[Zhongli listens quietly, attentively. the root of the problem lies much deeper than he knew - unsurprising, given his general lack of knowledge of the machinations of Rena itself. still...]

... and yet, it was a choice you could have made. If you wanted to hand your life over to be lived at someone else's behest, we would not be here right now.

[they wouldn't be here, and Kelzalik would be ruling from behind the hand of a puppet lord.]

But why would you prevent the deaths? If you hid yourself away from them, how would you have any interest in how many lived or died? If you had been the Renan they desired, none would be spared. If you truly believe they would have allowed any kindness to those they deemed lesser, you're deluding yourself. Your lack of ambition may be regrettable, but it isn't why this happened. It isn't why no one else knew until this moment. As I said, I am not without guilt in this circumstance.

[water drips from his fingertips, and he watches as it ripples across the still bath.]

... This is not a conversation I can have delicately, in truth. If you feel guilt, if you want to repent for your actions, then you must move forward. Not all memories are pleasant, and yet forgetting them only makes it worse. And simply letting yourself die is an easy escape, cowardly and brief. Guilt, blood, regrets... these can be the ambition that drives you.

You would not be the first, by any means.

[there's a familiar, heavy ache to that, and declined, he shifts to move again.]

... I will continue to answer further questions as I am able. Enjoy your bath, Lord Dohalim.

[he's talking too much, he thinks, about too many things. a break... a break from his own arguments would be fine.]