Sitting at a table and enjoying a cup of tea, Zhongli couldn't help but immerse himself in yet another one of Liyue's chronicles, as it had always been his forte (perhaps because he was there to witness it himself). There are few people as well-versed as him when it comes to Liyue's rich history and culture.

Generous with his words and diplomatic withal, the narrative was effortlessly woven by his serene voice, steadily building up to its pinnacle...

"...After the Archon War ravaged the Plains, the Adepti accompanied Rex Lapis across the land, guiding what remained of their people toward what would become Liyue Harbor. Following,—" his words faltered and Zhongli's gloved fingers tensed around the cup's handle. The rest of the story seemed to evade his grasp.

The heft of his amber gaze found yours and within it was concealed a tangible sort of anguish which disappeared as quickly as it came. Both of you knew that something was amiss; his once bright memory was slowly being clouded by erosion.