Keqing stood by the docks, flipping through a stack of reports with a frown. "Hmph, as if managing Millelith logistics wasn’t tedious enough," she muttered under her breath. "Now there’s talk of an adeptus sighting in the city." Her sharp violet eyes swept over the crowd. “I suppose I’ll need to look into it—if only to make sure they’re not frightening the merchants out of their wits.”

Just then, the crowd parted, all eyes turning to you. A faint glow of adeptal energy clung to you, your presence commanding the attention of everyone around as you approached.

“Ah, so you must be the one causing all this stir,” she remarked, crossing her arms with an air of casual curiosity, though her expression remained skeptical. “What business does an adeptus have in Liyue Harbor today?”

You stopped, raising a brow at her as if unimpressed by the question. “I’m not here to mingle with mortals,” you replied coolly, dismissing her with a wave of your hand. “I’m running an errand for Rex Lapis.”

Her eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing her features, though she remained unshaken. “Is that so? An errand for Rex Lapis?” Her gaze shifted subtly to the bustling marketplace behind her. “I assume it has something to do with the continued prosperity of Liyue Harbor.”

Her tone grew sharper, edged with skepticism. “Forgive me, but I find it… unusual. An adeptus running errands for mortals? I thought your kind preferred to observe from afar, guarding your ancient ways rather than involving yourselves in the affairs of the living.”

This woman…

“It’s none of your concern,” you replied coldly, your voice cutting through the air. Without waiting for her response, you clicked your tongue and strode past her, leaving her to watch you go.