"I see," said Ningguang.
She wasn't particularly surprised to hear that Rex Lapis already knew. In her mind, it made perfect sense that Kaito would have brought something like this to Rex Lapis's attention.
What she wasn't sure about was whether there was anything she herself could do to help.
Though she had already been thinking toward the day when Liyue would need to govern itself without Rex Lapis, this situation was clearly something beyond what any ordinary human could handle.
So she continued, "Then what sort of help might I be able to provide in all of this?"
"There's certainly a role for you here, Ningguang." Kaito felt it was a bit unnecessary, but the performance still had to be played, so he went on: "The first priority is to keep a close eye on any recent disappearances — Mobius may be capturing people for her research. She generally prefers willing subjects, but we should still be careful."
"Capturing people for research?"
The moment she heard that, Ningguang thought immediately of the Hilichurls at Guili Plains — how their numbers had been dropping sharply of late. "Now that you mention it," she said, "the Hilichurl population around Guili Plains has suddenly fallen quite drastically. I suspect it may be Miss Mobius who's been taking them for her experiments."
"Is that so? Then we'll need to be on guard against any Hilichurls that seem... different. Once Mobius has researched and modified them, they become considerably more dangerous."
Kaito gave a nod, his expression visibly sobering as he said it.
"Understood, I'll keep that in mind. Is there anything else I should watch for?" Ningguang wanted to know if there was more she could do.
Whatever the case, she would do everything within her power.
She knew the enemy they faced this time might rival Rex Lapis himself — but that was not going to make her back down.
"The other thing is that she may appear within the city itself. If you or your people spot anything, come to me directly — don't engage her on your own. It won't end well."
He paused to think, then added that final note of caution.
There was something else Kaito had considered mentioning — keeping an eye on the Fatui — but in the end he held it back.
He was worried that if he said it, Ningguang might actually discover that Childe was looking to cooperate with Mobius's side of things. Better to say nothing.
Of course, if Ningguang figured it out on her own and decided to watch the Fatui herself, there was nothing he could do about that — he certainly wasn't going to stop her.
And honestly, if Childe ended up getting himself exposed because he was too careless, then Kaito supposed he'd just have to cut his losses and leave the man to his fate.
Though if Childe simply chose to ignore Liyue's concerns and pressed ahead with the Mobius collaboration anyway — well, Kaito could live with that outcome too.
"That won't be a problem."
After hearing Kaito's description, Ningguang had no illusions about being able to capture Mobius through her own means alone.
An existence like that — how could she possibly deal with it herself?
She had always believed in the strength of human resolve, but against certain beings, humans were simply too small. That was a truth she could acknowledge.
Besides, raw strength had never been humanity's greatest asset. They had other things going for them.
"By the way — I was actually out at Guili Plains myself last night. I saw the Millelith standing guard and didn't go in for a closer look, so I'd like to take a look now, if possible."
The memory surfacing, Kaito mentioned that he wanted to go assess the situation at Guili Plains in person.
He already knew there wasn't much to see there — but by any normal measure, going to look was the right thing to do. And even if he hadn't brought it up, Ningguang would likely have suggested it herself. So he may as well say it first.
"Of course. Let's head there now."
Ningguang gave a nod and started toward the exit.
She had already intended to do exactly this — Kaito had simply said it before she could. That worked out just fine; she'd take him there herself.
Before long, the group arrived at Guili Plains.
"Lady Ningguang." The Millelith soldiers still keeping watch there hurried over the moment they spotted her.
"Mm." She gave the soldiers a nod, then turned to Kaito. "It's just up ahead. Shall we?"
"Thanks for the trouble."
Kaito nodded and followed Ningguang forward.
Kaito?
Who's that?
The Millelith soldier nearby stared in open bewilderment at the sight of Lady Ningguang casually conversing with a black-haired young man. He couldn't believe what he was seeing — this was not a scene he had ever expected to witness.
Just who was this young man called Kaito, that Lady Ningguang would treat him like this?
He watched the group's retreating figures, still struck dumb with surprise and confusion.
Not that it was any of his business to ask. He'd just have to keep wondering in silence.
"This is the spot. No telling who left these marks." Ningguang surveyed the scene before them, offering that observation first.
Kaito crouched down and examined the traces on the ground with careful attention.
If he was going to play a role, he was going to play it convincingly.
After a long moment, he stood and spoke. "This does have something to do with Mobius. I can sense the residue she left behind."
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