Next time?

[ It is Narwhal's tail that is wagging, but if Ajax were also a canine companion, he would be doing the same. There's a giddy excitement in the way he moves his queen out of immediate harm's way (so perhaps not completely reckless) unbothered by Zhongli's slow and steady advance. Ajax would always lose a game of attrition so there is no need to defend for it. That just means his next offensive would have to be grander still to overcome Zhongli's meticulous planning.

Still the grin on his face is more due to the prospect of getting to meet Zhongli-xiansheng a second time. Ajax's dedication to his work and his family alone made finding time for other commitments rather difficult. Never mind his whirlwind of a personality that demanded all of the other person's attention one moment and then disappearing for days on end without word the next.

Perhaps if he can reign that in for this one person, maybe he could enjoy the facade of a normal life— even for a few scant hours. ]

Ah, I bet xiansheng makes a perfect cup of tea. I can't wait to try it.

But then I need to bring something for you, too! What does xiansheng like?