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There is a buffoon lingering at Rex Lapis’ home.
They won’t stop shrieking the Geo Archon’s name; knocking on his glass window and peering inside as if he’s just looking for his friend—and not the God of Contracts. Xiao can feel his eye twitching in annoyance as he makes his way to the foreigner. It’s one thing to sully his lord’s home with their presence, and it’s another to casually speak his name without any hint of respect.
He leaps down and lands a few meters away from the intruder. The intruder immediately whips their head to the side, and Xiao can feel his annoyance skyrocketing at the absurd attire the intruder is wearing. What kind of person decides to visit Rex Lapis with so much skin revealed? They should at least have some decency before visiting the Lord of Geo’s home.
“Stop this madness,” Xiao says, pointing his spear to the intruder. It seems that this person is not a normal human, especially with his wings tucked behind his back. He can also feel some kind of power radiating from him—similar to an adeptus?—but it’s weak, so he doubts it’s anyone significant. “Leave.”
The intruder looks at him with widened eyes. His irises are teal in colour, almost matching with the blue at the tips of his twin braids. His body is still pressed against Rex Lapis’ window, his palms laid flat against it. “I just want to see Morax. I need to ask him something.”
“He has no time for people like you,” Xiao says, his eyes narrowed into slits. “And do not speak his name so casually. Do you not have any respect for the Geo Archon?”
“Huh?” The intruder seems genuinely confused now. He unsticks one of his palms to scratch his cheek. “Who even are you? And what are you talking about? I visit Morax all the time.”
Xiao has no idea what this person is trying to accomplish, but he has had enough with his attitude. “You will cease your trickery and leave.” He grabs the intruder’s wrist, earning a yelp, and eyes the other again with disdain. “You are lucky that I’m letting you off despite your insolence. If you plan on stepping into Liyue again, half-naked, I will be sure to—”
He stops when he spots the aqua tattoo peeking out from the person’s top. Another rests innocently on the other’s thigh. He can tell that the symbols on his skin are not for show—it flows purely with anemo—and even if he assumes it’s not what he thinks it is, there’s no denying it now that it’s resonating with his own power.
Xiao instantly pales. Wait. That white hood behind the person’s head—the very same one that Rex Lapis wears. He’s–
“Lord Barbatos,” Xiao whispers, quickly dropping his spear as he kneels onto one knee. He does not kneel to anyone except for Rex Lapis. However, he makes this one exception. Not only has he disrespected the Anemo Archon with his insults, but he is aware that this is a friend of Rex Lapis. Rex Lapis had once told him to treat Barbatos kindly if he ever visited Liyue, and he has totally and completely gone against that order. “I—I apologise.”
“Oh, you don’t have to worry about it,” Barbatos says, and if Xiao is bold to assume, he sounds more confused than upset? He stares at Xiao for a moment, his wings drooping behind him as he frowns. “Um, what are you doing though? You don’t have to sit on the floor like that.”
Xiao shakes his head. “I have offended you, Lord Barbatos. I am ready to face the consequences.”
“Consequences?” Barbatos splutters. He looks left and right as if he’s trying to search for help, only to tug at Xiao’s arm. “I don’t... understand. What consequences are you speaking of?”
“Punishment,” Xiao says blandly, keeping his gaze lowered. He’s inwardly baffled that the Archon seems genuinely lost at the moment. Does he not find his comments insulting?
Barbatos quickly shakes his head, waving his hands around. “No, no—there is no need for that! I’m not offended, I promise.”
Xiao furrows his brow, but he does rise back to his feet. He takes a moment to analyse the Archon in front of him. Is he trying to torment him into thinking that he’s not offended, only to strike him when he least expects it? Well, whatever it is, he accepts any form of punishment that the Anemo Archon sees fit.
He deserves it after all.
“That’s better,” Barbatos says, smiling. He nods his head in satisfaction while his wings flutter behind him. “You know my name, but I’m afraid I don’t know yours. What do I call you?”
Xiao swallows. “Xiao.”
“Xiao,” Barbatos repeats, rolling the syllables over his tongue. Maybe to tell Rex Lapis which one of his adepti has failed him. “Okay, Xiao. Since you seem to know Morax a lot, do you know where he is?”
Know Morax isn’t the same as serving Morax, but he finds it irrelevant to correct him. He settles with being straightforward; “Rex Lapis has a meeting to attend to.”
“I see,” Barbatos says, frowning. Probably disappointed that he can’t inform Rex Lapis of his failure at the moment. His face lights up just as quickly as the frown appears. “Never mind! Since you’re from Liyue, can I trouble you by giving me a tour?”
That... is not what Xiao expected. What can Barbatos possibly gain from a tour? The first thing that comes to his mind is the Anemo Archon planning to unveil the secrets of the nation. But then he remembers Rex Lapis telling him to give Barbatos his hospitality, so he must comply despite his scepticism.
Barbatos notices how he’s taking a while to answer. He begins to shift uncomfortably. “Well, if you don’t want to, it’s fine. I can just—”
“Forgive me,” Xiao says, before the Archon can disappear into the sky. “I will not decline your request. I will take you around Liyue.”
Barbatos’ eyes seem to sparkle under the sunlight. “Thank you!”
➳
“Can this thing just—” Barbatos tugs at the white cloth that he has draped over himself earlier. This isn’t the first time he has accidentally stepped on it, and Xiao wonders why the Archon feels the need to wear it over his body when it’s obviously restricting his movements. “This thing is so annoying…”
Xiao can’t help but stare. Some Archons wear this piece of cloth over them to look more dignified during public appearances, but he doubts that it’s the reason why Barbatos has put it on. “You should take it off if it is a hindrance to you.”
“No,” Barbatos says, pulling the cloth a little bit higher, revealing his ankles. He tries to wrap a part of the cloth around his waist to keep it from falling. “You said I was half-naked, which means I was being indecent.”
“I–”
“So I will wear this,” Barbatos finishes. Xiao opens his mouth to protest, but the Archon has raised a finger right in front of him, silencing him. “It’s okay. I really don’t mind.”
There’s a weird feeling in Xiao’s chest. Is it guilt? He’s not sure. But he does feel bad that the Archon is walking around like that when it’s clear to him that he’s not comfortable.
Why is Barbatos complying to his wishes when he’s one of the seven Archons? Moreover, Rex Lapis’ friend. He can just do whatever he wants here, since Rex Lapis probably won’t do anything about it. Instead, he’s over here trying to satisfy a mere adeptus’ terms.
…It’s baffling.
“Xiao, look!” Barbatos grabs his arm, which catches him off guard. He points to a stall in the distance. “Let’s go there!”
Xiao isn’t given the chance to answer. For the first time in his life, he was dragged by an Archon as if he was a child.
It seems like Barbatos’ presence has earned the attention from the people around them. People look at him in awe, and they quickly move away when he comes nearer for they fear they’ll accidentally bump into his wings. Xiao can’t help but feel awkward though, with dozens of eyes staring at them. He rarely goes out near humans, knowing too well that the energy he emits isn’t good for them if they’re exposed to it for too long.
He just needs to fulfil whatever Barbatos wants, and then they both can get out of here.
“Lord Barbatos,” the old woman at the stall greets, bowing her head respectfully. “What has caught your interest in this old lady’s humble shop?”
Barbatos looks surprised by the gesture, but he nods his head in greeting. “Hello,” he grins, before he points to the shiny red apples in the basket. “I would like those, please!”
The woman smiles warmly. With wrinkled fingers, she lifts the whole basket and places it in front of him. “Of course, Lord Barbatos.”
Barbatos blinks and seemingly—waits. He stares at the apples for a few seconds, then looks at the old lady in confusion.
“How much... Mora?” he asks, his tone audibly perplexed.
“Oh, there is no need for that. They are all for you, as a gift.”
“But… this is too much,” Barbatos says, smiling apologetically. He digs his hands into the layers of his white cloth, before he takes out some Mora. “Here! I would like some apples equivalent to this amount of Mora.”
“No, no.” She gently pushes away his hand. “I insist, Lord Barbatos.”
“But—”
Xiao can’t believe Barbatos is on the verge of arguing with an old lady—all because he wants to pay for the apples despite being able to get them for free. The old lady doesn’t seem like she’s going to give up soon, either. Xiao’s pretty sure other Archons would’ve seen this as an offering and accepted it without hesitation. But for some reason, Barbatos feels the need to pay for them just like any other human.
Xiao can’t tolerate it anymore. It’s obvious that Barbatos is distressed with the old lady’s persistence, especially with the way his wings are now ruffled. He immediately steps forward and drops a large amount of Mora, earning silence from the two of them.
“Thank you,” he says to the old woman, carrying the basket full of apples. When he notices Barbatos is just standing there, his face in shock, he makes a gesture with his head for him to get moving already.
“Oh, um—thank you, Miss,” Barbatos says, giving her a quick bow (why is he bowing when he’s the divine being here?). “I didn’t expect him to just– but I really appreciate the offer!”
Xiao doesn’t bother to wait as the Anemo Archon exchanges a few more words with the old woman. A few seconds later, he finds him walking right next to him.
“I didn’t know you were a fan of apples too,” Barbatos comments, a wide smile on his face. His wings flutter in excitement behind his back.
“I’m not,” Xiao responds.
“Really?” Barbatos tilts his head to the side. “But you bought all that lady’s apples.”
“They were for you,” Xiao says, his brows furrowing. He thought that his intentions were clear, but he guessed not. “I am not interested in apples.”
Barbatos’ eyes widened. He moves abruptly in front of Xiao, stopping him in his tracks. “But why? You wasted your Mora for me.”
“I don’t mind,” he simply answers. And honestly, he doesn’t care. Mora is made from Rex Lapis himself, and he has never had any use for them. Now, he has a giant sum of it after centuries of serving the Geo Archon.
“You didn’t have to…” Barbatos mutters, looking down. He shifts a little, tilts his head up again, and shows him some Mora. “Take this. I know it’s not enough, but I’ll get more from my statue soon to repay you.”
Xiao frowns. “I don’t need it.”
“Yes, you do! What if you want to buy something?”
“I don’t,” Xiao says, sighing. He has a feeling that Barbatos may not be very experienced with this world. He suddenly feels the need to say this, even though it might sound slightly offensive. “Lord Barbatos, money is something we mortals or immortals don’t concern ourselves with. We only leave this concept to humans.”
Barbatos lowers his head to ponder. He taps his cheek as he thinks. “But I often see Morax pay.”
“Well, he is the one who makes Mora. There is no problem for him to have his Mora ready if he wants to pay,” Xiao explains. He believes it’s a way for Rex Lapis to help the people of Liyue too. But right now, Barbatos is not from Liyue, and he can’t make his own Mora. So he should just accept things when they’re offered to him as gifts. “I don’t mean to offend you, but you can’t create your own Mora, Lord Barbatos. You depend on the offerings of your people. Therefore, I recommend you to accept when people are willing to give you things for free.”
Barbatos doesn’t look too happy about it, but he says nothing against it. He looks at the Mora in his palm for a long time, before he offers it to him again.
Xiao’s face turns sombre. “Lord Barbatos–”
“You said to accept offerings,” Barbatos interrupts, his feet hanging slightly above the ground when he hovers. “Are you going to reject an offering from an Archon?”
Xiao gives him an incredulous look.
What.
➳
If there is one thing Xiao doesn’t understand, it’s the Anemo Archon.
The Archon of anemo. One of the seven Archons. Ruler of Mondstadt.
Yet, he likes to do trivial things. Such as entertaining one of Liyue’s adepti by fulfilling his request and paying for things that are given to him as an offering.
And now, he’s playing with the children in the village.
Unlike Xiao who stays away from humans, Barbatos surrounds himself with them. He tells stories he knows to the children, plays songs for them with his lyre, and shares the apples that Xiao has paid at the harbour. This is the first time Xiao has gotten to hear the sound of children’s laughter up close, even though he has kept a safe distance from all of them.
He doesn’t know how to feel about it.
“Xiao!” Barbatos calls, waving his hand in the air. He flies to him, and Xiao instantly notices the flowers around his head. “How does my flower crown look?” He starts standing in different poses, trying to show off the flowers.
Xiao doesn’t really have an opinion on it, but he knows it’ll be rude if he doesn’t give out a compliment. He mentally lists out several words that are deemed positive. “It’s—good.”
“Ehe! Thank you,” Barbatos beams, using one hand to adjust the ‘flower crown’ over his head. He then extends his free hand and reveals another flower crown. It’s a bunch of Qingxin tied neatly together. “The children made mine, so I decided to make yours. I hope you like it!”
Xiao stares at the flower crown in silence, before he slowly takes it. He hopes that Barbatos isn’t looking at him like how he thinks he’s looking at him. Reluctantly, he lifts his gaze, and he inwardly groans when he realises that Barbatos is looking at him with expectation. If possible, he doesn’t want to wear this in his hair, but there are two reasons why rejection isn’t an option at the moment.
One, Barbatos will use the ‘no rejecting an offering from an Archon’ on him (all because he decided to push him into accepting offerings).
Two, the thought of upsetting Barbatos doesn’t sit right.
He has no choice. Remembering his earlier insults, he will have to make amends. At least, for Rex Lapis.
Swallowing the sigh that’s planning to escape from his lips, Xiao wears the flower crown over his head. He doesn’t have to look anywhere to know that he looks ridiculous. Him—Adeptus Xiao, the remaining yaksha, a protector of Liyue—is now wearing a crown that is made up of flowers. Or to make himself feel better, a crown that’s made from the Anemo Archon himself.
He can feel his face heating up, much to his horror, and he doesn’t dare look at the Archon’s reaction.
He swears to Rex Lapis, if this is a way to make fun of him, Archon or no Archon, he will tear this flower crown into shreds—
“Your hair suits with the flowers,” Barbatos says, and Xiao is taken aback by his comment. He looks up—half-expecting the Archon to tease him or something—but instead, he seems genuinely in awe as he gazes at him. Though, that wonderment begins to dissipate when he fidgets nervously, probably from his continuous silence. “Do you not like it?”
Oh, right. Xiao wants to slap himself. Yes, he may have thought of shredding this flower crown a second ago, but now he regrets ever thinking about it. He should really say something before he gives the Archon the wrong idea.
“No,” he says. He doesn’t think he can keep his gaze any longer, so he looks away. “I like it,” he mumbles.
He doesn’t know why, but it feels good inside when he sees Barbatos grinning from ear to ear. He’s normally annoyed when people talk too much (unless if it’s Rex Lapis, he is willing to hear his lord talk for hours), but hearing Barbatos ramble his experience with the human children; how he forms a crown by twisting the flowers together, it makes him feel... light. Like all of his burdens—his killings, his karmic debt, are momentarily washed away.
He can’t understand. What is this odd feeling?
➳
There’s an ominous presence in the distance.
Xiao can sense it, and he assumes Barbatos feels the same, especially when he notices the way his body goes rigid. He’s not sure how many enemies are there, but he can tell it’s more than one. With this power... maybe it’s ruin guards?
“I will deal with it,” Xiao says, reaching for his mask.
“Wait!” Barbatos grabs him right before he can leave. “I’ll come with you.”
Handling these enemies won’t be a problem for an Archon, but something in Xiao hates the idea of Barbatos staining his hands just to deal with the enemies that are not from his land. No, he should definitely handle this one. It’s Xiao’s responsibility to protect Liyue, not Barbatos.
“It is my duty to guard Liyue,” Xiao says, carefully pulling himself out of Barbatos’ hold. “I will be back. Stay here... please,” he adds, for courtesy.
Barbatos looks hesitant, but he does let him go. “Is it okay if I sit nearby and watch you fight?”
As long as Barbatos doesn’t get involved—he nods his head. It seems to be enough for the Archon, because he smiles as he follows him to the threat. Xiao scans the area, and he sees the problem that he’ll be dealing with. One, two—no, three ruin guards. This should be fine for him.
“Be careful,” Barbatos reminds worriedly.
He doesn’t respond, but he keeps that in mind.
He starts fighting the ruin guards. It’s hard to attack all three of them at once, so he settles with leading one away from the rest of them before attacking it. It’s efficient this way and requires less stamina, though it’s becoming more difficult when the ruin guards start attacking him at the same time; launching their missiles and swinging their arms around. After a few minutes, he manages to defeat one of the ruin guards, which now leaves him with only two. While it’s still troublesome, at least that’s one enemy less.
He can’t tell what Barbatos is thinking while he’s fighting, but he hopes that things don't reach the point where he has to interfere. However, seeing that Barbatos is still sitting at the same spot, watching him, it fills him with slight relief knowing that the Archon trusts in his power.
He plunges his spear into the second ruin guard, and he watches as it falls. Now, there’s only one more left for him to deal with.
His eyes widen when he suddenly feels another presence, and he whirls around just in time to see a ruin hunter flying towards him.
Shit!
(While Xiao is struggling to fight the ruin hunter due to it being airborne, Barbatos has somehow occupied himself with a cat that has popped up while he was watching. He has always liked animals—and the freedom they seem to have as they roam around the lands. So he can’t help himself but play with the cat, completely distracted from what he was supposed to focus on.
“You’re very…” Barbatos lifts the cat up with his hands, trying to remember the term that humans used to describe them. “Cute! Yes, you’re very cute.”
The cat looks at him with rounded eyes and meows, striking his heart like an arrow. Barbatos can’t help but coo, rubbing his face against the cat’s.
“Stop. I can’t handle your cuteness,” he laughs, putting it down. All of a sudden, his nose feels a bit itchy—huh, that’s a pretty strange sensation. But, whatever! Archon things, he supposes. He looks back at the cat, tapping a finger to his cheek. “I think I’ll name you... yo-ah, ah– ACHOO!”
A gust of wind forms and is heading straight to where Xiao is fighting.
“Oh... that can’t be good.”)
There are many things today that have left Xiao in confusion. Like how he’s bringing the Anemo Archon around Liyue, and how he doesn’t realise a ruin hunter lurking in the shadows while he was fighting the ruin guards.
But this. Out of everything that has left him in questions—why the fuck is a whirlwind suddenly going to his direction now out of all times?!
He’s glad that he’s currently fighting in some ruins and not a housing area, because that means no one will get injured. But wait, is Barbatos alright? No—Barbatos is an Archon, and wind is his element, so he should be fine. Right now, Xiao has to think on how to get away from all of this. There’s a dying ruin guard on his left, and a ruin hunter above him. Then there’s this fucking out-of-nowhere tornado going straight at him.
He did not sign up for this when he promised to guard Liyue.
He should teleport, but he hasn’t gotten his bearings. He needs to know where it’s safe to land, or else he might run into–
He feels a pair of arms scoop him up, away from all three of those monstrosities. It has been so long since he's been able to experience this feeling—when was the last time he flew?—and he looks up, only to find Barbatos with his wings high in the air, spreading proudly. He can’t help but wonder though; why does the Archon look anxious, with a bead of sweat rolling down his forehead? Never mind. He may not say it out loud, but he’s grateful that he has saved him.
“Wait here,” Barbatos says, once he places Xiao somewhere safe. A lyre materialises from his hand, and he starts flying back to the ruins where Xiao was fighting.
Xiao has never seen Barbatos fight before, and maybe he’s a little worried with what’s happening next, seeing how the Archon’s weapon is a... musical instrument. He knows he should have more faith in him—after all, he’s the Archon of your element—but still.
...
Okay, maybe he has no faith in Barbatos after following him around today. He knows that there are some Archons who are not known for fighting. What if he just made the mistake of letting Barbatos handle the enemies and ended up endangering him instead?
He will never forgive himself if Celestia has to replace the Anemo Archon so soon.
He has to go back. It was a bad idea letting Barbatos take over. If anything happens to him, especially when he’s a friend of Rex Lapis, he will never—
A strong breeze hits his face, and he closes his eyes as the wind blows against his eyelids. Slowly, he opens his eyes, and he finds the ruin guard, the ruin hunter, and the tornado(?) elevating in the air. Wrapped in a bigger gust of wind. Disappearing into the sky or just—ascending to Celestia.
…
Xiao takes it back. He should have never doubted an Archon’s power.
➳
“Stop moving,” Barbatos chides, after his third attempt to tie the cloth over Xiao’s arm. Xiao can’t help but wince a little as he wraps the thing over his skin. He feels bad, because the Archon is now using the cloth he has been using to wrap his body as a bandage for him. It doesn’t make him feel any better seeing the cloth ripped, all because he had injured himself while fighting.
He thought he didn’t make it obvious, but Barbatos had spotted the blood stains on his sleeve. And until he showed him his arm, he wouldn’t budge—even if it meant staying in Liyue for days.
“I told you, it’s nothing,” Xiao frowns. He’s an adeptus, not some frail mortal. A battle like this is only a graze. “This is normal.”
He shouldn’t have said anything. Barbatos is now looking at him with a horrified look.
“It’s normal for me to get into fights,” Xiao clarifies. No, it does not help. Barbatos’ eyes look like they might pop out of his eye sockets. Maybe he should just change the subject at this point. “Your cloth is ruined.”
Thankfully, Barbatos finally moves on with the topic. He glances at the ripped cloth in his hand. “I rather have this ruined than have you bleed to death.”
A little bit dramatic, but this is Barbatos they’re talking about, so Xiao finds it reasonable. “I’m not going to die from a small wound.”
“I know,” Barbatos says, sitting right next to him. His voice comes out small when he adds, “I just don’t like seeing people hurt.”
Xiao’s eyes widen, and when he turns to look at the Archon, he finds him with a sombre expression, his knees hugged closely to his chest. There’s no doubt; Barbatos has also lost someone dear to him. Probably before he was chosen as an Archon.
For someone shining brightly like the sun for almost an entire day, Xiao doesn’t expect to see sadness in those pools of teal.
He doesn’t understand—but he knows he doesn’t like this. Making the Anemo Archon sad is equivalent to committing a crime.
“I’m sorry,” Xiao says, and he’s surprised that those words are actually coming out of his mouth. What is he apologising for? He doesn’t know. But whatever that can bring the sunny grin back to Barbatos’ face, he’ll do it. “I will be more careful next time.”
It does the trick, at least a little. A faint smile crosses Barbatos’ lips as he leans closer to him, the side of their heads touching. “I hope you do.”
Xiao feels Barbatos’ right wing brushing his back, enveloping him in warmth. He lets out a small sigh and lets himself indulge in the warmth by leaning close.
➳
“Morax!”
Xiao can feel himself grimacing when he sees Barbatos rushing towards Rex Lapis, throwing himself and keeping his body attached to the other Archon by wrapping his arms around his torso. Rex Lapis doesn’t even budge with all that force, and he merely shakes his head as he easily separates the two of them by pulling the back of Barbatos’ clothes.
“Barbatos,” Rex Lapis greets. His face is stoic as usual, but there is mirth in his eyes. He looks at Xiao, before he eyes back the smaller Archon in front of him. “How was your stay in Liyue?”
“It was really nice,” Barbatos answers, hands behind his back once he steadies himself on his feet. His wings perk up in delight. “Your friend Xiao helped me explain a lot of things. I would say my experience today is worth…” he counts with his fingers, “...a thousand songs!”
Rex Lapis nods, sending Xiao an appreciative smile. “I am pleased to hear that.”
Xiao keeps his gaze low out of respect.
“However,” Rex Lapis places a hand over Barbatos’ shoulder, making him shudder. “Care to explain why we had a tornado in Liyue earlier?”
Xiao looks at the two of them in confusion, while Barbatos lets out a panicked shriek. Wait, does that mean the whirlwind was not a natural occurrence?
“Eheheh... Well, you see…” Barbatos scratches the back of his head, emitting a nervous chuckle. His eyes are darting everywhere, and Xiao can bet his entire savings of Mora that he’s planning to bolt. “I just remembered—I have a nation to tend to!”
“Barbatos—”
“Bye, Morax, and thanks for today, Xiao!” Barbatos says the words as quickly as possible, before he surges into the air. The only sign that he was here were the faint traces of anemo.
Rex Lapis pinches the bridge of his nose in irritation, but judging by his expression, it seems that this isn’t the first time the Anemo Archon has done something like this. His eyes flicker to Xiao, and he gives him a nod of gratitude. “Thank you for accompanying him today. I know he is an Archon, but he is still learning a lot about this world.”
Xiao immediately kneels onto one knee. “It is no trouble, my lord.”
“Rise.” And Xiao does, under his command. Rex Lapis gives him a few gentle pats on his shoulder, his eyes lingering at the slightly blood-stained sleeve. (If he wonders how he got the injury, he doesn’t question it out loud.) “Did you enjoy yourself?”
Xiao nods, slowly. He did.
“Good.” Rex Lapis pulls his hand away, and he begins to walk. “You will rest for today, Xiao.”
“I will. Thank you, my lord.”
Xiao waits until Rex Lapis is gone, before he slowly takes out the flower crown Barbatos has made for him. It’s slightly crushed from all the fighting he has done, but the flowers are still held together to retain its form.
He notices how no one else is here, so he wears it on his head.
Barbatos—the Anemo Archon, one of the Seven, Ruler of Mondstadt—Xiao doesn’t fully understand him, but he’s willing to learn more about him.
One day, if he’s given the chance.