Draconic Impact Chapter 32

Edited by: Priapus

– Zhongli –

Quickly becoming bored of seeing his still reflection in the tea, the Consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor let out a small sigh and sipped from the cup alone in the building as he waited for the Director to return. Despite his insistence on going with her, she’d refused, and as her employee, he’d had to obey. It was part of their contract.

So, seeing that he had nothing else to do and plenty of free time, Zhongli decided to clean the parlor inside and out. It wasn’t usually his job to do such a thing, not when he was considered the director's right-hand man, but he didn’t particularly mind doing menial tasks as long as they passed the time.

But it turned out that he was a little too good at cleaning, and so he was quickly left with nothing else to do once again. What should he do now? There wasn’t any work to be done, which usually meant good things, considering where he worked. Fewer customers meant fewer funerals.

And as the Archon of Liyue, that meant fewer deaths of his precious subjects. So naturally, he’d take a little boredom over that. Ultimately, Zhongli enjoyed the peace and quiet of the mortal life, so there was nothing he could complain about.

He looked through the window, watching his people in the busy markets of Liyue Harbor, sensing their fears and anxiety despite how calm they may look on the outside. In all honesty, he was rather impressed. The speed at which the Qixing and the Adepti had controlled such a disastrous situation and prevented total chaos was nothing short of remarkable. It made him feel confident. Their god and protector had suddenly died during the annual Rite of Descension. This was no easy task.

In truth, Rex Lapis, or Morax as his true name, was very much alive and flourishing, having chosen the name "Zhongli" to walk among mortals. There was no assassin lurking in the shadows, no hidden conspiracy to unravel. No enemy or traitor to drag into the light and punish.

Rex Lapis simply wanted to retire. He wanted to see if his people could thrive without him and if Liyue could stand for itself without an Archon. Perhaps his exit had been a little dramatic, but so far, the leaders of Liyue had been doing a great job. They were proving themselves in all the ways that mattered.

For law and order to persist despite his supposed death meant that they had everything under control. And he was glad.

He’d been doing this for far too long. Ever since its founding nearly four thousand years ago, Rex Lapis had been the only ruler. For millennia, he’d protected his nation from countless disasters, from the Archon War to the Cataclysm.

He was tired.

Naturally, as a ‘citizen’ of Liyue, he’d still fight for his nation with everything he had, but to lead? No. His people needed to move on and learn to lead themselves. He couldn’t be their Archon forever. Not like they needed a god, to begin with. And what had he been doing anyway? Showing up every year just to change a law or two? They could do that themselves.

For Liyue, the age of the gods was over, and Morax couldn’t be happier.

He did feel a little guilty for the poor girl that had been closest to his ‘corpse’ during the Rite of Descension, but it was only a matter of time before the Qixing figured out that she had nothing to do with it.

Zhongli drank the rest of his warm tea, wondering if he should make him another or look for the Director before a knock on the door interrupted his train of thought. He blinked, amber eyes sharply gazing as the door slowly opened.

And in walked an unfamiliar man. Tall, with messy black hair and red eyes, the stranger wore white trousers and an unbuttoned black dress shirt. He also wore a strange black and red watch over his right wrist, his left arm hidden behind his back.

For some odd reason, Morax tensed as their eyes met.

“Hello.” The stranger said with a polite smile.

“Greetings.” Zhongli nodded in acknowledgment. “Can I help you, sir?”

“Oh, no. Not particularly.” He shook his head. “I was only exploring the area and remembered folks telling me about a certain old-fashioned gentleman who worked here.”

Zhongli silently studied the stranger’s expression for a second. He didn’t seem to be lying. Not entirely, anyway.

“So I thought I’d pass by.” He continued. “I assume you’re Zhongli?”

“Correct.” Rex Lapis nodded, seeing no reason to lie. “To whom do I owe the pleasure?”

“My name is Crimson. A humble employee of Nine Lives.” He introduced himself, showing his left hand and revealing a bottle of wine. “And I’ve come to pay my respects to the God of Contracts.”

Morax knew that this man wasn’t normal, and that just confirmed it. Those relaxed eyes of his spoke of a very powerful and very dangerous warrior. One who seemed very aware of his divine presence.

Although he did not know who this man was or where he’d come from, it did not seem that he came here to fight, so Zhongli saw no reason to attack.

“I’m afraid you might be confused,” Morax responded. “Me? The God of Contracts? Such claims border on blasphemy, young man.”

“Deny it all you want,” Crimson said, not buying it. “But the stench of blood and dust aren’t so easily washed away, Warrior God. I could’ve sniffed out your divine presence worlds away.”

Zhongli narrowed his eyes.

“…I could say the same about you, Stranger.” He pointed out. Morax had yet to sense any malice, but this man reeked of death. “You’re no human. What are you?”

“I’m something of a god myself.” He smirked, raising the bottle of wine. “So, care for an afternoon drink?”

Zhongli thought to himself for a moment. It was clear that he was in the presence of someone incredibly dangerous, but who was it? He claimed he was a god, but Morax had never heard or seen him before, and he was one of, if not the oldest living being in Teyvat. To be able to effortlessly figure him out by just seeing him…

Was he a friend or foe? Someone from Celestia or beyond? Zhongli didn’t know. He couldn’t determine his motives. Dangerous as he may feel, if he wasn’t here to hurt anyone, then Morax had no reason to annihilate him.

“Why should I drink with someone whom I’m not familiar with?” Rex Lapis questioned.

“Well, it’s an opportunity to get to know others.” He answered. “To make life-long friendships. To build camaraderie. I’m sure someone as wise as you understands.”

Zhongli paused for a moment before asking another question.

“What’s your goal here?” He said. “Why are you here?”

“Curiosity. I come here from Mondstat looking to sell my products; then I get told by guards that Liyue’s beloved Archon has been assassinated.” Crimson shrugged. “And yet, the divine presence hasn’t left the city or the region as a whole. How strange.”

“So you thought you’d investigate.”

“Precisely.” He nodded. “So, would you care to tell me why you would fake your own death? You’ve put my friend into a lot of trouble, you know? They think she killed you.”

He was a friend of that girl and her fairy? So that’s why he’d even bothered to confront Morax. That made sense. Perhaps he owed them an explanation if that was the case.

Before Zhongli could respond, however, the door opened once again, with the Director walking inside the parlor while holding a big bag of groceries.

“Zhongli~! I got the stuff! Turn the stove on; I demand bamboo shoot soup—?!” Her eyes widened as she noticed Crimson, almost dropping her bag in surprise. “Wah! Who’s this handsome stranger?! A customer?!”

“Ah, you must be the famous Director everyone was talking about,” Crimson said, turning around to address her properly. “Hu Tao, yes? Here. I brought you a gift.”

“Aiyaiyai! A gift?! For me?!” She eyed the wine bottle in gratitude as she set the bag of groceries aside. “Thank you so much, mister! This is the first time I’ve ever received a gift from a stranger!”

“My pleasure. I’m glad you like it.”

“Zhongli! Prepare some tea for the handsome gentleman!” She ordered the God of Contracts. “So what are you looking for, mister? Would you like a coffin? We make only the best and most comfortable. I guarantee all souls a smooth transfer to the afterlife. Or perhaps you’d like me to organize the whole funeral? Just for you, I’m willing to give you a discount!”

As Hu Tao continued to pester Crimson excitedly, Zhongli sighed and obeyed the eccentric Director’s orders, making a whole kettle of tea. As childish as she was, at least she knew how to break the tension. He didn’t think this confrontation with this self-proclaimed god would’ve turned into a fight, but he felt better with Hu Tao around.

He would never admit that to anyone.

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– Crimson –

“Ah, I see.” The girl says, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. “So you’re not here for my services, hmm?”

“I’m afraid not.” I nod. “Sorry for disappointing you, Miss.”

I simply came here to see why the god of this region faked his death and hid away from the chaos. After all, is it not interesting? Seeing Rex Lapis, the oldest Archon of the wealthiest nation in Teyvat, running away from his responsibilities. What would drive the God of Contracts to do such a thing?

Naturally, I’d be intrigued. It’s not the same with Barbatos, where she simply took a human form to live among her people. This Warrior God went the extra mile to make sure his people thought he had died. Of course, I’m aware that compared to Venti, who is very hands-off concerning his region, Zhongli does his job as a leader, what with this annual Rite of Descension and whatnot.

But couldn’t he have silently disappeared? It’s far more manageable than plunging your nation into disarray. Though, I do understand that faking your death can be very funny. I’ve done it a few times myself. Sometimes by actually dying then coming back at a later date. It’s gotten to a point where Carmine and most of my other siblings don’t react to me being dead anymore.

Though, it still annoys my mother for whatever reason. But I digress.

Honestly, I have no idea what goes on in this man’s head, which is why I’ve bothered to come here in the first place. I’m very curious. I want to know why he thought doing such a thing was a good idea and what purpose it serves.

Though, now that I get a better look at him…

“Oh no, not at all!” The 77th Director of the Funeral Parlor waves it off as the God of Contracts pours me a cup of tea. “We don’t get a lot of visitors like this anyway. This is a nice surprise~”

Compared to Venti, he’s thousands of times more powerful. Strong enough that, in my current state, I doubt I’d be able to defeat him. Very interesting. So this is what the Gnosis does? Mind you, even without one, the God of Mondstadt was still far stronger than anyone in that region.

But now I see the difference. Relatively speaking, these artifacts— these Gnosis are not to be trifled with. Truthfully, I’m surprised that the Fatui were able to steal Venti’s. It makes Visions and Delusions feel like toys.

I’m honestly tempted to challenge him to a duel. For a world full of great food, incredible drinks, and beautiful women, all it lacks are powerful adversaries to conquer. That draconic itch for battle hasn’t been scratched yet. I am greatly tempted, knowing my chances of victory are slim.

…But not yet. Not here. Not against him.

If I want to be satisfied, then I’ll need a more powerful foe. Someone who I’m almost sure I’d lose against. Because defeating whoever they might be is the greatest pleasure a dragon like me can hope to feel.

Besides, the feeling is best when it’s shared by my opponent, and Zhongli doesn’t seem like the person who appreciates a good battle despite one of his titles being the Warrior God. Perhaps the Pyro Archon of Natlan and the God of War might be the challenge I’m seeking.

But I’ll have to shelf that thought for later. For now, I’d like to hear what Zhongli has to say. Perhaps it’ll give me a lead to where Lumine could be.

“Especially since most people don’t like us, thinking we’re creepy and suspicious.” Hu Tao pouts. “The lot of them. Just cuz we mostly work at night doesn’t mean we’re bad people.”

After I’m done with her, of course. The girl is pretty, like most women in this world. Long black, brown hair fading to red at the tips. Red eyes with peculiar-looking white pupils shaped like blossoms. She wears a collared red shirt, a brown coat with a darker collar and oversized sleeve cuffs, and black shorts with gold accents.

Combined with her short height and hat, she looks positively adorable.

I’ve heard about her from other civilians on my way to the Parlor. As she said, not a lot of people like her very much, thinking something’s off about her considering her job, but these people don’t know what they’re talking about. She’s cute, she’s entertainingly eccentric, and she’s lovely.

And I see she has a Pyro Vision as well. Honestly, I’m starting to think these things aren’t as rare as everyone has been telling me.

“Usually, people have a negative view of death,” I reply to her. “I assume that’s why they naturally don’t find the Funeral Parlor appealing.”

“Oho?” She looks at me with a confused look. “Are you saying you don’t share those views?”

“Death is a natural part of life.” I shrug. Unless you’re a god of unrivaled might, of course. Then Death is just deeper sleep. “I see no reason to be afraid of it.”

“Ohohoho! I agree. I agree.” She nods, giving me a smile. “You are a very fascinating individual, Mr. Crimson. Not many people can say the same and mean it, especially at your age.”

“What can I say? I was taught by wise masters.”

“They’re wise indeed, whoever they might be.” She agrees as I sip from my tea. Unfortunately, it’s bitter. “So then, Mr. Crimson?”

“Yes?”

“Seeing that you’re new to Liyue, I, Hu Tao, the 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, would like to show you around.” She offers. “In return, I want to know more about you. What do you say?”

“That’s rather direct, don’t you think?” I raise a brow. “We’ve only just met.”

“I see no reason to dance around the subject.” She responds, making a good point. “You’re a foreigner who interests me and must have a lot of stories to tell. Besides, I have nothing to do, and there’s little I hate more than staying in one place doing nothing.”

I’m a person who does appreciate staying in one place doing nothing, but I can respect that.

Hmm, I suppose speaking to Zhongli about what he knows can wait. I’m in no rush, after all, and this girl fascinates me. She feels like she can be made to do hilarious things if given the chance. And, well, cute girl. I’m a simple man, after all.

Though, what should I tell Eula when I see her? I told her I wanted to investigate something that could lead us to Lumine, so she’s taking care of the stall for me. I don’t think she’d appreciate the fact that I stopped my investigation to hang out with a woman.

…Oh, it’s fine. I’ll make it up to her. She’s easy to please. Besides, this can easily be included in my ‘investigating.’ I’ll ask Hu Tao if she knows anything about what happened during the Rite of Descension.

If she doesn’t, then oh well. I tried.

“Fair enough.” I nod, my eyes flickering between her and Zhongli. “Very well. I accept your offer.”

“Ah, good. Very good.” She looks at her employee. “Abort task. We will be going to Xiangling’s for lunch instead.”

“But I already made the—”

“Abooort!” She shuts him down, standing on her feet. “Let’s go, Mr. Crimson.”

Zhongli looks a little annoyed as his employer exits the building in a hurry. 

“I suppose we’ll have to continue our conversation later,” I say, following after Hu Tao. “See you around.”

As I walk through the door, Zhongli says something.

“If you’re looking for the suspects, it is likely they went to Jueyun Karst.” He tells me. “If the girl and her companion aim to clear their names, they will be there.”

Oh?

“But beware.” He adds. “Without the Sigil of Permission, you may find yourself an enemy out of the Adepti that live there.”

“Noted,” I respond, waving goodbye. “Thank you for the information, Mr. Zhongli.”

How interesting. This detective thing is easy.

I didn’t even have to try.

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– Ganyu –

For someone who was used to an enormous workload, she had to admit things had been exceptionally unforgiving the past few days, from the shock caused by the passing and supposed assassination of Morax to the increasing anxiety of the people of Liyue.

News had spread like wildfire—They couldn’t contain such shocking events before they had already reached the ears of other Archons. Naturally, this caused a lot of political strife, putting the Qixing in hot water and forcing them to work a lot harder to calm the commotion.

While, yes, they were doing relatively well, the news had driven multiple criminal organizations like the Treasure Hoarders to be far bolder. And why wouldn’t they? With the God of Contracts suddenly dead, who could stop them?

Morale had dropped to rock bottom, and the Millelith were too busy handling the restlessness in Liyue Harbor and looking for the suspects. Things hadn’t been kind to anyone involved— even the intelligence gathering of the Ministry of Civil Affairs had come up with nothing.

Beyond the two main suspects — the exotically dressed woman and the strange fairy — The Fatui were also highly suspected of having been involved in the assassination. Their intelligence gathering specialist had said that they had been involved in a conspiracy that had happened in Mondstadt about a month ago.

But then again, they had been nowhere near Rex Lapis during the Rite of Descension. It was hard to pin the blame on them. After all, the Qixing had no evidence of their involvement nor even an understanding of their motives.

This was a disaster, to say the least. Their Archon had been slain, and the culprits were nowhere to be found. With stability crumbling, the region teetered on the brink of chaos.

As the Secretary of the Liyue Qixing and an Adeptus who lived for thousands of years, Ganyu was used to her difficult work. If anything, she loved her job. But this? There was nothing fun about this. Handling a total catastrophe of this magnitude was unbelievably stressful.

She didn’t even have the time to mourn the loss of Morax. She’d been by his side for countless years. The sight of him protecting the masses and the memory of their centuries of camaraderie…

All of that just to end like this?

No, Ganyu refused to accept it. She had absolute faith in the Geo Archon of Liyue. For him to die so suddenly… It just didn’t make sense. Although most of the Qixing believed it, Ganyu had been there when he’d led them to victory during the Archon War and had protected their beloved region from countless threats since the conception of Liyue.

She knew the kind of god he was. This must be a test of some sort. Ganyu just didn’t understand why he’d do such a thing. So mourning and grieving would have to wait until she’s absolutely, 100% sure he had passed away. Until then, regaining total control of the unrest was a top priority.

Surveying the piers from her seat, Ganyu tiredly rubbed her eyes with a sigh. She’d enjoyed the gentle sea breeze, taking her lunch break away from the city and its bustling marketplace. 

Although she had sadly never been that good with humans despite being half-human herself, she’d always wanted to feel a sense of belonging. After all, even though she was a half-qilin, she’d almost exclusively worked with humans as the Liyue government’s secretary. Yet she’d never truly felt related to her fellow humans. Whether it was due to her age or blood, Ganyu didn’t know.

But frankly, what she needed right now was silence. And not be tempted by the delightful aromas of Liyue’s delicious eateries. Here, in the docks, the smell of salt and fish filled the air, and while it wasn’t entirely pleasant, it was better than having to be enticed. Even strict vegetarians like her struggled to keep to themselves.

She then stared at her lunch box—a small assortment of vegetables, rice, and berries—more than enough to help her get through the day. Unfortunately, due to her hectic work schedule, Ganyu had been forced to skip breakfast, which was a shame. She didn’t like changing her routine so suddenly, but it couldn’t be helped.

Usually, she’d use lunch hour for a power nap. Now, she had to use it for eating.

Finally. She thought with a smile, using her chopsticks to eat. I’m starving—

“Boo!”

Startled by the sudden noise, Ganyu flinched, jumping out of her skin.

“Hiyaa?!”

The Adeptus nearly dropped her food but quickly got on her feet and caught her lunch box, not dropping a single grain of rice. Her heart nearly leaped out of her chest, but once she’d made sure that her lunch was safe and sound, Ganyu sighed deeply.

Before turning around to scold the culprit. Few people would be rude enough or have the audacity to do such a thing, so Ganyu wasn’t surprised when she saw the current director of the Funeral Parlor giggling uncontrollably. The Qixing secretary hadn’t even noticed the man standing next to her yet.

“Such crude pranks are highly inappropriate for someone of your status, Ms. Hu Tao!” Ganyu chastised the younger girl. “I almost dropped my lunch, and I don’t have the time to make another!”

“Haha, sorry, sorry. I just saw you standing there and couldn’t help it.” She responded, nudging the person next to her. “See? Told you she’s all skittish.”

“Ms. Hu Tao…” Ganyu warned with a frown.

“I’m kidding.” Hu Tao said quickly. “Anyway, I was showing my new buddy around Liyue and saw you here. So I thought I’d introduce you to each other.”

As Ganyu recomposed herself, she looked at the man standing next to Hu Tao as if she’d finally noticed his presence.

Before she promptly froze in her place.

“Ganyu, this here is Crimson, a merchant from Mondstadt. He’s a real special guy.” She introduced him. “Crimson, this is Ganyu. She’s the ultimate secretary and practically carries the entire Qixing on her shoulders.”

“Truly? Very impressive.” He said politely, offering her a hand. “Being the sole secretary to such a colossal organization is no easy feat. I’m honored to make your acquaintance.”

Ganyu didn’t take his hand. Or rather, she found herself unable to. Although this gentleman was extending his invitation with nothing but politeness, an invisible weight held her in place, and she couldn’t fathom why. The man was handsome; even she could admit that.

But that wasn’t what surprised her.

It was as if time itself had decided to pause. This sensation was utterly foreign to her. It perplexed her, as she had never encountered anything quite like it before. For a being that had lived for thousands of years and seen the worst of what Teyvat had to offer…

She had never experienced this overwhelming feeling that she was about to die.

What’s happening? She thought to herself, on the verge of panicking. Why am I scared?

“Ah…” She trembled, almost mesmerized by his eyes.

“Hm?” He blinked, tilting his head in confusion.

Those red eyes— that almost hungry stare of his made her fight-or-flight response run wild. Ganyu didn’t know what she was looking at. What kind of monster this thing was, but she knew that whatever he was struck fear into her heart by his mere existence.

Ganyu felt her breath growing heavier by the second. Beads of sweat rolled down her cheeks as her trembling became more and more noticeable. She tried to calm her racing heart, but each movement Crimson made, no matter how insignificant, nearly pushed her to draw her bow.

What is this? She thought, her knees nearly giving out. What is he? What am I looking at?

It made no sense. She knew she wasn’t in any danger. Otherwise, even if her senses failed her, her Vision would’ve reacted. So why was she feeling this way? Scared of a man she’d never seen before? She’d been in one of the largest conflicts in Teyvat’s history— she’d seen countless deaths and battles. Monsters of unfathomable might.

Yet, nothing in her life had ever evoked such a deep, primal terror—a raw, unfiltered fear that coursed through her veins like ice.

She dropped her lunch box with a gasp, almost getting to the point of hyperventilating. This startled both Hu Tao and Crimson as they stepped back. They looked at her with genuine concern for her well-being, which she would’ve appreciated had she not felt like she was about to be eaten.

“Are you alright?” Crimson asked, his tone filled with worry.

She had to get out of there. She didn’t know what was happening to her or why this man was making her feel this way, but Ganyu knew she needed to keep her distance from him before she either did something she regretted or passed out.

“E-excuse me…” She whispered, moving away from them in a hurry.

Ganyu knew how bad this made her, and by extension, the Liyue Qixing, look. She hadn’t exchanged any words with the gentleman nor even shook his hand. This was beyond disrespectful. So much so that Rex Lapis would be disappointed in her.

But she was suffocating. She couldn’t do this. She needed time to process what that was and how to stop it from happening again.

Even after leaving the docks and creating a distance where Ganyu couldn’t feel that choking presence of that beast, she was still shaking. Still sweating. She clenched her fists, taking deep breaths as she tried to calm herself.

She still had no idea what that was about, but she couldn’t afford another episode. This needed to be dealt with ASAP.

Ganyu exhaled, looking at one of the tallest peaks in Liyue.

And who better to rely on for something like this other than a fellow Adeptus she had known since childhood?

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– Crimson –

“Sorry about that.” Hu Tao says after a long, awkward silence between us. “Back at the docks, I mean. With Ganyu.”

I stare at the young girl on the other side of the table, sipping from her orange juice with a gloomy look on her face. We’ve decided to finally have lunch to take our minds off of what had happened at a popular spot called the Wanmin Restaurant. Seemingly owned by her friend’s father.

…Said friend also has a Vision. 

Yes, I’m convinced. These things aren’t rare. Nearly every single person I’ve been introduced to has one for some reason. Either I’m just lucky, a magnet for these Vision users, or these gods like sharing their blessings like candy on Halloween. I mean, really, librarians? Chefs? Children with pyromaniac tendencies?

Of course, I don’t care. I’ve done similar things myself, but many people keep telling me that these Visions are rare, and I’m inclined to disagree. These things clearly aren’t that rare.

“Oh, I don’t mind.” I wave it off with a wink. “I’m not used to people thinking I look so hideous that they’d run away at first sight, but there’s a first time for everything.”

Yes, that Ganyu. I’ll always be the first to admit to manipulating my presence to intimidate others and make them do something stupid and funny, but this time? I didn’t do anything. That girl was on the verge of attacking me for no reason.

I genuinely don’t understand what made her react that way. The moment our eyes met, it was as if something in her head ‘clicked’ and told her to be as afraid of me as physically possible. It was very abnormal.

I’ve even tried to do the opposite of what I usually do and weakened my presence, almost hiding it completely, just to help her see that I’m no threat. But it didn’t help. Her fear of me seemed almost instinctual. Deeply rooted in her being.

While I’d usually find such a thing utterly hilarious, this wasn’t so. Admittedly, I was a little annoyed. The way she acted was a little too sudden for my liking, and the girl was cute. It wasn’t hard to discover that she wasn’t human. Or not entirely. At first, I thought she was perhaps a demi-god of sorts, but that wasn’t it. Her scent had a distinct… ‘softness’ to it. It’s hard to put into words, but the first thing that comes to mind when I think of her scent is ‘peacefulness.’

It was relaxing, in a way.

Hmm…

“Hideous?! No, not at all!” Hu Tao disagrees, slamming her hands on the table. “Mr. Crimson is a very handsome gentleman. Uh-huh. In fact, I was wondering if the girlfriend position was taken or not.”

I have a theory, but I’ll need more information before trying to do anything drastic. If things do turn out that way, then perhaps Miss Secretary won’t be that hard of a catch.

“If you’re alright with sharing,” I shrug. “Then perhaps we may come to an agreement.”

“Ohoho, so you’re that kind of person, eh?” She mischievously rubs her hands together, not bothered by my response. “Spicy~ Tell me, tell me~! How many~? Do they all know~?”

…I like her.

“Well—”

Before I answer, the waitress, who is also the main chef of the restaurant and a friend of Hu Tao, comes with our plates. The girl is, of course, quite adorable. Golden eyes and dark blue hair in a bob-cut and braided in a looped bow-like updo at the back of her head. Almost resembling panda ears when looking at her from the front. It's a very strange haircut, but it’s cute. She wears a black leotard with an orange overcoat, resembling a Chinese dress, which is about what I’d expect from fantasy China.

“Here’s your food,” Xiangling says, putting the plates on the table. “Tell me if there’s anything else you need.”

Dumplings, fried shrimp, grilled fish— mostly seafood. I’m not complaining, of course. The city is called Liyue Harbor for a reason. And who doesn’t like seafood?

“Aha, finally!” Hu Tao takes her chopsticks as she almost drools over her food. “I haven’t had one of your nice meals in so long~”

“Haha, well, I’m happy you love it, Hu Tao.” Xiangling replies as I take a bite out of the dumpling. “I hope it’s to your liking, Mr. Crimson.”

“Mhm…” I take a moment to chew my food and swallow, genuinely surprised at the taste. “It’s wonderful. I don’t remember the last time I had something of this quality.”

It’s better than every single thing I’ve had here thus far. And in Teyvat, the competition is fierce. I’ve yet to have anything bad. At most, the ‘bad’ here would be passable. Ah, Carmine would love it here. I wonder how she’s doing now these days?

Hmm…

“I’m glad~” She beams. “I’ll leave you to your food. Call me if you need anything.”

“Actually—” I stop her before she leaves. “Think you can do a bulk order of your best meals?”

“Oh?” Hu Tao raises her brow, looking at me with interest.

“Um.” Xiangling blinks. “Well, yes, I can. How much?”

“Enough for fifteen people.”

“For sure!” The chef smiles and nods politely. “When do you want it?”

“Whenever you’re free,” I tell her. “No rush.”

Xiangling bows again before leaving us.

“What’s the occasion?” Hu Tao questions.

“That’s a secret.” I wink.

I’ve not paid Carmine for the Etherflux notebook she wrote yet, so hopefully, this will do the trick. I don’t know what’s happening in the world she was thrown into, but something seemed to have frustrated her quite a bit.

Which isn’t the hardest thing to do, but I’d rather not be on the receiving end of her ire. That’s almost never fun. 

Especially when it’s not my fault.