[ Zhongli takes a moment to speak with the waiter, determining the exact time he should show up the next day and also providing contact information for the hotel he is staying at (not this one, it is far too outside of his price range for an extended stay) so that he is reachable in case they need anything else. The city was doing him a favor, and it was in his best interest to make sure that his was cooperating fully. Once that is taken care of, he swiftly follows the Chief Justice outside into the Court of Fontaine proper.
Eventually after the sun sets below the horizon, the two of them take a late Navia line aquabus to the Marcotte station. Elphane seems quite surprised to see Neuvillette board (seeing as during normal business hours he had his own private method of transportation), but beams with renewed enthusiasm and pride as she goes through her practiced lines— even if it just for Neuvillette, Zhongli, and a few workers making their way home after a long day of work or leisure. Zhongli listens raptly to each and every one of her Fontaine facts, wondering if he should suggest something similar to the Liyue Ministry of Civil Affairs.
As expected this time of night, the area surrounding the Opera Epiclese is quite deserted. The atmosphere is a strange mix of eerie and peaceful to see one (if not the most) powerful institute of Fontaine lay dormant for the evening. The only sounds nearby are the cawing of nearby fantail pigeons and the soothing lapping of the waters of the Fountain of Lucine in the center of the courtyard. Zhongli pauses in front of the plaque prominently displayed at the fountain's base, clasping his hands behind his back and taking a few moments to read it even though the two of them are here on other pressing business. ]
The whole city is quite remarkable.
[ The words are spoken mostly to himself, a sort of quiet awe on how much the world has truly changed since he had taken a more active role in correspondence with the Seven. It warms his heart, to see Egeria's legacy transform into something well beyond what she probably could even imagine. A pity that she wasn't here to see it.
Ah, but that was enough reminiscing about the past... Zhongli turns to face Neuvillette after a few moments: ]
no subject
Eventually after the sun sets below the horizon, the two of them take a late Navia line aquabus to the Marcotte station. Elphane seems quite surprised to see Neuvillette board (seeing as during normal business hours he had his own private method of transportation), but beams with renewed enthusiasm and pride as she goes through her practiced lines— even if it just for Neuvillette, Zhongli, and a few workers making their way home after a long day of work or leisure. Zhongli listens raptly to each and every one of her Fontaine facts, wondering if he should suggest something similar to the Liyue Ministry of Civil Affairs.
As expected this time of night, the area surrounding the Opera Epiclese is quite deserted. The atmosphere is a strange mix of eerie and peaceful to see one (if not the most) powerful institute of Fontaine lay dormant for the evening. The only sounds nearby are the cawing of nearby fantail pigeons and the soothing lapping of the waters of the Fountain of Lucine in the center of the courtyard. Zhongli pauses in front of the plaque prominently displayed at the fountain's base, clasping his hands behind his back and taking a few moments to read it even though the two of them are here on other pressing business. ]
The whole city is quite remarkable.
[ The words are spoken mostly to himself, a sort of quiet awe on how much the world has truly changed since he had taken a more active role in correspondence with the Seven. It warms his heart, to see Egeria's legacy transform into something well beyond what she probably could even imagine. A pity that she wasn't here to see it.
Ah, but that was enough reminiscing about the past... Zhongli turns to face Neuvillette after a few moments: ]
Is there anything I need to do before we begin?