This was Rover's first time stepping into the Golden House. Its exterior was resplendent, and the interior was enough to make Abby drool. According to him, there was an unimaginable amount of Mora inside—more than one could spend in a lifetime.
Rover wasn't surprised. Back at the Jade Chamber, he had already learned that the Golden House was specifically for minting Mora.
At this moment, the Golden House was heavily guarded. When Zhongli arrived with the two of them, the nearby Millelith soldiers saluted Rover one after another.
Finally, the doors opened. The Golden House had undergone emergency repairs, but traces of the battle between the Traveler and Childe were still visible.
"My apologies. With the Jade Chamber destroyed, we had no choice but to invite you both here for this discussion."
Ganyu, the secretary standing inside the doors, first expressed her apologies before gesturing for them to enter. A meeting table had already been set up in the spacious hall, with the Qixing of Liyue and the adepti already seated.
As Rover and the others arrived, all eyes in the room turned to them.
"For this meeting regarding Liyue's future development, we have invited two heroes to participate."
Ningguang, seated at the head of the table, spoke up before moving on to the first agenda item.
"First, on behalf of the Liyue authorities, I formally appoint Rover as a consultant and award both of you the highest honor of the Millelith Heroes' Medal."
Rover pondered for a moment before asking,
"Please elaborate on my rights and obligations."
Ningguang naturally nodded and began explaining in a measured tone.
"If you accept this honorary position, the Liyue authorities will not restrict your freedom. You will enjoy permanent privileges within Liyue, with all expenses covered by the Qixing. At the same time, we will publicly announce your affiliation. Your sole obligation is to assist Liyue when it faces a true crisis." (This will be reflected in Chapter 46, please don't criticize, wuwuwu.)
Just as Rover had expected.
In the court of public opinion, Liyue had lost the Geo Archon and thus needed a combatant capable of standing against the level of a god. Rover, who had effortlessly slain Osial after it was corrupted by the Abyss, was the Qixing's ideal candidate.
Seeing that Rover had no objections, Ningguang prepared to move on to the next topic when the Traveler suddenly raised his hand, his expression somewhat dejected.
"I believe I am far from deserving of this honor."
Indeed, his contributions during the crisis had been almost negligible.
But what kind of person was Ningguang? After a brief consideration, she smoothly replied:
"This medal does not solely represent feats in battle. Successfully seeking out the adepti and passing their trials, acting as the intermediary between the Qixing and the adepti—your efforts in this crisis were also indispensable."
The adepti also nodded in agreement, acknowledging the Traveler's hard work along the way.
Seeing that the Traveler was still hesitant, Ningguang continued calmly:
"Moreover, to thwart the Fatui's schemes, you personally defeated Childe. Such a battle is worthy of recognition."
Only after Rover gave the Traveler an approving glance did the latter suppress his unease and continue listening to Ningguang's next agenda item.
"The second item: Should Liyue appoint a new Geo Archon to continue divine rule, or adopt a new method of governance by its people?"
The gravity of this topic left everyone in the room—mortals and adepti alike—silent for a moment. Noticing the stagnation in the discussion, Ningguang turned her gaze to Zhongli.
As if sensing her look, Zhongli slowly spoke:
"Since the founding of Liyue, it has always been ruled by the Geo Archon. This has become an unspoken norm for all. Yet, during the Rite of Descension, the Geo Archon perished, casting Liyue into a state of panic.
"With the loss of the Geo Archon, many began to lament and adopt a pessimistic outlook. However, the Qixing managed everything in an orderly fashion during this time, restoring Liyue's stability. Even in the war against the ancient god, they demonstrated the capability to combat and create weapons capable of slaying such a being.
"Had the Abyss not interfered, Liyue would have been able to suppress at least one ancient god on its own.
"Thus, even without the protection and guidance of a deity, Liyue can continue to develop. I believe governance by the people of Liyue is the most suitable path."
After Zhongli's words, the adepti no longer hesitated and unanimously agreed with his proposal. Liyue would no longer appoint a new sovereign—it would be governed and developed by its people.
With the second agenda item settled, the third topic commenced.
"The third item: Diplomacy—our stance toward the Fatui and subsequent accountability..."
...
The meeting concluded, and Liyue's higher-ups swiftly took action. First, they publicized Rover's acceptance of the role as an officially recognized consultant through methods such as issuing announcements and inviting storytellers like Iron Tongue Tian to spread the news.
More importantly, a memorial monument was erected in the center of Liyue Harbor's plaza, commemorating the Millelith soldiers who perished in the recent Archon War. That day was also designated as a new holiday in Liyue—Remembrance Day.
"Young friends, there is one last matter I hope you will accompany me to witness."
As if recalling something, Zhongli spoke slowly.
Paimon and the Traveler were puzzled, but Rover, who knew of Zhongli's plans, understood—this was the final execution of his contract with the Fatui.
When they arrived at the Northland Bank, the Traveler was astonished to find Childe and La Signora already waiting there for Zhongli.
"The contract is fulfilled. As requested, I bestow upon you the promised object."
Zhongli handed the Gnosis to La Signora.
"Hmph. Such a condescending tone, Morax."
Paimon's eyes widened as she stared at the Gnosis, covering her mouth as if her brain were about to short-circuit.
"W-What?! You… you're Rex Lapis?!"
Recalling Zhongli's behavior over the past few days, Paimon nearly burst out with complaints but held back.
Why is the Geo Archon just like that drunkard, never carrying Mora?!
"This is merely a transaction based on the Cryo Archon's contract."
Zhongli's tone remained indifferent as he continued:
"The final resolution of all these events, though harsh, has surpassed my expectations in satisfaction.
"The adepti possessed the least information, yet they restrained themselves and were willing to cooperate with the Qixing in times of crisis.
"La Signora, as the envoy of the contract, kept the plan hidden from Childe. Though there were some deviations, everything ultimately returned to its intended course.
"And I, walking the mortal world as Zhongli, witnessed Liyue's handling of the crisis in its entirety as an ordinary man."
La Signora snorted coldly, glancing at the battered Childe before casting a disdainful look at the Traveler behind him. As for Rover, she dared not meet his gaze.
After La Signora walked past Rover and left, Childe had no choice but to follow. Once again, only the three of them remained.
"Zhongli, what could possibly be worth the price of a Gnosis?"
After a moment of silence, Rover spoke. Zhongli lowered his gaze, pushed open the doors of the Northland Bank, and looked out at the streets of Liyue he had walked countless times before turning back to the two of them.
"Young friends, let us speak elsewhere."
(The Twins' arc is about to begin.)