[ As they walk, Trahearne sticks close to Zhongli, taking comfort in his presence, relying on how grounded he feels with the hand at his back. It's strange, he thinks briefly, that he's so...comfortable like this. It wasn't long ago that he would have been nervous or tense in a position like this, but he...almost likes it. He does, in fact.

His eyes remain on the ground as he listens, watching his own paces fall in step with Zhongli's. Every once in a while, he'll glance up at the other as he talks, taking in the little changes in his expression. Seeing him reminisce fondly—he likes that, too, much better than the unease from several weeks ago.

The amusement eventually comes back to Trahearne's expression, and a little smile crosses his face. ]

I see now. I admit, you don't seem the type to proactively engage in faster paced games. [ There's a little tease in his eye, but it doesn't quite reach his voice. ] I am glad you got help, though. I truly wonder what Barbatos was thinking when he left you with that task.

[ Up ahead is a building where they'll be able to find the whereabouts of the dragon, at last. They'll get this book, no matter what. ]