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Dear Tonia,
Life in Liyue is still great. I’ve been caught up in a lot of paperwork recently so I won’t be able to write much in the next few months. But I still have the time to send gifts! If you haven’t received them yet, they should arrive in a few weeks. Let me know what you think. Zhongli selected some of them with me so he’d also like to know your opinions.
Oh yeah, remember Zhongli? The guy with a rich, deep voice, can lecture anyone on the spot regarding any part of Liyue’s history, including niche topics? We’re dating now! You’re not going to believe it but he confessed first!
Knowing you, you want to know how it went. I’ll save you a letter (and a few months) asking about it.
We were in his house, drinking one of his favourite tea blends for relaxation. Then he hits me with the “We should talk.” talk.
It was scary at first. But for half an hour, he talked at length about how much he appreciated my presence, all my good qualities, then finally, an “I’d like to court you” with a smile.
I laughed but it wasn’t at him, okay! He just sounded so old that I laughed and oh, you should have seen his smile. He definitely phrased it like that to make me laugh. That smile was one of his “I’m glad you enjoy it” smiles, where the edges of his mouth crinkle and his eyes soften… You get the picture.
This might seem like a surprise because I didn’t tell you I liked him but I do. Ever since we met. So, I hope you support me. But I know you will.
I miss you, Tonia. Life in Liyue is great, especially with Zhongli around, but it’s been nerve-wracking.
Yours,
Ajax
Ajax,
Thank you for the gifts! Teucer has been so busy playing with the new toys he procrastinated writing a letter back. Anthony liked the new picture books and the translations that came with the Liyuen books.
I’m glad you didn’t buy dresses and clothes this time! You made me feel bad for the growth spurt while you were away. But I bet I’m taller than you now! You should come home soon so we can compare.
But… I don’t know if I should say this but you won’t take offense, will you? You don’t have to pretend you’re doing well. This Zhongli is a persona you created, isn’t he? Sure, he may have a Liyuen name but he’s so good it’s unrealistic. You say he’s smart, considerate, gentle but also willing to spar with you often – not that I don’t believe that part, boys will always be boys and men will always be men – but the way you describe him sounds just like the ideal man you’d talk about when we were kids. Even down to the way he smiles! Plus, this supposed man knows everything. I’m fifteen now and I’m not a kid anymore so I won’t be fooled by your lies as easily.
Mum agrees with me even if she won’t admit it. Dad is the same as always – he’ll just say “Good luck, son.” even if he doesn’t believe it would work.
Come back home. I miss you. If you want a boyfriend or girlfriend that bad, there are plenty of bachelors at home! (Probably. My male and female friends all have mentioned how handsome you are when they first met you. In case they were overcomplimenting you not to get on your bad side, they’ve also called me pretty (and we share the same genes))
Love,
Tonia