[It's a funny thing, diplomatic immunity. By all rights, Childe could have been banished from Liyue indefinitely, if not outright executed for his actions--it hardly matters that he'd been careful enough not to leave direct evidence behind when he'd chosen to send his men out to run interference. But perhaps there's something to be said for playing pawn to two gods--or maybe Ningguang simply thought better of challenging Snezhnaya's military might, settling for the Fatui's ruined reputation in order to concentrate on cementing her political power.
(Privately, Childe suspects Ningguang is far more interested in ruining the Northland Bank than in anything to do with him, an idea that is only cemented by her permitting his attendance tonight. Really, he can't help admiring her, even if he much prefers the company of her companion.)
Regardless of the reasoning, though, the fact remains that Childe was not banished or executed--only restationed, carried on ocean currents and the whims of Her Majesty. The trip to Inazuma had done him good; traversing the Onmyouji Chamber with the Traveler had felt like nothing short of a luxury vacation, temporarily soothing the itch for violence ever-present in his blood. It was refreshing enough that he doesn't even really complain when he's ordered to stop back in Liyue for his least favorite type of assignment. Schmoozing is boring on a good day, but even more so when he absolutely must be on his best behavior.
Well--okay, technically he doesn't have to be. But Childe's Mora barely curries favor in Liyue these days, and he's smart enough not to smash his boot through thin ice. So behaving himself it is.
Zhongli's presence... helps. In a number of ways, really. The Traveler is a hero, yes, but Zhongli is the clear embodiment of Liyue's finest principles. The respect his people have for him is personal, and it means they're mostly willing to hold their tongues on his choice of company, no matter how ill-advised they may think it. (And regardless of the Fatui's current disgrace, a number of patrons on board have done business with them in the past, and will certainly do so in the future. Smoke, mirrors, and a farce of righteousness, every last bit of it.)
But it isn't just practical to have Zhongli with him. Childe won't say it, but... he'd missed this. Spending time together, the illusion of simplicity.
He's well aware that the Traveler does not truly consider him a friend. It's part of the reason they have his trust in the first place. But the fact remains that, setting aside the tenuous relationship he has with them--the closest thing to friendship he's had since the Abyss... remains the days he spent with Zhongli.]
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please forgive my 357628356 words of set-up I am so sorry HELP 1/2
(Privately, Childe suspects Ningguang is far more interested in ruining the Northland Bank than in anything to do with him, an idea that is only cemented by her permitting his attendance tonight. Really, he can't help admiring her, even if he much prefers the company of her companion.)
Regardless of the reasoning, though, the fact remains that Childe was not banished or executed--only restationed, carried on ocean currents and the whims of Her Majesty. The trip to Inazuma had done him good; traversing the Onmyouji Chamber with the Traveler had felt like nothing short of a luxury vacation, temporarily soothing the itch for violence ever-present in his blood. It was refreshing enough that he doesn't even really complain when he's ordered to stop back in Liyue for his least favorite type of assignment. Schmoozing is boring on a good day, but even more so when he absolutely must be on his best behavior.
Well--okay, technically he doesn't have to be. But Childe's Mora barely curries favor in Liyue these days, and he's smart enough not to smash his boot through thin ice. So behaving himself it is.
Zhongli's presence... helps. In a number of ways, really. The Traveler is a hero, yes, but Zhongli is the clear embodiment of Liyue's finest principles. The respect his people have for him is personal, and it means they're mostly willing to hold their tongues on his choice of company, no matter how ill-advised they may think it. (And regardless of the Fatui's current disgrace, a number of patrons on board have done business with them in the past, and will certainly do so in the future. Smoke, mirrors, and a farce of righteousness, every last bit of it.)
But it isn't just practical to have Zhongli with him. Childe won't say it, but... he'd missed this. Spending time together, the illusion of simplicity.
He's well aware that the Traveler does not truly consider him a friend. It's part of the reason they have his trust in the first place. But the fact remains that, setting aside the tenuous relationship he has with them--the closest thing to friendship he's had since the Abyss... remains the days he spent with Zhongli.]