has a peculiar design that reminded Artoria of those of chinese Junks back on Earth.
The ship was currently being loaded with various goods. Bennett's chubby little fingers, that he had been waving with excitement, nearly poked Artoria's nose.
"Wow, that is a really big boat, my little Benny." Artoria smiled, ruffling her son's messy hair.
"That ship is probably heading to Liyue Harbor. You see those big crates over there? They're probably filled with all sorts of things, like silk, spices, and even some of the yummy tea we had this morning."
"Really? Can we go inside mama? I want to see the spices!" Barbara chirped, her eyes wide with wonder at the thought of all the yummy spices and chillies inside the boat.
"Maybe in another day, my sweetie but for now, let's just watch from here." Artoria gently patted her daughter's head, her gaze softening at the sight of her children's innocent curiosity.
The scene was a stark contrast to the one she had witnessed earlier, a reminder of the vast disparities that existed in this world.
The innocence of her own children, who had never known a day of hardship, versus the desperate struggles for survival that the child she had seen was forced to endure.
It was a painful reality, one that she just couldn't ignore.
"Mama," Jean's gentle voice cut through her thoughts.
The young girl, ever the responsible and perceptive one, was looking at her with a concerned expression.
"Is everything alright? You seem distant again."
Artoria took a deep breath, pushing the troubling thoughts aside, and offered her eldest daughter a reassuring smile.
"I'm fine, my dear Jean. Just thinking about the journey ahead. Liyue Harbor is a much bigger city than Mondstadt, and I want to make sure we're prepared."
Jean nodded, her expression still a bit skeptical, but she seemed to accept her mother's explanation. She was a smart girl, and Artoria knew that she would eventually figure out that something was bothering her. But for now, she was content to let it go.
After a few minutes of watching the various vessels come and go at the local pier, one prominent staff of the Wangshu Inn, a man named Lu Fu, who also doubled as a local historian, approached Artoria and her group, with a warm and welcoming smile on his face.
He was a middle-aged man with a kind, scholarly demeanor, and he was clearly well-versed in the history and culture of Liyue.
"Grandmaster Gunnhildr," he said, with a respectful bow.
"My name is Lu Fu, and I am one of the historians here at the Wangshu Inn. It is an honor to host you and your esteemed delegation here in our humble inn."
He then turned to Artoria's children, his eyes now twinkling with a kindly warmth.
"Ah! And these must be the young lords and ladies of the esteemed Gunnhildr clan! It is a pleasure to meet you all."
"Hello, mister Lu Fu!" Venti chirped, his small, child-like voice now a cheerful melody.
"Can you tell us a story? A story about that big river!" Venti said while enthusiastically pointing out towards the Bishui River.
Lu Fu chuckled, clearly amused by the young lord's enthusiasm.
"Of course, young master. In fact, I was just about to offer you all a free river tour upstream of the Bishui River using a paddled barge that we had recently constructed using some of the finest Fontainian engineering and schematics! I guarantee that it would be a beautiful journey, and I would be honored to show you all the wonders of my homeland!"
He then added, with a sly wink.
"It's actually one of the planned events instructed by the Liyue Qixing to the staff of the Wangshu Inn, a special treat for our honored guests from Mondstadt."
All four of Artoria's children's faces lit up with excitement at the mention of the river tour. The idea of being on a boat while exploring the vast expanse of the Bishui River, was a thrilling prospect for them.
"Can we, Mama? Can we please?!" they all chorused, their voices now a symphony of pleading.
Artoria looked at their eager faces as her heart swelled with a mixture of love and amusement. She could see the excitement in their bright innocent eyes, the pure, unadulterated joy of children about to embark on a new adventure.
And in that moment, the dark thoughts about the child she had seen earlier seemed to have slightly fade away, replaced by the simple, profound happiness of her children.
"Of course, my little adventurers," she said, her voice now a warm, affectionate murmur.
Artoria then turned towards Lu Fu and said,
"We would be delighted to join you on your river tour, Master Lu Fu. Thank you for your kind offer."
Lu Fu's face beamed with pride. "It is my pleasure, Grandmaster. Please, follow me. The barge is waiting for us at the docks!"
The barge, as it turned out, was a magnificent vessel, a large, flat-bottomed boat that was propelled by a series of round paddles at each sides, that were powered by a sort of steam engine. It was a testament to the ingenuity of the Fontainian engineers, and a symbol of the growing trade and cultural exchange between Liyue and Fontaine, namely along the region of the Chenyu Vale.
Artoria and her family, along with Melisa, Lisa, and a few of her honor guards, boarded the barge. The excitement of the children present was now palpable.
After a few minutes, the barge, with a gentle lurch, began its journey, the paddles began moving with a rhythmic, splashing beat against the calm, clear waters of the Bishui River.
As the vessel moved along the great river, Lu Fu, with a passion that was truly infectious, began to tell the history of the Bishui Plain. His voice became a rich, resonant tapestry of stories, legends, and folklore.
He spoke of the ancient gods who had once roamed these lands, of the heroes who had fought valiant battles, and of the ordinary people who had once settled and lived within this region during ancient time. Their lives now a part of the very fabric of this land.
He pointed out the various landmarks, the lush, green forests that carpeted the plains, the towering, majestic mountains that pierced the sky, and the winding, shimmering rivers that snaked through the landscape like silver threads.
He spoke of the local customs and cultures, of the festivals and traditions that had been passed down from generation to generation.
He spoke about the food, the music and the arts that were the lifeblood of this vibrant, thriving region.
The four Gunnhildr children along with Lisa, with their faces now filled with awe and wonder, listened intently to the words of the historian. Their young minds became a sponge for the new and fascinating knowledge that they were absorbing.
Jean, with her ever-present curiosity, asked a series of intelligent questions, her thirst for knowledge and adventure was now an insatiable flame.
Lisa, with her love for books and history, was in her element. Her mind now a whirlwind of information, piecing every dates, names, and events that came out of Mister Fu's mouth.
But the younger ones, Bennett, Barbara, and Venti, were simply just captivated by the expressive and emotional story telling of the Liyuen Historian. Their imaginations now running wild with images of gods and heroes!
Even Artoria found herself drawn into Lu Fu's stories.
Her own knowledge of Liyue was limited to what she had learned from the game and the years she had spent as the ruling grandmaster of the Knights of Favonius.
She was fascinated by the depth and richness of the history and culture that Master Lu Fu was sharing with them.
"Long time ago," Lu Fu started, with a flourish of his hands.
"The Bishui Plain was a battleground for the gods, gods who all preyed upon humanity itself!"
"The Great Geo Archon, Rex Lapis, and his loyal adepti, fought a long and arduous war against these ancient, malevolent deities, to protect the people of ancient Liyue from their tyranny!"
"This very river that we are currently traveling on, the Bishui River, was once a swirling vortex of chaotic energy, a river of blood and tears, a testament to the brutality of that ancient war!"
"The war was long lasting for centuries but the Great Geo Lord, with his immense power and his unwavering resolve, at the end finally defeated these evil gods, and with a single strike of his mighty spear, he brought order to the chaos, and he created the Bishui River as we know it today! A river of life, a river of prosperity, a river that nourishes the land and the people of Liyue!"
The children gasped, their imaginations now running wild with images of a great, majestic god, wielding a mighty spear.
A powerful god who was both a protector, and guardian. A savior for all who dwelt in Liyue during the ancient times.
"Wow," Venti whispered, his eyes now wide with awe but then scrunched up his little face.
"The Geo Lord is so cool, but I think my Mama is way COOLER! I bet that Crazy Old Geo Dude, Rex Lapis is probably sitting on a rocking chair right now somewhere in the mountains and questioning his life choices!"
Lu Fu's eyes almost popped out of his sockets after hearing Venti's blunt and near blasphemous comment about his Archon!
The old historian, however, instead of getting mad from the blatant insult, just laughed and ruffled Venti's hair.
"Ah, young master. Your words are filled with fires of youthful imagination! I am sure the Lord of Geo would be... amused... by your comparison."
Artoria, who had heard her son's comment, had to stifle a laugh. She gave Venti a gentle, warning look, but her eyes were now twinkling with amusement.
"Please do forgive my youngest son's remarks, Master Lu Fu. He has a certain... penchant... for speaking out his mind." Artoria said, her tone now a mix of apology and pride.
Lu Fu chuckled. "There is no need to apologize, Grandmaster. The young master's words are a refreshing change from the usual, formal pleasantries that I am accustomed to. It is a sign of a free spirit, a spirit that is cherished in your nation of Mondstadt, is it not?"
Artoria nodded, her lips now curling into a small, knowing smile.
"Indeed, it is, Master Lu Fu. Indeed, it is."
Lu Fu then added, "I doubt that Lord Rex Lapis himself would take offense from the words of an innocent child. He is a wise and benevolent ruler, and he understands the hearts of the people, especially the hearts of the little ones."
Lu Fu then cleared his throat then returned to his storytelling.
"Now, as we journey further up the river," he said, pointing towards the south.
"We will be entering the Minlin region, a land of towering mountains, lush forests, and ancient ruins!A land that is steeped in history and legend!"
"It is in this region that you will find the world famous Jueyun Karst, a place of stunning natural beauty that is said to be the home of the adepti of old, the powerful, immortal guardians of Liyue who serve the Great Geo Archon himself."
"And also," he continued, his voice now a dramatic, hushed whisper.
"It is said that in the deepest, most remote parts of the Minlin region, there are ancient ruins that date back to the Archon War, ruins that are filled with uncountable treasures, and unspeakable dangers!"
Bennett's eyes now sparkled with excitement at the mention of treasures and dangers!
The adventurous spirit inside the boy was now a roaring fire! His thirst for adventure that was now becoming a palpable force of nature
"Mama, can we go there?! To the ruins?!" he asked, his voice now a hopeful, eager plea.
"I want to find some treasures! And fight some monsters! I want to be a great adventurer, just like the heroes in the stories!" Bennett began swishing the air like his holding some sort of invincible sword.
Artoria's heart ached with a mixture of pride and concern. She was proud of her son's adventurous spirit, but she was also concerned about the dangers that lurked in the unknown.
There is NO WAY she's letting her adorable little son wander off into some unknown domain riddled with monsters and traps!
"Probably when you're a little bit older, my little Benny," she said, her voice now a gentle, reassuring murmur.
"For now though, let's just focus on our tour and our upcoming trip to Liyue Harbor. I'm sure we'll encounter plenty of other (safer) adventures within this country in the next few days."
She then picked up the little boy and gave him a little peck on the cheek much to the boy's delight.
Bennett pouted for a moment, but he soon cheered up. His mind was now filled with new and exciting thoughts about the adventures that awaited them in Liyue Harbor!
"May I ask a question Master Fu?" Asked Lisa
"Of course, young lady. Fire away!" Lu Fu replied
"You mentioned the Archon War right? Do you know what happened to the other gods that Rex Lapis had defeated? Where did they go after their defeat? Are they still around somewhere?" Lisa then added a follow up question. "If so, what are they doing right now?"
Lu Fu's smile faded a little, replaced by a more serious, thoughtful expression.
"A very insightful question, young lady. You have a keen mind."
Lu Fu paused for a moment to gather his thoughts, and then he continued.
"The defeated gods, the evil gods that once terrorized this land, met a variety of fates. Some were sealed away, their powers now trapped in ancient artifacts hidden somewhere within the mountains. Their consciousness now in a state of eternal slumber. A few, a very few of them, were... transformed. Their bodies and their souls now twisted into more monstrous forms, their minds now corrupted by their own hatred and despair."
He then shuddered, as if a cold chill had run down his spine.
"These... transformed gods... still linger in the dark corners of this world far from the light and influence of the Seven. They are a constant threat, a reminder of the fragility of peace, and the ever-present danger of the unknown."
"But most of them, especially the ones deemed to dangerous were ultimately slained by Rex Lapis himself. Their very bodies destroyed by the might of the Geo Lord."
He paused, then added a final, ominous note.
"But even in death, their influence can still be felt. Some say that even after their demise, their souls, though already greatly weakened and fragmented, still manage to survive, roaming the lands of Teyvat like ghosts with no bodies. But these phenomenon are said to be a rare, for the Geo Lord's power is absolute, and his judgment is final!"
The children shuddered at the mention of the transformed gods, their innocent young minds were now struggling to comprehend the sheer scale of the violence and the destruction that those gods had once brought upon these lands.
Artoria however narrowed her eyes slightly.
The explanation from Lu Fu, while plausible to the ears of her children and the others, sent a shiver of premonition down her spine.
Ghostly fragments of the power of defeated gods? Soul fragments? They didn't sound like good news to her.
In her past lives, such things were often harbingers of greater calamities, loose ends of a greater tale that a storyteller had conveniently forgotten but whose reality was never truly discarded.
Other than Venti, or rather his previous Archonself before his 'rebirth', Artoria had yet to encounter another god here in Teyvat. And for a long while since her arrival in this world, Artoria held a varying degree of suspicion towards the true nature of this world's deities.
More specifically, base on her previous knowledge with regards to the in-game lore, the gods of Teyvat were far different from the gods from the Nasuverse (Fate Universe).
The so-called gods in this world were more akin to Elemental spirits with a certain degree of consciousness, while the gods of her many past lives as Artoria Pendragon, especially the ones originating from the Age of Gods, were beings of a much higher scale of existence. True Divine beings that were capable of bending reality itself with their will alone.
Basing on her first encounter with Venti and the additional power she had obtained from the Anemo Authority and Gnosis, she can safely assume that the Archons would be at most close to the level of a Divine Spirit from the Fate Universe, powerful, conceptual beings who are essentially weakened remnants of the old primordial gods who once walked the earth during the infancy of mankind.
But still, whether they be gods of this world or beyond, true divine or just powerful nature spirits, the concepts of lingering soul fragments and dark essences are always considered a universal bad sign!
Artoria made a mental note to investigate this further when she had the chance. For now though, she would keep her thoughts to herself and continue to enjoy the river tour with her children.
____________________
The barge continued to move upstream until at last a new vista opened up before them. The landscape was now a breathtaking panorama of natural beauty, a symphony of green and blue, of light and shadow.
"Look over there," Lu Fu said, pointing towards a small, abandoned village with a dilapidated wooden pier at the south side of the river.
"That is the village of Downriver." The historian's usual enthusiastic tone now faltered, replaced by a somber, hushed reverence.
For the first time since the tour began, Lu Fu was hesitant to explain further. He looked at the children, a flicker of uncertainty was present in his eyes, as if he was debating whether to spare them from the grim tale of this once prosperous fishing village.
But Jean, with her usual perceptiveness, sensed the change in the atmosphere.
"What's wrong with that village, Master Lu Fu? It looks like it had been abandoned just some time ago." she asked, her voice now a soft, concerned whisper.
Lu Fu took a deep breath, his expression now a mixture of sadness and apprehension, yet he decided to tune down the tale for a bit just to spare the children from its dark details.
"Well, you see," he began, his voice now a low, measured tone.
"Downriver was once a thriving fishing village, a place where the people lived in harmony with the river. Their lives were a simple, yet fulfilling existence."
"However," he continued, a shadow now passing over his face.
"About two years ago, something strange happened. The villagers, all of them, vanished. In a single night. Without a trace."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.
"There were no signs of a struggle, no clues as to what had happened. They were simply... gone."
The four Gunnhildr children, and even Lisa, were now silent, their faces now a mixture of shock and confusion. The story was like something out of a horror tale, a ghost story that they would usually tell each other around a warm campfire!
"What…what do you mean, they vanished?" Venti asked, his brow now furrowed in a mixture of fear and concern.
"Where did they go? That many people can't simply disappear. Did…did they get eaten by a big, scary monster?"
Lu Fu shook his head. "We don't know, young master. No one does. The Qixing, the Millileth, and even the adepti have searched high and low for them, but they found nothing."
He then pointed out a string of unnatural anomalies and phenomenons that had been occuring all across the Bishui Plain to as far east as the old ruins of Sal Terrae for the past 2 years.
"These unexplained phenomenon, these strange occurrences, they all started around the same time as the disappearance of the villagers. Some say they are connected while other say they are not. But no one knows for sure."
He added, with a final, ominous note.
"There have been sightings of... strange figures... in the dark. Figures that looked nothing remotely human nor adepti, but something else entirely. Something…as the witness would put it…malevolent."
The explanation sent a shiver of fear down the children's spines!
The younger ones, Barbara, Bennett and Venti, instinctively huddled closer to Artoria for comfort, their small hands now clutching at her clothes while their eyes were now wide with traces of fear and curiosity.
"Don't worry, my little ones," Artoria said, her voice now a warm, comforting murmur, as she wrapped her arms around them, her very embrace now acting as a shield against the chilling tales.
"Mama won't let any monsters or scary figures hurt you. As long as I'm around, you're all safe."
Their mother's words were a soothing balm to their frayed nerves, a promise of protection in a world that was suddenly a lot more frightening than they had imagined. They snuggled closer to her, their small bodies now relaxing in the warmth and security of their mother's embrace.
Artoria's mind, however, was now on high alert!
First the story of fallen gods and their lingering essences and now an unexplained disappearance of so many people of a certain rural village! These events could possibly be a string of mere coincidence. These unexplained mysteries, the strange figures in the dark... they all seemed to point to a larger, more sinister plot happening behind the scenes!
Artoria had a suspicion that Master Fu might knew something more about what's been happening around these parts of the Liyue yet hesitated to tell them the full story.
She can't blame him though. The story was indeed a heavy one, and he was just trying to spare the children from the grim details that might give them nightmares. But for her though, it was a puzzle that needed to be solved.
She could feel a subtle, yet unmistakable shift in the balance of power in this area. The air around this parts was now thick with a palpable tension, a sense of unease that was as real as the river that flowed beneath them.
Sensing the sudden downward shift in the mood, Lu Fu decided to lighten the atmosphere. He cleared his throat, a forced, cheerful smile now on his face.
"But let's not dwell on such grim tales, my young lords and ladies. The Bishui Plain offers more than that for it is also a land of great beauty and wonder!"
He then dramatically pointed towards the north, where a series of terraced fields could be seen, a vibrant patchwork of green and gold.
"Ah look over there my young lords and ladies. You can see smaller river that leads to towards the famous Qingce Village, a place known for its delicious rice and its beautiful hillside sceneries!"
"And look," he continued, pointing towards a distant mountain range, a silhouette of majestic peaks against the clear blue sky.
"That's the peak of Mt. Qingce, a sacred mountain that was once said to be the home of a powerful god that rivaled Rex Lapis in power!"
Lu Fu then launched into a series of lighthearted stories about the local culture and traditions. His words were now a cheerful, upbeat melody that successfully lifted the spirits of the children who were once again captivated. Their minds were once again a canvas for the vibrant, colorful images that the historian painted with his colorful words.
The dark stories that were told earlier seemed to have been forgotten….for now.
____________________
After some more time exploring further up the river and Lu Fu telling more about the local ecosystem, the bargen then turned back towards Wangshu Inn in order to ferry its important passengers back for lunchtime.
Though they were going back, Artoria's mind was still stuck on the mysterious phenomenon that had plagued the area she was currently staying.
How much did these events affected Liyue, and more importantly, will they, or something similar to them, in some way, affect her own country of Mondstadt?
***
The river barge carrying the Mondstadt delegation arrived back at the Wangshu Inn's pier around a few minutes before noon.
The sun was now high in the sky with its warm, golden rays now casting a bright, cheerful glow on the ancient, wooden structure.
As they disembarked from the barge, Artoria went over Master Lu Fu.
"I thank you for the wonderful tour, Master Lu Fu. The children had a wonderful time, and we all learned a great deal about the history and beauty of your homeland." Artoria said, her tone now a sincere, heartfelt gratitude.
"You are a true master of your craft, and your passion for your work is truly inspiring."
Lu Fu's face beamed with pride.
"It was an honor to had served you and your family, Grandmaster. The honor is all mine."
He then gave a small, respectful bow.
"I hope you and your delegation will enjoy your stay here at the Wangshu Inn. If there is anything that you need, please do not hesitate to ask."
Artoria nodded, however she was not done yet. There was still one more thing she had been wanting to ask.
"If I may, Master Lu Fu, there is actually one more thing I would like to inquire about." Artoria's expression now became serious.
"Of course, Grandmaster. Ask away," Lu Fu replied, his demeanor now a mix of curiosity and respect.
"It is about the mystery surrounding the village of Downriver," Artoria began, her voice now a low, measured tone.
"You mentioned that there were sightings of strange figures in the dark. Do you have any more information about these sightings? Any specific details that might be of use?"
Lu Fu's face now a little pale, as if the mere mention of the subject was a source of great distress for him.
"I... I am not sure if I am the right person to ask, Grandmaster. I am just a historian, not a Millileth soldier or an adeptus."
Yet Artoria was not slightly deterred and kept pressing on her questions.
"Anything you can tell me would be a great help, Master Lu Fu. I am not asking for any official reports or classified information. I am just asking for information that you might have heard from the people, from the travelers who have passed through this inn."
Lu Fu hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting nervously from side to side, as if he was afraid that someone might be listening to their conversation.
He then leaned in closer, his voice now a hushed, conspiratorial whisper.
"I must warn you, Grandmaster. What I am about to tell you is not for the faint of heart. These are just rumors, of course, but they are rumors that have been circulating for a long time."
He took a deep breath, his hands now trembling slightly.
"I've already told you all earlier say that these figures... they are not human. That they are... something else. Something... unnatural."
"They have been described as... shadowy, twisted... their movements were akin to a jerky, unnatural dance. They are said to have glowing, red eyes, and some witnesses had heard them make strange, guttural sounds, sounds that are not of this world."
"They are said to appear in the dead of night, originating from the darkest corners of the land, preying upon the unsuspecting, the lost, the vulnerable. They are said to be... harbingers of a great and terrible darkness, a darkness that the old folks who lived around Minlin said to be slowly, but surely, consuming this land."
He then shuddered, as if a cold chill had run down his spine.
"Again, these are just rumors, of course. Yet they are rumors that have been circulating among merchants and even agents of high ranking government officials. And they are rumors that have been... corroborated... by some of the more... credible... sources."
"The Qixing had even ordered the Millileth to double their presence in the area, but even they were unable to stop these sightings. It was as if these figures... they were... phantoms... ghosts... that could appear and disappear at will."
Lu Fu paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.
"And then, about a few months ago, the sightings... they just... stopped. As suddenly as they had started. No one knows why. No one knows what happened. But the people... they are still scared. They are still living in fear, a fear that is as real and robust as the mountains that tower all across this land."
Artoria listened intently, her mind carefully trying to piece together the informations she just received.
The description of the figures... shadowy, twisted, glowing red eyes... it all sounded too familiar.
"There's also one more thing that you should know Grandmaster," Lu Fu added, with a final, ominous note.
"Before the phenomenon and the strange sightings had stopped entirely, there had been an increasing number of missing persons, travelers mostly, along the Bishui Plain."
"These travelers were not just ordinary travelers. They were... special. They were... people with a certain... connection... to the old gods and old magic."
"Some were... herbalists, who had a deep knowledge of the ancient plants."
"Some were... blacksmiths, who had a mastery of the old forging techniques passed down for generations since the time of the Archon war."
"Some were... historians, like me, who had a passion for the old lore."
"They were people who were... in tune... with the land, with the history, with the magic of this world. And they were... targeted... by these figures. As if they were... seeking... something... from them."
"The last confirmed disappearance was about three months ago involving a renowned herbalist from Qingce Village. He was known for his ability to find rare and powerful herbs, herbs that were said to have... magical... properties."
"He was last seen heading towards the ruins of Sal Terrae, a place that is said to be once the home of a benevolent, ancient goddess. He was never seen again afterwards."
"The Qixing made sure to hushed the entire thing from the public, the last thing they want was a widespread panic but they also increased the security around the villages that are near the ruins but... but the fear... it still lingers."
Lu Fu's reort had now painted a far grimmer picture of a land in turmoil, a land under siege by an unknown, unseen enemy.
Artoria's initial suspicions were now somewhat confirmed.
This was not just a series of random, unexplained events. This was a coordinated scheme one that involved a systematic hunt for individuals with a certain... connection... to the old gods and magic.
And the description of the shadowy figures... it all pointed to one, and only one, conclusion.
Abyssal creatures.
Or at least, beings heavily corrupted by abyssal energy.
Her trip towards Liyue Harbor now appears to be not as safe as she once thought it would be.
This place, the entire region, and possibly even the entire nation of Liyue, was under threat. A threat that was as insidious as it was deadly.
"Thank you for sharing this with me, Master Lu Fu," Artoria said, her voice now a low, measured tone.
"I now understand more clearly the gravity of the situation, and I appreciate your honesty."
She then gave him a small, reassuring smile.
"Do not worry. I will not cause a panic. I will handle this matter with the utmost discretion."
Lu Fu felt a little relieve, as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
"I... I trust you, Grandmaster. I know that you will do what is right."
Artoria then gave him a small final nod, and then she turned and walked back towards her children who were at that time watching a traveling jester who was currently performing some sort of silly magic tricks, much to the delight of her children.
____________________
After their arrival back in the Wangshu Inn, Artoria and her delegation were then escorted back to the upper dining halls where in they were greeted with a delectable Liyuen feast, more grander than the ones they had for breakfast.
The tables were laden with a variety of dishes, their aromas now a symphony of tantalizing scents that filled the air.
There were the traditional Liyuen dishes, like the Jade Parcels, the Squirrel Fish, and the Black-Back Perch Stew, each one a masterpiece of culinary art and a testament to the skill and creativity of the chefs of the Wangshu Inn!
There were also some of the Mondstadtian dishes, like the Apple Cider Braised Pork and Sticky Honey Roast, that were present, a thoughtful gesture from the innkeepers to make their guests feel more at home.
The children with their appetites now whetted by the morning's activities, once again devoured the food presented to them with gusto that was both amusing and impressive!
Artoria watched them with a fond smile and a warm comfortable glow. For just a moment, she was able to forget about the grim reality that she had learned about earlier, and just enjoy the simple pleasure of a good meal with her family.
*****
After a very enjoyable lunch, Artoria escorted her children back to their quarters for an afternoon nap. The food they've eaten earlier was now starting to drag them into a food coma.
Artoria tucked them in, and made sure that her stewardess, Elspeth was babysitting them as they slept. Artoria had also ordered two additional pairs of Honor guards to guard the entrance to her room. Afterwards, she proceeded to go down the main lobby of the Inn where another situation was about to take place.
There, she was greeted by a group of merchants coming from different nations, all of whom seemed eager to meet the famous Grandmaster of the Knights of Favonius.
Crepus and Melisa was at her side, along with Varka whom Crepus dragged from Captain Yuan's side, insisting that as the personal squire of the Grandmaster, the young man must also prove his worth in the arts of diplomacy and negotiations! This occured much to the dismay of the young squire!
The group merchants, a mix match of Liyuen, Fontainian, Snezhnayan and even a few from Sumeru, all bowed respectfully once Artoria entered the room. Their faces were now a mixture of awe and respect.
"Grandmaster Gunnhildr," the leader of the group, a portly Liyuen merchant, with a long, flowing beard and a silken robe, said, with a booming, enthusiastic voice.
"It is an honor to have finally meet you. I am Chen Liu, the head of the Clearwater Jade Trading Company. We have heard of your great deeds, your wisdom, and your leadership. And we are all... impressed."
The other merchants murmured in agreement, their heads now nodding in unison with each of their faces now looking like a portrait of respect.
"We have brought you some small gifts,"
Chen Liu continued, gesturing towards a large, ornate chest that was being carried by two of his assistants.
"A token of our appreciation for your visit to our great nation."
Artoria, with her usual grace and poise, gave a small, respectful bow.
"I thank you for your kind words, Master Chen. And I thank you for your generous gifts. But I must insist that you keep them. I am here on a diplomatic mission, not to seek favors or rewards."
Chen Liu was taken aback by the honest and blunt reply of the Grandmaster but he soon recovered, his expression now dawning a mixture of surprise and admiration.
"It seems that mere merchantile gifts would be enough to persuade you from your mission here in Liyue Grandmaster. You truly are a leader with integrity and honor. It is no wonder that Mondstadt had been prospering like never before under your guidance."
The other merchants now chimed in, their voices now a chorus of praise and admiration.
Artoria, however, maintained her calm and composed demeanor while her mind became a whirlwind of thoughts and calculations.
She knew deep down that this was not just a mere simple social call but rather this was a test. A test of her diplomacy, of her leadership, of her ability to navigate the complex and treacherous waters of international politics.
She suspected that some of the merchants present were either agents affiliated to the Qixing or to other international authorities such as the Akademiya or the Shogunate.
She needed to act carefully and present a front of dignity and grace that would best represent Mondstadt and its interest.
Varka, who was standing beside Crepus, was now fidgeting nervously.
His young mind now struggling to comprehend the intricacies of the conversations happening between the large merchantile group.
He was a warrior, a fighter, not a goddamn diplomat and merchant!
He was more comfortable with a sword in his hand than be stuck on a desk counting coins and numbers!
Crepus, on the other hand, was in his element.
He was a businessman, a merchant, a man who understood the art of negotiation. He listened intently, making sure to remember key details pertaining to trade and the current market demands happening all across the Seven nations.
After some time of further pleasantries, the merchants began organizing themselves into small groups in order to discuss various business proposals.
The main lobby of the Wangshu Inn was filled with their voices turning it into a cacophony of numbers, figures, and projections.
They talked about trade agreements, about tariffs, about market shares. They even talked about the potential for growth, for expansion, for profit.
Through it all, Artoria listened patiently. Though things concerning finances and trade were the least of her favorites, she still followed through each brief discussions coming from the merchants.
Her mind became a sort of chessboard with her thoughts becoming a series of calculated moves and counter-moves. She knew that she had to be careful. She knew that one wrong word, one misstep, could have dire consequences.
While busy discussing some trade agreements pertaining to Fontaine and Sumeru, Artoria noted the presence of some of the Snezhnayan merchants who were present.
She had already encountered a few Snezhnayan merchants back in Mondstadt but this group seemed to be a little too eager, a little too polite, a little too... friendly. It was a clear sign that they were hiding something.
Hilariously, Artoria also noted their peculiar taste of fashion. Their heavy fur coats were a stark contrast to the warm, humid climate of Liyue.
She wasn't the only one who found it odd and suspicious.
'Why the hell would they wear those kinds of outfits in this kind of weather?' Varka thought to himself while making a sort of weird contemplative face just to pass through the sheer boredom of the event!
He was then elbowed by Crepus who gave him a look that says 'Behave and observe.'
*****
After about an hour of discussions, Artoria excused herself, stating that she had some other important matters to attend to.
The merchants, though a little disheartened, bid her farewell with a respectful bow as she took her leave.
As she began to walk away, Artoria turned towards Captain Yuan who at that time was guarding the entrance to the lobby along with four honor guards from his company.
"I want you to keep an eye on those Snezhnayan merchants Captain," she said, her voice now a low, measured tone.
"I have a feeling that they are up to something."
Captain Yuan nodded with all seriousness and professional stoicism. "I understand, Grandmaster. I will have a few of my best scouts monitor their movements."
Artoria then turned towards Varka, who was now looking so lost and confused.
"You did well, my young padawan….I mean squire," she said, quickly hiding her mistake with a small, reassuring smile.
"I know that this is all but new experience to you, but you are learning. And you are learning fast."
Varka's face now a little flushed with pride, he straightened up, his chest now puffed out, a small, proud smile now on his face.
"Thank you, Grandmaster. I will not let you down!"
As Artoria went to Crepus and Melisa's side, Varka remembered something that his master briefly mentioned, 'What the heck is a Padawan?'
As Varka was left to ponder on the mystery of Earth's pop culture reference, Artoria then turned her attention towards Melisa and Crepus.
"Crepus, I want you to compile a report on the economic situation in Liyue, focusing on the trade agreements, the tariffs, and the market shares. Work with Melisa and identify who the key players are, and try to point out who are the potential threats and who are our potential allies."
Both members of her inner circle stood in attention, their expressions we're now a mixture of determination and focus. To them, they were given a divinely-mandated mission by their glorious Archon for the betterment of their home.
"We will get right on it, Grandmaster. We shall not fail you!"
Artoria then gave them all a final respectful nod, before she turned and walked away towards her chambers. She had a lot to think about, a lot to plan, a lot of things to do.
*****
At around 3 in the afternoon, Artoria excused herself from her duties. She stated that she wanted to explore the upper balconies of the Inn once more and wishes to be left alone.
In reality though, it was just an excuse for her to do something that she had put on hold earlier that day, and that was to trace the path of the poor child she saw earlier that morning.
She needed to make sure that the child was safe, especially now that she had learned about the dark and sinister forces that were hiding away in this region.
(End of Chapter)
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Gods (Genshin)
- Gods are immortal and supernatural entities that leads and oversees the Human Realm, possessing natural and innate divine, elemental or magical powers.
- Most of Teyvat's gods belongs to Celestia, that is the residence and realm of the gods, although several gods have displayed wariness or even resentment towards the heavenly citadel.
- Before the Archon War, many gods roamed the continent of Teyvat. However, after the Heavenly Principles had their functions ruined during the Funerary Year, efforts were made to establish a new world order wherein seven divine seats opened up in Celestia causing the continent to descend into a protracted series of conflictsthat ended 2000 years ago.
- Very little is currently known about the origins of gods that are found in Teyvat.
- Some if not most of the gods require a constant flow of faith coming from mortals and believers in order to sustain their power. This phenomenon is best represented by the current situation of the Sage-Lord of Fungi, Bifrons, who was once a power god in Sumeru but gradually lost his power after he lost his followers.
- Most gods are bound by specific rules imposed upon them by the Heavenly Principles.
- Gods cannot be completely destroyed — even if a god's physical form is destroyed, their consciousness is worn away, and they are considered "dead," their emotions and power remain. Fragments of their essences and souls can linger throughout the land they were slained and can cause subtle corruption to living beings who encountered them, such as in the form of Karmic debt.
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Gods (Fate/Nasuverse)
- Gods are beings who were either formed by the thoughts of Humans and born into the world without being influenced by the will of the people.
- These beings operate on a higher conceptual plane and display greater feats of power and reality-warping abilities, often scaling to world or even universal levels.
- Gods are split into two categories, those things that were already there that became Gods after becoming objects of worship (Primordial Gods) and those that were reborn as Gods (Gods of Modernity).
- Those of the First Category (Primordial Gods) are the personificationsof natural phenomena like the sun, moon, storms, and the raw power of the planet itself. These gods possessed full 'Authorities' (conceptual powers) from the Age of Gods are powerful enough to bypass the laws of physics. This is best described in the cases of High-level Gods like Amaterasu who are powerful enough that even the time axis has almost no bearing on them.
- Gods from ancient antiquity, for example such as those of the Mesopotamian Pantheon, usually fall into the First Category.
- The Second Category of gods, the Gods of Modernity, are beings who were originally close to human (such as heroes or messiahs) but became objects of worship and were deified, turning into 'systems explicitly linked to humanity.' Many of these gods typically lack the full Authorities of the Primordial Gods or in some cases, possess only a small portion of it.
- Some gods were not even born within the world. The Machine Gods for instance, were alien spaceships created by an ancient civilization from another universe. These gods came to Earth before 12,000 BC and became the Atlatean Pantheon who ruled the realm of Atlantis. Around 12,000 BC, they were killed by the Alien invader Sefar the White Titan, and their remnants eventually floated to Greece and became Divine Spirits known as the Twelve Olympians.
- Each god possess a Divine Core.
- Divine Spirits are the degraded remnants of the Primordial gods from the Age of Gods. As humanity's belief waned and the Age of Gods ended, some primordial gods deteriorated into Divine Spirits, losing their physical presence but retaining some aspects of their powers and authority albeit severely weaker in comparison to their primeval forms. Divine Spirits are essentially the highest class of Nature Spirits, representing aspects of the world's 'texture'.
- Artoria Pendragon (Gunnhildr), though born at the Dawn of the Age of Man and had ascended into divine status much later, is classified as a Primordial God (chimeric) rather than a God of Modernity. This is due to her possessing and later embodying two fundamental constructs created by the will of the world itself, those two are the Holy Pillar that Anchors the World, Rhongomyniad and the Holy Sword Excalibur….the divine sword that destroyed Sefar the White Titan.
- 'Rhongomyniad anchors the world, Excalibur saves the world.'
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