Smith admitted that before the servant plot appeared, he had no good feelings towards the Kingdom of Winter, even for people like Tartaglia and Sanbing. On the contrary, the servants made Smith feel a little human touch and also corrected the chaos in the Hearth House. Despite the different positions, the servants seemed to be quite admirable.
However, what kind of god was the Ice Queen? It seemed that this god was also quite remarkable. After all, gods such as Barbatos, Morax, Baalzebub, and Buyer were willing to hand over the Heart of God to the Ice Queen after understanding certain things. Although they were not openly supporting her, their actions suggested that if the Ice Queen and Sky Island went to war, they would remain neutral.
But these matters were not of immediate concern. As long as he continued improving his strength, even if the Fatui came to provoke him in the future, he would be able to deal with them. So far, it seemed that he had been setting a trap for the Fatui. The birth of Liyue Bank was bound to bring huge troubles to the Kingdom of Winter. If the wealthy knew that he was behind this plan, they would surely despise him.
"As for what choice you will make, Nashida, we will support you. After all, the Fatui did a lot of terrible things in Sumeru, such as human experiments. The most important thing is that the Fatui were only accomplices; the Order was the real mastermind. However, the conflict between the desert and the rainforest was also instigated by them. Of course, there are already significant problems between the two sides," Smith explained patiently. "One day in the future, you will understand the full truth. Nashida, although you can hear the voices of humans and master various types of knowledge, you cannot yet see through people's hearts."
Nashida nodded thoughtfully. These were things she needed to learn. She was well aware of her shortcomings. Compared to other gods, she had many weaknesses. Moreover, she was not like the Water God Focalors, who could summon a water dragon to help her govern the nation.
She needed to work hard.
Ningguang turned to Smith and asked, "President, do you think we should cooperate with Mondstadt regarding the Fatui?"
"That depends on what the Wind God Barbatos decides, doesn't it?" Smith shook his head slightly. "As for whether we should cooperate with Mondstadt to fight against the Fatui, we can collaborate in some areas, but I don't think we should deeply bind ourselves to Mondstadt right now.
"Tartaglia's future actions, such as releasing the Demon God to attack Liyue Harbor, are certainly unforgivable. Even if he was part of Morax's calculations, he still committed terrible acts. But Osel is no longer a threat to Liyue, and Morax remains. By the time Osel is released, who knows what level I will have reached? Mewtwo will have improved greatly under Morax's guidance.
"If it involves forming a strong alliance with Nashida's future Sumeru, I would support it. Even cooperating with Fontaine against the Fatui would be acceptable. However, I think it's best to avoid becoming too entangled with Mondstadt at the moment. If we exert too much control, it might seem like we are restricting their freedom or interfering in their state affairs."
After a pause, Smith added, "Of course, helping Jean is still worthwhile and a good investment."
Ningguang nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. I'll know how to respond to Jean."
Then, turning to Nashida, she added, "Nashida, I hope you enjoy your stay in Liyue."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Ningguang left in a hurry. She had been incredibly busy lately, and with Jean traveling from Mondstadt to Liyue, her workload had only increased.
Watching Ningguang leave, Keqing sighed. "I used to dislike Ningguang, thinking she was just a business-minded strategist. But seeing how hard she fights for Liyue, I realize there's a lot I can learn from her."
After a brief pause, she grumbled, "That Dadalia must have done this on purpose, right? He must know we are establishing Liyue Bank and wants to hold me back by challenging me."
Smith thought about Tartaglia. Was that duck really capable of such a scheme?
At that moment, Nashida, having finished her meal, raised her hand and asked, "Are there any books here? I'd like to learn more about Liyue."
Though she wanted to spend more time with Smith and ask him questions, her wisdom told her that Smith might need some time alone with Keqing.
"Of course. Ningguang has prepared many books in the study," Smith agreed without hesitation. Was this the God of Wisdom? She was such a thoughtful little girl!
Smith didn't believe Nashida would eavesdrop on his thoughts. Even if she did, he would have noticed.
After giving Nashida the location of the study, Smith watched as the small, inquisitive deity left. Then, he pulled Keqing into his arms and teased, "Did you come here because of those rumors?"
Smith had heard about the gossip that he had been unfaithful. He figured Keqing had come to confirm things herself. Otherwise, why would Ganyu and the others have shown up as well?
As for Ningguang, she had likely come purely for business.
Hearing Smith's teasing, Keqing blushed, rolling her eyes at him in frustration. "Who would have thought you'd bring back the Little Auspicious Grass King of Sumeru? I didn't expect Nashida to be so adorable."
If her own child turned out to be as well-behaved, sensible, and cute as Nashida, life would be perfect.
"But since you came here so late at night, I'm not letting you leave," Smith whispered softly in her ear.
Keqing's eyes flickered slightly, and she murmured, "Isn't this a bit too fast? I haven't even met your parents yet."
Smith was thrilled; she was considering it! Seizing the moment, he pointed to the bright moon in the sky and declared loudly, "Even if this red moon falls, I will never let you down in this life!"
"Mm!" Keqing responded with a nod.
This was an oath under the sky! Liyue was a land that valued contracts, a nation that upheld honor and agreements. There was a god watching from above—Lord Morax himself. Oaths were never made lightly.
For Smith to make such a vow gave Keqing a profound sense of security.
However, before she could respond further, Smith closed the distance between them, silencing her words with a kiss. His hands, meanwhile, seemed to develop a mind of their own.
Why was this guy so skilled?!
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