[ When Kaeya had called Zhongli back to Childe's home saying that the Harbinger had finally returned, Zhongli had breathed a month-long sigh of relief that finally things could start returning to normal. Or the shaky semblance of normal that had been established between the two. One look at Childe's expression had quickly dashed that thought. Oh dear. Oh my. Had Kaeya brought him here unwillingly then?

Then what was he to do? Zhongli had expected Childe to return earlier than this— not for him but at the very least to return for the shards of his siblings. But it seems like that is the furthest thing from the Harbinger's mind as he acts more like a prisoner in his own house than its rightful owner. Perhaps if Zhongli cautiously broached the subject.

Ah—

And here comes trouble times two.

Zhongli feels Set arrive before the sand swirls into his physical form, gold eyes widened slightly against the black. Perhaps he should not be surprised at all by the other god's immediate arrival if his passionate speech back in Springstar was any indication. Perhaps if Zhongli was in a more rational state of mind he would be appreciative that Childe had finally found someone to confide in, someone's protection he would freely accept.

It was unfortunate and poorly timed that Childe and Zhongli's bitter fight during the Blight had resulted in Childe rejecting Zhongli's divinity only to turn around and find solace in another's. And a war god of the earth no less. The irony rubbed like sandpaper against an open wound. ]

Master Set.

[ Zhongli's nod of deference to the other god's arrival is purely functional— a strict set of procedure to be followed rather than any actual welcome. ]

Please do refrain from trekking in too much dirt into this house. Master Childe is right here if you wish to speak with him and is free to go if he wishes.