In that sigh, there was no anger at being questioned, but rather a sense of melancholy that others found hard to understand.
"Mr. King, you see through things clearly."
"Since you ask this question, you must already be aware of my identity."
Zhongli spoke slowly, his voice lower than before but even clearer, each word striking the heart.
"Indeed, Liyue does have its flaws!"
"The accumulation of wealth and its unequal distribution—this is a chronic ailment unavoidable in a nation ruled by humans."
"In the past, when Morax was still present, he could rely on absolute power to maintain some balance, but even that was merely treating the symptoms, not the cause."
"But with Morax's abilities, that was all he could do..."
"Now Liyue has entered the era of 'human rule'."
"All rules, laws, and contracts are established, executed, and maintained by 'humans'."
"In that process, there will inevitably be omissions, biases, and corners where the sunlight does not reach."
"This is the growing pain Liyue must experience; it is the price of 'growth'."
His gaze was distant, as if piercing through time.
"I have stepped down from the divine throne and no longer hold power."
"Now I am merely an idle man, a consultant for WangSheng Funeral Parlor, just Zhongli."
"The era of divine rule has passed. The problems of humans must ultimately be figured out, corrected, and the 'correct' path found by humans themselves over the long years."
"What I can do is watch from the side and, when necessary, say a few words or do a few things in the capacity of the 'mortal' Zhongli."
"Just as I am doing now."
Zhongli looked back at King, his gaze becoming solemn.
"Regarding the matter of Inazuma, I am not intervening as the 'God of Liyue,' but rather as an 'experienced observer' who has witnessed too much conflict and does not wish to see more needless bloodshed, offering a few humble opinions."
"Fontaine upholds justice and holds Inazuma accountable; this is only natural."
"I have no intention of stopping it, nor do I have the power to do so."
"I only hope that the manifestation of this justice can be tempered with a bit more restraint and a bit less hostility."
"Punishing the primary culprits and warning future generations might achieve a better effect."
"If this triggers a great war between two nations and brings suffering to the people, then the original 'justice' will be stained with other colors."
"After all, once a war begins, it is difficult to end."
Zhongli finished speaking and waited quietly for King's response.
The sun had completely sunk below the sea, the sky was dyed a deep purple-blue, and the first star quietly lit up.
The lights on the deck also lit up one by one, a dim yellow glow enveloping them.
King looked at Zhongli.
This retired Geo Archon did not deny Liyue's problems, nor did he put on the airs of a god.
He calmly admitted his own shortcomings and, as an "experienced observer," made his request—
Restraint.
King didn't really have any objections in his heart.
He never intended to carry out some grand purge in Inazuma in the first place.
His goal was clear—
Make those responsible pay the price, force the Inazuman authorities to bow and admit their mistakes, and eliminate hidden dangers.
As for whether a fight would break out... that depended on Inazuma's attitude.
If that Raiden Shogun really lost her head and wanted to fight... King felt his fist.
Don't worry, it'll be over quickly; it won't disturb the people of Inazuma.
It was just beating some sense into a country shut-in.
"I understand."
In the end, King only gave this brief reply.
No promise, no guarantee, but no rebuttal either.
Hearing this, a flash of understanding crossed Zhongli's eyes, and he nodded slightly. "If Mr. King says so, then it is well."
That was enough said.
Through the conversation just now, Zhongli already knew that this "Strongest Man" from Fontaine was not a reckless or bloodthirsty person; he had his own principles.
That was truly good.
The tense atmosphere quietly eased.
Paimon rubbed her stomach, breaking the silence. "Um... after all that talk, Paimon's hungry again! Lynette, what are we having for dinner tonight?"
Lynette bowed slightly. "We have prepared seafood chowder and grilled fish for tonight, Miss Floating Object."
"Yay!"
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