Omniscius [Genshin Impact]

69: A Tale of Blank Tiles and Secrets

Mealtimes were usually lively after a day's work. Despite the exhausting task of overseeing an entire nation and each of its businesses, Rex Lapis always convinced himself it was for the betterment of the people.

But his desire to keep Liyue flourishing eventually led to him working consistently for days, and he wouldn't be able to return to his home in the Sea of Clouds.

Since Stella became the Tianquan, their simple home would grow to be extravagant, and they would hire a few trusted servants to clean the house when both the master and lady of the house were away. The clay teapot would be replaced with porcelain, and the simple lanterns would turn into ornate chandeliers imported from Fontaine.

But despite the lavishness of his home, Rex Lapis did not find it entrancing. Rather, the idea of coming home to share a meal with Stella invigorated his spirit.

He loved it when Stella told him about how her days went. Rex Lapis would force himself not to monitor her activities just so he can hear it directly from the doteful girl herself. That was how it was. That was how it has been.

But in the recent days... Changes that were unforeseen began to paint the house with silence and unseen tension.

Stella was no longer a little girl that would cut her fish with a spoon. She used her utensils with refined poise and not make loud clatters.

She was no longer a child whom Rex Lapis had to wipe the crumbs off her babbling mouth. She had been able to use a tablecloth and gently dabbed her lips without allowing Rex Lapis to have the delight of telling her off.

The little girl that used to spill her drinks clumsily and finish her milk in seconds no longer needed Rex Lapis to pour her drinks. Stella would simply wave a hand, and a servant would come to fill her glass.

That was what she did. And Rex Lapis, who was ready to leave his seat across the other side of the table, was prompted to sit back down when a servant bowed to him before pouring him a glass of wine.

He kept an inaudible sigh as the sound of alcohol plunging into the glass filled the silence. As quick as they were summoned, the servants left. Only Stella and Rex Lapis were left in the dining room.

He had nothing left to do, and his habit of tidying everything for the young child had to be tempered with Stella's newfound etiquette.

Wishing to alleviate the awkward silence, Rex Lapis cleared his throat and smiled.

"It has been a while since I last drank wine. On most occasions, wine is best presented during a celebration," he mused to the silent girl.

"Wine is always served on formal dinners. Think nothing of it and simply enjoy it," Stella replied, her eyes always set on the plate even as she spoke.

"Ah, but there is an occasion nearing, is there not?" Rex Lapis smiled happily, "If memory serves me right, tomorrow would be–"

"Father."

Rex Lapis was cut off by surprise when he heard Stella speak. 'Father'...?

"You need not to be so formal, Stella. It is past the working hours, and you and I are simply enjoying a meal outside work. Do not be so strict about it. You're making me uncomfortable," Rex Lapis chuckled, but he was feeling a little uneasy.

Stella said nothing to his words and grabbed her wineglass, holding it by the stem and sipping the blended juice in it.

"Are you aware of any possible family members I have?" Stella asked as she laid her glass down. Her question made Rex Lapis furrow his brows in confusion.