If anyone claimed that Zhongli was Rex Lapis, the Geo Archon of Liyue, no one in all of Liyue would believe it. The image of Rex Lapis in people's hearts was far too different from the image Zhongli now presented. Rex Lapis would not play with birds. And even if he did, he would not be a good-for-nothing who did nothing all day.
Of everyone in the audience, the two who least believed that Zhongli was Rex Lapis were Hu Tao and Keqing. Yet because the storyteller had said it, and the audience took it seriously, Hu Tao immediately rose from her chair and looked toward Zhongli in the other corner. She saw not only Zhongli but also the Raiden Shogun and Barbatos laughing and chatting with him.
Hu Tao's mind went blank, then suddenly cleared. Who else in all of Liyue could laugh and chat with the Raiden Shogun and drink with Barbatos if not Rex Lapis, the Geo Archon?
Moreover, as she recalled, Zhongli had appeared shortly before Rex Lapis's death, as if he had foreseen it. He had become a consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor at the perfect time and had legitimately arranged the funeral for Rex Lapis.
Connecting these facts with Zhongli's mysterious identity, Hu Tao began to wonder if it might actually be true. The only thing she couldn't understand was the funeral. Even she, as eccentric as she was, could not imagine holding one's own funeral. Was there something wrong with him?
Whatever. Since Zhongli was right there, she would go ask him directly. Regardless of his true identity, he was still a consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and nominally her subordinate. She had nothing to fear.
After reassuring herself, Hu Tao said to her companions, "Keqing, Shenhe, Xiangling, wait for me here. I'm going to have a word with Zhongli. He looks so young—how could he be the old grandpa Rex Lapis?"
They all agreed.
Xiangling said seriously, "That's right. Rex Lapis would never run up a tab for meals."
Keqing added, "Rex Lapis was a diligent god. He would never spend all day playing with birds on the street."
Shenhe asked, "If Zhongli really is Rex Lapis, what will you do?"
That was a good point. As an "idler" and a consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Zhongli got along with everyone. But as Rex Lapis, everyone who met him would be overcome with deference. It would feel unnatural. How would they interact with him?
Hu Tao also paused. Yes, if Zhongli really was Rex Lapis, what should she do? Kick him out of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor? Though he was lazy, he was reliable when it counted. She didn't have the heart to fire him. Besides, if she did, the people of Liyue would probably tear down the funeral parlor.
"Enough thinking. I'll just go ask him and be done with it."
With that, Hu Tao stopped guessing and marched through the crowd to the other corner, heading straight for Zhongli.
Seeing her go, Keqing hesitated, then gritted her teeth and followed. She too wanted to know what was going on.
When Hu Tao and Keqing approached, Barbatos was the first to speak. "Old man, your boss is coming."
Ei also laughed. "Well, the secret's out. Time to come clean. Yes, I am Morax! Worship me!"
She imitated Zhongli's tone, putting on a little show that made everyone around her laugh.
Makoto added with feigned seriousness, "Don't blame us. We tried to keep your secret, but that awful storyteller exposed you."
Ei chimed in, "That awful storyteller."
Zhongli: "…"
Having lived for thousands of years, all these gods were exceptionally sharp. The moment Hu Tao approached, they knew what was about to happen. Hearing their teasing, Zhongli's expression remained indifferent, as if he didn't care about his identity being exposed.
The next moment, Hu Tao led the way, Keqing followed, and they reached Zhongli's side.
Hu Tao, now slightly annoyed, demanded without ceremony, "Zhongli, what is going on? In the storyteller's tale, you look exactly like Rex Lapis. Are you him or not?"
To be honest, as a true Liyue native, Hu Tao held deep respect for Rex Lapis. But respect did not mean fear. The person who could make Hu Tao afraid had not yet been born.
Hearing her question, Zhongli's expression remained unchanged. "From a general point of view, the storyteller is correct. However, from another perspective, I have already stepped down from the position of archon. I am no longer Rex Lapis."
He did not make excuses or try to deceive Hu Tao. He calmly admitted his identity.
Hu Tao was taken aback. She had not expected Zhongli to be so forthcoming. "So your death really was faked? You really held your own funeral? You ate your own feast? You really... you really are surprising."
Even Hu Tao, who was always quick with words, didn't know what to say. She had often wondered about Zhongli's origins, but she had never imagined he was Rex Lapis. What kind of archon gave up his position to spend all day playing with birds, listening to stories, and drinking tea? This was truly surprising.
And this was not only Hu Tao's feeling but the feeling of everyone who learned the truth. Including Keqing.
Knowing that Zhongli was Rex Lapis, Keqing's emotions were complicated: joy, shock, confusion, and bewilderment. It completely overturned her understanding of Rex Lapis.
She quickly bowed to Zhongli. "Keqing of the Liyue Qixing greets Rex Lapis. Please tell me, why did you do this? Was it because we did something wrong?"