[ Poised and proper, Monsieur Neuvillette. Zhongli can't help the small tug of a smile at how polite he is being when millennia of bad blood exist between Archon and Sovereign. But the Chief Justice remained laser focused on what was best for Fontaine and her people. It is a testament to his character and his goodwill, truly the nation could only improve under his care, nurtured by the love and unwavering dedication of its former rulers.

(A testament to perhaps another inevitable change. As the age of humanity rose, perhaps it was time for the rule of the Archons to fade into history.) ]

Both sound like areas that I might be able to offer aid. I thank you for your abundance in patience or generosity.

[ Ah, but even so, the scales seemed tipped in Neuvillette's favor, even if Zhongli's the one offering recompense. His Harbinger friend was safe. Neuvillette has never once threatened to expose his identity even if it may be advantageous to do so. And even being allowed to stay beyond his welcome felt more like a generosity than anything.

It reminds Zhongli of when he was younger, unused to holding the reigns of a nation he sword to love and protect. It also reminds him of the words his friends would whisper in his ear when it seemed he was taking on the whole world— ]

And I hope perhaps that someday that favor can be returned in kind.

[ Yes, Zhongli thinks he would like to spend time with Neuvillette when not knee deep in a nationwide disaster. ]