Chapter 234

Jean looked at her friend in shock: "Lisa..."

As the top genius of the Sumeru Academia, Lisa was exceptional in both intelligence and emotional intelligence, and she immediately understood the situation.

Her light green eyes, filled with wisdom and mature femininity, sparkled with curiosity. "Oh, Jean, I haven't seen you look like this in a long time. It seems that this gentleman is a very important person."

Lisa knew that the world had changed in unimaginable ways, and everything had become more complex. It wouldn't be surprising even if she bumped into Barbatos, the Anemo Archon, drinking by the roadside.

She had recently returned from Sumeru and was shocked by the changes there, as well as in Inazuma, where two Electro Archons now existed. Even with her vast knowledge, she couldn't fully comprehend all these changes.

Takumi's golden eyes observed the woman in front of him, dressed in purple, with an intriguing blend of knowledge and sensuality. An amused smile appeared on his lips.

"Little brother... this really reminds me of the first time I met Yae Miko. The sense of déjà vu is so strong."

When he first came to Teyvat and visited Inazuma, Yae Miko also called him "little brother." After learning about his true nature, she was quite taken aback.

Yae Miko was charming and beautiful, and Lisa was the same. The overlap was strikingly similar.

Jean quickly stepped forward, her voice anxious. "Lord Tianli, Lisa meant no offense."

Jean knew her friend well; Lisa enjoyed teasing people, especially unfamiliar faces younger than herself. But this was Lord Tianli they were talking about.

"Oh!" Lisa's expression froze, and her pupils trembled. What had she just heard? Lord Tianli?

This young man was... Tianli? Was this the Tianli she understood?

Takumi spoke playfully, "Yes, Lisa, I am the Tianli you think I am. You dared to call me 'little brother' and want to be Tianli's big sister? That's a crime of transgression."

Jean stood stunned by what she heard, and Lisa was utterly shocked.

What? Had she committed a crime against heavenly principles? Cold sweat instantly broke out on her forehead.

After a few moments of silence, Lisa, a top-tier genius, forced a smile at the being before her. "Is it too late for me to apologize now?"

There was no fear in her heart. The stakes were high, and being afraid wouldn't help.

The identity of the young man in front of her was beyond any doubt—he was Tianli.

Jean had received a mission from Sky Island and had successfully saved a world. She had even brought back souvenirs and books from that world, and those could not be faked.

Takumi was a bit surprised. It was the first time someone had shown no fear after learning his identity, even after realizing they had offended him.

You know, even Aether in the Abyss was almost scared out of his wits when they met for the first time.

"Interesting."

Takumi sat on the chair that Jean had just pulled out and smiled at Lisa, who was clearly sweating but trying to stay composed. "It is a serious crime to offend heavenly principles, but those who don't know..."

Just as Lisa thought he might let her off, Takumi suddenly added, "Those who do not know will be dealt with lightly."

Takumi picked up the documents on Jean's desk, pretending to ponder, "Well, how should I punish you?"

The atmosphere in the office instantly became tense. Jean held her breath, her heart pounding.

Lisa swallowed nervously. "Yes, how will you punish me? The punishment from Tianli must be terrible!" She felt regret welling up inside her. Why had she said something so stupid earlier? If only she had held her tongue for a few more seconds.

"I'll punish you by having you make me a drink unique to Mondstadt."

Lisa felt like collapsing upon hearing that.

Jean also breathed a sigh of relief. She looked up to see Takumi's eyes, clear and gentle, with a hint of teasing. She realized that she had worried for nothing.

Lord Tianli was the guardian saint of humanity, and he cared for kind-hearted people. Jean knew her friend well—Lisa was definitely a kind person. How could Lord Tianli blame someone like her?

Lisa came back to her senses and looked at the young man who had just tricked her. She understood what had happened—she had been played.

Although Jean had mentioned that Tianli's human form was similar to that of normal humans, with emotions and desires, she hadn't expected this.

Forget it. Even Barbatos often disguised himself as a bard and lived among the people as an ordinary person.

This type of "private visit" by gods had existed since ancient times.

Lisa twisted her waist and left the office, feeling both tired and amused.

After Lisa left, Takumi flipped through the documents on Jean's desk. "Tsk, tsk. Handling things like lost cats or dogs—all of this falls to you. You really work hard, Jean."

Jean composed herself, standing next to Takumi. "It might be tiring, but as long as it helps solve problems for the people of Mondstadt, it's worth it."

Takumi half-closed his golden eyes. "You're wrong, Jean. As the leader of a nation, your role is to implement national-level strategies and delegate tasks based on their importance. You can't solve everything by yourself, even if you exhaust yourself."

Jean lowered her head. "Yes, Lord Tianli."

The teachings of heavenly principles were absolute truth, and she was fortunate to receive them.

"While I was on my mission in that world, I realized my shortcomings, so I studied books on governance there. I'm trying my best to learn."

Takumi nodded, observing the young woman who was determined, hardworking, and kind. She reminded him increasingly of King Arthur, though without the aura of a ruler.

Takumi got to the point. "So, as a reward for completing your mission, what wish would you like to have granted?"

Jean knew that Lord Tianli had come to fulfill her wish, and her greatest desire was to protect Mondstadt forever. However, she had already thought about how to use this wish.

"Lord Tianli, I wish to use this reward for my good friend, Lisa."

Takumi smiled. "That's very selfless of you."

"Your wish is to solve the issue that is causing Lisa's life force to drain away. However, Lisa's problem is due to her powerful talent—a gift that her mortal body simply can't handle."