It had to be said, Ningguang truly lived up to her standing as a member of the Liyue Qixing and Liyue's most successful merchant.
A simple analysis dispelled many of Lumine's concerns.
But Lumine still had doubts about why the Liyue Qixing had hidden Rex Lapis's divine remains.
"You were there too. It happened so suddenly that I had no time to prepare."
"The Geo Archon's death caught me... caught everyone by surprise. I believe any person from Liyue would have lost their composure at such a sight."
"But I also understood perfectly well that our enemies were hiding right here in Liyue Harbor."
"You should know who I mean by 'enemies.'"
"The Fatui used the Geo Archon's death to spread rumors and sow panic. That has already crossed the line of acceptable diplomacy, so I could no longer afford to handle things gracefully."
"Their target is undoubtedly the Prime of the Adepti's Exuvia. Only by hiding it could I move out of the open and into the shadows, rather than letting them dictate my every move."
"Besides, I hid the Prime of the Adepti's Exuvia to prevent what happened in Mondstadt City from happening again..."
Ningguang looked at Lumine meaningfully.
At those words, Lumine lowered her head, intense anger spreading across her face. Clearly, Ningguang had reminded her of how Venti's Gnosis had been torn out of him.
Ningguang sighed.
"Running a nation is far more complicated than you imagine."
"Previously, the Geo Archon was Liyue's absolute ruler. He was powerful, wise, and dependable, and that was what kept those with ill intentions in check."
"Now that the Geo Archon has passed away, the power held by Liyue's supreme ruler has been left vacant."
"That power is immense-so immense that it can determine whether Liyue flourishes or declines in