"If I'm Awesome, I'm a God! If I Mess Up, I'm Still an Adeptus?"

Ningguang noticed that the other Qixing had calmed down and, with a smile in her eyes, said, "Even if he can't become the next Archon, we should still treat him with the respect and reverence owed to the adepti, like those in Jueyun Karst."

"Whether Liyue follows the path of mortal governance or divine rule, we should also respect the wishes of this little one."

Ningguang's words not only soothed the argument between the Qixing but also delighted Lin Yuan, who was quietly drinking his milk. Everyone else had overlooked his opinion during their debate, but Ningguang balanced everyone's perspectives, ensuring that no one's feelings were left unconsidered.

No wonder she's the Tianquan who built her success from the ground up.

"Lady Ningguang is right. We'll wait for the new Geo Archon to grow up."

"Haha, here we were arguing without even knowing how long it will take for the new Archon to mature. How foolish."

"I was too hasty earlier. My apologies, Lady Keqing."

Several of the Qixing apologized, reflecting on their earlier attitudes. Keqing graciously accepted their apologies, not holding any grudges. Then, everyone instinctively turned their gazes to Lin Yuan, who was still drinking his milk.

Keqing approached Lin Yuan and asked, "Little one, do you have any thoughts?"

Looking at Keqing's delicate face up close, Lin Yuan, who had been focused on drinking his milk, was utterly confused. "What kind of thoughts can a baby have? I just want to drink my milk," he thought.

What came out of Lin Yuan's mouth, however, were only adorable baby noises. Keqing, usually so serious, was amused by the little dragon's soft sounds and said, "From now on, we'll take care of raising you. Grow up quickly, okay?"

Lin Yuan was stunned. Was this an offer to enjoy the Qixing's care? The highest officials of Liyue taking care of him personally? If that were the case, wouldn't he have access to anything and everything he could ever want? What a cushy life!

"Wait... isn't this freeloading off a whole nation?"

Though Lin Yuan was surprised, he couldn't help but feel thrilled. If I become awesome, I'll be a mighty Archon! But even if I slack off, I'm still an adeptus? What a perfect start! This is the ultimate cheat!

Living off the nation's resources, enjoying the good life while barely needing to lift a claw. Even if he didn't become the new Archon, he could still live a life of luxury, just like an adeptus. But Lin Yuan was confident in his potential. With his golden five-clawed dragon form, the most regal and powerful kind, he was certain he would grow into a powerful god.

If a creature like him didn't make it to the level of a top-tier Archon, that would be an epic failure.

Meanwhile, Ganyu, who was holding Lin Yuan, also gazed at him with a warm smile. Having followed the Geo Archon for millennia, Ganyu knew very well how terrifyingly powerful a true dragon could become. In fact, she wasn't even sure what Lin Yuan's upper limits were. With such astonishing potential, all Lin Yuan had to do was follow the natural course of growth, and Ganyu was confident he could take on the role of Liyue's next Geo Archon.

Just then, Hu Tao raised her hand and said, "Wait a minute, everyone. Are you forgetting something? Huan Huan was hatched by me!"

The group's attention shifted to Hu Tao, who had been silent after introducing herself earlier.

"Huan Huan?" Keqing asked, confused.

Ganyu quickly explained, "That's the name Hu Tao gave the little one."

Keqing looked baffled. "That's... not a great name."

The other Qixing nodded in agreement. "Huan Huan? What kind of name is that?"

There was no way they could let their future Geo Archon be called "Huan Huan." Just imagine the other nations finding out that Liyue's new Archon was named something like that. It would be a laughingstock!

Unfazed by the Qixing's judgment, Hu Tao stood her ground, insisting on her quirky, poetic naming style, "Oh come on, it's art! You all just don't get it."

The Qixing, having some fondness for Hu Tao since she had retrieved the dragon egg, let her off the hook with a smile. Ningguang chuckled, "So, does the esteemed Master Hu oppose our decision?"

To oppose the decision of the Qixing would usually be a terrifying prospect for anyone. But Hu Tao tilted her head up, boldly replying, "That's right! Since I found Huan Huan and hatched him, I should be the one to raise him!"

Seeing Lin Yuan as part of her Wangsheng Funeral Parlor family, Hu Tao had no qualms about standing her ground, even against the Qixing. She even shot Lin Yuan a glance, her eyes seeming to say, "Huan Huan, aren't you moved by how I'm standing up for you?"

But Lin Yuan was horrified. "No, no, no! Why would I follow you? Do you want me to live on leftovers?"

Why pass up the cushy life offered by the Qixing for some second-rate existence? Lin Yuan was flabbergasted by Hu Tao's attempt to sabotage his freeloading dream.

Hu Tao, however, mistook Lin Yuan's look of shock as gratitude and turned back, ready to continue "negotiating" with the Qixing. Ningguang, now genuinely amused, propped her chin on her fingertips and said, "I understand what you're getting at, Master Hu. How about this? Since raising the little one requires resources, the Qixing will handle the expenses. However, given how busy we are, we won't be able to take care of him ourselves. So how about we entrust him to you?"

The other Qixing didn't object to Ningguang's suggestion. After all, they were indeed overwhelmed with the daily administration of Liyue, and even Ganyu practically lived at work. Finding time to raise a little dragon would be a challenge for any of them. Given that Hu Tao had found and hatched him, entrusting Lin Yuan's care to her seemed like a reasonable compromise.

Hu Tao's eyes lit up with excitement, "Really? That's awesome! I'll take care of Huan Huan and make sure he grows up big and strong!"

Getting to raise Huan Huan without spending a dime was an amazing deal for her. Huan Huan was now officially the mascot of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!

She immediately began enthusiastically outlining all the detailed plans she had for raising Lin Yuan. Her eloquence, honed from years of dealing with clients, was now in full force, impressing the Qixing.

"At first, I wasn't too sure about leaving the new Archon in someone else's hands, but after hearing Master Hu's plan, I feel much more at ease."

"Indeed, Master Hu. Should you need anything, just ask the Ministry of Civil Affairs. You needn't worry about the costs."

"Such a meticulous plan! It's a shame Master Hu isn't running a private academy."

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A/N:

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