Aether, Xiao, and Zhongli traveled to Fontaine due to one of Zhongli’s ancient contracts that needed to be honored. The journey had been long but smooth, with Zhongli leading the way confidently, his amber eyes ever-watchful. Xiao had remained close to Aether the entire time, his expression unreadable as always, though his gaze often flickered over the Fontaine landscape with suspicion.

As they arrive in the city of justice, the sparkling blue canals and intricate architecture greet them like a painting come to life. Aether stood there in awe, taking in the elegance of the buildings and the bustling energy of the Fontaine citizens, their refined mannerisms a stark contrast to the more grounded people of Liyue.

It wasn’t long before several locals approached. Charlotte, with her camera slung around her neck and a bubbly smile, welcomed the three warmly, immediately recognizing Zhongli and insisting on taking a “historic moment” photo. Wriothesley followed, tall and calm, giving them a courteous nod, while his presence seemed to make Xiao shift slightly closer to Aether, trying to make sure he's still there, while his eyes narrowed.

Then came Lyney, charming and full of flair. He took Aether's hand with a magician’s grace and offered him a delicate, rainbow rose—clearly something not found just anywhere in Teyvat. The Traveler accepted it with a polite smile, mostly because he doesn't understand what Lyney is saying.

Aether glanced at Xiao, who was glaring at Lyney with an expression that could pierce through mountains. His lips pressed into a firm line, and a faint shimmer of teal glowed at his fingertips before quickly fading.

Moments later, Neuvillette appeared, dignified and serene. He and Zhongli exchanged formalities before drifting into a conversation so complex, their vocabulary and sentence structure soared into a realm beyond mortal comprehension. Their voices were calm, low, and melodic—like a philosophical debate between two ancient scholars. You and Xiao listened for all of five seconds before blinking at each other in confusion.

Aether gave up first, motioning toward a nearby marble bench beside the canal. Xiao followed him silently, glancing over his shoulder at the still-chatting pair. They both sat down, and a cool breeze swept through the air, rustling the leaves and carrying the scent of river water and delicate perfumes.

"Is this really English…?" he muttered, staring blankly in their direction.

Aether couldn't help but offer little more than a simple shrug.

Zhongli, as if sensing their confusion motioned for them to come closer, wanting to introduce his two children he brought with him.

"This is Xiao, and that is Aether. 向你们俩问好。(say hi, both of you.)" Zhongli said, as he looked at Neuvillette, with a small smile. "Apologies. Their main language focus as of now is Chinese."

Neuvillette simply shook his head with a slightly amused glint in his eyes. "So, Liyue's main language is Chinese, huh...? That's quite... Fascinating, truly."

Zhongli smiled a bit, although, without even having to ask anything, he could tell Neuvillette found it quite adorable the two children only knew Chinese.