[ For now, the figure(s) in the mirror go silent. Even as extremely aggressive as the shadow is at the moment, it is still Zhongli, and Zhongli would always choose the diplomatic solution over the violent one. If this new arrival were to become his ally, then perhaps he can get what he wants without the need for confrontation. (Alternatively, if Akua can keep the real Zhongli distracted enough so the mirror image can take his sand, then well objective achieved--- by any means necessary.)

So silently, amber eyes watching, they seem to slink back into their mirrors and wait.

Zhongli himself takes her words into careful consideration. Up until now, he had not had a proper conversation with anyone with strong faction affiliations. The appeal to each was lost on him, so perhaps a new perspective is what he needed?

But what a terrible and inconvenient situation for such a conversation. Honestly! Not that Zhongli seems to mind that in the slightest. ]

I made a contract with my people and the nation that I called home - that I would protect and help guide them. It was a task I took very seriously until I was no longer required, and thus I retired.

Do I still have responsibilities to them? Yes, of course. But I have seen too many times an obsession with the past dooming the present and the future. Nor do I wish for the power or responsibility to remake worlds.

So yes, I currently have no plans to join either side, but I do not think that is equivalent to lacking agency. I was still called here and am still able to act in accordance with my own principles. It is perhaps naïve of me to be looking for that third option that well may not exist, but I have not yet resigned myself to settling.