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[ Of Justice and Contracts ]

[ Zhongli's expression twists at Neuvillette's words even as he was expecting them. "On this site lies an evil dragon, please do not disturb it." How many times had he listen to incorrect rendition after horrible rendition of how Rex Lapis defeated the rampaging dragon? How proud was Liyue to have that a part of their history. Of course, he would think that. That was only the natural conclusion. ]

My plan is to protect the people of Liyue. These earthquakes cannot continue.

[ That is the only absolute in this. The people of Liyue must be protected at all costs (even if it not his duty — or his right?— to protect them anymore).

But more concerning is how far dear Azhdaha had backslid in such a short time. He had not seen his friends in centuries. And now, just a short while ago, fate allowed them to say the goodbye that had been stolen from them. So why now? And how? Zhongli is too practical to believe that kindness and understanding can perhaps win over Azhdaha a third time, but too hopeful to dismiss the possibility entirely. ]

As to how — that cannot be determined until we know why, yes? Both of those are viable options with the former being preferred over the latter. But it has always been the grace and wisdom of Azhdaha that has determined the outcome of these encounters. I have no reason to have any less faith in him now.

[ Neuvillette's gaze briefly flicks to the moss-covered stone tablet erected at the base of the tree; being from Inazuma originally, he can read some of the hanzi etched into the slab since his birthland's writing system borrows heavily from Liyue, but not all. But just enough to get the general gist of it, warning the reader not to disturb Azhdaha.

Protect the people of Liyue—that, he can agree on. This land might rightfully belong to the Geo Sovereign, but that doesn't mean he gets to put the lives of millions at risk without impunity. (In a sense, Neuvillette knows he is overstepping his authority here, imposing his own sense of right and wrong.) ]

I have no objections to killing him, if it comes to that. He will be reborn again among the Geovishaps. [ One hand comes up to adjust his jabot as he speaks; it had loosened during their lengthy journey from Chenyu Vale. There's a solemn light to his eyes as he continues. ]¨

...However, killing him may have far-reaching consequences. You know what happens when something that powerful dies.

[ Neuvillette may not take issue with the act of killing itself, but what might happen afterward is cause for great concern. The sheer amount of Geo that will be expelled may manifest in the form of the most devastating earthquake in the history of Liyue. ]

[ "He will be reborn again among the Geovishaps."

Ah, was that it? Was that the sentimental part of Morax buried deep down that day he faced the Geo Sovereign? Erosion would take everything from him eventually (even himself) but had he clung to an Azhdaha that would remember him if only in hatred over one that could be reborn in the never-ending cycle of Teyvat?

A thought for another time perhaps. ]

Yes, I am aware. Such an event would put both Liyue and Sumeru at risk.

[ That is why Zhongli had attempted to lure Azhdaha away from the Chasm, after all — filled as it was with miners and the Millelith. But even this distance would not spare either nation. Not completely. And though Liyue had proven itself to be able to stand on its own, was it not cruel to throw such a catastrophe at them so early into their newfound flight?

(But if not here, then where? Was anywhere safe for such a deed to be done?) ]

Perhaps this is rather presumptuous of me— but I hope that you might help find a solution that I myself could not.

[ Who was better equipped to do the impossible than one of the over-turners of the prophecy of Fontaine after all? Perhaps it was more than coincidence that had Neuvillette and Zhongli cross paths today. ]

Mondstadt as well, given its geographical proximity.

[ Neuvillette does think it's a bit presumptuous of Zhongli, but chooses not to verbalize that particular thought as his brow creases in thought. He begins to pace back and forth across the grassy area surrounding the mighty tree as he goes through various scenarous in his head, trying to calculate the odds of success for each one.

The piece of literal stone that is his heart feels heavy. None of this feels right, he shouldn't so readily prepare himself to kill a fellow Sovereign when he has yet to even confirm his mental state, yet here he is doing exactly that. He stops by a nearby creek, a silver chalice materializing in his hand and he crouches down to gather some water. It's cool against his lips as he takes a long sip, soothing his mind just a little. ]

Perhaps there is a way to mitigate the abrupt release of elemental power—encasing him in Hydro, maybe. Or I could attempt to redirect it into my body; I can't wield the other elements like Azhdaha can, but Hydro vishaps in general do possess some degree of elemental adaptability.

[ That would be like stepping in front of a cannon at the moment of discharge, however. Neuvillette doubts it would be enough to outright kill him when Azhdaha is far weaker than he is, but he would be gravely wounded and may need years to fully recover afterward. The Heavenly Principles may rouse from their slumber and bring devastation down upon Fontaine while its Sovereign is incapacitated; he would prefer to avoid such a scenario. ]

[ Zhongli pauses a few steps away from Neuvillette, waiting for him to take a sip from the stream. For a brief (perhaps irrational moment), he awaits for another critique of Liyue's waters so close to the mines for surely it could have only gotten worse with the most recent seismic activity. Or perhaps Zhongli was hoping for some innate understanding of Hydro to grant Neuvillette insight into a cleaner solution their current predicament. But no— he's just drinking water to calm himself.

It is as quaint as it is quirky. Something to ruminate upon later perhaps as Zhongli's eyes widen slightly at the Chief Justice's next proposal. Encasing Azhdaha in hydro— or redirecting all of that malevolent energy into the Hydro Sovereign himself?

Oh no. Oh no no no. That would not do at all. Zhongli ducks his head down briefly trying to hide his surprise behind his bangs as he composes himself. ]

My apologies. I did not mean that you should put yourself more at risk. Azhdaha's current predicament is my doing and therefore my responsibility. I do not desire to put anyone else in harm's way, especially not someone that Fontaine needs guidance now from so dearly.

I meant—

[ What did he mean? That perhaps Azhdaha could find a kindred? That Neuvillette who came to love Fontaine and her people as much as any of the original Seven of old could understand his old friend's frustrations and hopes in a way that no one else could.

That they both might find some shared experience and (dare he hope some peace) in each other. ]

That perhaps you could reason with him in ways that I could not. In ways that perhaps no one could save for a handful. Even reborn as you are, there are some bonds between souls that transcend all others.

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