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Chapter Text

Part I. The Start of Ajax’s Very Bad Day

“Lord Harbinger!”

“Lord Harbinger, please, wake up!”

Lord Harbinger? What’s a “Lord Harbinger”?

“Lord Harbinger! Oh, thank the blessed Tsaritsa! He’s opening his eyes!”

“Is he alright? Do we know he’s alright?”

“Please don’t die. Please don’t die. If he dies, it’s on our heads!”

“Lord Harbinger” is a person?

“Oy! Instead of panicking, go get a doctor!”

“W-which doctor?”

“Are you stupid? Any doctor who’s qualified to heal people! Do you want to die for your incompetence?”

Wait. Am I “Lord Harbinger”?

Ajax has two realizations the moment his eyes snap open. They’re quick little things, striking his chest like one punch after another, each leaving him more breathless than the last. Metaphorically speaking.

And physically speaking, come to think of it. He feels like complete and utter garbage. Garbage that’s been left to rot in the sun, at that, and his chest hurts something fierce like someone’s cut it open and set the inside on fire.

So, that’s realization number one: he is in a lot of pain.

Realization number two comes after he can get his eyes to focus. The ceiling features a lattice of redwood with light blue silk strips hanging overhead to create a classy canopy. He’s also lying on something that feels soft like clouds and oh so cool to the touch—holy crap, is that silk? Is he lying on silk sheets?

This is a very far cry from his shitty little studio apartment with its boring white ceilings and its cracked and chipping paint, his creaky Ikea twin bed that his six-foot frame can barely squeeze into, and his threadbare and thin sheets and mattress.

Realization number two: clearly, he is not in his apartment anymore. Not that he is complaining, because this is a significant upgrade.

“…Lord Harbinger? Can you hear me?”

He blinks. There are three masked strangers staring back at him. They sport identical expressions of panic, their eyes wide beneath the holes of their strange, bird-like masks. Their faces look especially pale against the sombre black and red uniforms they’re wearing.

And speaking of those uniforms, what is with that design? They’re strangely ornate with dark fur trims, heavy metal buckles, and a flashy-looking brooch clipped over the chest, featuring a polished, glowing red gem, like banked fire trapped in glass. Those are some bizarre, fantasy-like outfits that shouldn’t exist outside of an anime convention.

Those uniforms also look familiar.

Ajax opens his mouth to say something; he’s not sure what, maybe protest a little because there are three strangers in fantasy outfits staring at him, but what ends up escaping him is a wheezing, choking cough followed by more pain flaring in his chest. Oh, God.

“Lord Harbinger, please take it easy,” Stranger 1 says, “you have suffered a grievous injury. We have tried to patch you up as much as we can. Vlad has gone to get you a doctor.”

“What?” Ajax manages to gasp out.

“What caused your injury? Sir, we believe you were fighting some Ruin Guards, but something went awry. Our men found you lying injured on the outskirts of Mt. Tianheng and we brought you back as soon as possible.”

Mt. Tianheng? Again, that flash of familiarity crosses Ajax’s mind. He…knows this name, but where…?

Wait. Ajax feels his heart go cold. Those outfits, Mt. Tianheng, Lord Harbinger—aren’t those words from that video game—

“WELCOME USER!”

Ajax’s heart lurches at the sudden appearance of a glowing, semi-opaque blue message window, like the ones that appear in computers or in video games. His surprise makes him jerk back, jostling his chest wound. It sends a fresh wave of agony through his body so painful that his vision goes a worrying gray.

The three strangers are yelling something in alarm but Ajax is a little too busy trying to breathe through the pain to pay attention. In the background, he can see a string of words starting to appear in the message window, accompanied by the sound of a robotic voice, not unlike Siri.

“…to a new user experience! You have triggered this interface with the keywords, ‘Stupid game! Stupid devs! I want my f*****g money back!’. To improve user satisfaction, you have …”

“Lord Harbinger! Please breathe slowly!”

“Someone get him some water!”

“Where the hell is Vlad with that doctor?”

“…been given the account ID User_02. Please wait as your account finishes binding to your assigned character. Waiting time: 15 seconds…14…13…12…”

“I have a doctor!”

Ajax can barely keep up. The searing pain in his chest is stealing every bit of his breath, shattering his concentration. What the—what the fuck is happening?

“About time! Lord Harbinger woke up but he’s not doing well! Is there anything we can give him?”

“Please hold him down so that he won’t thrash around. I can give him a dose of pain medicine and sleep inducer.”

“…8…7…6…”

“Lord Harbinger, please forgive us! This is really for your own good!”

Ajax’s vision is graying fast; even the large numbers of the countdown timer in the window are looking fuzzy. He thinks he feels a prick in his arm, followed by another, and in the next breath, he feels his body sinking like an anchor as his muscles go loose. Slowly, the sharp, stabbing pain in his chest recedes like the tide, leaving behind a tingling, numbing, floating sensation flooding through his entire body. Blessed, blessed relief.

His lids feel heavy, very heavy, and he tries to blink, but that sinking feeling grows stronger. Maybe he can rest his eyes for a little bit. He’s safe here, right?

His last conscious memory before he drifts off is the countdown timer going to zero. Then, the robotic voice chimes out, “Congratulations! You are now bound to the character Tartaglia, the Eleventh Harbinger of the Fatui, codename: Childe! We hope you have an enjoyable user experience and we welcome you once again to Genshin Impact 2.0!”

Even before the game was officially released, Genshin Impact has garnered a wave of hype. In the preliminary reviews, the game’s stunning graphics, open-world environment, and action-based battle system earned it high praises. The musical score, solid story, and countless options to customize characters to fit the players’ fighting styles only added to the game’s growing popularity to the point of propelling it to the top of the charts as the best new game of the year.

The game features a fantasy world called Teyvat, in which magic exists in the form of seven natural elements and where gods roam amongst the mortals. The player follows the journey of the Traveller as they traverse through the land in search of their lost sibling, exploring one country after another while uncovering the dark secrets the world holds. Along the way, the Traveller is joined by a cast of eclectic characters, some of which are locked behind the most loathsome of all evils: a pay wall.

Ajax was one of many who had forked over money for the pre-release sale, and he had not regretted it—at least at first. The game was everything the reviews were claiming and then some, and Ajax had spent countless hours levelling up the Traveller, even dipping into his very, very lean student budget for some of those locked characters.

(His personal favourite was and still is Zhongli, the once God of Liyue. The moment the game announced the release of this character, Ajax was caught, hook, line, and sinker. Everything about this character was so very cool, from his design to his character music, to his battle animation and powers. Dear lord, the number of hours he spent levelling this character up to the max is embarrassing, let alone all the weekends he spent equipment farming. Only the very best for his Zhongli!)

But as the game progressed, the storyline took a nosedive. What was once a promising start featuring a wealth of lore and complex characters dissipated as the game focused more on enticing players to collect new characters, new equipment, new weapons, and new skins—all of which came with a steep price tag. The plot suffered, the new characters were uninspiring, hell, even the new lands that were unlocked felt half-assed and devoid of the care spent worldbuilding for the earlier parts of the game.

Ajax stubbornly persisted for years, mainly because he figured he had invested this much into the game already, so he might as well stick it out to the end. He was also hanging on for Zhongli’s questline to see whether his favourite character would finally achieve the peace of living his life as a mortal and whether he would manage to let go of the burden of his past.

With the announcement that the game was ending, Ajax hung on to the bitter end, ploughing through one soul-sucking, money-grabbing event after another, spamming the skip dialogue button with lightning speed just so that he could keep going in the vain hope that one day, he would get his resolution and that Zhongli would get his happy ending.

Finally, finally, after all that persistence and effort, he reached the end.

Only to be met with shock and anger because it turned out…

“What?! The sibling is not even in Teyvat? What do you mean, ‘she’s gone off to parts unknown’?!” Ajax jumped up from his computer chair, furious. His desk rattled from his sudden movement, as with the large mug of tea he had next to his laptop. “Really, Genshin Impact? You’re going to pull a Princess Peach is in another castle after I’ve spent literal years looking for her?”

The end credits continued to roll across the laptop screen to the backdrop of happy, triumphant music. Ajax’s eye twitched. Triumph? What triumph? There was only insult and injury from being cucked so very hard. What the actual fuck, game?

“But what about all those unresolved plotlines?” Ajax asked out loud to nobody in particular in his tiny rental apartment. “What about Snezhnaya? The Harbingers? What about Zhongli?”

The ending credits had not stopped, so Ajax pulled out his phone for answers. Maybe the developers were planning to make a sequel. Maybe they would publish a webtoon or something to tie up any loose ends.

But nope, the company that made Genshin Impact merely released a statement thanking its fans for the support and announced that they would be shutting down production for the game. There would be no resolution to those unfinished plotlines.

There would be no justice for Zhongli.

Ajax’s glare turned hot. “Oh, not on my watch!”

The credits finally stopped and the game went back to its starting screen. Ajax pulled his chair close, sat back down, and jabbed the quit button to close the game. Then, he pulled up every single review page for the game, and he went to work.

The scathing comments came flowing out of him like water bursting out of a crumbling dam. He went through website by website, leaving a devastating string of one-star reviews, fuelled entirely by spite and the righteous fury of a fanboy scorned.

“Stupid game!” he finished one of his reviews off with, his fingers flying over the keyboard. His hands were starting to cramp up a bit, but such trivial matters could be ignored in the face of justice being dispensed. “Stupid devs! I want my fucking money back! Zhongli deserved better!!”

But just as he was about to click send, his arm knocked over his mug, sending a cascade of hot tea pouring all over his desk.

Including his laptop.

The only laptop he owned, in fact. The laptop that contained all of his schoolwork, including the finished paper due the next day.

Frozen, Ajax could only watch at the way the screen flickered once, twice, then spluttered to black. A few seconds later, a faint whiff of smoke filled the air.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck!” Ajax jumped up. “Unplug it. I need to—”

He reached for the power bar behind the desk jammed full of electrical plugs.

Several realizations occurred a beat later, the first being that the power bar was wet, the second being that his hand was wet, and the third being that liquid plus electricity meant Bad News.

It was too bad that those realizations were had after he had already made contact with the power bar. As Ajax was slammed with heat and pain slicing up his hand, his arm, his chest, his everywhere, and his body began to spasm uncontrollably, his last thought was that he couldn’t believe this fucking game was what took him out for good.

This time, when Ajax comes to, it’s to the sound of soft murmurs.

“…condition is stable and the wounds are sealed. He is well on his way to recovery. I recommend that he should stay in bed for at least one more week, especially in light of the blood loss. In the meantime, I will prescribe some medicine to speed up his recovery as well as some painkillers in case he needs them.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” comes a female voice. “The Lord Harbinger appreciates all that you have done for him, as do we all.”

“You’re very welcome. Have a good evening.”

There’s the sound of the door shutting closed.

“Shit, what do we do, Ekaterina?” a new voice whispers, this one male. “Tartaglia only just stepped foot into Liyue and already, disaster strikes. He’s supposed to appear in multiple meetings this week as well. There’s one with the Qixing and one with our allies—”

“Postpone them all,” comes Ekaterina’s order. For someone faced with disaster, she sounds calm. “In the meantime, we continue to report everything back to La Signora.”

“The Eleventh Harbinger sure isn’t starting things off on the right foot. La Signora is going to use this information to crucify him.”

“That is not our concern. Our orders are to report his actions to La Signora. If you want to live long enough to retire, you keep your head down and do as you’re told.”

Ajax doesn’t open his eyes until he hears the door opening and shutting, then silence.

The first thing he does is breathe out a heavy, heavy sigh.

Fuck. This can’t be real. This can’t be real.

As any Gen Zer grown up fully entrenched in the world of the internet, compounded by his lone-wolf lifestyle, Ajax has read his fair share of light novels and is particularly well-versed with the myriad of tropes in existence. So, the fact that he’s woken up in a different universe, one of the games he apparently spent his dying (!!!) breath cursing, he knows immediately what happened to him: he either got isekai-ed or he got transmigrated.

But, considering the fact that people were referring him to as Lord Harbinger, his money is on the transmigration.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

But just in case, “System?” he whispers into the air, feeling very, very stupid for it.

A blue window pops up. “Good evening, Character Tartaglia! Do you have a question for me?”

That sends him cursing anew.

Fuck! He really did get transmigrated! Also, fucking really? Tartaglia? He was hoping he misheard that!

But one thing at a time. “What are you? Where is this place?”

A string of words begins to appear on the screen at the same time as the robotic voice speaks.

“I am System, your helpful guide to ensure your experience in the world of Genshin Impact 2.0 goes seamlessly. I keep track of your scores, your quests, and your story progress. I have an internal storage system and shop which are available to you. You are in Teyvat, situated in Liyue Harbour, Liyue. You are currently in a hotel across from the Northland Bank. The hotel you are in is designated as the living space for Fatui members.”

Liyue Harbour? That tracks. No wonder the design elements of the room around him seem so familiar. Ajax has spent many, many, many hours exploring every nook and cranny of this city.

Next question is, “How did I get here?”

“You have experienced a tragic accident in your original world and have died. However, seeing that you have died with unfinished business, your soul has been transported to this world so that you may seek fulfillment. You have been assigned a character whose soul recently vacated its body for seamless integration into the world.”

Ajax closes his eyes as something heavy settles into his chest.

Died. He’s…dead.

He was alone in his shitty little apartment with no one around and no friends. God, nobody’s going to even find his body; he’s going to make the news as one of those horrifying stories where a neighbour called the police after the rank smell of his decomposing flesh seeped through the walls.

As for his family. Well.

No one is going to miss him. His parents haven’t missed him in years since they divorced and gone off to have families of their own. His older siblings have all gone off to parts unknown and they haven’t bothered to keep in contact with anybody. It’s just Ajax, the one left behind that nobody wants—not when he’s a reminder of a failed relationship. A literal eyesore.

Maybe his younger stepsiblings would care. Tonia, Anthon, and Teucer are darlings and he loves them dearly, but it’s not like he plays an important part in their lives anymore, not since his dear stepfather made it clear how he didn’t want Ajax’s bad influence around his children.

Apparently, stepdad gets his wish. No more Ajax to haunt their doorstep. No more Ajax, period.

He wipes the corner of his eyes with the back of his hand, wincing a little at the way the wound in his chest twinges in pain. Yeah, well, good fucking riddance to them and the high horses they rode in on. Who the fuck needs them anyway? Not Ajax, that’s for sure. He’s made it through middle school, high school, and the first two years of college with his own strength, tenacity, and wit. This situation changes absolutely nothing.

If nothing, it’s an opportunity for a fresh start, one where he can reinvent himself into someone bigger and better.

…Wait, can he even do that?

“System,” he whispers again, stuffing his emotions back into the neat little box in his heart where no one can see them. “You said I’m playing the character Tartaglia. What does that mean?”

“Your role is to play the character Tartaglia. Your primary objective is to ensure that certain plot points of this story are met. Those are indicated as Main Missions under the Mission Tab. Failure of any Main Missions results in a severe point deduction.”

Point deduction? Interesting, so he does get points for certain actions.

As if predicting what Ajax’s next question is going to be, the System continues, “As you play the character Tartaglia, you may be awarded certain points called Story Points, or SP for short. SP can be gained based on your actions, the relationships you build with people, any self-growth you’ve experienced, and naturally, the completion of missions. The more you interact with the world around you, the greater the likelihood of SP earned, so you are encouraged to submerge yourself in the Genshin Impact 2.0 experience.”

Heh. Figures. As if he’ll get awarded points by doing nothing.

“You will also unlock Side Quests based upon your actions in Genshin Impact 2.0. SP will be awarded for mission success and deducted for mission failure.

“SP can be exchanged for Items in the Shop. However, User is reminded to keep track of their SP to ensure they do not drop below zero.”

Okay, that sounds ominous. “Why?”

“If you deplete your SP, your account will automatically be terminated.”

Ajax blinks. “Automatically terminated? What does that mean?”

“When your account is automatically terminated, your soul will be ejected from your Tartaglia character, and will be returned to your original body from your world of origin.”

“Wait,” Ajax blurts out. “But you said that I’m dead in my world.”

“Correct.”

“So, what does it mean that my soul will return to my original body? Does that mean I become…undead?”

“No. It means you will perish permanently.”

Oookay. Holy shit. Let’s avoid that scenario!

“You are restricted from the following actions: (1) Disclose the existence of System to any character in this world and (2) Disclose that you are a transmigrator to any character in this world. All attempts at performing restricted actions would be automatically circumvented by the System.”

In other words, it’s literally impossible for him to tell anyone about the System and his situation. That’s fine. That could be a lot worse.

“Do you have any further questions?”

A ton. But he needs to digest the information he’s been given first. The only thing he can think of to ask right now is, “What are my main missions?”

“Your Main Missions as Character Tartaglia are as follows: (1) Ensure the Main Character reaches Hero Status in Liyue, (2) Release Osial from its water prison, and (3) Ensure Character Zhongli (aka Rex Lapis Morax) is freed from the shackles of godhood.”

And that’s when it occurs to Ajax that there’s a very, very big perk of being in Genshin Impact 2.0: he gets to actually meet Zhongli.

In the original story in Genshin Impact, Tartaglia is one of the main villains of Chapter 1, the Liyue Arc. Styled as the Vanguard of the Tsaritsa, Tartaglia is supposed to be one of the more powerful members of the Harbingers in terms of battle prowess. From what Ajax remembers, however, Tartaglia is disappointingly boring.

His boss battle was fun and difficult, and Ajax had taken immense pleasure kicking his ass with his over-levelled Main Character and their five-star sword. But outside of that, Tartaglia is a one-dimensional cartoon villain whose sole purpose is to make the Main Character look good. He is arrogant, reckless, power-hungry, and has zero care for anyone except for himself. He views everyone as beneath him and does not make it a secret what he thinks.

It was those very characteristics that lead to his downfall, according to the events of the original story. Tartaglia had been sent to Liyue to act as a Fatui Diplomat while keeping his identity a secret, but his real mission was to steal Zhongli’s Gnosis. However, Tartaglia had not known that he was merely a pawn in a contract between the Cryo Archon and the Geo Archon. The Geo Archon had wished to retire from being a god and agreed to surrender his Gnosis to the Cryo Archon if Liyue could prove that it could defend itself without its god. The Cryo Archon agreed to provide someone worthy to test Liyue properly.

Tartaglia did just that—test Liyue by creating chaos, but do so in a manner that would catch Liyue by surprise. The element of surprise was necessary because if Liyue passed the test, the result would definitively prove that Liyue did not need its divine protector, even in worst-case scenarios, which left Rex Lapis no room to back out of his contract.

To ensure that everything ran smoothly, the Cryo Archon also dispatched La Signora, whose goal was to oversee the operation and act as a point of contact between the two Archons.

But Tartaglia and La Signora never got along, and to Ajax’s disappointment, this point was never clarified in the original game. In any event, animosity existed between the two for whatever reason, and La Signora, recognizing her advantage in his mission, had planted her own soldiers in Northland Bank for the sole purpose of spying on Tartaglia’s every move.

She took great pleasure recording every single one of his infractions and mistakes and had taken greater pleasure reporting them all to the Tsaritsa.

Not to say that Tartaglia was faultless. Tartaglia had despised his role as a diplomat and had chosen to do as he pleased. Instead of keeping his identity as a Harbinger a secret, he had openly declared himself as a Lord Harbinger in his meeting with the Qixing, and in all of his meetings with potential allies. He had snubbed his undercover job at the Northland Bank to fight and abuse the new Fatui recruits stationed in Liyue. His presence had raised significant tension in Liyue such that the Qixing was already keeping an eye out for trouble and had raised its defences accordingly.

In other words, by the time Tartaglia had unleashed the once-defeated god Osial from its watery prison as a ploy to draw out the Geo Archon, Tartaglia had skewed the results of the test so much that it took Liyue less effort to defeat this threat than usual.

Zhongli pointed that out to La Signora when he refused to hand over his Gnosis.

Luckily or unluckily (depending on who’s viewing the situation), Tartaglia became so incensed by the fact that he had been a pawn that he decided to go off on his own to release a second threat on Liyue Harbour as a petty act of vengeance. Caught off guard and having suffered the effects of Osial, the Qixing struggled to assemble a line of defence on time. It was only through the combined efforts of the adepti, the Main Character, and the Qixing that Liyue Harbour was saved. This act of unity was enough to demonstrate to Zhongli that Liyue no longer needed his protection and finally, he gave his Gnosis to La Signora.

For his flagrant insubordination, Tartaglia was stripped of his rank as a Harbinger the moment he made it back to the shores of Liyue Harbour. Weakened from the fight and stripped of his immunity as a Harbinger, both Liyuan and Fatui members turned on him. He died a miserable death with his body torn asunder and his limbs tossed into the wild to be feasted upon by wild animals.

And Ajax gets the honour of playing this scum villain. Hurray.

Well, fuck his life.

(But at least he gets to meet Zhongli, so that almost makes up for all the trouble he will inevitably go through. Almost.)

(He hopes Zhongli won’t be underwhelming.)

Part II. Project Unfuck His Life

Ajax spends the night dozing in and out of fitful sleep, and by the time the first ray of sunlight comes shining through the cracks of the window, he feels like garbage that has been left out in the sun to rot and then trampled on by a herd of elephants.

He’s taken the time to digest the information given, to think through the original story, and come up with his action plans. He’s met with mixed success, mainly because there are still so many things he doesn’t know.

According to the information he’s heard by eavesdropping, he’s meant to be meeting the Qixing and other allies this week. In the original story, this is when Tartaglia will make his first of many mistakes. But with his injury, this meeting is postponed, which is a blessing in disguise because this gives Ajax the breathing room to plan.

Here’s the thing, though…Ajax doesn’t remember the chest injury being in the original game. Hell, the injury had been severe enough to kill off Tartaglia, allowing Ajax’s soul to slot into his place. That’s a huge deviation from the original plot.

When he asks the System about this deviation, the System answers with a rather cryptic and unhelpful: “Genshin Impact 2.0 is shaped by User’s experience. User is encouraged to submerge themselves fully into the world.”

Does that mean that Genshin Impact 2.0 doesn’t need to stick to the script of the original story?

Hmm. Ajax shifts around in his bed, wincing a bit at the twinge of pain in his chest. The painkillers are starting to wear off. He hopes someone will come in here to give him a fresh dose soon.

But, back to his train of thought. There are certain objectives that he has to do, like unleashing Osial on Liyue, so he’s not free from the shackles of the original script. How far can he go off-script then? Is he left to his own devices so long as the objectives are met?

He’d rather avoid being Public Enemy Number One and, you know, getting murdered, thank you very much.

Also, what happens after he meets his objectives?

He’s about to ask the System when he’s interrupted by knocks on the door.

“Sir,” a muffled voice sounds from the other side, the same female from last night. Ekaterina. “Please excuse my intrusion, I am coming in with breakfast and some medicine for you.”

A member of the Fatui enters the room carrying a tray. Her calm demeanor does not falter when she sees Ajax awake and watching her.

“Good morning, sir,” she says, depositing her tray on the bedside table. “I hope you are feeling better. We were worried about your injury, but the doctor said you should make a complete recovery.”

Ajax doesn’t respond. He’s not sure what to say, to be honest.

Ekaterina is one of La Signora’s spies. Just last night she admitted to being indifferent as to whether or not her reporting Tartaglia’s actions to La Signora would harm him. Ajax supposes that he can see where she’s coming from. Tartaglia is not her supervisor, so his downfall wouldn’t affect her. If anything, Tartaglia is probably terrible to her in the original game.

Wait, if he can go off-script, does that mean he can stop being terrible to her? Because Ajax is not one to be an asshole, especially to those who are overworked, underpaid, and are just trying to do their jobs. (As a waiter, he was that poor bastard who was overworked, underpaid, and just trying to do his goddamned job.)

Time for a test.

As Ekaterina helps him up so that he’s seated more comfortably in bed, he gives her a nod and a small smile. “Thank you.”

For some reason, that makes her freeze. “Lord Harbinger?”

Aside from her reaction, the System does not issue a warning and does not threaten to deduct points. Interesting.

Ekaterina is still looking at him strangely. “Yes?” he answers with a tilt of his head.

“How are you feeling?”

Hm. Good question. He hasn’t really had the chance to test things out since he was so caught up in his thoughts last night. He wriggles his fingers and toes, then he tries moving his arms and legs. So far, so good. The only pain he’s experiencing is from his chest, so it seems like that’s where he was injured worst. Better ask for confirmation just in case.

“I’m fine.” He clears his throat. “Minor pain. Nothing too worrying. What is the state of my injury?”

She seems to relax at the question. “You’ve suffered a large gash across the chest, which required stitches to close, as well as a cracked sternum and blood loss. Luckily, the doctor was able to heal the worse of the damage, though he does advise you to stay in bed for the week. In the meantime, he has prescribed medicine that will accelerate healing and some painkillers.”

Something tells Ajax that she might be downplaying the severity of his injury. After all, it had been severe enough to kill off the original Tartaglia. Ah well. So long as he’s recovering.

“I see.”

“Would you like to have something to eat, Lord Harbinger? The kitchen has prepared some light soup and toast, but if it is not to your liking, I can request the kitchen to prepare something else.”

She says the last bit with an air of resignation like she’s expecting him to send the food back at least a few more times. And wow, Ajax can definitely relate. He’s had customers who were high on their ego trips pulling the same crap on him. Suddenly, he feels very, very sorry for her.

Jesus Christ. Didn’t Tartaglia just arrive at Liyue? How much of an ass was he to everyone for them to already expect the worst in him?

“There’s no need, thank you,” he says, trying to gentle his voice. “What you’ve brought is fine. Could you bring the tray over? I don’t think I’d be able to reach it, thanks.”

The look of alarm is back, stronger this time, though she does lower the tray carefully on his lap. “Sir, are you sure you’re feeling alright?”

But Ajax is more focused on the food. When Ekaterina said soup and toast, he thought he’d get some clear vegetable broth and a slice of plain, toasted white bread. What he’s being presented with is a feast: a generous bowl of creamy chicken soup with fresh vegetables and egg noodles, garnished with fresh herbs, a basket of perfectly toasted brioche buns, sourdough bread, rye, baguette slices, and a selection of crème fraiche, jams, and butter to go with the bread. There’s also a mug of tea with a slice of lemon on a separate little dish, and two little vials with clear liquid that are probably medicine.

To Ajax, the poor starving college student whose last meal was some ramen noodles and whatever vegetables he’d chucked into the soup that were still good from the fridge, the food before him is a dream come true.

Needless to say, he shamelessly dives right into his food, and everything is so delicious he almost weeps in happiness. He’s halfway through the bowl before realizing that Ekaterina asked him a question. “Hmm? Sorry, I didn’t catch that.”

The frown on her face persists. “I asked if you’re feeling alright, Lord Harbinger. I apologize in advance if this comes off a bit rude, and I mean no disrespect, but perhaps I should call in a doctor to do a second check-up on you?”

A check-up sounds nice, and it’s very kind of Ekaterina to make that suggestion. “Sure,” Ajax says, going back to his food. Ooh, what kind of jam is that? He doesn’t recognize that berry, which makes sense because he’s in the game, eating ingredients that wouldn’t exist in the real world. Oh, this just got way more awesome. Ajax is going to eat all the food. “That’s a great idea. Thanks for suggesting it.”

“Alright, I—you’re welcome?” Ekaterina’s calm composure breaks, and in its place is pure bewilderment. “I’ll go fetch that doctor right away, Lord Harbinger. Please continue enjoying that meal.”

She leaves with hurried steps and the room is plunged into silence once again.

“I think that went quite well,” Ajax says out loud to himself, downing the two vials of medicine in one go. Surprisingly minty tasting, huh.

“Status Update!”

Ajax startles and winces from the pain in his chest. The System’s blue window pops into existence and words start flowing through its interface.

“Relationship Status with Ekaterina, R Points: +5.”

A bright red “+5” pops up next to Ekaterina’s name. When nothing else shows up, Ajax asks, “What the hell is that?”

“The game keeps track of the different interactions User has with people. Based on those interactions, User’s relationship with those people will change accordingly, denoted by different types of points that can be earned or lost.”

“That doesn’t answer the question at all!” Ajax scowls. “Wait, are those points exchangeable in the shop?”

“No. The shop only takes Story Points as currency.”

Ajax’s eye twitches. “Then what the hell are R Points? Why are there so many different types of stupid points? Why is this system so convoluted?”

After spending some time arguing with the System, here’s what Ajax figures out.

First off, the only currency that truly matters is Story Points (“or SP for short,” as the System likes to remind him), since he could die if his Story Points reach zero.

Second, the System uses a separate set of point systems to track relationship progress and skill progress.

R Point and F Point are used to track relationships. F Point means Friendship Points, while R Point means—

“Regret Points?” Ajax splutters. “What do you mean +5 Regret Points!” Does that mean Ekaterina regretted her interaction with him just now? “But…but, I was so nice to her! Oy, System! Are you sure you got that right?”

“The System does not lie and the System does not make mistakes.” Ajax can swear the System is sulking. “The type and number of points earned from the interaction have been correctly calculated.”

“But what’s the point in all of this then?” This time, it’s Ajax’s turn to scowl. “What’s the point of interacting with people if I’m going to be earning shitty, useless Regret Points? I might as well find ways to solo all the main missions and live life as a hermit!” He just needs his SP to not be zero and that’s easy to manage. Keep his SP points above 0 and don’t get murdered. Oh, and meet Zhongli. Easy peasy.

“Even Regret Points have value!” The words flash immediately on the screen as if trying to stop Ajax from his clearly brilliant strategy. Tsh. Buzzkill. “Reaching a certain threshold of skill points and relationship points, including Regret Points, can unlock achievements!”

Ajax’s protests stop and he perks up.

There are achievements in this world?

Ajax would describe himself as a lot of things: restless, energetic, a bit of an adrenaline junkie, and imaginative, to name a few. It’s those traits in particular that got him into trouble in his wayward youth. The number of times his teachers had to call his parents (or whichever parent would bother to pick up the phone) to discuss his “wild tendencies” and “lack of discipline” are too numerous to count. By the time Ajax was in his teenage years, it was the cops who were doing the calling.

(It was also after one such incident that Ajax’s stepfather had put his foot down. “Stay away from my kids. They don’t need to be influenced by the likes of you.”)

Those traits only represent one side of Ajax. As Ajax continues to grow older, he’s picked up a few additional traits out of necessity to survive on his own. He’s learned to be stubborn, bold, driven, meticulous, hard-working, and to some degree, even patient.

It’s those traits that have driven him to work multiple part-time jobs and do a full load of coursework while keeping himself on the Honour Roll. It’s those traits that kept him motivated to save up enough money to send thoughtful, lovely presents to Tonia, Anthon, and Teucer so that he could keep his last bonds with his family alive. (And as a big “fuck you” to stepdad.) It’s also those very same quirks that got him to spend countless sleepless, caffeine-fueled nights level-grinding Zhongli, and farming for the best possible gear to achieve the best build he can for his favourite ex-god.

Unsurprisingly, Ajax lights up like Christmas has come early at the words “unlock achievements”.

There are achievements in this game to unlock? To collect?

That changes everything. Suddenly, he’s more than interested in playing the game.

“His injuries seem to be healing rather well,” the doctor in standard Fatui medical division garb says half an hour later. By that point, Ajax had managed to grill the System some more about achievements, because apparently, you can get perks from them, and he had to stuff all that excitement under the calm mask of Tartaglia. “How is the pain?”

“Nonexistent with the medication,” Ajax answers, taking care not to jostle his chest. “Can I take off the bandages? I would like to wash up.”

“My apologies, Lord Harbinger, but I would advise against removing the bandages for at least one more day until the medicine has more time to do its work. In the meantime, I can send one of my assistants to help you wash up with a cloth.”

Ajax doesn’t know why the doctor is growing paler and paler as he speaks, almost as if he’s deathly afraid or something. “Alright, that sounds reasonable. I will wait the day, then. In the meantime, please send in an assistant, thanks.”

The doctor’s eyes go wide. He’s sporting the same incredulous expression Ekaterina had before. “…Lord Harbinger? Are you feeling alright?”

This is getting ridiculous. Why is everyone around him looking so worried? He’s only being courteous.

“Check his head,” Ekaterina pipes up. “Make sure there aren’t any injuries we haven’t noticed yet.”

Before he can protest, the Doctor’s hands are pressing to the back of his head, fingers skimming over his scalp before moving to the temples, then back down to the base of his neck. “I do not feel any bumps and I am not seeing any other injuries.”

“That’s because I’m fine. My head is fine!” Ajax scowls and tries to wave away the Doctor. “Just what do you think you’re doing?”

“My apologies, Lord Harbinger. Out of an abundance of caution, I had to make sure that you have not suffered any injuries previously hidden.” The Doctor actually looks relieved at his apparent grumpiness. “I suppose we were caught off guard by your…” he glances at Ekaterina as if looking for emotional support, “…lack of frustration given your current condition and orders for bed rest?”

Wow. Tartaglia really has made a reputation for himself as being an asshole. Ajax has his work out for him if he wants to reverse this damage, which he does. It’s part of his goal of not getting murdered. Is showing basic courtesy a step too far? How can he salvage this?

“Let’s just say I had some time to reflect on my actions that led to this injury,” he answers in what he hopes is vague enough of an explanation. “It’s funny how a near-death experience brings a certain level of clarity that does not exist previously, especially with respect to who I am as a person and the sort of legacy I would like to leave behind. I would like to change all of that.”

Neither the Doctor nor Ekaterina look like they believe him, but they accept the explanation with quiet nods. That’s good enough for Ajax!

“Very good, sir,” the Doctor replies. “I will leave you to your rest and will send up my assistant shortly. Have a pleasant rest of your day.”

They leave. Ajax barely refrains from screaming into his pillow at the System’s notification that his relationship status with the doctor and Ekaterina gained two more R Points.

“Hey System, run this by me once again,” Ajax says later that night, after he’s had dinner. He’s lying in bed, waiting to drop off to sleep on his amazing silk sheets.

“What would you like to know, User?”

“The only restrictions I have are that I cannot disclose your existence or that I am a transmigrator.”

“That is correct.”

“But everything else I do is permitted then? Including choosing to interact with people in a manner different from the original Tartaglia? Or just acting different from the original Tartaglia altogether?”

“User is encouraged to complete the Main Missions, and some of the Side Quests. Otherwise, the User is encouraged to explore the world and interact with the surrounding however User sees fit. The System prioritizes User having as fulsome of an experience as possible.”

Interesting.

“Next question. My effort spent building relationships with people and building my own skills are being tracked.” Yeah, by using bullshit point systems. “And based on what I do, I can unlock achievements, which in turn can get me perks. What are those perks?”

“User is awarded SP, resources such as Mora, and rare equipment and items otherwise not found in-game. User may also get skill boosts, which are permanent, or unlock further special talents.”

Now the System is talking Ajax’s language. A way to make himself stronger? Sign him the hell up!

“What happens after I have completed the main missions?”

“User is free to do as User pleases, of course, with no missions or Side Quests constraining them.”

Huh. Freedom to do as he pleases. The freedom to live unconstrained, unburdened by who he was in the original world.

The freedom to live a life after remaking himself as someone bigger and better.

(Maybe, then, he’d finally know what it’s like to be happy.)

Ajax really, really likes the sound of that.

So, it’s on the first night of Ajax being in this strange new world that he’s come up with his personal goals.

First, he will do everything to avoid getting his ass murdered like the original Tartaglia. He’s going to reverse all the damage the man has caused, and he’s going to take a page out of Ekaterina’s book by keeping his head down and quietly doing his job. If he does his job, then there’s nothing for La Signora to report to the Tsaritsa, and he won’t have his Harbinger immunity stripped from him.

Second, the moment he’s done the main missions, he’s going to get himself far, far away from the main plotline, because fuck that noise! He already knows how the game ends and it sucks balls! But to ensure a smooth exit, he’s going to need to be strong and self-reliant, so it’s time to build up his character…which leads to point three.

Third, as a follow-up to the second point, he’s going to need to figure out how to get all the achievements because Ajax is a perfectionist game nerd who likes collecting stuff and refuses to let his character be a weak-ass scrub. Also, the perks.

Fourth (and he fully admits that this is stupid and self-indulgent) but goddamnit, he’s going to meet his favourite character Zhongli come hell or high water.

Part III. Diplomat Childe in Action

The week of recovery comes and goes, and by then, Ajax feels mostly healed and a little more settled in.

(Thank God for that. What a fucking shock it had been to see his own face—red hair, blue eyes, freckles, and all—staring back at him in the mirror when he could finally shuffle to the bathroom for a proper bath. His second shock came after he had taken off his clothes to discover, aside from the new scar on his chest, that holy fuck, he has abs. Legit, rock-hard, super impressive abs, he could grate cheese on them sort of glorious abs. After a more thorough inspection, Ajax came to the realization that he looked basically like how he did in his original world, except much more fit. He wasn’t complaining at all!)

During that week, the doctor came to check up on him once a day, and each time was accompanied by Ekaterina. Each time they left, Childe accumulated a few more R Points.

He’s trying not to be salty about that. If nothing else, he must think of the achievements. Think of the perks.

On the last day, the doctor gives him a clean bill of health with the word of caution to take it easy, which Ajax has the intention to ignore.

“Excellent. Thank you for your help.” He beams at the doctor. He’s actually sitting up in a chair instead of lounging in his bed like a beached whale. Progress! When he sees that the doctor does not flinch at his words, his mood skyrockets even more. Ha! Double progress!

“I shall refresh your prescription in case you need them, Lord Harbinger. If there’s nothing else, I bid you a pleasant day.”

“You as well, Doctor. Oh, Ekaterina, do you mind staying behind for a bit?”

“Sir, is there something you need?” Ekaterina asks the moment the door closes.

“I understand that due to my injury, a number of previously scheduled appointments have been rescheduled. Can you provide an updated itinerary for those meetings plus any intelligence reports the Fatui has gathered on those I am supposed to meet?”

After a week of unexpected behaviour, Ekaterina is getting much better at hiding her surprise. “Yes, my Lord. You are scheduled to meet the Qixing next week on Tuesday and your allies at Wangsheng Funeral Parlour on Thursday. I will send a report on them right away. Is there anything else you would like, sir?”

A blue window shimmers into existence, followed by two soft dings and the following words:

“New Side Quest (Tutorial): Meeting with the Qixing. Objective: Venture outside the world and meet new people. Familiarize yourself with the game mechanics. Reward for successful completion: 10 SP.

“New Side Quest (Tutorial): Meeting with Wangsheng Funeral Parlour. Objective: Venture outside the world and meet new people. Familiarize yourself with the game mechanics. Reward for successful completion: 10 SP.”

Wait, Wangsheng Funeral Parlour?

As in, Zhongli?

Ajax does a fist pump in his head. He gets to meet Zhongli!

“…Sir?”

Ajax shakes his head. He’s probably wearing a dopey expression on his face, but he doesn’t care because Zhongli. “We should also arrange for some apology gifts to be prepared for both the Qixing and Zh—our allies at Wangsheng Funeral Parlour for causing them the inconvenience.”

Apparently, this is too much for Ekaterina because the incredulous expression makes its comeback. “Sir? Apology gifts?”

Ajax nods. “Of course! It’s only polite to bring gifts for the first meeting, and it’s more necessary given the rescheduling. I wouldn’t be much of a diplomat if I were to offend the Qixing on our first official meeting.”

Ekaterina nods. Ah, one day, Ajax is going to win her over with the power of kindness, and she’s going to feel so bad reporting him to La Signora. “Do you have something in mind for those gifts, sir?”

What to get, what to get? Zhongli likes anything fancy, but maybe something of Snezhnayan make would hold his interest more. Alternatively, the man loves knowledge, so books are always a safe bet.

As for Ningguang…

In the original game, Ningguang is, thankfully, one of the characters not locked behind a paywall so he was able to get her, level her up, and equip her with decent gear. But in addition to doing all that, Ajax has read up on the lore and stories on her since she was one of his earlier characters.

Here’s what he remembers of Ningguang: she’s a shrewd businesswoman who abhors law-breaking. She has eyes and ears everywhere, with her secret weapon being the children running around Liyue as her informants. Very Sherlock Holmes-esque.

As for her likes, that list is pretty simple: Mora and the Jade Chamber. This is not exactly useful knowledge when it comes to gift-giving. (And he doesn’t want to give her a shit ton of money. That screams of bribery.)

Ningguang is very much a pragmatist at heart, so maybe a gift that actually serves a purpose would be more thoughtful.

“I think the Qixing would appreciate tools that can help them do their jobs easier,” Ajax finally says. “Would we be able to get a collection of Snezhnayan self-inking pens on time?”

“Unfortunately not, sir. The only collection we have on hand is the one you commissioned, sir.”

How is he not surprised that Tartaglia would commission fancy stationery for himself? “What do they look like? Are they stamped with the Fatui logo all over?”

“They are a set of gilded enamel pens crafted by the Palace’s jeweller. No Fatui logo.”

So, they’re ostentatious as fuck and probably worth a king’s ransom. Hopefully that will be offset by how useful they are. “Perfect, we’ll use those as gifts to the Qixing, plus a pack of our finest quality inks for the pens’ refills. That should smooth over any ruffled feathers.”

Ekaterina’s eyes go wide. “Your pens, sir? You would give away your pens just like that?”

Ajax shrugs. “If they help salvage relations, sure. Besides, they’re just pens. I can get more.” Though maybe not ones from the Palace jeweller. The Mora could be better spent getting something more worthwhile like food or better gear.

“…Of course, sir. And what about for Wangsheng Funeral Parlour?”

Ajax grins. “I have just the idea!”

He spends the next couple of days doing homework, reading up on the reports the Fatui has gathered on the Qixing. They contain preliminary sketches of the members of Qixing’s personalities, business operations, and perceived strengths. Compared to the wealth of backstories and character dialogues Ajax has at his disposal, the reports could be made much, much better, and his hands are itching to add his own notes to the report.

But he’s not sure whether he wants to be sharing that information with the rest of the Fatui yet.

“Hey System?” Ajax asks in his empty room. “Would you be able to make a copy of the reports in front of me and stash them in storage?”

A blue window shimmers into existence. “The Copying Function can be unlocked by spending 5 SP. Would you like to spend this amount?”

Ajax snorts. Of course, it would’ve been too good to be true if this service was offered to him for free. “How much SP do I have?”

The window changes and in front of him is an image of his face with the words “Character Tartaglia” next to it.  More information follows: Story Progress: 0%, SP: 50, Level: 63.

Yeah, the level tracks. Ajax remembers that bosses are capped at around those levels in the Liyue Chapter in the original story.

Then, more words appear. “Wait! Are those stats? My stats?”

Ajax hungrily devours that information. He cackles at the beastly numbers that are his Strength and Constitution. Yes, yes! He is a tank! Hell, his Dexterity is also terrifyingly high though not as insane as his Strength, but his comment stands. He is a tank on steroids.

His other stats are less impressive. Intelligence is average. Charisma is above average, which is a surprise to Ajax. It’s a lot higher than he would’ve thought, but he supposes that Tartaglia cultivated it with how he intimidated the hell out of people on a daily basis.

Wisdom, on the other hand, is just plain pitiful.

“Why is my Wisdom so bad?” Ajax laments.

“Wisdom is defined by the character’s perception and insight!” the System adds, unhelpfully.

What perception and insight? Even a blank wall has more perception and insight than Tartaglia. “So, what you’re saying is that Tartaglia has no social awareness whatsoever? Is that why I keep getting R Points from Ekaterina and the Doctor? Because I can’t read the room?”

He just wanted to be nice to people and not get murdered, is that so much to ask?

And he’s supposed to meet with the Qixing, too. And Zhongli!

Oh God, he hopes he doesn’t fuck things up. (And he hopes he doesn’t make an ass out of himself in front of Zhongli.)

He does end up buying that Copying Skill after much grumbling, which makes him feel slightly better.

What makes him feel significantly better is seeing just how much money he has.

Spoiler: it’s a lot. He’s no Jeff Bezos but he has to have the equivalent of at least a hundred million US dollars. Woohoo!

And then, the System advises him to test out his Vision, and things become awesome.

Who even cares about Wisdom, he thinks as he waves around his amazing water blades, thoroughly, thoroughly vindicated. I have magic and money!

“Welcome to the Yuehai Pavilion, Master Diplomat. Please, right this way. Miss Ningguang is waiting for you.”

Ajax follows Ningguang’s secretary through the ornate halls adorned with ink paintings, grand porcelain vases, and colourful silkscreens. He’s led to a large room with a big, rectangular table made of redwood surrounded by eight chairs. The table is set up with plates of snacks and a steaming pot of tea.

Seated at the table is Ningguang and one other secretary Ajax does not recognize.

Ningguang: Tianquan of the Qixing, responsible for maintaining law and order, and de facto leader of Liyue. She prides herself in her wits and efficiency, and she has no patience for people who waste her time.

Judging by how she remains seated at his arrival, she is none too impressed by Ajax either, probably because of his last-minute cancellation. Brilliant.

System, Ajax thinks. Help! What do I do?

A soft ding sounds in his head. “Would User like to activate a temporary Ability Enhancement? Free of charge as a means to help User familiarize himself with the world.”

Oh, dear Lord yes. Yes, activate whatever the heck ability that is.

“Understood. Ability ‘Silver Tongue’ activated for the duration of this Quest.”

A flood of tingling warmth fills his body from head to toe, not unlike dipping into a hot bath after a long day at work. Instantly, Ajax feels his tense body relax. Words that are trapped in his throat become unclogged, flowing out of him with the ease of a current running downstream.

“Miss Ningguang.” There’s something in the back of his mind guiding him to bow, so he does. He repeats the same to the secretary beside her. “Miss. Please allow me to introduce myself. I go by the name Childe, and I thank you for being so accommodating with rescheduling this meeting, especially on such short notice. I apologize for the inconvenience and I have brought a small token as proof of my sincerity. I hope you and the rest of the Qixing will like it.”

With both hands on the parcel, he hands the box to the secretary who guided him to the room with another small bow. The secretary hands the gift off to Ningguang, who with delicate, careful hands, unwraps the parcel. Although she does not say anything, her brow raises a hint, signifying that she is impressed by the gift.

“These are Snezhnaya’s self-inking pens, designed and crafted lovingly by Zapolyarny Palace’s very own jeweller, Master Fabergé, himself. Each of these pens is designed with different motifs inspired by the types of plants most symbolic to Snezhnaya. The rose for passion, the chamomile for versatility, the magnolia for dignity and splendid beauty…”

As Ajax rattles off the different meanings of flowers, in his mind, he’s settled down and made himself comfortable. The Silver Tongue perk is truly phenomenal. 10/10, would recommend.

“These pens do not require dipping into ink; simply uncap and use. They should last for over 200 pages worth of writing. If you find the ink running out, there are additional ink cartridges provided in the parcel. Alternatively, you may reuse the empty cartridge in the pen and refill it with the ink of your choosing. Simply unscrew the cap at the top of the pen and the cartridge should be accessible.”

“This is very generous of you, Master Childe,” Ningguang finally says, closing the box. Her frosty demeanor from before has thawed, and Ajax is cheering loudly in his head at that. “Please, take a seat. I hope your travels have been safe and well.”

“Thank you.” With one last bow, Ajax pulls out his seat and makes himself comfortable, thanking the secretary for pouring out his tea. “My travels have been well enough. Thank you for asking. It is with my arrival that I haven’t been so lucky.”

“I trust that that is the reason why you have requested for our initial meeting to be postponed?”

Ajax nods. “Indeed. It is a bit embarrassing.” The feeling in his gut is telling Ajax to look a bit bashful so he leans into it. Silver Tongue ability, don’t lead him astray now! “This is my first time visiting Liyue, and compared to Snezhnaya with its wind and ice, I find myself in awe of the warmth and colours of the country. I had wanted to go sightseeing and heard that Mt. Tianheng is particularly beautiful this time of year but my recklessness led me to become injured.”

Whatever answer Ningguang is expecting, apparently that isn’t it, because she paused in the middle of sipping her tea. “You…were injured from sightseeing.”

Ajax rubs at his chest where the wound is healing. “I ran into some Ruin Guards. Quite a few of them, actually, and suffered a serious blow to the chest. It is just recently that I have been cleared from bed rest by my doctor.”

“Oh.” Ningguang frowns. “I’m sorry to hear about your injury and I wish you a speedy recovery. It is, however, problematic to hear that there are quite a few Ruin Guards so close to Liyue Harbour. We will be dispatching a team of Millelith to investigate.”

“Thank you,” Ajax beams. “But that’s quite enough about me. I do not wish to monopolize your time, Miss Ningguang. Why don’t we get down to business?”

At the way Ningguang’s eyes flash with interest, it seems that Ajax has said what she wanted to hear.

Side Quest (Tutorial): Meet the Qixing—Complete. SP +10. Relationship Status with Ningguang, F Point: +2

Achievements earned:

“Baby’s First Steps” for stepping foot outside into the real world. Rewards earned: +5000 Mora.

“Look Ma, I Did It!” for talking to a non-Fatui member and creating a positive first impression. Rewards earned: +5000 Mora.

“Let’s Get Down to Business” for completing the side quest “Meet the Qixing” with a positive result. Rewards earned: SP +5.

“HALP!!” for triggering an ability for the first time to help complete a quest. Rewards earned: +1000 Mora.

Extra I: Ekaterina

Ekaterina is well aware that she is solidly mediocre when it comes to her battle prowess. So is her ability to plot and scheme, or her ability to be ruthless. For all intents and purposes, she is ill-suited to be a part of the Fatui.

But there is one thing she is exceedingly good at, and that’s her ability to act with discretion. Apparently, that ability is greatly prized in the Fatui to the point of getting her handpicked by La Signora for a very important mission in Liyue.

“I have chosen you lot because I have heard good things about you,” La Signora had said during that fateful meeting before sending her off to Liyue Harbour. Ekaterina chanced a glance at her fellow Fatui members who were picked for this mission. None of the faces she saw were familiar, but later she would grow to know them as Nadia, Vlad, and Felix. “The Tsaritsa asked that I oversee a very important task for her in Liyue but has ordered that I keep my presence secret. She has also asked me to oversee the Vanguard’s actions since he will be in Liyue for a related mission.”

Ekaterina shivered at the mere mention of the name. The Vanguard? As in the Eleventh Harbinger? She had heard rumors about him. Terrible, horrible ones. As the youngest person to have been granted the title of Harbinger, the Vanguard is known to be arrogant and cruel. It is said that his madness can only be soothed by violence and bloodshed.

She couldn’t imagine what sort of scheme the Tsaritsa had in store to unleash the Vanguard, of all people, on poor Liyue.

“My mission for all of you is to keep an eye on the Vanguard’s actions on my behalf,” La Signora continued. “Be my eyes and ears. I want to hear about everything he does, particularly anything that would stir up attention or trouble. Perform this task well and you will be awarded beyond your wildest dreams. Fail me and you will pay your price in blood. Have I made myself clear?”

“Yes, Lady Harbinger,” the four of them answered in unison, and that had been that.

Ekaterina did not actually get to meet the Vanguard until three months later.

As expected, the man is a complete ass. Sadistic, vindictive, petty, and arrogant. He’s only been here for two days and already he’s made himself thoroughly hated amongst those posted in Liyue. When he decides to storm off to go fight something or other, nobody bothers to stop or follow him. Ekaterina is more than happy to file a report to La Signora about this latest transgression.

But then, he comes back on the brink of death, and worry sets in.

As much as the Vanguard is hated, he is still essential for whatever mission the Tsaritsa has planned for Liyue. If word got out that he died, Ekaterina is sure that none of the Fatui posted in Liyue would escape the Tsaritsa’s wrath.

It is through sheer luck that they are able to keep the Vanguard alive. According to the doctor, that had been nothing short of a miracle.

“He needs to stay in bed for a week,” the doctor says. “If he wants to live, then it’s best he heeds this warning.”

Easy for you to say, Ekaterina thinks with frustration. You’re not the one who has to relay the bad news to him!

She wonders if she could hand in her resignation notice while staying alive. Probably not, knowing La Signora’s fiery temper.

Ekaterina does not sleep well that night. When morning comes, it is with great reluctance that she finds herself bringing breakfast to the Vanguard. The experience is made worse when she looks down at the tray and sees that it is hot soup being served. Great. Just great. She is probably going to be wearing that in five minutes.

Imagine her surprise that when she drops off breakfast, the Vanguard does not rant or rage, but merely stares at her with a neutral expression. And not only that, he thanks her for getting breakfast.

Then he asks her politely to bring the tray over, and thanks her again.

He sounds sincere both times, too.

By the Archons and everything holy in Teyvat, what is going on?

She watches him devour the food, looking utterly, utterly blissful, which, why? It’s just chicken noodle soup with bread. Surely, as the Lord Harbinger, he’s had fancier fare.

When her worry finally threatens to boil over, making her offer to request the doctor for a follow-up, the Vanguard thanks her for her suggestion, calling it a “good idea”.

That settles it for Ekaterina. Something is very, very wrong with the Harbinger.

Dear Tsaritsa does she regret drawing the short end of the straw and having to interact with him. She does not need this on her plate right now.

“Something is very, very wrong with Lord Harbinger,” the doctor says, repeating her thoughts after his check-up. “He is acting…”

“Entirely too nice?” Ekaterina finishes his sentence for him. “Too chipper? Too reasonable? Too much like a wide-eyed lamb?”

The doctor grimaces. “All of the above. I’ve checked for head wounds, too, and I haven’t found anything abnormal. I don’t understand what prompted this change in personality.”

“Do you think it’s really because he’s had a life-altering experience, as he said?”

The two of them look at each other. Then, they scoff in unison. Yeah, no. A life-altering experience, what bullshit.

“It’s best if we keep this quiet for now until I can investigate the cause of the Vanguard’s change a bit further,” the doctor warns. “The last thing we need is for the rest of the world to know that the Vanguard has ceased to be, well, the Vanguard.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Ekaterina is well-versed in keeping quiet, especially for the sake of keeping herself alive.

But the week drags on and the doctor does not find anything wrong with the Vanguard. Physically, that is. Socially, the Vanguard’s newfound gentleness does not wane. Worse still, others are starting to catch on.

“This might sound a bit strange,” Felix says one day as they are having lunch in Wanmin Restaurant. “But is it just me or are things a bit more…peaceful, as of late? With the Vanguard?”

“You mean how he hasn’t threatened to kill anybody and is being pleasant instead?” Ekaterina jabs her crystal shrimp with her chopsticks with fury it does not deserve. “I’ve noticed.” And every time she sees him, she regrets more and more about everything, from being stuck in Liyue with her current assignment and her inability to escape, to being stuck with this strange person wearing the Vanguard’s face.

The thing is, when he’s not scowling or uttering death threats, it’s rather hard not to notice how young the Vanguard is, probably younger than Ekaterina’s littlest brother by a couple of years.

The thought of her baby brother in the Vanguard’s position sends chills up her spine.

Just think, the things the Vanguard must have seen, the things he must have done in order to climb up the Fatui ladder that quickly. Also, how young was the Vanguard when he joined the Fatui? He couldn’t have been an adult yet.

Sweet Tsaritsa, that’s horrifying.

Felix fidgets a little in his seat. “Do…do we report this to La Signora?”

Ekaterina gives him a look. “What exactly are we going to report? That the Vanguard is alive and is being nice to us?”

“It’s just so weird.”

“Tell me about it. The most we can do is to keep watch. Hopefully, things will get back to normal soon.”

Things do not get back to normal. Things take a turn for the bizarre when the Vanguard not only asks Ekaterina about his itinerary, but also requests for preliminary reports on the people he is supposed to be meeting.

The Vanguard is actually sitting down and doing work instead of barging into a situation, blades swinging.

Then, he offers to bring gifts, because it’s “what good diplomats do”, but not just any gifts—he’s giving away the pens he had commissioned from the great Master Fabergé himself. It is a gift that is priceless since Master Fabergé only works for the Tsaritsa and her Harbingers and nobody else in this world.

And he’s just…giving them away with a shrug and a flippant answer of, “I can get more.”

Ekaterina supposes that the last part is fair enough, but still, that initial commission probably costs an arm and a leg even for a Harbinger, and also, he’s giving his pens away as a gesture of good will.

This is too much.

“Maybe he really has seen the error of his ways,” Nadia, ever the optimist, says when Ekaterina calls for an emergency meeting between La Signora’s spies. “It’s been a week and he hasn’t broken out of character once. Maybe that near-death experience really shook him to his core.”

“He’s the Vanguard. His job is to be at the frontlines of the most gruesome battles. Near-death experiences are probably regular Tuesday nights for him,” Vlad counters. “Why now? What’s so different about this instance that’s got him changing this drastically?”

“Maybe he’s possessed,” Felix offers. “Maybe, the real Tartaglia died that evening and a kinder spirit is inhabiting his body.”

Ekaterina rolls her eyes. “For the last time, Felix, he’s not possessed. I still think it’s some sort of head injury that the doctor didn’t catch. Something that made him forget about what a horrible human being he was.”

“But what do we do?” Nadia asks. “I don’t see how we can interject. Besides, do we even want to? I rather like this nicer Vanguard.”

They all look at each other, coughing uncomfortably into their fists. It’s true, nobody liked the old Vanguard and vastly prefers this updated version.

Vlad raises a hand. “How about this? We only stage an intervention if we notice something off about the Vanguard that’s huge, like him losing his ability to fight. That actually has a devastating impact on Snezhnaya’s military might and possibly his ability to complete whatever mission he’s sent here to do. So long as he can continue to be the Vanguard, we keep our mouths shut.”

Ekaterina is happy to agree to that. After all, she is very good at being discreet.

Extra II: Ningguang

Tartaglia: the Eleventh member of the Fatui Harbingers, known to be the Cryo Archon’s Vanguard in Snezhnaya’s great war machine. According to the rumours, he is a prodigy when it comes to battles and weaponry. He is fearless, ruthless, and a terror on the battlefield. Outside of the battlefield, he is cruel, egotistical, self-centered, and notoriously difficult to work with. And he’s apparently on the shore of Liyue, pretending to be a diplomat, of all ill-suited roles.

Now this, Ningguang has to see.

She can’t say she’s surprised that her first meeting with this Harbinger diplomat got hastily cancelled for vague reasons. It’s probably done as some petty reminder that the Harbinger thinks himself above the Qixing. No matter. Ningguang is patient, and one day, she will return this insult thrice over.

But that doesn’t mean she has to be pleasant in the rescheduled meeting. Her icy mood apparent to her secretary, who’s shifting uncomfortably in her seat beside her. She abhors those who waste her time.

She fully expects to be displeased with the Harbinger. She expects him to storm into the room, his brutish manner in full display as he declares himself the Vanguard of the Tsaritsa while scorning the Qixing. She actually would prefer the Harbinger to do that. It would make her job in finding out what he’s up to that much easier.

What she gets instead is…a young man. A nervous, coltish-looking thing, tall and skinny, with bright red hair, and large blue eyes. Ningguang barely restrains from raising a brow at her new guest. He cannot possibly be the Vanguard. This looks more like a wide-eyed recruit.

Her secretary thinks so too from the glance they share with each other.

Then, the young man—Master Childe—starts speaking, all earnest, boyish charm and impeccable manners, and Ningguang finds herself re-evaluating her assessment. The boy might not be the Vanguard, but he does have some training as a diplomat. He speaks eloquently with warmth. The present he brings, crafted by the legendary Master Fabergé is overkill.

Ningguang is perplexed, which doesn’t happen often. According to her intel, it’s the Harbinger, disguised as a diplomat, who sought a meeting with the Qixing only to reschedule abruptly. Yet, sitting before her is a young man she didn’t expect at all. Could it be that this Master Childe is attending this meeting in the stead of the Vanguard? Or could it be that her intel about the Harbinger is wrong?

Time to test which theory is right. “I trust that that is the reason why you have requested for our initial meeting to be postponed?”

To her surprise, Master Childe flushes as red as his hair, and she has to bite the inside of her cheek to refrain from smiling. The poor dear looks positively mortified.

What’s even more surprising is that Master Childe proceeds to admit that it’s due to his inexperience and recklessness that he’s gotten seriously injured. From sightseeing of all things.

But his report about Ruin Guards in Mt. Tianheng is very concerning. Master Childe may not realize it, but this incident is considered a diplomatic faux pas.

It’s best that they move along to another topic, one that’s safer grounds.

Thankfully, the rest of the discussion is pleasant. Master Childe continues to be pleasant and eager to do business, and Ningguang cannot sense malice from him. The meeting wraps up after an hour with Master Childe giving one last bow to her and the secretary before being shown to the exit.

Ningguang takes a quiet sip of her tea.

“That was interesting,” her secretary murmurs. “Are we sure that’s the Harbinger? He seems so young and new to his job.”

Ningguang chuckles. “I do not believe Master Childe to be the Harbinger. Master Childe still has a lot more to learn as a diplomat. He’s too transparent at times, but he comes off as honest and warm. Those qualities will serve him well.”

In the meantime, it’s worthwhile to double-check that initial intel to see how they got their information so wrong. Just in case, she should also instruct her Millelith to keep an eye out for Master Childe in case he comes across any more unfortunate sightseeing incidents.

Chapter Text

Part IV. Zhongli! Zhongli! Zhongli!

Ajax may have been nervous about meeting the Qixing, but it sure as hell does not compare to the level of nerves thrumming through his veins at the prospect of meeting Zhongli.

It’s just—it’s Zhongli! The Zhongli he spent countless hours building and hunting gear for, and that’s not including all the essays he wrote in defense of his character against those who dared to slander him. The nerve!

“Zhongli is not a great DPS character. Zhongli is a shitty 5-star character!” Pah! Those naysayers. Not only were those comments patently untrue, but they were made by those who were clearly shit at the game. Ajax took great pleasure in proving them wrong through patience, dedication, skills, and by angrily opening his wallet and paying for superior gear.

(Zhongli may have the Wrath of the Rock, but Ajax has the Wrath of the Wallet.)

His point remains—Zhongli is an amazing character and his all-time favourite, so the prospect of meeting him is equal parts amazing and terrifying.

“Urgh. What do I do?” Ajax groans out loud. He is in the safety of his hotel suite, in the middle of copying the vast intelligence reports when his panic flares again.

What if the meeting ends terribly? What if Zhongli hates him?

“System! Do you have any additional abilities I can purchase? What about your shop?”

The blue window shimmers into existence and the robotic voice of the System sounds out, “The limit of one Ability per Tutorial Quest has been met. Abilities are locked until you complete the remainder of your tutorials.”

“System! Why do you have to do me dirty like this?”

Thoroughly abandoned by the System, Ajax is left to panic on his own. He does end up getting a gift that he thinks Zhongli would like: several volumes of fairy tales and folklore from Snezhnaya. It’s the same gift that he’s clutching to his chest like a shield as he makes his way into the Liuli Pavilion.

He promptly finds it difficult to breathe because holy shit, it’s really happening! Zhongli is right there! Zhongli is there, and he looks so cool. Even the simple things he’s doing are cool, like the way he’s drinking his tea, the way he’s looking at him in his gloriously OP glory, the way his mouth opens to say something, the way his brow furrows a little in confusion, probably because Ajax is gaping at him like an idiot. Okay, Ajax. Focus. Focus.

“Ah, I’m so sorry.” Ajax shakes his head and winces. He tries to draw the same level of confidence from when he had activated Silver Tongue but it’s gone, dissipated into smoke. It’s just Ajax now, awkward, nerdy little Ajax.

But as a starving student with minimal financial support from his parents, Ajax had also worked multiple gigs, many of which were in the service industry. It’s from that deep well of (emotionally scarring) experiences that he’s drawing from to muster a friendly smile.

“My apologies,” he repeats. “This is my first time in Liyue and I am still getting used to my surroundings.” He laughs and rubs the back of his neck. “My name is Childe, and I trust that you are my contact from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour? It’s nice to meet you. I apologize for the inconvenience of rescheduling our first meeting.”

Zhongli is all elegance and grace in returning his handshake (so cool!). “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Master Childe, and it is no trouble at all,” he says with a polite smile. And that voice of his. Ajax is so happy right now. “My name is Zhongli. I am a consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour. I hope you do not mind, but I took the liberty of ordering something in advance.”

Ajax shakes his head. “Not at all. I have heard fantastic things about Liyue’s cuisine but haven’t had the chance to try them. I look forward to seeing what you have chosen.”

Ajax almost cries when the dishes arrive. Plates upon plates of colourful, beautifully crafted culinary masterpieces are out on the table in the most glorious spread known to man. It’s funny because these are dishes that he’s seen in the game and thought looked tasty. Now he actually gets to eat them—not to mention bask in the glorious fragrance of chilis, garlic, and roasted meats.

The only small hiccup is the chopsticks. He’s never mastered them in real life, only using them like mini javelins to skewer the food, which he knows for a fact that Zhongli would definitely judge him for.

“Is something the matter?”

Looks like nothing escapes Zhongli’s notice. “It’s nothing, I just…” Ajax gestures a little helplessly at the chopsticks. “I’m not very good at using these, I’m afraid.”

“I see. My apologies, that is an oversight on my part,” Zhongli says with a slight downturn of his lips. “I can request a fork, unless you are interested in learning how to use them?”

Ajax is never one to shy away from a challenge, let alone one that’s giving him the perfect opportunity to further his friendship with Zhongli. “If you don’t mind, I would love to learn!”

“Of course.” Zhongli takes one chopstick and places it in his hand for demonstration. “With the first chopstick, place it between your pointer finger and thumb, and balance it on your ring finger, like so. Very good.”

He plucks the second chopstick and continues, “Now, place the second chopstick between your pointer finger and thumb but rest it on your middle finger this time. Hold it a little lower. A little more. That’s perfect.”

Uh oh, Ajax thinks as he tries to mimic what Zhongli is showing him. Zhongli’s voice is dangerous. He can see himself getting lost in the sound of Zhongli’s soliloquy already, hanging on to every word to savour the rich timbre of his voice and the softness of his words.

“—And now,” comes Zhongli’s instruction, cutting through the haze in Ajax’s mind, “try to pick up something.”

Ajax reaches for a nearby piece of pork and…

“Mister Zhongli! Look!” He grins at Zhongli, the pork placed delicately between the two chopsticks. “It worked! I did it!”

As soon as he utters those words the meat slips out of his chopsticks. It lands on the table with a small, sad splat, bouncing a few times before rolling to the floor. Ajax stares at perfectly wasted food with sad, dejected eyes.

“…My pork.”

A chuckle interrupts his misery, jerking Ajax’s attention away, and oh wow, what a sight it is. Zhongli’s eyes are sparkling with mirth, his shoulders are shaking, and his lips are curled up into a happy, gentle smile.

“Perhaps a bit more practice is required,” Zhongli offers. “Not to worry, I am sure that with time, you will be able to excel in using chopsticks.”

Ajax seriously doubts it, but he appreciates the kind words nonetheless.

The rest of the meal is spent making comfortable small talk ranging from business to general tidbits about Liyue. Normally Ajax finds small talk to be tedious, but between the amazing company and amazing food, he finds himself rather enjoying his evening and wishing it would last a little longer.

“Mister Zhongli, the amount of knowledge you have on local culture and customs is truly extraordinary,” Ajax says, fully knowing the reason why the man has such a wide breadth of knowledge. But knowing is one thing; experiencing it first-hand is something else entirely, and Zhongli never fails to impress. “I can understand why your expertise comes highly recommended among our contacts. I look forward to our partnership.”

That little upturn of Zhongli’s lips is back. “Likewise. I look forward to a fruitful partnership with you as well.”

So, so cool.

“Oh, before I forget!”

Ajax takes the gifts that he’s left on the seat beside him and hands them to Zhongli with both hands—he remembers that particular gesture being particularly well-received when he tried his Silver Tongue ability.

“As a gesture of goodwill, please accept this token of appreciation on behalf of the Fatui. It’s a collection of folk tales from Snezhnaya, translated into the standard language.” He continues after Zhongli receives the gift with thanks and opens the box holding the volumes. “The books are hand-written, bound, and illustrated by the author herself. I understand that you are passionate about culture and tradition, so I hope this gift will align with your interests.”

And Zhongli does seem interested. His amber eyes light up and his hand skims over the cover of the first volume, tracing the delicate flowers and decorative vines painted by hand. “May I?”

“Of course, please go ahead.”

Zhongli flips open the first cover, his eyes skimming over the looping letters, delicate illustrations, and…

Ajax’s breath hitches.

Zhongli is wearing a soft, delicate smile, one far from the polished and reserved mask he’s donned most of the evening, or the amused quirk that sometimes makes its way onto his face. This particular expression feels…special. It makes him seem oddly vulnerable, oddly human.

And very, very real.

Ajax feels his chest go tight.

There’s something discomforting about the fact that Zhongli is an actual person, one outside of his voice lines, character stories, and stats that Ajax knows like the back of his hand. Zhongli has his own thoughts, feelings, and opinions that Ajax is not privy to, as he should because he’s not a video game character. The Zhongli before Ajax is an actual person.

The funny tight feeling in Ajax’s chest intensifies and he places his hand over his heart.

He’s not sure why but this realization unsettles him.

“Thank you, Master Childe, for this thoughtful gift.” Zhongli’s words are warmer and more relaxed. “I will be sure to treasure these tales.”

They finish their dinner and continue their small talk, with Ajax recounting his incident with the Ruin Guards while sightseeing. He feels bad for lying, but it’s the best excuse he could come up with to justify the awkward and abrupt way their meeting was rescheduled. That, and it makes a hell of a lot more sense than Ajax’s truth about his soul possessing the body of Tartaglia.

At least Zhongli acts appropriately concerned and seems to readily accept the excuse.

“Here, allow me,” Ajax says when the bill arrives. “For the inconvenience of having to reschedule our meeting and as a celebration for the beginning of our time working together.”

“You have already given me such thoughtful gifts. It would not be fair if you were to pay for dinner as well,” Zhongli points out. “A partnership should be about reciprocity and fairness. How about this? In return for dinner and your gift, allow me to be your guide to all things Liyue for the duration of your stay.”

Having Rex Lapis himself acting as a personal tour guide? This opportunity is way too good to pass up!

“That sounds wonderful, thank you for offering,” Ajax says with a grin. “I cannot think of a better guide than the knowledgeable Mister Zhongli himself. With you guiding me, I won’t run into another unfortunate incident with the Ruin Guards!”

All in all, Ajax thinks that dinner went successfully. He and Zhongli part ways with the agreement that Zhongli will take Ajax sightseeing during the weekend and Ajax spends the rest of his walk back to the hotel in a sunny, sunny mood.

That sunny mood promptly crashes to the ground when he gets his quest update.

Side Quest (Tutorial): Meeting with the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour is now complete. SP +10. Relationship Status with Zhongli, F Point: +1.

Achievements earned:

“All You Can Eat and Dim Sum” for taking part in a feast made of Liyuan cuisine. Rewards earned: +1000 Mora.

“You Dim Sum, You Lose Some” for spending over 50,000 Mora on a meal at Liuli Pavilion. Rewards earned: VIP card at Liuli Pavilion (allows priority booking and 10% discount on all future meals).

“Let Our Words Be Bound by Stone” for completing the side quest “Meeting with the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour” with a positive result. Rewards earned: SP +5.

“F Point plus one?!” Ajax gapes at the green +1 displayed on the interface. “What do you mean one Friendship Point? Even my meeting with Ningguang gave me more Friendship Points than that!”

“The System does not make mistakes in recording updates. User is encouraged to reflect on his past interaction with Character Zhongli to determine why the relationship progressed the way it did.”

Ajax scowls. “I do not need sass from you.”

The System does have a point, though.

Ajax plants himself down onto a nearby chair and thinks.  He thought the meeting had gone well. Once Ajax got over his bout of nervousness, the conversation between him and Zhongli flowed seamlessly. Zhongli was polite and smiled the entire time. His movements loose and easy, which spoke of a certain level of comfort. He seemed genuinely pleased by the gift and amused by Ajax’s terrible attempts at using the chopsticks.

Were those not real? Was Zhongli putting up an act like how Ajax was?

He thought he had a read on Zhongli. He thought he knew this character inside and out but—

But he’s not a character. Zhongli is his own person with his own secrets, his own opinions, and his own personality.

That uncomfortable, unsettling feeling returns with a vengeance. Grimacing, Ajax idly rubs his chest over his new scar. Okay, seriously, what the hell is going on? Why does the idea of Zhongli being his own entity bother Ajax so much?

Focus, Ajax. Focus. That is neither here nor there. What’s important right now is to figure out where he went wrong with that interaction.

No matter how Ajax slices it, he’s not seeing anything wrong. And if things had gone wrong, surely he wouldn’t have received that achievement for successfully completing the tutorial.

Hm, let’s take a step back and see things from Zhongli’s perspective.

At this point of the game, Zhongli had already formed a contract with the Cryo Archon to trade in his Gnosis. She had dispatched Tartaglia (that’s him) with the mission to steal the Gnosis without telling him about the contract. She had also sent La Signora to Liyue to oversee matters, and since La Signora is the official contact person between the Tsaritsa and Zhongli, Zhongli must also be aware of Childe’s identity as the Eleventh Harbinger, the so-called Vanguard with a terrible bloody reputation.

Ajax face-palms. He’s an idiot. No wonder Zhongli doesn’t trust him. Zhongli thinks he’s been acting. The fact that he’s even able to score one Friendship Point is a small miracle.

Goddamnit, Ajax just wants Zhongli to like him. Is that so much to ask?

On the other hand…Zhongli doesn’t dislike him. He didn’t receive negative Friendship Points nor R Points from the interaction, so, that’s a win right?

Not to mention, Zhongli offered to be his guide, so there will be plenty of opportunities to develop a beautiful friendship.

The knot in his chest loosens and Ajax sighs. They’re moving in baby steps, but that’s fine. Ajax is stubborn and determined, and dammit, he will win Zhongli over, just like how he will win Ekaterina over—with kindness, patience, and basic fucking human decency.

Part V. Metagaming and Making Friends With Style

Now that his important meetings are over, Ajax finds his schedule wide open for the first time since recovering from his injury. It finally leaves some time to think about his next steps.

“System? When is the Main Character expected to show up?” he asks from the comfort of the couch in his hotel suite.

“Currently, you are experiencing events that are occurring before Chapter 1 of the original plot. Chapter 1 is expected to be triggered in 18 months.”

Ajax’s brows rise. Eighteen months? That’s quite a bit of time to work with. It’ll give him plenty of time to buff up his character, get his achievements, and then get the hell out of dodge so that he can live peacefully for the rest of his life.

Speaking of buffing his character: “System, what are ways to increase my stats?”

“Your character’s Attributes are measured by six criteria: Strength, Constitution, Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. Each attributes can be improved upon by performing certain activities associated with them. For example, to improve Strength, the User can perform activities including training, sparring, or exercising. Which Attributes is User interested in learning more about?”

Ajax pulls up Tartaglia’s stat page. His Strength is high, which makes sense given Tartaglia is supposed to be a battle prodigy. Naturally, Tartaglia’s HP and Speed are also impressive, which explains his excellent Constitution and Dexterity numbers, respectively. Ajax supposes that he can always boost those stats up to keep his edge over the competition. It wouldn’t do well for him to fall behind.

He looks at his Wisdom and makes a face. Urgh. Terrible. “System, how do you boost Wisdom?”

“Wisdom can be naturally increased through User’s experience and interaction with the world over time. As User’s understanding of the true intentions of those around him grows, so does his Wisdom.”

Well, that’s just shitty. There’s no way to boost that except grow older. Looks like Tartaglia is going to be stuck with shitty Wisdom stats for good, then.

Maybe Intelligence and Charisma would be easier to work on? Intelligence would be useful to help him come up with better strategies for not getting murdered and on successfully completing missions. Charisma would be useful to inspire devotion from other people and to raise Friendship Points so that, again, he won’t get murdered. As the adage goes, friends don’t murder friends, right?

“What are ways to raise Intelligence and Charisma?”

“Intelligence can be improved by activities associated with gaining knowledge, including reading, studying, and research. Charisma can be improved through activities associated with performing an art. Alternatively, Charisma can be improved via every successful attempt at Intimidation or Leadership.”

Let’s go for the easier and less douchey option. “What counts as performing an art?”

“Examples of performing an art include acting in front of a live audience, playing music in front of a live audience, and sharing cooked food made by the User.”

Ajax grins. Now they’re talking. These are things that he can actually work on.

“However,” the System continues, “because Charisma involves interacting with an audience, a negative reception from the audience can result in the loss of Charisma.”

Wait. What?! “System, explain!”

“User can prevent a negative reception from the audience by improving his skill in the activity he is performing. For example: for acting in front of a live audience, User should improve his acting abilities before the performance. Likewise, for performing music, User should improve his ability to play music.”

Ajax crosses his arms over his chest and taps his thumb on his chin. “Okay, okay, so what you’re saying is that there are two steps to this. Step 1, get good at what I’m trying to do. Step 2, flex those skills.”

Goddammit. Looks like he’ll have to grind for skill EXP first before he can even get started on building up his Charisma stats. It’s…fine. He’ll just plan accordingly to optimize growth. He’s a pro at this, having done it a million times for all the characters in Genshin Impact.

Which of these skills should he invest his time in for his Charisma stat? Music is something he wants for entirely selfish reasons. It’s the one thing in his old life that he’d stuck with since he was a kid, from the music lessons in his (happier, pre-divorce) childhood to the more recent random paid gigs he managed to land in pubs. He’d hate to give that up now.

Besides, when he inevitably chucks himself out of the main storyline post-Osial debacle, he can rely on his music and be a bard or something. No, wait, an adventurer-bard. Adventurer by day, bard by night. Yes.

In addition to music, he’d like to up his cooking skills because he can directly benefit from a well-cooked meal. Imagine: no more shitty instant ramen for him! He could recreate the meal from Liuli Pavilion in the comfort of his own home, or when he’s out in the wilderness being an adventurer-bard.

Happy with his decision, Ajax turns to the other attributes. Hmm, Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution are easy—fight monsters and he should be good to go. But Intelligence? He’d rather not have to spend hours upon hours simply reading or studying unless those activities serve a purpose beyond stat raising. Even that’s too monotonous for him.

Is there a way that he could maximize his Intelligence gain with something else, like incorporating it into his day job or something?

Ajax’s eyes light up in realization. The Bank!

In the original story, Tartaglia was technically given a post at the Northland Bank to help his cover as a diplomat. Naturally, Tartaglia completely ignored this in favour of doing what he actually enjoyed, which was fighting and harassing the recruits. This derelict of duty was one of the things that ended up being reported to La Signora and, subsequently, reached the Tsaritsa’s ears.

I hope the employees like the sight of my face, because they’re going to be seeing it frequently, Ajax thinks as he’s climbing up the red steps leading to the Northland Bank, whistling a jaunty tune. There’s no way he is going to be caught with his pants down, no sirree. He’s going to be the best employee and he’s going to balance the hell out of those books if it means he’s not going to get murdered. Also, he’s doing it for the stats, so he’s doubly motivated.

“L-lord Tartaglia?!” The day guard, Vlad, does a double-take at the sight of him. “Y—what are you doing here?”

“Master Childe,” Ajax corrects. He’s supposed to be incognito out in public. “And what do you mean, ‘what am I doing here?’ I am an employee of the bank, am I not?”

He chuckles, and with a wave at the bewildered-looking guard, he pushes open the door and breezes in.

“Welcome to Northland Bank. How may I be of servi—my Lord!” Ekaterina splutters. “What are you doing here?”

“Good morning! And it’s Master Childe.” The shock that he’s seeing, again and again, is equal parts hilarious and sad. “I am here to work, of course!”

He looks around the space. It seems like he’s still early because he and Ekaterina are the only ones here. The atrium he’s in is distinctly Liyuan with its exquisite redwood carvings and luxurious gold accents. Very bougie, very nice.

Now, where is his office? He spins around a bit, but all he’s seeing are more space for the guests. “I’m afraid I will have to trouble you to show me where my desk is located,” he finally says.

“Of course.” Ekaterina dips her head. “Right this way, L—Master Childe.”

He’s guided to the side where rows of offices are hidden away from public view. The space here is not as lavishly decorated as the reception area, instead retaining a cozy vibe with its warm lights, rich mahogany floors, and decorative scrolls lining the wooden walls. Ajax follows Ekaterina down the hall, all the way to the end where the corner office sits.

“This is your office, sir.” Ekaterina slides open the door and gestures for him to step inside.

Ajax gives a low whistle. Damn. The space is large with elegant windows that let in a flood of natural sunlight. Right in front of one of these windows sits a huge antique oak desk, its surface polished to gleaming with sides decorated in flower motif carvings popular to Snezhnaya. Tucked around the table is a majestic leather chair—also a Snezhnayan import, judging by its distinct design—and two smaller matching chairs for guests. Rows and rows of empty shelves and cabinets fill one side of the wall.

Aside from the furniture, the rest of the room is bare.

“Should you wish to bring in more furniture or customize the space further, please let any one of us know, sir. We will make it happen.”

“This is very nice, thank you,” Ajax answers. “I do have a question though. Who did this office belong to?”

Ekaterina seems to freeze. “Sir?”

“It’s just,” Ajax rubs the back of his neck, shrugging a little helplessly. “This office clearly wouldn’t have been left empty before my arrival, which means I must have taken over someone else’s space.” Someone whose actual job is to oversee the bank and who has the skills to back them up.

No matter how Ajax slices it, it doesn’t feel right usurping someone else’s spot, especially when he’s the least qualified person in this building to run a bank. Also, that’s how resentment festers, and the last thing he needs right now is yet another person hating him from the dark.

To think, the original Tartaglia probably never stepped foot into the corner office he had stolen. Ajax wonders if the original owner of the office was one of the many who ended up stabbing Tartaglia the moment he lost his Harbinger status.

“Please return this office back to its original owner,” Ajax says, mentally shaking away that grim thought. “I’ll just take whichever office is empty, thanks.”

“But sir, that wouldn’t be appropriate,” Ekaterina says after an awkward beat of silence. “What about your status?”

Eh? “What about my status?”

“We can’t give the Harbinger any office space and let a…a,” she lowers her voice like she is saying something inappropriate, “a civilian take the corner office.”

Yikes. That is so many shades of not okay. It’s doubly not okay when Ajax is just some starving student who happened to have hijacked this body.

“I may be a Harbinger, but I’m certainly not a banker, so I will gladly defer this spot to someone who knows how to run a bank and can put this office to better use than I can,” Ajax explains. When Ekaterina doesn’t look convinced, he adds, “Besides, I’m here not as the Harbinger, but as Master Childe. And as Master Childe, who is new to the city and to the bank, it would seem very suspicious if word got out that I occupy such a lavish office space.”

“Oh.” Ekaterina blinks. “I hadn’t thought of it that way. That does make sense.”

“Right.” Ajax nods, giving himself a mental pat on the back for his quick thinking. “It’s best if I were given another office for the purpose of discretion, one that’s more suited to an employee with my level of experience.”

He ends up getting an office half the size, which is still probably bigger than what he should get, but it’s a compromise he’s more willing to accept. Ah, one less complication (and potential murderer) to worry about!

The System’s window appears with a soft “ting”. “Status Update: Wisdom +2 for perceiving the underlying conflict involving classism and for correcting the injustice.”

Ajax pumps his fist. Two Wisdom points? Sweet.

The window continues its update. “Relationship Status with Ekaterina, R Point: -1; Relationship Status with Andrei, F Point +5.”

Oh, so Andrei is the guy whose office he stole and then gave back. Good to know. His good deed also manages to score some Friendship Points with him and a regret point reduction with Ekaterina.

Pleased with that bit of unexpected development, Ajax turns his attention to setting up his new office and going through what tasks have been assigned to him. He’s one hour into his work (he’s definitely getting lowballed here. Data entry? Really?) when he gets a knock on his door. “Come in!”

A mousy-looking man with spectacles and a long brown coat gingerly steps into the office. “L-Lord Tartaglia,” the man stutters, “it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Andrei, the manager of the Northland Bank. I wanted to, um, officially welcome you to the bank and to see how you are settling in.”

Huh. So, that’s Andrei. The man doesn’t look much like a potential murderer, but then again, what do potential murderers even look like?

Ajax slaps on his customer service smile. “Mister Andrei,” he greets in what he hopes is going to be his new Childe persona. He gets up to shake the man’s (sweaty) hand. “Very nice to meet you. Please, call me Childe.”

He gestures to take a seat, which Andrei does with the slightest tremors running down his body. Ajax pretends not to see this.

“I am doing very well, thank you,” Ajax continues. “I have just settled in and have gotten started with a bit of work. I can’t say I have ever worked in a bank before, so you will have to excuse me for my inexperience.” Although he has taken some basic accounting courses, so he’s not completely hopeless.

“You’re working. You’re actually working?”

This is the third person he’s getting this flabbergasted reaction from. At this point, Ajax feels bad for these people. Tartaglia must have been awful.

Ajax quirks up his brow. “Uh, yes? I am?”

“Why?”

“Because I’m supposed to be an employee of the bank?”

“Surely, you have other things more important to do, Lord Tar—Childe, than, uh,” Andrei’s eyes skim over the work that he’s been doing and pales. “Data entry? They’re making you do data entry?”

“It’s not the most riveting,” Ajax admits with a shrug, “but it’s as good of a start as any to familiarize myself with the different businesses that have taken a loan from the bank. Besides, since I’m supposed to be working for the bank already, I might as well actually do work for the bank.”

Seeing the books also gives Ajax a head’s up on when a debt collection is coming up. It’ll be useful to see the Fatui agents in action, or better yet, to join in on one of those excursions to get more tasty stat points.

 “Are you sure you won’t be more comfortable working from the big office?” Andrei asks in a small voice. “I…I understand that you didn’t want it. If there’s anything that’s wrong with it, we’re happy to make any renovations you choose!”

Ajax’s smile turns sincere. Poor man. Maybe he doesn’t have it in him to be a murderer. He’s trying not to step on anyone’s toes while doing his job. He’s probably more likely to keep his head down when things go south than to actively engage in murder.

“Yes. Please keep your office. I do not want to steal the space from you when it is not rightly earned. If you do feel the need to make it up to me, which you do not, I would appreciate if you can give me something more challenging than data entry.” Harder work means more Intelligence stat points right? Ajax is banking (heh) on it. 

Andrei doesn’t bother to hide his relief. “Of course, Master Childe! I will have that arranged for you right away!”

Sure enough, Andrei pulls through and Ajax is given something more challenging to do, to the surprise of Ekaterina and the rest of the employees.

By the end of the workday, Ajax leaves the bank in a sunny mood, happy to wave the wide-eyed guard from earlier goodbye. He’s also five Intelligence points richer and he’s gained another two Friendship Points with Andrei. Not bad for his first day!

With his day job set up so that he’d generate a steady stream of Intelligence points, Ajax turns his mind to buffing the attributes he’s actually good at, and that means venturing into the great outdoors.

Late spring in Liyue is a sight to behold. The trees are in full bloom, swathed with the pinks, whites, and yellows of peach, along with cherry blossoms nestled within budding green leaves. Bright green grass carpets the ground in a rich, thick layer, and every step Ajax takes feels like he’s walking on plush velvet. He stops his trek to enjoy the warmth of sunlight against his skin and to take in a huge breath. Even the air around him feels fresh and clean.

Yes, Liyue is stunning. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and there’s hardly a cloud in the sky. From the distance, a herd of Slimes is peacefully bouncing out in the fields without a care in the world.

Ajax takes the opportunity to stretch his arms high up, sighing in satisfaction at the pops of his joints.

Then, he materializes his water blades; a determined grin spreading across his face that’s made of all teeth and manic energy.

What a beautiful day for bloodshed and farming some enemies.

“…Hey System?” Ajax asks as he stares down a couple of bouncing Pyro Slimes slowly bouncing their way toward him.

“Does the User have a question?”

“Yeah. How do I fight?”

“User has been granted Tartaglia’s skills, fighting abilities, and instincts based upon his experience. For example, User can try to take a swing at the nearest Pyro Slime.”

Ajax takes a tentative step closer and waves the blade around.

Or at least, that’s what he thought he was doing. What was meant to be a weak, halfhearted flail of an arm transforms into a lethal strike as Ajax feels his stance change and, as if operating on autopilot, his arm brings the blade down in a beautiful, efficient arc.

The Slime takes one blow and dissolves in a mini-explosion of light.

Holy fuck.

“Holy fuck!” Ajax stares at his hand in wonder. “I one-shotted him!”

If he can one-shot a Slime with one measly swing, think of how much more damage he can do!

Ajax’s eyes light up and he positively cackles.

Oh, this is going to be so fun!

As if sensing his malicious intent, the remaining slimes turn tail and flee, their little bodies hopping as quickly as possible down the hill without outright rolling down.

“Awww! Don’t be like that, come back!”

“User should also take note of the potential Status Effects he can receive while fighting enemies,” the System interrupts him just as he’s about to give chase. “For example, if successfully attacked by a Pyro Slime, User has a chance of obtaining the Burn status, and would sustain a certain amount of damage over time until the effect wears off, the effect is cured, or if the effect reacts with another to nullify it. In any event, User should be diligent in checking his Status Effects to ensure optimal health.”

Huh. That’s good to know. “Hey System, can I check my status effects?”

The System’s window flashes and a new window pops up. Ajax’s eyes zero in on what looks like some blurred-out text.

“Uh, System?” Ajax asks, squinting at the blur. “What’s that?

“This information is currently quest-locked,” comes the System’s robotic reply. “Please continue to work hard to unlock this information!”

Quest-locked, huh? Ajax stares at the smudge with suspicious eyes before deciding to let it go, closing the status window with a shrug. It’s not like there’s anything he can do at the moment. Looks like he’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, he’s got plenty of fighting to keep himself busy.

No matter the type of Slime, they do not stand a chance. Nor do the Hilichurls, the Samachurls, the Mitachurls, the Lawachurls, the Geovishaps—big or small, the Whopperflowers of any variety, the Automatons, or Eye of the Storms. Tartaglia’s muscle memory is serving him well, to the point where Ajax can mentally take a back seat and leave his body to go through the familiar motions of hacking and slashing. Not for the first time since arriving to this world, he gives a quiet thanks to Tartaglia’s generous stats.

“System! System! Look, look! I’m a Battle God! A literal Battle God!”

“User is acclimating to Tartaglia’s skills well. Continue to work hard!”

By the time he’s done “testing”, the once pristine, lush field of verdant green grass is a mess of monster bits and broken machine parts, plus one wildly grinning Ajax standing at ground zero of the disaster site.

“Plus tens across all three stats, very nice.” He laughs, absolutely delighted. “And that’s just within my first hour. If I go about this for at least two hours each day, five days a week, plus another four hours on Saturday and Sunday, I’d be racking up an easy 180 points per stat every week! At that rate, I’d be able to level up to Level 90 in no time. I can probably optimize my gear and give myself some serious Crit Rate and Crit Damage boost. Then, I can rack in even more experience per week, up to 250 or even 300—”

“Em, Lord Tartaglia?”

Ajax startles and spins around. Standing a couple of feet away from him is one of La Signora’s men (Felix, was it?) and a group of recruits. From the way they’re standing in formation, they’re probably off to do some training. They’re also staring at him with something akin to muted terror on their faces.

It occurs to Ajax what he must look like to outsiders. Here he is, in the middle of a field, surrounded by complete and utter decimation, muttering under his breath with the manic energy of a college student who’s had ten shots of espresso. He gives himself a quick glance and cringes internally. He’s also covered in the blood of his enemies, some of it dripping quite liberally from his arms.

“Status Update.” The System’s blue window suddenly appears with a soft ding. “Relationship with Felix, R Points +5.”

Ajax tries not to recoil. He doesn’t think he hides it very well when the window proceeds to smack him with R Points gained from every single one of the recruits present. Yikes, wow, okay, time for some damage control.

Ajax slips back on his Childe persona and gives the group a guilty smile. “Ah, sorry, looks like I got carried away with testing out the limits of my Vision.” He clears his throat and with a wave of his (gory) hand, he sends a rush of water over his head in an impromptu shower. With a flick of his wrist, he extracts the water clinging to his skin, hair, and clothes, and sends it hurtling towards a patch of empty field some distance away. There. Cleaner and freshly dried.

“Holy shit,” he hears one of the recruits whisper in awe, “is that what Vision users can do? That’s some insane elemental control.” Then, “Wait, did the Vanguard just apologize?”

Ajax ignores the background chatter in favour of focusing his attention on a frozen Felix. “So, what brings you to this neck of the woods, Mister Diplomat?”

“I—uh, I was bringing the new recruits out here to do some training.”

“Ah.” Ajax looks around the field devoid of any monsters. Whoops. “It looks like I have accidentally derailed your plan.”

Felix shakes his head vigorously. “It’s no matter. We can go elsewhere to hunt for more monsters.”

There’s unlikely to be any monsters nearby; they’ve probably been scared away by Ajax’s overzealous farming expedition.

“No, no, it wouldn’t be fair to make you waste more of your time because of my actions. What about this? Instead of testing out your might against monsters, I’m happy to aid in your training this evening.”

This sends a fresh wave of whispers through the recruits.

“Wait, we get to spar with a Harbinger? Holy hell!”

“It’s such an honour, but at the same time, I don’t want to die!”

“I promise I will not use lethal force, on my honor as the Eleventh Harbinger.” Ajax makes sure to raise his voice at that while placing his hand over his heart. “This will merely be a spar. The moment I draw first blood, the sparring stops. How does that sound?”

It’s a very generous offer and everyone knows it. To refuse this opportunity of a lifetime would be the height of folly.

“Alright, I accept,” Felix says with a bow. “Thank you for your help, Lord Harbinger. I will leave these recruits to your capable hands.”

“Hmm, what would be a good way to do this? I think I would like to see what everyone’s individual capacity is.” Ajax nods. “Please form an orderly line. For this exercise, I will not be using my weapon or my Vision to attack. Each person will have 15 minutes, so please make your attacks count and use whatever method of attack you want. Mister Diplomat, would you be so kind as to time the sessions?”

Meanwhile, in his head, Ajax hisses to the System, Can I purchase some sort of ability to detect weakness here? Maybe a scan function?

A soft chiming noise sounds out in response. “The Scan ability is available for purchase for 30 SP. This is a permanent Ability allowing you to detect the Level, stats, Strengths, and Weaknesses of enemies and friends alike. Would you like to purchase?”

Oof. 30 SP? That’s most of the SP he’s gained so far from his tutorials. At the same time, Ajax gets how useful being able to see all this information is, especially with this ability being a permanent one.

Fuck it. Sure, let’s buy that.

“Purchase confirmed. Scan ability purchased and bound to User’s account. Activate Scan ability now?”

Yes, Ajax thinks as he watches a shaky recruit step forward. Let’s get this show started.

Ajax quickly realizes a couple of things. First, these recruits are really, really, new.

He dodges the clumsy strike of a claymore. Yikes. He may technically not know how to fight, but even he can tell that the trainee’s hold on the weapon does not look right, not to mention that footwork. How the man manages to still be this nimble is beyond Ajax.

He sidesteps another swing, pivots on his heel, and kicks his opponent on the back. It sends the man sprawling face-first onto the grass with a breathless, “Oof.”

Second, the Scan ability is fucking awesome.

His opponent’s stats pop up on a window to the side, and it shows everything—Levels (low as predicted), attributes, and, the most useful of all, Descriptions:

“Strengths: Affinity for Cryo elemental power, excellent aim, high Dexterity. Weaknesses: Low stamina, low Strength (physical), low health.”

“Alright, alright, stop,” Ajax calls out as the recruit gets up with shaking limbs. “Recruit, why are you fighting with a claymore?”

“Lord Harbinger.” The trainee salutes, or tries to. His shaking is getting bad. “I-I’m fighting with the claymore because—because…well, everyone in my family fights with the claymore.”

“I see,” Ajax says. “I will be honest, Recruit. I think the claymore is not the right weapon for you. With your build and your speed, I believe you are much better suited either with a lighter blade, such as a dagger or gun. Have you tried those weapons before?”

The recruit blinks owlishly at him. “I have, sir, but very, very briefly.”

Ajax turns to the rest of the group. “Is there someone with a gun they can lend out—ah, yes. Thank you.” He loans weapon to the recruit. “You know how to fire one of these things, yes? I want you to aim at that apple—the one right there, right by that funny-looking rock. Whenever you’re ready.”

The fact that the recruit can nick the apple on his first try isn’t a surprise, but nonetheless Ajax finds himself grinning at the look of pure surprise and joy on the recruit’s face. “A natural sharpshooter!” he says, giving the other a friendly clap on the shoulder. “You should consider specializing as a gunner. I suspect that you would make an excellent Cryo Gunner.”

“A Cryo Gunner, sir?” the man asks. At least he stops shaking in fear. “Why Cryo?”

Ajax laughs. “Oh, just a hunch.”

Here’s the thing. Ajax, the gaming nerd, has spent a lot of time on Genshin Impact ensuring that his characters have the best builds possible. He’s built charts, so many charts, pages upon pages of spreadsheets to play around with different weapons, stats, and damage output. He’s done this so frequently that he can see these numbers in his sleep, so it takes no time to slip back into that mindset as old muscle memory kicks in.

“Hm, a claymore is a bit slow. A sword would be better. Quicker strikes with lower damage output, but your speed more than makes up for it. A Pyro Agent in the making if your Dexterity is improved on.”

“Yes, sir! Thank you, sir!”

“Oh, high Strength and high stamina. A good tank. That should be taken advantage of. A war hammer or a claymore would be excellent. Pair it with a potential affinity with Electro and you’ve got an Electrohammer Vanguard in the works.”

“T-thank you for your advice, sir!”

“Now this is interesting!” Ajax murmurs, dancing around a recruit’s Cryo spells. “A Vision user, high Dexterity, above-average Strength as well, but—huh, healing scaled to Attack? Nice. Boost your Strength and your healing ability should increase as well. There’s a high potential to be an amazing support while having a good damage output.”

The recruit stops. “How do I accomplish that, sir?”

Ajax crosses his arms over his chest, skimming over her stats. “Training. Lots and lots of it. Monster hunting at least three hours a day, seven days a week. Keep this up and, in a year, you should find your Strength increased by fivefold.”

The recruit salutes. “Thank you, sir!”

Before Ajax knows it, he’s gone through every single one of the recruits in the group, and Felix is calling a timeout.

“Sir, the day is getting late. We don’t want to monopolize any more of your precious time after you’ve given so much of it already.”

Ajax drags his mind out of the sea of numbers and strategies. In the time spent training, the sky has grown darker and the air a bit chilly. The recruits also look infinitely more ragged and dishevelled than how they started, most with dirt and grass stains covering their clothes from being kicked to the ground. Some sport cuts, gashes, and the beginnings of impressive purple bruises on their faces.

But all of them are lively and giddy, even if they are clearly exhausted.

“Ah, I might have gotten a bit carried away,” Ajax chuckles. “Right, let’s call it a day then. Good work, everyone!”

“Wait, sir,” Felix calls out when he realizes that Ajax is not following them back toward Liyue Harbour, “are you not coming with us? It’s getting late.”

Ajax waves him off. “Ah, I want to spend another hour out here. I have a bit more work to do. I’ll head back afterwards. Don’t wait up.”

With one last wave, he heads off in search of more monsters.

Ajax doesn’t see the growing looks of admiration from the group he’s left behind, but he does do a little dance (after making sure he’s alone) when he sees the flood of newest updates from the System:

Relationship Status with Felix, R Point -5.

Relationship Status with Maxim, R Point -3.

Relationship Status with Michail, R Point -3.

On and on it goes, and Ajax has to scroll through the list a couple of times just to make sure he’s reading everything correctly. Looks like his little training session had worked to salvage his reputation.

This has been a fantastic day.

His next couple of days are spent trying to establish a routine that will allow him to gain as much experience as fast as possible. He’s also managed to pull some strings by virtue of being a Harbinger and got his hands on a guitar—one that came all the way from Fontaine.

He spent a few days messing around with the instrument, trying to remember the chords of popular songs from the real world. He has every intention of appropriating all of them as his own work once he becomes an adventurer-bard.

Ajax gives a mean little mental cackle as he strums the chords for Wonderwall. Copyright, what copyright? I don’t know her!

At least with his background in music, he can probably rack up those skill points quickly. His venture into cooking, however, is a different story.

“Suspicious dish? Why is it a suspicious dish again?” Ajax stares at the brown, gelatinous mess at the bottom of his pot in anguish. “It’s just stir fry! It should come out fine! System! What am I doing wrong?”

“User is applying cooking techniques for ingredients that do not exist in this world,” the System says. Although it sounds as robotic as usual, Ajax could swear that the System is judging him. “System has tried to warn User that perhaps he should be a bit gentle when cooking Slime with Jueyun Chili.”

Alright, maybe Ajax had been a bit impatient dumping everything into a pot, throwing in some oil and salt, and setting the concoction to cook on high. In his defense, six times out of ten that has worked for him in the real world, which are good enough odds!

“Given that User has no experience handling the ingredients from Genshin Impact, User should consider seeking training guides to orient himself properly.”

Urgh, training guides? Nobody has time to learn from training guides! Doesn’t the system have some other functions? “Awww, but System, don’t you have something that can help make my life easier?” Ajax wheedles. “Some kind of ability or something? Maybe some vids online? Anything? Pretty please with a cherry on top?”

“System has an Ability that will temporarily allow the User to cook masterpieces. The Ability will cost 200 SP.”

“200 SP?! For a temporary ability?!” Ajax splutters. “System, you’re just messing with me, aren’t you?”

“User can either purchase the ability or seek help from training guides. System has offered its advice. It is up to the User to make his decision. Work hard!”

Ajax jabs the X button with more force than necessary, but yeesh! Good riddance!

His stubbornness does not last. He ends up crawling to Wanwen Bookhouse bright and early on Saturday morning with his proverbial tail between his legs after he’s ruined yet another pot and three bowls.

“Master Childe?” a familiar voice calls out to him, just as he’s done paying for his purchase.

Ajax shoves away any traces of his disgruntled mood and pulls forth Childe. “Zhongli!” he greets with a sunny smile. “A very good morning to you too! What brings you here?”

Zhongli is as elegant as ever. His dark suit is without a wrinkle in sight, his hair neatly tied in a river of dark silk running down his back. In the early morning light, his eyes glow the same shade as the Cor Lapis in his earring.

Honestly, the man looks ethereal. There’s nothing subtle about the divinity practically emanating from every pore of his being. How nobody realizes that Zhongli is Rex Lapis is shocking, especially given the giant Geo-Archon symbol he wears on the back of his coat.

“I wanted a walk around the city. I find the liveliness and bustle of the streets to be relaxing,” Zhongli replies. “And yourself?”

“Oh, I’m just getting some light reading,” Ajax chuckles. He lifts his books so Zhongli can see the titles. “I’ve been trying to recreate some of the dishes we’ve had at Liuli Pavilion, but, I’m a rather poor cook, so I figured I should get some help.”

Zhongli nods with approval. “A noble goal. There is a great chef at Wanmin Restaurant who is known for her culinary genius. Would you like me to introduce you to her? Her knowledge may be of use to you.”

He must be talking about Xiangling. Ajax hasn’t had the chance to run into her yet.

“I don’t want to bother that poor chef with inane questions about cooking basics.” Ajax chuckles sheepishly. “However, I won’t say no to an excuse for trying out more delicious Liyuan cuisine!” Ajax definitely won’t say no to spending more time with his favourite character Zhongli.

He gets his wish. They stop by Wanmin Restaurant to enjoy some breakfast, and Ajax lets Zhongli take the helm in ordering from the menu. The food they receive comes as a shock though.

“White congee, also known as rice porridge,” Zhongli explains. “Traditionally served with a side of fried dough sticks. I have ordered the savoury style and the sweet style. I have also ordered hot sweet soy milk, steamed buns, and a sticky rice roll stuffed with pork floss, pickled vegetable, and fried dough sticks.”

Ajax hesitates. The spread looks and smells amazing, and following his disastrous cooking adventure, his stomach is positively rumbling in anticipation. None of this is the cause for his reaction.

What’s caught Ajax off guard is that, it’s just…none of the food on the table exists in the original game of Genshin Impact. Ajax has never seen any of these items as available for purchase or for crafting. Hell, he’s not even sure if they were mentioned anywhere in the game at all. All of this is brand new to Ajax, and he feels—

Just like in his last meeting with Zhongli, that uncomfortable feeling comes rushing back. His chest is tight like someone has placed a great big boulder on it, squeezing all the air from his lungs. He’s being silly. It’s just food, for crying out loud, why does he feel like the rug has been pulled under his feet as his world has suddenly turned upside down at these new revelations—

“Master Childe? Is everything alright?"

Ajax shakes himself out of his reverie. Christ, pull yourself together, Ajax. “Yeah, sorry. I don’t mean to keep spacing out on you.” He flashes Zhongli a reassuring smile. “Everything looks fantastic. Thank you for ordering. Shall we dig in before it gets cold?”

Ajax turns his attention to the flavour and texture of his meal, pushing the discomfort away with the same single-minded stubbornness as all the other times he’s felt it. Instead, he’s choosing to focus on what’s in front of him: on the way that warm, fluffy plain congee that compliments the crunchy dough sticks, and the silky soy milk.

He takes a bite out of the stuffed sticky rice and hums in satisfaction at the burst of flavours from the pickled, briny crunch of vegetables to the subtle sweetness of the pork. The breakfast contains a lot more savoury elements than he’s used to, but it’s wonderfully hearty and filling.

(Soon enough, the odd feeling from before dissipates entirely, and Ajax breathes a sigh of relief.)

“Delicious!” Ajax says with a sigh after the plates are all cleared. “I will need to figure out how to recreate some of these in my own kitchen!” Once he gets better at cooking, that is.

Zhongli dips his head at the compliment. “I am glad you enjoyed the meal. How are you settling in so far, by the way?”

“So far so good. I’ve been busy trying to get myself more acquainted with my post here, but now that I’ve gotten a hang of things, I wish to take the opportunity to explore Liyue Harbour some more.” Ajax takes a slow sip of his tea, savouring the taste and the way it warms him up. “I have heard wonderful things about the marketplace, especially given Liyue Harbour’s status as the largest trading hub in Teyvat. There is bound to be a lot to see and a lot to buy!”

It appears he’s spoken the magic words because Zhongli’s face lights up. “Indeed, Liyue Harbour is a prosperous city where thousands of ships drop anchor. As the largest port in Teyvat, Liyue Harbour has a history of trade and commerce spanning thousands of years, since Rex Lapis first founded the city. The commercial success of Liyue Harbour is owed to the countless contracts and regulations put into place, all for the sake of honouring the concept of fairness. Indeed, the rules are rooted in ancient laws set down by Rex Lapis himself, and every citizen is given a copy of the updated laws plus commentary to ensure they understand such rules and the importance of contractual obligations.”

“Status Update,” the System’s robotic bot calls out all of a sudden, “Intelligence +1.”

Ajax blinks. What? System, explain!

“Intelligence can be gained through activities associated with learning. This includes research and studying.”

Wait. Wait, wait, wait. Does this mean that the System counts Zhongli’s soliloquies as Studying?

He needs to test this further because this has the potential to be awesome. “Wow, Mister Zhongli. You sure know a lot about the history of Liyue Harbour. Do you know why Rex Lapis decided to build a city here? Surely there are plenty of other places that would have been of interest.”

Zhongli’s smile grows, and Ajax mentally pats himself on the back. “Indeed, there were other options, but none were as protected as this location. You see, legend has it that Rex Lapis had first ruled over territories in the Qionji Estuary with another Goddess called Guizhong…”

“Status Update: Intelligence +1.”

Ajax leans forward and props his chin against his palm, gazing at Zhongli as he spins tales of old into life.

Later, after multiple soliloquies (and a small handful of Intelligence points earned), their bill arrives at the table, brought to them by a smiling waiter.

“Please, allow me,” Zhongli begins. He reaches into his jacket, only to freeze in place. “Ah.”

Ajax frowns. “What is it, Mister Zhongli? Is something the matter?”

Of all the things Ajax expects to see, it certainly isn’t Zhongli with his brow furrowed, looking slightly to the side while his cheeks are starting to flush a delightful, soft pink. The unexpected expression seems completely out of place on the normally proud and elegant man, a spot of bashfulness that, for some reason, makes Ajax’s face heat up as well.

Seeing this unfamiliar expression on Zhongli’s face is uncomfortable, and Ajax finds his chest going a bit tight like before. This wasn’t in the game. He’d remember if it was. But, this time, he’s also thoroughly, thoroughly distracted by the sight to the point of not feeling as discomforted as before. Because holy shit, Mister Zhongli looks adorable. Just freaking adorable in ways that shouldn’t be possible, and what is Ajax going to do with this information now that it exists in his head?

Zhongli coughs linto his fist. “It appears that I have forgotten to bring Mora,” he mutters with a slight grimace, “I apologize, Master Childe. And here I was, hoping to treat you to breakfast after our extravagant dinner from a couple of nights ago.”

“It’s not a problem,” Ajax blurts out, already depositing a bag of Mora on the table with a small thunk. “I’m happy to cover this meal! Thank you for keeping me company and for introducing me to the history of Liyue.”

Zhongli presses his lips into a thin line, displeased. “I still owe you a tour of the city from before. Although we had originally planned for tomorrow, I would also be happy to take you around the market now if you are willing. It is only fair that I pay you back somehow.”

Really. That man and his contracts. Not everything can be measured like that, not when it comes to (what he hopes is) a budding friendship.

“Oh, pish.” Ajax makes a dismissive gesture. “What’s a meal or two between friends? I would be happy to have you accompany me as I wander around the market, but only if you want to.”

Zhongli goes quiet. “Friends,” he repeats as if testing the word. “I—yes, I suppose that I haven’t considered…” He trails off and shakes his head. “No matter, I wish to wander around the market so I would be happy to accompany you in your exploration.”

Ajax’s grin grows into a bright, toothy thing. “I guess that settles it. Next stop, the market!”

The journey around the market proves to be one of the more hilarious adventures Ajax has been on in a long while. It doesn’t surprise Ajax that Zhongli, being the literal God of Wealth and Commerce, would have an expensive taste for everything under the sun, no matter how trivial the object may seem. Only the best tea sets, jewellery, antique vases, and other artisanal ceramics for Mister Zhongli, and everywhere he goes, stories and anecdotes about anything that catches his eye come spilling out of him like a fount.

Honestly, it feels like being on tour with a museum guide—one with a velvet voice and a handsome face, and Ajax is living for it.

“That beautiful ceramic you see at that stall? The one green in appearance? That type of pottery is  celadon, named after the jade green celadon glaze which covers it. This type of pottery originated in Liyue. The jade green colour is produced by firing a glaze containing a small amount of iron oxide at a high temperature in a kiln with minimal oxygen. However, too little iron oxide will give the glaze a blue colour whereas too much will turn the glaze black. Getting the right amount for the desired shade of jade is, therefore, a highly guarded secret by the celadon makers.”

“Status Update: Intelligence +1.”

“It would be a shame to not purchase such a beautiful vase. This shade of jade denotes the mastery of the celadon makers’ skills. But…oh. I do not have any Mora.”

“Not to worry, Mister Zhongli,” Ajax grins, already stepping forward and handing a bag of Mora over to the antique seller. Having done this with three other stalls already, he’s more than prepared this time around. “I have you covered.”

As the hours stretch on, it becomes more and more clear that this trip to the market is just a massive shopping excursion with Zhongli doing all the buying and Ajax doing all the paying. Not that Ajax is complaining; he gets the bonus of spending time with Zhongli while accumulating a generous amount of Intelligence points without doing any work, and listening to Zhongli talk is not a hardship.

“Will you be able to carry everything home alright?” Ajax asks as they make their way towards the hotel in which Ajax is staying. “I’m happy to help take some of the packages back with you.”

But Zhongli shakes his head, looking a touch sheepish. “I cannot trouble you any further, not when you’ve paid for all my purchases. Thank you again.”

“Think nothing of it, I had fun today.” Ajax’s grin broadens. “So…same time tomorrow morning then? We can do breakfast, then venture into the Southern Wharf?”

“We can meet up at Third-Round Knockout,” Zhongli says after a moment of contemplation. “Although it is primarily known for its excellent wine, its food, including breakfast, is also quite delicious. This time, it will be my treat, I promise.”

“Of course, Mister Zhongli,” Ajax agrees, even though he has every intention of bringing enough Mora to cover the meal. “I look forward to it.”

And with that, Zhongli dips his head once and leaves with his arms full of the day’s purchases.

Satisfied that Zhongli can manage everything on his own, Ajax is about to return to the main entrance of the hotel when something catches his eye: a movement by a blurred shadow. He bends down to take a closer look, squinting in the bright sunlight to see what’s hiding by the staircase. A few seconds later, a snout pokes out, sniffing the air, before slinking out of the darkness.

Ajax feels himself melt. Oh, a stray dog, one of the many he’s seen all around Liyue Harbour.

He sticks out a gentle hand, making sure to keep his gesture slow. “Hey pupper, pupper!” he calls out in a sing-song voice. “I’m not going to hurt you! That’s right pupper! Over here, boy! Good boy!” He gushes when the dog walks up to him, its tail wagging furiously. “Look at you! So friendly!”

Before he knows it, he’s got his hands buried into soft fur and he’s giving generous pets to the happy, panting animal. “Who’s a good doggie? You are! You are a good doggie!”

Internally, Ajax is practically crying from joy. He—he’s always wanted to pat the dog ever since the game came out, and despite his multiple, multiple suggestions in the forums and in surveys to make the dogs pettable, Genshin Impact continuously disappointed him on that front.

But now, he finally gets to pet the dog and all is well in this world.

It’s probably some instinct left over from Tartaglia’s body, but something compels him to look up. To his surprise, he catches Zhongli watching him from the end of the street. This far away, he can’t quite be sure what Zhongli’s expression is, but he suspects the man thinks he’s a bit of an oddity given his happiness from petting the dog. Still, he lifts a hand up and gives a hearty wave, beaming when the other shifts his packages to one hand, then returns his wave with a little wriggle of his fingers.

“Status Update. Relationship Status with Zhongli: F Point +5.”

Extra: Zhongli

“A contract to end all contracts,” Morax had said to the Cryo Archon when she made her proposal. “An interesting and tempting offer. I will admit that the thought of retirement is an attractive one, especially after thousands of years’ worth of duty. However, I cannot merely walk away and leave the people of Liyue defenceless. I have sworn to guide them and to give them my protection for as long as they need it. It would be a dereliction of my duty and a breach of contract if I were to withdraw my support when they still require it.”

“A completely understandable concern, Morax,” the Cryo Archon had responded. “But the real question is: do your people still require your protection?”

“This I do not know, but perhaps a test would be best to determine the truth.”

From those words sprung an agreement between the two Archons where the Cryo Archon would send her people to create a trial for Liyue to put Morax’s concerns to rest.

“I will be sending you two of my Harbingers to carry out this contract. The Eighth Harbinger, also known as La Signora, will be overseeing matters and acting as my point of contact. Should you require anything, you can relay your messages to her. I will also be sending my Eleventh Harbinger with the mission to steal your Gnosis. He will not be told of our contract so that the inevitable chaos he will stir up will truly test Liyue for all its worth.”

The Eleventh Harbinger. Ah, yes. Morax had heard of him. Famed to be a battle prodigy and the youngest of all the Harbingers, Tartaglia had quite the reputation for causing chaos and destruction wherever he set foot. He was known to be cruel and arrogant with an insatiable thirst for blood.

He is perfect for the task, and it is for that reason that Morax allows him to land on Liyue’s safe harbours. However, the moment the contract is fulfilled, Gnosis or not, Morax will not hesitate to remove him from his lands.

Morax, now under the guise of Zhongli, can’t say his impression of the Eleventh Harbinger improves a handful of months after the contract is formed. They were supposed to meet, but the other suddenly cancelled, leaving Zhongli to dine at Wanmin Restaurant alone with the dishes he had pre-ordered.

(No matter. The cost of the meal was covered by the Fatui, so the only thing he lost was the time spent waiting. And if there’s one thing he has plenty of, it’s time.)

But when the Fatui approach him to reschedule, Zhongli does not hesitate to recommend Liuli Pavilion. After all, if the meeting is to be cancelled a second time, let it come at a hefty blow to the Fatui’s wallet.

The Harbinger does end up showing up this time.

Or at least, Zhongli thinks that it’s the Harbinger. He’s not entirely sure.

He’s young. Very young. A bit skinny and rather pretty with fiery red hair, and vivid blue eyes that have no right to be that expressive for a Harbinger. He looks nothing like his ferocious reputation—instead, more like the pampered second son of a rich lord.

This supposed Harbinger does nothing to hide his nervousness, and awe. At what, exactly? Zhongli discreetly glances down at himself. His mortal disguise is firmly in place so he can’t be the cause for the Harbinger to react this way.

(The oddest thing about this young man is the lingering Abyssal energy that clings to his body. The energy itself feels detached like it is barely hanging on. Hm. Another mystery for another time.)

The Harbinger—Master Childe, a name that has Zhongli’s lips quirking up—eventually snaps out of his reverie with a nervous laugh and an apology. What happened to the arrogance and cruelty? The penchant for chaos? The difference between the rumours and the young man in front of him is jarring.

Zhongli observes quietly over his cup of tea while the Harbinger’s attention is on trying to pick up a piece of pork with his chopsticks.

Suspiciously jarring. Is this an act? If it is, then Zhongli must give Master Childe a round of applause for his excellent acting skills, because even to Zhongli, this front as an innocent youth is impeccable.

“Mister Zhongli! Look!”

Zhongli turns his attention back to Master Childe, who’s managed to successfully hold a piece of pork with his chopsticks. The young man looks ecstatic about his achievement. “It worked! I did it!”

But as soon as he declares his success, his wobbly grasp on the chopsticks loosens enough for his prize to escape, landing on the table with a splat before rolling to the floor.

Master Childe’s face turns crestfallen. “…my pork,” he utters with the saddest little whine.

Zhongli can’t help it. He laughs. He laughs and he finds himself charmed despite his best effort to remain on guard. The thoughtful gifts do not help Zhongli with remaining impartial either.

The name Childe is incredibly fitting to this young Harbinger’s personality, much more so than the rumours surrounding him. Zhongli can’t help but want to learn more about this enigmatic character.

“How was your meeting with the Eleventh Harbinger, Lord Morax?” La Signora asks later that day. They’re seated around a coffee table with fresh tea at a private home on the outskirts of Liyue Harbour that the Fatui have rented for the purpose of conducting these clandestine meetings. “I hope it went well, or as well as it can be with Tartaglia? I do apologize in advance for his brutish behaviour. He can be difficult.”

Brutish? Difficult? The only brutish and difficult aspects of that meeting were the way Childe manhandled his chopsticks and how Zhongli had to witness it.

“I have a question,” Zhongli says in lieu of answering. “The Eleventh Harbinger. He’s young, surprisingly so, with red hair and blue eyes. Is that him?”

La Signora, who was about to lift her teacup to her lips, pauses. “Yes, that is correct. Why do you ask?"

“I was merely curious. His youth caught me off guard, as did his hair. Is red hair a common trait in Snezhnaya?”

If La Signora finds the question odd, she does not show it. “It is rare even in Snezhnaya, mostly found amongst those living in the small, western coastal towns of the country.”

The odds that Master Childe is the Harbinger are high considering the rarity of red-headed Snezhnayans. How curious.

Zhongli takes a slow sip of his tea. “Thank you for indulging my curiosity. The meeting was fruitful and peaceful. Harbinger Tartaglia kept up his role as a diplomat and conducted himself professionally. I appreciate the thoughtful gift.”

La Signora blinks. “Gift?”

Oh? So she wasn’t responsible for that? Even more curious.

“The Eleventh brought a collection of Snezhnayan folklore—translated of course. A most exquisite set of books.”

“I see,” she responds. Zhongli has a distinct impression that La Signora is not happy to hear that. “I am glad that the meeting went well. Should you have any concerns regarding Tartaglia, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.”

Later, back in the safety of his home in Yujing Terrace, Zhongli thinks back on her parting words. It appears that the Harbingers do not have a harmonious relationship. The Eighth’s contempt for Tartaglia was barely hidden behind a veil of politeness towards Zhongli. Her dismissal of his origins, calling it “the small, western coastal towns of the country”, indicates a level of distaste that goes beyond his character.

Something tells him that the feeling is mutual on Tartaglia’s part.

It certainly raises questions on the validity of the rumours surrounding Tartaglia. There’s a possibility that they were created out of malicious intent to smear his character, one of the reasons for which being that he comes from a more humble background than his peers. Anger and jealousy towards someone who is seen to have risen above his station, especially at such a young age—Zhongli has certainly seen that happen time and time again in his 6000 years of being alive.

Either way, Zhongli must admit he’s curious as to how this will play out, and he certainly wants to get to know Master Childe.

The second time he meets Master Childe is a few days later at the bookhouse. Zhongli takes a few seconds to appraise the young man, who’s squinting at the selection of books with a distinct grumpy expression on his face as if they have personally offended him.

Zhongli chuckles. The Eleventh Harbinger is very expressive.

The expression dissipates instantly the moment Zhongli calls his name, replaced with a smile that’s much better suited to Master Childe than the previous look of displeasure.

They have breakfast together, which provides a perfect opportunity for Zhongli to treat the young man as a gesture of goodwill. Except, as he reaches into his jacket and finds his Mora pouch missing, he realizes a fatal flaw in his plan.

Ah, it looks like he hasn’t quite mastered living as a mortal. It just so happens that he has to demonstrate such weakness in front of the young Harbinger and so soon into their acquaintance. How embarrassing.

Master Childe is quick to remedy the situation. “It’s not a problem,” he says, and he quickly whips out a bag of Mora. “I’m happy to cover this meal! Thank you for keeping me company and for introducing me to the history of Liyue.”

Still, he doesn’t want to appear like a complete parasite, not when he’s the one who offered to cover breakfast. A morning tour around the market seems to be a fair trade, and he suggests as much to the young Harbinger.

But the Harbinger surprises him again. “Oh, pish.” Master Childe makes a dismissive gesture. “What’s a meal or two between friends? I would be happy to have you accompany me as I wander around the market, but only if you want to.”

A meal between friends. Is this what Master Childe sees them as? Friends?

What a novel concept. Morax can count a small handful of people whom he considers his friend in his long years of existence, and to think that Master Childe so easily ropes him into his fray on the second day of knowing him. Not only is Master Childe expressive, but he accepts people into his fold as naturally as breathing. Zhongli suspects that this is not a trait that the other Harbingers possess.

It is…refreshing.

The hours pass in a blur. Zhongli, regretfully, falls into old habits of spotting and appraising antiques as he strolls through the market, jumping from one tale to another as memory after memory rises to the forefront of his mind. At least his company does not seem offended; far from it, in fact. He seems enraptured by Zhongli’s tales, hanging on to his every word while dropping bags and bags of Mora without care.

When he tries to insist that the purchase is not necessary (words that go against his instinct to add to his hoard), Master Childe merely shakes his head and drops more Mora. “It’s no trouble at all, Mister Zhongli! So long as you like it.”

(The dragon part of him, one that is normally dormant while he takes this mortal form, raises its head from slumber at those words. Who is this little mortal who so readily offers to add to his treasure collection? Who would have the capability and the willingness to satiate his hunger, to spoil him in such a manner?)

(It stares at the young man with curiosity and interest.)

Eventually, even he recognizes that he’s taking advantage of Master Childe’s generosity and stops himself before he begins to offend.

Goodbyes made and promises secured to meet tomorrow, Zhongli departs, wandering down the street to head back home on Yujing Terrace. He glances back at the young Harbinger. And pauses.

Instead of returning to the hotel, Master Childe is petting a stray dog—Hua Hua, if Zhongli remembers the name Ganyu had given the animal. And Master Childe looks delighted standing under the golden sun, his hair shining, his eyes sparkling, cheeks dusted a delicate, rosy pink, and a smile that is positively radiant. He coos at Hua Hua, his voice playful and honey-sweet, as sweet as the compliments that spill from his lips.

He is exactly like a noble, pampered second son of a lord.

But more importantly, the sight of Master Childe being so openly carefree as he shamelessly lavishes his attention on an animal without minding the looks he’s attracting…

It’s endearing. Helplessly so. Zhongli finds his guard lowered once more at the lovely sight.

As he returns Master Childe’s enthusiastic wave with a more subdued one of his own, Zhongli can’t help but look forward to their next meeting. He wonders what new observations about Master Childe he will discover next.

Chapter Text

Part VI. Humpty Dumpty

Ajax likes to think that everything is going fantastic. He’s been learning the new mechanics of this game-world, figuring out how to maximize stat gains, and steadily getting people to like him. He’s on his way to becoming the most overpowered mortal in the entirety of Teyvat. Everything is awesome.

Sure, occasionally, it hits him out of the blue that this world is different from the original game—it’s much more vibrant with added depth to everything: culture, history, and places. The world is well and truly alive and filled with people who are real. On the heels of that realization comes the weird but familiar sense of being uncomfortable like being hit in the gut with a hammer. But he can ignore those feelings. It’s probably part of the process of getting used to things around here.

They’re not a big deal.

They’re not.

What’s more important is that he keeps trucking forward. He needs to keep his head down and proceed with his plan to keep his Harbinger status after Osial’s inevitable release (failing to release Osial results in a thirty-thousand point deduction, which is an automatic Game Over. Thanks for that, System.) As long as he keeps his Harbinger status, he won’t share the original Tartaglia’s fate of getting his ass backstabbed in some dark alleyway by his own people plus some enterprising Liyuans.

Speaking of, he should really, really come up with an escape plan for post-Osial.

So yeah, he’s too busy to dive into what these funny feelings even mean.

(He’s not sure he wants to know. As the saying goes, ignorance is bliss.)

It’s unfortunate that with every day spent in this world, it’s getting harder to ignore the differences between the world around him and the original Genshin Impact.

“Mister Zhongli, this is amazing!” Ajax laughs, leaning out against the low wooden fence (probably installed to keep people from plummeting off the watchpoint and falling to their deaths). The view of the port is a mesmerizing one. Rows and rows of colourful stalls line the boardwalk, stretching along the harbour as far as he can see, no doubt containing all matters of trinkets and fresh food ready to be sold. Further away from the shops and out on the dock is a large, majestic ship the size of a house that is pulling up to the port. Ajax watches the way it slowly glides into an empty spot like a puzzle piece slotting into place before dropping its heavy anchor with a large splash.

Liyue Harbour is the trading hub of Teyvat. This is a fact written into the description of the city in game and a fact that Ajax had digested without ever registering what it meant. Standing here, witnessing the hustle and bustle of daily life with the sounds of rowdy merchants and sailors around him while being caressed by the warm ocean breeze, Ajax thinks he is beginning to understand.

(The way the harbour teems with activity adds thrumming energy to his surroundings. It is a place of great potential, but more notably, it feels visceral and real in a manner that the original game never captured. Uneasiness rears its ugly head once more, and for a second, Ajax feels out of sync with the rest of the world, like he’s a glitch in the Matrix.)

Low laughter like velvet sounds out behind him, and Ajax stuffs his worries away, opting to turn around to throw a carefree grin at Zhongli.

“Shall we stroll along the boardwalk?” Zhongli offers. “There’s much more to see.”

It turns into an excuse for a second breakfast. Ajax isn’t holding back since his days as a starving student are still painfully fresh in his mind. If he sees something that looks interesting and edible, he’ll ask what it’s made of before scurrying off to buy some. After a short trek, he’s managed to procure a small mountain of treats, some of which are being carried by Zhongli.

Oh, how the tables have turned compared to the shopping excursion from the day before. Now it’s Ajax who’s going ham on the purchases and Zhongli who’s watching him with clear amusement.

(Everything about those snacks, from their look to their fragrance to their touch, and taste feels impossibly real. The jarring sensation comes back, and Ajax ignores it in favour of watching Zhongli.)

“I’ve heard about these and have always wanted to try them,” Ajax gushes, holding a stick of bright red candied hawthorn. He takes a bite, his eyes widening at the crunchy sugar mixed with a burst of tartness from the fruit. “Delicious!”

“One would assume you had not eaten a meal in days from the way you are devouring all of this,” Zhongli observes, his lips quirking up in a wry smile that makes him look unfairly gorgeous. “I am pleased that you are enjoying the food. Don’t forget about the dragon beard candy.”

“Aww, Mister Zhongli, don’t tease me! I can’t help it if my weakness is food!” Ajax takes another enthusiastic bite out of the candy. He’s worked hard these past couple of weeks. He deserves to treat himself. “Blame my fast metabolism. I’m always hungry! In an hour or so, I could probably go for another meal.”

They do end up going for another meal exactly one hour later; this time, it’s at a tiny dumpling store tucked away in the corner of Chihu Rock.

“Satisfied, Master Childe?” Zhongli asks once the plates are cleared away from their table.

“Extremely,” Ajax replies with a sigh while patting his stomach. It’s a little round from all the food but thank you Tartaglia for being so wonderfully in shape because those abs can still be felt! “So, what’s next on the agenda?”

“Yujing Terrace. It is further away from the harbour, but it provides a fantastic lookout point of the ocean.”

Ajax was there only briefly for his meeting with the Qixing, so touring more thoroughly with a guide sounds nice. “Lead the way!”

Away from the docks and up the steep cliffs of Mt. Tianheng, the atmosphere of Yujing Terrace cannot feel any more different than the rest of the city. It is noticeably tranquil here with grand buildings and quaint gardens with manicured lawns, well-tended flowers, and water features placed along the winding brick paths leading up and up to Yuehai Pavilion. Everything is clean and orderly, impeccably maintained in its beauty. Even those wandering about nearby are better dressed in their colourful, elaborate silk outfits as opposed to the merchants and sailors from the wharf.

Ajax passes by yet another group of young ladies dripping in pearls and gold and tries not to gape at the display of wealth. Yujing Terrace is clearly the bougier side of town, and those who can afford to live here probably make up some of the most influential people in the city.

It’s not Ajax’s scene, but there’s no denying that Yujing Terrace is very, very pretty. He can appreciate the architecture and the way the buildings blend harmoniously with nature. The lookout point also provides a spectacular view of the entire bay, as Zhongli promised, so Ajax supposes that the trek through this part of town is worth it for that alone.

“Oh wow, you really can see everything from up here,” Ajax breathes. The ocean seems to stretch in a blanket of brilliant blue, dotted with colourful ships on the horizon. To the northeast, Ajax can see what looks like a series of islands with sharp, sloping mountains jutting out from the land. He points to them. “What’s that over there?”

“Ah, the Guyun Stone Forest,” Zhongli answers. “According to legend, that is where Rex Lapis defeated a god and sea monster known as Osial during the Archon War two thousand years ago. Do you see the strange shapes of the cliffs? It is said that those are created from the stone lances Rex Lapis used in battle to pin Osial deep into the watery abyss, where he lays to this day.”

(The original game never mentioned backstory for Osial beyond that he was an old god Tartaglia released from its prison for revenge. Realistically speaking, it more than makes sense for Osial to have a backstory since he isn’t simply a character that popped out of thin air. It’s more proof that this world is real and alive, and for a split second, Ajax feels disjointed from his surroundings.)

Ajax ignores it. “Why was Osial imprisoned? What did he do?”

Zhongli leans against the stone guardrail, his face turned towards the jutting cliffs of Guyun Stone Forest. “The Archon War was a tumultuous time with multiple gods vying for power and territory. During that time, Rex Lapis had managed to establish Liyue Harbour as a haven for Liyue’s people, and as the years trickled by, the city grew prosperous and its people more powerful and devout. From this, Rex Lapis’s power grew even more.

“The other gods watched on with covetous eyes. None of the lands which they held dominion over could match the wealth of Liyue Harbour, and they wanted that for themselves. Osial, in particular, felt particularly entitled to Liyue Harbour as he had always believed Rex Lapis to have encroached onto his territory in building the city by the seashore.”

“So it’s jealousy and a power struggle that led to Osial being imprisoned.” Ajax makes a face and shakes his head. “That sounds like your usual politicking gone wrong amongst humans as well. I guess the gods are not so different from the mortals in that sense.”

Zhongli chuckles. “I suppose you are right, Master Childe. Even though gods are revered as great beings with unsurmountable power, there are characteristics that they share with mortals. They feel anger and jealousy, and they possess a sense of pride. Now—” He turns away from the ocean. “—would you care for a small tea break? I know the perfect spot that serves the most fragrant teas. It’s around the corner from here.”

(Ajax hears the happy murmurs of tourists behind them, mingled with the cries of seabirds overhead. It’s all so real.)

Ajax grins. “Tea sounds good. Lead the way!”

The stupid observations don't stop.

They haunt him. Everywhere he goes, everything he does, he notices all these seemingly inconsequential details—the way that the merchants’ voices crack after a day shouting about their wares; how the sun beats down on the Liyuans, causing sweat to drip from their brows; the way the ocean breeze ruffles hair and clothes, making everything a tangled mess. These little things speak of a world that lives and breathes.

With those details spotted, the uneasiness grows, churning like a vortex, throwing his tangled emotions into utter chaos.

I don’t like this, the small voice in Ajax’s head whispers. Everything feels too real. It’s too much and I don’t like it.

Why is the thought that the world around him is alive bothering him so much?

“Sir?” Ekaterina asks with a small frown. “Is everything alright? You’ve been quiet.”

“It’s nothing, sorry. I got lost in my thoughts. No need to worry about me! I’m perfectly fine.”

(He is not.)

(Ajax is beginning to sense the first bit of his shield starting to crack, but still, he pushes forward.)

Two months fly by in the blink of an eye. It’s been delightful, especially after he’s charted the living hell out of his schedule to maximize his stats. So what if his charts require him to spend close to every waking moment on gaining more stats? Ajax firmly believes in no pain, no gain. He’s also a stubborn prick who’s hell-bent on reaching level 90 by the time the Main Character shows up, so he’s got a deadline to keep.

(Keeping himself busy also the added effect of keeping him tired. And when he’s tired, he stops noticing things. It stops the growing unease in his chest.)

Meanwhile, his relationships with those around him have gotten better. The recruits have stopped flinching at the sight of him. Instead, they actually linger to say hello and chat (mostly about ways to improve their fighting, but Ajax is happy to help). The impromptu training session keeps paying dividends.

As for La Signora’s spies, he can’t say they’re friends but they’re being nicer to him. After two months of consistent pleasantries, their barriers have worn thin enough that they greet him on sight with a smile. Ekaterina still gives him weary looks every now and then, but those are coming fewer and farther in between. Ajax isn’t worried, not when the R Points from their relationship are steadily dropping.

The most success has been with Zhongli. Ever since that impromptu meeting at the bookhouse and the subsequent tours, he and Zhongli have taken every opportunity to explore Liyue Harbour. This translated to more restaurants, more shopping, more walks around town, and more plays and operas.

Ajax is not complaining. Every time Zhongli opens his mouth, Ajax’s Intelligence stat benefits while his fanboy cravings for Zhongli content get fed. Zhongli is objectively good company all around, so Ajax is as happy as a clam.

(Zhongli’s stories are soothing. The sound of his voice helps Ajax tune out his tumultuous thoughts.)

Spending more time with Zhongli also means that Ajax continues to notice more differences between this world and the game world. They’re little things, like how Zhongli’s eyes crinkle whenever he smiles, the way he always, always blows on his tea right before his first sip, or how his body freezes in guilt whenever he remembers he’s forgotten to bring Mora yet again.

(All of those things, all those inconsequential little details, are more proof that everything feels real. Real, real, real—)

Luckily, Ajax has got plenty of things to keep himself distracted like with his music. For some reason, his Skill Points in music plateaued after he familiarized himself with a handful of songs borrowed from the old world. When he asks the System about his lack of progress, it merely answers with, “Playing music is not only about mastering the instrument, but also about playing from the heart.”

“What do you mean by that? I use plenty of heart when playing! All the heart, in fact!”

The System remains unmoved, and Ajax is left grumbling to himself.

Then Ajax ends up getting the Fatui to deliver him a piano from Fontaine purely out of spite. Because if the System is only rewarding him points for mastering an instrument, then guess what? He’s going to master all the instruments. Eat loophole, System!

The System does not answer his taunting and Ajax has a distinct feeling that it’s judging him with silent disapproval. It does grudgingly award him points for practicing his piano playing, so Ajax counts that as a win.

Honestly, Ajax is surprised he’s made enough progress to earn any points. It’s been so long since he’s last played the piano. Once upon a time, it was his favourite instrument. He found the act of playing soothing to his nerves, and it had the effect of bringing his parents to the room, laughing and dancing to the tunes he could whip up. He stopped after their divorce and opted for other instruments instead.

By contrast, his cooking goes much slower. With every success, he’s met with three times the failure and more ruined pots, and that’s after he’s followed every stupid word in those stupid cooking guides. When he finally manages to make his first perfect dish, a Calla Lilly Seafood Soup, he nearly weeps with unbridled joy.

He tells Zhongli about his success during their lunch at Wanmin Restaurant, but for some reason, he doesn’t seem that excited.

“I see. Congratulations are in order,” Zhongli says, taking a sip of his tea, but not without blowing on it first. Cute.

“Thank you, but why does it sound like you’re internally cringing when you said that?” Ajax teases. He attempts to pick up a piece of chili chicken from the plate in front of him with his shoddy chopstick skills. After watching him struggle for a few seconds, Zhongli takes a spoon and scoops the chicken into Ajax’s bowl with a mild look of exasperation.

“Try holding the chopstick a little lower, Master Childe. A bit more. There you go.” Ajax’s terrible chopstick habits corrected, Zhongli continues, “I do not mean to offend, and my reaction is by no means a reflection of what I think about your achievement. It is simply that I am not the biggest lover of seafood.”

“Not a big fan of seafood?” Ajax makes a disbelieving face. “You order the Black-Back Perch Stew every time we dine in Wanmin Restaurant!” For lunch and dinner. The only reason why Zhongli doesn’t order it for breakfast is probably because it’s not available at that time of the day.

“I do not mind seafood only if it has been sliced and diced to oblivion,” Zhongli corrects. “The Calla Lily Seafood Soup is, unfortunately, not one such dish.”

(Zhongli has dislikes? That doesn’t exist in the original game. But here, in this living, breathing world where he is an actual person, it makes perfect sense, doesn’t it?)

“Here I thought Mister Zhongli enjoyed all different types of food! Why is seafood the exception?”

Zhongli actually grimaces, and the expression is so amusing on someone normally so elegant that Ajax finds himself laughing. “I do not enjoy things that wriggle and squirm while smelling overly pungent. Let’s call it an unpleasant memory from the past.”

(What unpleasant memory from the past? That shouldn’t exist either.)

“If you don’t like seafood, then is there a favourite food you do like? Aside from the Black-Back Perch Stew, that is.”

“I suppose I have a few favourites. The Adeptus’ Temptation is one of them. It is a complex dish made from an assortment of ingredients: quail eggs, bamboo shoots, scallops, sea cucumber, abalone, shark fin, fish maw, chicken, Jinhua ham, pork tendon, ginseng, mushrooms, and taro. It is cooked slowly in soup until the flavours are allowed to mingle harmoniously. It is a delight to the senses. Legend has it that the dish is so delicious that even the adepti are tempted to return to the world of men to have one more taste.”

“Status Update: Intelligence +1,” the System’s robotic voice chimes in his head even as Ajax is trying to figure out what half of those ingredients Zhongli listed out are.

“Another favourite of mine is the Slow-Cooked Bamboo Shoot Soup. It is made with the finest ham selected according to Yuehai Pavilion’s gourmet standards: pork belly from Springvale boar and bamboo shoots from Qingce Village. The soup is made by heating the ingredients gently, and then leaving the broth to simmer for at least two hours. The longer the better. Although it takes time to prepare, the result is quite extraordinary, featuring the perfect marriage of fine flavours in a milky white broth. It is a dish best served during winter, when the bamboo shoots harvested are at their most tender and sweet.”

“Status Update: Intelligence +1.”

“I am not surprised that Mister Zhongli’s taste in food is as exacting as his taste in the arts,” Ajax observes with a smile. “And here I was thinking that I could try my hands at making one of your favourite dishes, but I think the soup you have described is too advanced for me.”

Zhongli tilts his head in confusion. “You…would like to cook for me?”

The note of surprise is rather endearing, and it makes Ajax nod vigorously. “Why yes! But only when I can make something worthy to serve. Besides, I tend to make too much in my quest to get better at cooking. What better way to prevent waste than to share with a friend?”

Zhongli huffs out a soft laugh. “Master Childe is much too kind. I wouldn’t want to trouble you.”

“You aren’t. I’m the one who’s offering,” Ajax insists. “If anything, you would be doing me a favour by motivating me to get better at cooking and helping me eat it when I inevitably make too much. So?” He leans a little closer and lets his voice go soft and teasing. “Interested to see what I can do?”

“Well, since you insist,” Zhongli says, amused. “As for a dish I prefer, I have not had the taste of Qingce Stir Fry in a very long time.”

Ajax has no idea what that is (it doesn’t exist in the original game). Still, he musters all the confidence he has and says, “Qingce Stir Fry, you got it. Once I perfect it, I shall invite you over for a feast.”

At that, Zhongli chuckles into his fist, and that little eye crinkle is back. It makes him look relaxed and surprisingly young. “Your confidence is admirable. I look forward to seeing your results.”

“New side quest unlocked: Create and serve a perfect dish of Qingce Stir Fry for Zhongli. Rewards: 10 SP.”

Ajax happily latches on to this new Side Quest.

(Anything to stop himself from thinking.)

(But despite his best attempts, the cracks on his shield widen.)

One of the upsides of his cooking adventures and outings with Zhongli in the past two months is that Ajax has had the chance to interact with the merchants and shops in Liyue Harbour in person. He’s probably bought something from everyone at this point, whether it’s fancier items like vases, jewellery, an overpriced set of calligraphy brushes, or random day-to-day needs like a constant supply of new kitchenware due to his shoddy cooking results. This also means that the merchants are aware of the, uh, generous way in which he spends Mora.

(They shouldn’t though. these are non-playable characters with set lines and personalities. They shouldn’t be real people, and yet…)

The moment he steps foot into a local grocery, the store manager is immediately by his side, greeting him with a bright smile.

“Mister Diplomat!” she says, all sunshine and rainbows. “So good to see you again! How have you been? How was that seafood soup of yours? I hope you were successful?”

“I’m doing very well, Miss Li! Thank you for asking. My seafood soup turned out perfect, by the way. I used your tip on making stock out of the crab shells and it added a depth of flavour to the soup that was previously missing.”

“Of course, of course, I’m glad to hear that your cooking went well! What will you be trying next?”

“Qingce Stir Fry. Do you have any tips?”

She lights up. “Only for my best customer.”

Ajax makes a couple of more stops to gather the ingredients needed to make his first tester batch, hopping from one stall to another. Practically everyone seems to know he’s been hard at work with cooking and has some suggestions to share.

“You want to heat the oil first, then toss in your garlic, ginger, scallions, and spices before the rest of your ingredients. It really adds an extra depth of flavour!”

“Blanch your vegetables before throwing them into the wok! You want to have thin, uniform slices of lotus root so they cook evenly.”

“The secret to making a good Qingce Stir Fry is the wine you use in your stir fry! You want a darker rice wine for more depth of flavour! Here, here, I have a bottle, Mister Diplomat. I’ll sell it to you at a discount!”

(As NPCs, they shouldn’t be able to offer advice like that but of course, in this strangely realistic world, they’re acting the way real people do.)

“I’ll take it,” Ajax says with a smile. “Thank you for your help! I’ve gotten so many good tips for this dish. I can’t wait to try them all.”

The merchant chuckles. “Ah, the enthusiasm of youth! I remember what it was like back when I was as young as you with all that energy to spend. Nowadays, I can barely be bothered to get out of bed if it isn’t for the fact that I need to make a living!”

(As a NPC, the merchant shouldn’t have a past—)

“You could have sold the business and use the money to retire like I keep suggesting,” the merchant’s wife points out from the other end of the stall. She bags the wine and hands it to Ajax. “Ignore this one, Mister Diplomat. All he does is whine to anyone who will listen. It gets worse with his old age.”

(She shouldn’t be able to banter.)

“In any event, I am glad you are putting in so much effort to try cooking our cuisine,” the wife continues with a pleased smile. “I hope whoever you’re trying to impress will appreciate your good efforts!”

“Ah, please do not mind my wife, Mister Diplomat.” The husband fires a disapproving look at his wife. “She’s being nosey.”

“I am not! I said whoever he’s trying to impress. It could be anybody. Family members, for example! Surely, Mister Diplomat’s parents or siblings would enjoy his newfound set of skills!”

(Parents? Siblings? The only place they exist is in the real world where he’s well and truly dea—)

It’s like Ajax plunging into deep, ice-cold water, because suddenly, Ajax finds himself tensing up as he chokes and gasps at the truth and the terrible, horrible realization that struck him like a bat upside the head.

Is this…is this why he’s been feeling this way?

“…Mister Diplomat?”

Is it because every time he sees how real and alive this world is, he’s reminded that he’s in it, experiencing all its vibrancy and life in its full glory? However, he shouldn’t be experiencing any of this, because to be able to experience this means that he is alive.

And that can’t be right.

“Mister Diplomat? Oh dear, did I say something wrong?”

That can’t be right when in reality, he’s already d—

“I’m so sorry,” he thinks he’s managed to say, but his voice sounds thin like he’s run out of air. He must have from the heavy pressure crushing on top of him and the feeling of his heart and lungs being squeezed and squeezed and squeezed tight. “I just realized I’m…I need to—”

Ajax doesn’t bother finishing his sentence before he turns on his heel and bolts for the hotel.

He doesn’t slow down when he trips over something that has him almost sprawling towards the ground on his face, and he would have if not for his high Dexterity kicking in at the last second to keep him upright. He rushes through the front entrance and climbs up the stairs, skipping over a couple of steps at a time. He keeps his momentum all the way to the top floor, only stopping when he’s reached his suite. With shaking hands, Ajax pulls out his key, jams it into the lock, and turns, then tumbles forward into the blessed coolness of his room, slamming the door shut behind him.

Almost immediately, the welcoming quiet of his surroundings envelops Ajax like a comforting hug, and he lets his body go weak. He lets himself sink to the ground until he’s seated there, on the floor of the entryway, his back propped up against the cold hardwood of the door behind him.

Breathe. Just breathe, Ajax. You got this. You got this.

It takes him a few minutes to wrestle everything back under control, and slowly, ever so slowly, he relaxes into the stillness of his suite. Outside, through the glass of his windows, he can hear the muffled chatters of happy shoppers on the busy streets of Feiyun Slope. Someone is laughing, bright and carefree, and Ajax latches on to that spot of happiness like a drowning man clutching onto a raft as he steadies his breaths.

In and out. You got this, you got this.

Fuck. Fuck. Why can’t he turn off his stupid mind? He’s trying his best already, but he can’t shut his thoughts up. He can’t—

(“You have experienced a tragic accident in your original world and have died. However, seeing that you have died with unfinished business, your soul has been transported to this world so that you may seek fulfillment.”)

Ajax wants to laugh. Of all the stupid things he’s triggered by, he can’t believe it’s noticing that this game world is too lively and vibrant. Jesus Christ, no wonder he’s been such a mess. He’s being triggered every time he opened his eyes!

The sensation of being alive is jarring when deep down he knows he should be very, very dead.

Ajax curls up, bringing his knees to his chest and wrapping his arms around them. Dead. Fuck, he’s dead. Dead as a doorknob. No matter how hard he wants to deny it, no matter how hard he’s playing pretend here, there’s no changing the fact that it’s the end of the road for him in his old life. It doesn’t change the fact that he can’t go back to it. Ajax the student ceased to exist two fucking months ago and nobody in this world knows it except for him and the System.

And the reason why he’s stuck here is because:

“You have experienced a tragic accident in your original world and have died. However, seeing that you have died with unfinished business, your soul has been transported to this world so that you may seek fulfillment.”

Ajax chokes out a harsh, wet laugh. Fulfillment. What fulfillment? Ajax has no idea what that even means, so how can he seek it out?

(What a joke. He doesn’t think he ever felt fulfilled in his old life when he was alive, so how is he supposed to know what he’s looking for here?)

But what does it even matter if he’s dead in the real world? He doesn’t have anything left for him there. It shouldn’t matter. It doesn’t matter.

Except.

I never even got to say goodbye.

He finds himself choking back on his laughter again as his eyes sting something fierce and the pressure in his chest builds and builds like a pressure cooker, ready to explode. Of all the fucked-up things to regret, it has to be about saying goodbye to people who don’t give a shit about him. Because Ajax is that level of broken.

The world loses definition, quickly becoming a haze of colours and blurry shapes. He wipes his eyes with his sleeve with an angry motion. Everything hurts—his heart, his chest, his head—the pain throbs in time with his pounding heartbeat.

But despite all of that, his stubbornness persists. I just…wanted to say goodbye, even if nobody would miss me. I just wanted to say goodbye.

The sound of a piano note rings out in the air, pure and crystalline, cutting through the swirling mess in Ajax’s head like a hot knife through butter. Suddenly, the chaos dies down, leaving everything perfectly still, like a violent storm that has run its course, leaving the flying debris the wind has whipped up to come floating gently down the earth.

Ajax blinks back to awareness. He’s seated at his piano with his left hand on the keys.

Huh, when did he get there?

The pristine ivory keys stare back at him.

As if operating on autopilot, Ajax brings his other hand up. He plays a second note.

It resonates through the air, lingering like a ringing bell until it fades out of existence as if it had never been there. Ephemeral, but sweet nonetheless.

He has always loved the sound of a piano for the way it can soothe away his nerves. He still remembers the very first time he was introduced to the instrument.

“You see, son? This is where you place your fingers,” his father had said as he demonstrated the finger placement on the piano keys.

Ajax was four at the time. They were seated at the piano in the living room with him on his father’s lap. Somewhere in the house, his mother was humming a gentle tune. “Try pressing these keys altogether at once. A little harder now. That’s it.”

A harmony of notes sounded out, clear and resonating but pleasing to the ear. It made Ajax giggle.

“Very good! Very good! Now try this note with that.”

“Really, you’re already teaching Yasha how to play? It’s a bit early, don’t you think?”  

“Mama!” Ajax screamed in delight as his mother waltzed into the room and pressed a kiss against his head then to her husband’s lips. “Papa is teaching me the piano!”

“Yes, my love, and you’re doing so well,” she said with laughter.

“Bah, it’s never too early!” his father ran his fingers down the keys, playing the beginnings of Salut d’Amour. “You never know, Yasha could be a musician in the making. Isn’t that right Yasha?”

“What’s most important is that he likes it. After all, good music must come from the heart .”

Ajax plays into the night.

He plays everything that he can remember whether it’s broken bits of classical pieces or pop songs he’s heard on the radio. He jumps from song to song, letting the strings of melody flow alongside each other like a current down a winding stream. He plays and plays and plays until the first rays of sunlight come creeping across his room, casting the walls in the molten gold characteristic of Liyue mornings. Only when the sun is high in the sky does he finally stop.

He sits quietly, listening to the muffled sounds from the street outside. He can hear the boisterous shouts of shop sellers advertising their wares and the delighted chitter chatters of the shoppers outside. Liyue is awake and as alive as ever.

For once, that realization doesn’t send a twinge of hurt to his chest. Maybe it’s because he’s too tired, but either way, he’s grateful for the numbing peace that has settled into his mind.

(He’s not okay. He’s far from okay but at least for now, he can continue to pretend he is.)

When Monday morning rolls around, Ajax feels normal enough to drag himself to work. As usual, he puts on his happy face, greets Vlad (who’s guarding the entrance), says his quick round of hellos to the other workers, and beelines for his office to get to work.

If he’s a bit quiet, or if he appears more tired than usual with his swollen eyes, those working at Northland Bank are kind enough not to point it out. It’s that, or they straight up haven’t noticed. Ajax is glad for the silence either way. He’s not sure what he could possibly say if someone decided to prod a little deeper.

When Thursday rolls around, he gets a knock on his office door.

“Master Childe?” Andrei’s muffled voice can be heard through the door. “Do you have some free time at the moment?”

“Sure, sure, come on in. How can I help you this morning?”

“You’ve been inquiring about the loan repayment deadlines of our clients, and I thought I’d give you an update,” Andrei answers as he settles into the guest chair in front of Ajax’s desk. He also hands over a small stack of papers. “These are reports on relevant clients, including their locations, amounts that are owed, and deadlines for repayment. Most of the clients are Treasure Hoarders.”

“Which means they’re scattered across Liyue, operating out of various little camps,” Ajax concludes. “Debt collection is going to require a bit of manpower.” Possibly more people than he’s willing to send out at once. He can’t leave home base with the skeleton crew as defence.

But then, maybe he won’t have to.

“Say, Andrei,” Ajax says after a beat of silence, the beginnings of an idea stirring in his mind. “I think it’s high time I take on some debt collection. What do you think?”

“I wouldn’t dare to go against Master Childe’s wishes if debt collection is something he wishes to do,” Andrei says. Despite his placating words, he’s not as pale-faced with fear as he once would have been. He merely furrows his brow in consideration. “I am happy to allocate any new work coming down the pipeline to our current staff for the duration of your absence. May I also share some personal thoughts on this matter, sir?”

Personal thoughts? Ajax clasps his hands together over his desk. “Please, go right ahead.”

“I think it would be good for you to travel outside of Liyue Harbour. And by that, I mean to take some time off beyond debt collection. It’s not lost on the staff and I how hard you are working, and to be honest, we’re starting to become a bit concerned. You look exhausted, sir.”

Huh. Looks like the staff did notice that something is off with him. “I’m fine, Andrei—”

“With all due respect, sir, I disagree,” Andrei says, looking at him with mild disapproval. Ajax tries not to huff out a laugh. The man looks more like a concerned uncle than the stern bank manager he’s probably trying to channel. Still, Ajax would be lying if he said he’s not touched by Andrei’s concerns.

“It’s no secret that you keep yourself extremely busy,” Andrei continues. “You’re up before it’s light out for training, followed by a full day of work, and then even more training. In addition to this, you keep up with your workload for the Tsaritsa, you supervise the men and their progress, and you continue to conduct meetings with business associates and the Qixing. Your effort is laudable, especially when you’ve been doing this consistently for months straight.”

Alright, so he may be a bit overzealous with his levelling efforts, but that hardly warrants an intervention.

“I’ll consider taking the vacation, how about that?” Ajax offers.

Apparently, that’s not good enough because Andrei’s frown deepens. “Master Childe, you are granted two weeks’ worth of leave away from the bank, during which you can collect…” Andrei reaches for the stack of paper he’s handed to Ajax and pulls out three of them. “…from these three clients. How you want to allocate your time to complete these collections is up to you.”

Ajax looks at the paper Andrei’s pulled up and scoffs. “All three are within a stone’s throw from Wangshu Inn. It will take me half a day at most to finish them.” Also, two weeks off? That’s two weeks’ worth of Intelligence points he’d lose out on! No deal!

“I suppose that means Master Childe has more wriggle room to complete this task. In any event,  two weeks are granted. Please spend the time however you wish, including some time to rest and relax away from Liyue Harbour.” As he utters that last suggestion, he gives Ajax a very pointed look.

Ajax tries to protest or ask for a shorter period off, at least, but Andrei won’t hear a word of it, excusing himself from the office at his first opportunity. So, Ajax tries the next best thing: he protests to Ekaterina. Surely, she’d be more willing to support his demand for less time off since she’d be the one picking up his slack.

“You know, sir, this has got to be the first time I’ve heard of someone asking for less time off,” she drawls out, unimpressed. Ajax knows a losing battle when he sees one. “I will see you in two weeks. Please enjoy yourself.”

This is how a handful of days later, Ajax finds himself skulking around Dihua Marsh with a massive pout on his face. As predicted, his debt collection job lasted him a grand total of three hours, leaving him the rest of his forced vacation to do…whatever.

Dihua Marsh is a gorgeous field of gold from the carpet of yellow wildflowers and tall grass peeking out of crystal blue water. As the wind blows, the stalks bend, making the land ripple and shimmer like the scales of koi flashing in the sunlight. The beauty of the land is something Ajax would appreciate if he wasn’t so annoyed by his lack of direction.

“Great, just great,” Ajax mutters. He finds a rock jutting out in the middle of the field and grabs a seat, crossing his arms and pouting even harder as the refreshing breeze ruffles his hair. “How am I supposed to relax when the only thing I can think of is playing catch up on my Intelligence progress?”

That’s not quite true; playing catch-up is not the only thing he can think of. Being out here in the wild also reminds him of how real the world is.

As well as how he is living in this world, and how he got here to begin with.

(“You have experienced a tragic accident in your original world and have died. However—”)

“Nope!” he declares out loud. “Not thinking about that right now!” He does not need to trigger another emotional breakdown while he’s out in public.

Hell, it’s not like he didn’t try to stay in Liyue Harbour. He had tried to negotiate for a staycation instead, but his subordinates literally banded together to kick him out of the city.

“We heard you’ve been granted some time off. We booked a luxurious, all-inclusive stay at Wangshu Inn for you, sir!” one of his lieutenants had chimed in that fateful day when Ekaterina told him to (kindly) get lost. “One with a fantastic view of the Liyue countryside. Have fun, Boss!”

“This is insubordination,” Ajax grumbled, but nobody looks afraid. Since when did people stop calling him Lord Harbinger? What was this disrespect? “You know, I outrank all of you!”

The lieutenant had the audacity to roll her eyes. “We’re well aware, Boss. Please enjoy your time off and remember, if you try to come back to Liyue Harbour, your men will escort you right out!”

Which leaves him here, sulking on a sunny rock.

Maybe things aren’t as bleak as they seem. He’s got two weeks off. That’s two weeks of intense training he can do. Plus, he packed his guitar with him, so he can use the time to boost his Wisdom stats by playing music. In addition, the chef at Wangshu Inn is a talented cook, if he remembers correctly. Ajax can probably get the man to teach him how to make a proper Qingce Stir Fry, which will help boost his cooking skills and get his quest done at the same time.

Ah, beautiful efficiency!

Feeling infinitely better now that he has a battle plan, Ajax gets up from the warm rock and brushes the dirt off his clothes.

“Right, first thing’s first,” he says, cracking his knuckles. “Time to find the nearest Hilichurl camp.”

“Status Update: Strength +10, Dexterity +10, Constitution +10.”

“Status Update: Strength +10, Dexterity +10, Constitution +10.”

“Status Update: Strength +10, Dexterity +10, Constitution +10.”

On and on, the stat gains flash on the screen as Ajax wipes his sweaty forehead on his sleeves. How many Hilichurl camps has he taken out in the two days he’s been here? Fifty? At this rate, there isn’t going to be anything left for him to clean out.

On the plus side, his fighting prowess absolutely skyrocketed.

On the downside, he’s bored out of his mind.

“Hey, System! What’s the time?”

“It is currently 6:00 p.m.”

Ajax sighs and dismisses his Hydro blades. With a flick of his wrist, he draws out a large sphere of water and lets it hover over his filthy palms. With another flick of his wrist, he sends a fine stream of water flowing from the sphere to run down his hands, washing off the blood and gore.

He’s getting better at cleaning up after himself!

“It’s a bit early, but I might as well call it quits for today. If I don’t ease up, I’m going to end up hunting the Hilichurls to extinction.”

“Indeed. Dihua Marsh is seeing a 35% decrease in monster presence,” the System replies. “Perhaps User would like to travel to another location for mob hunting tomorrow.”

A glowing map of Teyvat appears beside the System’s window. On it is a blinking dot signifying his location as well as a list of all the locations in which monsters are spawning.

“Hmm, where to go, where to go.” Ajax swipes the map. “Guili Plains? Or I can go further out to Mingyun Village.”

A strange feeling washes over him, making him go tense and the hair on his arms rise. Ajax dismisses the System’s windows quickly and casts quick looks around him.

Only wildflowers meet his gaze. There’s nobody around. Weird.

But why does it feel like someone is still here, watching him?

“Hello?” he calls out. “Is anyone there?”

Predictably, silence greets him.

Ajax shrugs and begins his trek back to Wangshu Inn, keeping an eye out for any shadowy figures lurking about. He doesn’t end up seeing anybody but the weird feeling doesn’t go away.

Eh. It’s fine. Ajax is more than happy to deal with the spy if they decide to show their face. At the very least, it should provide him with some fresh entertainment.

Day Three of Ajax’s forced vacation starts off the same as always. He wakes up at the crack of dawn, cleans up, makes a quick breakfast, packs some gear and food, then trudges out. Save for the orange glow of the inn’s lit lanterns, the land stretching out beyond him is pitch black, blending in with the deep indigo sky. The stars are still out and the moon is hanging on the horizon, but in a couple of hours, those will disappear as the sky begins to lighten.

Ajax jogs down the inn’s wooden stairs and heads south. The further he goes, the more the ground around him is covered in a rolling, misty fog and the air around him grows noticeably chilly as well. Despite knowing that he’s a hell of a lot stronger than the monsters around him, Ajax still can’t help but shiver at how eerie everything looks.

Ignore it, Ajax, he thinks to himself. He needs to get himself warmed up on a few easy mobs to take his mind off his creepy surroundings. No biggie.

He gets his wish sooner rather than later. In the darkness of the early morning, he manages to accidentally stumble onto a camp by literally tripping on a Hilichurl that is asleep on the ground. It lets loose a loud screech of indignation—loud enough to wake up every member in the camp—and jumps up with its club swinging.

Ajax materializes his Hydro blades and braces himself for the onslaught.

The fight starts off relatively simple. Ajax dances around the Hilichurls’ strikes and blows, flitting about from one spot to the next, only striking forward when he sees an opening. He keeps his motions fluid like the element he masters; every thrust, every slash, every cut is quick and unforgiving before drawing back to evade the counterattack. He likes to think his fighting style is akin to the tides rushing forward to lap at the shores, swallowing up everything in its path before withdrawing just as quickly.

One by one, enemies before him fall. Some fall with painful slashes to the neck, leaving them dropping to the ground, gurgling before they go still, while others are covered in fresh, bleeding wounds across their torsos that leave them too injured to stand.

The Mitachurl with the giant shield is more problematic to deal with, and not for the first time since he’s woken up in this world that Ajax finds himself cursing his Hydro Vision. Pyro is the OP element here! Pyro!

He jumps back, escaping a deadly swing of the shield that would have sent him flying if he wasn’t fast enough. Ajax dashes to the side and pivots again, bringing his blades together to form a spear, and strikes the monster on the back.

Or at least he intends to, if not for the well-timed blow hitting him on his side and sending his body skidding across the ground.

A swath of fire erupts along his side and he hisses in pain. Fuck! Where did that come from? He scrambles up, only to duck back as a second(!!) Mitachurl with a large shield takes a swing at him. The motion sends a wave of agony along his ribs and he grits back the pain.

System, he thinks, pump me up with some healing food ite—ack!

He can’t finish his sentence, too distracted from the sight of two other Mitachurls—both carrying axes—emerging from the fog. Fuck, what the hell? Why are there so many of them?

Something doesn’t seem right with these Mitachurls. There’s something more sinister about them, more violent in the way they attack. The shield fucker that had clipped his side certainly hits a lot harder than the other shield bastards Ajax has taken out in the last two days.

System, do you have something that I can do to stop these?

There’s a bright ping sound, then: “First Battle Gauge reached. User can now use Delusion. Activate Delusion now?”

Ajax dodges the axe and lunges, stabbing the Mitachurl right in the chest with his spear. It’s not enough to kill the bastard, but it does make it scream. Wait, what do you mean First Battle Gauge? Since when do I have battle gauges?

“User has always had Battle Gauges. Once User has delivered a certain number of blows in a battle, User’s Battle Gauge becomes filled, allowing them to temporarily use a power to aid them in that fight. Character Tartaglia has two Gauges, the first being Delusion and the second being Foul Legacy Transformation.”

Now you tell me?! Ajax twists himself out of the way of a charging Mitachurl as his side screams with agony. He whips the spear around him, slicing in an arc. His blow catches the Mitachurls with enough force to send them stumbling back. System! Active Del—

A flash of green comes crashing to the ground in a bolt, sending a gust of dirt and debris flying. Ajax brings his hands up to protect his face, but in that split second, he manages to catch sight of what looks like a shorter, lithe figure straightening themselves as they twirl their spear, readying for a forward strike.

Ajax can’t make out the face, but their eyes are glowing bright green. It looks oddly familiar.

Then, the mysterious figure speaks.

“Mortal, these are matters of the adepti. Stay out of my way if you wish to live.”

Ah. Ajax thinks. Looks like our favourite edgelord adeptus has arrived.

Extra I: Ekaterina

“Thank you all for attending this week’s meeting,” Ekaterina says the moment all the members of La Signora’s undercover agents have taken their seats. “Are there any housekeeping matters we need to go through before we start?”

At the round of head shakes, Ekaterina continues. “If that’s the case, then we can get started. Has anyone spotted the Vanguard doing anything particularly odd that we need to highlight in our report to La Signora?”

“None here,” Vlad reports. “Honestly, he’s been showing up to work on time, all chipper and polite. I don’t think there’s an instance where he hasn’t wished me a good morning.”

“Does he look out of the ordinary?”

“Not really?” Vlad shrugs. “I mean, it’s the same old thing. He wears the same uniform, and his red mask is pinned to the side of his head. As far as I can see, he looks impeccable every morning.”

“Same observations here. Nothing on my end either,” Nadia says. “He does dip out to have meetings with business associates. Wangsheng Funeral Parlour seems to be demanding his attention, but we already brought that up to La Signora and she’s not interested.”

“The man is doing his job as a diplomat. La Signora is probably not interested in hearing proof of his good behaviour,” Vlad mutters.

It’s no surprise among the four of them that La Signora does not like Tartaglia one bit, and that the information she’s really after is anything incriminating that she can report back to the Tsaritsa.

“Nothing for me as well,” Ekaterina sighs. “He does his work and he’s nice to the staff. Andrei seems to really like him.”

“The Vanguard did give him back his corner office instead of, you know.” Nadia draws a line across her neck. “I still can’t believe he did that. You said he didn’t even keep the nice office for an hour before insisting to get a smaller one?”

Ekaterina nods. It is surprising considering that Ekaterina had expected him to act all high and mighty as any other Harbinger would. “He took one look at the office and demanded that it be given back to the original owner. He wanted the smaller space. He said the larger space is better used by someone who knows what they’re doing in the bank. I can’t say I disagree, to be honest, but it’s…rather good of him to admit it.”

Despite her initial reservations about the Vanguard, Ekaterina must admit that seeing him brush away the justification that he should keep the office solely for being a Harbinger makes her like the man a little. She doubts the other Harbingers would have acted the same way. Definitely not La Signora. She would probably demand that her office be expanded, even if that meant knocking down a wall or two.

There’s also the fact that the Vanguard has been…rather pleasant towards her as well. It’s hard to dislike someone who consistently waves and smiles at you with genuine happiness.

“I have something to add.”

Ekaterina turns her attention to Felix, who is raising his hand. “I’ve spotted something about the Vanguard,” he volunteers. “Do you…notice how he doesn’t seem to sleep, or that he sleeps very little?”

“Wait, what do you mean?” Vlad asks. “Does he get up to anything suspicious?”

Felix shakes his head. “No, no, not like that. It’s more that the Vanguard, well, his work ethic is inhuman! I’ve been hearing some of the trainees talking, the ones stationed to do night shifts and all, and apparently, the man always trains first thing in the morning at the ass crack of dawn. I started digging around some more and uh, here,” Felix roots around his pocket and pulls out a folded piece of paper. “I think I managed to plot out his daily schedule.”

They all peer over to see what’s written on it. Vlad lets out a long whistle.

Ekaterina must agree with that sentiment.

The paper reads as follows:

• 4 am (?)—T wakes up.
• 5 am—T heads out of the hotel and into the wilderness. Trains for an hour. Monsters decimated.
• 6 am—T heads back to the hotel, cleans up, presumably eats, and works on Fatui matters (confirmed by multiple sources who’ve been asked to deliver freshly written letters by T himself at this hour.)
• 8 am—T heads into Northland Bank for work.
• 12 pm—T heads to the hotel for lunch. Alternatively, he has lunch meetings with business associates, often it’s with the consultant from Wangsheng Funeral Parlour.
• 1 pm—T goes back to work in the bank. The schedule may deviate a bit if there are more meetings to be had.
• 5 pm—T heads back to the hotel, presumably to change and freshen up. T then heads back out to the wilderness to train.
• 8 pm—T heads back to the hotel, presumably to eat. T resumes working on Fatui matters (confirmed by men being asked to either deliver mail or intelligence reports to his room.) Also, possible leisure time. Men reported the sound of music from T’s room.
• Midnight—music stops; T presumably goes to bed.

“Like I said,” Felix says, folding the paper once again and tucking it back into his pocket. “Inhuman working schedule. That’s his Monday-to-Friday routine, by the way. Saturdays and Sundays are spent with even more training, business meetings, and catching up on Fatui matters. It’s like the man is allergic to rest or something!”

“How the hell does he manage not to collapse from exhaustion?” Nadia wonders out loud. “Just reading this is making me feel tired.”

“According to sources, our Vanguard likes to drink copious amounts of coffee ‘like it’s going out of style’. That and he practically inhales a ton of sugary snacks every day.”

Ekaterina feels the corner of her lips twitch upwards. Why does the Vanguard sound exactly like her younger brothers when they were studying for exams in university, living on nothing but caffeine and sugar?

The realization also has a sobering effect. The Vanguard is of the same age as a typical university student—which is to say, shockingly young to be a Harbinger.

“At the rate he’s going, I think it’s more worthwhile to keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn’t collapse or something,” Vlad mutters, frowning. “Can you imagine what would happen if word got around that the Eleventh Harbinger fainted from exhaustion?”

It would reflect badly on all those stationed in Liyue, painting them as incompetent slackers. After all, why would the Harbinger have to work himself to the bone if he has people he can trust and delegate his work to?

But there’s also a second reason why Ekaterina doesn’t want things to get this bad, and it’s simply that she…doesn’t hate the Vanguard. Ever since his injury, he’s treated her rather kindly, and it doesn’t sit right for her to watch the Vanguard burn himself out like that.

“How about this? We keep an eye on him. Get the other men to do so as well, including Andrei,” Ekaterina proposes. “The moment that things get rough, we stage an intervention.”

Felix blinks. “An intervention? Like, we force him to go on vacation or something?”

Ekaterina shrugs. “If we must! Better that than letting him self-destruct.”

“What do we tell La Signora?” Nadia asks. “Do we disclose this information to her?”

Vlad shakes his head. “As if she’d be interested in more proof of how hard the Vanguard is working. I say we keep this quiet, including our plan to intervene. Something tells me that La Signora would not be happy to learn that we are planning to help the Vanguard in any way.”

Yet another secret kept from La Signora. If they are ever caught, there’s no doubt in Ekaterina’s mind that their loyalties towards the Eighth would be severely questioned.

For some reason, that (very real) possibility doesn’t seem to scare her as much as it did in the past.

From his hotel suite, Ajax stares in confusion at the status update from the System, notifying him that he’s experienced a round of Regret Point decreases from Ekaterina, Felix, Vlad, and Nadia.

Eh? What did he do to deserve that?

Extra II: Zhongli

The Eleventh Harbinger remains an interesting figure, and the more Zhongli gets to know him, the more fascinating he becomes.

One of the observations that Zhongli makes is that the Eleventh is clearly new to travel. He is looking around at everything with large, round eyes, as he’s practically brimming with excitement. Even the most mundane things and little details capture his attention, from the way the ships are pulling into the harbour to how Liyuans dress. He also continues to remain completely attentive to Zhongli’s (admittedly) long-winded stories with a smile on his lips, even asking for Zhongli to elaborate on some.

Zhongli is rather…flattered by the attention. He knows that he gets easily lost in his memories, which has the unintended effect of boring his conversation partners, but apparently, this is not something he has to fear when it comes to Master Childe. If anything, Master Childe always looks inordinately pleased whenever he goes into one of his lengthier tales.

Another observation he’s come to realize is that the young man possesses a stomach akin to a bottomless pit. He makes this discovery during their third meeting when showing Master Childe the wharf. Master Childe took one look at all the food options and practically lit up.

Then, he proceeded to beeline to the closest stall to buy the sweetest snack they offered. And he repeated that for the next stall, the one after that, and the one after that, to the point where his arms were laden with all his purchases.

And even then, he eyed the other stalls he did not get to with the expression of a kicked puppy.

“I can hold some of these for you,” Zhongli had offered. He made no effort on hiding his amusement. “Although perhaps you should consider finishing some of these other snacks first.”

“Oh, they’ll be gone in no time, I’m not too worried,” Master Childe answered with a bright smile. There were traces of sugar on his lips and at the corner of his mouth. Zhongli huffed out a low laugh as he drowned out the urge to reach over and wipe the young Harbinger’s mouth clean.

True to his word, Master Childe polished off his sweets, and the moment he had freed up some arm room to hold more purchases, he immediately flitted to the stall with the tanghulu.

“One would assume you had not eaten a meal in days from the way you are devouring these snacks,” Zhongli could not help but tease. “I am pleased that you are enjoying the food, though. Don’t forget about the dragon beard candy.”

“Aww, Mister Zhongli, don’t tease me! I can’t help it if my weakness is food! Also, blame my fast metabolism. I’m always hungry! In an hour or so, I can probably go for another meal.”

Good. For someone as tall as Master Childe, he was surprisingly lean. It made the old Liyuan in Zhongli cluck with disapproval. The young man could use more food in him.

Subsequent meetings with Master Childe were similarly filled with stories, good food, and walks around town, particularly to places less frequented by tourists. Master Childe remained generous with his Mora and footed the bill for most of their meals and purchases. Whenever Zhongli had offered something in return, Master Childe had simply waived it away, citing that friends don’t owe friends anything.

To be given so much with no expectation of anything in return was refreshing, and despite Zhongli’s best efforts, he found himself getting more and more comfortable with Master Childe’s presence and generous spirit.

He’s also getting more attached to this young man than he expects, a feeling that only grows when Master Childe offers to cook for him. That had gotten the dragon within him stirring with interest once again. The prospect of an offering made with the purest intention to please him is bound to be delicious and powerful, and Zhongli suddenly felt so very hungry.

In any event, Zhongli finds himself reluctantly becoming fond of the little rascal, which is why when he starts noticing the increasing way Master Childe going quiet, sporting a sad, lost expression on his face. Zhongli can’t help but be a tad concerned.

Those moments seem to appear at random. They could be talking about something as benign as the newest recipe that Wanmin Restaurant is promoting and that look of quiet sadness would appear, lasting for a flicker before dissipating like smoke in the air. Zhongli doesn’t know what’s causing them. From what Childe had told him, it appears that the young man keeps a (very, very) busy schedule of training and work, both of which he attacks with gusto.

With the lack of a solution, Zhongli begrudgingly decides to let things slide for now until he figures out how to intervene.

Then, Master Childe starts showing up to their meetings looking utterly, utterly exhausted, his face wan against the dark circles around his eyes, and Zhongli grows even more alarmed. He is ready to put his foot down. He isn't entirely sure what to do, but it appears Master Childe's men beat him to it.

“They’re kicking me out of the city and forcing me on vacation!” Master Childe complains to him during dinner. “Apparently, I’ve been working too hard or something!”

Something tells Zhongli that if he lets the relief show on his face, Master Childe would not appreciate it. “Oh? Do you disagree with their assessment?”

Master Childe grimaces. He also tries to pick up more food with his chopsticks with mixed success. He’s getting better at handling them, though. “I mean, sure I feel a little tired but it’s nothing worth this overreaction!”

The bags under Master Childe’s eyes beg to differ.

“Allow me to ask you this,” Zhongli says after taking a long sip of his tea. “When was the last time you had a day off to do absolutely nothing? By that, I mean no training, no touching any of the files on your desk, and no sending letters and reports?”

The silence he gets in response is telling.

“I see. I believe your men are acting correctly.”

Master Childe groans. “Not you too, Mister Zhongli! And here I was hoping for an ally in this! What am I going to do with two weeks of nothing?”

Zhongli hides his smile behind his mug. So expressive, this young Harbinger, and so very dramatic. “Where are you headed off to? Perhaps, I can suggest a few places you can sightsee.”

“Dihua Marsh and Wangshu Inn.”

“Ah, I am very familiar with those locations and surroundings. To the south are a set of ruins that might be of interest to you…”

As Zhongli rattles off his suggestions, a stray thought enters his mind: perhaps it is a good idea to contact the Guardian Yaksha to keep an eye on the Eleventh. Knowing Master Childe, it’s only a matter of time before his restless and reckless nature gets him into trouble.

Chapter Text

Part VII. Ajax and Xiao Bonding Hour

The Adeptus Xiao, also known as the Conqueror of Evil, is exceptionally good at his job.

This inane thought crosses Ajax's mind while his Healing Food is in effect. As he watches from the sidelines, Xiao utterly decimates his opponents.

The adeptus moves with speed and grace that comes as a complete and utter surprise. He is one of the many characters Ajax did not get in the original game, being locked behind the dreaded paywall, so Ajax is unfamiliar with his fighting style or strength. The only thing he knows about Xiao is bits of lore from his character stories involving Zhongli.

Ajax thinks he might have made a terrible decision in deciding to skip Xiao because holy fuck. Xiao leaps up and up as if the laws of fucking gravity do not apply to him. Then, he flips and plunges the spear straight down and strikes at the hapless Mitachurls below in a flash of light, sending a shockwave rippling outwards.

System, Ajax thinks. His jaw is dropped open like he’s an idiot, but fuckkkk. Can I get a scan on him?

Xiao’s stats ipop up in the window beside him and Ajax’s eyes go wide.

Holy fuck! What the fuck are those stats??

Whereas Ajax is mighty stinking proud of how high Tartaglia’s base stats in Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution are to begin with, he does not even begin to hold a torch against Xiao. Xiao’s numbers are off the charts, definitely well beyond what Ajax could achieve in his lifetime no matter how hard he trains. And his level—

What the fuck? Level 2031?? System! Is that right? Do levels go that high?!

The original game caps the levels at 90, so what the hell is this bullshit number?

“The System’s Scan ability does not make mistakes,” comes the System’s robotic voice in his head. If it had the ability to do so, the System would have finished that sentence with an offended sniff. “There is no cap on levels. Time and effort are the only determining factors.”

That explains it. With Xiao being an immortal adeptus, he literally has all the time in the world to build on his strength. Suddenly, the strength difference between mortals and the gods is made all the more apparent.

A part of Ajax now wonders how powerful Zhongli with his Gnosis is. Hmmmm.

Xiao is about finished with his opponents. He delivers one last strike, a burst of green and dark energy surging from the tip of his spear as the weapon stabs into the vulnerable belly of the Mitachurl. The monster gives a loud, pained roar before keeling over, its large body slamming into the ground. It lays there, twitching as blood pours out of its wound, pooling onto the grass around it before it falls still.

Ajax gives a low whistle, impressed. “Wow. You sure did a number on him. My most sincere thanks, Mister—ack!”

The tip of the spear points towards his neck and Ajax stares at it, cross-eyed.

“You reek of the Abyss,” the adeptus hisses. This close, Ajax can see the intricate carving of the dark, wooden mask the other is sporting, and the eerie green glow emanating from the eyes. “What are your intentions here?”

Abyss? The fuck is that?

“Woah, woah, I think there’s been a huge misunderstanding!” Ajax raises his open hands in a universal gesture of harmlessness. “First of all, I have no idea what an Abyss is. Second, I’m here on vacation!”

Just as he finishes speaking, a familiar robotic voice chimes out, “New Side Quest unlocked: Traces of Tartaglia (1). Objective: In your journey to unlock the mysteries of Tartaglia’s past, discover more about the Abyss. Mission completion reward: +10 SP. Mission failure consequence: -10 SP.”

Wait, I have to discover what now?!

Xiao scoffs. “You’re a Fatuus, are you not?” He tilts his head slightly towards the Tartaglia mask pinned to Ajax’s hair. “I highly doubt someone from the Fatui would not have heard of the Abyss, especially a warrior such as yourself. And, as I have mentioned before, you reek of it.”

“Who says I’m a warrior—okay, okay, could you point that thing away from my neck, please?”

“Do not lie to me, mortal.” Xiao’s glare would’ve killed him a million times over if looks could do such a thing. “I have watched you these past couple of days. I bore witness to your fighting skills. I know a warrior when I see one. So, I ask again, What. Are. Your. Intentions?”

“I’m not lying!” Ajax says, leaning away from the spear to give him a bit of breathing room even as the gesture sends his side twinging with a dull ache. Looks like his Healing Food couldn’t take care of all his injuries. “I really have no idea what an Abyss is, and I’m here on vacation for two weeks! Unwillingly, might I add! If I had the option, I would’ve been more than happy to go back to Liyue Harbour!”

Ajax stays completely still as Xiao narrows his gaze, clearly scrutinizing him to see if he’s lying through his teeth. After a few tense minutes, Xiao finally lowers his spear.

“You really are clueless,” he scoffs, and his dismissive head shake has Ajax bristling like a cat. “Be that as it may, I will be keeping my eye on you, so do not try to stir up any trouble.”

“Wait, wait, since you know so much about the Abyss, can you tell me what it is—oh, and you’ve disappeared. Of course you have.”

It’s as if Xiao blinked out of existence—one second, he’s there and the next, he’s nowhere. It’s just the quiet grasslands around Ajax, littered with the disintegrating bodies of dead monsters. Ajax stuffs his hands in his pockets and kicks dejectedly at a nearby rock. Whelp, there goes that effort to find out more about what an Abyss is.

“Update,” the System window pops back up with a soft chime. “Relationship Status with Xiao: +20 R Points.”

Of fucking course.

His mood thoroughly ruined and his side twinging in pain, Ajax decides to trudge back to Wangshu Inn to change and tend to his injuries. He could also use the time to think about his next steps.

He does remember to conjure up some water to wash away the gore first, though. The last thing he needs is to scare off Ms. Goldet and her other guests.

Wangshu Inn is a glorious building of wealth and beauty built on top of a massive stone pillar in the south of Dihua Marsh. A single, massive tree coils around the building with its twisting trunk and roots cradling the wooden structure while its thick branches form a canopy of rich, golden leaves over the roof. The leaves not only provide cooling shade to weary travellers but a beautiful sight to those venturing between Liyue and Mondstadt from miles and miles away.

The inn is by far the tallest man-made structure in this part of Liyue. The original builders of the inn must have realized this because they made multiple large balconies sitting on different floors to capitalize on the fantastic view. On clear days, it is said that one can see as far as Mt. Qingce and Jueyun Karst.

Naturally, the rooms located on the highest floor are the most luxurious with an exorbitant price tag to match. It is also one of these rooms that Ajax’s men have rented for him for his two-week-long stay so that he may bask in luxury rightly deserved.

He’s cursing at their good intention now because to get to those rooms, it means having to climb multiple flights of stairs. That is not a particularly fun activity for someone with a busted side.

“Welcome to Wangshu Inn! How may I—oh, Master Childe! Oh, dear, are you alright?”

“Hello, Ms. Goldet.” Ajax gives her a weak smile even as he’s clutching onto his side. “Sorry to worry you. I ran into some monsters south of the inn and I got clipped. Nothing needed but a bit of rest to take care of it.” And a second round of Healing Food once his cooldown is done.

“Monsters so close to the inn?” Ms. Goldet looks alarmed. “We will contact the Millelith at once to investigate. On behalf of Wangshu Inn, I offer you my sincerest apology. We will gladly provide medicine and bandages free of charge.”

“Ah, it’s alright, there’s nothing to it,” Ajax assures her. “The Millelith probably won’t find anything at the site of the attack since all the monsters have been defeated by an adeptus. He disappeared quickly, though.”

“An adeptus, you say.” Although Ms. Goldet’s tone is mild with a hint of confusion, there’s something about the stiff way she holds herself that makes Ajax suspicious. “What did that adeptus look like?”

“Um, he’s about this tall.” Ajax holds his hand out to Xiao’s approximate height. “Dark hair, wears a dark mask that has glowing green eyes, and he holds a jade green spear. He can jump really high. He’s also a bit…curt? He ordered me to stay back while he took care of business. Watching him work was impressive, I have to say!”

While delivering his little spiel, Ajax watches Ms. Goldet’s face. If he hadn’t been paying attention, he wouldn’t have spotted the slightest way she pressed her lips together or the way her brows furrowed. Something tells Ajax that she knows exactly who Xiao is.

“I see,” she says simply. “I will also tell the Millelith to keep a lookout for this adeptus so that if they run into him, they may give him thanks.”

With that and a round of well-wishes, Ajax hobbles up the stairs to his room.

The first thing he does when he closes the door is to hiss out, “System! Can I use more Healing Food now?”

“Cooldown for Item: Healing Food is complete. Initiating Item: Healing Food, level low.”

A wave of coolness washes over Ajax, and in a few seconds, whatever pain he has in his side disappears completely. Ajax breathes a sigh of relief and straightens from his hunched-over position, twisting his torso around to test out his body. No lingering pain, no throbbing aches, and everything feels normal. Amazing.

He strips out of his filthy clothes, dumps them to the side, and marches straight into the showers.

“Hey System,” he calls out as he scrubs away the dirt and grime from his skin, gentling his touch when he brushes against the scar on his chest, “can you run by the whole Battle Gauge thing by me again?” Now that he’s safe and warm in his suite, it’s a good time to revisit what happened in case he missed something.

“A Battle Gauge is a system that keeps track of the number of blows the User has delivered in a battle. Once a certain number of blows are delivered, the Battle Gauge is filled, allowing the User to use a power that can aid them in the fight. Character Tartaglia has two Gauges: Delusion and Foul Legacy Transformation. After the battle is complete, the Battle Gauges reset to zero.”

“But why hasn’t this Battle Gauge system ever popped up? I’ve been training for two months already!”

The System answers, “User has never filled the Battle Gauge before.”

Never filled? “I’ve been beating those monsters too easily, haven’t I? Looks like I need to find something more challenging to beat up.” Maybe he can switch things up and not use his water blades. He’s never used a bow and arrow. Would that present enough of a challenge to trigger the Battle Gauge? Hmm.

Another thought occurs to Ajax. “So, what exactly do those temporary powers do?”

The System’s window lights up with text as the robotic voice says, “The Delusion provides a temporary increase in Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution. The Delusion also allows User to use a series of Electro-based attacks.”

Ajax’s eyes fly open, which proves to be a terrible idea because it allows the shampoo running down his hair to drip into his cornea. “Wait, did you say Electro-based attacks?” he asks after flushing his poor eyes out. “Since when did Tartaglia become so OP? This wasn’t part of the original game!”

In the original game, Tartaglia had been a difficult boss to beat because of how beefy he was. He was fast, had a massive HP bar, and hit hard. Anybody under-levelled could have been easily one-shotted by this boss. But he only used Hydro-based attacks.

So, what gives? What’s with the Electro? Hey, System? Don’t you think you’re changing the script up a bit too much?

“The current world you are inhabiting is not identical to the original Genshin Impact,” the System answers, which, well, no shit, Sherlock. “Adjustments to this world have been made to fix plot inconsistencies and to improve User experience. Please continue to work hard to submerge yourself fully in the Genshin Impact 2.0 experience!”

Welp, that answers absolutely nothing. (Also, the last thing he wants to do right now is to submerge himself in this world. It’s eerie how he’s still living and feeling all these things when he’s supposed to be—)

“What about the other Battle Gauge power?” Ajax asks quickly. “Foul Legacy something or other?”

“Foul Legacy Transformation is—”

Suddenly, the window flickers. Ajax turns off the water in a hurry. “System? Hey, are you okay?”

A bright red sign appears on the interface. “Error. Information is currently locked. Please complete the opened Side Quest: Traces of Tartaglia first.”

Huh. Ajax grabs a towel and runs it through his hair. The Foul Legacy Transformation has something to do with Tartaglia’s back story. Maybe it’s related to this Abyss thing.

Too bad there’s no one immediately around him he can ask. He can wait until he gets back to Liyue Harbour to do research and ask Zhongli, but that’s two weeks away and he wants some answers now.

The only person who seems to know a thing or two is Xiao, and who knows where he is? If only there was a way to lure him out…

Ajax drops the towel onto a nearby chair and heads for his bag. He fishes out some fresh clothes, a pair of casual trousers and a soft blue long-sleeved shirt. It’s a far cry from how he looks traipsing around Liyue Harbour, or even the scaled-down outfit he was wearing earlier. It’s actually more in line with Ajax, the broke-ass college student, but he likes these clothes. They’re comfy.

He has just about finished making himself look presentable when there’s a knock on his door.

“Oh, hello Ms. Goldet,” he says when he opens the door to the sight of the inn’s boss holding a tray of food. There’s a fragrant bowl of soup, a plate of what looks like lightly grilled meat wrapped around mushrooms, and a bowl of fluffy rice. “How can I help you?”

“Hello again, Master Childe. I thought I’d tempt you with some food. Since you refused to accept medicine, please accept this meal as our apology for what happened earlier.”

The food does smell amazing, and his stomach gurgles. Ms. Goldet gives him a small, knowing smile even as he lets out an embarrassed little laugh.

“I suppose my stomach is not going to let me reject this. Thank you so much, Ms. Goldet, although you really didn’t need to.” He accepts the tray from her with a dip of his head and carefully places it down on a nearby table.

“Is there anything else I can help you with?” Ms. Goldet asks. When Ajax responds no, she nods. “Please do not hesitate to let us know if you need anything. Now if you will excuse me, I will be checking on the Millelith to see if there is any news on their front.”

Speaking of the Millelith, Ajax is struck with a sudden idea. “Say, Ms. Goldet, I have a question,” Ajax says before she could get too far. “You mentioned that the Millelith will convey their thanks to the adeptus. I was wondering, is there a way I can do that as well? He—uh…” Ajax rubs the back of his neck and smiles wryly. “He really saved me back there but he left before I could say anything.”

He pretends not to notice the way Ms. Goldet seems to be staring at him a smidge longer than normal. She’s definitely trying to suss him out.

“I have heard that the adepti like offerings of music and food,” she finally says. Her tone is as light as before. Ajax guesses that he must have passed whatever test she’s set out for him. “Almond Tofu, in particular, is a popular choice.”

Knowing that he’s about exhausted that line of questioning, Ajax gives her a bright grin and dips his head in thanks. “Thank you, Ms. Goldet! I’ll keep those in mind.”

He closes the door gently and pads over to the tray of free food. As he descends upon it like a ravenous wolf, he thinks about Ms. Goldet’s answer. Food and music as offerings. Does that mean Ajax can catch Xiao’s attention with those things? Maybe he can lure him to the inn if he’s persistent enough.

Ajax eyes the guitar he’s brought and his lips stretch into a wide mischievous grin. Oh, this is going to be fun.

Ajax waits until the clock strikes 2 a.m. before he throws open the doors to his personal balcony and tiptoes out with his guitar strapped to his back and a basket tucked under one arm. He peers around him. The moon is shining bright against a backdrop of a million stars and below him, the lanterns that normally light up the outdoor seating area have gone dark. Peace and quiet have settled over the inn with everyone having already gone to bed.

It’s perfect.

Ajax clambers on top of the guard rail and, as quick as he can be, pulls himself up onto the roof of the inn. He scrambles a bit for purchase—his grip slipping on the smooth curved tiles since his task is made harder with one hand—but he manages to steady himself before he tumbles over the edge to his death. With a huge sigh of relief, he crawls higher up on the roof until he finds a flat spot to make himself comfortable. He deposits his basket beside him, shifts the guitar so that he’s holding it in front of him, and thinks.

What to play, what to play?

More importantly, what would Xiao like?

From what he remembers, Xiao is a serious, noble adeptus. He is loyal to Rex Lapis—so loyal that he remained bound by his duty even after Rex Lapis’ supposed death in the original game. If there’s any song that Ajax should play to honour this adeptus, it should be something dignified, elegant, and sombre.

Fuck that noise, Ajax thinks. I’m playing “Despacito”.

Halfway through the song, he feels the familiar sensation of eyes on him and bites back his smile.

He finishes the last note of “Despacito” with flourish. Then, without pausing, he switches to the first happy K-pop song that comes to mind. And since Xiao is still refusing to come out, he sings the lyrics.

Here’s the thing: Ajax is not a terrible singer. He’s no professional, but he can hold a tune. Hell, he actually sounds decent when he really, really tries.

He is not trying now. He’s doing the exact opposite of that in fact, letting himself sound like a caterwauling cat in heat as he belts out with shameless abandon the cheerful chorus. “Cause I-I-I'm in the stars tonight!”

He barely ducks the spearhead that comes flying toward the back of his head.

“Mister Adeptus!” he beams, straightening himself up, his guitar cradled to his chest. Xiao is standing to the side, sans the mask but filled with 1000% pure, unadulterated fury.

“Are you completely insane, mortal?” Xiao snarls, and ah, his spear is still clutched tightly in his hand. Ajax should feel a bit concerned. “Or do you simply have a death wish? I should have your head for this level of disrespect!”

“I thought the adepti are benevolent beings that do not kill humans—okay, okay, please put that spear down, Mister adeptus! I meant no disrespect!”

Well, he meant some disrespect.

Xiao apparently can sense that because he most definitely does not lower his spear. “You shall explain why I should spare your worthless life after explicitly warning you against stirring up trouble, and yet less than a day later I find you making this awful racket on the roof in the dead of night!”

“I wanted to give thanks for this morning!” Ajax blurts out. “I heard people offer music to the adepti, so I thought I’d play some!”

“Music. Is that what you call that?” Xiao spits out. “I have never heard such strange sounds in my existence.”

“They’re the sounds of my people,” Ajax says with a straight face. And by his people, he means those who grew up with social media, so technically, he’s not lying. “But I am sincere in my thanks. Here, I got you this!”

He opens the basket beside him and fishes out a plate of Almond Tofu, somehow still perfectly preserved, plus a spoon. He hands the dish over to Xiao. “My thanks for coming to my aid this morning, Mister adeptus. I would have been in trouble had you not intervened.”

“Hmph.” Xiao peers at the dish. Then, surprise of all surprises, he makes the spear dissipate into thin air and reaches for the Almond Tofu. Ajax could cry with joy. This sensation of pure satisfaction feels exactly like that one time he managed to lure a feisty cat out from under a car with some tuna. Sure, the cat had hissed and growled at him the entire time while it was devouring the treat, but still.

Ajax has the good sense to wait until Xiao finishes half the plate before saying, “Ah, Mister Adeptus, I hope you don’t mind me asking, do you have a name I can use? Mister Adeptus is a bit of a mouthful.”

“Xiao,” comes the curt response.

Okay, so far so good. At least Xiao is willing to play ball.

“Xiao. It is nice to meet you! I go by Childe.”

A snort. “Fitting.”

Rude.

“Xiao, I have a second question, if you permit it. You mentioned this morning about the Abyss and how I reek of it. What exactly is the Abyss?”

At that, Xiao’s glare becomes stronger. “Something that no mortal should know about. You are better off staying away from it.”

“But if I don’t know what it is, how am I supposed to stay away from it?” At Xiao’s unimpressed look, Ajax wheedles with, “How about this—I can play you something you like and in return, you can tell me a bit more about this Abyss thing?”

“Save it,” Xiao snaps just as Ajax begins to strum the notes for Britney Spears’s “Toxic”. “You should leave if there is nothing else. Mortals should not be around me for too long. Your mortal blood cannot handle my Karmic debt.”

“Wait a second, I—annnddd you’re gone. Again. Great.”

Ajax runs a frustrated hand through his hair. Goddammit. He was so close to getting Xiao to talk.

He crosses his arms and pouts. If Xiao thinks he’s seen the last of Ajax, then he has another thing coming.

The System takes this opportunity to pop back into existence. “Status Update,” it says in its robotic voice. “Charisma +1. Relationship with Xiao, +3 R Points.”

At least it’s not another +20 R Points! Ajax thinks on his way down the roof. And my Charisma went up, so Xiao didn’t completely hate my playing!

Sometimes, it’s about those small victories.

Ajax quickly establishes a new schedule for his time spent at Wangshu Inn. He spends the morning fighting monsters, the afternoon either visiting the ruins Zhongli suggested or badgering Smiley Yanxiao on how to make the perfect Qingce Stir Fry (because he has not forgotten that Side Quest for his favourite Zhongli), and the evening making a nuisance of himself with his guitar. He’s taken to playing on his balcony instead of clambering onto the roof after he senses Xiao’s eyes on him the moment he opens his balcony doors. Judging by how the weight of that hidden gaze does not lessen throughout his performances, Ajax is confident that he’s caught Xiao’s attention time and time again.

He does make it a habit of leaving a plate of Almond Tofu on a little table he’s placed outside. And every morning, he comes back out to collect the empty plate.

He’s on Day Eight and he’s just finished a satisfying dinner. Full and feeling delightfully warm, he throws the guitar strap over his body so that he can carry the instrument without using his hands. Whistling a happy tune, he grabs the plate of Almond Tofu, and opens the balcony doors.

Xiao is standing outside by the table. He’s even made himself comfortable on one of the seats Ajax has placed out there for him.

It takes a couple of seconds for Ajax to snap out of his surprise. He grins. “Xiao!” he says, placing the plate on the table before taking a seat. “Fancy seeing you here. I honestly was not expecting you to show up!”

Xiao crosses his arms in response and looks to the side. “Hmph.”

Ajax shrugs and adjusts his hold on his guitar. He plays a couple of strings, testing them to see if they need a quick tuning.

“What is this instrument?”

Oh, wow. Xiao is initiating a conversation! Will the day never cease to surprise Ajax?

“This is a guitar,” Ajax answers and taps gently against the wooden body. “It’s an instrument from Fontaine that’s slowly spreading its way across Teyvat. It is going to be the next big thing, just you wait!” He plays a couple more notes. “Do you have any type of songs you like? If not, I’ll just play whatever!”

Ajax proceeds to do just that after receiving no response. He finishes strumming the last notes of his song when Xiao asks, “You insist on playing these songs of your people. For what purpose?”

“Hm? I play because I enjoy it,” Ajax answers honestly. “And I want to get better at it.”

“Get better,” Xiao repeats incredulously. “Why would a Fatuus want to get better at playing this guitar?”

“That’s mean. Fatui members are people too, with dreams and hobbies,” Ajax teases. He strums the strings, letting delicate notes drift up. “Besides, I’m not going to be a Fatuus forever, you know. I need to do something else afterward. I figured I can give being a bard an honest go.”

Xiao doesn’t appear to be expecting that answer. “A bard?” he repeats slowly. “What about your warrior ways? It would be a waste of your fighting prowess.”

Ajax grins. Look at that, a backhanded compliment from the adeptus. This evening just gets better and better.

“Maybe not just a bard,” he concedes. “An adventurer-bard. Adventurer by day, bard by night. The adventurer bit I’ve got locked down and now, I’m practicing for the bard bit.”

Xiao scoffs. “A ridiculous answer from a ridiculous man.”

“Aww, don’t be like that! Don’t you have any hobbies? What about dreams and aspirations?”

Xiao makes an unimpressed sound, but he does pick up his spoon and starts digging into his Almond Tofu so he must not be offended by Ajax’s question. “I have a noble duty to fulfill, one given to me by Rex Lapis himself. I do not have time for such dalliances. As for these so-called dreams and aspirations, my duty alone is enough.”

Yeesh, spoken like a loyal servant. Ajax isn’t sure why he expected a different answer.

“What about when you take your breaks?” Ajax prods. Look at Zhongli! He’s got a million hobbies, all of them super frou-frou, but still!

The look Xiao gives him could curdle milk. “Adepti are hardier than mortals. We do not need to take breaks.”

Now it’s Ajax who’s making a face. “Physical hardiness is one thing but it’s nice to take a breather every now and then. I mean, how long have you been at this duty of yours?”

“Over two thousand years.”

“Two thousand years?” Ajax chokes out. “And you’ve never once thought to stop for a bit, or do something else? Surely, your Archon would understand.”

Apparently, that is the wrong thing to say because Xiao’s expression turns frosty.

“What would you mortals understand about the gravitas of being bound by duties, of promises made, or the weight of the past? Your fickle and selfish natures are notorious. But while mortals are ready to discard the old on a whim or to suit their needs, we adepti remember.” He finishes the rest of his plate and gets up. “I tire of this conversation.”

Without another word, he blinks out of existence, leaving Ajax staring at the empty seat a bit flabbergasted.

“Status Update: Relationship with Xiao, +5 R Points.”

It’s not like he meant to offend Xiao. It was an honest question to better understand the adeptus and what kept him to his duties for thousands of years. Besides, it wasn’t as if Ajax was telling Xiao to discard everything he knew.

Not like that matters. Xiao had thought Ajax was suggesting he do just that, judging by how he had exploded. Ajax had clearly stepped on a landmine to trigger that response, and for that Ajax was sorry.

Landmine or not, Xiao’s parting shot rubbed Ajax the wrong way. Mortals do not have the endless lifespan of the adepti so they cannot stay bound by the past the same way immortals can. It is not in their nature to do so, not with how fast they grow and change, but that’s not to say that they do not understand the importance of duty and promises.

Or that mortals are not shackled by their past either.

(Ajax understands that more than anyone. He wishes he could move on and stop feeling this heaviness of regret from his premature death, but it’s this shackle to his old life that keeps him up at night and working to the bone during the day.)

(Maybe that’s why he’s so hurt by Xiao’s words.)

Ajax is not sure what to do next, to be honest. He could always give up on getting information about the Abyss from Xiao and simply enjoy the rest of his vacation in peace, but that doesn’t sit right with him. He doesn’t want to leave things the way they are between them, so the next evening, he finds himself out on his balcony again, putting down a fresh plate of Almond Tofu on the table.

“Xiao?” he calls out tentatively to the air. “Hey, can we talk?”

Nothing.

Then, there’s pressure in the air and Ajax feels the hair on his skin rise as goose pimples shiver their way down his arms. It’s that familiar feeling of being watched that Ajax felt before when he was on the roof a couple of nights ago, or when he was fighting in the plains. Ajax waits a few more seconds, and when Xiao does not appear, he clears his throat.

“Okay, I don’t know if you can hear me, but here goes.” (That’s a lie. He knows Xiao is there.) “I wanted to apologize about last night. I said some things that upset you and I didn’t mean to do that. I gave your comments some thought and I guess you’re right to some degree. It is hard for me to understand what it’s like to be bound by something for thousands of years when my lifespan is a fraction of a fraction of that.

“I guess I’m used to the idea that my existence is finite, that it could end at any given moment. When you know you only have sixty to seventy odd years to live—shorter if you’re in the Fatui like I am—you tend to want to make the best of what little precious time you have, you know? Do all the things and experience life to the fullest.”

How spectacularly he failed on that front in his previous life. Dear God. And now, he’s dead. Dead, dead, dead.

Ajax swallows the lump in his throat and presses on. “We are mortals, and we don’t have the time to hold on to something in perpetuity, not if it means that we end up putting our lives on hold. Because once this life is up, that’s it, and everything that’s left unfinished becomes just that—unfinished dreams and regrets.”

All the chances that he could have had with his family, all the times he could have spent with his younger siblings, all the moments that have now been lost to him—birthdays, Christmases, graduations, and weddings. Never again can he hear his mother’s singing, or his father’s voice, or Tonia’s teasing, Anthon’s grumblings, or Teucer’s laughter.

Had he known he would die at age twenty-two, Ajax would’ve tried harder to reach out to his parents. Maybe they would have continued ignoring him, but at least he would’ve known he did everything he could, that he fought the hardest he could fight to keep those relationships.

Ajax would have made sure to say his goodbyes.

But all of those are unfinished dreams and regrets now, nothing but ash leftover from the flames of his life that’s been snuffed out.

Ajax clears his throat and forces his attention back to the present, past the choking sensation and that familiar fucking pain gripping his heart (past the aching grief that fills and fills and fills him up to bursting). “So, I guess you’re right by saying that mortals are selfish. We selfishly guard what precious little time we have. To the eyes of gods, we must seem flighty, huh?

“But—” Ajax curls his hands into fists. “—that doesn’t mean we don’t honour promises. It doesn’t mean we don’t understand duty. We do the best we can with the time we can afford to give, so I think it’s hardly fair to judge the time we can give from the perspective of an immortal with an immortal life span.”

The air around him is as silent and charged as ever, like moments before a thunderstorm. Ajax sighs. He feels tired suddenly and hollowed out. “Anyway, uh, sorry for taking up so much of your time rambling. I’ve left you some tofu as an apology. Have a good rest of your evening.”

Without a second word, he dips back into his suite, closes the balcony doors behind him with a quiet click, and goes to bed.

Part VIII. Down the Rabbit Hole

“Yasha? Where are you? Where could you be hiding this time?”  

“There you are, my love! You gave me quite the fright! What are you doing there? You’re going to get dust all over your clothes!”  

“Oh, you wanted to listen to Papa play his music? Your Papa does play beautifully, doesn’t he?”  

“Come out from there. We can sit quietly by the side and listen, but you must be quiet, okay? Your Papa needs to practice for his big concert.”

“That’s it, you’re doing so good! So good, my Yasha.”

Ajax stays in bed even as the sunbeams come creeping across his room, splashing a line of gold across the white silk covers. Ajax blinks his eyes open, stares at the room around him, and waits.

Everything is quiet. Everything is peaceful.

There’s nothing waiting for him outside. (There’s nobody waiting for him in this world.)

He rolls to his side, draws his blankets over his head, and goes back to sleep.

“Are you here to listen to Papa play again? My sweet boy! Come, come, take a seat right here. Let me show you how to play.”

“Do you hear that, my son? The way the strings resonate the moment you press down on the keys? How bright those notes sound? Good, very good!”

“That’s so good, Yasha! You’re doing so well! Wait until your mother hears you play; she would be so proud!”

Once upon a time, there was a young boy who was as happy as he could be. He lived in a handsome brick house with white trimmings. It had a front porch with a sturdy swing, and a large backyard for him and his siblings to play in, even if they were much older and rarely sought his company. No matter. As the youngest child, he was doted on by his parents and happily basked in their attention.

The young boy’s father was a concert pianist of moderate success while his mother was an elementary school teacher. They were childhood sweethearts and had married young, and when they made those wedding vows, they believed with all their hearts that their love would remain everlasting.

For a while, that had been the case and the young boy grew up in an idyllic home filled with love and laughter. It was in that home that the boy was also taught to love music the way his parents did. As the music drifted through the house, there would be joy and dancing.

“You truly have your father’s talent, don’t you? Our little Yasha, a budding musician.”

“Yasha, are you having fun? Would you like to play some more?”

“Alright, son, I’m happy to show you this new song. It’s called ‘Salut d’Amour’ and I played this for your mother when I asked her to marry me.”

“Oh, Leonid. Ever the romantic.”

“Only for you, my dove. Only for you.”

“Oh, sorry to keep you waiting, Yasha! And you’ve been so, so patient with your Papa too. Are you ready? Here we go! The first bar goes something like this…”

“Salut d’Amour, Yasha? You’re getting so good at this!”

“He is, isn’t he? Say, would you care for a dance, my love?”

“Of course, darling. How can I ever say no?”

The unfortunate truth is that this is not a fairy tale that ends happily ever after.

Though the family was happy, change arrived swiftly disguised in the form of success. The father had delivered a rousing performance and seated amongst the audience happened to be influential people from the music industry, including those working for some of the biggest record labels on the planet. It was as if the father had struck gold. His name became more and more renowned, demands for his concerts skyrocketed, and with fame, the time spent travelling and performing concerts also rose exponentially.

Just like that, cracks began to appear in the family’s foundation.

“Leonid, travelling again? This is the third time in two weeks!”  

“I know, my dove, and I’m terribly sorry. Paul thought it would be a great opportunity if I got to network and meet the higher-ups of Sony Classical and RCA Records. They can help sponsor my next concert.”

“Paul. Pah! You’re starting to see that manager of yours more than your own family.”

“Rest assured, I would very much rather see you and the children than Paul.”

“Hm.”

“Love, I know this travel schedule is not great, and thank you for putting up with me for so long. How about this? After this trip, let’s go somewhere together as a family. Anywhere you like.”

“Do you promise? And make sure to be back for Yasha’s recital, alright?”

“I promise on both of those things.”

Ajax sleeps and sleeps. At some point, he wakes up to go to the washroom, his mind groggy as he stumbles about in his darkened room. How long has he been out for?

Does it even matter?

No, it really doesn't.

He crawls back into bed and goes to sleep.

“Mama, will Papa be here to see my recital?”

“I’m not sure, Yasha. Your Papa is unfortunately very busy, but know that he’s enormously proud of you, okay? I’ll be there watching for the both of us.”

He thinks he hears knocking on the door, and a tentative voice calling out. “Master Childe, sir? Are you alright?” But he’s too tired to answer, so he closes his eyes and goes back to dreaming.

The cracks continue to widen.

“This is the fifth time you missed Yasha’s recital. And what of your other son and daughter? You didn’t even try to be here for their birthdays or graduation! Do you even care about your family anymore?”

“That is unfair. Do you think I want this? The only reason why I work this hard is for you and the kids! I work hard so that all of you can live comfortably!”

“Oh, don’t you dare put this on us! This has long since become about you and your need for fame.”

“Mama, will Papa be here?”

“Mama, do you think Papa can make it in time for my recital?”

“Mama?”

“No, Yasha. Your father won’t be able to make it.”

It’s funny how quickly something can erode through neglect. Without proper care, even the sturdiest foundation can crack and crumble.

Relationships are no different.

“Leonid, you can’t disappear like that and expect me to be the only parent for our children!”

“No, I don’t want you to hire a maid. That’s beside the point! I want my husband, and my children want their father!”

“And how long are you going to be gone this time around? A month, two months? What’s the point of even coming home if you’re only going to disappear the very next day?”

Then, the inevitable, “Leonid, we…need to talk. I want a divorce.”

“Master Childe, are you in there? It’s me, Ms. Goldet. Um, I noticed you hadn’t left your suite at all since yesterday. I hope everything is alright in there. I’m going to leave you some food out by the door, okay?”

“It’s okay, Yasha. Papa may be living away from us from now on, but you’ll still get to see him plenty. He loves you so very much.”

“I know you’re upset that we have to move, my son, but think of it this way—this will be a nice start for us. Think of all the new friends you’ll get to make!”

“Yasha? I have someone I would like you to meet. This is Peter. He is Mama’s…special friend. He’s going to be living with us from now on, alright?”

“—don’t understand. This is the third meal I left by his door, but he hasn’t touched his food at all. Should we call someone for help?”

“Who do we even call? The Qixing is too busy and high up to care about something as trivial as a diplomat refusing to leave his hotel suite.”

“We can’t leave him in there! What if something really did happen? Think of the diplomatic repercussions if word gets out a Fatuus diplomat was hurt at our inn, or Archon forbid, he died in his bed!”

“What if we get the Guardian instead?”

“Because calling the adepti is better than calling the Qixing?”

“…No need to call, I am here already. What is the matter?”

“Hello, Papa.”

“Yasha! Kiddo, how are you? How do you like the new house?”

“It’s okay. It doesn’t have a swing and it’s smaller.”

“Aww, I’m sorry to hear that, son. But I heard the new place is by the beach so now you get to go swimming all the time! You get to build sandcastles and collect seashells whenever you want. Doesn’t that sound nice?”

“I guess. I think I like the swing more. Say, are you going to be home next week for my school concert?”

“…ah, I have a couple of things I still need to do in Paris, but I promise I will try my absolute best. What will you be playing?”

“Salut d’Amour, probably. I can play it in my sleep, so it’ll be easy.”  

“Yasha. You play the song very well, that’s true, but remember, the most important thing to playing music is that you play from your heart.”

Not like any of that even mattered. When Ajax looked out into the audience and caught sight of the two empty chairs at the front row—the seats where his parents should have been—his heart  shuttered. He still marched out onto the stage, slapped on a large smile, and played but it was another random song he had memorized, one with enough technical difficulty to wow the crowd but with none of his heart.

And after that, he quit piano.

Meanwhile, outside of the tumultuous dreamworld appears a figure in a swirl of energy. The figure advances toward the bed and glances down at a still-slumbering Ajax.

“Really, all this time and you’ve been merely asleep. But, oh, that’s odd. That aura…you’re caught in some nightmares? Or are they memories of the past?”

A light touch to the forehead, so light that it feels like a breeze brushing against Ajax’s skin. “I see. Sickness of the heart, compounded by your abyssal taint and the sinister energy of the monsters you’ve killed around the inn. Monsters that are tainted by my Karmic debt, no less.”

A contemplative pause. “I will dispel this energy since it is partially my fault you have fallen ill. I also promised Lord Lapis to keep you safe from trouble, though I cannot fathom what you, a foreigner, have done for him to extend such a gracious hand of protection. I certainly hope you have not been a nuisance to him as you have with me.”

The air in the room becomes charged, almost static, like a thunderstorm building on the horizon. The pressure grows and grows, and objects around the room start to tremor. Suddenly, the balcony doors slam open. A gust of wind blows in, ruffling the curtains and the sheets on the bed violently, and sweeping up the dust that has collected in the nooks and crannies of the suite. The wind flows through the room, swirls around the bed and its dreaming guest as if sweeping up some unseen filth clinging to place, then rushes out of the balcony door, carrying whatever it’s picked up with it.

At once, the pressure of the room dissipates like a popped balloon. There is also a newfound freshness to the space and a certain cold crispness to the air, but it does not bite at the skin like winter chill. Ajax seems to appreciate the difference; his breathing comes easier and deeper while the furrow of his brows has smoothed over, leaving his face relaxed once more.

The light touch returns to the forehead and there’s a hum of satisfaction. “You can rest easier, mortal, for nothing can harm you while you’re here under my protection. As for what you said the other day, consider your apology accepted. I will also…reflect on your words.”

In a blink of an eye, the room becomes empty save for its sleeping occupant.

Extra: Xiao

Rex Lapis’s order comes to him in a dream.

“Xiao, my faithful Guardian.” Even in the dream world, the power of Lord Lapis’s words can be felt from the way Geo Crystalflies manifest in Xiao’s surroundings and how brilliant gold bleeds into the murky blue of Xiao’s subconscious.

Like any good servant, Xiao gets to one knee and bows low. “Lord Lapis,” he speaks, his voice low and his eyes firmly on the floor. “How can this humble servant offer his assistance?”

The gold intensifies and it creeps along the floor past where Xiao is still kneeling. Xiao has long gotten used to the effects of his Lord’s powers. He does not react except to give the gold a quick cursory glance.

“Please rise, my old friend. What I request is a favour—one you can refuse,” Lord Lapis continues. His voice seems to come from everywhere at once like a bell resonating in a large cave, its clear sound echoing. “I say this because my request is a bit unorthodox.”

Xiao frowns as he gets up. The world around him remains a swirl of gold and blue. Rex Lapis is not in sight. “My Lord? What do you mean? Whatever the request is, I will be glad to fulfill it.”

“Your loyalty is always appreciated but allow me to explain my request first before making your final decision. I am requesting that you watch over a mortal and keep him safe. He is a Snezhnayan, one of the Cryo Archon’s lieutenants. He will be spending two weeks at Wangshu Inn. Please ensure that no harm comes to him.”

That has Xiao arching a brow. “You would have me protect a foreigner? A lieutenant of the Cryo Archon at that?” Unorthodox is right. “Can I ask for what purpose? If he is a threat to Liyue, wouldn’t it be better if I were to do the exact opposite of your request?”

“The mortal intrigues me,” comes Lord Lapis’s response, but he doesn’t deny Xiao’s assessment of this lieutenant. “I wish to learn more about him.”

Oh, so Lord Lapis wishes to study the mortal. And not just any mortal, but a foreigner who worships another god. Whoever this person is, they must have done something quite extraordinary to warrant such an unusual reaction from Rex Lapis. Xiao must admit, his curiosity is piqued. He bows. “I will see to it that no harm comes to the mortal, my Lord.”

He notices the man the moment he steps into Guili Plains, not that it is particularly challenging when the lieutenant sports bright red hair and adorns clothes that are clearly of Snezhnayan make. The Fatui mask pinned to his hair is another dead giveaway.

But without those signs of Fatui or being told that this man is a lieutenant, Xiao would have never guessed that this was the case. This supposed lieutenant does not cut an intimating figure. Though tall—taller than Xiao at least—he appears lanky with long arms and legs, and a thin waist. He has no meat to his bones at all. Coupled with bright blue eyes, fair skin, and a surprisingly pretty face, the mortal appears more like the pampered younger son of a wealthy family than a battle-hardened warrior.

The mortal also gives off a childish energy from the way he is sulking with every step he takes on the road to Wangshu Inn.

…This is the one Lord Lapis wishes Xiao to protect? This mortal is the one who has captured Lord Lapis’s attention so?

How?

Xiao continues to watch the man from a distance as he goes after a handful of Treasure Hoarders about debts. It is a boring viewing experience. The man does not fight the Treasure Hoarders. He shows up at their camp with a polite greeting, flashes some sort of letter, and the rest of the Hoarders go scrambling to scrape up whatever money they owe. It takes a mere few hours before the whole endeavour is complete. The lieutenant appears as bored and unimpressed with this whole experience as Xiao is because he proceeds to plop himself down on a rock and…sulk even further.

A child. Rex Lapis is making Xiao babysit a literal child. This must be a joke.

The man-child seems to have found fresh inspiration. He jumps up and he rushes off.

Right into a Hilichurl camp.

That he proceeds to decimate it at record speed.

He repeats that for the next camp he runs into, and the next, and the next, and the next, and he does all of this in a display of beautiful efficiency and ruthless strength.

Xiao narrows his gaze. Lord Lapis was right; there is much more to this foreigner than meets the eye, though it does not appear that a warrior of his caliber would require any protection. Why Rex Lapis feels the need to have Xiao guard him remains a mystery.

Xiao continues to watch the foreigner over the next few days. At times, his focus would intensify and the foreigner would go tense, but Xiao would ease back until the other relaxes and carries on with his day.

So far, Xiao has discovered the following facts. First, the stranger appears to have some connection with the Abyss, judging by the Abyssal energy clinging to his body. (Lord Lapis still wants Xiao to protect this person? The questions are starting to pile up in Xiao’s mind.) Second, the Snezhnayan is obsessed with fighting. He dedicates hours upon hours to eradicating monsters in the area, and when he realizes that he’s nearly wiped everything out, he moves to a different location so that he can fight more.

Xiao cannot relate. Why would anyone possess such a single-minded obsession to fight when they have the option to do anything else? If not for his duty, Xiao would gladly put away his spear in favour of a life of peace and quiet.

Imagine, a life where he no longer has to fight, where he is free from the pain of karmic debt chaining him to a world of eternal suffering. A life where he can simply…roam about and explore the lands as he sees fit. Xiao cannot think of a more perfect dream.

(With his freedom, Xiao would be able to spend some time in Mondstadt. He would pay a certain Anemo Archon a visit and finally, finally have the courage to say thank you for the songs the Archon had sent him, songs that have soothed Xiao’s pain and calmed his mind on too many occasions to count. With his freedom, Xiao would be able to ask the Archon to join him on his adventures to travel the world, leaving the Archon to sing to his heart’s content while Xiao stands guard and protects.)

But such thoughts are impossible and dangerous with the resentment they can cause inside of his heart. No, best quash those before they can do any harm. Best quash those before Xiao is foolish enough to dream.

Of course, it is during one of those moments when Xiao lets his mind wander that the mortal gets into trouble.

He is too late to stop the blow that sends the mortal crashing to the ground with a pained hiss. It takes him even more time to notice that the Hilichurls are tainted by the negative energy spilled forth from his karmic debt—an embarrassing dereliction of duty that he will have to apologize for. Without a second to waste, Xiao materializes and cleans up the mess he’s caused while making sure that the mortal is alive and well.

Luckily, the foreigner appears fine. Chatty even.

Good. That means Xiao doesn’t have to treat him as gently when he…asks him a few questions. He’s been meaning to have a little chat with the man and to finally understand why Rex Lapis wants him protected.

This should be interesting.

Except it’s not. Turns out the Snezhnayan is a complete and utter idiot. What self-respecting Fatuus hasn’t heard of the Abyss? Xiao is left even more confused than before, and he regrets his interaction deeply.

Xiao thinks that that’d be the end of his interaction with the lieutenant. He’s more than happy to sink back into the shadows and watch from afar for the remaining time the lieutenant spends vacationing.

Imagine his surprise that on the very same evening of their little run-in he finds his soul being tugged at by the almost forgotten sensation of…a summoning? No, it feels more like a prayer, or an offering.

Offering? To him? That hasn’t happened in over a thousand years.

The tug persists, stronger than before, and Xiao heaves a sigh before turning his attention to the source, a gentle reprimand readied on his lips to scold whichever mortal foolish enough to request the aid of a Guardian Yaksha.

The reprimand dies a swift death when he sees that blasted foreigner, on the roof, strumming the strings of some sort of wooden instrument not unlike the pipa. The foreigner must be an experienced musician, given the way he handles the instrument. The sound that it produces is lively, happy, and celebratory.

It is wholly inappropriate for summoning Xiao: Conqueror of Demons, the Vigilant Yaksha. It’s even more inappropriate given that the pure mischievous intent bleeding through the music, which is further enhanced by how it is played in the early, early hours of the morning. On the roof, of all things.

Xiao tightens the grip on his spear. The disrespect! The audacity of this foolish mortal especially after Xiao’s very, very explicit warning.

Fortunately, the notes end shortly after, and Xiao feels his hackles lowering.

The reprieve only lasts but a split second. The music resumes, even louder, livelier, and more obnoxious than before, and accompanying that, the wailing, not unlike the ghouls that haunt Wuwang Hill.

“Cause I-I-I'm in the stars tonight!”

Xiao’s spear thrusts forward.

It misses its mark. Unfortunately.

At least the mortal knows enough to offer Almond Tofu as thanks. Even though the dish was not prepared by his own hands, the intention behind it (genuine thanks, curiosity, and happiness at Xiao’s presence, all of which washes over Xiao like a gentle, soothing wave) is enough for him to accept the gift.

The Almond Tofu is delightfully soft and silky, made all the sweeter by the mortal’s earnest intention to give his thanks. Even the…music from before, though clearly disrespectful, had not contained malice, but rather a sense of harmless, light-hearted teasing like that of a child.

Such genuine, innocent sentiments and coming from a capable warrior tinged with the Abyss who’s one of the Cryo Archon’s lieutenants as well. He is a walking contradiction. Perhaps that is why Rex Lapis is so curious.

Either way, it spells trouble for Xiao, and the mere thought is enough to make Xiao breathe a heavy, heavy sigh the moment he becomes undetectable.

“My Guardian.” The deep timbre of Rex Lapis’s voice cuts through the fog of a dream. Xiao kneels immediately. “How goes your task of watching over the Snezhnayan lieutenant?”

“My Lord,” Xiao greets, his head bowed low. “The mortal spends most of his time around Wangshu Inn, occasionally travelling to Guili Plains to visit certain ruins and to train. Otherwise, he’s been…”

At that, Xiao finds himself struggling for words. How can he begin to describe what he’s been witnessing?

“Xiao?” comes Rex Lapis’ questioning tone. “Please rise. Has the mortal done something? Please speak openly, for I value your honesty.”

That’s enough for the floodgates to open.

“My Lord, I don’t understand why you wish me to guard him!” Xiao exclaims. “This mortal is an overgrown child! In the past few days, I have seen him go from sulking around the plains to picking fights like a man possessed. Once he became bored, he made a complete nuisance by bothering the kitchen staff. Every evening, he was a further nuisance by causing all this racket he called music! He has the audacity to claim that he played his songs as thanks to me, except I have never heard songs filled with such tomfoolery. The blatant disrespect! At least he has the good sense to add Almond Tofu as an offering.”

“…Childe is making you offerings?”

“I—” Xiao pauses. What is this miffed tone from Lord Lapis? Why does he sound upset? No, that’s not right. Envious, maybe? Impossible. Xiao definitely misheard his lord. Also— “Childe, my Lord? You know the mortal’s name?”

“I do, from my…observations.” Why can Xiao sense a hint of uncomfortable silence in there? “You said he is making offerings in thanks? What for?”

Xiao sighs. “The mortal has gotten into some trouble with one of his fights against Hilichurls tainted with negative energy. I stepped in to help. Though he is fine, he ended up being slightly injured and for that, you have my utmost apology for failing to guard the human, my Lord.”

“I see. The apology is unnecessary. It is inevitable that the mortal will find trouble, and I can only imagine how much worse it would have been had you not been there to help. I suppose…it is understandable that he would feel the need to thank you.”

Again, that grudging envious tone comes rearing back. Xiao can't help his suspicious feelings from trickling into his thoughts. “My Lord, are you bothered that the mortal is making offerings to me? I can ask him to stop.”

“…No, of course not. It is fine. Leave him be. You mentioned Childe was bothering the kitchen staff. What could he be up to?”

Even Xiao, who wants to give Lord Lapis the benefit of the doubt, cannot ignore his blatant attempt at changing topics after lying. Does that mean that Lord Lapis wants the little mortal to stop his offerings to Xiao?

Or maybe, Lord Lapis wishes that those offerings be made to him instead?

Xiao banishes those thoughts as soon as they cross the threshold of his mind. How preposterous. That cannot possibly be the reason.

“The mortal was adamant about getting the kitchen staff to teach him how to make the perfect Qingce Stir Fry,” Xiao answers with a shrug. “For what reason, I do not know. But he is being stubborn in his pursuit.”

“Oh.” And suddenly, the gold that’s been lazily crawling through Xiao’s dreamscape flares bright and shining, making the space warm and cozy. Xiao feels like he’s been napping in a sunny meadow, and his body relax at the comfortable heat blanketing his body that diffuses through his clothes, into his skin and muscles.

His lord is happy at that revelation. Very, very happy. At the mortal’s shenanigans about Qingce Stir Fry?

Just who is this mortal to be able to affect Lord Lapis so? Maybe it’s time for Xiao to speak with the mortal again to understand him a little better.

Meanwhile, Ajax, who is getting ready to go to bed, blinks at the System’s window. “Status Update: Relationship Status with Zhongli, +2 F Points.”

What the fuck? How?

Chapter Text

Part IX. Ajax and Xiao Bonding Hour 2—Electric Boogaloo

Ajax drifts slowly to consciousness. He rolls to one side, snuggling against the softness of his pillow and the luxurious sensation of his silk cover brushing against his skin. He’s warm and wonderfully comfortable.

And he can’t seem to fall back asleep.

He yawns and stretches, sighing at the way his joints pop. No matter. He feels well-rested and…surprisingly light like a great weight that had been pressing against his chest had suddenly been lifted, leaving him able to breathe easily for the first time in ages.

“You are awake.”

Ajax’s eyes snap wide open and he yelps. He scrambles up so that he’s seated on his bed with his back pressed against the headboard. “What the f—Xiao?! What are you doing in my room?”

Xiao is casually sitting on a chair near the bed looking like his usual grumpy self. At Ajax’s exclamation, he cocks his head to the side and snorts. “You have been asleep for close to three days. Ms. Goldet was worried. I volunteered to investigate.”

Ajax blinks as he processes his words.

Wait, what?

The effects of what had transpired hit Ajax at once. His throat feels dry and parched, and he grimaces at the scratchiness when he tries to swallow. His stomach also takes the opportunity to draw Ajax’s attention by letting out a loud, hungry gurgle. This is followed swiftly by other biological urges making themselves urgently known. 

Oh, sweet Jesus.

“Wait—wait, hold that thought!” Ajax says, stumbling upright on weak legs. Ow, ow, pins and needles. Pins and needles! “Be right back!”

By the time he leaves the washroom, he feels a bit more human, having taken the chance to empty his bladder, clean himself up, and drink a shit ton of water. Xiao hasn’t left and remains seated exactly at the same spot. He looks a little bored and completely unsympathetic towards Ajax’s plight, even as he watches Ajax stumble over to the bed and plonk down on top of the dishevelled covers like a sack of potatoes dropped to the ground.

“Sorry, can you repeat, um—” Ajax runs a hand through his hair. He grimaces at the greasy mess. “—everything? What’s this about me being asleep for days?”

Xiao’s unimpressed expression does not let up. “Did you know that you’re plagued with a sickness of the heart? It has taken root and made worse by the traces of the Abyss’s energy in your body as well as the negative energies from the monsters you have slain. This illness trapped you in a deep sleep for over two days. Had I not come along to disrupt its hold on you, its effects could have been fatal.”

Sickness of the heart? Abyssal and negative energies?

System? Is what Xiao saying true?

A soft ping sounds in his head. “Welcome back, User! User has suffered from Cursed Sleep resulting from User’s emotional trauma interacting with the dual effects of Abyssal Taint and Karmic Debt. User should take better care of his health in the future to prevent such events from occurring.”

If Xiao wasn’t in the room, Ajax would be cursing up a storm. Take better care of his health? He doesn’t even know what Abyssal Taint and Karmic Debt are, let alone their effects on his difficulties from his old life. Maybe the System could do a better job explaining things or warning him against potential danger!

Also, since when does he have those effects? Last he checked, his Status Effect page contained nothing but a blurred smudge!

System, pull out my Status Effect page!

Another blue window materializes into the air. Ajax’s eyes zero on the information.

Sure enough, on the page are two items: “Abyssal Taint” and below that, “Karmic Debt”, though “Karmic Debt” is written in light grey that’s quickly turning more and more transparent as if the words are being erased.

Most notably, the blurred effect from before is gone too. Ajax has a fairly good hunch that the Status Effect probably was unlocked the moment his Tartaglia quest became available.

System, what the hell! Ajax yells in his mind. Why didn’t you tell me about these Status Effects?

“System has warned User to be diligent in checking his Status Effect page to ensure optimal health,” comes the System’s quick response. It has the audacity to sound offended. “It is hardly System’s fault if User does not wish to follow simple instructions.”

Simple instructions? Listen here, you little shi—

“Are you going to continue to stare stupidly at me, or are you going to ask questions?”

Xiao’s terse tone snaps Ajax’s attention to the present. Right, Xiao is still here in the room.

“Sorry, I’m still trying to shake off my grogginess.” Ajax sends an apologetic look as he struggles to shove his anger away. “Thank you for your help. I—uh—would’ve been in serious trouble if you weren’t there to help me again. It looks like I owe you one again.”

“No need,” Xiao says. “The state you were in is partially my fault. The negative energy from the monsters you fought was caused by me.”

“What do you mean?” Does it have something to do with the Karmic Debt Status Effect? “I thought the adepti are benevolent protectors of Liyue.”

The stare Xiao levels him with is heavy, a clear display of him trying to figure out just how much he wants to say to Ajax. “They are,” Xiao finally answers after a few beats of silence. “It is different with me. Negative energies are drawn to me due to an unfortunate side-effect of the countless evil gods I have slain. They tend to cling on to nearby monsters, making them stronger and more aggressive. Negative energies attract other negative energies too, and some has made their way to you.”

A surprisingly honest and succinct answer. Ajax wasn’t expecting to receive nearly as much information. He also isn’t about to waste this opportunity now that Xiao is feeling more chatty.

“When you say negative energies attract other negative energies, are you talking about this Abyss thing that I apparently have? Can you tell me what an Abyss is?”

Xiao sighs. “Very well. At this point, your ignorance will end up causing more harm than good.”

It turns out the Abyss is a whole goddamned underground realm that never existed in the original game. It’s a mysterious land, a cursed one, carved away from Teyvat and filled with endless darkness and untold horror. Evil festers there, and the land holds unworldly power diametrically opposed to Celestia.

Ajax sits on his bed, his eyes going wider with every bit of new information, including at the new fun fact that Xiao drops: Tartaglia’s body carries traces of the cursed energy from that land.

Holy fuck, Ajax thinks. It is literally this world’s version of Hell.

What the fuck did this world’s Tartaglia do?

“I—you said I’m tainted with this Abyss’s power?” Ajax asks again, “What does that even mean? What will happen to me?”

“The effects of the Abyss differ from individual to individual,” Xiao answers. He no longer seems as defensive or suspicious. Ajax’s panic is enough to convince him that he’s innocent. “Its corruptive influence can twist the body and the mind. It could very well be the cause of your heart sickness.”

No, Ajax doesn’t think Xiao’s right. Ajax knows exactly the cause of this so-called heart sickness, and it stems from the ugly knot of anger, grief, and denial, layered by the heavy feelings of regret from his old life and sudden death.

Outside of that, Ajax doesn’t feel that different from his pre-transmigration self. His temper remains even, and on days when he can shove his issues aside, he almost feels happy and chipper. Being surrounded by the recruits, his colleagues at the bank, and Zhongli helps ground him.

“I don’t think so? I mean, I think I have an idea about the cause of this heart sickness and I’m pretty sure it’s not the Abyss.”

“Have you experienced anything outside of the ordinary, then? A shortened temper or increased urges of bloodlust?”

“Not really?” Ajax likes a good fight because he’s motivated to up his stats, but that doesn’t mean he enjoys violence for the sake of committing it. Without that stats gain incentive, Ajax would’ve much preferred to sit back, chill, and play his music.

“Count your blessings that you have not been more affected. You should still pay careful attention to ensure the Abyssal energy on your person does not worsen your health. It is also best if you avoid places steeped with negative energy in the future. If you do find yourself in an unfortunate situation where avoiding negative energy is impossible, you should immediately conduct a blessing to scrub yourself of impurities.”

“And how would I bless myself to rid of the impurities?”

“Mix a teaspoon of salt in a large glass of water, chant the name of the deity of your choice for protection three times, and drink the water. If you want to take extra precaution, light a few sticks of incense while drinking the water. Do not leave the room until the incense burns out.”

Great. “Is there a way I can just get rid of this Abyssal Taint on me?”

“That is impossible, unfortunately.” Xiao actually sounds a tad apologetic for delivering the bad news. “Or rather, impossible to achieve in your lifetime. The effects can be managed through daily prayers or offerings to deities.”

Ajax rubs his temples, scowling. “Double great.” He has to keep this up daily now? Fuck him!

“I find it puzzling that you know nothing about the Abyss. Surely the Fatui training would have taught you about the potential dangers of Teyvat.”

Ajax goes stiff. That’s a very good question.

System, help! What do I say?

“As much as the System would like to help, the System cannot directly interfere with the permitted interactions User has with the world.”

Wait, what about the Silver Tongue ability?

“System has that for sale in its shop. It is a one-time use Ability and will cost User 450 SP. Does User wish to purchase Silver Tongue ability?”

450 SP?! What is this extortionate price? System, can’t you give me a discount? C’mon, have some pity for your favourite customer!

“System is unable to provide a discount at this time. User is encouraged to continue to work hard!”

System, why do you hate me?!

“Well?” comes Xiao’s impatient tone.

“Uh.” Fuck fuck fuck. “I may have forgotten?” Ajax winces the moment that escapes his lips. Xiao looks equally unimpressed.

“Forgotten,” he repeats slowly. “That is your explanation?”

 “It’s not like I wanted to!” Ajax blurts out. “I got hurt when I first got to Liyue. It nearly killed me!”

That’s right, Ekaterina had been so suspicious about his personality change that she had asked the doctor to check him for any head injuries. He can totally use that as his cover.

For a second, it appears to work and Xiao’s suspicion seems to die down a bit, but not for long. “You were injured to the point of sustaining some memory loss and yet, instead of returning to Snezhnaya to recover, you remain in Liyue.” The adeptus crosses his arms over his chest and glares. “Why?”

Goddamnit, what is this? A police interrogation? “Well, it’s not like I can just leave!” And that’s the truth. Ajax has missions to accomplish to appease the System. “I was sent here to be a diplomat. Injury or not, I can’t just ignore my orders without consequences. What, you think I would still be here if I had a choice?”

Again, he’s not lying. If Ajax had the chance to run away without failing his Main Missions, he would pack his bags and leave in a heartbeat rather than stay in the city and risk getting murdered.

His frustration must have left a mark on Xiao because it stops his interrogation in its track. “You do not want to be here, and yet you are forced to remain to carry out your duty,” Xiao murmurs. A look of understanding dawns on his face as the anger visibly fades. “Hm.”

And with that, the adeptus gets up in a clear sign that the conversation is over. Ajax feels like he’s missing something though. What did he say to get Xiao to back off like that? “I will inform the innkeeper and the boss that you are awake. Stay out of trouble.”

Xiao does not wait for Ajax’s acknowledgment. In a gust of air, he disappears, leaving Ajax to his lonesome once again.

“Status Update.” The System’s window pops up, startling Ajax out of his thoughts. “Side Quest Traces of Tartaglia (1) complete! Rewards: +10 SP. Side Quest (unlocked): Traces of Tartaglia (2). Objective: In the journey to discover Tartaglia’s past, learn about Tartaglia’s link to the Abyss. Rewards: +20 SP.”

That notification gives Ajax a pause. How is he supposed to do that? At least there doesn’t seem to be a consequence for failing, but still.

A second pinging sound chimes out.

“Relationship Status with Xiao: +2 R Points, +3 F points. Achievements earned:

“‘Popular, I Want to Be Popular!’ for obtaining positive F points with 50 different people in Liyue. Rewards earned: Charisma +10, Automatic 5% discount on all goods and services sold by the merchants of Liyue Harbour.

“‘I-It’s Not That I Like You or Anything, Idiot!’ for simultaneously earning F Points and R Points from a single interaction with a character. Rewards earned: +5 SP.”

“Oh, very funny, System!” Ajax grouches, although he has zero idea what he did to earn three whole Friendship Points from Xiao after gaining a stream of Regret Points in the past week. Maybe the little guy finally got used to him or something. Who even knows?

In any case, Ajax can wonder more about that in the shower. He’s in desperate need of a proper wash-up.

He spends the rest of the day taking things easy. Ms. Goldet is ecstatic that he’s recovered and immediately plies him with food, free of charge, which Ajax feels guilty for taking since it’s not her fault that he fell into his cursed sleep. He tips her generously in recompense.

Now that he’s full, clean, and well-rested, Ajax isn’t left with a lot to do except to chill on the balcony, enjoying the late afternoon breeze with a guitar in hand, and his head full of thoughts.

Xiao called what he had a sickness that originated from his heart. Ajax has never seen his issues as a sickness, but he supposes Xiao isn’t entirely wrong. His memories, his emotions, and all the resentment towards his family in his old life are being compounded by the undeniable grief from his sudden departure. This cesspool of negativity cannot be good for him.

Ajax strums the familiar, melancholy tune of Autumn Leaves, letting the notes accompany his thoughts. Hell, he knows his issues aren’t good for him. They’ve already done damage, first with the way he’s running himself to the ground in some stupid attempt at denial, and now, this sleep problem. With his Abyss Status Effect constantly applied, who’s to say it won’t make things worse?

But how can he cure himself of this? How does one cure themselves of grief, resentment, and bitterness?

Fuck if Ajax knows. Keeping himself busy is his default go-to. That and music.

“What is that song called?”

“Holy f—” The twang of the wrong note rings in the air as Ajax spins around to find Xiao casually leaning against the wall behind him. “Xiao! Can you wear a little bell or something? You scare the heck out of me whenever you do that!”

Xiao rolls his eyes and strolls over to the table. He grabs a seat across from Ajax, his scowl not letting up.

“Uh, I don’t have any Almond Tofu for you today,” Ajax says when it doesn’t look like Xiao is going to say anything else. “Sorry. I wasn’t expecting you to show up. I can order some if you want.”

“Don’t bother,” Xiao replies. “The song that you were playing just now. What is it called?”

“Oh, uh, this song?” Ajax plays a couple of sample notes. At Xiao’s nod, he answers, “It’s called, ‘Autumn Leaves’, though the song is originally called ‘Les Feuilles Mortes’ or ‘The Dead Leaves’, which is a tad morbid.”

“Play it again.”

Not knowing what else to say, Ajax does as he’s told.

“Hmph, not as good as before,” is the first thing Xiao says the moment the song ends. “A bit hollow-sounding.”

Ajax flushes. “Well, who asked you?” he grouses. “Everybody’s a critic these days.”

Xiao clearly gives zero fucks. “If you want compliments, play something deserving of them,” he retorts like a strict, hard-to-please parent, or a tiger mom. “Play something more genuine. Even your ruckus from the past few days was more entertaining.”

Yeesh. What a dick. “Excuse you, oh venerable adeptus. What do you want to hear then?”

Xiao tilts his head, thinking. “Something like the last song, except better.”

Scratch that. What a massive dick. But it does get Ajax thinking about what Xiao would want to hear—something melancholy and calm, to nobody’s surprise.

Ajax plucks the first couple of notes from the acoustic version of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”. This will do nicely. Everyone loves the Beatles, right?

Xiao likes the Beatles just fine even if he still calls Ajax’s playing, “Soulless, generic, and a little boring.”

Ajax retaliates by playing K-pop to see the adeptus scowl.

He gets 2 F Points, 3 R Points, and +3 Charisma for his trouble. He is taking those R Points like a goddamned badge of honour.

(Ajax also feels a lot better after playing for Xiao. He feels calmer and more at peace than even after playing his piano back in Liyue Harbour. Maybe it’s because his music and Almond Tofu gift technically count as offerings to a deity, and these offerings are stopping the Abyss Taint Status Effect from feeding into his tumultuous emotions.)

(Or maybe, it’s simply having someone there to lend an ear that’s doing wonders. Kinda like therapy.)

(Either way, he’ll never admit any of this to Xiao. His pride wouldn’t be able to survive from it.)

He spends the (short) remainder of his vacation with a new routine. He goes for some light monster fighting in the morning followed by drinking some saltwater and giving thanks to Xiao (Xiao counts as a god, right? He’s an adeptus so he should count!) In the afternoon, he bothers the kitchen staff for more Qingce Stir Fry training, and if the staff are particularly patient, he gets extra cooking lessons for other types of dishes. In the evening, he performs a mini-concert for Xiao, even if the adeptus is picky and ungrateful for the sweet tunes and Almond Tofu Ajax is plying him with. When it’s over, he goes to bed and sleeps deeper than he has since arriving in this brave new world.

It’s a comfortable routine, so comfortable that he finds himself a bit sad when it comes to an end.

“Tonight’s my last night here,” Ajax announces to Xiao, handing him the plate of Almond Tofu. Xiao accepts without batting an eye. It’s equal parts hilarious and sad that this gesture has become the norm in such a short amount of time. “After that, you get to return to your peace and quiet. Try not to miss me too much!”

“The size of your ego never ceases to amaze me.” Xiao doesn’t bother to pause his eating, nor does he bother to sound anything but bored. “I would ask you to stay out of trouble but you are the type to take that as a challenge to do the opposite. Like a child.”

Ajax laughs and plucks a few playful notes on his guitar. “I only do that for orders that are stupid! Besides, what’s the fun in staying out of trouble?”

Xiao snorts. “Fine. Don’t stay out of trouble and perish, but do so quietly and out of my sight.”

“So cold! After I’ve given you so many plates of Almond Tofu, too!”

Despite Xiao being his usual grouchy self, the rest of the evening is surprisingly pleasant, netting Ajax two more Friendship Points and one Regret Point.

Ajax also can’t help but notice the familiar sensation of watchful eyes following his movements the next morning the moment he’s on the road after bidding Wangshu Inn goodbye. Unlike previous times, however, the feeling of being watched has a tinge of warmth to it, almost protective in nature, and it follows him as he journeys south, past the plains, the ruins, and through the canyon until he’s reached the bridge to Liyue Harbour.

“I’m safe now!” Ajax calls out into the air. “You can stop stalking me like a little creep!”

Ajax swears he hears a dismissive “Hmph!” echoing in the wind as the watchful pressure lets up. It takes everything in him not to laugh even when the System notifies him that his relationship with Xiao gets another Regret Point and Friendship Point.

Part X. Home Sweet Home

“Welcome back, Master Childe!” Vlad greets come Monday morning when Ajax makes his way up the red steps to the bank, a tin box tucked under his arms. “How was your vacation?”

“Good, thanks! Oh, I learned to make these at Wangshu Inn.” Ajax holds out the tin box and pops open the lid, revealing a mound of perfectly golden sesame cookie balls. Though originally reluctant to teach him anything, Wangshu Inn’s sous-chef changed his tune real fast after Ajax had deposited bags of Mora on the table. Once again, the tried-and-true tactic of whaling paid off, literally and figuratively. “Here, help yourself!”

“Oh wow, thanks, Master Childe!”

Ajax barely closes the door behind him when he gets a ping. “Status Update: relationship with Vlad: F Point +1, Charisma +1.”

Ajax doesn’t bother hiding his grin. Sweet! Looks like his cooking has gotten good enough to start earning him Charisma points. Thank you, Smiley Yanxiao! Those cooking lessons are money well spent!

“It’s certainly good to see you in good spirits, Master Childe,” Ekaterina says by way of greeting from the teller’s desk. “Did you enjoy your time off?”

“Surprisingly productive!” Ajax says brightly, thinking back on all those sweet stat points he earned, and the F Points with Xiao. Oh, and the achievement perks too! “I got so much done. It’s great!”

“That’s not exactly the purpose of a vacation, sir,” Ekaterina says, her disapproval mixed with amusement. “Please tell me you slept at some point at least.”

“Eh, I did plenty of that.” Too much sleeping, in fact. “I’m ready to get back into the swing of things. How was the bank while I was gone?”

Ajax spends a solid half-hour making his rounds, saying his hellos, and offering cookies to his fellow colleagues. It’s nice to see that he’s been missed in his two weeks of absence, even though, for some reason, people seem oddly fixated on asking whether he had the chance to rest and relax.

…Had he come off as a bit too intense and manic before his vacation? ‘Cause people seem oddly concerned about his well-being, and they do not seem to like it when he says he was very productive either. They make the same exasperated face that Ekaterina did. Andrei, especially, had shaken his head before answering, “At least you enjoyed yourself, I suppose,” before handing him a large cup of black coffee and taking a few cookies from the tin.

He should slow down a bit. He’s got this new Abyss Side Quest to keep his mind busy (so that he’s not too fixated on his…issues). Ever since Xiao’s explanation about the Abyss, he’s been itching for more answers on what it is and its potential effects on him as time goes on. The bookshop would be a good resource in addition to getting his men to pull up all internal Fatui reports on this topic.

But that’s future Ajax’s problem. Present Ajax needs to focus, and it takes no time to get back into the rhythm of his work, happily racking up his Intelligence points while his Charisma points slowly trickle in, courtesy of his colleagues enjoying his baked goods.

Ah, it’s good to be back!

The moment five o’clock strikes, Ajax packs up his belongings, takes his empty cookie tin, and with a wave of goodbye to Ekaterina, heads out with a bounce to his steps. He beelines for the bookshop, returning the owner’s greeting with a polite nod of his own before heading for the shelves on legends and mythos.

Let’s see. Legends and Tales of Celestia? Sure. Teyvat and Beyond—Stories of Gods Old and New. Yup, let’s take that as well—

“Master Childe?”

A low, velvety, familiar voice interrupts his thoughts, and Ajax shifts his attention to the man behind him, a smile already on his lips for his favourite person in the city.

“Mister Zhongli!” he greets. “Fancy seeing you here! How have you been?”

Zhongli looks like his impeccable self in the bright afternoon sun, with his clothing perfectly pressed and his hair neatly tied back. Not like that’s surprising—Ajax can’t think of an instance where Zhongli doesn’t look perfectly put together in all the time they’ve spent together.

“I am doing well,” Zhongli answers with a slight nod and his usual gentle smile. “I see you are back from your vacation. How was Wangshu Inn?”

Ajax pauses. What an unexpectedly loaded question.

Should Ajax come clean about meeting Xiao and his problems with the Abyss Taint Status Effect? Something tells him that Zhongli already knows given Xiao’s dedication to his duty. A random Snezhnayan diplomat who reeks of the Abyss sounds like the type of threat the Guardian Yaksha would report back to Rex Lapis, especially when said diplomat had fallen into some sort of cursed sleep. But Ajax is not supposed to know that Zhongli knows. As Tartaglia the Harbinger, he wouldn’t disclose his Abyss Status Effect to anybody when it is clearly a weakness that can be exploited.

On the other hand, Zhongli can probably give him even more information about the Abyss, so getting Zhongli to talk would be hugely beneficial.

Hmm, how can Ajax navigate this situation to get Zhongli to talk about the Abyss without coming off as out of character by admitting to his weakness?

He could tell Zhongli about meeting Xiao. That’s benign and something a person would share as a cool story. And then, he could casually segue into talking about the Abyss? Maybe he can blame it on Xiao as something vague the Yaksha had said? It’s a shitty plan, but it’s better than anything else he’s got so here goes.

“My vacation was interesting,” he decides to go with. “Say, Mister Zhongli, do you have some free time right now? I’d love to catch up over dinner if you’re fine with having it a bit early and if you’re available. My treat!”

Zhongli predictably agrees.

Even though they’re dropping in without a reservation, Liuli Pavilion is more than happy to accommodate them. The waiter ushers them to a cozy private room with a large window that offers an unobstructed view of the busy street below.

“Thank you for suggesting those places to visit,” Ajax says after the food arrive. He grabs a dumpling with his clumsy chopstick handling skills, cheering when it makes it to his bowl safely. “Although Wangshu Inn was lovely, two weeks of vacation are a bit too much free time for me. I’d be at a loss with how I should spend all this time without your recommendations.”

“Most would take the time to simply relax and rest as opposed to finding ways to keep busy during a vacation,” Zhongli answers, amused and with that same hint of exasperation as Ajax’s colleagues. Even Zhongli thinks he’s been a bit manic, huh?

“I don’t like sitting around and doing nothing.” If there’s one thing he misses the most from his old world, it’s his phone. His device gives him something to fiddle with constantly, a habit that he finds incredibly soothing in quiet, awkward moments. He could’ve used it during his vacation.

“Although I can’t say my vacation was entirely uneventful,” Ajax continues. “I did meet an adeptus called Xiao. That was exciting!”

“Hm, Xiao.” Zhongli takes his cup, blows on the steam, and takes his first sip. “I know a few stories about him. It is said that those who meet him are unlucky since he only appears during the most dire of circumstances to slay evil.”

“You can say that’s what’s happened to me.” Ajax pats his side where he was injured. He smiles wryly when Zhongli’s gaze zeroes in on it. “I ran into some monsters and got hurt. It’s nothing serious though, so no need to worry! Xiao appeared in the nick of time. And then he yelled at me. He said something interesting as well.”

“The way you keep getting injured is worrisome in itself, especially when you are supposed to be on vacation.” The pointed look Zhongli levels him with reminds Ajax of a disapproving teacher, and Ajax’s grin turns mischievous. “What did Xiao say to you? The words of an adeptus are ones you should heed.”

“Too late for that. I mostly tuned him out when he started shouting.” The disapproving look comes back stronger than before. Ajax raises his hand in a defensive manner. “He mentioned something about the Abyss and negative energies attracting each other, which I have no idea what that even means. He also told me to stay out of trouble, and I did! I was being very, very careful, Mister Zhongli! I even thanked him with music and food!”

For some reason, that last bit has Zhongli looking more closed off. Ajax senses a hint of disapproval plus something else. Whatever it is, it has Zhongli narrowing his eyes and clenching his jaw slightly.  (Damn his low Wisdom stat!)

“I see. That is thoughtful of you,” comes Zhongli’s reserved answer. It’s like he’s forced to say it through gritted teeth. “As for Xiao’s words, they may seem cryptic but I believe I understand what he’s trying to convey. The Abyss leaves traces of its energy behind. Those unfortunate enough to have visited it are likewise tainted by it. Such Abyssal energy can attract other negative energies with catastrophic effects.”

Yeah, no kidding. Ajax’s got first-hand experience with how catastrophic things can get. Also, that all but confirms to Ajax that Xiao totally ratted him out to Zhongli. Zhongli’s comment is too on the nose.

One thing does stick out to Ajax. “Those who visit the Abyss are tainted by it? Are there other ways in which the Abyss can leave traces of its energy behind?”

“In mortals? No. The Abyss can likewise corrupt plant and animal life but humans interacting with those are not tainted by the Abyss’s effect.”

Interesting. So, Tartaglia must have visited the Abyss in the past. “But what does this Abyss energy do to people?” Xiao had said the Abyss corrupts.

Zhongli’s answer seems to mirror the Yaksha’s. “It corrupts and mutates in different manners, and its effects vary from individual to individual. Some people may hardly experience any symptoms or mild effects such as increased sensitivity to the light, increased physical strength and stamina, or increased irritability. Those more unfortunate can find their minds twisted and broken to the point of being unrecognizable from their previous selves.”

Ajax feels himself grow cold. Twisted and broken to the point of being unrecognizable. Xiao did not say that.

“That’s awful,” he breathes.

A thought occurs to him. Oh man…Could this be what happened to Tartaglia in this world?

Come to think of it, Ajax knows nothing about Tartaglia. Ajax had done a preliminary sweep of the hotel suite during his first month of being in this new world and had found items that screamed of luxury. They were all superficial items like fancy sets of clothes, high-end grooming products, and a small collection of throwing weapons. There had been no personal effects, no family photos or letters.  Thinking back on it now, there’s something terribly tragic and lonely about this.

Who even was Tartaglia? Was he someone completely different once upon a time? Also, “Is there no way to reverse the damage done by the Abyss?”

Zhongli shakes his head, his lips set into a grim frown. “Only through the combined power of Celestia can the effects of the Abyss be truly wiped. That’s not to say they can’t be managed or lessened, like treating the symptoms of an illness. Purification rituals would help. These rituals could be something simple like making a prayer or providing offerings so long they involve the veneration of Celestia, its deities, or its Archons.” Then, as if remembering that he’s pretending to be a scholar and not an Archon, Zhongli adds a bit clumsily, “At least, that is the information I’ve read in multiple texts.”

“It is a good thing that Mister Zhongli is so well-learned,” Ajax replies, his mind going back to the offerings he made to Xiao. No wonder they offered a brief respite from the ugly mess of grief-anger-resentment coursing through his veins.

(But now that Xiao is not here, what will he do?)

“A Mora for your thoughts? You look troubled.”

“It’s just—I don’t like this.” Ajax shrugs a little helplessly with a frown twisting his lips. “I don’t like how the effects are so permanent.”

He hates how unfair it all is. Here he is, getting pulled into something he inherited from Tartaglia while struggling to get through his own problems. He didn’t ask for any of this.

(Just like how he didn’t ask for his parents to get divorced, nor did he ask to be passed between them like a ping pong ball. He did not ask to witness how little his parents had wanted him around and yet, there he was, forced to pick up the broken pieces of himself.)

(How was any of that remotely fair?)

A fresh cup of warm tea is nudged into his hands and it draws him out of his grim thoughts. “It is not untreatable.” Zhongli’s gaze on Ajax is warm and his voice is low and soothing,  but his tone is insistent. “It takes time and persistence but the effects of the Abyss can be managed.”

Time and persistence, huh? It’s a good thing that Ajax has both of those in spades. Maybe, after his role in Liyue is over, he’d be able to travel and research better methods of repressing his Abyssal Status Effect even if he can’t fully recover from it.

“Ah, enough about this grim topic,” Ajax says while shaking his head. He feels more exhausted than he cares for. There’s not much else he wants to explore for now anyway. “I apologize for dominating this conversation. How have you been? How were your two weeks?”

Apparently, mostly peaceful with a few noted exceptions and complications.

“Oh?” Ajax asks, sensing a thread of frustration lacing Zhongli’s words. “What could possibly have happened to shake Mister Zhongli out of his zen?”

Zhongli actually sighs in an uncharacteristic display of deep-seated weariness. “It is due to my employer, the current overseer of the funeral parlour. I cannot deal with that child.”

Ajax knows very little about the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour’s director aside from the fact that her name is Hu Tao and she’s pretty young. “In what ways was she being difficult?”

“She was attempting to drum up business by offering coupons for coffins.” Ajax’s brows rise at that. “Buy one get one free while happily reminding everyone that ‘Death comes for us all!’ in the middle of the Southern Wharf. The sailors—who are suspicious and did not appreciate any mentions of death right before their journey—called the Millelith on her. I had to sort out matters with them.”

That’s rather hilarious, but Ajax suspects Zhongli would not appreciate that comment. “She seems rather lively,” he says instead, taking a sip of his tea to disguise his mirth.

Zhongli grimaces into his cup. “Quite. She is a very capable individual and conducts the rites flawlessly, though her sense of humour leaves much to be desired.”

“You know, I’ve always wondered. Why have you chosen to work for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour, especially for an employer whose personality is incompatible with yours? With your wealth of knowledge and skills, your service would be sought after anywhere you go, including working for the Qixing or maybe…” Ajax leans over and flashes a teasing smile coupled with an eyebrow waggle. “The Northland Bank.”

“Your blatant attempt at poaching me for your place of employment is noted. However, I will have to respectfully decline your offer,” comes Zhongli’s amused response. At least the man is smiling again. “I enjoy working at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour. I especially enjoy conducting the rites and rituals for burial, especially for the adepti. I feel that such knowledge is not as carefully preserved by historians and researchers, so I have taken it upon myself to ensure the historical accuracy of those traditions.

“I also believe that the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour is where I am most needed. There is no shortage of skilled individuals striving to work for the Qixing or the Northland Bank.” At that, he gives Ajax a pointed look that has the other flushing at the implied compliment. “Whereas it is harder for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour to find skilled employees. Most people are hesitant to work for a place of death since they believe it brings them ill fortune.”

“How am I supposed to convince you when you’ve given such a reasonable response?” Ajax teases. “I am still sorry to see you decline my offer.”

Ajax is only half-kidding. To have the God of Commerce working for Northland Bank would undoubtedly benefit it, even if Ajax knows there’s no way in hell that Zhongli would agree.

“You wouldn’t be the first I’ve said no to. Xigu Antiques is especially persistent. A couple of the restaurants have also approached me before. Apparently, my culinary knowledge of both Li and Yue styles have been noted, as well as my sensitive palate.”

Of course they have. Zhongli is the least subtle being in Liyue, being the walking, talking encyclopedia that he is. Not even the sensitive palate is a surprise to Ajax, having personally witnessed Zhongli taking one bite out of a dish before spending ten minutes waxing poetic about the type of salt used.

And speaking of culinary tastes: “I hope I will be able to please your sensitive palate, Mister Zhongli. During my vacation, I believe I have perfected the recipe for Qingce Stir Fry.”

Zhongli must really like that dish because the mere mention of it is enough to make his expression go bright. “Have you now? That is incredibly fast. Not that I have ever doubted your abilities, Master Childe.”

Ajax is not so easily convinced and he puts a hand over his heart in mock offence. “The fact that you mentioned not doubting me makes me think you are lying! I’ll have you know that I made some sesame cookie balls for the office staff today and they’re a huge hit!”

He’s still swooning over the number of Charisma points he earned from that one cookie tin alone. Next week he’s going to bring two tins’ worth of baked goods to rack up double the points. Oh, he can also feed the recruits. They always look hungry.

“But in any event, I am happy to prove your doubts wrong and make it for you in person,” Ajax continues. “I am happy to have you over where I can demonstrate my culinary skills live, if that works for you.”

“Such confidence, but alright, I accept your proposal.” Zhongli’s smile takes on an edge of arrogance with a hint of teeth, and Ajax is struck by the reminder that Zhongli was once the Warrior God. A stupidly handsome one as well, holy fuck. “I’ll let you know that my expectations are sky-high, so I look forward to being impressed.”

Ajax can feel his face go a bit hot. “G-good!” he chokes out. “You will be!”

He is saved from further humiliation with the arrival of the waiter looking to refill their tea.

With their meet-up set, Ajax turns his mind to another topic: his fighting mechanics.

“Hey System,” Ajax asks from the safety of his hotel suite, “is the explanation for the second Battle Gauge unlocked yet?”

The System’s blue window appears. “A partial description of the Second Battle Gauge has been unlocked. Would User like to see it?”

At Ajax’s nod, the System continues, “Foul Legacy Transformation—A mysterious power granted to Tartaglia that is Abyssal in nature. It is a power from which Tartaglia can draw to gain a large boost in temporary Strength but at a great cost later on…”

“Huh, is that it? I’m guessing that more information will be available once I complete more of that Tartaglia Side Quest?”

“User is correct! Please continue to work hard!”

The description does have Ajax thinking though. Clearly, his hypothesis about Tartaglia having visited the Abyss is correct. If only he had more information on what happened to Tartaglia.

Ajax eyes the description again. He has zero intention of triggering this power. He doesn’t like the sound of having to pay a “great cost later on” and he’s all about not dying, thank you.

So the Foul Legacy Transformation is off the table, but what about the Delusion? There don’t seem to be any warnings that come from using this power.

Ajax grins. This looks like the perfect opportunity to test it out then, and ooh, he can play around with a bow so that he will fill his battle gauge! Time for some experimentation.

After a quick visit to Felix, he secures a bow on loan before heading toward the great outdoors. He crosses the main bridge that leads out of Liyue’s front gates, whistling happily as he waves at the Millelith guards. The moment his feet hit the dusty path, he takes a sharp right towards the sloping hills and heads up the mountain. He stops when he sees a collection of Slimes relaxing by an apple tree.

Yes, this will do nicely.

Carefully, he draws his bow out. He takes a few seconds to familiarize himself with the weight and feel of the weapon in his hand. He lets his fingers curl around the grip as he adjusts his stance to something comfortable—left foot out? No, the right foot feels better, sturdier. He notches an arrow and draws it back until the string goes taught and he can feel the muscles of his arms and chest starting to strain. He breathes, letting Tartaglia’s strength and innate fighting ability flow through him like river current.

He exhales his breath and releases the arrow.

The arrow leaves the bow in a sad parabola before plummeting straight down, landing exactly one foot away from him in the grass.

Meanwhile, the Slimes continue to happily enjoy their peace some distance away.

“…Huh.”

Okay, so that was a bad first try. He just needs time to warm up. Luckily he’s got a lot of time on his hands, a ton of arrows, and Tartaglia’s natural fighting capabilities. He’s got this!

His opinion changes two hours later.

“What the hell!”

Ajax slumps to the ground in a ring of misfired arrows. The Slimes have since bounced away, leaving him to sulk in an empty field. “Why aren’t Tartaglia’s OP fighting powers kicking in?”

He couldn’t hit a single thing. The only time he could hit something was when he lost his patience and chucked the stupid arrow at a Slime, which one-shotted the thing and made Ajax cry out in frustration.

“System!” he cries out. “Why do I suck and how do I fix it?”

“User has been granted Tartaglia’s skills, fighting abilities, and instincts based upon his experience,” comes the System’s robotic voice. “Since Tartaglia is a melee fighter with limited experience with the bow, User has not been granted with the ability to master such weapon. Should User wish to become a master marksman, User is encouraged to work hard and learn!”

Ajax makes a horrified sound. “Wait, hold up, are you saying I actually have to build my archery skills on my own?” Well, screw that! He’s curious about what his Delusion power would do, but not that curious!

As if sensing Ajax’s will quickly crumbling to dust, the System says the magic words: “New weapon mastery unlocks perks and achievements, but most notably, a sizable stat increase!”

Ajax stops sulking. “How sizable are we talking about?”

Answer: It’s very sizable. Sizable enough that it has Ajax convinced to give archery a second go despite his grumbling. He still has no idea what he’s doing, but he can bother some of his men to give him a crash course. He thinks he knows who to ask, too.

(Back at the hotel, Felix shivers violently from what feels like tendrils of icy dread running down his spine. He looks around with wild eyes, trying to spot what’s wrong, but he couldn’t find anything out of the ordinary. What the hell was that all about?)

That evening, after bullying Felix into teaching him the basics of how to use the bow properly (and earning three Regret Points for his trouble), Ajax is back in his hotel, trying to sort through his immediate goals.

“Let’s see, let’s see.” Ajax swipes at the System’s window so that it shows his stats, humming a little in thought. “Stat progression is going good despite the vacation setback. Zhongli’s stir fry Side Quest will be done assuming that I nail the cooking. Tartaglia’s Side Quest is going a bit slower, but hopefully, those reports about the Abyss I ordered will arrive soon. Mastering the bow is a work in progress. Hey System, did I miss anything else?”

“User is reminded to keep track of his Status Effect to remain in optimal health.”

“Right, right.” With another swipe of his hand, the Status Effect page appears on the screen. Nothing new, just the Abyssal Taint status still being in effect, but it does serve as a helpful reminder that he should do his daily offerings and prayers.

He runs headfirst into his dilemma from before. Should he continue to play music and offer Almond Tofu to Xiao? It had worked in bringing him peace while he was at Wangshu Inn, but now that he’s in Liyue Harbour, would that change anything? Ajax suspects that Liyue Harbour isn’t exactly Xiao’s turf—he hasn’t felt that oppressive feeling of being watched ever since stepping into the city, so maybe Xiao wouldn’t be the best choice.

Does it even matter whether the deity he chooses is tied to the land he’s in? Because if he wants to stay in character as Tartaglia, his most natural choice would be the Tsaritsa. But what happens if he prays to her? Would she be able to tell that he’s not the same Tartaglia from before? In contrast, would he get into trouble by not praying to her?

Ajax grimaces. Fuck, he didn’t even think about all this when he had given Xiao those Almond Tofus. He could’ve seriously fucked up just then, but in his defence, god offerings and worshipping are completely new to him. Those things weren’t in the original game!

“Calm down, Ajax,” he mutters. “Let’s take a second to think this through. Nothing happened and I gave Xiao a shit ton of tofus! Maybe the gods only know if you pray to them directly. Xiao answered quickly whenever I called his name.” Even if he likes to watch from the shadows first like a little creep.

Okay, the Tsaritsa is an option, but now that he’s thinking about it, is she the best option? Isn’t it a terrible idea to draw the Tsaritsa’s attention to him? There’s no way he can hide how he’s drastically different from OG Tartaglia. Also, she should know about OG Tartaglia’s Abyss effect already. Xiao figured him out three seconds into their encounter, so it stands to reason that the Tsaritsa is aware of this stench of the Abyss’s that is clinging to his body. She is in the best position to keep OG Tartaglia’s symptoms at bay and his mind free from the corrupting influence of the Abyss.

Yet, something tells Ajax that OG Tartaglia remains twisted, bloodthirsty, and deranged, judging by the way the Fatui members have initially tip-toed around him in fear.

Assuming that OG Tartaglia’s personality is something less cartoonishly evil, does that mean the Tsaritsa had simply sat back and let OG Tartaglia’s mind fester?

Ajax doesn’t like this one bit. It’s best if he keeps away from the Cryo Archon, but where does this leave him? He can stick to praying to Liyuan deities since that’s been proven to be safe. He also wants to send his offering to someone in Liyue Harbour in case geographical proximity matters. So who’s in town?

Ajax face-palms. He’s an idiot. There’s clearly a deity currently living in the city. A powerful one at that. Ajax just had dinner with him, for crying out loud.

Grinning, Ajax makes his way to his piano and lifts the cover. He runs a delicate hand over the keys, enjoying how bright the notes sound this peaceful evening.

A song for Mister Zhongli, also known as Morax, Rex Lapis, the God of Contracts, the God of Trade and Commerce, and the Warrior God. What would Zhongli—no, Morax like to hear?

“Hey, System! Do you have any suggestions on what I should play for Morax?”

“System encourages User to play something with sincerity that matches Character Zhongli’s preferences.”

So, something pretentious but well renowned as a popular classic. Fuck, he actually has to dig into the recesses of his memories for stuff like Chopin and Mozart, doesn't he? There’s no way in hell he’s got those notes memorized.

“System, you wouldn’t happen to have sheet music I can buy from your shop, would you?”

“The Store has a device User may purchase. It stores sheet music of songs from your world,” the System offers. “Once purchased, the Item is bound to User’s account and cannot be used by anyone else. The device appears invisible to anyone who is not User.”

Ajax sits up. “Wait, for real? How much does it cost?”

“The purchase price is 20 SP. Would User like to make this purchase?”

That’s a surprisingly reasonable price. “Hell, yes! This is going to make my life so much easier!”

Five minutes later, Ajax is holding what looks like a modern tablet from his original world. He swipes through the catalogue of music and cackles at the selection of songs that are available.

Not bad, not bad at all!

He stops when he finds Chopin’s “Nocturnes, Op. 9: No. 3”. It’s something he played a lot when he was younger so he can pick it up again, but more importantly, it’s a beautiful, elegant piece filled with nostalgia. All of those characteristics scream Zhongli.

He plays the piece again and again, familiarizing himself with the notes, the tempo, and how to create the best tones. It takes him some time before he’s satisfied and by then, the moon has risen in the sky.

“Right, this should do nicely,” he says to himself. “Hopefully, I won’t be disturbing him with my offering this late into the night.”

He takes a deep breath and breathes out. Then, he steels himself and mutters, his voice a bit shaky: “My sincerest offering for Morax. May he find this offering of music to his liking. In return, I ask that he keeps me safe from the effects of the Abyss.”

With his simple prayer over, Ajax pushes his thoughts into a corner along with his nervousness and doubts, and lets his mind go quiet. He closes his eyes and takes a few deep breaths. It feels like he’s been transported back in time when he played at recitals. He can almost feel the way the light shines above him, the heat beating down on his head, and the heavy silence of the auditorium which blankets the sea of audience sitting in the darkness.

(And out there in the front row are two empty seats reserved for his parents.)

He plays.

Time passes, and he barely pays attention to anything outside of the sweet melody resonating from the piano. He lets his fingers caress the cool, smooth keys, trying to inject the feeling of quiet yearning as he keeps his playing light and even. The piece progresses. He picks up the tempo as, his fingers flitting across the ivories as anger, agitation, and frustration bleed into the music, distorting the once quiet peace. The music is faster now. Louder.

Then, a break into the melody and Ajax slows, gentling his playing. He lets each note go soft and lingering, filled with bitter melancholy. As he reaches the end, a spark of hope makes its presence known. The song picks up, the notes grow brighter and more chipper. His fingers dance down the keys in an arpeggiated cadence and he brings the song home.

He only resurfaces from his trance when the last, delicate note rings out in the quiet room, accompanied by the sound of phantom applause from an audience that doesn’t exist save for in his imagination. The sensation fades, and he slowly releases the breath he hadn’t realized he had held.

Ajax feels peaceful. It’s the same sort of peace that would infuse his being after playing his songs for Xiao. It’s nice.

With a soft sigh, he allows himself to slouch on his bench. He hopes Zhongli likes his song. It’s been a while since he’s played something serious and personal, and he's not sure if his playing came off a bit too stiff, but he really, really tried his best there and he hopes it’s created a positive impression.

Because at the end of the day, he likes Zhongli. He likes the man’s elegance, patience, and underlying kindness which Ajax is getting to see more and more with every conversation, every meeting, and every meal he gets to share with him. He likes the way Zhongli will get lost in his stories, and how generous he is with sharing them and wisdom with Ajax. He likes the way Zhongli strolls down the busy streets, chatting with everyone along the way and genuinely enjoying every interaction with them. He likes how Zhongli loves Liyue and its people.

(He didn’t think it was possible, but he likes this version of Zhongli a lot more than the one from the original game. This Zhongli has depth to him that Ajax hadn’t even known were missing, and with every passing day, it’s getting harder and harder for Ajax to see this Zhongli only as a character from the original game, even if that realization brings him a different set of pains.)

In any event, Ajax hopes Zhongli likes him back. It would mean a lot if he does.

Luckily, he doesn’t have to wait long for an answer.

“Status Update,” comes the System’s announcement. “Charisma +5. Relationship with Zhongli, F Points +10.”

The delightful laugh Ajax lets out is probably way too loud for this late at night but he cannot find it in himself to care.

Extra: Zhongli

Zhongli knows that something is wrong the moment he appears in Xiao’s dream to find the dreamscape a swirling mess of blues and blacks.

“Xiao?” he asks, keeping himself cloaked even as he injects his Geo energy through the landscape so that his calming gold may smother the violent clashes of the colours around him. “Is everything alright?”

“Lord Lapis.”

Xiao’s form materializes in front of him. He’s down on one knee in his cursory bow with his head kept low so that his gaze is on the floor. He makes a perfect image of obeisance, one that Zhongli, no, Rex Lapis, has been trying to get Xiao to stop. He only hopes he succeeds by the time he gives up his Gnosis.

“Rise, old friend. Is something the matter? I have not seen you so distraught in a long while.”

But Xiao refuses to rise. “Lord Lapis, I have failed you once again. The human you have asked me to guard has fallen into a cursed sleep.”

Zhongli rears back in shock. “A cursed sleep? What is the cause of it?”

“A heart sickness, something that is causing a tremendous amount of turmoil in his being. It is exacerbated by the Abyssal energy he carries and the negative energy from my Karmic Debt.” Xiao’s head is kept low, and Zhongli hurts to see his proud friend in such a state. “I have dispelled the negative energy and broke the curse as soon as I found out, but had it not been for me, whether it’s my karmic debt or my failure to keep watch properly, the mortal would not have been in such a state to begin with. I will accept whatever punishment you deem fit to give me.”

A heart sickness, one strong enough to affect Master Childe in such a manner. It speaks of the level of pain and chaos that must be brewing inside Master Childe, and the trauma he must be battling constantly. Zhongli had noticed how Master Childe would go quiet and sad at times, but he would not have guessed that things were this serious, not when he had always appeared so warm and happy.

Master Childe has done well in hiding his hurt. The realization leaves an unpleasant taste in Zhongli’s mouth.

But really, how is this a surprise to Zhongli? Despite everything, Master Childe is a Harbinger—the Eleventh Harbinger, in fact, known for his fierce reputation as the Vanguard despite his youth. A man like that would not have been able to rise so quickly without staining his hands in blood. Tartaglia must have committed many atrocities in the name of the Cryo Archon.

And yet, Zhongli has a hard time reconciling this image with the Master Childe who he sees constantly: a youth brimming with excitement and good cheer, who is generous with his time and Mora and affection towards those around him. Those characteristics have not changed in their shared interactions, so Zhongli is certain that Master Childe had not been acting. Nobody is that good of an actor.

So it’s in light of all of this that Zhongli continues to find himself hurting for the mortal despite what his logic dictates.

“Please rise, my Guardian,” he repeats his request. “I know your dedication to your duty and I know you would have never harmed the mortal on purpose. Besides, you dispelled the curse as soon as you could, did you not?”

Xiao hesitates. “I have, my Lord.”

“And Childe is doing fine?”

“He is, my Lord.”

“Then all is well, and you have even less of a reason to think I would punish you, especially when you are helping me as a favour. So please, rise.”

Xiao finally pulls himself up, though he continues to shift his weight a little uneasily. Zhongli supposes that’s the best he can expect out of Xiao for now.

“Do you know what caused his heart sickness?”

Xiao shakes his head. “I do not know, my Lord. To be honest, I had not expected him to be afflicted by one, especially one so severe. He seems too much of a happy fool to be bothered by anything.”

Zhongli hums in understanding. “I must confess, I too did not believe he would be plagued by a heart sickness. Childe remains an enigma despite my observations.”

“I had wondered why you wanted me to watch over this mortal. Is he that interesting to warrant your attention?”

“He is a walking set of contradictions,” Zhongli explains. “His reputation as a fierce, arrogant, and blood-thirsty vanguard precedes him, and yet, I have experienced none of those characteristics from my observations. He is unlike any Fatuus member I have observed. I wish to understand more, is all.”

“He acts like some mischievous brat from a rich family.” Xiao scoffs. “I agree with your observations. I do not see a fierce, arrogant, or blood-thirsty vanguard. He is over-zealous for a fight, but I suspect it’s more out of boredom than anything. He has not demonstrated traits that suggest he enjoys committing violence. To hear that he has such a fearsome reputation is strange.” Xiao rubs his chin, a contemplative frown on his face. “You said he is one of the Cryo Archon’s lieutenants? Truly?”

Zhongli sighs. “Truly. I am glad your observations align with mine. I would appreciate it if you could continue to keep a watchful eye on him.”

Xiao bows and Zhongli refrains from stopping him. “Of course, my Lord.”

“My Lord,” Xiao says by way of greeting the moment Zhongli enters his dreamscape. He remains cloaked, but he suspects Xiao can sense the way his Geo element bleeds into the environment.

“What is the matter, my Guardian? Please rise.”

“I have discovered a few things about the mortal which are particularly interesting. I was speaking to the mortal after he woke up. He is fine,” Xiao adds quickly. “A bit confused and very much surprised by his circumstances, but fine. I informed him about his cursed sleep and the cause of it, and he asked me what the Abyss is.”

Zhongli’s surprise grows. “He doesn’t know about the Abyss? But he is one of the Cryo Archon’s lieutenants.”

“My thoughts exactly. I thought he was lying but his confusion and panic were genuine, as with his horror about the effects of the Abyss. I raised the point that it is highly unusual for him to not know about the Abyss given he is a member of the Fatui.”

“How did he answer that question?”

Xiao’s frown grows. “He said he had forgotten.”

Of all the excuses Zhongli has heard in his long existence, this has to be the flimsiest one ever. “He had forgotten,” he repeats, his tone incredulous. “How?”

Xiao makes an understanding noise. Clearly, the Yaksha shares his sentiments. “Due to a severe injury he had suffered upon arriving at Liyue Harbour. Apparently, it had almost killed him and it had affected some of his memory.”

An injury?

Zhongli thinks back on his first official meeting with Master Childe after the last meeting was abruptly rescheduled. Childe had apologized and explained that the rescheduling was due to an injury he had suffered. What was the cause again? A disastrous run-in with a group of Ruin Guards? But Master Childe had never mentioned the extent of this injury, nor how it had almost been fatal.

Again, Master Childe had masterfully hidden the extent of his injury from Zhongli. The sour feeling grows with a newfound sense of uneasiness and confusion. Master Childe is a Fatui Harbinger and clearly belongs to the Cryo Archon. Master Childe does not belong to Rex Lapis. Zhongli knows this.

So why is it that he feels this strange sense of hurt over the knowledge that Master Childe was hiding information about the state of his health from Zhongli? Why does this knowledge make him wish he could tuck Master Childe away somewhere safe?

Zhongli pushes away his feelings in favour of answering Xiao. “It is true that Childe had been injured due to an unfortunate encounter with a group of Ruin Guards right outside of Liyue Harbour. I had not realized the severity of the injury and how it had resulted in memory loss or his near death.”

This new information also raises a slew of questions.

First, can the Harbinger still carry out his duty to challenge Liyue as defined in the contract between Rex Lapis and the Cryo Archon? But if he isn’t up to the task, surely La Signora would have made alternative arrangements already and had Childe pulled from the mission. The injury had happened over two months ago. That is plenty of time for La Signora to make her move.

Second, why in Teyvat did Childe not return to Snezhnaya to recover? Zhongli voices this out to Xiao.

“He says he is duty-bound to remain in Liyue and that he would face consequences if he had left,” Xiao says, his voice going soft. “He also said that had he been given the choice, he would still be here.”

Ah. So Master Childe does remember the Cryo Archon’s order. That is good.

What’s not so good is that Master Childe felt like he was forced to stay here despite his injuries, though Zhongli understands how this is necessary. As a soldier and a devout follower of the Cryo Archon, who is Childe, the Eleventh Harbinger, to refuse the Tsaritsa’s direct orders?

Zhongli understands this, but he doesn’t have to like it. It is evident that Xiao doesn’t like it either. Xiao is particularly sensitive towards situations where one is trapped to do another’s bidding given his past enslavement to an evil god. Childe’s response must have struck a chord with the Guardian Yaksha.

“Do you think he was sincere when he gave you those answers?”

Xiao takes a few seconds to deliberate. “Yes,” he says. “I think he was being honest. I also do not think he is malicious or prone to being manipulative. I am starting to suspect that he became a lieutenant due to his fighting prowess.”

“Oh?” Zhongli perks up. “Those are high praises coming from you, Xiao. Was his fighting that impressive?”

“He has excellent control over his Vision and he fights without hesitation and fear,” Xiao grudgingly admits. “A prodigy, given his youth. But he can be a tad reckless at times. With a few more years of training and further refinement, he could become one of the finest warriors in Teyvat.” As if remembering something, Xiao shakes his head. “Assuming he stays in his current path, that is.”

“What makes you say that?”

“The mortal wishes to retire from the Fatui and become an adventurer-bard, my Lord,” Xiao snorts. “Utterly ridiculous and a waste of his talent.”

This is the first thing Zhongli’s heard this evening that sounds remotely like the Childe he knows, and he chuckles, a strange sense of relief washing over him. “Thank you, Xiao. Please continue to watch him for me.”

“Yes, Lord Lapis.” A beat of silence, then, “Do you wish for me to continue accepting his offerings?”

The sense of relief dissipates immediately, replaced with the same uncomfortable feeling he had the first time Xiao mentioned receiving offerings from Childe. It’s a strange mix of sensations, a mess of unpleasantness bubbling in the pit of his stomach, hot and caustic, and it feeds into his irrational urge to say ‘no’ to Xiao. Zhongli’s not sure what to make of it.

“It is fine,” Zhongli says, and it feels like he’s fighting against his instincts to do so. “It has been a long while since you received offerings and you deserve every bit of it, old friend. His offerings to you can also serve to suppress the effects of the Abyss on his person. This arrangement is, therefore, beneficial to everyone.”

It's just Zhongli himself who dislikes it. Immensely.

Xiao bows. “As you order, my Lord.”

The next few days are peaceful. Zhongli conducts his duties at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour and meets with La Signora, who assures him that she is keeping a watchful eye on the situation while attempting to pry for information about his meetings with Childe. Satisfied that his contract with the Cryo Archon is still fully intact (and with the way he had dodged all of La Signora’s questions), Zhongli is left with not much to do until he runs into Childe in Wanwen Bookhouse.

Childe seems well and in good cheer. The low thrum of frantic energy that once surrounded him from before is gone, as with the dark bags under his eyes. Seeing him looking so healthy and hale brings a surge of relief through Zhongli, especially knowing what Childe had gone through.

Naturally, when Childe invites him to dinner, he accepts.

“Thank you for suggesting those places to visit,” Childe says. “Although Wangshu Inn was lovely, two weeks of vacation are a bit too much free time for me. I’d be at a loss with how I should spend all this time without your recommendations.”

Zhongli is not surprised. The young man does not seem like the type to settle down, so the downtime must have been torturous (though not as torturous as it had been for poor Xiao, the target of Childe’s tomfoolery).

Still, Zhongli makes sure to remind Master Childe of the importance of relaxing and pacing himself. He suspects that his effort isn’t all that successful.

The conversation naturally shifts to what Childe had done during the vacation with Childe disclosing he had run into Xiao, his tone filled with delighted excitement.

“Hm, Xiao,” Zhongli says, pretending to take his time to think about the name as he takes a careful sip of his fragrant tea. “I know a few stories about him. It is said that those who meet him are unlucky for he only appears during the direst of circumstances to slay evil.”

At that, Master Childe’s smile turns a bit rueful.

“Ah, you can say that’s what’s happened to me,” he admits as he pats on his side. Zhongli finds his eyes drawn to the spot the other is touching, and his frown grows when Childe confirms having been injured, even if he knows about this already from Xiao.

Really, this young man is entirely too reckless.

“Nothing serious though, so no need to worry! Xiao appeared in the nick of time. And then he yelled at me. He said something interesting as well, come to think of it.”

This does not bring comfort to Zhongli, because only in dire situations does Xiao appear, but he moves the conversation along, prodding Master Childe over what his Guardian Yaksha had said.

“He mentioned something about the Abyss and negative energies attracting each other, which I have no idea what that even means.”

Zhongli takes another slow sip of his tea to disguise the way his eyes sharpen at those words.

Interesting. Master Childe is lying.

It’s true that Xiao had told Master Childe about the Abyssal and negative energies interacting, but Master Childe had omitted the important fact that he had fallen into a cursed sleep. And it was after waking him up that Xiao explained the dual effects of those energies combining to Childe, probably in sufficient enough detail for Childe to have understood. Here, Master Childe is trying to make it sound like he remains confused by Xiao’s vague mentions of Abyssal and negative energies, and doing so with a casual smile on his face. For what purpose could Childe be lying?

Ah. Could it be that he is trying to fish for more information about the Abyss from Zhongli? Zhongli is aware that he has a reputation for being a learned man, and after over two months of interacting with Childe, he is also someone whom the diplomat trusts (or at least, trusts more than Xiao). Maybe Childe’s purpose is to cross-reference the information he obtained from Xiao. And the reason why Childe is lying in such a manner is to avoid disclosing his condition regarding the Abyssal Taint, a clear physical weakness of his.

Clever and sneaky, Zhongli thinks with approval, and he can’t help but also feel amused. It appears that despite appearing like a pampered second son, Master Childe does have some tricks up his sleeves to justify his early promotion within the ranks of the Harbingers.

But then, Master Childe adds, “I even thanked him with music and food!” and Zhongli’s amusement vanishes like smoke.

Right. The offerings to Xiao. Those.

“I see. That is thoughtful of you,” he hears himself answer. His tone is reserved, uncharacteristically so after spending so much time with Master Childe, and he can tell Master Childe is looking at him in an inquisitive matter. Zhongli pushes through the rising caustic feeling in his stomach and continues with, “As for Xiao’s words, they may seem cryptic but I believe I understand what he’s trying to convey. The Abyss leaves traces of its energy behind. Those unfortunate enough to have visited it are likewise tainted by it. Such Abyssal energy can attract other negative energies with catastrophic effects.”

Master Childe is gracious enough to not ask about Zhongli’s shift in mood.

But the conversation does not get easier, and as they continue speaking about the Abyss, its effect on people, and how permanent the damage is on mortals, Master Childe becomes noticeably more pensive and gloomy. Clearly, Zhongli’s warnings, are striking the chord as they intended. Zhongli only realizes belatedly that he may have spoken a bit too much, so he tacks on, rather clumsily, the excuse of having read all this information from texts, but he needn’t have worried. Master Childe is too lost in his thoughts to have truly taken stock.

“A Mora for your thoughts, Master Childe? You look troubled.”

“It’s just—I don’t like this.” Master Childe gives a helpless shrug. “I don’t like how the effects are so permanent.”

There is clearly more to what Master Childe wants to say, and Zhongli senses that there is a heavy story behind that statement. Whatever it is, Master Childe seems to be caught up in its memory. His shoulders are drooped as if he were carrying the weight of the world, his eyes are dark and unfocused while the corners of his lips tug downwards, his frown deepening.

At that moment, sitting there, lost in quiet contemplation, Master Childe looks terribly, terribly sad, and lonely.

(The dragon within Zhongli grumbles with disapproval. The little mortal is sad. The little mortal who is normally so bright and sunny, and bold and generous with his gift-giving, is sad, and this simply won’t do. Something needs to be done to make it stop.)

Before he realizes it, Zhongli’s poured out a fresh cup of tea and gently nudges it between Master Childe’s hands. Soothing, placating words come tumbling out of his lips, anything to draw the other out of his melancholy. It’s enough to break Master Childe out of his spell, but just to be safe, Zhongli happily lets Master Childe change the subject to talk about his own week instead.

Zhongli brings up the unfortunate incident with Hu Tao, and even the memory of it makes him sigh in weariness, but he supposes the trouble is worthwhile upon seeing Master Childe visibly brighten from his tale. And just like that, the heavy feeling from before clears away like a dissipating storm and their conversation takes on its usual jovial tone.

(The dragon inside him rumbles, content, and goes back to sleep, allowing his more human side to remain in control.)

“You know, I’ve always wondered, Mister Zhongli. Why have you chosen to work for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour, especially for an employer whose personality is incompatible with yours? With your wealth of knowledge and skills, your service would be sought after anywhere you go, including working for the Qixing or maybe…”  Master Childe’s tone takes on a sing-song manner. He leans over, flashing a teasing smile while giving a ridiculous eyebrow waggle. “The Northland Bank.”

It’s enough to make Zhongli snort lightly.

“Your blatant attempt at poaching me for your place of employment is noted. However, I will have to respectfully decline your offer.” The pure shameless attempt is most amusing, so he must give points to Master Childe for style. “I enjoy working at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour. I especially enjoy conducting the rites and rituals for burial, especially for the adepti. I feel that such knowledge is not as carefully preserved by historians and researchers, so I have taken it upon myself to ensure the historical accuracy of those traditions.”

Zhongli continues after a sip of his tea. “I also believe that the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour is where I am most needed. There is no shortage of skilled individuals striving to work for the Qixing or the Northland Bank.”

This time, it’s his turn to tease, and he does so by giving Master Childe a pointed little look. He bites back a satisfied smirk at the way the diplomat’s cheeks are dusted in delicate pink.

“Whereas it is harder for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour to find skilled employees. Most people are hesitant to work for a place of death since they believe it brings them ill fortune.” Sometimes, his people can be overly attached to superstition. Zhongli supposes that that’s an unfortunate byproduct of having the adepti walk amongst the populace for so long.

Master Childe is gracious in accepting his rejection. Still, Zhongli feels the need to explain. “You wouldn’t be the first I’ve said no to. Xigu Antiques is especially persistent. A couple of the restaurants have also approached me before. Apparently, my culinary knowledge of both Li and Yue styles have been noted, as well as my sensitive palate.”

Master Childe perks up. “I hope I will be able to please your sensitive palate, Mister Zhongli. During my vacation, I believe I have perfected the recipe for Qingce Stir Fry.”

(The dragon within him rouses from his nap once again. Offering? Is his offering ready?)

Zhongli clamps down on his eagerness, though he doesn’t think he’s successful. “Have you now? That is incredibly fast. Not that I have ever doubted your abilities, Master Childe.”

“The fact that you mentioned not doubting me makes me think you are lying,” comes Master Childe’s accusations. “I’ll have you know that I made some sesame cookie balls for the office staff today and they’re a huge hit! But in any event, I am happy to prove your doubts wrong and make it for you in person.” His tone turns challenging, predictably, and Zhongli loses the fight to stifle his smirk. “I am happy to have you over where I can demonstrate my culinary skills live, if that works for you.”

“Such confidence, but alright, I accept your proposal.” Zhongli lets a hint of his arrogance as the Prime Adepti bleeds through his voice. “I’ll let you know that my expectations are sky-high, so I look forward to being impressed.”

An offering made by Master Childe’s own hands, and done so in front of him as well. Such an offering would no doubt feed him for a week, filling him with warmth and the sweetest, most delicious power. Oh, if the Cryo Archon ever found out, she would take that as the highest form of insult. A foreign god effectively poaching her loyal subject to be his own priest. What a delicious idea.

It is a good thing that the adepti keep the happenings within Liyue shielded from the sight of all other Archons and foreign deities save for Celestia herself. (And it is for that reason the Cryo Archon had to send so many of her people on the ground to oversee Liyue’s operations.)

His grin widens at Master Childe’s choked, embarrassed acknowledgment.

Zhongli leaves dinner in a sunny mood, and he spends the rest of his evening reading one of the volumes of the Snezhnayan folklore that Master Childe had gifted him. He’s halfway through the text when he finds his concentration interrupted by the familiar sensation of something tugging at his soul.

What’s this? An offering? This late at night?

The tugging persists, though it feels gentle and cautious, almost as if the person on the other side is unsure of their action.

Curious, Zhongli closes his eyes and lets the dragon slumbering beneath his mortal form stir awake. It blinks its heavy eyes open and looks outwards, turning its attention to the source of the disturbance.

Oh, what’s this?

The image of Childe appears before him like a dream, wavering at first before solidifying, the figure coming in sharper, clearer, and more in focus with every passing second. Childe is dressed casually, and Zhongli drinks in the sight of the young diplomat in a large, soft sweater that hangs off his frame, and a pair of simple, gray cotton pants. His bright hair is a bit dishevelled and free of the red Fatui mask that’s usually pinned to the side of his head. He’s also seated before a large dark device—an instrument originated from Fontaine called the piano, if Zhongli remembers correctly.

Interest thoroughly piqued, Zhongli cocks his head and continues to watch.

“My sincerest offering for Morax,” Childe mutters, but Zhongli can hear his voice as clear as day. “May he find this offering of music to his liking. In return, I ask that he keeps me safe from the effects of the Abyss.”

Zhongli’s eyes glow warmly with delight. Master Childe is offering him music. Will it be filled with humour and whimsy like his offerings to Xiao? Or maybe, it is something more sombre and formal. Either way, Zhongli is eager to see what the other will play.

Then, the first note of the piano sounds out, pure and crystalline, and Zhongli finds himself drowning in the most exquisite music.

Peacefulness, yearning, with a touch of loneliness. Feelings wash into him like waves gently lapping at the golden shores of Yaoguang Shoal. Every note carries the intention through and they brush against Zhongli’s shimmering scales, setting his nerves tingling pleasantly.

Though Zhongli receives countless offerings and prayers, the vast majority (including the Tianquan’s yearly summoning for the Rite of Descension) feel like business transactions comprising of soulless, empty acts of worship in exchange for divine favours. If a comparison can be made to the type of dish those acts resemble, Zhongli would describe them as flavourless steamed bok choy—they can stave off his hunger, but they are bland, and feeding on them is dull, monotonous work.

After thousands of years of that, anybody would become a bit bored.

What he’s being presented here is far from bland. It is so much more, and it hits Zhongli like a tall glass of ice-cold water to his parched throat. Zhongli lets out a happy sigh at the wondrous dessert before him. Sweet, delectable, soft, and oh-so-beautifully and elegantly crafted. It’s surprisingly different from Master Childe’s sunny, vibrant nature, but it is exquisite—so exquisite that Zhongli has to restrain from glutting on the meal lest he becomes ill from overindulging. Master Childe’s earnest and genuine wish for Morax to enjoy the offering makes everything so much sweeter.

It is a shame when the song draws to an end, and as the last note sounds out, Zhongli yearns for just a bit more, just another taste. He watches with hungry eyes at the way Master Childe’s touch lingers on the piano before he lets out a sigh of relief, letting his posture slump into something more relaxed. Zhongli’s eyes remain on Master Childe and the soft expression on his face, even as the vision starts to shimmer, wavering gently in the air, becoming fainter and fainter before disappearing completely. Once again, Zhongli finds himself alone, basking in the last bit of warmth from the offering.

In his apartment in Yujing Terrace, Zhongli opens his mortal eyes. He’s still seated in his chair, his human form pristine and untouched. Everything remains the same, everything except…

He brings his hand towards his chest and feels the rapid thump-thumping of his heart.

How long has it been since any offering has elicited such a response from him, such thrill, and such genuine excitement? How long has it been that he’s found himself so utterly captivated?

His lips curl up slowly in a satisfied smile of a man well-fed. “Thank you for the meal, Master Childe,” he breathes in the quiet night air. “Have a good rest. You are safe with me here.”

Chapter Text

Part XI. Those Bygone Years

The office walls are painted a soothing shade of light gray-blue. It complements the calming photographs hung neatly around the space, featuring black and white, close-up images of trees, flowers, lakes, and just generic images of nature that would look perfectly at home amongst the throngs of other stock photos found online. The only thing on the wall that sheds any clue about the owner of the office is hung to the side, nestled beside the white standing bookshelf behind the neat desk. It reads: ‘American Board of Professional Psychology’, and below that, ‘Anna Marie Steinberg, PsyD’.

“It is very nice to meet you, Ajax. How are you doing today?”

Ajax peels his eyes away from the (boring) images on the wall in favour of the speaker seated across from him. She has neat brown hair cut short to her chin, the ends slightly curled in to frame her heart-shaped face. A pair of glasses perched atop her long, thin nose, make her doe-brown eyes look larger behind the lenses. She’s slimmer and smaller than Ajax, but that’s not saying much given how Ajax can tower over most people after his growth spurt a couple of years ago. She’s also dressed in a fitted cardigan—also blue—over a non-descript white blouse tucked into a pair of beige pants.

Everything about her—her office, her clothes, and the kind smile she is sporting—screams of softness and calm. And Ajax, who’s practically lounging on the sofa across from her with splayed gangly limbs, wild hair, and ripped, loud clothing, is the exact opposite of that.  

Ajax shrugs. “Could be better,” he mutters, crossing his arms over his chest. “Would be better if I didn’t have to be here.”

Predictably, the psychologist ignores his jabs. “Well, I’m happy to make your acquaintance,” she says, her gentle smile not letting up.

Ajax tunes out most of the useless chatter, answering in monosyllabic grunts or shrugs. After what seems like an eternity of torture, the psychologist says, “Ajax, I understand that your parents divorced a few years back.”

Another shrug, though Ajax has to force himself to keep up his bored expression instead of tensing up like he wants to.

“That must have been incredibly difficult for you. I just want you to know that I understand how angry you must still feel.”

At that, Ajax flashes a smile full of teeth. “I dunno about that, Miss. I feel perfectly—”

“Fine! I’m fine!” Ajax laughs, scrambling up and brushing the grass off his clothes. He waves at the group of recruits peering at him with concern a couple of feet away, ignoring the way splotches of bright paint soaking through his outfit, making the clothes cling to his skin. Urgh. This is going to be a bitch and a half to clean. “Just slipped on the grass a little! No need to worry!”

“Boss, we understand that you are trying to work on your ability to shoot your bow while running and dodging, but are you sure you want us to continue pelting these things at you?” The recruit gestures to the pile of paint-filled balloons beside her for good measure. “It just…it seems grossly inappropriate, given your station.”

“It’s alright. I gave you my express permission, didn’t I?” Ajax grins, hefting his bow up. “Besides, as the saying goes, ‘No pain, no gain!’”

Ajax thinks he hears someone muttering about masochists.

“Why the bow, Boss?” the recruit asks. “You’re already an expert in hand-to-hand combat and the use of bladed weapons! What can the bow offer you that you don’t know already?”

An incredible boost in stats, comes Ajax’s immediate answer. A useful distraction, comes another answer.

“Why, it’s as you have said. I have mastered hand-to-hand combat and the use of bladed weapons. This is well-known among my allies and enemies,” Ajax says instead. “To circumvent expectations, I should become more versatile and gain expertise outside of melee combat. That way, I can become even stronger than before! Let it be known that I, Tar—uh, Master Childe, spend every second growing stronger!”

The muttering about masochists becomes louder.

“Aren’t you going to stop him, Sir?” someone else asks Felix, who’s been stuck supervising this madness from the sideline. He’s looked horrified the entire time since his protests of letting the recruits pelt paint balloons at the Lord Harbinger went ignored by said Lord Harbinger.

“How?” Felix answers with feeling. “Had I the ability to stop him, I would have done so the moment he proposed this!”

Ajax suspects that if Felix had the ability to stop him, the poor diplomat wouldn’t have let Ajax wheedle him into giving him archery lessons first thing in the morning before the sun is up. In Ajax’s defence, he’s very appreciative of Felix’s help and has bought the man five large bags of coffee (the premium stuff imported all the way from Sumeru, no less).

“If you feel so bad about this, we can run the exercise afterward with you all doing the dodging,” Ajax proposes. His grin widens at the pure horror on the recruits’ faces. “Oh, come now, don’t be like that! Where’s your battle spirit? Your ambition? Think of how much stronger and faster you will get! Do it for the glory of Snezhnaya!”

The recruits are too well trained to groan in misery, but given how the paint balloons are thrown at him with more vigor than before, Ajax suspects they disapprove of his proposal. That, and the wave of Regret Points he gets the moment he finishes his little speech is also pretty telling.

(It’s all too easy for Ajax to gravitate towards settling back into his old rhythm of living. He tries to slip into his routines like a piece of the puzzle slotting into place, snug as can be, and he’s all too happy to parade around town with his Childe mask on and game plan in tow.)

(There’s something about his vacation, about the revelations he had, that shook him to his core. Something about realizing just how fucked up he is left him a touch quieter. Sadder.)

(He’s not sure what happened, but he feels like he left a piece of himself back in the Wangshu Inn that day in the balcony he strummed the tunes of “Autumn Leaves”. And ever since then, the happy façade he tries to don doesn’t sit right anymore.)

(Or maybe he’s just too tired to keep this charade going.)

The photos of nature are perfectly spaced apart, neatly lined up in a row. Its neatness is probably meant to instill a sense of comfort in structure, of safety in the lack of chaos. It annoys the hell out of Ajax.

It’s painfully clear to Ajax that all of this is manufactured. Why bother putting that much effort in arranging soulless, generic stock photos on the wall if not to trick those in the office into relaxing, or God forbid, actually divulging their secrets to someone who only pretends to care?

“Welcome back, Ajax. Today, I want to talk a little about you and what happened after your parents divorced.”

Ajax is back on the couch, splayed out, dishevelled, and looking bored out of his mind. It’s a common sight except for the large bruise spread over his cheek, dark purple, almost black, against his pale skin. He got that fun little souvenir from a fistfight with a group of seniors a handful of days ago. While he escaped with that shiner, they had to be carried away in stretchers, so as far as he’s concerned, he came out of that entire situation a winner.

The principal apparently disagreed. Whatever. Give him another two-week suspension. Who even cares?

“Ajax?”

Ajax snorts. “It’s your show, lady. I’m just here to watch.”

A soft frown tugs at the psychologist’s lips. “Ajax, this is most certainly not about me. This is about you. I’m here to help.”

Another disbelieving snort. The psychologist moves on.

“After your parents divorced, you moved in with your mother, is that right?”

A grunt.

“Tell me about that experience.”

“Not much to say,” he says, tone curt. “We moved.”

They sold the old house along with all the happy memories Ajax had with it. They moved to a brand-new city where Ajax knew nobody. His older siblings had taken the opportunity to move out, so it had been Ajax and his mother. Ajax barely saw his father.

“How did you find living in a new city with your mother?”  

Ajax shrugs. “Dunno.”

It had been lonely.

“How did you find your new school?”

Another shrug. Miserable. As the weird, quiet new kid, he had no friends. He still doesn’t.

“When did your mother meet Peter?”

“Can’t remember.” Five months and eight days from the day they moved into their new place.

“How did you feel when you first met Peter?”

How did he feel when he met the fucker that would become his stepfather despite all his protests? Is she fucking serious?

The smile he gives to the psychologist is filled with sugary sarcasm. “Oh, he’s just great. More than that, in fact. I felt like he was just—”

“Perfect! Mister Zhongli, you managed to get the best seat in the house!”

Zhongli looks up from his stool out on the patio of Third-Round Knockout. He’s managed to reserve the table by the stage, and at the sound of Ajax’s voice, he turns around to give him a smile full of warmth. It quickly turns exasperated.

“Master Childe. I see you had a fruitful afternoon. You have a little something…”

He trails off, gesturing instead to under the chin.

Eh? Ajax wipes a hand on the spot and laughs when his fingers come back smeared with a bit of blue.

“Ah, sorry, sorry!” He wipes his hand and chin with a napkin, then pulls up a seat beside Zhongli, who immediately pours out a cup of tea for him. “Looks like I couldn’t wash off all the paint! No wonder the Millelith gave me strange looks on my way here!”

“Paint?” Zhongli looks equal parts confused and amused. “What could you be doing to get paint on yourself?”

Ajax grins. “Training! Very special training. I’m learning to use the bow!”

“I—” Zhongli blinks at him a few times. “Master Childe, I’m afraid I still have no idea what you mean, though I am starting to suspect that it’s something filled with mischief.”

Ajax is not too sure he likes Zhongli’s tone there, and he points it out with a huff. “Why do you sound so resigned? It makes it sound like you think of me as a—a troublemaking rascal! Wait, why are you not saying anything? Why are you looking away? Mister Zhongli!”

The waiter arrives and, as usual, Ajax lets Zhongli take charge of ordering the food. He can’t say he regrets this decision when fragrant, colourful dishes start to appear at their table, filling the air around them with the warm smell of garlic and ginger.

“We have a Winter Melon with Meat Soup to start,” Zhongli says, gesturing to the dish. “We also have Cold Noodles with Mountain Delicacies, Golden Fried Rice, Matsutake Meat Rolls, and Chicken and Garlic Scapes Stir Fry. I thought I’d order a variety of dishes in case you have a preference.”

“You know me, Mister Zhongli. I will eat any and everything!”

Zhongli huffs out a laugh, and he sounds so fond in that second that Ajax feels his cheeks colour just a little. “Indeed, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a preference. So far, it appears anything sweet falls into that category.”

Ajax has a feeling that there’s an unspoken “like a child” hidden in that sentence, so he grumbles out: “I like all food! Good food is hard to come by.”

The delicious scent of hot soup hits his nose, and he turns his attention to the bowl Zhongli places in front of him. With a quick thanks to Zhongli, Ajax dives in, practically crying over how good it is to have something warm and comforting in his belly.

He’s positively ravenous. He had a light breakfast this morning and a quick lunch with the recruits. The soup is exactly what he needs after a day of intense exercise. It’s salty but not too heavy nor greasy to the point of making him sick if he eats too fast. And he is eating this fast. The pieces of the cooked melon dissolve on his tongue, and coupled with the soft, fragrant meat, every mouthful is a treat that has Ajax downing spoonful after spoonful.

He barely registers Zhongli commenting: “Oh? I had thought your position as a diplomat would have afforded you the opportunity to dine well.”

“That’s a recent development,” he answers, half-paying attention. Hmm, more soup. “Before that, I’d been living off of bread and butter, mostly.” And coffee and instant ramen. Such is the life of a poor college student who decided to make poor life decisions with the money he spent on Genshin Impact. “Hard to be picky with options being so limited. Mister Zhongli, what kind of meat is in here? It’s delicious!”

“Pork and beef,” comes Zhongli’s answer after a beat of silence. He also sounds more subdued, almost sad. The shift in tone is alarming enough to make Ajax pause and look up.

“Mister Zhongli? Is something wrong?”

Zhongli has a furrow on his brow and the barest frown on his face, clearly upset. Despite this, he shakes his head and clears his throat before answering, “No, not at all. I just…remembered something, is all. A comment made by an acquaintance.”

Then, without another word, he reaches for Ajax’s empty rice bowl and loads it up with rice. And meat. And vegetables. And even more meat. So much so that a small mountain of food is formed to the point of teetering over.

“Ah, Mister Zhongli. That—that’s a lot of food—”

“Master Childe should not go hungry,” Zhongli says, as he gently pats the mound of food down. Although his tone is even, he exudes determination from the stiff way he’s holding himself and the fact that he’s still adding more food to the bowl. Ajax isn’t sure what caused the man to act like that. “Especially after you’ve been training. You must eat plenty.”

“I—uh—” Well, Zhongli’s not wrong. He is hungry. “Thanks?”

Under the other’s watchful gaze, he digs in, giving the other man the occasional confused side glances. It’s only when he finishes his bowl does the little frown on Zhongli’s face lets up.

“So, what’s today’s performance?” Ajax asks, glancing towards the empty stage.

“A musician,” Zhongli says, taking a slow sip of his tea with a pleased hum. “She’s travelled all the way from Fontaine and will be playing a piece on a stringed instrument called the violin. I have heard it once before, a long, long time ago, and found it most pleasing to the ear. I had hoped to hear it again.”

Ajax can tell that Zhongli is more excited than he lets on. It’s how his eyes flick to the stage intermittently and the subtle way his fingers are tapping on the teacup—little cues to give away a sense of restlessness that is rare in Zhongli.

It’s adorable, but that’s nothing surprising. It seems like the more time he spends with Zhongli, the more things he finds adorable about the man.

Also, Ajax is pleasantly surprised that the violin is another instrument that made it to this world, and in Fontaine no less. In the original game, Fontaine had been touted as this elegant country with its culture inspired by 18th-century France. According to the game lore he read, Fontaine was the center of arts and culture in Teyvat, ruled by a Hydro Archon known for her opulent lifestyle while turning a blind eye to the plights of the common folk. When her ministers pleaded for help because her people were so poor that they could not even afford a small loaf of bread to eat, she was famously known to have responded with, “If they cannot have bread, then let them eat cake!”

So unsurprisingly, the fandom had very much expected a violent revolution to take place in Fontaine and was very excited to see how the plot would unfold. It’s too bad that the location was never released. It was cut from the original game entirely during that infamous period when the game experienced a drastic decline in quality (and seriously, what the fuck was up with that?). Fontaine ended up being mere background info, occasionally referenced by NPCs in the game to the disappointment of the fan base.

And now, Ajax has a chance to actually visit it. He really should take that opportunity before the revolution breaks out.

“Great,” he replies, grounding his attention back to Zhongli and giving him an easy grin. “I cannot wait for the performance.”

The violinist from Fontaine turns out to be very, very good, and although she’s accompanied by another musician, a cellist, and the two of them fill the stage with their presence and their magnificent playing. Ajax may not be an expert when it comes to the violin or the cello, but he can appreciate the beauty and clarity of each note being played and the way they harmonize, playing off each other to create a greater sum of their parts.

The players are clearly enjoying themselves, too from the way they sway from the uplifting music. The notes fill the air, gently spilling out onto the square west of the tavern and capturing the attention of shoppers, dock workers, and other passers-by. Even the merchants manning the busy stalls stop to enjoy the sweet sounds of happy melodies against a backdrop of the setting golden sun over the ocean.

With his belly full, his skin warmed by the waning sunbeams, and surrounded by beautiful music, Ajax finds himself relaxing into his seat, a genuine smile blooming on his face.

It’s the same sort of feeling one would have wrapped in soft, warm blankets with a mug of tea in hand on a lazy Sunday morning, or relaxing in a long warm bath after a hard day of work. It is peace and serenity and the knowledge that for a brief, precious, flicker of time, everything is alright. It’s also a feeling Ajax hasn’t felt in a long, long time, not since he was a little boy, and from the edges of his memory, Ajax feels something tugging and tugging and—

“—tugging that, Yasha! I just fixed your bow tie for you.”

“I don’t like it, Mama,” Ajax says with a pout. “Do I have to wear it?”

“Oh, I’m sure the judges aren’t going to mind if he doesn’t wear his bow tie, Natasha.” His father bends down and pats his head, gently ruffling the auburn locks and making him giggle. “Your very first recital, son! How are you feeling?”

“Nervous, Papa,” he admits, trying not to squirm. “What if the judges don’t like my playing?”

“Not like your playing? Impossible.” His father grins and smooths down Ajax’s hair. “Yasha, even if they don’t like your playing, the most important thing is that you play from the heart. But if you get a little bit nervous while you’re on the stage…”

His smile gentles and his voice quiets like he is sharing a secret. “Just look to the front row, okay? Your Mama and I will be sitting right there, cheering you on.”

Sure enough, when Ajax gets on the stage and clambers to his seat in front of the piano, he feels his heart beginning to race in his chest. Under the hot spotlight, beads of sweat form on his brow as the pristine keys in front of him gleam bright, menacing white. Wiping his clammy hands on his pants, he glances towards the audience with panicked eyes and—

There they are, his mother and father, sitting at the front row seat just like they promised. His mother gives him an enthusiastic wave and his father beams at him.

They look so happy to see him.

Like magic, Ajax finds his heart calming as he returns a wobbly smile.

He turns back to the piano and, huh—suddenly, it doesn’t look anywhere near as scary as before. It’s just a piano, the instrument he’s spent hours and hours playing with his father as his mother watched and cooed at him for a job well done. It’s the instrument that produces beautiful music, so beautiful that whenever Ajax plays, his mother and father would dance in the living room, swaying and giggling at each other over their own silliness.

Ajax wants that. He wants to make his mother and father dance and laugh.

Under the spotlight and in front of a silent audience, Ajax places his hands on the piano keys like he’s done a million times before. His mind briefly registers how cool and smooth and familiar the keys feel. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Nothing to be afraid of at all.

He takes a deep breath.

Then he lets the delicate melodies of “Salut d’Amour” dance from under his fingers.

“Did you enjoy the performance and meal, Master Childe?” Zhongli asks as they trek along the lantern-lit street back to their respective homes. Night has finally settled over Liyue Harbour with the last bit of sun sinking below the horizon. The air around them has gotten cooler, made colder still by the sea breeze sweeping from the docks, but Ajax isn’t bothered by the drop in temperature. If anything, he appreciates how refreshing it feels against his skin.

Zhongli doesn’t seem bothered by the cold either, his expression perfectly serene even as the wind ruffles his silk clothes, sending the ends of his coat fluttering. He had insisted on walking Ajax back to the hotel after (to Ajax’s never-ending surprise) paying for the meal to “return Master Childe’s generosity”.

Ajax didn’t have it in his heart to protest, not with how happy Zhongli had looked. Come to think of it, Zhongli had been in a sunny mood for the entire week now, though Ajax can’t imagine what’s causing him to be this happy.

“Yes! The food is amazing and the violinist and cellist are really talented!” Ajax answers with an enthusiastic nod. “I wish I could learn how to play like them. I’ve always wanted to try the violin.”

“Oh? I didn’t take you for a musician. Do you play any instruments?”

The tone of Zhongli’s voice sounds perfectly casual. Had Ajax not known that Zhongli had been receiving his music offering this entire week from the influx of Friendship Points gained, he’d have fallen for the ignorant act.

“I dabble a little. It’s nothing too fancy,” Ajax says, rubbing the back of his neck. “Certainly, nowhere near as good as those musicians. I know how to play the piano and the guitar, but I am far from being an expert.”

“With your drive and ambition, I am quite certain you’ll perfect anything you set your mind on.” Wow, be still Ajax’s heart. At this rate, his face is going to go neon red. Thank goodness the darkness from the evening is hiding his embarrassment.

“Oh, I don’t know about that. With enough practice, I may be able to get my technical skills down, but music is more than that. It has to be filled with heart and soul. Otherwise, it will sound generic and boring.”

“Do you believe your music is devoid of heart and soul?” Zhongli tilts his head and peers at Ajax in confusion. “What makes you believe that?”

Ajax shrugs. “I have been told that my music lacks a little something.” The System is still refusing to give him points for playing the piano, the stingy little fucker. “I’ve been trying to fix that. Maybe I lack inspiration or something.”

“I hope you will find it in Liyue,” comes Zhongli’s earnest response. “When you do, I would love to hear your playing.”

He’s back in that dreadful office. Back in that terrible space of fake calm, occupied by a person who fake cares.  

It’s his fifth visit so far—five hours of him deliberately answering the bare minimum as the psychologist prods and pries at his personal life. Ajax doubts anything’s going to change this time around, either.

“Good afternoon, Ajax. It’s lovely to see you again.” He snorts. Doubt it. “Today, I want to talk a little more about what happened after Peter came into your life. I have some information on this, but I want to know in your own words what your feelings were then.”

Feelings? “Don’t remember them.”  

He hated Peter. The man had tried so hard to inject himself into Ajax’s life. Why was it so hard for him to understand that Ajax already has a father (even if it hadn’t taken long for his father to re-marry some fancy musician and disappear from his life)?

He hadn’t needed fucking Peter and his sad attempts to play happy family. He hadn’t needed Peter to steal the only family he had left from him. He certainly hadn’t needed fucking Peter to butt in, expressing his concerns over Ajax’s behavioural issues to his mother.

The only good thing about Peter is his children. Ajax rather likes Anthon, Tonia, and Teucer. They’re sweet kids.

“What was your home life then? Did you spend a lot of time with your mother and Peter?”

“Don’t remember.” No. He took every opportunity he could to stay in his room or to leave the house when things became too much. He only came out of hiding when he had to watch his younger stepsiblings.

“How did you spend your holidays?”

“Don’t remember.” Miserable.  

“Ajax.” At that, the psychologist’s composure finally breaks a little. She sighs and looks at him with sad, sad eyes. “I am here to help you. To do that, I want to understand more about your relationship with your family members. I can sense a lot of frustration and anger, and I truly believe that it will help you process these feelings if you talk to me about them.”

Oh, for fuck’s sake.

Something bright and hot like liquid fire surges through his veins, and before Ajax can stop himself, he finds himself snapping, “Yeah, well, maybe I don’t want to talk to anybody! Maybe I don’t want to spend my Saturdays in this office thinking about my fucked-up childhood and fucking Peter! What’s the point in talking when nothing’s going to change anyway? The only thing that will come out of this is being reminded of how truly fucked I am, so what’s even the point? But nobody seems to give two shits about what I want, do they? Nobody ever bothers to ask—”  

“What I want?” Ajax stares at Ekaterina in confusion. She’s standing before his desk, giving him the most exasperated look and he’s not even sure what he’s done to deserve it. “Sorry, what was that?”

“I asked if you want a snack or a drink since I’m dropping by Wanmin Restaurant for a quick bite to eat.” She crosses her arms over her chest and squints at him. “Have you had your lunch yet? It’s 3 p.m.!”

Before Ajax can even open his mouth to defend himself, she interrupts him. “A gallon of coffee and a small mountain of sweets do not count as lunch. I’m talking about a proper, balanced, healthy meal!”

“What’s wrong with coffee and sugar?” he asks, his tone defensive as he hunches in on himself a little. “I’m busy! There’s a lot of work to be done here!”

He’s not lying. In addition to his bank work, he’s got his reports to write to the Tsaritsa. He’s carefully straddling the line between truth and bullshit by reporting that he’s building a group of trusted personnel inside the city to get intel about Morax. It’s just a fancier way of saying that he spends his free time gossiping with grandmas, merchants, and shop owners.

He’s also trying to research more about the Abyss and dig up information about Tartaglia’s past, but his attempts have led nowhere to his great frustration. It’s only made him double his efforts to hunt for any scraps of information that may be useful.

Ekaterina is having none of his excuses. “That stops you from eating a proper meal how exactly? I am going to go buy a proper lunch for you, and you are going to eat it. Now, what do you want to have?”

Ajax gives her a helpless shrug. “I don’t know, I’ll take anything. I’m not picky.”

“Master Childe.” Uh oh. She’s using that no-nonsense voice whenever she has to deal with someone particularly difficult. Ajax has to wonder just when she stopped treating him with wariness and instead with nagging and threats. “Don’t you ‘I’ll take anything’ me! I know you have preferences. You’re just refusing to say what they are for some Tsaritsa-forsaken reason.”

“I do not!”

Ekaterina gives him a look and Ajax’s jaw snaps shut. “You do this all the time, especially whenever I try to get you something to eat, but I will not tolerate this any longer. You will decide what meal you want, I will get it for you, and then you will eat it, or so help me I will block your coffee supply.”

During her tirade, Ajax leans further and further back into his chair to create more distance between him and the short angry lady in front of him.

Are all women this scary when they’re mad or is this an Ekaterina thing?

“Master Childe!”

“Crystal Shrimps,” he blurts out, cringing at how his voice cracks a little. “Minty Meat Rolls, and a side of rice.” He finishes off with a quick, “Thank you.”

She sniffs and stands down. “Good. In addition to that, I will also get you some steamed vegetables. I will be back in twenty minutes.”

With a last pointed look, Ekaterina spins on her heels and marches out of the office without so much as a salute. She only spares a second to close the door behind her.

Just like that, Ajax is released from the tyranny of one stubborn bank teller, and he breathes out a sigh.

Her words continue to ring in his mind even after the sound of her footsteps have disappeared down the hall. Does he really give vague answers whenever someone asks him about his food preferences? He’s never noticed.

Ajax really is okay with just about anything, though. He learned not to be picky when it came to food real fast once he was shipped off to live on his own the minute he turned eighteen (along with a warning from Peter to stay away from his young stepsiblings.) Between his own horrible cooking and cheap instant meals, being picky would have meant starvation.

(Once upon a time, a younger, wilder, happier version of him loved anything sweet, probably because his parents would treat him to dessert whenever he’d finished one of his recitals. Ajax still remembers the place they’d gone to after his very first performance—a local ice cream parlour that served the best banana split, and he had naturally picked that as his prize.)

“We’re so proud of you, Yasha! So proud!”

“You did so well, my son!”

(He had been partial to sweet, cold things ever since.)

A series of knocks sound out, interrupting his thoughts.

“Uh, come in!”

The mouth-watering scent of spice and garlic comes wafting in as Ekaterina slides the door open and marches to his desk. Has it been twenty minutes already?

“Your lunch.” She places the paper bag on his desk and hands him a paper cup. At Ajax’s confusion, she adds, “Cold Chrysanthemum Tea, lightly sweetened. Courtesy of Miss Xiangling after she heard about your terrible diet of coffee and sugar. She said something about the cooling effects of the tea according to Liyuan medicine to combat the ‘heaty’ nature of your coffee. I have no idea what she meant but it’s free, and she insisted you drink this, so…”

Ekaterina shrugs. Ajax doesn’t blame her. He’d be a fool to turn down free food from Xiangling, even if he has zero idea what it is.

“Thanks.” He reaches for his Mora pouch. “Uh, how much do I owe you?”

She waves him away. “Don’t worry about it, sir.”

“What? No! You picked up lunch for me. The least I can do is pay you back.”

“It’s just lunch,” she says. “But if you want to thank me that badly, you can do so by eating. And by drinking less coffee. You’re starting to develop a tick to the left eye whenever you’re remotely tired. It’s scaring the recruits!”

Ajax ends up doing what he’s told and he eats his meal, including the vegetables foisted on him.

(It’s been a very long time since someone has asked him what he wanted.)

The cold, sweet tea especially hits the spot.

The room is thick with tension. The psychologist does not flinch during his little outburst.

It takes the wind right out of Ajax’s sail.

“Just forget it,” he grits out and sinks back into a slouch, hunching over himself and wishing that the fucking floor would swallow him whole. Anything to get away from this miserable place. “Forget I said anything.”

She does not listen to him. “I think it is important to explore what you just told me,” she says. “You feel like you have lost control of your life, and you resent that feeling. You resent the people who have put you in this impossible position as you try to struggle for some sense of normalcy. This is compounded by how quickly Peter came into your life after a series of huge changes, like the divorce and the move.”  

When Ajax doesn’t say anything, she continues, “Ajax, I want you to know that what you’re going through is completely normal. You’ve been dealt a difficult hand and you’ve been trying your best to cope. It’s normal that you feel angry. It’s normal that you want to fight against the tide of change, but have you had the chance to stop and truly process everything? Have you given yourself the chance to just let go and grieve?”

Grieve? Ajax snorts. “What’s there to grieve about?”

“There’s plenty. There’s the loss of your childhood and the loss of your old life. There’s the loss of stability from your life before the divorce. Finally, there’s the loss of having your father around. The loss of any of these things is worth grieving over, let alone losing all of them so close together.”

“Sitting around crying about what happened won’t change shit, lady,” Ajax points out. “I’ll just end up wasting time, doing nothing but moping.”

The psychologist shakes her head. “It’s not about changing what happened. It’s about taking the time to let things go. It’s about releasing that pent-up sadness and freeing up the energy bound to these past experiences so that you can re-invest that energy elsewhere. It’s about obtaining peace from closure.”

At the ensuing silence, the psychologist leans closer towards Ajax. “I’m not going to lie and say it’s an easy process or a fast one because it’s neither of those things. I still want you to try. I want you to take some time each day to think back on your childhood. I want you to focus on all the good and the bad, and I want you to embrace feeling sad. I want you to have that opportunity to say goodbye.”

Embrace feeling sad? Saying goodbye? How ridiculous. “What should I even think about?”

“Everything and anything,” the psychologist answers. “If it helps, start with the earliest memory you have.”

“And what happens if I don’t want to do any of that?”

“Then things don’t get better and you won’t be able to move past what’s bothering you.” The answer is delivered in an even, polite tone, but the psychologist doesn’t bother to pull her punches. Ajax finds himself grudgingly respecting her just a little for her honesty. “Although it is human instinct to flinch away from our problems for self-preservation, some matters of the heart become worse the more we try to escape from them. Sooner or later, they find a way to catch up to us. They always do.”

How does one get through their grief and all the nasty feelings associated with it? How does one cure themselves of the lingering resentment?

It’s too bad Ajax had never gotten the opportunity to ask his psychologist those questions or else he wouldn’t find himself pondering this matter again and again ever since he got back from the Wangshu Inn.

As much as he hates to admit it, his psychologist was right—the things he’s been trying to avoid are starting to catch up to him. No matter where he goes, what he does, from his dinners with Zhongli to his training with the recruits and lunches with Ekaterina, memories and little reminders of his past would slip in, tainting the moment and forcing Ajax to remember, remember, and remember.

“Yasha, are you having fun? Would you like to play some more?”

Tonight is one of those nights.

Ajax turns in his bed with an annoyed sigh. The sheets beneath him feel luxurious and cool, and his mattress wonderfully soft, but he can’t get his mind to quiet. After shifting his weight a few more times, he throws back his covers and gives up trying to sleep.

Goddamnit.

Ajax trudges to the living room, his feet barely making any sound with every step on the rich redwood floor. He reaches for the lamp and with a bit of fumbling, lights it, casting his surrounding in a dim, orange glow. Lamp in hand, he heads for the kitchen, fixes himself a quick cup of soothing chamomile tea, and slinks back towards the couch in the living room, tiptoeing around his coffee table and the guitar propped against it.

The first couple of sips of the soothing warm liquid settles comfortably in his stomach, and Ajax lets himself sink into the sofa. Fuck, he’s tired. He’s had a long day so he knows that tomorrow, he’s going to pay the price for his late night. But even with his body begging him to go to sleep, he just can’t turn off his tumultuous feelings.

How does one get through their grief? How does one free themselves from the shackles of their trauma and hurt and pain?

He’s met with silence. Then, a whisper, a memory from a lifetime ago: “I want you to take some time each day to think back on your childhood. I want you to focus on all the good and the bad, and I want you to embrace feeling sad. I want you to have that opportunity to say goodbye.”

Ajax sighs and runs a hand through his dishevelled hair. What’s there to think about? His childhood was good and then it stopped. Maybe his parents were unhappy for far longer than he had known, but through the rose-tinted lens of his innocence, those sunny halcyon days had seemed perfect.

By the time he had noticed that not all was right in his world, things had already collapsed around him like a crumbling sandcastle. And from there, his golden days had rapidly bled into murky gray.

(Perhaps this is where he should start then—the good before things turned bad.)

Ajax closes his eyes and lets his head fall back so that it rests against the back of his couch.

(Maybe it’s time that he tries to stop running. Maybe it’s finally time to start being honest with himself. After all, isn’t he tired from all this? Doesn’t he want all this to just…end?)

“End, huh?” he whispers to the quiet room. “Fuck.” He drags his hand down his face and pinches the bridge of his nose, letting out a long exhale. “Alright, alright. You win, Miss Psychologist. Let’s try things your way.”

He draws himself up and heads to the piano. He settles on the bench with a resigned slump to his posture after setting his cup of tea on the ground.

In the dim light, the piano keys reflect a dull copper, warm and inviting. He sets his fingers over them, pressing a note at random.

The sound that rings out is clean and pure and familiar.

Ajax breathes in deeply and he lets himself play.

Once upon a time, there was a young boy as happy as he could be. He lived in a handsome brick house with white trimmings. It has a front porch with a sturdy swing, and a large backyard for him and his older siblings to play in.

Though he may be all grown up now, he still remembers that home with fondness as he draws the memory close, recalling the green lawn he and his siblings spent chasing each other, though playtime with his older brother and sister was few and far in between. He remembers the flower bed his mother had toiled over, her delicate hands digging through the rich soil as she tended over her geraniums. He remembers the kitchen that always smelled of gingerbread cookies, the living room with the piano which his father would frequent, and his sunny, cozy bedroom with his beloved stuffed toys. Those soft, carefree bygone days had seemed like a dream.

He relishes in the warmth and tender feelings of safety his memory brings, clutches onto the memory between clenched fingers one last time.

Then in the next exhale, he slowly opens his hands and lets go.

How does one get through their grief and all the nasty feelings associated with it? How does one cure themselves of the lingering resentment?

Slowly, Ajax is starting to learn. Painfully. Inch by dreadful inch, where every step forward sometimes feels like he’s taking two steps back, slipping and sliding down an impossible slope he is trying to conquer.

His psychologist was right: this isn’t easy at all, or quick.

Sometimes, he would recall the loveliest memories that fill him with fondness and joy, tinged with sepia-hued nostalgia. He would remember things like the trips to the parks with his family, the teasing from his older siblings, Christmas and birthday celebrations—pleasant, soft things that make his heart yearn and ache. But they would still leave him smiling as he goes about his routine, business as usual, his cheery mood less of a façade. Those are the good days.

And then, there are the bad days. Those are filled with nothing but rage and sheer frustration from just how utterly unfair his old life was, and he’d have to work out that roiling, ugly mess of emotions by spending hours upon hours in the wilderness, fighting any unfortunate mob that crosses his path.

But afterward, when all the dust has settled, he would be left feeling hollowed out; a bizarre sort of numbness that spread from head to toe, making his senses muffled as if filled with cotton. And he would feel tired, so very, very tired, to the point where even the mere thought of getting out of bed would exhaust him.

He tries to manage his bad days so that he wouldn’t be in the office at least. No need for others to see that side of him, or heaven forbid, deal with him when he’s in that state. He thinks he’s doing okay, though he does catch the occasional worried side glances from his coworkers at the bank. Andrei likes to drop by with some tea after these bad days just to “check-in to see if everything is alright, not like there’s anything wrong to begin with, of course,” though if there is something wrong, he’d be “happy to give him some more time off, whatever you need, Lord—er, Master Childe!” Ekaterina would drop by his office with food and sweets, frowning at him until he’s eaten. Hell, even Felix and the recruits would be less vicious in their retaliation during their training sessions.

So maybe he’s not doing so hot. Maybe he’s oscillating like a goddamned yoyo, but goddammit, he’s trying. He just needs time, a fuck-ton of patience, strength, and mental fortitude.

“A Mora for your thoughts?”

“Sorry.” Ajax shakes his head. He’s been having to do that a lot lately. Poor Zhongli has been the recipient of this twice this evening already. “I didn’t mean to let my mind drift off like that. Goodness, I must have been a boring conversation partner!”

“Nothing to apologize for.” Zhongli pours out a fresh cup of tea and pushes it into his hand. The floral scent of jasmine wafts up, and Ajax brings the cup closer to take in the fragrant smell. “If anything, I should be the one to apologize. A diplomat such as yourself must keep a very busy schedule, and yet you have been so generous with sharing your time with me.”

Ajax flashes a grin. “There’s no need for that, Mister Zhongli! Our meetings are something I always look forward to after a long day of work. It’s nice to have dinner with a friendly face. Food tastes better in good company.”

The answer seems to appease Zhongli and the tense furrow between his brow eases up. “Nonetheless, should you wish to change our current schedule, please do not hesitate to let me know especially if you need to take the time for yourself to rest.”

For Zhongli to speak so plainly must mean that Ajax looks pretty rough. He chuckles weakly. “I guess it’s obvious I’m a bit tired, huh? I’m sorry for making you worry. It’s not so much that I’ve been busy with work, it’s more that I’ve been caught up in some rather unpleasant memories. Being far away from home is making me a bit maudlin.”

“Memories?” Zhongli’s eyes soften with understanding. It occurs to Ajax that of all the people in Liyue, Zhongli would know a thing or two about being plagued by the past. “I see. Though the events themselves have long since passed, their weight and their effects can linger and continue to impact our day-to-day. To be so far away from home and isolated from your loved ones must be exacerbating the problem.”

Zhongli is right, but not in the way he thinks.

“Tell me about it,” Ajax mutters, taking a slow sip of his tea and resisting the urge of rubbing his tired eyes.

How does one deal with this? How can one move past all of this? He’s been trying to mourn like his psychologist had suggested but there has to be something else he can do.

“Say, Mister Zhongli, do you have any tips to make these memories more manageable? They’ve been ongoing for a while now and I’ve been managing their effects as best as I can. However, there are days when it seems like I’m going nowhere.”

“You can try talking about them,” Zhongli suggests after a thoughtful silence.

It’s a reasonable suggestion. While Ajax can’t disclose that he’s a Transmigrator (since the System has clarified that this action was thoroughly restricted), he can still share his problems without referencing the other world. The problem, however, is that he’s not sure who he can trust. He can’t expect anyone from the Fatui to keep his secrets safe, not with all the spies lingering around and La Signora’s ever-hidden presence looming on the horizon like a storm cloud of bad omens. Likewise, Ajax can’t exactly chat with anyone from Liyue due to the Qixing’s influence.

As if reading his mind, Zhongli gaze gentles and he adds, “I do not mind lending an ear if you wish to share your thoughts.”

Ah. Sweet Zhongli. He is the best option out of the bunch although sharing with him is not without risks either. While the man has been friendly and patient with him, it’s not lost on Ajax that he’s still very much Rex Lapis Morax, the god who’s using Aj—no, Tartaglia—as part of his plan to test Liyue Harbour. As fond as he is of Zhongli, the threat remains that Zhongli can use whatever Ajax tells him to further his own goals. And Ajax gets it. After six thousand plus years of hard work, it makes sense that Zhongli would prioritize his plans for retirement rather than preserving his fleeting relationship with a Fatui Harbinger of all people.

Ajax hates this. He hates the idea of how he still has to be on guard around Zhongli. He’s not very good (at all) with being secretive and manipulative especially to the rare few people he considers as friends. What’s wrong with doing things upfront? What’s wrong with duking it out with a good ol’ fashioned fistfight to settle any differences?

At least the Archon likes him more than before so there’s less chance of him getting screwed over by Zhongli. Yay for small victories. The growing Friendship Points seem to suggest that they’re on better terms, even if Ajax has no idea what the number of points translates to in terms of how close they actually are. As it stands, he’s racked up a little over 750 F Points with Zhongli, but what exactly does that mean? Does that mean they’re just past the threshold of being acquaintances? The System refused to answer him when he ask, pointing to his low Wisdom stat as an excuse.

His hesitation must have been obvious because Zhongli adds, his tone a touch chagrined, “Ah, that is presumptuous of me. I understand that as a diplomat, you would naturally have secrets you cannot disclose. My offer stands, though. I am happy to listen to anything you are willing to share with me. If it makes you more comfortable, I am also willing to make a contract to keep what you tell me a secret.”

Now that has Ajax glancing at the other in surprise. “A contract?” Zhongli is willing to make a contract with him just so that he’d be comfortable with talking to him? That’s incredibly sweet of Zhongli. Maybe the man cares more than Ajax assumes.

A contract of secrecy would work, and the more Ajax thinks about it, the more he likes it. It’d be nice to have someone safe he can confide in without having to keep his diplomat or Harbinger mask on (at least not in its entirety), and Zhongli will never break his contract. There is one small matter, though: “I thought a contract has to be fair. Here you are offering to listen to me and to keep my secrets but you do not seem to gain anything from this arrangement.”

What can Ajax give in return? He doesn’t think he’s got much to offer that Zhongli wouldn’t be able to procure for himself. Except, maybe…

“If it’s amenable, I am happy to play you something,” Ajax offers. “I owe you dinner anyway, so we can make that into a night of good food and, hopefully, good music. How does that sound?”

Apparently, he’s right on the mark. Zhongli perks up with visible interest. “I would be very amenable. I look forward to our evening together.”

Part XII. Feast For A Dragon

His evening with Zhongli occurs three days later. That’s three days of blissful, blissful distraction from Ajax’s dark thoughts and trauma, replaced instead by the growing anxiety of Zhongli’s visit.

To reiterate—it’s Zhongli, the actual God of Liyue, who will be at his hotel suite, eating the meal he’ll be cooking and enjoying a song he’ll be playing.

The nerves hit Ajax hard thirty minutes before Zhongli is set to show up. What the fuck did he get himself into? Why did he promise to do all of those things? What had possessed Ajax to look Zhongli in the eye—Mr. Rex Lapis Morax himself, the expert in everything art and culture—and then make the bold promise to serve him the best Qingce Stir Fry ever followed by providing him with an evening of beautiful music? What compelled him to partake in this level of stupidity, especially since Ajax has never in his adult life invited someone over to his place and hosted them?

“System!” he whispers, nervous eyes flitting to the clock. Fifteen minutes until showtime. Fuckfuckfuck. “Do you have something in the shop that will minimize my chances of sucking?”

“The System still has for sale Silver Tongue and the temporary Ability to cook masterpieces at the cost of 500 SP and 300 SP, respectively. Would User be interested in making the purchase?”

“Wait, wait, 500 SP? Wasn’t the Silver Tongue worth 450 SP before?” He’s also fairly sure that the cooking ability hadn’t cost 300 SP. “What is this price gouge? Oy, System, you’re not trying to cheat me, are you?”

“The prices are updated to reflect the inflation rate,” the System replies without an ounce of shame for the daylight robbery it is trying to commit. “In any event, User is encouraged to rely on his own skills to complete his tasks. Work hard, User!”

“Oh, go fuck yours—”

A series of knocks sound out and it has Ajax jumping. A quick glance at the clock again confirms who’s likely behind that door and he curses again, though quieter this time.

“System, don’t think this is over!” he hisses as he strides to the door. He manages to plaster on what he hopes is a friendly, non-manic smile when he yanks the door open. “Zhongli! You’re right on time! Welcome to my home away from home!”

He winces at the way Zhongli jolts back a little. The awkward silence grows as Zhongli continues to stare at him. Right, right, he’s got to dial back that manic energy. “Ah, sorry, I—”

“No, no, there’s no need to apologize.” Zhongli shakes his head, and his lips curl up into a pleasant, gentle smile. He hands over a bottle wrapped in beautiful gold silk with a matching bow tied to the neck. “Thank you for inviting me. I brought over some Osmanthus Wine to go with our meal. It is made by a famed distiller located southwest of Qingce Village. The distillery has a thousand years history of making local wines. I had the pleasure of sampling some of the wine made by this new generation of winemakers and found it to be most delectable.”

“Intelligence point, +1.”

Leave it to Zhongli to give a mini history lesson at his doorstep.

“Thank you for the gift, that’s very thoughtful.” Ajax accepts the bottle. His first housewarming gift! Look at him being a real adult and all. “This is perfect. Please, come in and make yourself comfortable. I’ve also set aside a pair of guest slippers for you but let me know if they fit right.”

With another elegant dip of his head, Zhongli steps through the door and into the hallway of his home.

Ajax’s hotel suite is the finest in the building and it shows. It occupies the entire top floor of the hotel and has enough space to fit a family of six comfortably with room to spare. His home contains six bedrooms, including a master bedroom with an en suite washroom, a fully stocked kitchen, a glamorous living room (where his piano sits in the corner), two smaller guest washrooms, an office, a library, and a large private balcony with a gorgeous view of the harbour. The entire apartment is decorated with fine redwood carvings paired with silkscreens painted in blues and greens. But despite the darker colour palette that seems to dominate the suite, the unit also has a row of large windows lining the walls, allowing the warm Liyuan sun to shine into the space, making the space bright and airy.

It’s also an apartment that doesn’t exactly suit Ajax’s personal taste. His modern aesthetic is geared towards simple, minimalistic designs and this suite is the exact opposite of that with its heavy opulence. There’s also too much space for him to occupy. Some of the rooms are currently used as storage for OG Tartaglia’s gaudier decors, but a lot of them are left empty.

Ajax guides Zhongli to the living room with the comfortable leather couches—expensive imports from Snezhnaya by OG Tartaglia which are too big to move (or else Ajax would have banished them into one of the unused rooms). He gestures for the man to take a seat.

“Can I get you something to drink? I recently bought some jasmine tea from Heyu Tea House. I’ve been told they're the finest quality, but I can certainly use your judgment.”

Zhongli’s smile widens. “That sounds perfect, thank you.”

Ajax skips to the kitchen, stashes the wine on the counter for later, and pulls out the fanciest tea set he possesses—a recent purchase made with the express purpose of impressing Zhongli. He lets his muscle memory of preparing tea take over, using this opportunity to shake away the creeping nervous energy at having Zhongli (Zhongli!!) over.

As predicted, Mister Zhongli had arrived looking impeccable as always. He’s dressed in his beautifully tailored suit and coat made of shimmering dark silk and decorated with fine gold details. There’s not a single wrinkle in his clothing, and his hair is perfectly styled, neatly tied back with his signature Cor Lapis pin. Sitting there on the couch, surrounded by the luxury of the suite, Mister Zhongli actually looks like he belongs there with the way sophisticated elegance oozes from every inch of his body.

Ajax, on the other hand, had opted for something far more comfortable than his standard gray uniform—a baggy, blue shirt with a loose V-neck collar and sleeves that tend to be a bit long, but currently, they’re rolled up to his elbows. He’s also wearing a pair of soft grey pants and some comfortable white socks mostly hidden by his house slippers. His hair is left in its usual ruffled state (minus the domineering Tartaglia mask that’s usually pinned to the side of his head). Overall, it’s a look that’s very much quintessential Ajax, the college student. But it also has the unfortunate effect of making him feel underdressed in his own home.

Ah, well. It’s a bit awkward to go back and change now. Might as well roll with the punches. He hopes Zhongli doesn’t mind his state of dress (or undress).

“Here we are, some jasmine tea,” he says, carefully bending down and putting the tea tray on the coffee table before Zhongli. “I also brought an assortment of tea snacks in case you get a bit peckish. I wasn’t sure what you preferred, so I brought a little bit of everythi—Mister Zhongli? Are you alright?”

Zhongli seems to have gone still as he had at the doorway, except this time, his gaze appears to be locked on to somewhere on Ajax’s chest. The moment Ajax calls his name, he blinks to awareness and his eyes fly to Ajax’s face.

“I—uh, yes.” He clears his throat into his fist, eyes darting away in…guilt? Shame? None of those things sound right at all, but his cheeks do flush a little at Ajax’s growing surprise and confusion. “Thank you for the snacks. That is very thoughtful of you.”

“Not a problem at all,” Ajax answers and he glances down quickly.

There isn’t anything on his shirt. Weird.

Well, whatever. He gives a mental shrug and moves on. “I am thinking we can have dinner in an hour. It gives us a bit of time to wind down and enjoy ourselves.”

“That sounds perfect,” Zhongli answers, the smile from before reappears. “How have you been today? I hope the bank hasn’t been too busy?”

Just like that, they fall back into their old rhythm. Zhongli never fails to have interesting anecdotes to share, from the jasmine tea (which he hums in satisfaction about after blowing the steam from the cup and taking a first sip), to the overpriced white jade tea set Ajax has used for their tea service (also met with a curious glance and a hum of appreciation). The snacks are also met with enthusiastic approval.

Ajax is totally giving himself a pat on the back for how good of a job he’s doing as a host so far. Zhongli is making his way through the purple sweet potato tea cake Ajax had slaved over last night and is making happy sounds with each dainty bite.

“Is it good, Mister Zhongli?” he teases. “Make sure to leave some room for dinner!”

Zhongli chuckles as he dabs his lips with one of OG Tartaglia’s fancy napkins. “Oh, I have not forgotten about dinner. If the entrées are this good, I have the utmost faith that the main course will be delicious.”

Maybe it’s the way he said that as if he has no doubt in his mind that Ajax would succeed, but it certainly leaves Ajax’s cheeks a bit warm and his stomach with a strange fluttery sensation.

“Flatterer,” Ajax manages to retort.

Cooking dinner with Zhongli in his suite also turns out to be equal parts surreal and strangely familiar. Despite Ajax’s offer to make the meal, Zhongli isn’t satisfied with watching from the sideline. The next thing that Ajax knows, the man has adorned an apron and is standing beside him, slicing the Jueyun Chili with the proficiency of a world-class chef. He navigates around Ajax with the familiarity that a dancer shares with their long-time partner while still carrying on their conversation without a hint of interruption. It hits Ajax how domestic it all feels and he’s not entirely sure what to make of this discovery.

“Really, Mister Zhongli! This is wholly unnecessary. You are a guest here! Oh, can you please pass the—yes, thank you.” Ajax takes the garlic and starts peeling the cloves while firing exasperated looks at the other. “As I was saying, you’re more than welcome to sit and relax! I’m the one who promised to make this dish for you. It hardly counts if you help.”

“I am merely getting the ingredients ready,” Zhongli responds, pushing the chili strips to the side of the cutting board to make space for the mushrooms he will slice next. “You were the one who bought all the ingredients and who will be doing the actual cooking, so as far as I’m concerned, you are still honouring your words. Oh, I see you were able to obtain lotus seeds from the Luhua Pools. They are known for their sweet flavour and added crunch. A very good choice.”

“I feel like we’re going against the spirit of the contract.” Ajax finishes mincing the garlic, tosses them in a separate bowl, and grabs an onion. He makes quick work of that as well. Thank goodness OG Tartaglia’s skills with melee weapons translate to chopping and dicing. “As for the lotus seeds, I’m glad you approve. Miss Li suggested it! She’s the store manager from the grocery store down the street and has surprisingly strong opinions on what makes a good Qingce Stir Fry. After trying out the recipe with different types of lotus seeds, I have to admit that she’s got a point.”

“Your dedication to this goal is admirable, Master Childe.” The teasing is evident in Zhongli’s voice. “Did you do that for every ingredient?”

“Of course!” Ajax sniffs. “I made a promise to make the best, didn’t I? If you make a promise, you keep it. If you make a mistake, you apologize. And if you give someone a dream, you defend it to the end. That’s how things should be.”

Dinner is prepared in record time. Served along with the Qingce Stir Fry are a simple soup, a couple of meat and vegetable dishes, and a pot of fluffy white rice. The dishes may not be complex masterpieces like those prepared in Liuli Pavilion, but they’re perfectly cooked and, from the way they smell, are probably very tasty.

At least that’s the outcome Ajax is hoping for. He’d be lying to himself if he says he feels calm watching Zhongli scoop a small bundle of the stir fry with a dollop of rice with his spoon. The Archon holds the food up almost as if inspecting it. Then, with a nod, he plops it in his mouth.

He chews quietly.

Ajax may or may not be holding his breath at this point.

Finally, Zhongli swallows his bite and places the spoon down.

“Um, Mister Zhongli? How do you like it?”

Ajax doesn’t have to wait for long—the most satisfied, blissful expression begins to blossom on Zhongli’s face, spreading from the sweet upturn curl of his pink lips to the sparkle in his amber eyes. It reminds Ajax of the way a Glaze Lily’s petals would unfurl towards the sound of beautiful music, revealing its shining beauty in full bloom.

“Ah,” Zhongli says, low and honeyed and so very pleased. There’s a slight rumble to that voice like the purr of a cat as it naps in the warm sunbeam, perfectly at peace with the world.

(Or maybe that’s the sound a happy dragon makes.)

It’s a good look on him. A very good look. So good of a look that Ajax can’t help but stare at Zhongli some more, utterly captivated.

“I—uh—take it that you like it?”

“Master Childe,” Zhongli says, and that blissful expression has not let up one bit. “You are indeed a man of your word. This is by far the best Qingce Stir Fry I have tasted and I have tasted many. You must try some while it is hot.”

He scoops some of the vegetables onto Ajax’s rice bowl and nudges towards him.

Not one to wait when it comes to food, Ajax digs in.

Oh. Oh.

Holy crap.

“Oh, wow, Zhongli.” The groan Ajax lets out is shameless but who even cares? He’s in Heaven. “You weren’t joking. This is amazing. All that effort is worth it.”

The savoury flavours of the ginger, garlic, and sesame sauce mingle perfectly with the spicy chili, the sweet crunch of the lotus seed, the spongy umami mushrooms, and the freshness of the cabbage. The bland rice and the slight floral note from the osmanthus wine only bring out the depths of the stir fry’s flavour, and Ajax can cry with how delicious the fruits of his labour taste. The taste and texture are perfectly balanced.

“This is entirely through your hard work,” Zhongli answers, his eyes glittering. “Well done.”

Dinner becomes quieter than their usual get-togethers, the both of them too busy enjoying their meals to keep up any sort of meaningful conversation. Ajax also doesn’t have the heart to interrupt, not with the way Zhongli looks like he’s on cloud nine with each bite.

For a man who’s been alive for six-thousand years plus, surely, Zhongli’s had better, fancier meals than a comparatively simple stir fry. Who would’ve thought that it’s Ajax’s cooking that would garner such enthusiastic approval? Well, Ajax is more than happy to cook some more for him if it means keeping Zhongli this happy.

The comfortable quiet stretches on until the meal is done and dessert is brought out.

“I couldn’t help but notice the large instrument sitting at the corner,” Zhongli comments as he polishes the last bite of the honey cake for dessert. “Is that the piano you’ve been practicing on?”

“Ah, yeah, that.” Ajax rubs the back of his neck, chuckling. “It’s a bit of a self-indulgent purchase of mine. I wanted to brush up on my music so I had one delivered from Fontaine. One of the perks of being a diplomat so far away from home is that I can make ridiculous purchases like that to make my stay in a foreign land easier. Would you like to play?”

They move to the living room and Ajax invites Zhongli to take a seat on the bench beside him. He takes a few minutes, showing Zhongli how the instrument works and encouraging him to press down on a few of the notes.

“Fascinating. How have you come across this instrument and where did you learn to play?”

“My father was a pianist and I learned it from him,” Ajax answers carefully. That’s a generic enough of an answer that doesn’t raise the flag of him being a Transmigrator, right?

He relaxes a few seconds later when the System does not ping him with an angry message.

“Your father?” Zhongli’s brows rise in surprise. “I had thought an instrument such as this would be rare in Snezhnaya. Your father must have possessed quite a unique skill set.”

“It is,” Ajax nods, even though he knows next to nothing about Snezhnaya outside of the bite-sized lore from the original game. Like Fontaine, Snezhnaya was a region that ended up getting axed to the anger of many. Since that’s the case, he might as well steer his answers closer to his old life so that his answers are less likely to contradict anything. “My father also plays multiple instruments, but he inherited the piano from his father, who got it from his, and so on and so forth. My father’s side of the family is made up of musicians. One of them was able to procure a piano. I don’t know the story behind that adventure.”

Still no angry message from the System. Very good.

“I see. And you have chosen to not follow in their footsteps.”

Ajax shrugs. He places his hands on the keys and deftly runs his fingers up the scales with practiced ease. “I didn’t think I was passionate enough about music to pursue it as a career back then. Being a musician is hard unless you become famous. I wanted to do something where failure wouldn’t mean starvation.”

He might be exaggerating a bit there, but he’d seen the way his father had struggled to rise as a pianist during the leaner months the family had endured. Thank goodness for his mother’s superior financial planning and her salary.

(Not like his father finally achieving fame was any better for the family. Arguably, it had been worse.)

Zhongli mimics the scale Ajax played, though slower and with more caution. “Is that why you enlisted?”

Hell if Ajax knows why OG Tartaglia decided to join the Fatui. Not for the first time since arriving in this new world, Ajax curses the gaming company for providing him with little to no information to go off of.

“I, uh, am good at fighting. And the army feeds and clothes me. That’s a lot more than what a fledgling musician can get.”

There. Generic, bland answers. Very nice, Ajax. Very nice. Surely, wanting to be clothed and fed and not live in squalor are universal incentives for joining the Fatui that not even OG Tartaglia can deny.

Zhongli makes a noise of understanding. “I cannot imagine that being an easy decision to make, nor one that went well with your family especially when you’re still so young.”

“They hadn’t cared. Still don’t, probably.” Ajax tries to throw in a casual shrug but even he can sense the tension in his voice. “Father is too busy travelling, Mother has her hands full with the family, and I was too much for anybody to deal with. It probably made their lives a lot easier now that I’m not around to get underfoot, so I think they’re all breathing a sigh of relief.”

Ajax wonders if anybody even mourns him but somehow he doubts it. Fucking Peter probably popped open a bottle of champagne at the news of his death.

…He should probably dial his anger back. Best not to unload all of his problems after they’ve had such a wonderful evening.

“I—it doesn’t matter, I suppose.” He shakes his head and pushes the growing vestiges of his anger down. “Things worked out rather well for me, wouldn’t you say? Had I not enlisted, I wouldn’t have met you. That alone makes this worthwhile.”

Zhongli however is giving Ajax that tell-tale look whenever he’s witnessed something upsetting: his lips are pressed into a thin line, his eyes are wide and sad, and Ajax really, really wants to make the look go away.

“Ah, it’s fine, it’s fine. No need to be upset, Mister Zhongli. I’m sorry for bringing the mood down. Why don’t we move on—”

“Master Childe, I should be the one to apologize for prying,” Zhongli says firmly. “I have dredged up some unpleasant memories for you, and this is after you’ve told me that you were already struggling with such things. I am being insensitive.”

Oh wow, Ajax never knew Zhongli could make a face that reminds him so much of a kicked puppy, but there it is. “Hey, now. That’s a bit unfair to you. You were making friendly conversation. It’s not like you would’ve known. Why don’t we drop this for now? No point in ruining the evening.”

“We can drop this discussion,” Zhongli acquiesces, and the sadness eases up a bit. Thank fuck for that. “However, I want you to know that I for one am glad to have made your acquaintance. Your presence has made these past months infinitely richer, and you have infused new energy into my day-to-day that I have not felt in a very, very long time.”

Wait. What?

As if sensing his surprise, Zhongli’s lips twitch into a wry smile. He’s also looking at Ajax with softness, his expression terribly fond. Ajax finds his breath hitching.

“Perhaps due to my profession, I have forgotten what it is like to live,” Zhongli adds. “I have gotten too used to the usual rhythms of life in Liyue Harbour, and this sense of familiarity lulled me into thinking that I am content to carry on like this in perpetuity, to simply exist in peace.

“You have reminded me what it is like to do more than that. You have indulged me with your spirit, your patience, and your time, showing me what it is like to embrace every waking moment and cherish the little pleasures of life whether it’s a quiet spot of tea in the afternoon or a stroll along the boardwalk in the evenings. Your generosity has allowed me to relish in these pleasures and you have not asked for a single thing in return beyond my company. For all of that and more, you have my thanks and my gratitude, Master Childe. Should the day ever come that we are not together, you will continue to shine like gold in my memories.”

Ajax swallows. “I—Mister Zhongli…”

There’s a funny feeling in Ajax’s chest, something light and fluttery, like the wings of a thousand butterflies beating against his ribcage along with the sensation of soothing warmth. It makes Ajax feel like he’s awash by liquid sunshine, and the cozy feeling spreads, coursing outward through every last part of his body to the rapid beat of his too-full heart.

There’s someone who’s happy to have met him. He, Ajax, outcast extraordinaire, matters to somebody.

His existence matters to Zhongli.

He doesn’t know what to say. He literally has no words and his thoughts have shuttered to a standstill in his mind.

How can Ajax begin to explain that Zhongli’s words were the kindest ones he’s ever received in both lifetimes?

Dimly, he registers a low, keening sound in the background, and it takes a few seconds to realize that it’s coming from him. He immediately claps his hands over his face, anything to muffle the sound.

Fuck. Fuckfuckfuck. He’s so happy right now. So incredibly elated that he practically feels giddy to the point of feeling like he’s drunk on good champagne. At the same time, he also feels absolutely, 1000% mortified because what the fuck, Zhongli? What the fuck is this heartfelt confession of a soliloquy? His body is not prepared for this devastating blow!

“Master Childe?” Zhongli asks, his voice deep and rich and so very amused, and how dare he? How dare he be amused by Ajax’s suffering? “Are you alright?”

“W—would you stop sounding so pleased with yourself?” Ajax squeaks, keeping his face buried. Fat load of nothing that does. Judging by how hot his skin feels, Ajax bets his ears and neck are glowing neon red, and those are very much unhidden so Zhongli definitely knows. “And stop calling me Master Childe. You can call me Childe.”

“Childe.” The way Zhongli says his name, slowly as if he’s testing the way it rolls off his tongue, does nothing to calm Ajax down. “Then you may drop the honorific and call me Zhongli as well. It is only fair.”

At least Zhongli has enough pity in his heart to stop his teasing, content to go back to playing on the piano in silence. It takes a good few minutes before Ajax gathers the courage to stop burying his face in his hands, and another tea and snack break for Ajax to feel more normal. By this point, Zhongli has settled in the makeshift viewing gallery Ajax had set up (which is just a fancy plush chair and a small table loaded with even more food and tea a few paces away from the piano).

“Do you have any preferences in what you would like to hear?” he asks, clearing his throat and shoving the last of his embarrassment away. If he ignores it hard enough, it goes away, right? “Happy, upbeat songs? Slow, melancholic ones? Something soothing?”

Zhongli rubs at his chin. “I am much more interested in what kind of song you would choose for me.”

Of course, he would. Ajax is starting to suspect that Zhongli likes making things difficult for him. The grin on Zhongli’s face only feeds into Ajax’s suspicion. “I trust in your ability to pick something I would enjoy.”

Something that Zhongli would enjoy. Ajax’s got a couple of pieces memorized and they’re all classical music since that seems to be what Zhongli likes, but maybe he should opt for something a bit more special.

Hey System, do you have any suggestions?

There’s a soft ping. “User is encouraged to play something meaningful and to play it with heart!”

Ajax waits a few more seconds. He’s met with silence.

Wait, that’s it?

System! Can’t you provide more guidance? This is as helpful as Zhongli’s comment!

More silence.

Great, just great.

Although come to think of it, there is one song that he hasn’t played in a while, one song that would be sure to evoke a lot of emotions from him.

“Childe? Is something the matter?”

“No, no.” Ajax shakes his head. “I, uh, just needed a bit of time to think.”

He hasn’t touched “Salut d’Amour” in many years. That song had been ubiquitous throughout his childhood, playing in the background of his memories every time he revisits them in his private sessions of grief. To him, the song is a celebration of the happier moments in his life when he had been brimming with excitement and joy and hope.

Maybe that song would be fitting to play now as a gift for Zhongli in honour of his newfound joie de vivre. It would serve a greater purpose than languishing in Ajax’s memory, and who knows, maybe he can associate new happy memories with it.

(Maybe he can find a new reason to play “Salut d’Amour” again in this new life in this new world.)

“Alright, I’ve picked something,” Ajax says, his decision cementing in his mind even as the usual pre-performance nerves are starting to creep in. “I, uh, hope you’ll like this song Mis—Zhongli.”

With a quick bow of his head, Ajax turns to his piano and places his fingers over the keys with careful hands. They feel cool and smooth under his touch, the surface of each note gleaming under the light. The sight reminds him of how scared he was during his first-ever recital a lifetime ago. He had needed his parents’ encouragement to muster the courage to play.

He’s no longer that boy. He’s since played plenty of occasions in front of an audience, but it would’ve still been nice to have his parents there one last time. To hear their encouragement even if he doesn’t necessarily need it.

As if answering his wish, a familiar voice whispers in the echoes of his memory, advice given to him just before he quit piano.

The most important thing about playing music is that you play from your heart.

Ah. Play from the heart, was it? Well, here goes nothing.

Ajax takes in a deep breath and exhales slowly.

Then, he plays.

How does one get through their grief?

It starts by remembering.

Once upon a time, there was a boy who learned that the golden days of his childhood were coming to an end. His parents had sold the house with the white trimmings and the swing on the porch. Without this holding the family together, they had shattered into pieces like broken glass. His older siblings were off to start their new lives as adults and his father had moved elsewhere, though he was so busy travelling for his job, who even knew where he stayed at any given moment. That left Ajax and his mother to move to a new city for a brand-new start.

The new apartment was drastically different from what Ajax had been used to. It was smaller, quieter, lonelier. Gone was the old kitchen filled with the smell of gingerbread, replaced with a modern space smelling of fresh paint and filled with stainless steel appliances. Gone was the room filled with his father’s musical instruments, replaced with an upright piano, a gift from his father with the hopes that he would keep playing. Gone were the voices in the background—his mother’s singing, his siblings’ bickering, his father’s laughter, replaced instead with the sound of television resonating from their new living room.

But the boy had held on to hope. He was playing at his school’s concert soon and he was planning to play “Salut d’Amour”. Despite the cocky answer he had given his father about his familiarity with the song, he was looking forward to seeing his parents in the audience. He wanted to show them how much he had improved. More importantly, he wanted to share something that had represented them—all the good, the love, the warmth of their once family.

In the hotel suite in Liyue, Ajax plays, slow and steady with aching tenderness, letting the opening to “Salut d’Amour” flow out into the air. There’s a hint of earnestness in his playing, probably bled over from his memory as that once eager boy.

He lets himself channel that hope into the tempo and the way he lets the notes linger, and he allows himself to sink into his memory once more.

Ajax had practiced with a level of fervor he hadn’t experienced before.  

His mother hadn't said anything about his new habit. She left him alone to his practice, interrupting occasionally so that he could eat and take a break. Ajax had assumed that meant she approved.

(In hindsight, his mother had been beyond exhausted from adjusting to her new life as a single parent. She simply did not have the same energy to connect with her son. Ajax realizes that now.)  

“Mama?” he asked during dinner a few days before the concert. “Will Papa be attending my concert?”

“I don’t know, Yasha. What did he tell you the last time you spoke with him?”

“He said he will try.”  

“Hm.”

Ajax hunched over his meal and ate some more. “Mama?”

“Yes, dear?”

“Will you be attending my concert?”

“…I haven’t been feeling too well lately, but I will try my best.”

The song picks up with more confidence. The playing turns impatient; the notes are played quickly and staccato-like, sending the song hurtling towards the next section but there is a sort of growing exuberance and excitement because—

The concert was about to start. Ajax peeked from behind the curtains and watched the flow of parents settling themselves into their seats. The usual nerves were starting to set in and he scowled at his body’s response.  

This was a school concert. It was significantly less fancy or important than the recitals he had performed in. There was no reason for him to feel this nervous about something that technically did not matter.

Yet, he couldn’t quite convince himself of that. He couldn’t quite convince himself to calm down as he kept zeroing in on the two seats reserved at the front row, still empty despite the auditorium being nearly full.

Maybe his parents were caught up doing something. Maybe they had gotten a bit lost. This was a new school, after all, so the route to get here could be tricky.

There was still time. He was the fifth act, so they could still make it. When they did, he couldn’t wait to play for them.

The tones of exuberance—of joy—start to be tinged with doubt, but Ajax keeps up the tempo, keeps up the energy, channeling the desperation he had felt to keep up his positive spirits even as one act passed, then another, and another—

Finally, he heard his name being called by the teacher in charge.

“Ajax, you’re up next! Are you ready?”

He plastered on a smile and gave the teacher a thumbs up. “Ready to deliver a flawless performance!”

The teacher laughed. “Love the enthusiasm. Break a leg out there!”

He kept his smile on even when the teacher had left, his attention drawn by a couple of stagehands. He kept his smile on even as he heard his name being called by the MC, at the sound of polite applause as he stepped onto the brightly lit stage, and as his eyes scanned the front row.

His heart dropped.

The two seats he had reserved remained empty.

His parents weren’t there.

They had not come.

Doubt bleeds into desperation and yet, Ajax continues to play, continues to let the notes flow through him as his fingers dance across the keys. The notes are getting louder, more powerful still.

Neither his father nor his mother had attended that performance that day.

Whatever enthusiasm and nervousness that have been building up dissipated like air in a popped balloon, because what was the point? If his parents had not come to see his performance then there was no reason to share the performance he had worked so hard to pour his heart and soul into. There was no reason to do his best and play to impress the two people who mattered the most to him.

There was no point in any of this.

Ajax’s fingers still, letting the melody trail into the pregnant silence of the room.

At the time, he had decided, then and there, faced with the two empty seats, to abandon his plan to play “Salut d’Amour”. Instead, he had opted for a powerful piece, one filled with enough technical difficulty to dazzle the crowd. The performance was met with an enthusiastic round of applause, which continued even after he bowed, left the stage, and received a happy clap on the back from the teacher, congratulating him on a stellar job.

Ajax had wanted none of that, however. What he had wanted was to play for his parents one last time because he knew that this was it. This was the last chance he had where he could pretend that they were still the family from his childhood. After this, he would be forced to confront the reality that his old life was well and truly gone.

So he had wanted to play “Salut d’Amour” one last time. Just one last time to remember the good moments. One last time as a proper send-off to his childhood.

But what’s stopping him from giving the performance he wanted to give right now? Isn’t he playing the song already?

Why not play it like he’s always wanted to? Why not do it for himself?

Ajax starts the next bar of the song, slowly, cautiously, almost timid, and the notes fall like the first drops of rain.

What good will it do to hang on to this resentment and this memory? What good will it do to hang on to the image of that sad boy, standing on the stage, forever waiting for the parents who will never show up?

Ajax doesn’t want to be that boy anymore. He wants to stop waiting.

In his mind, Ajax is back on that stage. He can feel the spot lights beaming down on him, making him feel hot, but the sensation does not detract from his hopeful excitement as he scans the crowd for the familiar faces of his parents. His eyes zone in on the front row, at the two seats he had reserved—

Empty. They are empty.

Disappointment crashes into him like a tidal wave. He bites back the urge to grimace or, heaven forbid, to cry.

But a renewed surge of determination flows through him. He balls his hands into fists at his sides. So what if his parents weren’t there? He spent so much time practicing and perfecting this piece. He’s not going to abandon his effort now.

If his parents can’t be bothered, then Ajax will do it for himself. And in the future, he will do it for someone who would listen and appreciate what he has to offer.

Ajax unclenches his fists. He ignores the growing confused murmurs from the audience and walks to the piano, sinking himself on the bench. The ivory keys are gleaming back at him but he’s no longer afraid.

He places his hands over the familiar keys and plays.

He plays and as he does, he pours in every bit of emotion he has—joy, yearning, sadness, fear, but above all else, hope. It’s the hope he feels for something bigger and brighter in the future, hope for the happiness he will achieve with his two hands, and hope that someday, he will once again find his days filled with laughter and sunlight.

Back in his suite, Ajax finishes the song and his fingers still. The last note rings out from his piano, a pretty, delicate sound that travels through the air, carried away by the wings of his memories. It drifts further and further, going quieter with every second until it disappears completely, taking with it the last echoes of the audience’s raucous round of applause.

Goodbye, Mother. Goodbye, Father.

How does one get through their grief?

It starts by remembering.

And it ends by letting go.

Chapter Text

Chapter 6.5

Extra I: Felix

When La Signora gave Ekaterina, Vlad, Nadia, and him a mission to spy on Lord Tartaglia, Felix immediately drew two conclusions. First, this was a clear attempt to fish for proof of Tartaglia’s failings in reporting back to the Tsaritsa. After all, it was no secret that La Signora and Tartaglia hated each other.

Second, Tartaglia was going to murder them in cold blood.

If they were caught, it was a death sentence right there and then. If they were successful in their mission, they would make an enemy of a Harbinger, and Felix was not naïve enough to believe that their actions wouldn’t be discovered by Tartaglia’s men eventually.

Lord Tartaglia, despite being the youngest Harbinger, had a terrifying reputation for bloodshed, chaos, and cruelty, so the idea of having to face Tartaglia’s wrath was not an idea Felix particularly enjoyed.

He wasn’t the only one who was thinking along those same lines.

“All I’m saying is that if I had to choose between displeasing Tartaglia or La Signora, I’d prefer La Signora. Even if she is to kill us, she is too impatient and fussy for torture, unlike Tartaglia, who seems to enjoy literal and metaphorical blood baths,” Vlad pointed out, taking a sip of his fire water. They were huddled together over a table in Felix’s hotel room, mutually stewing over their miserable fates. Despite the privacy the space provided, they still kept their voices down so that their words wouldn’t carry outside of the room.

“What are you saying, exactly?” Felix asked glumly.

“I propose that we do our job, but if we don’t find anything, then…” Vlad ended the sentence with a shrug.

Keep a low profile so that they won’t be caught by Tartaglia, and then beg La Signora for a lesser punishment for failing to provide any juicy details should that occur. Theoretically, this would work, except Vlad was forgetting two very important things.

“Lord Tartaglia isn’t the type to make it easy for us to disregard his actions,” Felix pointed out uneasily. “Also, some of us are more willing to carry out the mission than others.”

By that, he meant Ekaterina. Not only was she naturally very diligent, she was also acting as one of Tartaglia’s assistants, a job that already had her gritting her teeth the last time Felix saw her.

Tartaglia had only been in Liyue Harbour for less than two days.

Vlad winced. “Yeah, the fucker makes it too easy for people to hate him. How did he even become a Harbinger?”

“Through his terrifying battle strength and being a battle prodigy. His talent for fighting was one that Snezhnaya has not seen in centuries,” Felix parroted the rumours he heard. “He was handpicked by Pulcinella when he was fourteen, and subsequently caught the Tsaritsa’s attention.”

Vlad made a surprised sound. “He’s not a noble-born? He sure acts like one with all the…” He made a vague hand gesture, which Felix was interpreting as “being a spoiled brat”.

“Nope! From his red hair, I would guess that he’s probably from the coastal villages in the west.”

“A country boy.” Vlad whistled. “Where the fuck does someone from that region gain such terrifying strength? What do they feed their people out there?”

Felix shrugged, downed his fire water, and refilled his and Vlad’s shot glasses. “Given his upbringing, it makes sense why he acts the way he does. He came from relative poverty and landed in the lap of luxury overnight after being handpicked by the Fifth Harbinger.” Who wouldn’t grow up with a huge ego in those circumstances?

“I don’t know if that’s a blessing or a curse,” Vlad muttered, and Felix agreed. Growing up in the loving embrace of the Fatui had to be hell. Any weakness and softness would have been stomped out of someone fast. “Didn’t his parents have any say in all of this?”

“I don’t know. But if a Harbinger comes knocking on your door, would you have refused them? At least this way, your kid has a chance of living a good life while lifting the rest of the family out of poverty. That’s what I would be telling myself as the parent in that circumstance.”

Vlad grimaced. “What a pretty lie that is, calling growing up in the Fatui a good life. I can’t help but feel sorry for him now. Can you imagine what he would’ve been like if he grew up with a normal childhood?”

Vlad’s question was an innocent one, but it got Felix wondering what would Tartaglia be like if he had lived differently.

After the accident, Lord Tartaglia becomes…strange. Very, very strange.

It was as if overnight, his personality underwent a complete change. Gone was the arrogant, cruel young lord, replaced with a young man with an unhealthy interest in battle and an even more unhealthy set of work ethics. The accident humbled him because not once did he treat the men like his personal servants post-recovery. He went so far as to feed the recruits with his cooking.

Since when did Lord Tartaglia cook?

Despite what his colleagues believe, Felix maintains that Lord Tartaglia was possessed. That’s the only explanation that makes any kind of sense.

Though of all the spirits, why couldn’t Lord Tartaglia be possessed by one that’s more normal?

“Good morning, Felix!” Lord Tartaglia chirps the moment Felix groggily opens his door after being woken up. He glances at his clock: six in the morning on a Saturday. Oh, for Archon’s sake! “I’m sorry to bother you so early in the morning, but I was wondering if I can ask for a favour.”

Dread immediately sets in and Felix feels his heart rate spike. There’s nothing that wakes a person up like a Harbinger asking for a favour. “Um, how can I help you, Lor—Master Childe?”

“Well,” Tartaglia drawls out, rocking on his heels a little with his hands behind his back. “Since you’re the one who lent me the bow, that means you know how to wield it, right?”

The dread grows. “That is correct, sir.”

“How experienced are you as an archer?”

“It’s my main weapon. I teach the recruits archery.”

Tartaglia beams all rainbows and sunshine. If his expression was any brighter, Felix would’ve been blinded by it. “Perfect! Would you be able to teach me how to use the bow properly?”

Felix should’ve known. The only reason why Lord Tartaglia is up early all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed is because being the battle junkie that he is, he wants to train. Felix remembers what Lord Tartaglia’s schedule was like before his vacation, so this level of diligence shouldn’t come as a surprise. He’s lucky that the Harbinger decided to slow down after his vacation or else Felix would be opening his door at some ungodly hour like four o’clock in the morning.

Also, that’s a bit of an odd request. Lord Tartaglia is a battle prodigy, so why would he require help in training? Could it be that what he’s really asking for is a quick refresher on using the bow to get himself reacquainted with the weapon?

Felix calms down as he turns that thought in his mind some more. That has to be it. Judging by Lord Tartaglia’s natural talent, Felix does not anticipate that this morning session would take longer than one hour tops. It should be quick and easy and by helping, he would score some brownie points with the Harbinger (or the ghost possessing the Harbinger, the jury’s out on that one). It’s not a bad deal, if he does say so himself.

“Not a problem, Master Childe,” Felix answers, returning a smile of his own. “Let me get ready and we can head right on out!”

He realizes how wrong he is less than five minutes into the training session. It’s not quick and easy. It’s not quick and easy at all.

“Lor—Master Childe! You have to hold it like this. Like this!”

“Master Childe, mind the arr—please keep your eyes on the weapon when you release—Sir, do not release the string! Do not rel—oh, merciful Tsaritsa.”

“Did you just kill the Slime by throwing your arrow at it?!”

Unfortunately for Felix, this only proves to be the beginning of his troubles. Since that first lesson, and it really had been that—a lesson—Master Childe has taken the opportunity to wake him up first thing in the morning for more training. With a bright smile on his face, no less.

It’s been weeks now. Weeks. Weeks of teaching Master Childe (on limited sleep) the most basic of basics when it comes to handling the bow. Weeks of Felix having to subsequently duck and dodge stray arrows that somehow manage to whizz close to him despite being fired at an angle that should make this impossible. Weeks of watching Master Childe getting increasingly frustrated from his (terrible) shots until finally, he either kills the Slime by throwing the arrow at the mob with his bare hands or he charges into the fray, stabbing the arrow down like he’s wielding a dagger.

Despite the frustration, Master Childe would end the lessons by thanking him with a sweet smile and with a gift (bribe). Often times, the gift is a bag of coffee beans from Sumeru.

“Same time tomorrow morning!” he would say, back to being all sunshine and rainbows as if the last hour had not been a complete disaster (and he had barely missed shooting Felix in the eye had Felix not thrown himself to the ground fast enough). “Have a good rest of your day!”

Felix is starting to think that the ghost possessing Master Childe may be a masochist.

At least the ghost has good taste in coffee. The fancy thank-you gift (bribery) makes these morning sessions more palatable. They certainly help Felix resist the urge to slam his door on Master Childe’s bright, smiling face every morning, Harbinger or not.

However, that self-restraint is severely tested when Master Childe asks, again with that bright smiling face, for his help in supervising recruit training involving the Harbinger himself, the recruits, and balloons filled with paint.

That does it. The ghost possessing Master Childe is definitely a masochist.

“Master Childe is possessed by a ghost and that ghost is a masochist!” Felix repeats in a meeting he has with Ekaterina, Vlad, and Nadia one evening.

“Archons, not this again,” Vlad mutters.

“It’s true! He’s been doing archery training non-stop involving all sorts of—of shenanigans! At this rate, Liyue is going to run out of mobs to fight and the recruits will be traumatized!”

“At least he didn’t use paint balloons this week,” Nadia offers with a grin. “You were able to get those stains off, right?”

Felix crosses his arms over his chest and glowers. “Haha, laugh it up. Don’t come crying to me when he comes knocking on your door for training!”

Nadia shrugs. “He wouldn’t need my help anyway. I use a sword and he’s an expert swordsman.”

“Spear for me,” Vlad pipes up.

“Daggers,” Ekaterina answers. “Sorry, Felix. Looks like you’re alone in your struggles. Anyway,” she continues, ignoring Felix’s despair, “now that we’ve established that Felix’s week has been less than stellar, shall we move on with the meeting? What do you have to share on Master Childe’s activities for this week?”

“What Felix pointed out. He’s taken more days off than usual to train,” Nadia volunteers. “I’ve been seeing him heading out for long stretches of time, only coming back to the hotel late at night. The only time he doesn’t train past dinner is when he has his appointments with Mister Zhongli.”

“He does look more tired than usual,” Vlad agrees, rubbing his chin. “Didn’t he just come back from vacation?”

Ekaterina nods. “He did, but it feels different this time. Before the vacation, he had this manic energy about him. This time, he seems to go from being normal and pleasant to being…frustrated. Angry even. Then, his energy will come crashing down and he’ll come shambling into the office looking like death warmed over. I haven’t come across anything that’s happened to elicit these responses from him, either.”

“He’s been eating properly, hasn’t he?” Nadia asks with a worried frown. “For someone who’s that good at cooking, he’s rather bad at feeding himself and needs looking after.”

Everyone looks at Ekaterina.

She throws her hands up. “You try weaning him off the copious amounts of sugary coffee he inhales. I’ve been trying to feed him with proper food as best as I can. Miss Xiangling has been doing wonders with preparing balanced meals for him, but I’ve definitely had to glare him down to get him to eat on more than one occasion. He’s never been like this before. This is getting bad.”

“Maybe it’s something personal,” Felix offers. “Or something to do with his family. Do we know anything about his relatives? His parents? Siblings? His sweetheart back in Snezhnaya?”

“The only sweetheart he’d have is in this city and he sees him every other day,” Nadia mutters. Before Felix can ask her what that means, she continues, “I’ve never heard him speak about his family. I haven’t seen him receive any personal letters from Snezhnaya, either.”

The group falls silent. Suddenly, Felix feels…sad for Master Childe. Does he have no family to speak of? Does he have no one back home waiting for him?

As much as he feels bad, he can’t ignore the elephant in the room. “What do we tell La Signora?” 

“I say we don’t talk about his eating habits,” Vlad says after a moment of silence. “What goal will that achieve? As far as we’re concerned, Master Childe is still carrying on his duties as a diplomat, and he hasn’t done anything to stir up any trouble.”

Ekaterina nods. “Even if he takes time off, he catches up on his work the very next day. So as far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing to report this week. It’s just business as usual.”

That’s been their response for the last couple of weeks. It’s also clear to Felix that with every week, his teammates seem less and less inclined to discuss Master Childe’s activities for the sake of generating their report to La Signora. Rather, these meetings are beginning to feel like get-togethers where relatives discuss whether they should stage an intervention for a loved one.

Felix supposes that it’s inevitable. For all of his strange masochistic ways, Master Childe—or the ghost possessing Master Childe—has managed to endear himself to the Fatui stationed in Liyue Harbour. How many people can claim that their Harbinger brings them baked goods once a week in addition to taking the time out of their day to chat with them on a personal level?

“I still think we need to say something in the report,” Nadia says, chewing on her lips. “If we say nothing, La Signora would grow suspicious and may start getting others to look into matters.”

Vlad makes a humming sound. “We can report that he’s been spending a lot of time with that consultant from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour,” he offers. “The last time we reported that, La Signora had not seemed interested, so odds are, she’ll have the same reaction if we repeat this information. We also wouldn’t be lying.”

There’s only so long that they can play this game, and judging from the subdued nods around the table, his colleagues are all thinking the same thing. Sooner or later, they’ll have to sit down and have a frank conversation on what to do once their willingness to report on Master Childe’s activities finally dies.

Something tells Felix that this will happen sooner rather than later.

Extra II: Zhongli

Despite his wilder days in the Archons War, nowadays, and being close to his retirement, Zhongli has settled into a comfortable routine of meals, work, and relaxation. Every day, he starts by enjoying a quiet breakfast while reading the news. He gets ready for work, making sure that every stitch of clothing on his body is impeccable. The long hours of work are interrupted twice—once for lunch and once for a quick afternoon tea break. Then, he’ll have dinner, either with Master Childe or by himself, followed by spending the rest of his evening strolling through Liyue Harbour. He might do a bit of shopping or he might retire early to do some reading at home before capping off his day with bedtime.

Lately, he’s been noticing a slight change to this routine. It’s a welcomed addition to his evenings. After dinner, he would spend his time partaking in whatever leisure activity he wants, but by nine-thirty, he would be back home in his sleepwear, settling into his comfortable seat.

There, he would wait for his nightly feast.

Like clockwork, the gentle tugging to his soul would arise at ten o’clock sharp. With his lips curled into a smile, Zhongli would close his eyes, switch to his dragon sight, and he would follow that tugging until the familiar image of Master Childe wavered into existence.

Tonight is no different, and the sight that greets Zhongli’s eyes is very much a welcomed one.

As usual, Master Childe is dressed down from his usual ornate outfit. Gone is the blood-red mask from his head, revealing a mop of mussed, orange locks framing his handsome face. Master Childe is sporting a large white shirt with a pair of casual blue pants, both items of clothing plain and loose, but made of material that looks oh-so-soft.

It’s a look that is quickly becoming Zhongli’s favourite. Childe’s outfit is at odds with the elegant, sleek piano he’s seated in front of, and there’s something about that juxtaposition between casualness and elegance that appeals to Zhongli.

Zhongli drinks up the sight of those plain, unassuming clothes and how they swallow up Master Childe’s frame.

The Harbinger himself is an intriguing contradiction. This soft, quiet version is at odds with the boisterous, sunny man in his opulent Fatui outfit. There’s also the contrast between his fierce, bloody reputation versus his sweet, happy, thoughtful nature, or his wealthy demeanor versus his humble background. Since the first day that Zhongli met Master Childe, the young Harbinger has acted in a way that defied expectations. If Zhongli didn’t know better, he’d think that there are two different people inhabiting the same body.

What other sides will Zhongli discover about this enigmatic mortal? Who is Master Childe really underneath all those layers?

Good evening, Zhongli greets the image of Master Childe even though he knows that the young man cannot hear him. What will you be playing tonight?

“To Morax, the Geo Archon guarding these lands. Please accept my humble offering this evening,” Childe says. With one last bow, he places his hands over the white keys and begins to play.

Well, Zhongli may not fully know who Master Childe is, but he does know that Master Childe makes the most exquisite meals, ones that he’ll happily devour.

And devouring is exactly how Zhongli is describing his actions now. As the melodies wash over him, warm and charged with energy woven within each delicate note, Zhongli takes it all in, gulping it down with the gusto of a small child ravaging a piece of cake. Honeyed sweetness coats his tongue from the pure delight Master Childe experiences from playing this piece. It’s mixed with a refreshing, grassy note—a hint of mischief that Master Childe lets bleed into his music as his fingers flits across the keys, no doubt adding a hint of playful improvisation to the score. Then there’s a floral taste that reminds Zhongli of the fine jasmine tea he and Master Childe enjoyed the other day, mixed with a dash of tartness like the fresh berries he picked with Master Childe on their walk towards Mount Tianheng. The taste rounds out with a hint of freshness like the crisp apple and mint dessert he had with Master Childe after their walk.

A lovely song filled with lighthearted joy made all the more vibrant by Master Childe’s honest emotions. To think that such a delicate, masterful gift can be crafted by the bloodied hands of the Cryo Archon’s Vanguard…

And it’s all for him, no less. It’s not for the Tsaritsa nor any other god, but for Morax.

He rumbles in satisfaction as a fission of pleasure runs down his spine.

How wonderfully scrumptious.

The song draws to a close, and Zhongli shakes himself out of his stupor. He can feel the warmth of the delectable meal filling his belly, making him lethargic like he had spent hours sunbathing on his favourite rock in Jueyun Karst. He watches the way Master Childe finishes playing the last note with a bright smile on his lips, watches some more as Master Childe runs a hand through his maskless hair—a sight that also pleases him greatly—and watches until the image dissipates altogether.

Back in his apartment, Zhongli opens his mortal eyes and lets out a happy sigh. Another evening, another delicious meal. Truly, Master Childe is spoiling him with these treats every night.

Zhongli gets up from his seat and trudges to the kitchen to make a fresh pot of tea. As he does, he strengthens his protection blessing around Master Childe and gets to thinking.

There has to be some way for him to return Master Childe’s generosity, something to show his appreciation even if Master Childe is unaware of Zhongli’s true identity. Propriety and fairness dictate that Zhongli reciprocate with a gift of his own.

What does Master Childe even like?

That question gives him pause. Zhongli…isn’t entirely sure.

For all the times they’ve spent together, not once has Master Childe shown any strong preferences for anything except for battle. Zhongli’s offers to visit the market are always met with a bright smile, as with his offers for tea at quaint teashops or dinners at various restaurants.

Zhongli frowns. He doesn’t even know what Master Childe prefers to eat. The dishes they’ve tried are typically suggested by Zhongli, with Master Childe waving away any attempts to take charge of ordering.

“I’m happy with anything, Mister Zhongli. Please go ahead and order what you like!”

Wait, that’s not entirely accurate.. Master Childe did go on an enthusiastic snack-purchasing spree the first time they visited the docks. He also perfected making that dreadful seafood soup a while back, and nobody would go to such lengths to prepare something they don’t enjoy. So maybe Master Childe likes soup? Maybe he prefers something warm, savoury and comforting? In addition, he likes his sweets?

Zhongli also knows now that Master Childe is a musician, so he likes…music? With his soups and sweets?

Zhongli sighs, this time with a hint of self-reproach. He has been shameless in taking advantage of Master Childe’s generosity to the point of neglecting the diplomat. This won’t do at all.

Luckily, he’s got Hu Tao to thank when it comes to figuring out the perfect thank-you gift.

“What’s that you’re humming? It’s a pretty tune,” the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour’s 77^th Director says when she (noisily) barges in on Zhongli’s tea break the next day. She’s doesn’t bother to ask for permission before helping herself to his tea snacks.

“I…” Zhongli pauses, his teacup still held up to his lips. “I do not actually know the name of the song, but I heard it from a friend.”

“A friend?” Hu Tao’s surprise isn’t enough to stop her from pilfering a few more tea cakes. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you describe anybody as a friend. An acquaintance, maybe, but a friend?” A mischievous grin appears on her face. The sight is enough to trigger Zhongli’s headache. “Soooo, who’s this special person who managed to win the friendship of the illustrious Mister Zhongli? Is it a cheerful girl? A refined lady? Or maybe she’s a super foxy madam?”

It’s only because Zhongli knows that Hu Tao won’t stop until he gives her an answer that he says in a flat tone: “He is Master Childe.”

“Who—wait, you mean the red-headed Fatuus?” At least she stops her teasing. “I know we’ve agreed to help them with a few consultation matters, but this is unexpected!”

“The Snezhnayan diplomat,” Zhongli stresses, feeling oddly offended on behalf of Childe. “I have been having regular meals with him while acting as his tour guide. I find his company to be delightful, but I realize that I have taken advantage of his generosity for far too long. He has been paying for everything.”

“Eh, if he wants to pay, then let him pay. Isn’t that Fatuus supposed to be rich?”

Really, this child. “It is rude,” he says, giving her a look before sipping on his tea. “It is only polite and fair thank someone for their generosity especially towards a friend.”

“Alright, alright, no need to give me that look of disapproval, Mister Zhongli. I didn’t tell you to not get him a gift. What does he like, anyway?”

“Ah.” Zhongli finds himself stalling. “I—music? He likes music? Particularly those from Fontaine.” The offerings sound like they’re music from Fontaine. “And soup? He also likes sweet snacks.”

Hu Tao gives him an unimpressed look but doesn’t say anything. Zhongli doesn’t know whether to be offended or feel chastised at being openly judged by the child. “Bring him to a show and a meal. I heard Third-Round Knockout is hosting some visiting musicians this week.”

It’s a good suggestion, and it’s just his luck that the star of the show is a violinist from Fontaine. As he settles into the best seat in the house ten minutes before he’s set to meet Master Childe, he can’t help but begin to feel the stirrings of excitement for both the performance and Master Childe’s reaction when he hears the music play.

How novel. It’s been a long, long time since he’s felt excitement. He hadn’t believed himself to still be capable after over six-thousand years of being alive.

“Perfect! Mister Zhongli, you managed to get the best seat in the house!”

Zhongli looks up and sees Master Childe bouncing towards him, his eyes sparkling and his usual happy grin spread across his face. The sight of the young man lightens his heart. However—

“Master Childe. I see you had a fruitful afternoon. You have a little something…”

He gestures under the chin where a bright blue splotch is located. Master Childe’s attempt to wipe away the mess only ends up smearing more blue against his pale skin.

“Ah, sorry, sorry!” he laughs, pulling out a napkin from his pocket and cleaning himself up before grabbing a seat. Out of courtesy, Zhongli reaches for the teapot and serves a fresh cup of tea for his guest. “Looks like I couldn't wash off all the paint! No wonder the Millelith gave me strange looks on my way here!”

Zhongli doesn’t know whether to be amused or confused. He settles for both. “Paint? What could you be doing to get paint on yourself?”

“Training!” comes Master Childe’s exuberant response. “Very special training. I’m learning to use the bow!”

This does not answer Zhongli’s question, and he doesn’t think he’s hiding his flabbergasted expression very well. “Master Childe, I’m afraid I still have no idea what you mean, though I am starting to suspect that it’s something filled with mischief.”

He’s most certain that it’s filled with mischief knowing Master Childe and his preference for troublemaking.

Master Childe must suspect what he’s thinking because he crosses his arms with a huff. “Why do you sound so resigned? It makes it sound like you think of me as a—a troublemaking rascal!” When Zhongli looks away with a little cough to his fist, Ajax squawks, “Wait, why are you not denying this? Why are you looking away? Mister Zhongli!”

When the waiter arrives to take their order, Master Childe hands Zhongli the menu with his usual, “Go ahead. Order what you like. I’ll eat anything.” In the past, Zhongli would have taken this as permission granted except today, he really wants to get something that Master Childe will enjoy.

Zhongli’s eyes skim the menu. Something savoury and hardy. A soup, followed by dessert later. But maybe he should pick some other items to see what Master Childe will gravitate towards?

The food that arrives is a beautiful display of colour and abundance. Generous portions of meat rolls, chicken, and vegetables are piled high on the dishes, glistening in their flavourful juices. They are complemented by small mountains of Golden Fried Rice and pale cold noodles nestled in a pool of meat sauce, garnished with bright green onions. At the center is a soup—a perfectly comforting, savoury broth that should meet Master Childe’s preferred flavour profile.

Zhongli introduces the dishes on the table and expresses his hope that Master Childe will enjoy his meal. Predictably, the diplomat answers with, “You know me, Mister Zhongli. I will eat any and everything!”

Zhongli can’t help but feel a surge of fondness and he serves some soup for Master Childe.

“I like all food! Good food is hard to come by,” Master Childe says, adding a quick thanks when Zhongli places the bowl in front of him before diving in like a starving man.

The look of pure bliss on Master Childe’s face as he practically inhales the food would have been enough to distract Zhongli on any regular day, but Master Childe’s last little comment gives him pause. Good food is hard to come by? What could he mean by that?

“I had thought your position as a diplomat would have afforded you the opportunity to dine well,” Zhongli says.

“That’s a recent development,” Master Childe explains. “Before that, I’d been living off of bread and butter, mostly. Hard to be picky with options being so limited. Mister Zhongli, what kind of meat is in here? It’s delicious!”

Oh.

Suddenly, the good cheer from before disappears in a snap as the implication of what Master Childe said settles in his mind. Hard to be picky with options being so limited. Living off of bread and butter.

The memory of his meeting with La Signora months ago comes flooding back. They spoke about Master Childe’s humble beginnings growing up in a coastal fishing village somewhere out in the west of Snezhnaya. Zhongli had believed that Childe came from a modest background, but he didn’t know Childe had been living in poverty to the point of starvation.

“Pork and beef,” he answers belatedly, failing to disguise his sadness. Master Childe must have sensed the shift in his mood. He looks up with concern.

“Mister Zhongli? Is something wrong?”

Yes. Something is very wrong. Zhongli realized why Master Childe is not picky. Clearly, it’s a skill developed out of necessity to be able to eat anything on his plate.

Is that why he’s so generous with paying for all the meals? Master Childe would understand all too well what it is like to go hungry, so naturally, he wouldn’t want his guests to experience that feeling. And Zhongli had taken advantage of his generosity without a further thought beyond satiating his own hedonism.

This is simply unacceptable.

Master Childe is still watching him with worry, clearly waiting for a response, so Zhongli shakes his head and lies, “No, not at all. I just remembered something, is all. A comment made by an acquaintance.”

It is unacceptable for Master Childe to ever go hungry, let alone in front of Zhongli.

His mind made up, he reaches for the diplomat’s bowl and proceeds to fill it to the brim—rice, meat, and vegetables—it is important for the young man to have a balanced diet after all. This is especially true when his job requires more energy expenditure than most so Master Childe needs all the nutrients and protein he can get. Zhongli piles on even more meat at the thought.

“Ah, Mister Zhongli. That—that’s a lot of food—”

“Master Childe should not go hungry,” Zhongli repeats his thoughts with fresh determination and some other fierce, unidentifiable feeling bubbling just beneath his calm surface. “Especially after you’ve been training. You must eat plenty.”

“I—uh. Thanks?”

“You’re very welcome.” Zhongli pushes the bowl into the other’s hand with a pointed look. He only relaxes after the food has been consumed.

“So what’s today’s performance?” Master Childe asks after their dishes are cleared.

“A musician,” Zhongli answers in between sips of his tea. “She’s travelled all the way from Fontaine and will apparently be playing a piece on a stringed instrument called the violin. I have heard it once a long, long time ago and found it most pleasing to the ear. I had hoped to hear it again.” 

Master Childe lights up. “Great! I cannot wait for the performance!”

The music, as it turns out, is excellent. The musician is clearly very talented with the masterful way she teases each cheerful note from her violin. The other musician with her, the one who is playing an instrument resembling a violin but larger, and standing upright, does the most perfect job accompanying her playing, harmonizing and adding depth to the melody, breathing life into the songs. Zhongli turns his head, wanting to ask Master Childe whether the performance is to his liking, but he finds the words die on his lips.

Master Childe is paying rapt attention with his blue eyes wide with wonder and sparkling while his rosy lips are curved to a delicate smile. Against the backdrop of the setting golden sun, his hair is haloed by the light and dyed a fiery red, its colour made all the more striking against his pale skin.

He looks enraptured, and likewise, Zhongli is enraptured by him.

Zhongli lets himself watch a little longer like an artist appraising a work of art. This is not the first time that Zhongli has noticed how striking the young diplomat is, pretty even with his delicate features and his heart-shaped face, his good looks further accentuated by the way his long lashes sweep over ocean-blue, peach-blossom eyes. Coupled with his natural good cheer and politeness, it is no small wonder that Zhongli finds his attention drawn every now and then. After all, Zhongli is a connoisseur of beauty, and his companion is just that.

He also has to wonder whether the Tsaritsa makes it a habit of collecting flowers in her court back at Zapolyarny Palace. Having met the Fair Lady and having heard rumours about the Balladeer, Zhongli is starting to suspect that in addition to being terrifyingly competent, one must also be stunning to serve the Tsaritsa at the highest capacity.

The smile further blossoms on Childe’s face when the violinist ends the song in a flurry of notes. Zhongli watches the way his cheeks are dyed an attractive rosy pink that spreads to the bridge of his nose, making a smattering of adorable pale freckles stand out against his skin.

Zhongli thinks the Tsaritsa might be on to something.

“Did you enjoy the performance and meal, Master Childe?” he asks after the performance is over and they’re on their way back home. The sun has finally set low enough below the horizon, casting the sky above them in deep indigo, but streets are still lively and brightly lit with rows upon rows of lanterns.

Master Childe nods vigorously. “Yes!” he says, his grin bright. “The food was amazing and the violinist and cellist are really talented! I wish I could learn how to play like them. I’ve always wanted to try the violin.”

 “Oh? I didn’t take you for a musician,” Zhongli says as if he hasn’t feasted on the delectable songs Master Childe had offered him for a week straight. He feels almost ashamed for his bald-faced lie. “Do you play any instruments?”

“I dabble a little. It’s nothing too fancy.” Master Childe rubs the back of his neck like he’s embarrassed, which is utterly ridiculous to Zhongli as with the answer the young diplomat provides next: “Certainly nowhere near as good as those musicians. I know how to play the piano and the guitar, but I am far from being an expert.”

Now that is simply ludicrous.

“With your drive and ambition, I am quite certain you’ll perfect anything you set your mind on,” Zhongli insists. Master Childe lets out an embarrassed chuckle.

“Oh, I don’t know about that. With enough practice, I may be able to get my technical skills down, but music is more than that. It must be filled with heart and soul. Otherwise, it will sound rather generic and boring.”

“Do you believe your music is devoid of heart and soul?” Where did Master Childe get such an idea? He asks him as much.

“I have been told on that my music lacks something. I’ve been trying to fix that. Maybe I lack inspiration or something.”

Zhongli doesn’t think Master Childe lacks anything (he has a few choice words to say to those who told the diplomat otherwise), but there’s not much Zhongli can say to convince Master Childe otherwise so long as he continues to believe in his own shortcomings. The most Zhongli can do now is to provide his support, which he will readily offer.

“I hope you will find it in Liyue. When you do, I would love to hear your playing.”

The days carry on as usual, apart from Zhongli taking more time to treat and pay attention to his companion now that he’s aware of his own shortcoming. He’s not sure if it’s because of his efforts or if it’s a recent development, but he’s been noticing Master Childe’s strange tendency to go quiet at times despite his good cheer. The other would snap out of his reverie quickly enough with an apologetic grin, so Zhongli tries to brush off these odd occurrences.

But then, they happen again, and again, and again with increasing frequency. Master Childe’s eyes would lose focus as he stares into space as if his mind is occupied with a million thoughts at once. What’s even more worrying is the growing tiredness that seems to linger, accompanied with the dark bags under his eyes and the slump of his shoulders.

Has he been overworking himself again? Master Childe does have the tendency to do that. His forced vacation in Wangshu Inn is proof enough. Even his songs as of late have a note of weariness to them, tinged with briny sadness.

“Sorry,” Master Childe apologizes when Zhongli gently tries to draw his attention back to the present during their dinner. “I didn’t mean to let my mind drift off like that. Goodness, I must have been a boring conversation partner!”

“Nothing to apologize for.” Zhongli takes the opportunity to bring a fresh cup of tea to him. “If anything, I should be the one to apologize. A diplomat such as yourself must keep a very busy schedule, and yet you have been so generous with your time with me.”

Master Childe predictably answers with a grin. “There’s no need for that, Mister Zhongli! Our meetings are something I always look forward to after a long day of work. It’s nice to have dinner with a friendly face. Food tastes better in good company.”

Those words do make Zhongli feel better, and the sweet sense of satisfaction unfurls in his chest at the fact that Master Childe thinks he’s good company. Still, “Nonetheless, should you wish to change our current schedule, please do not hesitate to let me know especially if you need to take the time for yourself to rest.”

Master Childe looks like he could use that rest.

“I guess it’s obvious I’m a bit tired, huh?” the diplomat says with a weak chuckle. “I’m sorry for making you worry. It’s not so much that I’ve been busy with work, it’s more that I’ve been caught up in some rather unpleasant memories. Being far away from home is making me a bit maudlin.”

“Memories?”

From all the things Master Childe has accomplished, it’s easy to forget that the man is still very young, possibly only a handful of years into his adulthood. He’s had to have witnessed many horrors to have mastered the art of combat and becoming a Harbinger at such a young age. There’s also the untold story behind his Abyssal Taint…

Memories such as those have the tendency to creep up on someone when they feel safe enough to lower their guards. Zhongli is all too aware of what that is like. The burden of bad memories must weigh heavily on the soul especially when one has no way to ease the pain, not from the support of family and loved ones.

(It’s also not lost on Zhongli that by virtue of his contract with the Tsaritsa, he may be adding to Master Childe’s burden through the mission to ‘test’ Liyue. This realization is becoming more and more unpalatable.)

That is a problem to resolve for later. For now, all he can do is try to make Master Childe feel more at ease. “I see. Though the events themselves have long since passed, their weight and their effects can linger and continue to impact our day-to-day. To be so far away from home and isolated from your loved ones must be exacerbating the problem.”

“Tell me about it.” Master Childe sighs and rubs his eyes. “Say, Mister Zhongli, do you have any tips to make these memories more manageable? They’ve been ongoing for a while now and I’ve been managing their effects as best as I can. However, there are days when it seems like I’m going nowhere.”

Surprise again flares inside his heart, swiftly followed by warmth. Master Childe is…asking him for his advice? Master Childe trusts him that much?

“You can try talking about them,” comes his first suggestion. Then, Zhongli adds, a touch more tentatively, “I do not mind lending an ear if you wish to share your thoughts.”

Is he being too bold with his offer? Barbatos has accused him of having ‘rocks for brains’ once upon a time, and Zhongli likes to believe that he’s since gotten better at reading the room. But as the silence stretches on between them along with the way Master Childe’s furrow deepens, Zhongli is starting to suspect that he’s overstepped.

“Ah, that is presumptuous of me,” he says, a touch chagrined. Master Childe is a Fatui Harbinger even if he’s taking pains to hide it from Zhongli. Of course he wouldn't be able to openly talk about his problems without the risk of his secrets being leaked. Still, Zhongli’s offer is sincere so perhaps a promise—no, a contract—of secrecy would assuage the other’s fear?

“A contract?” Master Childe repeats Zhongli’s offer. “I thought a contract has to be fair. Here you are offering to listen to me and to keep my secrets but you do not seem to gain anything from this arrangement.”

Master Childe is right; a contract has to be fair to both parties or at least, it has to appear fair so that Master Childe will trust its validity.

Luckily, Master Childe comes up with a solution. “If it’s amenable, I am happy to play you something. I owe you dinner anyway, so we can make that into a night of good food and, hopefully, good music. How does that sound?”

With an offer like that, how can Zhongli refuse?

The next couple of days are spent with a level of impatience uncharacteristic of him. A thrumming a sort of quiet energy fills Zhongli like the one he felt counting down the days to the performance at Third-Round Knockout. Twice has this feeling appeared in recent memories and both times were caused by Master Childe. The way that this young rapscallion is stirring things within him is astounding.

(He tries to remember the last time he had felt like this before meeting Master Childe—all hopeful and eager and brimming with excitement. Probably when he was still a young, rash god trying to secure one of the seven seats during the Archons War.)

But he has lived far too long to let any of that slip outward, so it is with his usual expression of pure calm while cradling a bottle of fine osmanthus wine that he finds himself knocking on the door of Master Childe’s suite.

The door swings open and…oh. Oh my.

The first thing that comes to Zhongli’s mind is how soft Master Childe looks. He has seen Master Childe sporting more casual outfits during his offerings, but nothing compares to seeing it in person. Where his Fatui outfit accentuates strength and discipline while making him look older and more authoritative, his current outfit does none of those things. The blue, oversized sweater is practically swallowing his frame, bringing out his blue, blue eyes against soft, lovely peach skin. The sweater also sports a deep V-neck that practically beckons Zhongli’s eyes to trace along the smooth length of his long neck down to delicate collarbones poking under more of that pale, unblemished skin…

“Ah,” Master Childe’s apologetic tone pulls Zhongli’s (rapidly distracted) mind to the present. “Sorry, I—”

“No, no, there’s no need to apologize.” To be honest, Zhongli has no idea what Master Childe is apologizing for. He was a tad distracted (still is, in fact). He hands his gift over in an attempt to get himself to focus (on anything else aside from all that lovely, unmarked skin before him—)

“Thank you for inviting me,” he says, firmly interrupting that line of thought. “I brought over some osmanthus wine to go with our meal.”

He lets himself ramble a little about the history of the wine as he tries to get his thoughts to settle. He's also trying to get the dragon within him (that had perked up in interest) to go back to sleep. There is no meal to be had, at least not yet.

“Thank you for the gift, that’s very thoughtful.” Master Childe accepts the bottle with a delighted smile. “This is perfect. Please, come in and make yourself comfortable. I’ve also set aside a pair of guest slippers for you, but let me know if they fit right.”

The apartment screams of luxury with tasteful dark red wood wall panels and beautiful silk screens, scroll paintings, and fine porcelain vases decorating the unit. The space is also open and airy thanks to the large windows lining the expanse of the unit. Zhongli lets himself be guided to a pair of comfortable seats of foreign make (Snezhnayan? Fontainian? He can’t quite tell). He sinks into the plush cushions as Master Childe rushes off to the kitchen to get him some tea.

Yes, this truly is the height of luxury, but it also feels jarring and at odds with the young man before him. Master Childe has not shown himself to be the type to care for such a blatant display of material wealth. His choice of casual clothing speaks volumes on that front, and if his plainer tastes are anything to go by, Zhongli suspects that Mister Childe would have preferred a smaller, cozier space in Chihu Rock than this unit.

“Here we are, some jasmine tea,” Mister Childe greets with his usual good cheer. He’s carrying a tray filled with an assorted arrangement of snacks, all beautifully crafted. He bends down to place the tray on the table and Zhongli feels the breath rush out of his lungs at the sight that greets him. It’s as if he’s been slammed into the wall by Barbatos’ gale winds.

That V-neck, that damnable V-neck is drooping low, so low that it offers Zhongli the perfect view of more soft skin stretching past those delicate clavicles to cover the toned flesh of Master Childe’s chest. And Zhongli can see everything—the tantalizing dip between well-shaped pectorals (perfect for his hands to cup), the smattering of silvery scars, including a darker, star-burst-shaped close to his heart (he wonders how they would feel under his touch), and then, his greedy eyes zero in on the tiniest hint of pretty pink nipples that are just begging to be…

Shame, hot, deep-seated shame burns through him even as he tries to wrestle down his draconic satisfaction at seeing the pretty little human serving him delicious offerings in more ways than one. Compose yourself. You are a six-thousand-year-old deity and you are a guest!

“Mister Zhongli? Are you alright?”

“I—uh, yes.” He clears his throat into his fist, eyes darting away. Compose yourself, compose yourself. What will Cloud Retainer think? What will Xiao think? “Thank you for the snacks. That is very thoughtful of you.”

“Not a problem at all,” Master Childe answers, though the quick glance he sends down his own shirt says more than enough that Zhongli’s staring has not gone unnoticed. Zhongli feels a fresh wave of mortification well up within him.

Luckily, Master Childe does not find anything odd. “I am thinking we can have dinner in an hour if you don’t mind. It gives us a bit of time to wind down and enjoy ourselves.”

“That sounds perfect,” Zhongli says, channelling his default calm and politeness. Thousands of years of practice have made him well-versed in slipping on that mask, and he is thankful for his experience right now. “How have you been today? I hope the bank hasn’t been too busy?”

The conversation serves as a wonderful distraction from his terrible faux pas, as with being able to sample the food in front of him. It only takes one taste for Zhongli to realize that each of these is handmade and crafted with the utmost care, filled with the ever-lingering wish for Zhongli to enjoy himself to the fullest. Each bite sends a fresh surge of warmth and power through his veins, making him feel equal parts invigorated and a touch sleepy from being sated by delicious food.

“Is it good, Mister Zhongli?” Master Childe teases as he practically devours the tea cake before him. “Make sure to leave some room for dinner!”

As if Zhongli can forget about dinner. He is so eager for it that he’s pulling on an apron to help in the kitchen despite Master Childe’s protests.

“I am merely getting the ingredients ready,” Zhongli responds as Master Childe tries for the umpteenth time to get him to relax in the living room. The sooner the ingredients are prepared, the sooner they can get started on their meal.

Cooking with Master Childe turns out to be quite pleasant. They work seamlessly towards their goal while conversation flows between them as easily as the waters of Qiongji Estuary washing downstream. In no time, dinner is prepared and Zhongli is eagerly scooping a bundle of stir fry onto his spoon as Master Childe watches on with bated breath.

He pops the food into his mouth and chews quietly.

Zhongli really should not have been surprised that dinner is perfection, and yet, he finds himself filled with pure, unadulterated bliss at the burst of flavour coating his tongue. Crisp and sweet and savoury with a hint of spiciness, all mixed with Master Childe’s hope for Zhongli to love the dish. He can also taste Master Childe’s dedication in selecting each ingredient and his sheer joy in preparing the dish with Zhongli beside him, and those sensation adds a cozy warmth to his chest. It is a true masterpiece of an offering, something that he will remember for the rest of his life.

It’s also something he will use to measure against all future offerings only to undoubtedly find them lacking. (He dreads the idea already. What will he do when he has to swallow the bland offerings of the Qixing for the Rite of Parting? He can’t possibly go back to that after having tasted such perfection!)

“Um, Mister Zhongli? How do you like it?”

He may or may not have made some sort of sound, he’s not sure. It’s enough to get Master Childe to ask, a little less tentatively, “I—uh—take it that you like it?”

Zhongli swallows his delicious bite. “Master Childe, you are indeed a man of your word. This is by far the best Qingce Stir Fry I have tasted, and I have tasted many. You must try some while it is hot.”

He scoops some of the vegetables onto the other’s rice bowl and nudges it towards him.

“Oh, wow, Zhongli.” The groan Master Childe lets out is a perfect response to the dish and Zhongli finds himself chuckling, utterly charmed by the diplomat’s inadvertent drop of his honorific title. “You weren’t joking. This is amazing. All that effort is worth it.”

“This is entirely through your hard work,” Zhongli answers, grinning. “Well done.”

Sadly, they polish off dinner all too quickly and if not for the (thin) hold of his manners, Zhongli would have licked the bowl clean. Still, the sight of the dishes being removed from his vicinity brings an unexpected wave of sadness in him.

It doesn’t last long; Master Childe returns from the kitchen with a plate of delicious-looking cake and Zhongli feels his good mood returning in a flash.

“I couldn’t help but notice the large instrument sitting at the corner,” he comments. It is not the most subtle attempt to draw Master Childe’s attention to the piano, but Zhongli has been itching to ask about it since he saw it. “Is that the piano you’ve been practicing on?”

Master Childe chuckles and rubs the back of his neck, embarrassed. “It’s a bit of a self-indulgent purchase of mine. I wanted to brush up on my music so I had one delivered from Fontaine. One of the perks of being a diplomat so far away from home is that I can make ridiculous purchases like that to make my stay in a foreign land easier. Would you like to try and play?”

Zhongli doesn’t think he’s done a good job at hiding his eagerness, but his excitement earns him an impromptu lesson on how the piano works. He presses a few keys, trying to follow the pattern Master Childe showed him, but his attempt at playing is clumsy at best.

“Fascinating. How have you come across this instrument and where did you learn to play?”

“My father was a pianist,” Master Childe admits. “I learned it from him.”

“Your father?” That is surprising given Master Childe’s background. “I had thought an instrument such as this would be rare in Snezhnaya. Your father must have possessed quite a unique skill set.”

“It is,” Master Childe nods. “My father also plays multiple instruments, but he inherited the piano from his father, who got it from his, and so on and so forth. My father’s side of the family is made up of musicians. One of them was able to procure a piano. I don’t know the story behind that adventure.”

Why did Master Childe choose to depart from his family’s profession then?

Master Childe shrugs at the question as he runs his deft fingers along the keys with the experience of a seasoned professional, judging from the ease and speed with which he plays. “I didn’t think I was passionate enough about music to pursue it as a career back then. Being a musician is hard unless you become famous. I wanted to do something where failure wouldn’t mean starvation.”

Spoken like a man who’s seen this happen one too many times.

So, that’s the story behind Master Childe—he came from a family of musicians originating from a small fishing village. It is unclear whether the family had fallen into hard times recently or if they had never been well off, but it appears that poverty had well and truly settled in by the time Master Childe was born.

“Is that why you enlisted?” To break away from a life of poverty?

“I, uh, am good at fighting. And the army feeds and clothes me. That’s a lot more than what a fledgling musician can get.”

As expected. Zhongli makes a noise of understanding. “I cannot imagine that being an easy decision to make, nor one that went well with your family especially when you’re still so young.”

“They hadn’t cared. Still don’t, probably.” Though Master Childe tries to add a casual shrug to his answer, there’s no disguising the way his voice is hard and tense. “Father is too busy travelling, Mother has her hands full with the family, and I was too much for anybody to deal with. It probably made their lives a lot easier now that I’m not around to get underfoot, so I think they’re all breathing a sigh of relief.”

He adds after a few seconds of silence. “I—it doesn’t matter, I suppose. Things worked out well for me, wouldn’t you say? Had I not enlisted, I wouldn’t have met you. That alone makes this worthwhile.”

While Zhongli is glad to have met Master Childe, he cannot in good conscience dismiss what the young man went through. It very much does matter. The thought that Master Childe had made the hard decision to enlist to stave off starvation and lessen the financial burden on his family only to receive no emotional support from his parents is heartbreaking. And not only that, but his parents had breathed a sigh of relief to be rid of him…

Does that mean that Master Childe had waded through his time in the Fatui all by himself? No wonder he became so strong despite his youth. The only thing he had to rely on was his own strength. But his natural genius in fighting must have alienated him from his peers as well.

Everything is starting to point to the fact that Master Childe’s life had been a lonely one. One filled with hidden enemies, if La Signora’s barely concealed disdain is anything to go by. And he is here in Liyue, far from home, having to deal with everything by himself including whatever unpleasant memory that have been plaguing him as of late.

Zhongli is radiating displeasure. Master Childe takes one look at him and plasters on a weak smile. “Ah, it’s fine, it’s fine. No need to be upset, Mister Zhongli. I’m sorry for bringing the mood down. Why don’t we move on—”

“Master Childe, I should be the one to apologize for prying,” Zhongli says firmly. “I have dredged up some unpleasant memories for you, and this is after you’ve told me that you were already struggling with such things. I am being insensitive.”

“Hey, now. That’s a bit unfair to you. You were making a friendly conversation. It’s not like you would’ve known. Why don’t we drop this for now? No point in ruining the evening with this.”

No. There are some things that cannot be so easily dropped nor can they be left unsaid, lest the damage be left to fester and rot in darkness. It may have been true that Master Childe had grown up with a lack of support—that he was left struggling with nothing to rely on but his own strength—but that is no longer the case here. It is paramount that Zhongli tells him that.

“We can drop this discussion,” Zhongli agrees. “However, I want you to know that I for one am glad to have made your acquaintance. Your presence has made these past months infinitely richer, and you have infused new energy into my day-to-day that I have not felt in a very, very long time.”

Master Childe’s look of utter shock has Zhongli smiling a wry smile. This young man. Is he really that surprised by the impact his presence had made in Zhongli’s life? It is a good thing that Zhongli is taking the opportunity to clarify, then.

“Perhaps due to my profession, I have forgotten what it is like to live,” he adds. He had believed that his emotions had dulled from living for over six-thousand years, that there was nothing left to surprise him after having seen everything. “I have gotten too used to the usual rhythms of life in Liyue Harbour, and this sense of familiarity lulled me into thinking that I am content to carry on like this in perpetuity, to simply exist in peace.”

Zhongli had resigned himself to a simple life of calm and muted contentment. He had convinced himself that all this would be fine because he’d be free from the shackles of his duties as he allowed the autumn of his life to pass on by, silently and peacefully. But ever since Master Childe dropped into his life, Zhongli was shown that there was still more to experience.

“You have reminded me what it is like to do more than that. You have indulged me with your spirit, your patience, and your time, showing me what it is like to embrace every waking moment and cherish the little pleasures of life whether it’s a quiet spot of tea in the afternoon or a stroll along the boardwalk in the evenings.”

The child-like wonder Master Childe had when he purchased all the food at the different food stalls at the boardwalks had stirred a desire for Zhongli to partake in the other’s excitement. It had never truly gone away ever since that day.

“Your generosity has allowed me to relish in these pleasures and you have not asked for a single thing in return beyond my company.”

And Master Childe will not ask for anything in return, not when he has made it abundantly clear that this was the least he could do for a friend.

“For all of that and more, you have my thanks and my gratitude, Master Childe. Should the day ever come that we are not together, you will continue to shine like gold in my memories.”

He already does.

Master Childe is looking at him, his eyes huge. “I—Mister Zhongli…” he says, his voice weak.

Then, a curious sound like a quiet, high-pitched trill has Zhongli tilting his head, observing Master Childe with slight worry. When Master Childe finally realizes that the sound is coming from him, he lets out a mortified little “eep” and claps his hands over his face.

Not like it does anything to hide the bright red flush that’s spreading everywhere. Even the tips of his ears and neck are glowing.

Zhongli blinks. Oh, it looks like he’s embarrassed the other terribly, though he cannot say he regrets it, not when he gets to witness this reaction. It is simply too adorable.

“Master Childe?” he asks with a hint of laughter. “Are you alright?”

“W—would you stop sounding so pleased with yourself?” Master Childe positively squeaks, and Zhongli has to muffle his laughter so that he won’t embarrass the other further. “And stop calling me Master Childe. You can call me Childe.”

Ah. Zhongli rather likes that.

“Childe,” he says, testing the way the word rolls off his tongue. Yes, he likes that a lot. “Then you may drop the honorific and call me Zhongli as well. It is only fair.”

It takes a few moments before things resume back to normal, even if a faint, rosy pink continues to linger on Childe’s pale cheeks. At least he has stopped squeaking when he asks for Zhongli’s song preference.

“I am much more interested in what kind of song you would choose for me.”

Childe gives him a dirty look. “You’re not making this easier for me, Mis—ah, Zhongli.”

Zhongli grins. “I trust in your ability to pick something I would enjoy.”

Would Childe decide to play something spirited like he had a couple of nights ago? Or perhaps, something slow and soothing, but beautiful in its simplicity? He could also go to the other end of the spectrum and decide to impress Zhongli with something technically challenging.

What he decides to play is different.

When the first note hits Zhongli, he is awash with a sense of gentle wistfulness, of yearning for something…for something…

Zhongli frowns. He’s not sure—he catches glimpses of love, of familiarity, of warmth, of something that had been present and perfect. There was joy, a sort of carefree joy that exists amongst children not yet tainted by the cruelties of the world.

Is Childe drawing from his childhood memories? Is this song reminiscing about the happier times in his life? Perhaps inspired by the conversation they shared about his past?

Zhongli settles into his plush chair and relaxes into the song. It is masterfully played and deeply poignant, delicious in a way that the other offerings had not been. Although it is not the most complex song, there is something deeply personal there, something akin to a chef sharing a favourite childhood dish rather than a luxurious Adeptus’ Temptation, and for that, Zhongli enjoys it even more.

Yearning, longing, but underlying that is a sense of optimistic eagerness, then impatience. The mix of emotions make Zhongli smile. This is so painfully Childe, always filled with exuberance and the drive to do everything yesterday.

But how quickly that changes. Doubt starts to bleed into the song swiftly followed by a sort of desperation to cling to those previous emotions. There’s a sense of being in denial of something and Zhongli watches, the corners of his lips tugged down into a frown. The song continues to build and build as hope, desperation, doubt, and impatience all clash together into a swirling, chaotic mess even as the melodies rise and rise, sending them hurtling off the cliff.

Only to be met with—

Zhongli’s breath hitches at the emotions that crash into him: disappointment and sadness; heavy, heavy sadness, and resignation because the worse of Master Childe’s expectations had occurred. It takes effort to process all of this to the point where he doesn’t register when the room is plunged into thick silence. He only draws himself back into the present a few seconds later when the wave of bitter emotions slowly ebb away, leaving him with only the sound of his thundering heartbeats.

His eyes snap open to the sight of Childe sitting in front of the piano. His head is bowed over the instrument, shoulders tense, and his fingers perfectly still. Zhongli cannot see the other’s expression through the hair framing his face, but he wish he can. He wishes he can reach out and do anything to chase that terrible feeling away from Childe.

But before Zhongli can get up from his chair, Childe resumes playing. The disappointment and sadness are still present, as with the resignation, but there’s something new in there as well, a newfound sense of hope, of resilience. It reminds Zhongli all too well of the feeling of moving onwards despite the sense that all had been lost. It reminds Zhongli of the difficulty of trudging forward one step at a time in hopes for something better, in hopes for a bigger and brighter future and—oh.

This is not a song about yearning for a childhood that was long gone.

This is a song of remembrance, but more importantly, this song is saying goodbye.

This is Childe letting go of a piece of his innocence and Zhongli’s heart hurts amidst fresh realization dawning on him.

Childe is not simply plagued by his bad memories. Childe is mourning.

Not even the Geo Archon, for all the power and wisdom at his disposal, can chase away the pain of loss.

The song ends, and the room grows silent. From his bench in front of the piano, Childe takes in a deep breath and exhales, slumping a bit further towards the keys as if he had finally completed a momentous task that left him drained to nothing.

Zhongli can’t stand to sit still anymore. He pulls himself up and in a few hurried steps, places a hand on the other’s shoulder.

“Childe?”

When he gets no response, he sinks to his knees so that he can peer up at Childe’s face. He brings the other’s hands into his own, clasping them gently between his palms. “Childe?” he calls again.

Childe’s eyes are closed and his face is scrunched in pain. But at the sound of his name, his hazy eyes snap open. “Hey, Zhongli,” he says and he tries to plaster on a weak, wavering smile, “I—uh, I’m sorry for worrying you there and, oh gods, I must be bringing the mood down—”

Zhongli has seen enough. “None of that,” he says, tightening his grip on Childe's hands. “When you are with me, please do not force yourself to smile when you are unhappy. Please do not pretend that everything is fine. You are allowed to just be. Alright?”

It takes a few quiet seconds but he gets the smallest, slightest nod, and a soft, “Alright.”

Zhongli’s lips stretch into a relieved smile.

“Good,” he breathes and his smile grows a bit more when he gets an answering squeeze. “Good.”

Later, when Zhongli is back in his own home, he lets his mind wander to the events he had witnessed and to his latest discoveries about Childe.

He sighs.

Despite his best judgment, there is no denying that Zhongli has gotten quite attached to the young man. The thought that Childe is currently involved in this plot to test Liyue, and that Zhongli is pulling the strings behind the scenes no less, has reached beyond simply unpalatable.

There must be a way to salvage this situation. Perhaps he can speak to the Tsaritsa about requesting for a different Harbinger to take Childe’s position?

No, that would be sending a signal to the Tsaritsa that he is displeased with Childe. Besides, who knows how Childe’s enemies would take advantage of this scenario?

There’s also the possibility that the Tsaritsa will order Childe’s return to Snezhnaya, and that is something Zhongli is trying to avoid at all costs.

(Because whether the Tsaritsa realized it or not, she had sent her youngest to Morax neatly wrapped in a bow and this old gold is hardly the type to refuse such a tempting gift. She really should have known better than to dangle such a rare treasure before a dragon and expect him to refrain from grabbing it.)

Zhongli paces in his living room as he brainstorms for more solutions. What about telling Childe the truth about this plan?

That would not work either. Per his contract with the Tsaritsa, both parties are to keep the contents of the contract a secret, including from the Harbinger assigned to test Liyue. (The exception being La Signora, who is acting as the contact person, but even she knows a limited amount of information.)

Zhongli had been the one to add in that clause.

The thinking behind the clause had been simple: if news gets out that the Tsaritsa will gain Morax’s Gnosis after Liyue can demonstrate its independence, then the Harbinger would try to rig the test in the Tsaritsa’s favour. In order for Zhongli to trust that Liyue had truly passed its test without any sort of underhanded interference, the Harbinger conducting the test had to be unaware of what was at stake.

Telling Childe would be a direct violation of the contract, and that could lead to more complications in addition to Zhongli not being able to retire. Zhongli had also negotiated for multiple clauses that ensured Liyue’s safety from Snezhnaya. So long as the contract is upheld, the Cryo Archon would honor the peace treaty between the two nations. But if the contract is breached by Zhongli…

War would be an understatement.

Whether Zhongli likes it or not, it appears the wheels are set in motion and the actors for this play have been cast. He won’t be able to touch the contract.

But that doesn’t mean he can’t plan to protect Childe from any blowbacks after this test. And it certainly doesn’t mean he can’t try to entice the other to join him after he’s stepped down as an Archon. He’ll have even more time then (both to convince the young man to quit his servitude to the Cryo Archon and to beg for forgiveness. The former should hopefully be easier to achieve given Xiao’s previous comment about Childe’s wish to become an adventurer-bard. Still, Zhongli should prepare for the scenario where Childe needs extra convincing.)

Zhongli goes to the kitchen to prepare a fresh pot of tea. He’s got a lot of planning ahead of him. It’s best that he gets started now.

Chapter Text

Part XIII. Time’s Arrow

Things don’t miraculously become better in one fell swoop after that dinner with Zhongli. Thinking back, Ajax had woken up the next day still feeling perfectly miserable over the (now acknowledged) fact that his old world was well and truly gone, and that the only way left for him to move was forward. Not exactly the most uplifting thought to have on a sunny Sunday morning.

But there had also been a newfound sense of calm that had blanketed over him. It was similar to what he had felt when he had woken up from his cursed sleep back in Wangshu Inn, except stronger, more permanent - and Ajax had held his breath then, hoping against hope that finally, the worst was behind him.

One month later and that feeling of calm continues to linger, so Ajax is cautiously optimistic.

Talking to Zhongli had probably helped.

After The Dinner (because he is referring to that pivotal event with the capitalization that it deserves), Ajax could actually be candid about his feelings to Zhongli. More candid. There were still things he couldn’t freely discuss without the risk of sounding utterly, utterly insane and/or incurring the wrath of the System, but whenever Zhongli asked him how he was doing, he could answer with something other than the standard, “fine.”

Because there were days where he was not fine. Plenty, in fact, and for those days where he had answered with a half-hearted shrug, or a quiet, “bad,” Zhongli had made sure to always, always ask if he wanted to talk about it. If Ajax refused, then Zhongli defaulted to Plan B, which was distraction by story-telling.

A deity who’s lived over 6000 years has a lot of stories to use as distraction. Ajax had been able to learn quite a lot of stories about the divine, little amusing things like Barbatos’s visits to Liyue (that always end up in some sort of drunken disaster), or the squabbling between the Adepti in Jueyun Karst. These stories were disguised as harmless anecdotes and fun folk tales Zhongli had heard from somewhere or other, but Ajax knew better.

So, between the usual meet-ups, the story-telling distractions, more dinners, Ajax finds himself settling into a new rhythm of life, one that’s a lot less lonely than anticipated.

He can’t say he minds this newfound closeness. It’s rather soothing, way different from the lone wolf routine he’s used to. Definitely sucks a lot less than when he had to deal with his issues by himself.

All of his interactions with Zhongli also had the effect of massively boosting his friendship score with the man. The Dinner alone had landed him a whopping 70 points, the highest amount he’s ever gotten in one sitting, and ever since then, the scores kept pouring in.

Until it reached 999, when it abruptly stopped like a tap being turned off.

The System had not been helpful when he asked (ranted) about the lack of additional points.

“Friendship points with Character Zhongli has reached its limit. Please unlock the next upgrade to accumulate more points. Good luck and work hard, User!”

Next upgrade? There are upgrades to F point now? Does this mean Ajax has only reached Phase 1 of his friendship with Zhongli? But if this is Phase 1, then what the hell is Phase 2? Does Phase 2 mean they can become best friends or something?

Shit. He needs to know how to upgrade their friendship yesterday.

“User is encouraged to continue to work hard to discover the secret of upgrading his Friendship Level with Character Zhongli!”

Thanks, System.

“Now what can you possibly be thinking about to sport such a displeased expression?” comes Zhongli’s velvet-smooth voice, breaking Ajax out of his reverie. “Is something not to your liking? The food perhaps?”

Ajax shakes his head and settles more comfortably on the picnic blanket as he shifts his hold on his guitar. It had been Zhongli’s idea to take their meal somewhere more scenic, and of course, he had just the perfect spot in mind: a lovely cliff north of the harbour, overseeing the vast ocean and sprawling city below. Zhongli was more than happy to make all the arrangements for their little picnic. In addition to providing most of the food, he went so far as to bust out a fancy blanket with gold embroideries and matching seating pillows, a set of hand-painted silk lanterns, and a beautifully carved, wooden low table that looks like (and is most probably) a priceless antique.

Ajax’s contributions are music and some gingerbread cookies. In his defence, he had expected the picnic to not be a recreation of their fine dining experiences at Liuli Pavilion or Xinyue Kiosk. He really should’ve known better.

“No, no, everything is delicious. Thank you for arranging the food. I’m just remembering some minor annoyance is all.”

“Oh? Is it work again?” Zhongli asks as he pours out a glass of truly excellent plum wine for Ajax.

“Ah, something like that.” Ajax plucks a couple of random strings on his guitar before transitioning to Merry Go Round of Life. Zhongli seemed to like that a lot the last time he played the song. “Things are starting to get busy at the bank for some reason. Is there something going on in Liyue?”

Zhongli makes a hum of understanding. “The Rite of Descension will occur in two weeks. This is generally followed by a two-week celebration as Liyue heralds the coming of a new and prosperous year. In anticipation of the influx of sales, I imagine that businesses are looking to borrow a greater sum of money from the bank so that they can increase the stock of their merchandise beyond what they already have in their inventories.”

The Rite of Descension. Ajax had forgotten about that.

In the original game, the Traveller had arrived to Liyue during the Rite of Descension, shortly after Rex Lapis’ supposed death. The game wasn’t clear on the situation surrounding Rex Lapis’ death, only that the Qixing had attempted to summon him, but the ritual had gone horribly wrong. Talking to the NPCs revealed snippets of what had happened: Rex Lapis, in his full draconic form, had appeared dead on the altar, sending the Qixing and all those in attendance into a deep state of shock and panic. Almost immediately everyone cast their suspicion on the Fatui, particularly on Tartaglia.

Although Rex Lapis won’t be dying during this year’s Rite of Descension, (and Ajax did check with the System on that; they’re a little over one year away), it still serves as an unpleasant reminder that Ajax’s time is ticking away.

One year left to get his matters sorted, including getting his Tartaglia side quest done, which has had little progression since Wangshu Inn. At least he was able to get his hands on his own (rather substantive) military record recently and learned where the OG Tartaglia had come from – some small village out on the western coast of Snezhnaya.

But never mind that (or the thousands of pages he has yet to read, because seriously, had OG Tartaglia been written up by every single fucking officer he’d crossed paths with?) Right now, he’s got a picnic to enjoy.

“You’ve summarized our circumstances perfectly, Zhongli,” Ajax answers with a pleasant smile. “Are you sure you do not want to work for Northland Bank? We offer a generous pay. As an added bonus,” his grin turns teasing, “I tend to bring baked goods to the office to test out some recipes. You’ll get to be among the first to try out some experimental cooking from yours truly!”

“Hm. The offer is tempting,” and Zhongli actually sounds like he means it too, “but I will have to respectfully decline. I suspect the Director would not be amused if I were to quit my post during one of our busiest time of the year.”

Wait, what? “Wangshang Funeral Parlour is busy this time of year? That’s…a bit of a surprise.” And morbid, though Ajax is curious to know why there is an increasing number of deaths every year before this major holiday.

Zhongli seems to know what Ajax is thinking and shakes his head, answering the unspoken question. “I do not mean our funeral services are in higher demand than usual. Rather, it’s our consultation services that are popular. Around this time of year, Liyue has a tradition of honouring those who have passed by giving thanks while asking for their protection and guidance for the upcoming year. Proper etiquette needs to be observed.”

“And nobody is as knowledgeable about those etiquettes as you,” Ajax finishes the thought with a nod and goes back to strumming some light background music to go with the peacefulness of their surroundings. “So, what happens during the Rite of Descension? I’ve heard that Rex Lapis is supposed to make an appearance but for what purpose?”

“The Rite of Descension occurs once a year where, as you’ve correctly surmised, Rex Lapis descends from the Heavens to provide his prophecy on the economic direction Liyue will take in the coming year. This summoning is performed by a member of the Qixing, who will perform a ritual involving prayers and offerings.”

“How long has this been going on for?”

“Over two thousand years,” Zhongli answers with a hint of a sigh. Ajax isn’t judging. That’s a long-ass time to be doing the same thing over and over again. “To be honest, I would be surprised that Rex Lapis would not find this whole ordeal to be a bit tedious and, at times, unnecessary since humans have long since outgrown the need to be guided in such a manner.”

“Why, Zhongli, I cannot imagine that opinion to be a popular one.” Despite his lighthearted tone, Ajax is surprised by Zhongli’s candidness. “It is rare to hear someone from Liyue say anything remotely negative towards the Geo Archon. What makes you think that humans no longer need guidance?”

“The fact that Rex Lapis only descends once a year for a very short period of time and yet, Liyue continues to prosper,” Zhongli says simply. His gaze flits to the busy harbour below them. There has been a nonstop stream of ships arriving and leaving the docks but despite the busy traffic, everything had operated seamlessly. “Once upon a time, it is said that the sight of Rex Lapis and the Adepti strolling out in the open was as common as seeing the ships that dock into the Harbour. The divine felt it necessary to intervene in such a manner to adequately protect the mortals and to guide them into building a strong nation. Nowadays, one hardly catches a glimpse of the gods with the majority of the Adepti secluding themselves in Jueyun Karst. The lack of the divine presence has hardly impeded Liyue’s growth, not when Liyue has its Qixing to protect it. That in and of itself is proof.”

“But what will Rex Lapis do if he no longer needs to protect Liyue?” It’s a question that Ajax has always wanted to know. In the original game, Zhongli was a playable character that could join the travelling team in their journey across Teyvat. Will this Zhongli choose the same?

“I suppose Rex Lapis will enjoy the time to simply rest,” Zhongli muses with a wistful smile. “Or perhaps, Rex Lapis will take up a few hobbies. Maybe, that is a good question to ask Rex Lapis himself if you see him at the Rite.”

Ajax scoffs, laying his guitar on the ground beside him to give his hands a rest. “As if the Qixing will allow me, a foreigner, to approach their god. I will consider myself lucky if I can spectate the summoning. Besides, if I do have the honor of speaking to Rex Lapis, I have a better, more important question I’d like to ask.”

Zhongli does a terrible job hiding his interest. “Important question? If you do not mind sharing, what is it?”

“My question to Rex Lapis is simple.”

Ajax waits for Zhongli to make himself comfortable after shifting closer towards him, eyes wide, very much like a curious cat before continuing. “I want to ask whether Rex Lapis chose to model half-naked for his statues or if it’s the artists who took such creative liberties, especially with the, you know.” He gives the other man a knowing look and gestures towards the chest and torso.

The growing look of embarrassed disapproval on Zhongli’s face is an absolutely amazing sight. Goodness, he looks very much like an offended aunt clutching onto her pearls after hearing something scandalous over Sunday brunch, and Ajax is there for it.

“Why do you look so disapproving, Zhongli?” he asks. “It’s a perfectly valid question!”

“Of all the questions you could ask, including anything about the history of Teyvat, the secrets of the Archons or even Celestia itself, you choose this one.” Zhongli is definitely judging him, which only fuels Ajax’s shit eating-grin. “Why in Teyvat would you ask that?”

“I can learn about the history of Teyvat from texts,” Ajax says with a dismissive little wave. “I highly doubt Rex Lapis would answer my questions about any secrets, let alone secrets of the Archons or Celestia. This question is the best alternative and it’s harmless enough that I have a high chance of getting an answer! Besides, I’ve been dying to know whether the artists were smote to the ground the moment the statues were revealed if they had taken such bold liberties.”

The first time Ajax had stumbled upon Morax’s statue in this brave, new world, he had stopped in his track to stare. Morax was seated, no, sprawled in his throne in a position that Ajax would never be able to imagine Zhongli adopting. What’s more surprising was the way Morax’s torso was just…bared, revealing glorious abs and pecs for the whole world to witness. The figure appeared arrogant, relaxed in the power he wielded over all others, and obviously fit as fuck because that physique, those shoulders, those arms.

(Ajax may have spent an embarrassing amount of time just staring.)

(What? He’s only human. How can anyone see that and not react?)

The point is that those statues were not in the original game. Ajax would remember if there were half-naked statues of Zhongli dotting the peaceful countryside of Liyue. (Ajax would have written essays about it in the forums as he had with every topic related to Zhongli.) Also, how is this figure the same person as the elegant, poised, scowling Zhongli before him? Ajax just can’t compute.

The judging silence lingers and Ajax can’t help but tease just a bit more. “Sooo? Does the great and wise Zhongli have an answer? Something you have gleaned from your studies of ancient texts? There has to have been scholars who have written some sort of text on it. I can’t possibly be the only one who wondered!”

Zhongli actually rolls his eyes despite his pinked cheeks. “Rex Lapis’ statue reflects the outfit and form he had taken at the time. The garb itself was blessed by Celestia that allowed for unrestricted movement during battle. It had been several millennia since Rex Lapis had looked like the depiction in the statues. In present times, it is said that Rex Lapis opts to change his form to better suit the occasion for his appearance, whether that means adopting the form of a mortal or that of a mythical beast.”

Ajax is a bit disappointed that he won’t get to see Zhongli in that outfit, but at the same time…

“Wait, so you are telling me that Rex Lapis’ look was Celestia-approved?”

Zhongli looks almost pained. “Celestia…likes to work in mysterious ways.”

Ha! Ajax doubts it. Something tells him that Celestia is filled with some thirsty, thirsty gods. Either way, good job, Celestia. Ajax approves. 10/10 would ogle again.

“Why do I have a feeling that your thoughts are filled with nothing but mischief?” Zhongli says with a sigh, and, well, he’s not wrong, but Ajax finds himself denying out of principle.

“I was wondering what form Rex Lapis will take for the Rite of Descension! It’s a perfectly innocent thought!”

Zhongli does not look like he believes him, but he does answer the question. “Rex Lapis has preferred to appear in a more draconic form as of late. He will likely choose this form.”

Oh, score! Dragon Zhongli would be so cool! “What does the dragon look like?”

Zhongli chuckles. “The vessel Rex Lapis chose in the last couple of years had dark brown scales and a golden mane, horns and claws. It is likely that Rex Lapis will be adopting the same features this year.”

Basically the exact colour scheme Zhongli likes to wear 24/7. He shouldn’t be surprised. Zhongli seems awfully fond of his earth tones and gold for obvious reasons.

“Very fitting for a Geo Archon,” Ajax nods. “I hope I will get to see Rex Lapis in person. His dragon form sounds like it will be a sight to behold.”

Ajax pretends to not see Zhongli puff up a little in pride, instead taking a sip of his wine.

Even if Zhongli looking so happy and proud is an adorable look on the man and it’s hard to resist not saying something.

“If you wish to attend the Rite and see Rex Lapis, I can invite you as an esteemed guest of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour,” Zhongli says after a little while. “Unfortunately, I will not be present during the actual Descension since my services are required elsewhere. However, I can join you afterwards and I am sure one of the staff members will be happy to escort you in my stead. The Qixing will be unlikely to bother you if you attend the ceremony as our guest.”

Well fuck. As if Ajax will say no to being able to see Zhongli in all of his dragonic majesty.

His bright expression probably tells Zhongli all he needs to know because the consultant chuckles. “I will speak with the staff and make arrangements for you.”

As the Rite of Descension looms ever closer, Ajax finds himself revisiting his outstanding quests, and his absolute lack of progress in…well, everything. In addition to the slow, sad progress on his Tartaglia side quest, he’s also been having no luck with any of his main missions.

In the safety of his hotel suite, sprawled in the seat of his gaudy sofa, Ajax taps on System’s blue screen, expanding the list of main missions so that the three options are viewable: (1) Ensure the Main Character reaches Hero Status of Liyue, (2) Release Osial from its water prison, and (3) Ensure Zhongli (aka Rex Lapis Morax) is freed from the shackles of godhood. The little grey lock symbol besides the Main Mission tab glares back at him as if mocking him for his failure.

“Urgh! System, what gives? Why haven’t I unlocked anything yet?”

Admittedly, his options to do anything are stupidly limited. The Main Character hasn’t appeared yet so there’s not much he can do on that front. His hands are equally tied regarding Zhongli’s freedom since that’s largely dependent on his success on releasing Osial. Of the three objectives, that leaves freeing Osial as the only thing he can realistically work on.

But! He did give it the ol’ college attempt to trigger the Osial objective to no success. He’s tried researching the hell out of this ancient god in hopes of finding a key piece of information that would at least trigger the start of the mission but so far, hasn’t come across anything. Hell, not even listening to multiple of Zhongli’s lectures had worked, and the man is very, very thorough in his explanations. What the hell is he missing then?

The System is predictably unhelpful. “User is encouraged to work hard and keep immersing himself in Genshin Impact 2.0!”

Ajax splutters. “Immersed? I’m already immersed! Have you seen my stats?”

Similar to his skyrocketing friendship with Zhongli, so too did his stats increase in leaps and bounds. Outside of his physical stats, his soft skills stats are steadily increasing, including points from his musical performance, which the System started awarding once again after The Dinner for his guitar-playing. Looks like he’s finally playing something with soul that the System deems point-worthy.

As for his physical growth, he’s fairly sure that he’s a lot stronger than the OG Tartaglia what with the near-obsessive way he’s been training (and shameless way he’s been min-maxing everything). Even his bow skills are starting to suck less. (He thinks. Felix isn’t crying as much anymore, so that’s a sign of improvement, right?) He’s even starting to incorporate his hydro vision with his shots, summoning water projectiles that pack the punch of a speeding bullet.

“Maybe I should try tapping into that hydro vision more. See what other fun ways I can morph my water into…” he murmurs, temporarily distracted by all the shiny, shiny possibilities of possessing even more ass-kicking skills, but he digresses.

The System window remains as is with its Main Mission status at 0%.

It’s times like these that he wishes the original game had actually fleshed out its plotline better. Playing as the Main Character, Ajax was immediately launched into his epic boss fight against Osial when it emerged from the ocean after Tartaglia had freed him. How Tartaglia had freed this ancient god had never been shown.

“Urgh!”

Ajax reaches towards the screen and swipes to the inventory page where he’s been stashing his meticulous notes on his research. He skips past the folder holding his growing recipes he’s perfected and the one with all his charts for min-maxing needs before his gaze lands on what he’s looking for. Pulling up the ‘Osial’ folder, he begins to flip through pages and pages of his own notes and copies of the myriads of reports his researchers sent him. (Thank goodness for that copying function he purchased way back when.)

Maybe he’s missed something.

Let’s see – he knows that Osial is the God of Vortex and Morax’s rival, and that Morax had apparently trapped him somewhere deep within the ocean floor in Guyun Stone Forest. Why Morax didn’t kill him outright remains a mystery, but in any event, Osial remains alive to this day, asleep and possibly very, very angry.

Logistically speaking, how exactly did Zhongli trap the monster in place? Zhongli himself had said that he had pinned Osial down with a stone pillar the size of a cliff. Does that mean that Ajax can free Osial simply by…digging him out?

Ajax pinches the bridge of his nose as his mind whirs.

Easier said than done. Even from his view of the Guyun Stone Forest from Liyue Harbour, those cliffs tower above the sea level. Ajax can hazard a guess at how massive the stone pillars actually are, let alone how deep the ocean floor is in that area. He’d need to send someone to dive all the way down to find out, and then, he’d need to send a whole army of Fatui excavators to follow suit to chip away at the foundation. Notwithstanding the logistical impossibility of such an arrangement, he wouldn’t even get 1% of the base dug out before the Qixing shows up with the Millelith to investigate the Fatui’s highly suspicious activities.

There has to be a less conspicuous way to free Osial. After all, OG Tartaglia had managed to surprise everyone with Osial’s release, and OG Tartaglia was the least subtle person ever.

“I’m definitely missing something,” he mutters. He needs to know more about how to trap a god, so more research will be needed on that front.

Maybe a secret trip to Guyun Stone Forest will help. He needs to scope out the site. He should do this right after the Rite of Descension during the weeks of vacation when the Bank is less busy, and more importantly, when most of the Qixing are too busy being on vacation than to mind what he’s doing. Hmmm.

And then, there’s also his getaway plan that he has to, well, actually plan.

Ajax dismisses the System’s screen with a wave of his hand in favour of letting his body flop down on his couch’s seat, curling up like a sad shrimp.

God, speaking of escape, how is he actually going to pull this off? Something tells him that he can’t simply send a letter of resignation to the Tsaritsa with the words, “I quit”, and call it a day. The Harbingers looks like one of those groups where the only way a member is leaving is in a body bag like an old school mafia.

So many things to do, so many things still up in the air, and he’s got roughly one year to do it all.

“One step at a time,” he mutters into the arm rest, though his voice carries a certain level of dread even to his own ears. “One step at a time.”

Despite his growing laundry list of to-dos, Ajax still allows himself to bask in the growing excitement for Rite of Descension. It’s hard not to get into the spirit when it is palpable in the air no matter where he goes. People are noticeably more cheerful whether it’s the restaurant owners, the merchants, the shoppers, or even the workers down at the dock who are known to be a surly bunch on most days. The streets are also decorated with bright silk banners in reds and golds hanging overhead, forming a luxurious, shimmering canopy. Red lanterns of all shapes and sizes line the streets along with rows upon rows of fresh potted silkflowers. Plastered around every doorway are long strips of red paper written in Liyuan characters – all auspicious words and sayings to draw in wealth and good fortune, so he’s been told by Zhongli.

“There are other things that people will do to draw in luck, as I’m sure you will begin to notice,” Zhongli explains as they stroll through the busy markets after lunch. “One of which is the tradition of procuring new clothes so that they may be worn during the Rite.”

“Huh, so that’s why there are so many clothes being sold. I had wondered.” A thought occurs to him. “Say, Zhongli, should I get something for the Rite too? I don’t want to be a disrespectful guest of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour.”

“You wouldn’t be disrespectful. As a guest from another nation, one hardly expects you to follow our traditions.”

“I still don’t want to stick out any more than I need to.” For being so wealthy, OG Tartaglia really didn’t have much civilian clothes. Everything he owns screams Fatui with extra, flashy embellishment that would no doubt draw a lot of attention if worn. Ajax had to buy all the lounge wear he owns today, but that’s basically all he owns: lounge wear and Fatui clothes. He should probably have something more than just those two options. “I think this is a perfect time to pick out a couple of pieces though I must admit, I am not exactly the most well-versed when it comes to these things. What say you, Zhongli? Will you help me pick something out?”

Zhongli practically lights up.

Unsurprisingly, Zhongli has very exacting standards and those standards extend towards clothes, including shopping for Ajax. He knows the exact store to go to, and going by how excited the shop owner is to see him, he’s clearly a frequent customer.

“An outfit for my young associate for the Rite. I am thinking a changshan that extends the length of the body with it being more fitted at the top,” Zhongli says, officially taking over shopping. That’s fine by Ajax. If he’s the one in charge of shopping, he’d probably pick out the equivalent of baggy sweaters and sweat pants. “If possible, ones made of mulberry silk.”

“Of course, of course, Mister Zhongli.” the shop owner bows as her assistants flock to Ajax, brandishing their measuring tapes with fervor. She directs her next question at Ajax, “Does Young Master have a colour in mind?”

“Er…” he shrugs as he complies with the assistants’ requests to ‘Stand up straight if you please, Master. Hold out your arms, thank you!’ “I…don’t really have a preference. Whatever looks good, I suppose.”

“Blue,” Zhongli interjects with zero hesitation. Leave it to the sophisticated Mister Zhongli to know what’s in style. “With a light silver and gold accent, nothing too ostentatious.”

“Very good, sir,” the shop owner nods, a hand on her chin as she inspects Ajax from head to toe. He would’ve fidgeted a little out of self-consciousness if not for the assistants’ orders to keep still. “Can I also suggest that the outfit should include some white to accompany the blue? Perhaps some light blue as well? The outfit will be like ocean waves with the sun rays dancing across the rippling water.”

Like the what with the what now?

“Young Master’s outfit should have an accent around the waist,” one of the assistants suggests happily, retracting the measuring tape that was wrapped around his middle. “And the side slits of the changshan should ride up higher. The modifications would accentuate Young Master’s naturally slim form and long legs.”

Ajax chokes. His what now?

“Yes, yes,” the second assistant pipes up with excitement. “The trousers underneath should be made of white, light silk. Fitted, of course, so that they hug the calves.”

“Oh, what about the sleeves? Fitted or loose?”

“Sleeveless!” someone says and there’s a hush of ‘ooh’s’ and ‘ah’s’ that fill the room, the shamelessness of it all makes Ajax flush bright red. “With a jacket overtop that has billowing sleeves, white and gauzy to compliment the fitted changshan underneath without obscuring the view. Young Master will look so elegant!”

“We can make the changshan have a low back as well! The tantalizing patch of skin just visible through the gauzy fabric.”

Dear gods, what did he get himself into? The whole point of this is to pick something so that he wouldn’t stick out. Going by the assistants’ suggestions, he’s going to end up looking flashier than if he had worn his Fatui outfits.

Meanwhile, Zhongli looks enraptured by the conversation. He is nodding along to every word with approval. “All excellent ideas.”

“Oh, we haven’t even figured out the accessories to go with the outfit! It’s very important to accessorize!”

“You will have to forgive my assistants,” the shop owner chuckles while patting Ajax on the back. “It is not very often that they get such freedom to dress a good-looking young man such as yourself. I’m afraid they have been a bit starved for the opportunity to truly put their creativity to good use.”

“I – ah, that’s nice and all, but isn’t this a bit much?” Ajax replies. “I was expecting something less.”

His hesitation clearly reached Zhongli; the man snaps his attention back to Ajax with a pensive frown.

“It appears I have gotten a bit carried away in my excitement on getting you your first Liyuan outfit,” he says, expression contrite. “I apologize, Childe. We can scrap the design and opt for something simpler.”

“Wait, hang on, maybe we don’t need to do something that drastic.” Not when the shop owner just said how much fun the assistants are having, and not after he’s seen how excited Zhongli had been. “How about this, we keep the current design since everyone has already started to work on it and it’ll be a waste to just abandon it. But in addition, we make a second commission for a simpler piece. On the day of the Rite, I can decide which I prefer.”

“Only if that is what you want,” Zhongli insists.

“It is,” Ajax answers, flashing the other with a reassuring grin. “Besides, now I’m rather curious to see what the end product of the fancier outfit will look like.”

“We will endeavour to not disappoint,” the shop owner promises with a bow. “If we have decided, then please bear just a little longer, Young Master.”

True to her words, it doesn’t take too long for all the design work and measuring to be completed. The outfits will be finished and delivered to Ajax’s hotel suite the morning of the Rite. Accompanying the clothing delivery will be a small team of stylists who will assist Ajax in getting ready (in case he couldn’t work out how Liyuan clothes work.) The cost of it all is surprisingly cheap, at least compared to the usual bills Ajax is used to footing for Mister Zhongli whenever they go on shopping excursions.

“A discount for the Young Master,” the shop owner says with a wink. “For his patience in indulging my over-eager assistants and for being…ah, an associate of Mister Zhongli, our most loyal customer. We hope to work with you again in the future!”

Ajax is not sure why the shop owner emphasized the word associate, but a discount is a discount, and he’s not about to look a gift horse in the mouth. “Uh, thank you.”

“As much as I enjoy you humouring me, please do not feel pressured to wear the more extravagant outfit for my sake,” Zhongli repeats again later as they have made themselves comfortable at a table at Wanmin Restaurant and Zhongli is back to his odd habit of piling food in Ajax’s bowl. “The fact that you have gone out of your way to dress yourself in Liyuan style is beyond accommodating.”

“It’s fine, Zhongli!” Ajax laughs. “I was only taken aback. Believe it or not, I don’t actually own anything overtly fancy outside of the Fatui uniforms. The rest of my clothing are…well, you’ve seen what I wear.”

Considering how Zhongli has dropped by his suite a few more times after The Dinner, and Ajax has never dressed himself any fancier than his usual lounge wear.

Zhongli makes a noise of understanding and pushes the bowl stacked tall with rice, meat, and vegetables towards Ajax. “It surprises me that you do not possess lighter clothes considering that Snezhnaya is significantly colder than Liyue. How have you been managing the heat?”

“It’s not like I need to wear every single piece of my uniform. Besides, if I get too hot, that’s when the hydro vision comes in handy. Nothing like a quick cold shower to alleviate the heat. The number of times the Millelith has seen me trudging back, stripped down to my shirt and pants while sopping wet has – Zhongli? Are you alright? You’re looking awfully red right now.”

Zhongli clears his throat. “Perhaps we should go back and request more clothes to be made,” he suggests gently before diving into his Black-Back Perch Stew with uncharacteristic concentration.

“Alright, everyone,” Andrei announces to the gathering of his staff at the foyer. “I hope you enjoy your vacation for the next two weeks. With the exception of those who will be working during the reduced holiday hours, I expect to see you all after vacation. That means you, Master Childe!”

“Mean,” Ajax pouts to the sound of laughter and jeers. “What kind of manager discourages hard work?”

“Sir, there’s hard work and then there’s whatever it is you’re doing,” comes Ekaterina’s dry retort. “I mean this in the most respectful way possible: I do not want to see your face anywhere near the bank for the next 14 days. Go bother Mister Zhongli instead.”

Ajax sniffs. “Jokes on you, I am already spending it with Zhongli. He invited me to see the actual Rite, and it’ll be great. Just two good friends, having a grand time together.”

“…Should we tell him?” comes a whisper behind him.

“No, no, let him work it out for himself.”

Ajax shrugs internally at the confusing back and forth and ignores it in favour of Ekaterina’s pinched expression. “What?”

She sighs and shakes her head. “Enjoy yourself, Sir.”

With the blessings of his coworkers, Ajax finds his schedule clear including on the day of the Rite, leaving him with a rare morning of peace as he waits for his outfits to arrive.

And arrive they do. In droves and with what seems like the entire shop rolled up to the hotel.

“Good morning, Young Master,” one of the assistants greets, all bright and cheery the moment Ajax opens the door. “We have your orders ready. We can’t wait for you to try them on!”

“What’s all this?” he asks, helping to roll a cart piled high with colourful boxes into his suite as he ushers the rest of the team inside. The shop had sent four assistants, which is a bit excessive in his books. Isn’t he just throwing on some clothes? “Are they all accessories?”

“Some. The rest are styling products like perfume and make-up, completely complementary of course! The Madame insists that Young Master be given the best treatment reserved for our most esteemed guests.” The assistant claps her hands, her eyes light up. “So, shall we get started?”

It becomes evident very quickly why Zhongli opted for this particular store. The clothes are all extremely high quality made with fine silks and linen so light that they weigh practically nothing. Every piece is stitched and tailored to his frame to perfection to flatter his shoulders, his waist, and his legs with each new shirt and pants pulled out of the boxes softer than the last. They are decorated with delicate embroideries – popular Liyuan patterns inspired by nature such as clouds and cranes and bamboo stalks – but done subtly so as to not overwhelm. The colours are just spot on with light, neutral shades of blues, greens, grays and beiges, plus hints of brighter colours added along the cuffs, the collars or the fastenings to spice things up a bit.

A very beautiful collection of clothes, and they suit Ajax’s personal tastes to a tee.

And Ajax has only been shown the casual ones so far.

“Now, for the clothes for today! We will start with the more simple option.”

With careful hands, the assistants pull out a set of beautiful robes in soft blue-gray reminiscent to what the other NPCs wear, albeit, noticeably more expensive-looking with silver embroidered patterns of clouds along the collar and near the bottom of the robe. Shiny silver and pearl buttons line slightly off side along the chest from his right shoulder down to his bottom rib, before flaring open, revealing a white underskirt underneath. The sleeves are a different colour from the robe, white with matching blue cuffs and decorated with those same pretty pearl buttons.

It’s nice, light and it looks easy to move around. Ajax is pretty happy with this option.

“Before making the decision, why don’t we look at the other outfit as well?” the assistant insists with a gentle smile.

Ajax shrugs. Might as well. He paid for it after all.

There is a very, very good reason why the assistant pushed to show the more elaborate option because it most definitely blows the other outfit wayyyy out of the water.

Blue like the ocean. That’s the first thing Ajax registers. The robe features different shades of pretty azure blue, darker at the top around the chest before fading to lighter shades closer to the feet. Subtle silver and gold embroideries of roiling waves decorate the outfit, weaving into the fabric to give it a beautiful sparkle beyond the natural sheen of the high-quality silk. Even under the dim lamp light, the robe glows. Ajax can just imagine what this will look like in broad daylight, how much it will shine.

Ocean waves with the sun’s rays dancing across the rippling water. That was how the shopkeeper had described it. She’s spot on.

“Would you like to try it on, sir?” the assistant asks, a knowing smile on her face. It grows at Ajax’s sheepish nod.

The high mandarin collar is different from his usual clothes and the fit is tighter than what he’s used to, but very comfortable probably due to the luxurious fabric used. The robe hugs his chest and his torso, showing off his trim tummy and waist, before flowing looser at the hips due to the high side slits. They give the bottom half of his robe movement, the fabric rippling with every step he makes, lending him an extra air of elegance. The sleeveless, low-back cut was also a good choice and they serve to show off the toned muscles of his back, shoulders, and arms.

Looking himself up and down in the full-length mirror, he gives a little spin and watches the way the bottom of his robes swishes around, revealing the white, fitted silk trousers underneath and dainty slippers. The robe is definitely more stylized than the traditional Liyuan wear, more androgenous and flashy, but Ajax would be lying if he doesn’t think it makes him look hella hot.

“Just one more thing, Young Master,” the assistant says, holding up what looks like a bundle of liquid silver. “Your overcoat.”

Ajax barely feels the light, gauzy silk slip over his shoulders. The jacket runs long, trailing slightly below the hem of his robes. The sleeves, as promised, are delightfully billowy, and Ajax is having more fun than he should spinning around, watching the way the garment catches the air before gently floating down, settling to his side. Perhaps what’s the most unique quality to the coat is the pattern – what looks like tiny golden flowers are spread across the expanse of the coat, catching more light and making the whole thing sparkle. On closer inspection, Ajax can make out that those tiny flowers are, in fact, symbols of the geo archon lovingly and carefully hand-stitched.

“So? What are your thoughts?”

The choice is rather obvious, and from the assistant’s pleased expression, she knows it too.

After some more styling (where he switches out his usual earring for one made of cor lapis), and applying some light makeup (the red eyeliner reminiscent of what Zhongli and Xiao like to wear is a fun new experience he does not wish to repeat in the near future), the assistants finally deem him ready for the public.

“Have fun and enjoy the Rite!” they say, bowing and wheeling their carts out. “Please let Mister Zhongli know we said hello!”

His walk towards Wangsheng Funeral Parlour is with a spring in his step, waving at Nadia, Vlad, Felix, and Ekaterina on his way out of the hotel. Although he knows he’s garnering some stares from his outfit, the way it feels against his skin and the way it swishes around him bring him so much joy that he finds himself not caring. Bah, let them stare. He looks good and they know it.

“Yoo hoo! Over here!”

A loud, cheery cry rings across the street, making Ajax jerk around, squinting in the bright sunlight and trying to spot who’s making that racket.

Huh. It’s some girl in all black. Her outfit consists of a coat with a long tail and shorts, giving her a real magician vibe, and perched on her head is a funny-looking top hat decorated with bright red flowers to the side. She’s standing right outside Wangsheng Funeral Parlour and is jumping up and down enthusiastically.

Yeesh. Does she know how inappropriate she is acting? The funeral parlour is right there.

Just as Ajax is thinking of ways to powerwalk past her like one would when trying to ignore embarrassing strangers, she shouts, “You! Good-looking with the red hair! You’re here because Mister Zhongli invited you, right?”

“Wait, you’re the person Zhongli is asking to take me to the Rite?” Ajax asks when he gets close enough to her so that she stops yelling. “You’re with Wangsheng Funeral Parlour?”

The girl scoffs and puffs up her chest. “Excuse you, I’m the Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour! Hu Tao, 77^th Director. Nice to officially meet you, Master Childe!”

She sticks her hand out. Out of muscle memory, Ajax shakes it, but his mind is still reeling over the fact that this is Hu Tao? This is the one who gives Zhongli migraines and makes him go, “I cannot stand that child” all weary-like? Her?

But she looks harmless! A bit energetic, sure, but harmless!

“Uh, nice to meet you. I see that you’ve heard of me from Zhongli,” he chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck. “All good things, I hope?”

She ignores his question, opting to lean closer, rubbing her chin with her brows furrowed. “Hmmm. You know, I’ve wondered just who’s been keeping the fuddy-duddy Mister Zhongli company these past months. I thought he found a kindred spirit in one of the old men in the parks doing Tai Chi or playing Xianqi. I wasn’t expecting you. What’s a handsome young man like you doing with a dusty hermit like him?”

There’s…there’s just so many things wrong with that statement that Ajax isn’t even sure where to begin, and he’s left staring at Hu Tao for a few seconds, probably mouth agape.

Then, he feels something rise within him. It’s an old, familiar instinct, one honed from years spent in the forums, hunched over his chair while typing essays of pure vitriol in response to the nay-sayers who dare slander beautiful, wonderful Zhongli. Those disgusting comments came rushing in shortly after his release, polluting the Genshin Impact forum with complaints about his low damage and what a terrible character he is, so terrible that he’s ranked in D-tier along with Amber. Amber.

The sheer audacity. The disrespect!

“You take that back,” Ajax hisses, 1000% affronted, “Zhongli is not a fuddy-duddy, nor is he a – a dusty hermit! He is an elegant, gentle, sophisticated, well-learned, and wise scholar who appreciates the history and culture of Liyue! A – and maybe he does like Tai Chi or Xianqi, but that’s just because he’s cultured! What’s wrong with being cultured?”

Ajax takes back what he thought about Hu Tao. She is not harmless. She is a horrible individual who thinks mean thoughts about Zhongli, and that is unforgivable.

Now, it’s Hu Tao’s turn to stare back at him. “Huh,” she says as if carefully assessing everything Ajax just spewed out. But a few seconds later, a large grin begins to spread across her face, one that’s full of mischief. “Wow, Master Childe. That’s quite the passionate defence. I have to admit I was not expecting that at all! You really, really do like Mister Zhongli, do you? Does Mister Zhongli know how highly you think of him? Because if he doesn’t, he should! He’ll be flattered!”

Ajax scowls. “Of course, I like Zhongli! He and I are friends. I’m sure he knows already just how highly I think of him.”

“Righttt. Well, then, it’s a good thing that Mister Zhongli has found himself such a protective friend,” she snickers. “But never mind that! Mister Zhongli asked us to escort you to see the Rite as a guest of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour, and I am happy to do so for such a good friend of Mister Zhongli’s. This is your first Rite, correct? You’re in for quite a treat!”

Though his good mood from before is slightly soured by the Zhongli slander, Ajax finds himself perking right back up when they arrive to the platform before Yinyan Temple where the ceremony will take place. There’s quite the crowd gathered already near the center but Ajax is happy to push his way to the front so that he gets front row seats.

Not like he needs to do that. Hu Tao tugs at his sleeve gently and points to a series of tents sitting atop raised pedestals, fenced off to the side. “As a guest of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour, you get to sit at the observation deck with us! This will give you a perfectly unobstructed view of the Descension in comfort. Aren’t you lucky? Come, this way!”

They make themselves comfortable in a couple of seats closest to the platform. Taking the opportunity to glance around, Ajax spots quite a few familiar faces – the head merchant in charge of paper manufacturing, the businesswoman who dominates the ink manufacturing industry, restaurant owners from both Liuli Pavilion and Xinyu Kiosk, predictably glaring at each other. These are all influential people in Liyue, right below the Qixing.

And they are also giving Hu Tao and Ajax a wide berth.

“Don’t mind them,” Hu Tao leans in and says, “For all of Liyue’s prosperity, it is still a land mired with superstition, which unfortunately translates to an irrational fear of all things related to death, and by extension, the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour.”

“Zhongli mentioned something about that,” Ajax murmurs, “he said you were trying to drum up business at the docks and the sailors were none too pleased.”

Hu Tao laughs. “Mister Zhongli gossiped about me? My, you two are good friends! But yes, he is correct. I did try to do just that!”

“If you know that Liyue is superstitious, why were you advertising your services at the docks?”

“Because people make death scarier than it really is!” Hu Tao says with a shrug. “What people truly fear about departing this world is suffering and regret. To deal with the trauma, they let their imaginations run wild with notions of ghosts and evil spirits. All baseless fantasies. What we've ended up with is a topic that people are morbidly afraid of talking about... If I don't broach this subject, then Wangsheng Funeral Parlor won't be long of this world.”

Ajax supposes that’s a fair observation, and a surprisingly wise one. Then again, she is the Director, so there has to be a reason to warrant her promotion at such a young age.

A gong sounds out and it effectively silences all chatters. As the audience descends into a hush, Ajax watches as a young lady in purple walk up to the platform in measured steps. From his intelligence reports, he recognizes the individual as Keqing, the Yuheng of the Qixing, and it appears she’s chosen as the one to perform the Rite this year.

An interesting pick considering Keqing’s disdain for the gods. It’s no secret that Keqing is one who believes that the people of Liyue should rely on their own hard work and strength to carve out their paths as opposed to relying on something as nebulous as destiny. This whole Rite of Descension must be the complete antithesis of what she stands for.

Ajax leans forward and watches with keen eyes. Even if that’s the case, Keqing does not let her own bias or personal views interfere with her job. Her movements are smooth, decisive, and clearly well-practiced as she places offerings upon offerings on the large alter, chanting her prayers all the while without tripping over a single word. She ends the ceremony with the lighting of the three large incense sticks at the center of the table, and with the last bit of her prayer asking for guidance from the great Rex Lapis, she gathers her electro power in her hands, manifesting a ball of roiling, sparkling purple, and sends it arcing up towards the sky in a bright flash of light.

Silence. Then, pressure, mounting pressure seems to fill the air akin to what it feels like right before a massive storm. Low rumbling sounds out, getting louder and louder by the second, and the sky above them grows dark as gray churning storm clouds roll in, covering the once clear sky and blocking out every bit of golden sunlight. In the next instant, there’s a bright bolt of lightning striking down from the heavens, hitting the altar with a loud crack, followed by another and another and another.

“It’s Rex Lapis!” someone says in hushed awe to the backdrop of rising excited murmurs. “Rex Lapis has appeared!”

Ajax gets out of his chair in a rush and goes to the edge of the tent to get a better view of the sky, ignoring the way the wind has picked up, whipping the sleeves and ends of his robe in a frenzy.  He reaches the low fence at the edge of the observation deck and leans forward, craning his head up, letting the wind ruffle his hair and – oh wow.

Against the stormy backdrop, Rex Lapis seems to glow gold. His brown scales shine like gemstones and his mane vibrant like fire. Gold lines his claws and the magnificent set of horns jutting from his silky mane, and as he gently descends to the altar, his long serpentine body casting a shadow on the populace below, he seems to cast the world around him in shimmering soft rays of light.

“People of Liyue,” Rex Lapis rumbles, and the ground seems to shake with his every word, “I have heard your prayers and have understood your wishes. I am here to deliver predictions for this coming year’s economic development…”

The rest of the world may be paying rapt attention to what is being said but Ajax is too busy taking in the sight before him. It never occurs to him just what it means that Zhongli is a god or even the concept of living in a land where gods exist. And yet, faced with the actual sight of Rex Lapis in his full draconic glory, there’s no denying the near overwhelming power the deity emits simply by being there, the sheer majesty of his presence.

Suddenly, stories Zhongli told him about Rex Lapis hurling stone spears from the skies against his enemies make sense. Stories of the countless wars he has won before clawing his way to the top to become the Prime Archon stop being such an abstract thought in his mind.

This is Rex Lapis Morax, the oldest of gods in Teyvat, the Geo Archon and protector of Liyue for the past 6000 years. And he is…he is…

“Holy fuck,” Ajax says in a hush, eyes shining, “he’s so cool.”

As if being called, Rex Lapis’ head snaps up and Ajax suddenly finds himself pinned down by the full weight of the dragon’s stare.

Ajax feels his cheeks heat up, and he claps his hands over his face. Oh – oh, shit. Did – did Rex Lapis hear him simp just now? For fuck’s sake, Ajax, keep it together!

To his growing mortification, Rex Lapis doesn’t seem to want to look away, his stare lingering and lingering some more, and people are starting to take notice. From his peripheral vision, he can see Hu Tao shifting in her chair, leaning forward and glancing between himself and Rex Lapis. He’s not sure why the dragon is staring at him like that, but he should do something to snap Zhongli out of it.

So, Ajax gingerly lowers his hands from his face and gives the dragon a shy, tentative little wave with a wriggle of his fingers, a wobbly smile blooming across his lips. “Hi,” he whispers, “I, erm, like your horns?”

Annndd he immediately regrets saying anything because really? “I like your horns?” Talk about the absolute dumbest thing he can think of saying, holy fuck, and a fresh wave of pure, utter mortification sweeps through him. If the earth can just open up and swallow him whole right then and there to put him out of his misery, that would be just swell, thanks!

But the sheer ridiculousness of the statement is enough to get Zhongli as Rex Lapis to snap out of it, because the dragon blinks his large amber eyes once and draws back.

And then, he snorts, his scales throwing off more golden light around him than before.

If Ajax doesn’t know better, it’s almost like Rex Lapis is laughing.

At him.

It takes everything in Ajax to stand still as Rex Lapis delivers the rest of his predictions. He thinks he does a magnificent job at keeping his expression even so as not to let slip just how much he’s dying on the inside from mortification, fuck fuck fuck fuck –

“And so it is ordained,” Keqing answers with a bow. “The people of Liyue hear your words loud and clear, and most humbly thank you for bestowing upon us your divine presence.”

Rex Lapis dips his head at Keqing and to the people. He casts one last look at Ajax and makes a soft chuffing sound. With a shake of his body, he uncoils himself, slowly, leisurely, and rises up in the air, floating up and up. And then, bright and golden light gathers from his horns, making them glow white-hot before it bursts forth and explodes outwards, sending a magnificent shower of golden embers raining down on the populace below like fireworks going off in the sky. Seemingly satisfied, Rex Lapis loops in the air and flies up, finally slipping past the layer of dark clouds and disappearing out of sight.

“Geo crystalflies!” one of the people in the crowd shout out in excitement. “Lord Lapis has gifted us with geo crystalflies!”

Indeed, a swarm of crystalflies has materialized from the embers and are fluttering in the air to the delight of the onlookers. Some are cresting above the heads of the spectators, their wings brushing against hair, before flitting off in another random direction and trailing gold dust behind their wake. Others are lazily travelling about directionless and without a care in the world. All are the target of enthusiastic hands grasping at them as the crowd engages in a widespread hunt to catch these divine-blessed crystalflies.

Back in the observation tent, Ajax is wondering whether he should clamber down to join in on the fun, but the sight of a lone golden crystalfly streaking towards him stops him in his tracks. Ajax holds his breath and keeps still, watching it get closer and closer. It circles his head, once, twice, looping in the air a few times, and then, it flutters down and settles on his hair right on the spot where his Fatui mask would normally sit.

“Wow, Master Childe, what are the odds that one would land on you like that?” comes Hu Tao’s teasing response as she slides next to him. “You must have really made Rex Lapis happy for him to gift one to you so personally!”

“It’s just a coincidence!” Ajax retorts, embarrassed by the reminder of the stupidity that had spewed forth from his very lips but still incredibly pleased because Zhongli is clearly teasing him in the sweetest manner possible. And speaking of Zhongli, “Did Zhongli say where we should meet up? I don’t want to accidentally keep him waiting for too long.”

“Yes, yes, no need to worry your pretty head,” Hu Tao chuckles. “Our Mister Zhongli is meticulous in his plans. Please follow me!”

Ajax is not sure how Zhongli managed to pull off the magic trick of disappearing as Rex Lapis and re-appearing as Zhongli, but he has. Ajax and Hu Tao find him calmly standing by the square in Feiyun Slope before the stairs leading down to the docks, and not a hair out of place.

“Zhongli!” Ajax greets, a smile automatically making its way to his lips as he jogs the rest of his way over.

“Childe,” Zhongli greets, his tone warm. His eyes flicker across the length of his body, settling on the geo crystalfly still in his hair. “Hmm,” he hums, the corner of his lips curling up.

“The clothes arrived,” Ajax says a bit unnecessarily, feeling shy all of a sudden. “I went for the fancier option. I – it’s not too much, is it?”

Zhongli shakes his head quickly. “No, no, not at all,” he says. “It suits you well. Very, very well. And this –?”

“Oh, the crystalfly? A gift from the Geo Archon!” Ajax beams, even if he knows that Zhongli clearly knows. Still, it doesn’t take much acting to dredge up excitement on his part because the sheer memory of Zhongli as Rex Lapis had been so, so cool.  “He, uh, released a powerful burst of geo energy before he flew off and a swarm of geo crystalflies manifested from that. I got lucky. This one flew straight at me.”

“Hmm, indeed. Very lucky.” Zhongli’s eyes are dancing with mirth, and it’s enough to convince Ajax that he had deliberately sent that crystalfly over. “I take it that you enjoyed yourself at the Rite then?”

“Very,” Ajax nods. “Seeing Rex Lapis in person had been amazing.”

“Did you get to ask him that unfortunate question about the statues?”

Ajax flushes. Zhongli knows damn well the stupidity he had uttered, and if he thinks he can get away with teasing Ajax some more than he has another thing coming. “No. I’ll have you know I was on my best behaviour, but I’m starting to regret it! I could’ve asked so many questions, like how does a dragon the size of a whale stay floating in the air? Unless the effortless floating is all for show and in reality, he had been barely keeping himself from crashing into the altar this entire time like a big boulder. Also, I heard Rex Lapis disguised himself as a woman once. I wonder what that’s like and whether Celestia has similarly approved an outfit as shameless as the one for his male counterpart.”

The frown of disapproval that makes its way onto Zhongli’s face feels like sweet vindictive victory. “The speed at which you are able to recite those questions suggests that you’ve been mulling over them for some time. Did you pay any attention to what Rex Lapis said during the Rite, or were you too busy conjuring these ridiculous hypotheticals in your mind?”

“I did not listen to a single word,” Ajax shamelessly admits, bright and cheery. “But in my defence, I was busy watching the giant floating dragon.”

“I – ” Zhongli sighs. Actually sighs. And Ajax does a mental little fist pump at the visible sign of Zhongli giving up. “I suppose so long as you enjoyed the Rite. In any event, are you hungry? Would you like to have some lunch?”

“Famished. The fitting from this morning took a bit longer than expected so I hadn’t had the chance to have breakfast. Really, Zhongli, if you frown any deeper, you will start growing wrinkles.”

“I will stop frowning so much if you start eating properly. For someone as well-versed in cooking as you are, it amazes me how little you care for your own well-being.”

“I care for my well-being just fine!”

“Hmm.”

“Your clear lack of faith is hurtful and mean.”

“I see the gallons of coffee you consume a day. Something tells me that despite not having had time for breakfast, you’ve probably had at least three cups of coffee right?”

“…Maybe.”

“Right.” Zhongli brings a gentle hand to Childe’s back and ushers him along. “We’re having some lunch right now before you burn a hole in your stomach from all that coffee.”

“Why, that’s so kind of you, thank you for thinking about little old me and inviting me to lunch even if I feel like I’d be interrupting!” Hu Tao pipes up. Ajax jumps back, startled. Oh, shit. He had completely forgotten about her presence, and it seems like he’s not the only either going by the flash of surprise on Zhongli’s face.

Hu Tao, who’s clearly spotted those cues, crosses her arms over her chest and gives them both a look filled with judgment.

Zhongli clears his throat. “My apologies, Director. Childe and I are about to head to lunch. We would love to have you accompany us if you are amenable.”

Hu Tao keeps up her stern look for a few seconds. Then, the corners of her lips twitch up and she bursts into laughter. “Look at you two! No need to look so guilty, I’m only joking! Go on and grab your lunch, I have a few matters to attend to anyhow and besides,” her grin turns teasing, “it seems like the both of you have plenty to catch up. Don’t let me get in the way of your chatter!”

“If you insist.”

“I do, so off you go!” She throws a little wave at Ajax. “Buh bye, Master Childe! It was nice meeting you! I hope you have a lovely time with your good friend! If you’re ever interested in Wangsheng Parlour’s services, I am happy to give you a premium discount – buy one coffin, get one free! Remember: death comes for us all!”

“A – ah. Right…thank you?”

As they watch her skip away, Zhongli shakes his head. “Sometimes, I do not think I will ever understand her.”

Naturally, lunch with Zhongli turns into a walk with Zhongli, then shopping with Zhongli, tea time with Zhongli, partaking in the different games set up along the street stalls with Zhongli, attending a theater performance with Zhongli, and then finally, dinner with Zhongli. Throughout the day, Zhongli seems to be in high spirits, regaling the tales of Rex Lapis and the Adepti of old as they stroll through the busy streets, side by side, stopping occasionally to browse through the stalls or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere. Ajax supposes that it makes sense why he’s so happy; this Rite is the last time he has to officially work so in a sense, it must feel like the last day in the office before officially retiring.

“Zhongli, what are your plans for your two weeks off?” Ajax asks. The night sky is beautifully clear and they have opted to stroll along the lively boardwalk to enjoy the cool sea breeze. “I hope you will have a chance for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. You’ve had a busy last couple of weeks.”

“I suppose I will take advantage of my free time to do some more reading,” Zhongli says after a brief pause for reflection. “I have recently been sent a collection of myths from a local scholar that I’ve been asked to review as a favour. The topic is on Rex Lapis and the guardian yakshas, and the scholar had asked for my input on the matter.”

“Zhongli, that’s…more work. That’s hardly what one would consider a vacation,” Ajax groans. “If you’re going to be helping the scholar to such lengths, why don’t you write your own books on the divine? Your reputation alone will garner quite a large number of readers.”

“It isn’t so much as the number of readers that I am concerned with though I take your point about writing my own material. I suppose I’ve always felt that I was more suited to be an observer of the way Rex Lapis and the Adepti’s legacies are portrayed.”

In other words, Zhongli had not felt like it was his place to interfere with the way people would remember his legacy, which…nah, that’s ridiculous. “But people are frequently wrong,” Ajax points out bluntly. “And more often than not, kinda stupid, so if you have the knowledge and the expertise, why not add to the pool of knowledge? Whatever you are contributing would be a lot more useful than what’s already out there.”

Zhongli laughs. “Thank you for thinking so highly of me, though I suspect I would not have much to contribute regarding the great stories of battles. Those have already been told and retold thousands of times. The only unique observations I would provide are mundane tales about the Adepti’s day-to-day lives. My personal interest has always led me to learn more about these bits of frivolous trivia, and I am not entirely sure how much use that information is or how entertaining people would find it.”

“I liked the stories you told me about the way the Adepti would squabble!” Ajax insists. “If I like it, I bet there are more who share my opinion.”

They stop by the pier and watch the way the silver-white moon beams dance along the gentle waves. Behind them, the festivities are in full swing; the sound of bright laughter and merry-making mingle in the air along with the delicious scent of grilled food and cooked sugar. A gust of cool sea breeze sweeps by, ruffling their hair and clothes, filling the air with the familiar smell of brine.

“But beyond that,” Ajax continues, “I think it’s important to tell these tales because it reminds people of who these gods were when they were alive: as actual beings who experienced the same gamut of emotions as people do – happiness, sadness, fear, disappointment, excitement. It’s nice to know that although we may never truly know these beings, by viewing this tiny snapshot of their lives, we are able to understand for a brief moment who they are beyond their mantles of responsibilities. It’s…comforting, I suppose, to have this opportunity to relate to these great divine protectors.”

Ajax chuckles and shakes his head. Against all odds, the geo crystalfly is still neatly perched to the side of his head and from the corner of his eyes, he can spot the gold dust trailing in the air with every flutter of its wings. Those light particles give the surrounding space a temporary glow, lighting up the empty dock, the calm sea, and Zhongli, standing still beside him, his expression pensive. “Or maybe I’m just naturally nosy. Ah, don’t mind me, Zhongli. I’m rambling. I suppose the idea of remembering someone after they are gone is still a bit of a sore spot for me.”

“No, no, I…hadn’t thought of it like that before,” Zhongli muses. “What you said is important. I will endeavour to start recording those stories about the Adepti.”

“And about Rex Lapis too!” Ajax insists. “It’s important for the people of Liyue to know what their Archon is like, so if you have any stories, you should share those!”

“…Why do I think that this is some sort of ploy for you to come up with more embarrassing questions to ask the Geo Archon?”

Ajax gives Zhongli a perfectly innocent smile. “I mean, if the opportunity presents itself, I’m not going to refuse it!”

“Joking aside, if you have the chance to speak to the Geo Archon now, what would you say?”

“Simple!” Ajax turns to face Zhongli and beams. “I will tell him that he’s worked very hard for the last 6000 years and the fruits of his efforts can be seen throughout the land, that the only reason the people of Liyue, including visiting diplomats, are leading such peaceful lives here is because of him. So, I want to tell him thanks. Thank you for all the hard work, for persisting through all these years despite challenges and setbacks, and for not giving up on humanity. And above all else, I most sincerely hope he will get to relax and enjoy the festivities because if there is anyone who deserves a vacation, it’s him.”

Zhongli is still. His eyes are wide but there is something soft in that gaze, something fragile, and it occurs to Ajax that perhaps, nobody has ever told Zhongli thanks to his face like that. That nobody’s told him that he’s earned a vacation.

Whatever response Zhongli wants to give is interrupted by the sky lighting up in a burst of colour followed by a thunderous pop. Bright fireworks fill the expanse of the dark sky and they paint their surrounding in flashes of happy reds, golds, greens, purples, and blues before drifting back towards the sea in a shower of falling embers. As the next set of flowers bloom in the night sky, Ajax leans over to Zhongli and murmurs to his ear, “Happy Rites Festival, Zhongli.”

“I – thank you, Childe,” Zhongli returns in a low murmur, a touch bashful. “And you as well. Happy Rites Festival.”

Together, they turn back to enjoy the rest of the light show.

Afterwards, when everything is done and over with and Ajax finally parts ways with Zhongli, Ajax finds himself making his way back to his suite, his mood light and happy.

As he nears the top of his stairs, the familiar blue screen of the System appears along with a soft ping. “Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations! Some things should be said three times! Relationship status with Character Zhongli has been upgraded to Level 2! F-points cap has been raised! Please continue to work hard, User!”

Ajax stares at the notification.

Eh? But he hasn’t done anything? Just what the hell is System on about –

“You know, I was starting to think you wouldn’t show up! What happened to only having lunch with Mister Zhongli?”

Ajax’s head snaps up. Standing next to his door is –

“Miss Director?” he balks. “What are you doing here? How did you even find me?”

Hu Tao snorts and crosses her arms. “As the Eleventh Harbinger, it is only natural that you live in the penthouse suite.”

Ajax feels himself grow cold.

…How does she know he’s the Harbinger? Nobody outside of the Fatui and Zhongli should know.

Just who the hell is this person?

Hu Tao rolls her eyes at him. “Oh, for fuck’s sake, stop looking at me like a deer caught in the headlight. With the amount of blatant OOCness you exhibit compared to Tartaglia, I’m ashamed it’s taken me this long to figure you out!”

Wait. Waitwaitwaitwait. OOCness? That's –

“Oh, good! You finally caught up!” Hu Tao grins a toothy smile filled with mischief. “Allow me to properly introduce myself. I’m User 01 and it’s nice to finally meet you, User 02!”

Chapter Text

Part XIV. The Fall of Genshin Impact 1.0

Of all the surreal experiences Ajax has had the pleasure of experiencing since arriving to this brave new world, this is definitely ranked up there among the top.

Hu Tao, or more accurately, User Fucking 01, is sitting in his hotel suite in his living room across from him, casually sipping on tea and eating the snacks he has prepared for her, and making happy little sounds all the while. From his usual seat on the couch, Ajax watches with his arms crossed over his chest. And he waits.

Hu Tao eats a cookie.

He waits some more.

Hu Tao eats another cookie and makes more happy sounds.

“You know, I didn’t invite you here to watch you eat,” Ajax grumbles. “Are you going to start talking or what?”

“So mean!” she says, but at least she doesn’t reach for more food. “I’ve been waiting for you since after lunch! Had I known your date with Mister Zhongli would take that long, I would’ve packed a lunchbox! Speaking of, do you know how strange it is to see you two being so lovey-dovey here? I felt like a third wheel being in your presence!”

Ajax splutters. “I – we’re not dating! Zhongli and I hang out all the time like this! And what do you mean strange? What’s wrong with the both of us being good friends?”

Hu Tao gives him an incredulous look. “You mean aside from the fact that it’s wildly off-script from the original game? How were you able to get around acting OOC from original Tartaglia anyway? Doesn’t your System have Restrictions?”

So surreal. “I mean, yeah, the System has Restrictions, but OOCness is not one of them.” Ajax’s eyes go wide. “Wait a minute, how the hell am I able to talk to you about the System? That should be restricted!”

He pulls up the menu quickly and scrolls to the page, eyes skimming through the introductory paragraphs until he finds what he’s looking for.

“See? It says: You are RESTRICTED from the following actions: (1) Disclose the existence of System to any character in this world and (2) Disclose that you are a transmigrator to any character in this world.”

“Read the terms carefully again,” Hu Tao says, taking a sip of her tea. “You are restricted from disclosing the existence of System to any character in this world. I’m not a character, am I? I’m a User. I have the same set of restrictions and it’s how I figured I could reach out to you without getting dinged.”

Huh.

“Yeah, gotta read the fine print. The System is a bit of a bastard,” Hu Tao grimaces. “But it’s interesting to know that you don’t have OOC restrictions. That eliminates one of my theories for why we’re here in this world anyhow.”

Ajax holds up a hand in a stop motion. “Wait, wait, back up. Uh, can we start from the very beginning? Who are you and how did you get here?”

“Sure, that’s easy enough. My name is Hu Tao with the User ID: User 01!” Hu Tao answers with a shrug. “I know, I share the name of the character, but that’s because I designed this character, so it’s more accurate to say that she’s named after me. You can say I’m the original creator of the Genshin Impact world.”

Hu Tao laces her hands over her lap, her gaze serious. “As for how I got here, I guess it’s the same way you got here: I died.”

It turns out Hu Tao’s story is one mired with misfortune, though it hadn’t started off that way. Hired as a writer for the company that later developed the game Genshin Impact, she had exhibited a lot of talent in crafting worlds and narratives, which propelled her to the top like a rocket. Upon her promotion as Head Creative Director in the writing department, she was given her first big project, which was to create the story which will underlie an up-and-coming open-world game.

Genshin Impact resulted from years of blood, sweat and tears. It was inspired by a draft of an unpublished personal passion project of Hu Tao’s, repurposed and fleshed out to give it more depth and life. And the passion she had felt for it showed; the world was a colourful one filled with history, myths and culture which shaped its denizens, the characters were multi-faceted individuals with their own dreams and motivations, and the plot, well, that was going to contain twists and turns and intrigue.

Unfortunately, only a fraction of that was realized.

“The company went south. Turns out there were some top execs who were stealing money directly from the company and by the time all that was discovered, the company wasn’t doing so hot financially.”

By this time, Ajax had switched from serving tea to serving fire-water, and Hu Tao downs her shot like a woman dying of thirst. She continues, “Naturally, there were budget cuts, and with those, the game suffered. Some events were scrapped while others were hastily rejigged so that they can be pushed out faster as a way to get more money from the players. Hell, the whole goddamned storyline was tossed out the window because it would have been way too expensive to make. Everything was gutted.”

“Shit,” Ajax says with feeling. He pours her another shot. “Is that why the game went to shit all of a sudden? I had always wondered.”

“I tried to fight against the cuts but as if anybody listened,” Hu Tao says with a snort. “Eventually, I guess my protests got to be too much. Next thing I know, I got sacked and out I went. Fuckers even blacklisted me from the industry.”

“I – ” Honestly, what can Ajax even say about this? “I’m sorry you had to go through that. That’s really, really shitty.”

“Eh, it doesn’t mean anything anymore, but thanks. That’s sweet of you to say. I mean, I was rather nasty so I probably deserve a tiny, tiny bit of that.” This time, when Hu Tao reaches for a cookie, Ajax pushes the plate closer to her. “I also did try to get them back by publishing the entire story of Genshin Impact as it should be along with some sort of exposé. I didn’t get a chance to finish that before, well, this.” She gestures vaguely to her surroundings. “Died from choking on a dumpling of all the ways to go. Didn’t even go with dignity. Urgh.”

She takes a vicious bite out of her cookie. “The next thing I know, I woke up as this character, but fourteen-years-old while the System welcomes me to this brave new world. That had been not fun at all.”

Ajax stares. “Wait, are you saying that you’ve been here for years?”

“Six years and counting! Still have no idea what I’m supposed to do though.”

“What do you mean?” Ajax frowns, still grappling at the fact that Hu Tao has been in this game for this long already. “Don’t you have Main Missions and stuff?

“Sure, I do. I did most of them,” Hu Tao says as she polishes off her cookie. “I have one left and it’s simply to ‘Watch and Live’, whatever that means. I’ve been trying to figure out if there’s something else to it, like am I supposed to play the part of the character so that the plot plays out as accurate to the original game as possible? But Hu Tao is such a minor character in the original game, most of what I do hardly matters to the plot except hiring Zhongli.”

That’s true. In Genshin Impact 1.0, Hu Tao is only referenced by NPCs and in a few of Zhongli’s voice lines. What she looks and sounds like are completely unknown. It’s not until officially meeting her this afternoon that Ajax was able to put a face to the name.

She downs her shot. “Also,” she adds, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, “if my hypothesis was right, wouldn’t the System require you to stick to your original script as the Original Tartaglia? You clearly don’t have that restriction so I guess the System doesn’t care if we stick to the original script.”

“I don’t have to act like OG Tartaglia,” Ajax confirms. “I even asked System specifically and it basically told me that I have free reigns to engage with this world as I please. My Main Missions are tied to the plot of the Liyue Arc though. I have to get the Main Character to reach Hero status in Liyue, release Osial, and ensure that Zhongli gives up being a god.”

“Interesting,” Hu Tao leans forward, “so you do have to stick to some of your original script, but only where it drives the main plot forward. How goes your progress?”

Ajax winces. “Terrible,” he admits. “My Main Missions are locked and I have no idea what I’m supposed to do. I tried researching everything about Osial to trigger the mission and to figure out how I’m going to release Osial, but nothing. No success. I’ll probably make a trip out to Guyun Stone Forest to see if that helps. Oh, I also have a side quest called Traces of Tartaglia where I’m supposed to find more information about the original character, but that’s been going nowhere as well.”

Hu Tao taps her chin. “Hmmm, well you’re in luck. You’re talking to the Creator herself, so I know a thing or two about the plot and other background info! Let’s see, let’s see. Osial, Osial,” she mutters and Ajax feels his hope rise as the realization dawns on him that he has the creator, the actual creator of the story with him, holy shit.

He’s going to get all the answers he needs and it’s going to take him no time at all. Hello SP points! Hello fast growth! Hello freedom from the shackles of these stupid main missions!

“Oh,” she perks up, “Here’s a thought!”

“What?” Ajax blurts out, “What’s the thought?”

She grins. “Did you by any chance find the – ack!”

The way Hu Tao practically jumps out of her seat is as if she’s been shocked with a live wire. Ajax watches with growing alarm at the way she stares into the air, her hands frantically move to swipe at the empty space before her like she’s swatting away a cloud of mosquitoes.

“What’s going on? Are you alright?”

“Restricted fucking Action,” she hisses out, still swiping. “Oh, for Pete’s sake, would you stop that infernal alarm and those annoying pop-ups? I get it! I get it! No spoilers! Yeesh!”

Ajax feels his heart sink. Of fucking course. It would have been entirely too easy if Hu Tao could spill the beans just like that and allow him to fast track to the finish line for his missions. Or at the very least, his side quests.

Goddamn it.

It takes a solid few minutes before Hu Tao settles back down. “Okay, wow. That’s a first. Message received, I suppose!” she sends him an apologetic look, “Looks like that option is out the window. Sorry, er…” she pauses, “I guess I never got your name or story, huh?”

“It’s Ajax,” Ajax answers, still trying to swallow his disappointment down, “I was a college student but I had an accident and…uh…yeah.”

“Shit,” Hu Tao says after a beat of silence. “I’m really, really sorry, Ajax. That’s really awful.”

“It’s um,” well, it’s not fine. Far from it, and no matter how much healing he’s done, Ajax doubts it’ll ever be fine. So, Ajax swallows the lump in his throat and goes with, “it’s taken some getting used to. Still a work in progress. I’ve only been here for around half a year.”

That gets Hu Tao cursing under her breath. “Hey, listen, if you need someone to talk to…”

Ajax shakes his head, but he does give her a warm smile. “Thanks, I’m doing okay. Believe it or not, Zhongli’s been helping me out.”

“Alright, if you’re sure. My door’s open if you need that chat.”

His smile grows warmer still. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind. I mean, it helps that I’ve been keeping myself busy with my stats growth. It gives me something to focus on.”

“Spoken like a true gamer. I should’ve figured.” Hu Tao nods to herself with a smile. “You know, I used to creep around the forums a lot mainly just to see if there’s anybody shit-talking about the story. Were you a poster there? I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there’s something very familiar about what you said earlier.”

Eh? “What I said earlier?”

Hu Tao’s grin widens. “By that, I mean your fierce defence of our resident CEO of GEO, Mister Zhongli, of course! Don’t think I’ve forgotten how close you two are! The way you defended him sounds awfully, awfully familiar! Let me guess, were you Dicknabox? Areptiledysfunction? Loli_Gagging?”

Jesus H. Christ. Ajax bites back the massive urge to cringe. “N – nope! Don’t know any of those names.”

He’s not lying, either. But even if she does guess his username correctly, there is no way in hell he’s going to admit to his name. Some things need to die with him, literally and metaphorically.

“Hmmm, alright, alright, keep your secret, but there are only so many Zhongli diehard simps in the forums. Sooner or later, I’ll figure you out, just you wait.”

They spend the next hour comparing notes about the mechanics of the System. Due to Hu Tao being in the world for six years, she’s managed to accumulate quite the SP points from doing random side quests, which she subsequently used to buy all manners of interesting items from the System’s Store. She’s also able to confirm that the System is, in fact, a bit of a bastard when it comes to selling certain items, particularly skills deemed too OP for certain tasks.

“I knew it! I knew the System was jacking up the prices on certain things,” Ajax hisses, vindictive at last, “little bastard wants me to struggle!”

“Well, the System’s motto has always been to immerse yourself in the world and that includes having to wade through challenges,” Hu Tao points out. “That and to work hard.”

“But why though? Why are we here? What even is the System?”

At that, Hu Tao shrugs. “No idea, boyo. Whatever it is, it seems to be pretty benign except for the unfortunate Main Missions you’re forced to do. Speaking of, you do realize that you’re going to be up shit’s creek without a paddle afterwards, yeah? Do you have an escape plan?”

Ajax is not sure about how feels being called ‘boyo’ by someone who looks like they’re barely out of their teens, but he ignores it in favour of feeling the wave of despair that’s washed over him. “No,” he admits, burying his face in his hands. “I mean, I’ve been discreetly building a stash of mora for myself and hiding it in my System’s Inventory, but fuck me, I don’t know what I’m doing! The only ideas I have are that I’m going to travel the world and be an adventurer-bard.”

“We have a year to figure things out, that’s still plenty of time. What? Why do you look so surprised?” she laughs, “I’m not going to leave you hanging on your own like that! We Transmigrators have to stick together, even if your username was probably something ridiculous like p3n1sRus.”

“That’s not – that wasn’t my username!”

She waves off his spluttering. “Regardless, the first thing we have to do is unlock those Main Missions and get you advancing on your side quests,” she chirps. “I may be not be able to tell you outright how to solve your problems but maybe I can still drop some hints to guide you on your journey, Young Padawan.”

“This is why Zhongli finds you impossible sometimes. Do you call him all these ridiculous nicknames at work too?”

“Psssh, he likes me, even if it’s deep, deep, deep down. But anyway,” she claps, her eyes glittering. “Let’s do some experiments to see what I can say without setting System’s alarm!”

The verdict is as follows: writing out the solution is a no go, miming out the solution is a no go, drawing is also out of the picture. The only thing that Hu Tao can say about the Main Mission without triggering the alarms is, “I think before you set off on your trip to Guyun Stone Forest, you should do some debt collections, preferably from a big establishment in town,” which is not entirely unhelpful at least.

As for the Traces of Tartaglia side quest, references to the Abyss beyond what Ajax has already learned is a no go. However, the hint Hu Tao can provide is a little bit more useful than the one for the Main Missions.

“OG Tartaglia is a Harbinger and naturally, Harbingers are…paranoid. What do you think paranoid people do when they have something important and private that they can’t carry around on their body at all times?”

Ajax blinks.

In the next second, a lightbulb goes off in his head.

The moment the door closes behind Hu Tao, Ajax promptly starts inspecting the walls and the floors of his apartment – anything for signs of loose panels, hinges of secret doors, or hidden spaces.

What does a paranoid person do with something important and private that can’t be carried around on their body? They do the next best thing: they hide it.

Of course, they would. Ajax is kicking himself a little because, in hindsight, it’s so obvious.

His search bears fruit an hour later when he notices that a piece of the floor molding by the bed is slightly, just slightly ajar. Pulling out his throwing knife, he carefully digs around the wood panel with the blade.

The wood pries open easily, revealing a small, rectangular hole.

With a careful hand, Ajax reaches in and pulls out a couple of folded pieces of paper. Almost immediately, the familiar ping of the System chimes out.

“Traces of Tartaglia (2), side quest update: you have found some of Tartaglia’s hidden objects in your quest to discover more information about Tartaglia. Continue to find more hidden objects to learn about Tartaglia’s link to the Abyss.”

“Finally,” Ajax grins. “Now, we’re getting somewhere.”

His excitement is short-lived. His discovery mostly amounts to notes filled with writing that epitomizes what chicken scratch looks like, and Ajax can’t make out its content at all. There is one set of notes that has neater writing, clearly written with much more care. It looks like an incomplete draft of a letter made out to a person whose name starts with a T, but the rest of the name is unfortunately smudged out.

The body of the draft letter simply reads: “I apologize for how long it has taken me to write to you all. Even if it has been a long time since we have last spoken, please know that I think of you all each day and I hope you continue to keep safe. I mi –”

The letter abruptly ends with the word unfinished.

Ajax sighs and carefully folds the paper back with a heavy heart.

He can relate all too well to what it’s like to have unfinished business.

Part XV. Ajax’s Adventure with Debt Collection

 “Oh, for crying out loud,” Ekaterina audibly groans the moment she sees Ajax approaching the counter. “Sir, what are you doing here?”

The smile Ajax returns is almost blinding in its cheeriness. “Ekaterina! My most favourite person in this entire bank! The bestest, most understanding worker here –”

“What did I say right before the Rite?” Ekaterina interrupts, scowling. “I thought I told you very explicitly that I do not wish to see your face here for the next two weeks. How did you even get into this building anyway? Where’s Vlad?”

“Aw, don’t blame Vlad. It’s not like I used the front door so he wouldn’t have seen me.”

“Didn’t use the front – did you scale the wall?” Ajax winces at the way that last part is practically screeched at him. “Master Childe, we’re on the third floor – you know what? No. This is ridiculous.” She cranes her head out of the window and calls a nearby Fatui member, who’s been watching this all happen from the sideline, “Dimitri! Please go find Mister Zhongli from Wangsheng Funeral –”

At that, Ajax’s eyes go wide with panic. “Wait, wait, wait, Ekaterina, let’s not get too hasty. We don’t need to tell Zhongli! Dimitri, if you take one more step towards the door I am assigning you to have training sessions with me for an entire month! An entire month you hear? And I train for at least four hours a day! Just ask Felix!”

Satisfied with the way Dimitri ‘eeps’ and scuttles away, he turns back to meet Ekaterina’s toxic glare head-on. “Ekaterina, I need a favour. I want to go on debt collections.”

“What? No!” Ekaterina splutters. “Why?”

“Because I’m bored!” Ajax lets his voice go whiny as he flops onto the counter. Here’s hoping he can act like a big enough of a brat to pull this off. “There’s nothing to do in the next two weeks and with everyone also being on vacation, the outdoors are teaming with people just…picnicking and having a good time, which means all the monsters have fled to parts unknown! I have nothing to fight!”

Ekaterina crosses her arms, unmoved. “So? Spend more time with Mister Zhongli!”

“I can’t bother him any more than I have! He’s got his own hobbies too, you know!” Ajax pouts harder. “Also, why is it that every time you want to get rid of me, you pawn me off to Zhongli? He’s not my minder.”

“He is the only one who can stop you from things like scaling three stories to break into the bank you work in so that you can ask for debt collection assignments during a major holiday,” she points out rather ruthlessly, which, okay, touché, but there’s no need to be so mean about it. “Have you considered picking up more hobbies, Sir? Something more relaxing than fighting?”

“Fighting is relaxing! Look, how about this? I promise to only do the collections for the biggest establishments in town.”

At Ekaterina’s narrowed gaze, he tacks on, “Only for this week! Debt collections for the biggest establishments in town for this week. And then afterwards, I promise to do something else like go fishing or something, I don’t know. But what say you? Pretty please?”

She glares at him for a few seconds longer but finally lets up with a resigned sigh. “Fine. Only because if I don’t agree, something tells me you would’ve barged into the missions anyway.”

She’s not wrong. That was his backup plan. Wisely, though, he doesn’t say that out loud.

“For this week, there are four debt collection assignments in town but only two are from large clients: Yanshang Teahouse and Baijou Guesthouse.”

“Excellent, as promised, I will only do those two collections.” Ajax keeps his smile perfectly sunny even when Ekaterina’s sour expression does not let up. She hands him a portfolio of info.

“There are already people assigned to handle those matters, Sir, so here are the details plus the schedule. I will inform those assigned to the collections that you will be joining them. If I hear back that you’ve done additional collections, I will rally the men and force you to take a three-week vacation in Qingce Village, mark my words!”

Ajax winces and peels himself off of the counter, plucking the portfolio out of Ekaterina’s hand and tucking it under his arms. “Okay, okay, message received loud and clear. Yeesh, I get no respect around here!”

Ekaterina remains stone-cold unmoved. “If that’s all, please get out of this establishment through the front door. Have a good rest of your day, Sir.”

The first debt collection is for Baijou Guesthouse and it doesn’t yield anything extraordinary beyond a big sack of mora, which the inn owner was all too happy to hand over just to get them out of the building. All in all, it had been a fairly unassuming experience.

The second debt collection at Yanshang Teahouse, however…now that was interesting.

“Fatui!” The teahouse master screams at the sight of Ajax, “Y – you can’t just barge into a private residence! Guards! Show him how we treat unwelcome guests at Yangshang Teahouse!”

Ajax waves away the pyro agents who came with him to this mission. He calls out his water and forms them into the familiar shape of his dual blades. “Not much for adversaries. I can always use a bit of exercise, though.”

Predictably, the fight is painfully short; a couple of well-aimed kicks, a blow to the temple with his blade’s handle, and the two grunts crumple to the ground like wet paper cups.

Ajax quirks a brow at the quivering master and the hostess, who have tucked themselves to the far corner of the room. “Any more stupid ideas? No? Good. We’re here to collect the,” Ajax glances down at the paper Ekaterina prepared for him, “$1.32 million mora you still owe to the Northland Bank. Do you have the payment?”

More shaking and spluttering. Ajax sighs.

“I’m going to take that as a no. Right. Per the contract you signed with the Bank, given that this is the fifth time you’ve defaulted on your loan, the Bank will now seize all assets to make up for the amount owing. If you wish to contest and resecure your assets, you have the next three days to bring the $1.32 million mora you owe and we will release your assets to you. Do you understand?”

Fervent nods. Good.

“Excellent. Agents? Start collecting.”

They empty the shop, focusing on anything of value, and load up the cart they have prepared with gold, silver, jewels, antiques, paintings, any spare mora they can find.

But none of those things have made the System ping.

“Sir, we have secured everything,” one of the agents, Javert, reports with a salute.

“Hmm, are you sure? Have you emptied the office?”

“We have, sir.”

“Checked for empty safes and compartments?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Checked the Teahouse Master to see if he is carrying anything of value? And by that, I mean check to see if he has any hidden pockets in his garments?”

Javert stiffens. “…No, sir.”

Ajax pats the agent on the shoulder. “A paranoid person with many enemies hidden in the shadows will carry the things of most importance and of value on their person. Only when that’s not possible will they choose to hide those things.”

A lesson learned from OG Tartaglia’s actions.

“Strip the Teahouse Master of his clothes, including shoes and socks.”

“Yes, sir!”

They find all matters of interesting objects on the Teahouse Master: an extra pouch of $50,000 mora, more valuable gems and pearls, and –

“What is that?”

It’s a piece of delicate, yellowing paper cut out in a funny shape that almost looks like a house, or a dagger with a stumpy handle. What looks like ancient Liyuan characters are written down the length of the paper in pretty calligraphy.

It’s also slightly glowing and audibly humming with energy.

A soft ding sounds out in Ajax’s mind.

“Status Update: MAIN MISSIONS unlocked! Congratulations, User! Rewards: +5 SP.”

“MAIN MISSION Objective (2): Release Osial from its water prison, 1% completion. You have discovered a mysterious talisman hidden in the Teahouse Master’s clothes. The talisman is glowing faintly with power.”

“Next milestone for MAIN MISSION progression: find out more about this talisman! Rewards: +5 SP. Failure: no advancement in the MAIN MISSION Objective (2). User is reminded that failure of the MAIN MISSION results in severe point deduction, potentially leading to User’s ejection from this world. Good luck and work hard, User!”

As if Ajax needs to be reminded of his potential second death. Rolling his eyes, he turns to the loudly protesting Teahouse Master, naked save for the blanket tied around his waist.

“Oy, what is this?” he asks, holding up the paper.

If the Teahouse Master’s looks could kill, Ajax would’ve been dead a thousand times over. “As if I will tell you Fatui dogs anything after this – this humiliation! You just wait until I call the Millileth on all of you!”

“You signed the contract that allowed us to reclaim any and all assets to satisfy the debt, which includes your clothes,” Ajax says shrugging. “Technically, we could have seized your assets the first time you defaulted on your repayment, but we gave you five separate chances, all of which you have squandered. We have been beyond lenient. However, if you do want to get the Millileth involved,” Ajax’s grin turns threatening. “I am happy to provide them our detailed records on Yanshang Teahouse, including the reasons for your loans. I’m sure the Qixing would be highly interested in some of the dealings you’ve had at the Pearl Galley.”

The Teahouse Master’s jaw snaps shut with an audible click.

Ajax snorts. “We’re done for today,” he calls out to his agents. “Let’s wrap it up.”

“Sir, what would you like to do with the, er, paper that you confiscated?” Javert asks as they head back towards the bank.

“Don’t worry about it. I will keep it for now. I have a few things I want to find out about it first.”

“Yes, sir.”

And Ajax knows just who to ask, too.

“Zhongli! I have a question,” Ajax asks as he brings the steamer basket filled with handmade xiao long bao to the table. Zhongli had dropped by for his biweekly dinner at Ajax’s, bringing with him a basket of fruits and fancy tea leaves, probably in some futile attempt to wean Ajax off of coffee. “I have found something the other day from a debt collection and was wondering if you know what it is.”

“Debt collection?” Zhongli asks, pouring out a fresh cup of tea for Ajax and himself. “You are working during the holidays? I thought you were given two weeks of time off.”

“I got bored and there were no monsters to fight – that look of disapproval is only going to spur me on, just so you know,” Ajax sniffs. “Also, you have no right to look at me so, not when you are also working for that scholar on that book.”

Their quipping is temporarily distracted by the food on the table. The xiao long bao is perfectly made, the skin chewy without being too thick and the filling tender and savoury, complemented by the rich soup bursting forth from the dumplings. The dipping sauce made of vinegar and chili serves to cut into the greasiness of the dumplings, balancing the flavours in every satisfying bite.

Zhongli looks like he’s on cloud nine, which is becoming an expression Ajax is used to seeing whenever he cooks for the man. Zhongli clearly really likes his home cooking, and wow, the mere suggestion that Ajax’s skills are enough to satisfy a picky god’s pallet is enough to inflate his ego to the size of a house.

“If you enjoy these dumplings, next time, I’m going to try my hands on pelmeni,” Ajax muses out loud, collecting the last of the empty dishes for washing up later. “It’s a Snezhnayan dumpling dish with the filling made of mutton, beef, and pork. Oh, I can also try my hands on some hand-pulled noodles. I’ve also been meaning to learn how to make that. Do you have a preference on what you want to try first?”

“I am happy with whichever you prefer and I am sure that whatever you make will be delicious,” Zhongli says warmly. “Now, what is it that you would like to show me?”

They move to the living room where Ajax draws the talisman from his pocket and carefully lays it on the coffee table. “This is what I’ve found. Judging by the way it is emitting elemental energy, I suspect that it is something mystical.”

“May I?”

At Ajax’s nod, Zhongli picks up the paper and traces a delicate finger over the calligraphy strokes. “I believe this is a Sigil of Permission,” he says, his brows furrowing in concentration. “These are…rare, very, very rare, and they’re near priceless. Where did you say you got this from?”

“I got it from the Teahouse Master of Yangsheng Teahouse. The man had alluded to the importance of this Sigil. He made it sound like this was the ticket to freedom from his debts.” Ajax leans closer to take a second look at the talisman. “I take it that you recognize what it does?

Zhongli nods. “This was created by Rex Lapis and infused with adeptal power. During the Archon War, such talismans were used by mortals to channel divine power as a defence mechanism against evil gods.”

“This piece of paper can channel divine power?” Ajax says, his tone incredulous. “What kind of divine power can it channel? Can it grant the user extra strength? Extra speed? The ability to use elemental energy?”

“In theory, yes to all of that and then some. The adeptal energy stored in the talisman will grant the user the range of abilities a god may possess, including but not limited to the power to increase one’s battle prowess, or even immobilizing and sealing away one’s enemies. However, one talisman contains a limited amount of power. A user possessing a single talisman can, therefore, only perform feats within the limits of the energy in that talisman.”

Still, it’s the power of the gods contained in a single slip of paper. Holy fuck. No wonder that Teahouse Master had sounded so damned cocky. It’s a good thing the man hadn’t used it on him during the debt collection. Or maybe, it’s a bad thing because he could’ve made the fight much more interesting than the disappointment Ajax had suffered through.

Ajax also can’t help but notice how Zhongli’s answer is restricted to users with one talisman. “So, if someone has multiple talismans, they can perform greater feats?” he prods. “If that’s the case, what’s stopping people from collecting, like, a million of these talismans to gain unlimited power?”

Zhongli chuckles. “Spoken like a true battle enthusiast. Unfortunately, mortals can only tolerate so much adeptal energy even when it’s contained in these sigils. Although I do not have any concrete evidence, something tells me that the number of sigils a mortal can physically withstand will not be enough to grant him or her the power to actually challenge the gods.”

Keyword being most normal mortals. Ajax is willing to try and find out what his own limits are.

But Zhongli is not done raining on his parade. “Of course, the possibility of one individual possessing multiple talismans is near impossible. Most of the talismans have been used up during the war and of those remaining, most have been lost or destroyed by the Adepti who have deemed such weapons to be too powerful left at the hands of mortals. It is truly a once in a lifetime chance that you were able to secure one.”

Well, that sucks massive balls.

Ajax’s mood is lifted slightly when he receives the System’s notification.

“Status Update: the milestone for MAIN MISSION Objective (2), find out more about this talisman, successfully completed. Rewards: +5 SP. Next milestone: visit the site Osial was felled. Rewards: +5 SP. Failure: no advancement in the MAIN MISSION Objective (2). User is reminded that failure of the MAIN MISSION results in a severe point deduction, potentially leading to User’s ejection from this world. Good luck and work hard, User!”

Perfect timing, System. That's exactly what Ajax is planning to do next.

“Thank you for your help. This information is very useful,” Ajax says, nodding in thanks again when Zhongli hands the Sigil back for him so that he can carefully tuck it into his pocket. “But let’s move on to happier, more lighthearted topics: what type of music do you feel like listening to today and what instrument would you like me to play from?”

Zhongli positively lights up at that. That gleeful expression will never stop being adorable.

Also, in some more good news, at least Ajax is getting fresh points off of his friendship with Zhongli again, even if he has no idea what the hell L-points are and the System is being weirdly silent about it.

Ah well. Whatever. It's probably just a name change for the points to denote that Ajax is in Phase 2 of their friendship. Probably no biggie.

Originally, Ajax’s plan was to discreetly secure passage on a ship that can send him to Guyun Stone Forest and another to take him back to Liyue Harbour. He figured that with the holidays still ongoing, the Millileth and Qixing will be too busy to monitor his coming and goings from the harbour, especially if he were to hop on one of the many ships that leave the docks each day.

Boy, is he proven wrong.

“Is it just me or is there an unusually high level of Millileth activity around these ports?” Ajax asks Miss Li during his grocery runs. He wants to secure ingredients to make a few practice rounds of pelmeni before Zhongli’s next visit. “I think I ran into at least seven patrolling groups on my way here.”

“It’s the Rite, Master Diplomat,” Miss Li explains. “With all the celebrations going on, the Qixing traditionally deploys more security to ensure public peace and to prevent the more popular contrabands from entering the port. Not to worry, things will return back to normal after the celebrations are over.”

Well, fuck him. Guess discreetly leaving the ports via a ship is not going to work. There has to be another way to get to Guyun Stone Forest though, but it won’t be from Liyue Harbour.

“You need to get to Guyun Stone Forest in secret, boyo? Well, you’re in luck. Your Auntie Hu Tao is here to help!”

Ajax makes a face. “I don’t know what’s worse, you calling me boyo or you calling yourself Auntie,” he mutters. This is the first meeting they’ve had since their long chat on the evening of the Rite. Ajax wanted to update Hu Tao on his missions and thank her for her help, but it’s since spiralled into a whining session where they both complain about the lack of internet in this world. “Let’s hear it, what’s your suggestion?”

Hu Tao predictably ignores his very reasonable complaints. “As you may know, Wangsheng Funeral Parlour offers body collection services throughout Liyue, it’s a very discreet service and it’s one that most people do not want to pry into. Can you guess the reason why?”

“People are superstitious as fuck around these parts!” Ajax breathes. “Hu Tao, you’re a genius!”

“Yes, yes, I am well aware, thank you,” she says, buffing her nails against her chest in a display of pure arrogance. “Here’s what I can do, I can lend you one of our outfits to help with your disguise and I can set up a small waverider for you. It will be waiting for you at the most eastern facing peninsula north of the Harbour. There’s an alcove there. From there, all you have to do is go directly east from the beach and you’d hit Guyun Stone Forest in an hour at most. After you’re done, leave the boat where you found it and I’ll send someone to collect it. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.”

Ajax thanks her with a box of homemade ginger snaps and a generous ‘anonymous’ donation. She accepts both of those things with more happy sounds.

It’s all thanks to Hu Tao that Ajax finds himself strolling down the streets of Feiyun Slope in the dead of the night two days later with a dark pack slung over his back, dressed head to toe in the macabre dark undertaking outfit from Wangsheng Funeral Parlour. Hu Tao’s even sprung a matching hat for him so that he can hide his bright hair from view.

He keeps his pace unhurried and his gaze to the ground as he steadily shuffles towards the gate. From the corner of his eyes, he sees an oncoming patrolling Millileth take one glance at him before quickly crossing the street to get away.

He bites down his smirk.

He passes the gates with no issues. In fact, the guards stationed there refused to even look at him, purposely turning away as he walks past the majestic lacquered posts. From there, his journey to the eastern peninsula is incredibly uneventful, and he reaches the beaches in just two hours.

As promised, a lone waverider is docked in the alcove, waiting for him to board. Perfect.

Navigating the waverider isn’t too hard; after a bit of a rocky start where Ajax almost ran himself aground, he quickly got the hang of the controls, including how to steer this surprisingly speedy contraption. He’s zipping across the open ocean towards his destination in no time at all, the little boat cutting through the dark choppy waves like a hot knife to butter.

Up close and in the darkness of the night, the stone pillars that make up the cliffs of Guyun Stone Forest appear particularly menacing. As Ajax slows his boat to prepare for docking, he watches the way the giant stone structures loom over him, their sharp, rocky surfaces gleaming in the cold moonlight, contrasted by the dark shadows in every nook and crevasse. Lit only by the pale moon and dim starlight, the shadows across the rocky surface almost seem to morph into the faces of grotesque monsters with expressions perpetually twisted into snarls to warn away trespassers.

Other than that, the place is completely quiet save for the sound of waves lapping on the beaches. It’s so quiet that Ajax can hear the steady thumping of his heart in his chest or the way his breathing is slightly picking up by his eerie surrounding.

It also doesn’t help that Ajax can’t shake off the distinct feeling of a presence in the air, of something dark and heavy that’s just lying in wait, watching him from somewhere hidden.

Zhongli had called this the graveyard of the gods. It certainly feels like it.

He changes out of his funeral parlour garb in favour of his usual Harbinger outfit before getting off the boat – he doesn’t want to damage the loaned costume in case he needs to get into a fight. Tying the waverider to a nearby rock, Ajax stretches a little, rolls his shoulders, and strolls inland with quiet steps.

The soft sand sinks a little under his weight with every step he takes, slowing his movement just a bit, but it’s enough for him to feel unease. He picks up his speed to reach solid ground, eyes darting around him for unseen threats.

All of this discretion is promptly ruined when he steps on something squishy, something that also lets out a loud, garbled cry.

Shrieking, he jumps back, brandishing his hydro swords. What the fuck is that?!

“Ika! Kundala!”

Wait, is – is that Hilichurlian?

Sure enough, the thing he’s stepped on turns out to be a sleeping Hilichurl, who’s managed to curl up by a rock just so that Ajax did not manage to spot its prone body until too late. It springs up, (rightfully) enraged, and snags its club from the ground.

Its yells have also attracted all of its sleeping brethren and, urgh. Ajax winces. There are quite a lot of them.

Ajax eyes the advancing Mitachurls brandishing their axes and shifts his stance to a fighting one. Drawing his Hydro vision, he twirls his blades and slams the two handles together, forcing the water to mold into the familiar shape of his swallow.

Let’s see, eight Hilichurl Grenadiers, five Hilichurl Shooters, three Hilichurl Guards, two Mitachurls, and two Samachurls. All of them he gets to fight in pitch darkness.

Well, fuck him. At least this will get his blood pumping and his mind distracted from the creepiness of the place.

Gritting his teeth, he twirls his weapon and launches himself into the crowd.

The Grenadiers are easy to fell. A couple of his hydro swipes is enough to send them flying back, their bodies disintegrating in whisps of smokes. He dodges the arrow aimed for his shoulder, twisting his body just in time to feel the shaft brush past him, and sprints head on towards the Shooter, splitting his swallow into twin daggers. He spins, using his momentum to bring his swords down on the soft flesh of the Hilichurl, and dances away just as an ax from a nearby Mitachurl comes cleaving down on his head.

He takes a few steps back, wincing at the way his feet sink in the sand as he tries to steady his breath and his pounding heart. Is it just him or does it seem like there’s more Hilichurls that have appeared? He’s sure he’s taken out the Grenadiers so why are there –

Ajax brings his sword in time to bat away the arrow aimed at his face. Fuck, okay, concentrate. These fuckers are mean and there are a lot of them.

Time to let loose a little.

From his mind’s eye, he envisions his vision and the swirling water held in the blue gem. Rise, he commands, forcing the water to leave in streams that twist and fold into each other tighter and tighter until they form a huge spinning ball in his hand.

Mold!

The water bubble expands twice its size like someone has inflated it. It’s also spinning more and more violently as more and more coils of water snake around its circumference.

And then, Ajax draws his arm back and chucks the ball into the crowd.

Release!

The ball explodes in a roar. A wall of water rushes out radially from the ball with the speed of flying shrapnel. It crashes into everything in its path, not slowing when it bowls over the Hilichurls, dragging them under the current of torrential, unforgiving water. Even the Mitachurls are knocked to the ground, and those who managed to stay afloat are washed away from the battlefield to parts unknown. When the water clears and the last of the waves died down, all that’s left is a crater in the sand where the ball of water had detonated and empty land in its radii.

“Oh, wow, that’s…wow,” Ajax mutters. He dispels his water and walks towards the crater with shaky legs, inspecting the damage. “That’s…I need to give this attack a really, really cool name.”

Because ‘water bomb’, as he’s been calling it in his head, is just not cutting it.

He’s so distracted by the sheer devastation of his attack, that he doesn’t notice the lone Hilichurl Shooter scurrying from the rock he’s been hiding behind until too late.

“Biat!” Ajax’s head snaps up to see a crossbow aimed at his head. Fuck. “Biadam!”

But before he can even throw himself to the ground, a flash of green rushes from behind him and shoots towards the enemy like an arrow while carving a thick line into the sand.

“Disappear!”

It slams into the Hilichurl in a blow so powerful that the enemy dissipates into a cloud of dark dust before the body can even hit the ground. Only when the last of the dust dissipates into the air does the figure slowly draw up to its full height with graceful movement.

It takes a few seconds for Ajax’s eyes to adjust to what he’s seeing: a lithe figure standing perfectly still with a spear clutched in his hand glinting the same glowing green as the light in his dark mask.

Wait a minute. Isn’t that –

The figure turns towards Ajax and removes his mask, revealing a very familiar, very scowly face. “Hmph. Look at you. Reduced to just standing around. How absurd.”

“Xiao!” Ajax laughs as relief rushes through him in a torrent. Holy fuck, Xiao is here! “Boy, am I glad to see you! It’s been far too long!”

Extra I: Hu Tao

After living through the weirdness that is this Transmigration business for the past six years, Hu Tao likes to think that she’s made peace with everything: her death, her rebirth, her strange new life dictated by an unseen overlord called the System, the fact that she was forced into the body of a minor character modelled after her – just, everything. Perhaps her unique experience has lent her an equally unique viewpoint of death, but she’s grown significantly less afraid of it and much more blasé in general. It suits her profession as the 77^th Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour just fine.

It helps that she’s completed two of her three Main Missions already, which were to become the Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour and to hire Zhongli respectively. Any threats to her life through failing the Main Missions have dwindled to nothing since the last mission standing is to ‘Watch and Live’ with seemingly no penalties for failing to do so.

Probably because with such vague terms as watching and living, something that she does passively every day, there’s no possibility of failure unless she dies again. And if that happens, then whatever penalty for failing this mission wouldn’t matter, would it?

Now if only she knew just what it is that she’s supposed to be watching, that would be swell.

“System, it would make my life significantly easier if you just tell me what it is you want,” she grumbles as she scrolls through the System’s Shop. Let’s see, let’s see, oh, she can buy more of these temporary waypoints. They help make life so much easier with navigating to different parts of Liyue to transport bodies. “Because let me tell you, ‘Watch and Live’ without any further context is a dick move.”

“User’s complaint is noted,” her System answers dutifully (and probably sarcastically. Hu Tao doesn’t have concrete proof but she has a hunch.) “Unfortunately, access to further information about this mission is restricted to Admins only. Would User like to lodge her 5421^st complaint?”

Definitely sarcastic.

“Yes,” she answers with a petty sniff. “And also tack on a comment about providing discounts in the shop. Will it kill them to give me a 10% deal after all the hard work I’ve done?”

“Noted. I shall include your request for a discount for the 3562^nd time.”

…Bitch.

Happy with the stock pile she has collected, Hu Tao closes the System’s shop window and gets up from her seat, pushing the pile of paperwork she’s supposed to be looking over to the corner of her desk. A quick glance at the clock shows that it’s late afternoon, which is just perfect because Zhongli should be taking his tea break about now. If she barges in on him quickly, she’d be on time to snipe some snacks off of his plate. As a bougie dragon god, his snacks are next level.

Whistling, she leaves her office and skips down the hall to Zhongli’s office. Predictably, the man answers her knocks with a resigned look on his face, and a long-suffering “Director” by way of greeting, but he’s far too polite and invites her in.

“My apologies, I was not expecting you so I have only prepared one cup of tea,” he says as she beelines for his tea snacks. “Please wait a few minutes as I prepare a cup for you.”

Having written Zhongli’s character and having worked with the man for so long, Hu Tao knows that this is a none-too-subtle attempt from Zhongli to suggest that she’s being a rude inconvenience with the way she barged in. Well, too bad for Zhongli but Hu Tao was raised in the modern world and has also climbed the ranks in a big-ass, cut-throat corporation. This means she’s developed a particularly thick skin and a level of shamelessness that no amount of soft chiding will penetrate.

To make a point of that, she stuffs a tea snack in her mouth and chews without waiting for Zhongli. Hmmm, delicious.

A familiar tune snaps her out of her reverie though, hummed by a low, silky smooth voice. Hu Tao frowns, trying to wrack her mind on where she’s heard that song before.

She’s drawing a complete blank to her annoyance.

“What’s that you’re humming?” she asks when Zhongli settles back into his seat with fresh tea in tow. “It’s a pretty tune!”

“I…” Zhongli pauses, his teacup still held up to his lips. “I do not actually know the name of the song, but I heard it from a friend.”

Now, Hu Tao is truly curious. Since when is there a song played within the boundaries of Liyue that the Geo Archon is not familiar with? Also, “A friend? I don’t think I’ve ever heard you describe anybody as a friend. An acquaintance, maybe, but a friend?”

Unless…this person is more than just a friend. Ohohohohoho. Mister Zhongli, you sly dog.

She flashes a grin at the Archon, who doesn’t even bother to disguise the pinched expression he’s adopted. Ah, she’s gotten under his skin again. Hilarious. “Sooooo, who’s this special person who has managed to win the friendship of the illustrious Mister Zhongli? Is it a girl? A refined lady? Or maybe, she’s super foxy?”

“He is Master Childe,” he intones flatly.

Master Childe. Who the hell is Master Childe? Is that an NPC? Hu Tao doesn’t remember naming a character with a name as ridiculous as – wait a minute, wait a goddamned minute –  “Wait, you mean the red-headed Fatui?” she blurts out.

Mother-fucking-Tartaglia, the bloodthirsty Harbinger? Why the hell would Tartaglia be hanging out with Zhongli? Since when are they friends? “I know we’ve agreed to help them with a few consultation matters, but this is unexpected!”

To her growing surprise, Mister Zhongli actually looks…offended. “The Fatui diplomat,” he sniffs, and wow. Never in a million years would Hu Tao expect Zhongli to defend someone like the Cryo Archon’s Vanguard. Or at least, the ridiculous villainous version of the character that ended up in Genshin Impact 1.0 due to those terrible budget cuts. “I have been having regular meals with him since we met while also acting as his tour guide. I find his company to be rather delightful but it comes to my attention that perhaps, I have taken advantage of his generosity for far too long. He has been paying for everything.”

Absolutely none of that sentence makes any goddamned sense. Hu Tao feels like she’s experiencing an episode of the Black Mirror. Still, she forces herself to chuckle. “Eh, if he wants to pay, then let him pay. Isn’t the Fatui supposed to be rich?”

Okay, but legit. What the fuck. Since when is Tartaglia’s company delightful? And to the point where Zhongli, Mister Prim and Proper himself, is singing the other praises?

“It is rude,” Zhongli answers and he finally takes a sip of that tea. All the better because it sufficiently distracts him from seeing the way Hu Tao is visibly struggling to act all blasé. “And it is only polite and fair to give thanks, especially to a friend.”

A friend?!

“Alright, alright, no need to give me that look of disapproval, Mister Zhongli. I didn’t tell you to not get him a gift. What does he like, anyway?” Because Hu Tao sure as hell doesn’t know who this Tartaglia is let alone his preferences!

“Ah.” Zhongli pauses, brows furrowing. “I – music? He likes music? Particularly those from Fontaine. And soup? He also likes sweet snacks.”

…That’s, okay, that’s cute and at the same time really pathetic. Aren’t they supposed to be friends? What the hell kind of an answer is soup and music?

“Bring him to a show and a meal then,” she offers. “I heard the Third-Round Knockout is hosting some visiting musicians this week. That should be something he would enjoy.” Because apparently, Tartaglia likes soup and music, and not just any music, but music from Fontaine. What the fuck.

Zhongli relaxes and thanks her, his tone probably the warmest it’s been since her arrival. They enjoy the rest of their tea break in harmony even if Hu Tao’s mind is whirring away the entire time, trying to make sense of what she just experienced.

It’s not until she’s seated back at her desk does she realize just why the song Zhongli was humming sounded so familiar.

It’s ‘Merry Go Round Of Life’, the fucking theme song to Howl’s Moving Castle.

She stills.

No fucking way.

That…that can’t be right. Maybe she heard wrong…

“Hey System?” A familiar soft ping answers her. “Is there a chance that other people from my old world can join this world?”

To her surprise, the System actually answers truthfully: “This world is opened to Users and has the capacity to host many.”

Holy shit. It hasn’t even occurred to Hu Tao that other people can join this world.

This realization brings a fresh surge of excitement flowing in her. More people from her world. More people she can talk to about her old life. More people who get how insane this is. Holy fuck.

“Are there other users right now?” she blurts out, “Are they anywhere near me? Where are they exactly? Which character are they occupying?”

“Unfortunately, the answer to most of those questions are only available to admins,” the System answers, and for once, Hu Tao cannot detect a hint of sarcasm from the answer. It’s all well and good because she’s not sure she can deal with that on top of the overwhelming disappointment welling up inside. “However, System is allowed to disclose that one other user is currently in this world with the User ID: User 02.”

Her spirits lift once again. User 02. There’s someone else here with her!

“Thank you, System, you’ve been super helpful!” she chirps.

One person in the world with her and this person could very well be Tartaglia. It definitely warrants a closer look.

It turns out this is easier said than done. When Zhongli says the two of them were friends, Hu Tao wasn’t expecting the two of them to be practically attached to the hip.

“What the hell, Mister Zhongli! Why are you with him all the time?” she hisses from her spot three tables away from the dining pair. She’s been watching them for the past week whenever she has the time, hoping to catch Tartaglia alone so that she can have a long, proper chat with him to test her theory. Mister Zhongli’s constant presence has thoroughly ruined her plan every single time.

At least she gets front row seats to the blatant display of OOC-ness, because that’s the only way she can describe how this Tartaglia is acting. Dear lord, this Tartaglia – no, this Master Childe – is soft. He’s soft, filled with boyish cheer, and he’s charming and surprisingly polite and Mister Zhongli is hovering over him like the protective dragon that he is, which, okay, that’s another surprise to Hu Tao as well. She doesn’t remember Zhongli having a type but clearly, he does and clearly, Mister Childe is it.

What the hell happened to the one-dimensional arrogant villain who draws hatred and ire everywhere he goes? Where are the weary looks and guarded, cold politeness that should be stemming from Zhongli whenever he interacts with Tartaglia? What the hell is all this?

She sighs in frustration as the two stand up and leave after paying for their meals. Another day, another failed attempt at catching Tartaglia alone. She does not want to burn up any more of her free time to tail the man. Maybe she should just stalk Tartaglia’s hotel room instead. It’s not like she doesn’t know where it is. But would that be too creepy?

That would definitely be too creepy. Best use that as a last resort.

Luckily, she gets her golden opportunity when Mister Zhongli approaches her as they’re closing for the day.

“Director, I…have a favour to ask. Would it be possible to invite Mister Childe as a guest of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour so that he may witness the Descension?”

“I don’t mind inviting him as a guest but won’t you be away from the platform that day?” Being actual Rex Lapis in dragon form.

“Indeed, I will be,” Zhongli nods. “I was wondering if it is possible if one of the staff can take him for the brief moment I will be away. After the Descension, we can meet up somewhere, and I am more than happy to resume my mantle as Master Childe’s guide.”

…Wait a minute. It just occurs to Hu Tao what this means. Zhongli is not going to be there because he will be preoccupied. Tartaglia will finally be alone.

This is Hu Tao’s time to strike!

“No worries, Mister Zhongli!” she says, grinning, “I am planning to attend the Descension anyway so I’d be happy to escort Master Childe! With my presence, not even the Qixing would dare harass us!” Because she will deliberately and openly start advertising coffin sales just to make them squirm. “He is in safe hands with me!”

Surprisingly, Mister Zhongli actually looks relieved. “Thank you, Director. It is very kind of you to offer your help.”

“Oh, the pleasure is all mine,” she giggles while in her mind, she’s fist-pumping in success.

With the literal blessing of a god, Hu Tao happily waits outside of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour hours before the Descension will take place. She’s not sure what to expect, maybe Tartaglia will make an appearance in his usual gray and red outfit with the red mask perched proudly on his hair, acting cordial but not particularly warm. Or maybe, Tartaglia will greet her with the same sunny smile she’s seen him wear around Zhongli while sporting something more casual than his Fatui uniform.

Never in a million years was she expecting to see a lithe young man dolled up in a stunning blue and gold changshan made of the lightest and shiniest silk, with a gauzy silk overcoat that only makes him shimmer under the bright sunlight. And as he drifts past her, it’s all too obvious that everybody’s attentions are likewise ensnared by the sight.

And who would blame those watching? The colours of the outfit are particularly flattering against his pale skin and red hair. The risqué cut of the changshan shows off his physique. Even from afar, one only needs a quick glance to tell that he is a beauty.

…Did Tartaglia’s design always look like that? Hu Tao remembers the distinct red hair, blue eyes, the athletic build, and the conventional good looks that all video game characters sport, but she doesn’t remember making Tartaglia this pretty.

But that’s an observation reserved for later. For now, she needs to catch his attention before he walks off too far.

“Wait, you’re the person Zhongli is asking to take me to the Rite?” Tartaglia asks when he gets closer. “You’re with Wangsheng Funeral Parlour?”

She scoffs. “Excuse you, I’m the Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour! Hu Tao, 77th Director. Nice to officially meet you, Master Childe!”

To her growing surprise, Tartaglia looks sheepish and a little shy. “Uh, nice to meet you. I see that you’ve heard of me from Zhongli. All good things, I hope?”

She ignores his question in favour of finally satiating her curiosity. Leaning closer, she looks him over. Red hair and blue eyes – check. Pretty face – sure. But the oddly open expression? No way. Normal Tartaglia would never be caught dead wearing that.

She’s almost certain that this person is a Transmigrator. It’s the only logical explanation for the blatant OOC. Just to be sure, she should get him talking, get him to slip up a little in the language he uses.

“Hmmm. You know, I’ve wondered just who’s been keeping the fuddy-duddy Mister Zhongli company these past months,” she jokes, trying to act friendly and casual. “I thought he found a kindred spirit in one of the old men in the parks doing Tai Chi or playing Xianqi. I wasn’t expecting you. What’s a handsome young man like you doing with a dusty hermit like him?”

Her light-hearted comment clearly does not land well and oh, wow, Tartaglia looks legit mad. That was not at all her intention. What the heck did she say to get him to react like that? She’s just poking fun at Zhongli!

“You take that back,” Tartaglia hisses like an offended cat who was accidentally splashed with water. “Zhongli is not a fuddy-duddy, nor is he a – a dusty hermit! He is an elegant, gentle, sophisticated, well-learned, and wise scholar who appreciates the history and culture of Liyue! A – and maybe he does like Tai Chi or Xianqi, but that’s just because he’s cultured! What’s wrong with being cultured?”

Hu Tao blinks.

Oh, okay. Huh. That – that was a very passionate rant. No, it’s more than that. It’s a bold, blatant defence filled with self-righteousness, outrage, and scathing vitriol which Hu Tao has seen time and time again in the forums of Genshin Impact once upon a time.

Dear Lord, if there are any doubts lingering in Hu Tao’s mind about whether Tartaglia is a Transmigrator, that little speech just obliterated it. It is now abundantly clear to Hu Tao that this person is not just an angry fan, but he’s a fan simping mega hard for Zhongli.

Ah-ha! she thinks with victory even as she responds to his little speech with gentler teasing, Gotcha, you nerd! User 02, you and I are long overdue for a chat!

Extra II: Zhongli

Another year, another Rite of Descension. However, the one saving grace this time around is that it will technically be the very last one in which Rex Lapis will actually have to perform.

Next year is when he will enact his plan of staging his death. Next year, he will simply have to hurl his exuvia from the sky and then, it will truly be the start of his freedom, assuming that Liyue survives Childe’s test.

He sighs in yearning, his long golden body twisting in the air as he circles aimlessly high above the clouds, waiting to be summoned. The cold feels refreshing against his scales, a nice contrast to the heat that currently blankets the earth.

He hates this part. He hates this useless ceremony filled with empty words and even emptier offerings, with this year’s offerings promising to be blander than most given that it is Miss Keqing who’s leading the ceremony. But he respects the tradition behind it and the history from which it stems so he tolerates it with grace, tolerates choking down the terribly bland bok choy of prayers and gifts of incense even when he’s had much, much better without nearly as much pedantry.

Childe’s cooking and music immediately come to mind, and Rex Lapis shivers in delight. Yes, after being spoiled so consistently, it is rather hard to swallow the food haphazardly assembled by the Qixing. With every bite of that, Rex Lapis can taste how hollow their worship is, drowned out by their growing desire for power and control. If not for Zhongli’s popularity, benign nature, and overwhelming strength, he suspects the Qixing would have attempted to stage a coup against him.

But it also serves as a wake-up call for himself. His time as a God has drawn to a close. Let the people decide their own fate lest they become resentful of being shackled down by their god-like what is happening in Inazuma. Stepping down is all fine and well for Rex Lapis; he has never sought dominion over the mortals. He has only ever wanted to protect.

There’s a tugging sensation in his spirit, insistent and brusque, very much like the character of the summoner. Ah, Miss Keqing has followed the necessary steps for his summoning. It is time for him to do his duty.

He flies down, stretching his long body as he goes, letting the wind ruffle through his mane and brush against his scales. He can see the large, enthusiastic crowd surrounding the platform, the members of the Qixing dutifully waiting by the side, and the lone figure – Keqing – in the middle.

Hmm, no sign of Childe or Hu Tao, but that’s not surprising. They are probably in the tents reserved for the large business owners of Liyue.

He floats the last bit of distance down until he stops a couple of feet above the platform. Ah, he can feel the joy and excitement from his people, can hear their awed whispers. In this form, he can feel much more clearly the emotions of the mortals, their desires, their feelings, and he lets those wash over him in a haze of warmth. Over 6000 years he’s been alive, half of which is spent guiding these people. Despite his thoughts on his duty being over, he’d be lying if he doesn’t admit that he will miss having this connection with the people of Liyue when he officially steps down as their Archon.

He supposes he should enjoy this while it lasts.

“People of Liyue,” Rex Lapis rumbles, and the ground seems to shake with his every word, “I have heard your prayers and have understood your wishes. I am here to deliver predictions for this coming year’s economic development…”

He delivers his predictions – the tourist industry will be booming and along with that, the associated goods and services industries – when he hears in his soul a familiar voice, one that stands out bright and shining and familiar from the nightly prayers and offerings. “Holy fuck,” the voice says, filled with genuine awe and warm, lovely adoration, “he’s so cool.”

Childe.

Rex Lapis interrupts himself in mid-sentence. Suddenly, his droning about the economy no longer seems important, not when there is a much more pressing need to find the source of that voice. Where is he? Where is his little priest –

Ah. There.

Standing in the observation deck under the tent and pressed up against the railing so that he could lean closer is Childe, his bright hair glowing like embers in the bright Liyuan sun. It’s not only his hair that stands out, he is adorned in the most exquisite changshan of soft blues and whites and gold and silver, the delicate fabric fitted perfectly around his body to highlight every inch of his toned and fit chest, his thin waist and his shoulders. And the overcoat draped over him only adds to his magnificence, sparkling from what Rex Lapis knows is the golden pattern made up of the Geo Archon’s symbols – his symbol peppering the fabric.

What an irresistible sight, one that Rex Lapis finds himself thoroughly ensnared by. He drinks in the image of him like a man dying of thirst; there stands a dignitary from another nation, a lieutenant belonging to another archon, but not a hint of that is on his body. Not even the Harbinger mask he’s so fond of wearing is present. Here, standing before Rex Lapis, Childe is witnessing in awe a ceremony for Rex Lapis while dressed in the clothes Rex Lapis has picked for him and drenched from head to toe in Rex Lapis’ symbols. His eyes are alight with wonder and adoration stronger than all of the Qixing – the very men and women sworn to serve him – combined.

Mine. Rex Lapis’ heart shakes at the realization welling up like a bubble. Mine.

And then, Childe, who’s grown adorably flushed at the attention, returns his gaze with a tentative little wave. “Hi,” he whispers, “I, erm, like your horns?”

…

Had Rex Lapis been possessing his mortal form as Zhongli, he would have undoubtedly been burying his face in his hand, partly out of second-hand embarrassment for the young man, but mostly due to how inexplicably adorable he is being.

He can’t help the snort that escapes him though, nor the way his body shakes from the suppressed laugher. Judging by how bright red Childe’s face has gotten, he’s clearly understood it as Rex Lapis laughing at him.

But perhaps he’s indulged in his curiosity for far too long. People are starting to murmur in confusion. Keqing is starting to grow suspicious.

Rex Lapis turns to his duty and resumes announcing his predictions, but he finds himself occasionally glancing back at Childe, mortification still visibly evident from how he is practically rooted to his spot despite his noble attempt to school his expression to something more neutral. A little gift is warranted, something to appease the embarrassment while giving thanks for the adorably genuine compliment about his horns.

He has just the idea as well.

“And so it is ordained,” Keqing announces with a bow after he is done delivering his message. “The people of Liyue hear your words loud and clear, and most humbly thank you for bestowing upon us your divine presence.”

Rex Lapis dips his head in acknowledgment. Casting one last look at Childe, he uncoils his long body and slowly makes his back to the sky. As he flies higher, he gathers the geo energy flowing around him into his horns, condensing it and packing it like applying pressure to coal to make diamonds. He builds the power, breathing a bit of his own divine energy into it, until he feels it begin to manifest into a thousand fluttering geo crystalflies.

He picks the brightest one from the bunch. ‘Go,’ he commands and injects his will into the elemental vessel. ‘Stop for no one save for the man with the red hair in the shining outfit. Perch upon his hair where the symbol of another god’s claim usually sits so that you may erase that unsavoury reminder for today.’

Then, he releases his gathered geo energy and watches it explode into a magnificent shower of golden embers onto the crowd below. Satisfied at last, Rex Lapis leaves, flying towards the cloud layer where he can disappear from view.

His transformation back to Zhongli is a bit more hasty than usual but the years of experience of slipping from one form to another means he is able to do so seamlessly despite being pressed for time. Comfortably settled in his mortal form, Zhongli brushes the wrinkles out of his suit and makes his way to where he is scheduled to meet Childe.

He doesn’t have to wait for long before he hears his name being called.

“Childe,” he greets, warmth flooding his voice. Even from his mortal’s eyes, the other looks stunning in the commissioned outfit. His eyes flicker to the geo crystalfly on the other’s hair and the corner of his lips curl up even more, fully blooming into a satisfied smile.

“The clothes arrived,” Childe says, and the sheepish grin is back. “I went for the fancier option. I – it’s not too much, is it?”

Too much? No, it is perfect. “No, no, not at all,” he answers. “It suits you well. Very, very well.” He pretends to glance at the crystalfly in surprise. “And this?”

“Oh, the crystalfly? A gift from the Geo Archon!” Childe answers with a bright smile. “He, uh, released a powerful burst of geo energy before he flew off and a swarm of geo crystalflies manifested from that. I got lucky. This one flew straight at me.”

To see his gift being so enthusiastically received warms his heart. “Hmm, indeed. Very lucky,” he says, letting himself feel smug about this whole endeavour. “I take it that you enjoyed yourself at the Rite then?”

“Very,” Childe nods. “Seeing Rex Lapis in person had been amazing.”

“Did you get to ask him that unfortunate question about the statues?” Zhongli asks, partly to tease and partly to distract himself lest he starts preening from the compliment.

“No. I’ll have you know I was on my best behaviour, but I’m starting to regret it!” Childe answers, pouting. “I could’ve asked so many questions, like how does a dragon the size of a whale stay floating in the air? Unless the effortless floating is all for show and in reality, he had been barely keeping himself from crashing into the altar this entire time like a big boulder. Also, I heard Rex Lapis disguised himself as a woman once. I wonder what that’s like and whether Celestia has similarly approved an outfit as shameless as the one for his male counterpart.”

The warm fuzzy feeling from before promptly dissipates like one would popping a balloon. That little trouble maker. Is that what’s been floating around in his head this entire time?

“The speed at which you are able to recite those questions suggests that you’ve been mulling over them for some time. Did you pay any attention to what Rex Lapis said during the Rite, or were you too busy conjuring these ridiculous hypotheticals in your mind?”

“I did not listen to a single word,” comes Childe’s shameless admission and Zhongli can’t help but feel equal parts amused and exasperated. “But in my defence, I was busy watching the giant floating dragon.”

This time, Zhongli actually sighs out loud. So long as Childe enjoyed himself at the end of the day, what does it matter? He says as much and adds, “In any event, are you hungry? Would you like to have some lunch?”

“Famished. The fitting from this morning took a bit longer than expected so I hadn’t had the chance to have breakfast. Really, Zhongli, if you frown any deeper, you will start growing wrinkles.”

Of course, he is frowning. In the time Zhongli has gotten to know Childe, he’s been spotting a worrying trend in the young man’s eating habits. Though appreciative of good food, Childe has the unfortunate habit of forgetting to eat sometimes, so consumed by his thoughts and his work.

“I will stop frowning so much if you start eating properly,” he chides. “For someone as well-versed in cooking as you are, it amazes me how little you care for your own well-being.”

“I care for my well-being just fine!”

“Hmmm.” He most certainly does not.

“Your clear lack of faith is hurtful and mean.”

“I see the gallons of coffee you consume a day. Something tells me that despite not having had time for breakfast, you’ve probably had at least three cups of coffee right?”

“…Maybe.”

“Right.” Zhongli brings a gentle hand to Childe’s back. He has forgone wearing his gloves for today and he can feel the warmth of the other’s skin bleeding through the thin, gauzy outer coat. “We’re having some lunch right now before you burn a hole in your stomach from all that coffee.”

It is then that Hu Tao makes her presence known and Zhongli is ashamed to admit that he’s quite forgotten her presence altogether. At least she is graceful enough to forgive him and to give him some time alone with Childe, but not before giving a bizarre sales pitch for coffins as her parting words.

“Sometimes, I do not think I will ever understand her,” he admits, watching the Director skip away. Such a strange, strange mortal.

The rest of the day is spent with Childe by his side. Very rarely can Zhongli fully submerge himself in the festivities of the Rite; normally, he would retreat back to one of his homes so that he could leave the humans to their celebrations but this option is clearly unavailable to him, not when he had promised to show Childe around. He finds himself enjoying their moment together quite thoroughly. Childe’s enthusiasm and bright cheer are always a welcomed addition to any of their outings.

The hours stretch on until the sun dips below the surface and the sky turns dark indigo, washed with a million pinpricks of silver stars. Zhongli guides Childe out to the docks to the best spot to view the fireworks where they are away from the hustle and bustle of festivities attendees.

“Zhongli, what are your plans for your two weeks off? I hope you will have a chance for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. You’ve had a busy last couple of weeks.”

“I suppose I will take advantage of my free time to do some more reading,” Zhongli answers. “I have recently been sent a collection of myths from a local scholar that I’ve been asked to review as a favour. The topic is on Rex Lapis and the guardian yakshas, and the scholar had asked for my input on the matter.”

“Zhongli, that’s…more work. That’s hardly what one would consider a vacation,” Childe groans, which is ironic given Childe’s workaholic tendency. “If you’re going to be helping the scholar to such lengths, why don’t you write your own books on the divine? Your reputation alone will garner quite a large number of readers.”

Hmmm. How does he explain his hesitancy to Childe? “It isn’t so much as the number of readers that I am concerned with though I take your point about writing my own material. I suppose I’ve always felt that I was more suited to be an observer of the way Rex Lapis and the Adepti’s legacies are portrayed.”

As Rex Lapis, he understands his duty as protecting the mortals and ensuring that they thrive. How they judge and remember his legacy are not something he wishes to intrude. He hopes that his actions will speak for themselves and that history will remember his dedication to his duty.

Childe clearly does not have much faith in his fellow mortals.

“But people are frequently wrong,” he points out bluntly. “And more often than not, kinda stupid, so if you have the knowledge and the expertise, why not add to the pool of knowledge? Whatever you are contributing would be a lot more useful than what’s already out there.”

Zhongli laughs, flattered. “Thank you for thinking so highly of me, though I suspect I would not have much to contribute regarding the great stories of battles. Those have already been told and retold thousands of times. The only unique observations I would provide are mundane tales about the Adepti’s day-to-day lives. My personal interest has always led me to learn more about these bits of frivolous trivia, and I am not entirely sure how much use that information is or how entertaining people would find it.”

Though the arduous battles have their historic importance, to Rex Lapis, the memories that shine the brightest are the quiet moments that often go unrecorded – the osmanthus wine shared between the original seven archons, the peaceful moment spent beside Guizhong as she taught him to understand the ways of the heart, and the serene moments at Jueyan Karst as he and his disciples spoke about everything and nothing, all the while watching Liyue Harbour grow into the jewel it is today. What sort of use would the mortals have of these moments?

“I liked the stories you told me about the way the Adepti would squabble!” Childe insists. “If I like it, I bet there are more who share my opinion.

“But beyond that,” he continues, his gaze turned towards the ocean and his voice soft, “I think it’s important to tell these tales because it reminds people of who these gods were when they were alive: as actual beings who experienced the same gamut of emotions as people do – happiness, sadness, fear, disappointment, excitement. It’s nice to know that although we may never truly know these beings, by viewing this tiny snapshot of their lives, we are able to understand for a brief moment who they are beyond their mantles of responsibilities. It’s…comforting, I suppose, to have this opportunity to relate to these great divine protectors.”

To…relate to the gods? Do people draw importance and comfort from that?

The idea is a novel one for Zhongli.

There’s also the ability to share these stories so publicly, to share these stories about who the gods were beyond what history remembers based on their duties, to share personal stories about the gods whom Rex Lapis knew as close friends, that idea, that suggestion –

Zhongli doesn’t know why but the thought stirs up a deep well of emotion in him, one that feels like all this pent-up pressure built up from several millennia of duty finally having an outlet. As Rex Lapis, he’s always understood that part of his duty is to watch and remember, to be the steward of his comrade’s memories even if their existence has long been forgotten by everyone alive. Let him be the only one to carry the burden, was what he had assumed came with his territory of being Archon.

To write out these stories and commemorate his fallen comrades in such a manner, it would mean that he doesn’t have to be the only guardian of their precious memories, that he wouldn’t be the only one to remember Guizhong’s gentle smile but wicked sense of humour, or Azhdaha’s bumbling kindness long before corruption had set in. It would mean that in some manner, they would continue to live even when he departs from this world, and they would continue to live on long after that.

It hits him belatedly what this feeling is – a sense of deep-seated relief. Zhongli feels relieved that this task of remembering will no longer fall on him.

Childe’s wry chuckles interrupt his musings, “Or maybe I’m just naturally nosy. Ah, don’t mind me, Zhongli. I’m rambling. I suppose the idea of remembering someone after they are gone is still a bit of a sore spot for me.”

“No, no, I…hadn’t thought of it like that before,” Zhongli admits. “What you said is important. I will endeavour to start recording those stories about the Adepti.”

“And about Rex Lapis too! It’s important for the people of Liyue to know what their Archon is like, so if you have any stories, you should share those!”

Such enthusiasm. This young man never ceases to bring warmth to Zhongli’s heart. “…Why do I think that this is some sort of ploy for you to come up with more embarrassing questions to ask the Geo Archon?” he jokes.

He is not fooled by the innocent smile Childe fires back. “I mean, if the opportunity presents itself, I’m not going to refuse it!”

Hmm, of course, he wouldn’t. Zhongli wouldn’t expect anything less though it does beg the question, “Joking aside, if you have the chance to speak to the Geo Archon now, what would you say?”

Childe’s answer comes surprisingly swiftly. “Simple!” he beams, and under the moonlight, he continues to sparkle from the gold in his hair and the gold in his clothes. It makes for a mesmerizing image. “I will tell him that he’s worked very hard for the last 6000 years and the fruits of his efforts can be seen throughout the land, that the only reason the people of Liyue, including visiting diplomats, are leading such peaceful lives here is because of him. So, I want to tell him thanks. Thank you for all the hard work, for persisting through all these years despite challenges and setbacks, and for not giving up on humanity. And above all else, I most sincerely hope he will get to relax and enjoy the festivities because if there is anyone who deserves a vacation, it’s him.”

O – oh.

Zhongli feels his breath stutter. He knows he’s gone still as he processes those words and what they mean.

‘Thank you for all the hard work.’ It is a phrase he has heard from his worshippers and from his Adepti time and time again. As Rex Lapis, he had always brushed it aside, thinking it was just something they say out of respect and acknowledgement of his position as the Prime Adepti and their Archon. But to receive these same words in such an honest and heartfelt manner from a diplomat outside of his protection, from a foreigner who despite his allegiance to his own Archon, still makes the effort to say thank you to Rex Lapis, that hits differently. On top of that, Childe had wished for Rex Lapis to enjoy the festivities because he deserves a vacation, which is completely novel. Who has ever told him, Rex Lapis, to go on vacation because he deserves it? Who has said this to him using well-meaning words that come from a place filled with nothing but good intentions.

Zhongli is left a bit gobsmacked in that moment, and he remains that way even as the fireworks go off in the sky. All he can do is watch the way a happy smile blooms across Childe’s face as the beautiful colours dance across his skin.

This little mortal has shown that he cares for Rex Lapis beyond his duties as a god but in hindsight, how is that a surprise? What makes all of his offerings so delicious were his strong, heartfelt sentiments for Rex Lapis to simply enjoy them rather than his own desires for protection against the Abyss. Childe has shown time and again that he cares.

‘Thank you for all the hard work,’ the words continue to ring out in his heart, ‘I most sincerely hope he will get to relax and enjoy the festivities…’

Zhongli’s heart does a funny flip. Confused, he places a careful hand over his chest.

What – ?

He snaps out of his daze when Childe leans over to him to whisper, low and sweet, “Happy Rites Festival, Zhongli.”

Another funny flip.

“I – thank you, Childe,” he manages to return, “And you as well. Happy Rites Festival.”

The feeling in his heart persists long after the fireworks show ends.

Chapter Text

Part XVI. Ajax and Xiao Bonding Hour 3 – Tokyo Drift

It’s been months since Ajax last spoke with Xiao and the other looks as grumpy as ever. Grumpier even, going by the fierce scowl he’s wearing.

“You were careless,” Xiao says, his tone curt. He channels the same snippety energy a disapproving, judgmental aunt would during Sunday brunch. “You were making such a novice mistake, too. Who just puts away their weapon without checking their surroundings right after a battle? Is this the sort of tactics the Fatui taught you?”

Ajax misses the edgy little bastard. “Xiao!” he says again. His cheeriness only makes the other grimace, which just tickles Ajax. “What are you doing out here? I didn’t think you ventured outside of Guili Plains.”

Xiao dismisses his spear with a wave of his hand and a soft, ‘Hmph’. “I tend to monitor for monster activity around Liyue Harbour during the Rite of Descension to ensure that Lord Lapis and the festivities celebrated in his honour would not be disturbed.” His gaze narrows on Ajax, “What are you doing out here?”

The high of seeing Xiao again plummets. Shit, he can’t tell Xiao he’s here to snoop around Osial’s resting place to figure out how to release the evil god on Liyue. That’s a one stop shop at getting his ass kicked by the Adepti. Also, Ajax went to great lengths to avoid the Qixing’s sight. Will running into Xiao ruin everything?

If Xiao snitches on him to the Qixing, then yes.

Keyword being if.

Perhaps he can discreetly probe for more information. He’ll also need an appropriate excuse for Xiao, and he thinks he knows how to get around this situation by killing two birds with one stone.

Ajax slaps on a look of understanding and nods. “Ah, so you’re sent out here by the Qixing? Right, right. That makes sense. As for why I’m here, I wanted to go fight some monsters undisturbed!”

Then, he slumps a little, sticks out his bottom lips, and puts on his whiniest voice – the same voice coupled with the same excuse he had used on Ekaterina, in fact. “I’m borrrreed. There are no monsters out in the wilderness because they’ve all been chased away by the Millelith for the picnic goers! Do you know how hard it is to finally find a place nearby where I can have my first proper exercise in days?”

But Xiao’s suspicious glare only lets up a tiny bit. “That does not explain why you foolishly decided to trek out here in the cover of darkness.”

“The challenge,” comes Ajax’s answer.

“The challenge,” Xiao intones.

“Yup, the challenge, as in fighting in the dark,” Ajax punctuates his answer with a nod. “I need to make up for all the days of practice I missed out, so I’m upping my training difficulty with this added challenge. It’s also more fun that way, wouldn’t you say?”

Xiao’s silent glare lasts for a few more seconds and throughout that time. Finally, after a small eternity, Xiao looks away with a dismissive sniff.

“Figures,” he mutters, “all you ever have in your mind is fighting.” He shakes his head and adds, his voice louder. “I am not sent here by the Qixing. I do not tangle myself with mortal affairs. I am doing this only for Lord Lapis. As for your foolhardy plan for an exercise, the Guyun Stone Forest is not your playground. It is a place filled with the lingering resentful energy of gods sealed by the great Prime Adepti. Leave before you get yourself hurt.”

“Awww, but I just got here and that was my first fight!” Ajax wheedles, finally relaxing now that he knows he’s in the clear. “I was going to stay here overnight! I even packed camping gear and a musical instrument!” He recently got a ukulele shipped over from Fontaine and had figured that tonight is as good as any to show it off to Zhongli through his prayer. Besides, he doesn’t want to unnecessarily worry Zhongli by breaking his pattern and skipping a night of offerings.

Xiao splutters. “You-! What part of this place is filled with lingering resentful energy do you not understand? Do you want a repeat of what happened to you in Wangshu Inn?”

“That’s what the music is for!” Ajax shoots back. “I was going to play music for Morax so that should keep the effects of the Abyss energy away! I can play you something as well if you’re so worried about my safety! Wh – why are you looking at me like that? If you don’t like the idea of me playing music for you, you can just tell me! No need to try to murder me with your glare!”

“It is not your offer of terrible music that offends me,” Xiao hisses, sounding very much offended by Ajax’s offer of music. “It is the fact that you are planning to offer your terrible music to Lord Lapis that is unconscionable. How dare you insult him so?”

“Excuse you, I’ve been offering him music on a daily basis for months now and clearly I haven’t been struck down by some kind of divine retribution so he must like my songs. You should be careful on who you’re criticizing here! By calling my music terrible, you’re just calling your precious Lord Lapis’ musical tastes terrib – Xiao, what are you doi – put down that spear, I’m only jok – Xiao!”

They settle down eventually, probably when Xiao has deemed that he has chased Ajax around the (surprisingly small) island enough for the lesson to sink in. Ajax sits down onto a piece of log to catch his breath, glaring at the Adeptus who does not look winded whatsoever.

“Mean!” he accuses. “What happened to safeguarding the peace of the Rites so that nothing can disturb Rex Lapis’ celebration? Murdering a foreign diplomat would cause plenty of disturbance!”

“You wanted some exercise, I gave you your exercise,” Xiao deadpans. “Now will you leave?”

Ajax crosses his arms. “No. I came here for two days of monster fighting and I won’t leave until I get two days of monster fighting!”

Xiao rolls his eyes. “For crying out loud, it is as if I am speaking to a child.”

But Ajax brushes aside the expected grumbling. He jumps to his feet, brushes the sand off his clothes and treks back to the waverider with determination in his steps.

Behind him, Xiao sighs. “What are you doing now?”

“I’m going to grab my pack so that I can go explore the other islands for monsters! I thought I saw a shallow sand bank connecting this island to the next. You don’t have to follow me if you find it so troublesome, you know.” Honestly, it’s better if Xiao doesn’t tag along. He can finally drop this act and find Osial’s resting place for real.

Unfortunately, he has no such luck. “And risk you, a foreign diplomat, dying on our shores during the Rites? No, it is best if I escort you around these parts since you insist on being stupid.”

According to Xiao, the islands are largely connected and walkable, making traversing across Guyun Stone Forest a tad easier than anticipated. The islands are largely made up of serrated, rugged cliffs jutting dramatically out of the ocean, remnants of the stone lances which Rex Lapis had hurled down from the heavens. Though they were subjected to thousands of years of erosion, the cliffs continue to stand tall as memorials of a brutal age long passed.

As majestic as they are, Ajax wishes that they wouldn’t be so damned tall as he finally, finally reaches the top of a cliff after spending the last hour scaling up the side. The moment he scrambles to even ground, he rolls to his back and lets his limbs sprawl over the soft grass, huffing and puffing for breath.

Xiao, who’s made his way to the top a good half hour before him, merely arches a brow. “You can return home any time, you know. Doesn’t a soft, warm bed sound particularly inviting right now?”

“And miss experiencing the great outdoors? Never!”

Xiao scoffs. He’s been doing plenty of that. “Be that as it may, we have fought our way through half the islands. How long do you wish to continue this foolish endeavour before turning in for the night?”

“What? I’m doing just fine! I can keep going –”

A loud gurgle interrupts Ajax’s stream of protests. Xiao crosses his arms and gives Ajax a look.

“Ah, haha,” he laughs awkwardly, “…I suppose this is as good of a time as any to set up camp.”

Although Ajax himself has little to no outdoor camping experience, his body seems to know the motions for pitching the tent, tying the appropriate knots, and driving the stakes down to keep the whole structure from collapsing in on itself. Ajax also lets his instincts guide him on digging out a fire pit and setting up the kindling and logs to best build a blazing fire. Before he knows it, he’s got a cozy spot set up with a merry fire going, the comfortable warmth pushing away the stinging chill from the crisp, night air.

“Are you okay with soup?” Ajax asks Xiao, who’s taken a seat on a nearby log to watch him unpack his cooking utensils and ingredients. “It’s nothing fancy, but I can make it vegetarian if that’s your preference.”

“Save the food for yourself. The Adepti do not require mortal sustenance.”

“Wait, seriously?” Ajax stops, midway through pulling out the jueyun chili from his pack. “Then what’s with all the Almond Tofu? I’ve seen you pack a dozen of those down easily!”

Xiao snorts. “Just because I do not require sustenance does not mean I am incapable of eating or enjoying certain food. I eat Almond Tofu because the texture and taste are pleasing to me.”

Huh. “Fair enough. I don’t think I can recreate Almond Tofu with what I have in my pack, but I can probably make something out of slime condensate and mist flower corolla.”

Xiao looks pensive for a split second before grumbling out, his tone softer than before, “You need not trouble yourself.”

Ah. So the yaksha is interested. “I don’t mind,” Ajax insists. “It beats having to eat alone.”

“Hmm, do as you please then.”

Coming from Xiao, that’s practically an enthusiastic endorsement. Ajax grins and gets to work.

His mastery in his cooking skills is paying dividends. Even with the limited ingredients at hand, Ajax manages to whip up a flavourful bowl of chicken and vegetable soup for himself, and a cream and berry-flavoured custard dessert for Xiao. At some point during his cooking, Xiao had moved closer to observe what he’s doing, not unlike a curious, but still aloof, cat. He goes so far as to ask questions on the specific steps he’s doing.

“I’m trying to get the custard to set by cooling it,” Ajax explains as he carefully places the bowl of liquid dessert into another bowl filled with shallow water made ice cold by bits of mist flower corolla. “Normally, I would leave this in an ice box for a few hours, but this arrangement should do the trick!”

“And what is it you’re doing now?” Xiao asks, watching Ajax pluck a few mint leaves from the sprig and grab a small fistful of berries.

“Garnishing! It’s not enough for a dish to only taste good but it also has to be visually pleasing as well, you know!” Ajax gives the dessert a last bit of finishing touches, carefully lining the last of his berries in a neat circle around the gelatin mound. Too bad he doesn’t have any powdered sugar on hand to sprinkle over top, but for something he made on the fly, it’s looking pretty good! “And here you go, one miscellaneous fruit custard dessert for you. Please enjoy the meal!”

Xiao takes the bowl and the spoon Ajax hands him with a curious little, “thank you.” He dips his spoon into the dish, scoops up a spoonful and pops it in his mouth.

And chews, perfectly quiet.

The silence is killing Ajax a little. “Well? Thoughts? Good? Bad? Solidly mediocre? If the recipe is any good, I might consider improving on it!”

Xiao makes a humming noise and swallows. “I still prefer Almond Tofu’s texture, but this is…fine.”

Despite the muted response, the System shines a helpful light on what Xiao’s really thinking when it chimes out, not a moment too soon: “Update! Relationship status with Xiao, F point: +5. Charisma +2.”

Ajax bites back his smile. Ah, so Xiao thinks the flavour is good. That makes tweaking the recipe a lot easier for Ajax; he’ll only need to focus on making the dessert with a more solid, gelatin-like consistency. With a bit of luck, he might be able to get Xiao to be a guinea pig and taste test the next time he’s forced on vacation to Wangshu Inn.

They finish their meal in relative silence, surrounded by the sounds of waves crashing along the shores with a canopy of silver shining stars above them. The peace does not remain long, not when Ajax pulls his ukulele from his pack, brandishing towards Xiao with a gleeful waggle of his brows.

“Oh, Archons, not this again,” Xiao groans with audible pain. “For once, can we opt for a quiet evening devoid of your shenanigans?”

“Nonsense, you enjoy my shenanigans,” Ajax answers, strumming lightly at the strings. They’re out in the beach where it’s nice and warm. ‘Girl from Ipanema’ comes to mind almost immediately and his fingers fly to the notes. “Now hush and enjoy my soothing music.”

Xiao does the opposite of hushing. “Why – what is this cheerful song? This site is one filled with great battles and we are literally camping on the graveyard of gods sealed away by Lord Lapis! Do you possess no sense of decorum?”

“What better way to honour Rex Lapis’ victory with some light music? Who wants to celebrate to something somber and grim?” Besides, though the melody sounds cheerful and chill, Ajax thinks he remembers the lyrics being a sad love song soooo technically it's fitting? Maybe? Eh.

“What would you know about honour? All I can sense from you is shameless mischief.”

“So mean! And here I am providing you with free entertainment! Fine, if you have so much to complain about, then what do you suggest I should play?”

“Nothing,” Xiao retorts. “But since you’re going to ignore my suggestion anyway, anything else but whatever it is you’re playing just now.” Then, having apparently realized the gaping loophole he’s left open, he adds hastily, “or any of the ridiculous songs you’ve played me the last time we met, especially that song about the stars.”

It takes a few seconds for Ajax to understand just which song Xiao is referring to, but when he does, he grins a massive shit-eating grin. “I’ll have you know that my people really enjoy ‘Dynamite’. It is, what we call back at home, ‘a real bop'.”

The look Xiao gives him is full of disbelief, which would’ve been hurtful had he not been giving similar looks to Ajax the entire time since they’ve met. “That cannot possibly be a real saying. You are lying to me.”

“It is too! For songs that are catchy, we also say that they ‘slap’. For songs that particularly jive with you, we call those songs, ‘your jam’.”

”Wh - what does a song preference have to do with condiments? Your ridiculous vernacular knows no bound.”

Finally, feeling sufficiently sorry for Xiao and his growing confusion, Ajax switches to songs he thinks are more “appropriate”. He carries on for a little while until he feels warmed up to make his offering to Zhongli.

And when he tells Xiao that that’s what he’s doing next, hoo boy, Ajax doesn’t think he’s ever seen Xiao give him such a stink eye.

“If you disrespect Lord Lapis, I will stab you,” comes Xiao’s very real threat.

“If I disrespect your Lord Lapis, he will probably stab me himself,” Ajax points out. He gestures to their surroundings, particularly to the large rock spear out on the horizon. “Something tells me that he doesn’t exactly answer well to being disrespected.”

“Hmph!”

On the menu for this evening is a classic: Moon River, accompanied by vocals, which is a first of its kind in terms of offerings to Zhongli. He’s never sang before to the Geo Archon, so he’s making this vocal performance extra special by giving it his all. At least Xiao does not object; the ferocious glare slowly lets up as Ajax carries on strumming the soft melody.

But then, a look of surprise flashes across his face and in the next second, Xiao sits up with his knees together, shoulders pulled back, and his back ramrod straight, like a student jolting to attention when a teacher walks into the room.

Stranger still, the longer Ajax plays, the odder Xiao acts. The Yaksha’s eyes keep flitting between him and something behind him, which is ridiculous since Ajax is certain that there’s nothing there aside from more rocks and a few bushes. Then, something like dawning realization blooms across the Adeptus' face – his brow rises as his eyes go wide, his lips part into an ‘o’, and red begins to bleed across his cheeks, painting the pale skin in a wash of pink. It’s the damndest thing, it’s almost like Xiao is experiencing something embarrassing.

Or mortifying, going by how red Xiao’s cheeks are starting to glow.

Ajax throws a quick glance behind him. As expected, nothing.

Weird. Honestly, who gets mortified over Moon River?

He decides to ignore the yaksha and wrap up his song. And talk about insult to injury, that performance nets him +10 R points from Xiao, which is just mean and uncalled for.

At least Zhongli likes his performance just fine. The notification for +20 L points tastes particularly sweet and more than makes up for Xiao’s negativity.

The rest of the evening is rather uneventful and surprisingly peaceful. Ajax busts out more snacks and continues to strum lightly at his ukulele, choosing songs that are ‘inoffensive’. It all feels a bit too peaceful because Ajax finds himself commenting out loud: “For a graveyard, this place looks pretty…devoid of anything except for a few monsters. It sure doesn’t look like any great battle has taken place.”

Xiao, who’s still acting a bit stiff, crosses his arms over his chest and frowns. “Do not be fooled by the veneer of peace. During the Archon Wars, many evil gods roamed the land, each seeking to conquer more of Liyue so that they may win themselves a seat as one of the Seven. Many have attempted to challenge Lord Lapis for dominion over Liyue Harbour and its surrounding territories. Lord Lapis had never failed to put them in their place by sealing them into the ocean floor. These cliffs you see around you, including the one we’re on, were stone spears Lord Lapis had cast with his two hands, under which you will find countless evil gods laying in slumber, sealed by Lord Lapis’ might.”

“So…Rex Lapis only sealed away these gods after defeating them?” This story checks out with his Main Mission of ‘releasing Osial from its watery prison’, implying that Osial is not dead, merely incapacitated. But the question begs to be asked, “Why didn’t Rex Lapis straight up kill the evil gods instead?”

“Killing any god is dangerous,” Xiao answers, voice low. The orange glow of the flickering flames from the camp fire cast shadows across his face, making his expression more grave and sombre than usual. “A deity carries with them great power that upon death will release like a tidal wave. Anything and anyone caught within the radius of the blast zone would be destroyed instantly. Liyue would have been a wasteland had Lord Lapis annihilated every single one of his enemies.”

Ajax feels his breath catch in his throat.

This…wasn’t in anything he’s read in his research material on Osial, but it does make a twisted sort of sense. According to the first law of thermodynamics, energy cannot be created nor destroyed, merely transferred or transformed, so all that built up divine energy in a deity would have to go somewhere. Looks like some modern-day science has made its way into this world as well, even if it’s in the form of gods being literal walking, talking time-bombs.

“But wouldn’t keeping them sealed be problematic as well? Not only is it creating an area with a lot of resentful energy and monsters, but the threat of those evil gods remains. Seems to me like it’s only serving as a temporary solution that involves non-stop clean-up work.”

Xiao surprisingly responds to Ajax’s critique of his Archon’s actions with a quiet nod of acknowledgement, probably because he’s the one having to do clean-up. “What you have noticed is true, but there is a reason why Lord Lapis chose to seal those gods at the bottom of the ocean. The salt water and the constant ebb and flow of the tides serve to both purify and dilute the powers from those sealed gods, slowly sapping away at their strength until none is left. Most of the weaker gods have already perished in this fashion after facing over 2000 years of imprisonment, and the stronger gods who remain have had their strength reduced. As such, the lingering threat has been greatly diminished as well.”

It doesn’t take a great leap of logic to safely assume that Osial, going by his strength, is likely going to be the last god standing. His name is the only one that gets mentioned in all of the research associated with Guyun Stone Forest whereas all the other gods have all been forgotten through time, probably because they were a dime a dozen and possessed none of the strength as the great Osial.

“How do you know which ones are still, you know, lingering?” Ajax prods. “How can people know when they can finally let their guard down around these parts?”

“The trapped gods are the ones releasing the resentment energy which attracts the monsters, and it goes without saying that the stronger the god, the stronger the resentment energy released. When monsters cease to appear in certain areas in droves, that is an indication that the strength of the god buried nearby have all but faded into the ocean.”

“I guess in the meantime, there’s not much anyone can do but to wait until the threat disappears.”

“Hm. Indeed.”

Ajax nods and goes back to quietly strumming the strings of his ukelele. Mentally, however, he is processing everything he’s learned with furious speed.

The higher the density of monsters in an area, the stronger the god who’s buried around there.

Finding Osial’s prison suddenly became a lot less tricky.

They set off bright and early the next morning with Xiao taking the lead. Under the warm light of the rising sun, the cliffs and beaches of Guyun Stone Forest seem softer, more peaceful from the night before. Likewise, the monsters on the next island they ventured into seem calmer, more often than not sitting around, relaxing and minding their own business until Ajax gets a tad too close to their camps.

The monster’s population also seems…surprisingly sparse, allowing plenty of time for Ajax to rest between exploring every nook and cranny of the islands.

That’s all well and good, but knowing what he knows now, the lack of monsters is proof that Osial’s prison is clearly (frustratingly) further away, and yeah. That’s the opposite of what Ajax is looking for. Something needs to be changed, stat.

“I can see the way you are shifting around full of nervous energy. Whatever it is that you are plotting, stop it,” comes Xiao’s unwarranted judgment as they sit down on the soft sandy beach for a quick snack and water break. “Better yet, now that you’ve spent the night here and gotten some fighting done, wouldn’t you say it’s high time for you to go back home?”

“I didn’t even do that much fighting this morning! Even my usual workouts get my blood pumping more than the easy mobs we’ve encountered.” Ajax crosses his arms over his chest and pouts. “I will leave only after I’ve gotten a proper challenge. No pain, no gain, Xiao!”

Xiao clearly does not care from the way he rolls his eyes. “I will remind you again since you seem to possess the memory of a goldfish: I am here to prevent disruptions to Lord Lapis’ celebrations, which includes preventing your death. I will not take you to anywhere where there is a risk of that happening.”

 “Wait, wait,” Ajax gapes at the other as a literal light bulb goes off in his head, “are you saying that all this time, you’ve been deliberately leading me away from the more dangerous parts of Guyun Stone Forest? That’s – that - !”

That’s actually quite clever but like hell Ajax is admitting that.

Xiao arches a brow, waiting for his outraged spluttering to finish but does nothing to deny Ajax’s accusation. “Yes?”

“That’s demeaning!” Ajax manages to retort. “I can take care of myself just fine you know!”

“The first time I met you, you were nearly cleaved in half by a Mitachurl. The second time I ran into you, you were nearly struck in the eye by an arrow because you had foolishly dismissed your weapons the instant you deemed the battle was over.”

...He’s not wrong. Blunt to the point of being brutal, but not wrong. “Those were nothing but unfortunate coincidences! Two slip-ups amongst the thousands upon thousands of battles fought!”

“Something tells me that you’ve had more than just the two slip-ups given your imbecilic mantra of ‘no pain, no gain’,” Xiao observes, and ouch. Xiao really isn’t pulling his punches, is he? “In any event, I will not put you into danger, especially not when Lord Lapis – when you clearly have Lord Lapis’ – urgh,” he grimaces hard as if tasting something foul and shakes his head vigorously. “Nevermind. I have promised to keep your fool head safe and I shall honour my promise.”

Ajax is tempted to ask Xiao just what he means. He has Lord Lapis’ what exactly? His friendship? His favour?

Whatever it is, that’s not important to this conversation. What’s important is figuring out a way to counter Xiao’s unreasonable hyper-fixation on his safety.

“How about this?” he tries, “I just want one good fight at the location with the most monsters. Just one. I want to see whether or not I can take them on. After that, I promise to leave straight away. You can even escort me back to my waverider.” When Xiao remains unmoved, Ajax’s tone turns pleading. “Oh, c’mon! Work with me here! It’ll only be one battle only! Since you’ll be there with me, the risk of me getting into serious trouble is minimal. If at any time you think the battle is getting to be too much, you can order a retreat and I will honour it.”

The stare Xiao gives him is long and full of judgment, but after a small while, the Adeptus huffs out a long sigh. “Celestia forbid if you don’t have your battle, I will never hear the end of it. Worse still, you will probably sneak off and fight on your own to satiate your stupidity. Fine. I accept your proposal. I will take you to a location where you can participate in one sufficiently challenging battle with my support. Once we’re done, you are leaving and you will do so peacefully and quietly.”

Ajax perks right up. “Yup, yup. Peacefully and quietly, got it.”

He has the good sense to wait until Xiao has fully turned around before he throws a fist pump in the air.

They hustle southbound, and with each island they pass by, the landscape grows more and more dramatic as the land fills with even more jagged stone spikes jutting out from the ground like quills on a porcupine. Although the sun continues to shine brightly in the clear blue sky, there seems to be an electric pressure building in the air, one that reminds Childe of a thunderstorm gathering in the horizon amongst dark churning clouds. The feeling is so powerful and ubiquitous that it sets goosebumps running across his skin and makes the hair on his arms rise. He can taste metal in the back of his mouth, oddly cloying, nauseating and thick like blood, and can practically feel the miasma of resentful energy pressing against him from all sides, slowly squeezing the air out of his lungs with every step forward.

Ajax shivers, absentmindedly rubbing his arms in the vain hope of alleviating the uncomfortable sensation. It’s also deathly quiet around him, completely devoid of the calls of seabirds or sounds of animals rustling in the grass. This is the first time since Ajax has stepped foot in Guyun Stone Forest where it feels like he’s entered an actual graveyard.

“We are approaching dangerous territory,” Xiao murmurs from his spot a few steps ahead, “stay close to me and do not go wandering off.”

No need to tell Ajax twice. “The difference between here and where we just were an hour ago feels like night and day.”

“It’s caused by an old enemy of Lord Lapis,” Xiao answers, “a very powerful one that had once claimed dominion over the sea. He had control of the waves and vortexes, and had threatened to drown Liyue Harbour under the ocean waves in his feud against Lord Lapis. He was almost successful in his endeavour before Lord Lapis was able to vanquish him. It…is best that we do not speak of his name so close to where he rests. We do not want to risk drawing his attention.”

But Ajax knows just who he’s talking about and he swallows the lump in his throat.

Osial’s resting place is nearby.

“H – how close are we to where he is resting?”

Xiao pauses and glances back. “Close enough.”

Although his tone is neutral, Ajax catches the way his eyes flicker, for just a split second, to the ground beneath their feet. Had he not been watching Xiao carefully, he would’ve have missed it.

Fuck. Osial is right there. The calamity of the legends who was Morax’s greatest foe. The terror whose name was still being whispered today in fear some two thousand years after his defeat. He is trapped right beneath their feet.

The monster who puts out so much resentful energy that Ajax feels physically ill, and that’s even after two thousand years of imprisonment. If this monster is released – if he is let loose to roam and destroy –

The gravity of his situation hits Ajax then like a sledgehammer to the chest. This…is an evil god with unfathomable power that he had used to level cities and kill millions without batting an eye. Whole towns and cities had been drowned by his terrible waves and vortexes, and no other god had been able to stop him except for one. From all the texts Ajax had read, it had taken Morax seven days and seven nights of non-stop fighting before Osial was finally worn down enough to be imprisoned, and Ajax is standing upon the site of where this calamity was trapped. Worse of all, Ajax’s objective is to undo all of Morax’s effort by releasing this monster where it would no doubt destroy Liyue Harbour.

Liyue Harbour: a city he’s come to love.

Fuck.

Ajax grimaces. This is not the first time that he recognized how fucked up his main missions are but he’s been able to smother the guilt with the desperate need to perform his duty to save his own skin.

Except, this is Liyue Harbour. It’s a place of warmth and comfort, and he loves everything about it – the colours, the rich history, the culture, and the people. He knows the merchants who will pretend to give him a hard time whenever he attempts to bargain, and the restaurant owners who have warmed up to him to the point where Chef Mao will try to stuff him with free baos since he’s “too skinny”. There’s Miss Li and everyone who helped him finesse various recipes, and the grandmothers with whom he likes to gossip every Sunday morning. There are also his own people living in the city – the recruits and his colleagues at the bank, Andrei, Ekaterina, Felix, Nadia, Vlad – although the latter four are La Signora’s spies, he’s grown to really like them, too. They’ve all become a far cry from the nameless, faceless characters he so desperately wants to paint them all as.

Liyue Harbour feels more like a home to him than the dingy apartment he had died in, or the house he was kicked out of shortly before starting college.

And the System is ordering him to destroy it with his own two hands, or at the very least, to wreak havoc on it, assuming that the Main Character can stop Osial from completely drowning the city and everyone living in it. That assumption requires putting a lot of faith in the ability of one person whom Ajax hasn’t even met and vetted yet.

But – but Zhongli has to have a contingency plan in place in case the Main Character fails. He has to. If Ajax remembers his events from the original game correctly, Zhongli wouldn’t be surrendering his Gnosis until after Liyue passes the test so the city isn’t left completely defenceless without their god. But at what point would Zhongli step in? How much destruction to Liyue would it take for Lord Lapis to deem the test a failure? Would it require 30% of Liyue to be destroyed first? 50%? 90%?

Fuck. This whole thing is such a terrible, terrible idea. Even if it’s 1% of the city that is destroyed, that’s 1% too many. Ajax doesn’t want to – he doesn’t want to actually kill people.

Hey, System, he thinks – no, pleads, I – is there really no way to work around the Main Missions? Can I just take the penalty if it means Liyue is spared?

The System’s answering ping sounds out immediately. For what it’s worth, it sounds almost apologetic. “Failure to complete all three of the Main Missions will result in a deduction of 1 million SP.”

Ajax trips in his step, causing him to stumble. One million SP?!

What the actual fuck, System?! He’s only got 500 SP! It would take him multiple lifetimes to earn that much SP points!

“…Are you alright? What’s the matter?”

Xiao’s voice jerks his attention back to the present, and it takes him a couple more seconds to register that while he’s been lost in his own thoughts, he’s been dragging his feet behind Xiao with his lips twisted into a ferocious frown. Apparently, the severe expression is out of character enough for Xiao to say something.

“I – uh, yeah, sorry. Just feeling real uneasy,” Ajax stammers. “I should be fine – we should – uh.”

Fuck. He can’t do this. Whatever excitement he’s got exploring Guyun Stone Forest has vanished like the wind, leaving behind a building sense of dread and bitterness so dense that it sinks to the pit of his stomach like a rock.

One million SP.

One million SP.

What a sick, fucking joke. He’d laugh if he isn’t so – so –

Anger, bright and violent lashes through his body, sending heat coursing through his veins until he feels uncomfortably flushed. Following tight on its heel is the twin acrid sensations of indignation and injustice, served on a plate of pure, unadulterated stubborn refusal to accept that this is truly the shitty hand that’s dealt to him.

No, just not. This is –

Complete and utter bullshit! he spits out at System. What you’re telling me is that those are my only options? I get to either do the missions or die?

The System remains silent in the face of his rage.

You know, if you’re going to fuck me over like this, why even bring me to this world?

More silence.

Oh, you can take those options and shove it right up your sanctimonious –

“Would you like to sit down?”

Fuck. Xiao is still here. “N – no. I just – I need a second, sorry. I’m –” Ajax runs a palm across his face and bites down the urge to pitch a fit right then and there. Deep breaths. In and out. In and out.

He needs to go. He needs to sit down and think and rage in the silence of his apartment. After that, he needs to get his shit together and think of a way to unfuck himself from this situation because he is not okay with any of this.

“Right. I – I’m done,” he says after taking a few tense seconds to collect himself and even his breathing. “I don’t think I can do this. Not right now. Sorry for making you take me all this way out here and for wasting your time.”

His misery and agitation are probably more than apparent because something in Xiao’s eyes goes soft with understanding. “No, I should have been able to predict what this negative energy would do to you and warn you adequately. The resentful miasma is particularly strong around this region, and with the abyssal energy you carry, it must feel doubly unsettling. I can escort you to the nearest Statue of the Geo Archon where you may rest and recover.”

The only place he wants to go to is his home. “No, no, it’s fine. I’m fine. I think I just need to get away for a bit. I should be fine afterwards.”

Xiao nods, though the frown on his face is not letting up entirely. “Understandable. But despite the unease you are feeling, you can draw comfort in knowing that the god sealed around here cannot escape from his prison. He has been trapped for two thousand years, and he will stay trapped for thousands more. Only the divine powers of Rex Lapis can release him.”

Ajax flashes Xiao a weak smile, more grateful and charmed by the fact that Xiao is trying, in his own way, to comfort him than by the actual information itself. “Yeah. That’s, uh, real nice to know. Thanks, Xiao.”

Xiao’s gaze lingers for a split second more before he nods, slow and tentative. “Hm. Come, let us depart from here. The sooner we leave, the sooner you will recover from the ill-effects of this place.”

As a loyal, dutiful servant of Rex Lapis, Xiao escorts Ajax all the way to the waverider, lingering on the beach even as Ajax clambers onto the vessel and settles himself behind the wheel and controls.

“Will you be alright to transport yourself back to the mainland?”

Another flare of warmth fills his chest, and Ajax finds himself smiling a bit easier this time around. “I should be okay, Xiao. Thanks for bringing me back.”

Xiao dips his head in a nod. “Should you continue to feel the effects of the resentful energy, call my name out loud and I will come to your aid.”

Dutiful to a fault. Ajax’s smile grows.

“I’m sure it won’t come to that, but I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll see you later, Xiao. Stay safe, okay?”

With a soft noise of acknowledgement, the Yaksha disappears in a blink of an eye, all traces of him wiped from the beach as if he was never there to begin with.

Ajax casts one last look at the beach before starting up his waverider and head homebound. Just like his journey from Wanghsu Inn, he feels the weight of eyes on him throughout his trip even after he’s disembarked the boat. The presence lifts only when Ajax finally catches sight of Liyue Harbour looming on the horizon.

Part XVII. The Matrix

The moment Ajax locks the door of his suite behind him., the familiar chiming of the System sounds out in his mind. The notice wipes away whatever minimal cheer he’s earned from Xiao, making his mood turn pitch black once again.

“Status Update: the milestone for MAIN MISSION Objective (2), visit the site Osial was felled, successfully completed. Rewards +5 SP. Bonus achievement: ‘Wrath of the Lock’ obtained for discovering that only Rex Lapis’ divine powers can be used to release Osial. Rewards +5 SP.

“You have learned that Osial can only be released from Rex Lapis’ divine powers. Fortunately, you possess a key which allows you to wield the power of Rex Lapis, even if this power is merely a fraction of the Geo Archon’s strength. Finding a way to amplify this power can be the solution you are looking for. Your next milestone: duplicate the Sigil of Permission and its effects. Rewards: +5 SP. Failure: no advancement in the MAIN MISSION Objective (2). Number of talismans duplicated: 0/100.”

“What, no reminder that if I fail, I die this time?” Ajax snarks out loud as he glares at the text on the blue screen. Duplicate the Sigil of Permission. That must have been how OG Tartaglia had unsealed Osial. This little discovery could not come at a worse moment as it only reminds him of the destruction he’s working towards.

Predictably, he gets no answer. Ajax’s glare hardens.

“You know, I’ve been thinking. You keep telling me to ‘work hard’ and to ‘submerge myself’ into this world, to ‘experience it fully’ and some other bullshit. What’s the point of getting me to do that when you’re going to force me to destroy the place anyway?”

The silence sets Ajax pacing along the length of his living room.

“Why am I forced to play the villain to begin with? Why not bind me to any other character besides Tartaglia? If your intention is to get me to live in this world fully, why not bind me to a character where I can lead a peaceful life, like a random NPC in Qingce Village?”

No, there’s something clearly afoot here, and Ajax is ashamed it’s taken him this long to start asking questions.

“Is the reason why I’m forced to play Tartaglia supposed to be some sort of punishment for my shitty behaviour in my past life? Do I owe some sort of karmic debt that I need to repay? Is that it?” Is all of this some sort of divine punishment for all the fights he had gotten into, all the people he sent to the hospital, all the times his step-father had to bail him out of holding?

But if that’s the case, how is that fair? He may have acted out but it hardly warrants this. He was a dumb kid who was trying to scramble for some form of control after his life had been upended. Just a stupid kid trying to do what he could to live with the fact that his parents had moved on, leaving him behind in the dust.

It’s not like he hadn’t worked hard to get himself on the right track either. It’s not like he hadn’t busted his ass in college between keeping himself afloat and doing well in school, all without the support of his parents. It’s not like he hadn’t tried to be good. It’s not like he isn’t still trying to do good.

Isn’t him dying enough to wipe the slate clean?

Isn’t him passing before he has a chance to do anything – to graduate, to get his career started, to get married, to reconcile with his family – isn’t his suffering and regret enough to give him a fucking pass for once in his shitty life?

At the continuing, lingering silence, Ajax feels the last thread of his composure shatters like glass. “For fuck’s sake!” he snaps towards where the blue screen is still floating in the empty living room while his heart aches, aches and aches, “Would you fucking say something already? Answer me, goddamnit!”

His voice echoes in the empty suite, quickly dissipating until thick silence once again permeates the room save for the faint sound of merchants and shoppers outside. In the quiet, Ajax hears all too clearly the harshness of his breaths and the thundering of his heartbeats. He waits for a few seconds.

Nothing.

Ajax sinks down on the couch tossing his hands to the air. Of fucking course. Shame on him for expecting anything other than complete and utter apathy from this shitty, useless, good-for-nothing –

“I apologize for not being able to answer User’s questions.”

Ajax jumps at that notification. Holy fuck. “Wait, what?”

Texts continue to fill the blue screen. “My parameters restrict me from being able to answer User’s questions fully on this topic. However, I can divulge that character roles bound to Users are selected carefully and for a purpose, not as a punishment for perceived misdeeds from previous lives.”

A…purpose?

It takes a few seconds of stunned silence for him to collect his thoughts. Then, the questions start to form at a rapid-fire pace.

“Wait, wait - what kind of purpose are we talking about? Like, to fulfill some sort of charted destiny or something? But if that’s the case, who’d be the one to chart this? It can’t be Hu Tao. Even though she wrote the script to this story, she’s trapped here as a user with me. Does that mean there’s some sort of unknown, higher power in control of everything? Does that mean that you’re just a…a middle-man in all this – like some sort of glorified babysitter?”

“I prefer to use the term handler, but that is, in essence, my purpose,” comes the answer. Ajax gets the impression that it sounds equal parts resigned and miffed. “I also cannot provide further clarification on the Administrators in charge of this operation, nor the purpose User is supposed to play except that User’s actions are not meaningless. All the users brought to this world have been specifically selected to fulfill certain purposes. Us systems can merely guide users to fulfill their functions, we cannot interfere beyond that.”

Administrators? Us systems? Shit, how deep does this rabbit hole go, and does Ajax even want to know? Maybe he should stick to one thing at a time. “How do I know what my purpose is then? And what happens after I served my purpose?”

“To answer your second question first – nothing. Although users have been brought to this world to fulfill certain purposes, once successful, users are freed from the restrictions of their systems and can live their lives however they so choose. As a special thank you, the users would continue to have access to their respective System Shop, Inventory, and Interface. Different points and stats can still be earned, but no penalties would be rewarded by their systems for failure.

“As for your first question, users’ purposes for being brought to this world and for being synced to their specific Characters could be uncovered by completing their respective Missions and Quests. User is, as always, encouraged to submerge themselves in their environment.”

That’s the carrot at the end of the stick: fulfill his missions and he will get answers in addition to earning his freedom to continue living as he pleases. Failure means the end of the road.

Except the perks are just not good enough for Ajax.

“How do you expect me to live a carefree life after the mission, System? What kind of life can I even live by being public enemy number 1?”

There’s a good moment of silence before the notification window updates with more texts. “User is encouraged to fulfill the specific parameters of the MAIN MISSIONS, which are (1) Ensure the Main Character reaches Hero Status of Liyue, (2) Release Osial from its water prison, and (3) Ensure Zhongli (aka Rex Lapis Morax) is freed from the shackles of godhood. User is free to choose how he would like to fulfill those missions, including, hypothetically speaking, performing any sort of mitigating actions in advance of completing the missions or performing certain actions in secrecy.”

Mitigating actions. Such as mitigating the damage he’ll do. And performing actions in secrecy so that he won’t get caught.

Ajax jumps up from his sofa. He needs to talk to Hu Tao, stat.

“Thanks for the, uh, clarification, System!” Calling it advice or tip is probably not a good idea, not when the System made it so clear that it’s technically not supposed to be interfering. “Say, I never thought to ask, but do you prefer to be called System, or would you prefer to be called something else?”

Another minute of silence passes by before he gets a response. “System is an acceptable name though I suppose you may call me AR as an alternative.”

Ajax nods. “AR it is. Very nice to officially meet you.”

Extra: Xiao

Xiao is more than prepared to jump to the aid of the foolish mortal caught in a ferocious battle with the Hilichurls before he registers the familiar red hair and creative use of hydro vision blades.

It’s the annoying Fatui brat, the one Lord Lapis had asked him to watch when he was in Wangshu Inn. Just what is he doing here?

Keeping his presence masked, he watches from the shadow at the way Childe of the Fatui dances around the battlefield, body twisting and ducking from axe swings and fired arrows alike. The young mortal spins on his heels and brings his blades down in an elegant arc, slashing the enemies across the chest with brutal efficiency before dodging away from the bludgeoning strike of a club aimed for his delicate ribs.

Hm, the Cryo Archon’s Lieutenant has improved from the last time Xiao has seen him fight. His movements have gotten more fluid and faster. Impressive.

He furrows his brow in confusion when Childe appears to draw from his hydro vision a great source of elemental energy. It gathers in his palm, energy compacting in on itself into a tight orb as more and more water tendrils wrap around it like a ball yarn. Just what in Teyvat is he planning –

The man chucks the ball into crowd of monsters and the orb detonates.

Xiao bites back a curse and dives for cover, just in time to feel a wave of raw hydro power flood the space he had occupied a second ago. That reckless idiot! Does he have no realization of the sheer amount of power he had released? Is he trying to kill himself in the blast along with his enemies?

“Oh, wow, that’s…wow,” comes the little mortal’s response, surprised by the devastation he wrought and Xiao feels his eye twitch. It appears that Childe really had no idea how much power he had released. The little idiot.

And just when Xiao thinks he cannot be less impressed, the mortal puts away his weapons and saunters to the detonation site without a care in the world. Unsurprisingly, he’s completely caught off guard by the Hilichurl shooter.

Scowling, Xiao vaults over his hiding spot, pulls down his mask, and materializes his spear. Drawing his anemo energy, he flies through the air and strikes the monster in the chest with the force of a speeding bolt.

“Disappear!”

Only when he’s satisfied that the last of the threat has been firmly eliminated does he turn around to scold at the idiot mortal. “Hmph. Look at you. Reduced to just standing around. How absurd.”

Childe does not look at all chagrined. “Xiao!” he cries with a wide, vapid grin. “Boy, am I glad to see you! It’s been far too long!”

It takes everything in Xiao to not roll his eyes.

It takes an even greater effort when he discovers just why the other is sneaking around Guyun Stone Forest in the middle of the night. For a challenge because he’s bored. Of course.

But, to give credit where it’s due, the little mortal does have an abundance of energy to burn. Every encounter with monsters is met with unbridled enthusiasm, every victory with renewed excitement for more bloodshed. Not even the challenge of scaling up tall cliffs is enough to dampen his spirit. Xiao suspects that the young man would keep going unless he puts his foot down and get the other to sleep.

Luckily, Childe agrees easily enough to his proposal for rest, spurred by the apparent gnawing hunger going by the loud rumbles of his stomach (honestly, did the idiot eat properly? If he’s that hungry, why didn’t he stop sooner?)

And then, he decides to ask Xiao if he wants to eat something.

“Save the food for yourself. The Adepti do not require mortal sustenance.” Compared to the mortal who should definitely be eating.

“Wait, seriously?” Childe asks, pausing in his unpacking. “Then what’s with all the Almond Tofu? I’ve seen you pack a dozen of those down easily!”

“Just because I do not require sustenance does not mean I am incapable of eating or enjoying certain food. I eat Almond Tofu because the texture and taste are pleasing to me.”

For some reason, that leads to Childe deciding to make a substitute dessert for him, an impromptu berry custard just because, “it beats having to eat alone.”

Xiao doesn’t think he’ll ever understand mortals.

The end product is a creamy, cold dessert topped with berries and mint leaves. As he digs in with the spoon, the custard comes apart without any resistance, landing in the spoon as a soft lump. Without further ado, he pops the bite into his mouth and –

Oh.

Oh.

Fresh, creamy coldness bursts on his tongue, mixed with the tangy, tart notes from the berries. Under this pleasant mixture of flavours comes the underlying sentiments and desires of the person making the offering.

In this case, they only enhance the sweetness of the dessert because Childe’s sentiments are surprisingly…light. And happy.

Xiao lets the custard dissolve into his mouth, savouring the bite – yes, he can taste the other’s delight in sharing something he’s prepared with his own hands, and underneath that, the genuine joy and pleasure at seeing Xiao again. There’s also a sense of curiosity, nervousness, and a strong drive to explore the islands, all of which matches with what Xiao knows of the Fatui diplomat’s personality, but those are largely smothered by the need to make a perfect dessert customized to Xiao’s taste and the strong, earnest desire to make something that Xiao would like.

All in all, the dish is…surprisingly delicious and flavourful. Possibly one of the best things he’s eaten in a long while.

“Well? Thoughts? Good? Bad? Solidly mediocre? If the recipe is any good, I might consider improving on it!”

Xiao finishes his bite before answering, “I still prefer Almond Tofu’s texture, but this is…fine.”

Best not to give the other too many praises least his ego gets to his head even if it means Xiao has to refrain from scarfing down the rest of his dessert like he wants.

The meal is peaceful and satisfying, and Xiao is about to leave the camp to give the mortal some space, but Childe has to choose that exact moment to brandish a cursed instrument from his pack – one that looks like the miniature version of the guitar from Wangshu Inn. Seeing the wide, mischief-filled grin on his face, Xiao can feel the tranquility leaving his body in a torrential flood.

“Oh, Archons, not this again,” he groans. “For once, can we opt for a quiet evening devoid of your shenanigans?”

“Nonsense, you enjoy my shenanigans,” Childe answers, and to add insult to injury, he begins to play a joyful, happy song, one wholly and completely inappropriate for their location. Lord Lapis preserve his patience. “Now hush and enjoy my soothing music.”

He refuses to hush. “Why – what is this cheerful song? This site is one filled with great battles and we are literally camping on the graveyard of gods sealed away by Lord Lapis! Do you possess no sense of decorum?”

The diplomat has the audacity to roll his eyes. “What better way to honour Rex Lapis’ victory with some light music? Who wants to celebrate to something somber and grim?”

“What would you know about honour?” Xiao snaps back, “All I can sense from you is shameless mischief.”

“So mean! And here I am providing you with free entertainment! Fine, if you have so much to complain about, then what do you suggest I should play?”

“Nothing! But since you’re going to ignore my suggestion anyway, anything else but whatever it is you’re playing just now…or any of the ridiculous songs you’ve played me the last time we met, especially that song about the stars!”

To his horror, the mischievous grin widens. “I’ll have you know that my people really enjoy ‘Dynamite’. It is, what we call back at home, ‘a real bop'.”

Such blatant lies. Xiao makes sure to shoot him a look filled with disbelief to really get his point across. “That cannot possibly be a real saying. You are lying to me.”

“It is too! For songs that are catchy, we also say that they ‘slap’. For songs that particularly jive with you, we call those songs, ‘your jam’.”

Really, is the Diplomat even trying to pretend at honesty at this point? ”Wh - what does a song preference have to do with condiments? Your ridiculous vernacular knows no bound.”

Nonetheless, he allows Childe to continue playing especially after he agrees to pick appropriate tunes to match their surroundings. He really ought to learn not to let down his guard because after a few more quiet, gentle songs, the Fatui loudly proclaims that he will be making an offering to Lord Lapis now.

It came as a surprise when Childe had revealed he was praying to the Geo Archon earlier that evening, to be honest. Though Xiao understands the need to perform a ritual venerating Celestia and its gods to keep the abyssal effect at bay, he expected Childe to pray diligently to his Tsaritsa instead. Then again, rumour has it that Snezhnaya is a land where its people, though respectful of their goddess’ might, do not actually love their archon the way the people of Liyue reveres Rex Lapis. Perhaps it is this lack of love that drives even a lieutenant of the Cryo Archon to pray to a foreign god in order to seek the help he needs. Perhaps this type of action by her trusted supporters is expected and even approved by the Tsaritsa herself.

Because surely, Childe would not be so stupid as to pray to Lord Lapis and run the risk of being found out by the Cryo Archon. Although Liyue is shielded from the prying eyes of other gods, Childe would not have known that and would have assumed that the Cryo Archon’s gaze could easily fall on him at any moment. Nobody would be this bold to venerate a foreign god fully believing that they run the risk of being discovered unless they are given permission to do so in the first place.

In any event, Lord Lapis did not seem to have stopped the mortal’s actions if Childe’s words are anything to go by, so it seems like Childe’s prayers are approved by not one, but two archons. As a Yaksha, it is hardly Xiao’s place to interfere, no matter how bizarre he finds this whole situation.

But that doesn't mean he can’t utter the appropriate threat. “If you disrespect Lord Lapis, I will stab you,” he growls out.

“If I disrespect your Lord Lapis, he will probably stab me himself,” Childe counters while gesturing to their surroundings. “Something tells me that he doesn’t exactly answer well to being disrespected.”

He has a point.

Without further ado, the little human shifts the instrument in his hands, settles more comfortably on the log he’s perched on, and clears his throat.

“My sincerest offering for Rex Lapis Morax. May he find this offering of music to his liking. In return, I ask that he keeps me safe from the effects of the Abyss.”

Fingers pluck at the strings, filling the cool night air with slow, delicate notes, quiet and soothing but charged with melancholy. Next, vocals accompany the song, and Xiao’s brow rises a little. For such an excitable young man, his singing voice is surprisingly tender and lovely and, dare he say, sweet even. A remarkable difference from the caterwauling Xiao had witnessed on the roof of Wangshu Inn, and no traces of mockery can be found anywhere.

It appears the Diplomat is taking the offering seriously after all.

A familiar presence hits him then, a powerful one that saturates the air around him with warmth and snaking, gold tendrils of elemental energy. On instinct, Xiao’s back snaps up straight from his slouch and turns his gaze to the source of the power. Behind the mortal, he can see the way geo energy is quickly building up, golden sparkles of light flowing from the earth, drifting up into the air only to stop when it hits a fuzzy outline of a figure that grows more and more distinct with every passing second.

Xiao straightens his posture even more. L – lord Lapis?

What is he doing here? Why is he making a personal appearance?

Indeed, Lord Lapis has appeared, or at least the spirit form of him. Today, he’s taken on the appearance of a cross between mortal and his natural draconic form. Though his upper body appears mostly human, draped the way he is white silk of his regal archon outfit with his face hidden under his hood, his arms, which are left bare, are onyx black, lined with veins of gold with hands tipped in sharp dragon claws. Behind him, his great majestic tail covered in glossy dark scales and tufted with that signature golden hair sways lazily in the air.

Xiao is ready to jump up to deliver a proper bow, but Lord Lapis brings a finger across his lips in a universal sign to stay quiet.

Meanwhile, the mortal remains oblivious to the great honour bestowed upon him and continues to sing about this ‘Moon River’ while strumming along on his instrument. His voice carries a touch of breathiness to it, making his words sound fragile and delicate. Precious.

Behind him, Lord Lapis watches as if ensnared by the performance. His head is tilted towards the young mortal, the hand which gestured for quiet is now resting over his heart while the corners of his lips are curled up. Meanwhile, his tail swings back and forth to the rhythm of the song in slow, lazy arcs.

Lord Lapis is…pleased.

And Xiao cannot stop watching, cannot stop trying to process just what exactly he’s witnessing here. L – lord Lapis?

Lord Lapis does not answer. Lord Lapis does not seem to hear him altogether. Gold is pulsing out of his form with orbs floating around him, flying and flitting in slow, meandering waves, their brilliant sparkle of light made all the more bright against the pitch-black sky. It’s as if the space is filled with millions of fireflies, each fluttering about and casting its own warm glow around them. Most have found their way to the young diplomat, settling gently on his hair and his clothes, draping him in a layer of snowfall made of speckles of amber.

Xiao chokes on his breath when it sinks in what he’s seeing. A million marks on the young man bestowed by the geo archon himself. An obvious sign of favour, only slightly more subtle than seeing a great big geo mark emblazoned across the mortal’s chest.

Mine. Lord Lapis seems to be saying unconsciously. Mine.

And to make matters even more blatant, as the young man’s voice rises with the swell of the melody, Lord Lapis’ lips part in a slight o and his tail sways side to side even more vigorously – no, and Xiao tries to fight back the flush on his cheeks – his elegant, honourable Lord Lapis is…wagging his tail. Like an excited pup.

L – lord Lapis, please, Xiao pleads to himself quietly in his mind. Contain yourself! He is just a mortal and belongs to an enemy archon at that!

But Lord Lapis does not contain himself, and Xiao is forced to witness, for the duration of this damnable, damnable song, the way more gold particles shed from his archon whenever the young man sings particularly sweetly, how that tail continues to swish and swish from side to side, and the way Lord Lapis has brought both of his hands to cover his heart now. He’s forced to witness the soft sigh that escapes the mighty archon to whom he had sworn his loyalty when the song draws to a close, and the way Lord Lapis is leaning closer and closer to the mortal like a moth drawn to a flame.

Xiao watches and tries not to combust from deep-seated embarrassment. He’s not sure just how successful he is, to be honest.

Hmm, delicious, his lord practically purrs out when the last note is played and Xiao is just begging to be freed from this spectacle at this point. Thank you for the meal.

…Lord Lapis? He calls out meekly, expecting to be ignored once again.

To his surprise, Lord Lapis jumps a little, startled, his head whipping towards Xiao, and that realization only makes Xiao even more embarrassed because did Lord Lapis forget his presence? Was he that engrossed by that diplomat’s offering?

Ah, my loyal guardian. If Lord Lapis is less composed, Xiao suspects he’d be coughing awkwardly in his fist right now. I see that you are keeping an eye on Childe here. Good…that is good. Please continue to keep him safe.

I – yes, my Lord, Xiao finds himself answering automatically even if multiple questions are swimming in his mind, most of which are variations of, ‘What in Celestia did I just witness?’ and ‘Why, My Lord? Why this mortal?’

But also: ‘…Are his offerings really that delicious?’

Sure, the dessert for Xiao had been particularly well-crafted; he can still feel the power thrumming through his body after consuming the custard. Xiao can also see that the diplomat’s song offering to Lord Lapis is even more grand so he supposes that it would practically be a gourmet feast presented to his lord. Still, it’s Childe, the Vanguard of the Cryo Archon, the trouble-making, reckless, childish brat of a mortal who’s making the offering. Surely that has to be a detracting factor, no?

Lord Lapis is clearly perceptive of Xiao’s inner musings because he adds, Thank you, Xiao. Childe is…important to me, his offerings and devotion are particularly powerful in their sincere wish for my enjoyment, so it is only fair that I reciprocate such generosity with my personal blessings. I suppose after receiving so many offerings, I have also become rather…fond of him. It brings me great comfort that my loyal guardian Yaksha is protecting him.

Xiao can feel his soul leaving his body. Fond. His lord is fond of that trouble-making mortal. Since when does Lord Lapis become fond of a mortal? Also, isn’t the display with the gold lights and tail wagg – swaying demonstrating more than just mere fondness?

But my Lord, you have said it yourself. He is a lieutenant of the Cryo Archon! Xiao protests. He has sworn his loyalty to the Tsaritsa above all else. Why grant him this protection when he could turn around and betray you?

Lord Lapis shakes his head, the delicate silk of his hood rustling from the movement. Be that as it may, what he has offered is more than what he has asked for. In the face of such unequal deals, this bit of protection is the least I can do to balance things out. If the day comes where he does end up betraying me, I am ready to face that head on. Do not fret, my guardian.

Once again, Xiao finds himself at a loss for words, and the only thing he can do is comply. Yes, Lord Lapis.

He supposes that at the end of the day, his personal grievances do not matter, not when Lord Lapis has expressed his clear interest in the mortal and wishes for his safety. And as his loyal Yaksha, the best he can do is execute Rex Lapis’ wishes.

His gaze flits back to the mortal who’s now happily humming under his breath, blind to the way Lord Lapis has shuffled closer to inspect his instrument with interest.

Maybe in the meantime, Xiao can use the opportunity to understand this confounding mortal some more, or at least understand just what is it about this diplomat that has charmed Lord Lapis so.

Chapter Text

Part XVIII. The Room Where It Happens

“Wait, wait,” Hu Tao sits up, and the tea cake in her hand drops to the plate. Bits of crumbs spill to the floor, making Ajax wince at how he’ll have to clean it later before they attract ants to his living room. “You mean to tell me that your system has a name and it has self-awareness or something?”

“It likes to be called AR,” Ajax swallows the bite of his own tea cake and answers. Wait, if System is self-aware, does it like being called an it? 

Hey System, what gender pronoun would you like me to use?

A soft ping sounds out a second later, and Ajax has a distinct feeling that System is amused. You may refer to me as it, he, or they.

Ajax relays the information, and Hu Tao’s look of surprise grows. “I – I’ve never even thought about asking my system what it is,” she admits. “I woke up to find my system introducing itself to me as well as the world’s mechanics and I just…trudged forward with the missions and SP points collecting. Gosh, I feel so silly now.”

Ajax can relate all too well. He hasn’t really given his system another thought when he woke up in OG Tartaglia’s body. Instead, he leaned into his knowledge of tropes and just…brushed everything aside in favour of surviving. It’s really by sheer coincidence that he’s even found out so much from AR. 

“I mean, your system is different from mine, and I haven’t ever seen what your system can do, but something tells me that if you had asked your system probing questions about what it is, it also wouldn’t have been able to answer,” Ajax placates. “Also, AR only told me the absolute minimum and none of that information helps me with completing my missions. Apparently, AR is operating under pretty strict protocols, one of which is that it cannot interfere with my experience or missions.”

“But had I asked my system, it might’ve been able to provide insight and clarification,” Hu Tao points out. “Like AR has done for you with what actions are permissible in spite of the mission objectives. Man, had I known, I would have definitely grilled my own system for more info rather than just treating it like a – a computer running in the background.”

Ajax shrugs. Fair enough. “Tangentially related: have you asked why you’re in this world? More along the lines of why you were selected to be in this world and why you were bound to the Character Hu Tao? Because according to AR, there’s a reason why we were selected to play these specific characters and it doesn’t have to do with divine punishment for our past lives’ deeds.”

Hu Tao rubs her chin. “Huh. Interesting. I…guess I didn’t really probe any deeper when I asked why I was here. Like AR, my system told me that I died and I was transported to this world, and that if I wanted to keep living my current life, I’d have to complete my missions. But to be honest, I thought all of this was some sort of bizarre Purgatory and that I was being judged before being sent to either Heaven or Hell.” Hu Tao’s lips twist into a grimace. “But then…”

“But then?” Ajax prods. 

“But then, the missions I received don’t really seem to be testing my morals. They’re just boring fetch quests for the most part. So, it got me thinking that maybe, this is an alternate universe and the reason why I was transported here was because of my close connection to the original game. Like, because I made it, I get a golden ticket to live in a world derived from it.”

Her gaze flits to Ajax. “But if that’s the case, then why are you here? You’ve never worked on our productions team, have you?”

“N – no,” Ajax shakes his head. “My only connection to the game is that I played it a lot.”

Having reached a dead-end, they decide to temporarily park the topic of what the systems are as well as the users’ purpose, focusing instead on Ajax’s Main Missions and AR’s suggestions.

“AR said you’re allowed to mitigate and be secretive about your involvement with Osial’s release. Hmmm.” Hu Tao paces in front of OG Tartaglia’s gaudy couch. “Things are easier said than done. Osial is – how much do you know about Osial?”

From his spot on the couch, Ajax sighs and rubs the bridge of his nose. “Um, he’s one of the evil gods Morax has slain. A very OP rival. Took Morax years to take the bastard down. He also goes by Lord of Vortex and has a history of drowning millions due to his wrath. He was a bitch to take down during the game as well.”

Hu Tao nods. “Right. Osial was a real bastard. He was Morax’s main rival for a couple of millennia ever since Zhongli moved his people from the Guili Plains to found Liyue Harbour. Think Joker to Morax’s Batman. Morax had to line the cliffs with Guizhong Ballistae and set them to auto-fire before the fucker retreated from whence he came.”

It takes a few seconds for Ajax to remember what the Guizhong Ballistae even are. “Oh, the crossbow weapon thing, right? It was part of the Player’s quest to repair the one near the ruins in Mt. Tianheng. Didn’t the Adepti operate the ones on the Jade Chamber during the fight against Osial?”

“Yup! That’s the one! There used to be a lot of these suckers lying around but ever since Osial was defeated, the majority fell into disrepair from neglect so they were mostly scrapped.”

Ajax winces. “Great. Well, there goes the possibility of reviving them…unless it’s possible to build them from the scraps?”

Hu Tao frowns, tapping a finger to her chin. “Not without the Adepti’s help as well as a lot of manpower, a lot of time, and a shit ton of mora," she concludes. She reaches for another tea cake and devours it. "Oh, and the Qixing’s going to be breathing down your neck the moment they find out you’re building an ancient weapon of mass destruction on the borders of their capital city. Kinda counterproductive to your plan of being all secret-like.”

Okay. Good point. Ajax has been really lucky so far to not have to deal with the Qixing much. The usual mundane Northland Bank paperwork is handled by Andrei, so there’s no reason for him to step anywhere close to the Qixing’s administrative building except when he’s strolling around Yujing Terrace with Zhongli. Unlike the OG Tartaglia, he hasn’t gallivanted around town, proclaiming for everyone to hear that he’s a “Lord Harbinger” and as such, “deserves utmost respect” from everyone, so the Millelith have not been on edge around him. Sure, they give him the occasional side-eye but they’re filled with more exasperation than suspicion. It's probably because of his tendency to appear a sopping mess, covered in paint and water from his creative training sessions with the recruits.

His men haven’t been causing any trouble either. Ajax has kept them thoroughly distracted and tired from training. He’s rather proud of that.

All in all, things are surprisingly peaceful in Liyue Harbour and Ajax rather likes it that way, thank you very much.

“Okay. Rebuilding those weapons is clearly out the window," Ajax says with a sigh. "What now?”

“There’s more than one way to help,” Hu Tao answers. “When you played the game, how did you beat Osial?”

How did Ajax beat Osial? The same way he beats anything in the game. “Brute force,” he admits with a shrug. “I min-maxed the shit out of my gear, made sure my level was high and my stats were great, and then I went in there and played through the story quest. Things were easy when – oh.” Ajax blinks. “Wait, are you suggesting –”

“Ding ding ding! You got it, boyo!” Hu Tao grins. “Since you’ve fought Osial already, how would you like to be the Main Character’s personal trainer and mentor?”

It’s…not a bad idea. It’ll also help with getting his first Main Mission, ‘Ensure the Main Character reaches Hero Status of Liyue’ easier if he sets them up for success. The only problem is, “Hang on, I just remembered something. In the original story quest, the Main Character is set to defeat OG Tartaglia before he monologues about revenge and sets Osial loose!”

Hu Tao cocks her brow. “So?”

“So, I’m Tartaglia! Assuming that I do have to end up fighting with the Main Character, do you know how much I’ve upped my stats compared to the original dude?”

“Do you have to fight the Main Character, though? Because that seems to me like it’ll blow your plan to do this secretly out of the water.”

Again, good fucking point. If he fights the Main Character as is, there won’t be anything to stop the Main Character from blabbing to everyone afterwards about his super-secret identity as the one who caused this shit storm, and that will be Game Over for Ajax. Fucking hell. Why does this whole endeavor feel like he's playing 4D chess with himself?

Ajax reaches for his temple, rubbing it to stave off of the rising headache. “You know the story better than I do! The fight with the Main Character leads up to the grand reveal that Zhongli’s exuvia does not have the Gnosis. Something tells me that I won’t be able to escape from it.”

“Ah,” Hu Tao grimaces. “Okay, okay, how about this – if you have to fight the Main Character, do it in…disguise? Wait, no, hear me out for a sec,” she says. She takes another tea cake, scarfs it down like a woman possessed, and continues, “sorry, need the sugar. It helps me think. Anyway, disguises! Nobody knows you’re Tartaglia except the Fatui and Zhongli, right?”

Ajax nods slowly. “Right. I think the Qixing suspects but I don’t think they’ve got anything on me.”

“So, go fight the Main Character as the mysterious Tartaglia! But before this fight and while the Main Character is in town, double down on your Childe persona. Be the friendliest, most obnoxious puppy dog you can be! Do everything you can to throw people off your scent.”

“Hu Tao, you mad genius,” Ajax laughs, relieved. He can do this. He can feasibly do this. “I’ll find the gaudiest, edgiest costume to wear as Tartaglia as well. But, oh. We still haven't figured out how to solve the problem with the level disparity…”

“Train the shit out of the Main Character?” Hu Tao shrugs. “Just how much have you upped your stats? Stand still and let Auntie have a scan.”

“…Why is it that you make everything sound so creepy?”

“Shit,” Hu Tao whistles, eyes widening a few seconds later. “What the hell? Have you been injecting yourself with something? You’re thirty levels higher than OG Tartaglia!” She squints. “Why is your wisdom stat so low though?”

Ajax crosses his arms over his chest and scowls. “I don’t know! I didn’t make this character like this! If anything, I should be blaming you for that fun little gift! Do you know how many things were hidden behind a ‘wisdom lock’? I only get one-sentence descriptions for the different types of relationship points!”

“Whatever is going on here has less to do with me and more to do with you, boyo,” Hu Tao cackles. “OG Tartaglia isn’t that oblivious, so clearly you have some influence over those base stats. What do you mean by different types of relationship points? What’s being kept from you?”

“For example, I don’t actually know what having, like, 20 Friendship points means as opposed to having 100. AR wouldn’t tell me. And then, I start getting these weird L points from Zhongli and AR is really keeping quiet –”

“Wait, wait, wait, hold up.” Hu Tao holds up a hand. “You’re getting what points from Zhongli?”

“L points.”

She stares at him for a few seconds. Then, a few seconds more. After a solid fifteen seconds of pure silence, Ajax breaks out, “W – what? What’s with the creepy look?”

She shakes her head and clears her throat, but when she talks again, her voice sounds strained.

“Say, boyo, exactly how close were you with our CEO of GEO before the L points started to roll in? Putting aside the fact that you’re a massive simp for the man, he and you seem to hang out all the time, and he doesn’t do that with anybody, you know. He’s normally a real hermit.”

Ajax flushes at the comment. It’s not that he doesn’t know about Zhongli’s hermit tendencies, it's just that he hasn’t really seen them directed at him so he’s kind of…forgotten about that aspect of the Geo Archon. To hear from the creator herself that Zhongli is acting contrary to his nature for Ajax, of all people, warms his heart like nothing else.

“Um, I mean, Zhongli’s probably my closest friend in this world,” he admits, his voice quiet. “He seems to like my company as well? I did max out his F points.”

Hu Tao, who’s been taking a big bite out of her tea cake promptly chokes. “Wait, you did what?” she splutters after taking a few healthy gulps of water. “You maxed out his friendship?”

“Uh, yes? Why? What’s that look for?”

“You maxed out his friendship and you think that he seems to like your company?” she repeats, incredulous. “Also, let me get this straight: after you’ve maxed out his friendship, you conveniently started getting L points, correct?”

Clearly, Ajax is missing a big piece of the puzzle, and judging by Hu Tao’s look, it’s something terribly, terribly obvious. “It started after the Rite! It’s not like I did anything special!” he defends, hunching over himself. “I mean, you were there for most of it. After you left, we spent the evening shopping and at night, we were watching fireworks by the dock. The only thing out of the ordinary was when I thanked him for his hard work. Well, I thanked Rex Lapis for his hard work since, you know, I was pretending to not know his real identity and stuff –”

“Oh, my god,” Hu Tao says. She has one hand over her open mouth and her eyes are all starry, but underneath the visible excitement is also deep-seated pain. “Oh, my god. That was a date, you moron! You went on a date with Zhongli!”

It’s Ajax’s turn to splutter as he flushes even harder than before. He’s probably as red as a tomato at this point. He can feel the heat radiating from his cheeks. “W – what? No, it isn’t! We just hung out! He was being a good host! You know how Zhongli is like!”

“He invited you to attend the Rite,” Hu Tao presses on mercilessly, leaning over to jab a finger to Ajax’s chest. “You got all dolled up for him, which I still haven’t teased you about because what an outfit, boyo! Way to flaunt yourself! You did such a good job that Zhongli literally stopped talking in the middle of the Rite to stare at you. There’s that geo crystalfly incident after that, and afterwards, when he saw you, he completely forgot I was even there ‘cause he was so busy making heart eyes at you and nagging at you to eat! Holy fuck, Ajax. L points. How the hell did you turn my amazing RPG game into a BL dating-sim?”

“No – nononono, no way,” Ajax shakes his head vigorously, eyes wide and panicked. “I didn’t do any of that! There’s no way Zhongli – no way he would like me like that. He’s a god who’s thousands of years old and I’m…I’m…some scrubby little human a fraction of a fraction of his age! I mean look at me! I’m a mess!”

The more Ajax thinks about it, the more ridiculous that notion sounds in his head. Zhongli? Liking him? In a romantic sense?

Absolutely and utterly preposterous. Zhongli is so above his league, Ajax can’t even see him from his metaphorical spot deep in the earth’s crust, looking way, way up on some celestial platform Zhongli is casually chilling. Why would the Geo Archon sink to Ajax’s level when he can have literally anybody he wants, including the myriads of gorgeous gods and goddesses who will probably throw themselves at his feet? Hu Tao is probably just teasing him like she always does.

But there’s a part of him who can’t help but feel…just a tad disappointed at the thought that he and Zhongli are merely friends.

…No, he definitely does not wish to explore those particular feelings. No, thank you. That way lies danger and terrible, terrible messy feelings he’s not sure he’s ready to face. He’s got enough things on the go right now, like how to survive his Main Missions without having to become a war criminal.

Besides, things between him and Zhongli are good right now. He’s found someone he can confide in who makes his days in Liyue significantly less lonely, and he likes to think he’s done the same for the Geo Archon. He’s not sure he’s ready for things to change.

If only he could keep this beautiful feeling of peace and happiness for just for a little longer. Just a little longer before the timer runs out on him and he has to make his escape…

“I…I just don’t think it’s a good idea to get too attached,” Ajax ends on, his tone soft. “For him and for me. Not when we have these Main Missions to deal with.”

Hu Tao deflates. “Yeah, yeah, I hear you, boyo. But I guess it’s more the reason to work hard to make sure the Main Missions go well! You have a shining future waiting for you!”

Though the mood is more sombre than before, they continue to plan with efficiency. In addition to Ajax working extra, extra hard to train the Main Character (so that the fight wouldn’t be so impossibly one-sided, no matter how much Ajax tries to throw the match), they explore other options to bolster the Main Character’s success against Osial.

“Better gear, better stats, better skills,” Hu Tao recaps, ticking off one finger at a time as she lists off each item. “Those are three things that the Main Character must be armed with. What else?”

“The fight takes place on the Jade Chamber. As the player, the bulk of the fight involves acting as a meat shield for the Guizhong Ballistae to prevent them from being damaged by Osial’s attacks,” Ajax summarizes. “The fight was a bit tricky because there were three ballistae to defend and the weapons required time to charge before they could return fire. This meant there was a lot of running around, trying to deflect water blasts. There were instances where you just have to…sit there and take certain attacks, so if you weren’t tanky enough to absorb Osial’s hits, those can one-shot you.”

“Huh, I had no idea that the devs ended up being so mean to the players. I designed Osial to be a bastard, but the one-shot attacks? Yeesh! Would it make the battle easier is if there are more people to defend the ballistae then?”

“In the original fight against Osial, we had the Adepti’s help, so it makes sense if the Main Character can similarly rally those forces,” Ajax suggests. Here’s another thing he can do: help the Main Character secure the Adepti’s alliance. How he’s going to achieve his goal, he has no idea yet, but hopefully, he’ll come up with something sooner rather than later. “Other than that, I think beefing up the Main Character is enough.”

“Great!” Hu Tao claps. “The next question is what are we going to do to help the rest of Liyue from getting flooded?”

They don’t have a perfect solution to address this problem. The best they can come up with is to throw more money at ongoing research and construction projects that would help control the flood. Examples of such projects include the construction of better flood gates and more sophisticated flood alarms. Ajax can also provide more generous donations to hospitals and to the Millelith, both of which can use the money to be better stocked and equipped to handle injured civilians.

“You’re going to have to move your money in a secretive manner,” Hu Tao warns. “No dropping millions and millions of mora in one fell swoop or else the Qixing will trace it back to you. The last thing you want is for Ningguang to suspect that the Fatui are up to something.”

“Ningguang is always suspicious,” Ajax points out. “Just because she hasn’t done anything outwardly so far doesn’t mean she has let her guard down for one second, but I take your point. Nothing but small, incremental donations from untraceable sources.”

“Nah, you don’t want the sources to be untraceable, that’s how people become suspicious. Mysterious benefactors only sound cool in movies. In the eyes of the Qixing, those donations would look Sketch McSketch. You want the donations to look like they come from generic, mom and pop businesses. Make the transactions look real boring on paper so that the poor bastard auditing the books would just give the whole thing a cursory glance and call it a day.”

Ajax squints at Hu Tao. “…How do you know all this? Why does it sound like you’re so experienced at cooking up the books?”

Hu Tao grins back, unashamed. But, more tellingly, she refuses to answer the question.

With some sort of battle plan in place, they move on to discuss Ajax’s progress in his Main Missions.

“I found Osial’s resting place, by the way. It’s real eerie. Everything feels so oppressive and dead.” Ajax shudders. “I think I worried Xiao a little with the way I reacted.

Hu Tao, who’s moved on from tea cakes to Ajax’s fine firewater collection despite the fact that it’s only two o’clock in the afternoon, shakes her head, incredulous. “It boggles my mind that Xiao likes you, but of course, he should be worried based on what he knows. How’s your Abyss effect status, by the way? Any creepy side-effects?”

“It’s fine. Stable. Thank goodness for the daily blessings.” He hasn’t experienced any sleeping effect like that day in Wangshu Inn ever since he’s started making his offerings to Rex Lapis. Even during days that are harder than most, days where he can’t shake off the finality of his death in the other world, the grey words of ‘Abyssal Taint’ remain as is on the Status Effect page. However, a concern remains on his mind: “I’m not sure what’s going to happen once Zhongli fakes his death though. I won’t be able to pray to him as Rex Lapis anymore.”

“Probably for the best. I thought Rex Lapis’ dragon body looked a bit chonky during the Rite. Makes sense that he’s getting fat from all of your home cooking like a husband being fed so well by his lovely wif – I’m just joking, boyo! Yeesh! You can sheath those stupid water daggers! Really, kids these days are always so serious…”

Hu Tao takes a swig of her cup, looking completely undisturbed at the death glares Ajax continues to send her. 

“But in all seriousness, you can pray to other deities while you’re in Liyue like you’re already doing with Rex Lapis, you know. It doesn’t have to be the Geo Archon. Xiao, for example, is a good candidate. You two seem to get along just fine and despite his grumpy self, the Guardian Yaksha takes his guarding seriously. He’ll help you out for sure.”

Xiao will probably help. That is, if he can refrain from stabbing Childe for the annoying songs he will play. 

“Wait,” Ajax blinks. “Why ‘while in Liyue?’”

Hu Tao fires back a disbelieving look. “What do you mean, why ‘while in Liyue’? You’ve been praying to Rex Lapis with impunity this entire time!”

At the continuing confused expression on Ajax’s face, Hu Tao’s look turns to horror. “Oh my god, you’ve been praying to Rex Lapis this entire time and you have no idea what you’re doing!”

Naturally, this leads to Hu Tao spending twenty minutes giving Ajax a crash course on how prayers and offerings work, and what an Incredibly Bad Look it is for a supposed lieutenant of the Cryo Archon to be praying to anyone else but the Cryo Archon, especially if said Cryo Archon catches wind of all of this.

“You are so lucky that you’re in Liyue, Ajax,” Hu Tao concludes what’s possibly the most terrifying info dump of Ajax’s life. “Rex Lapis has a pretty strong anti-spy protection measure in place so none of the gods from the outside can perceive into this country.”

“Yeah, while I’m in Liyue!” Ajax exclaims. “What happens if I leave?”

“I mean, you can still pray to the other gods if you’re outside of Liyue. It’s just that there’s a chance the Cryo Archon will find out if she decides to spy on you. In Liyue, she physically can’t without the use of, well, actual spies. Look. Just…do what you’ve always been doing: keep your head down and don’t give her a reason to look for you.”

“We really need to figure out this escape strategy soon,” Ajax mumbles, running a hand through his hair in distress. “Because I cannot see a way where she won’t try to look for me if she knows I’ve gone AWOL.”

The pat on his back helps as with the cup of firewater shoved into his hands. “Don’t you worry your pretty head about it. Leave it to Auntie Hu Tao. I have a few tricks up my sleeve. But we can focus on that much later. Let’s focus on your next set of missions. What’s on the agenda?”

“I have to ‘duplicate the Sigil of Permission and its effects’,” Ajax reads out from his menu. “I have to make 100 of them. Oh, wait, here’s an idea!”

He takes out the original sigil and lays it on the table. “AR, please activate Copy Function.”

“Copy Function activated. How many copies of the Sigil of Permission would you like?”

“Let’s try one for now.”

The sigil simmers in place as more and more soft silver specs of light start to appear, coating the paper talisman. The construct grows brighter and brighter until the whole thing is emanating a brilliant white light. Then, it seems to split like a dividing cell, leaving a second rectangular glowing shape on the table a few inches away. In a manner of seconds, the glow dies down from both of these objects, revealing two sigils completely identical to each other, down to the scruffs, faded ink, and wear and tears of the paper.

Ajax whoops. “Ha! This is amazing! I just found a – eh?”

His celebratory tone dies a swift death when he sees that his mission has not been updated. The tally for the number of sigils copied remains 0/100.

“Hey! What gives, AR?”

“Mission criteria have not been fulfilled,” comes his system’s announcement a second later. At least AR sounds apologetic, so Ajax doesn’t have the heart to harp on him. “The number of sigils copied remains at 0.”

Hu Tao makes a humming sound of understanding. “I’m guessing that that didn’t work? It’s good thinking but it’d been too easy. Read out your mission parameter for me again?”

Ajax does just that. 

“Ah. I think I figured out the problem. The Copy Function only replicated the physical paper and its marking. It does not replicate its effect.”

“How the fuck do I do that?”

Hu Tao shrugs.

Ajax stares with a lot of judgment.

Hu Tao rolls her eyes. “Kid, I didn’t plan out every little detail when I was drafting the storyboard! I just sorta handwaved Tartaglia being in possession of stacks upon stacks of forgery sigils after tapping into his Fatui res – ACK!”

She jumps up, knocking her (thankfully empty) mug to the ground. “Fucking hell! That hurts! What the shit was that for, System?”

But where Hu Tao is flailing about, shaking her trembling limbs and cursing at the empty spot beside her where her system’s screen is probably located, Ajax feels his mood turning bright and sunny as realization dawns on him. Clearly, Hu Tao’s system had zapped her for almost revealing spoilers, and Ajax has just the idea of what she had been about to say.

“Say, Felix, how would you like to run a few errands for me?”

“…What errands, Sir?”

“You know, there is no need to look at me with so much suspicion! It’s simple. All I am asking is for you to make sure this package right here is delivered to Dottore’s Science Department. I heard he’s got a research team lingering around Lingju Pass.”

“Oh. Is that it, Sir? I will gladly deliver this per your orders.”

“Great! A bit of a warning. Apparently, Dottore had set up a laboratory there to mass manufacture Ruin Guards and other Automatons, so you might run into…a few…dozen of those mobs. Oh, Il Dottore had also been researching ways to further optimize these machines so they might hit just a bit harder with their jacked-up super missiles. And once you get through those – wait, Felix! Where are you – stop running! You agreed to this mission already and running is insubordination! Felix!”

Part XIX. Those Left Behind

By the time he’s caught Felix, shoved the package at him, and trots back home, the sun has long set and the night lanterns lining the streets have been lit. Breathing a sigh of relief, Ajax kicks his feet up and props them on the coffee table as he sinks into OG Tartaglia’s ugly-ass couch, plate of grapes and cheese in hand.

Ajax plucks a grape from his plate and munches.

Steps to his Main Mission have kick-started as with his philanthropist endeavours. Plans to train the Main Character are put on pause until the Main Character actually shows up, and at this point, he’s got nine months left.

It’s simultaneously a lot of time and not enough.

Ajax takes another piece of grape and chews thoughtfully.

Nine more months of this: a warm comfortable home, good friends, good food, a good time –

Nine more months of peacefulness with Zhongli before the game is set to begin.

Nine more months with Zhongli…

Ajax sighs. In the end, his thoughts always go back to Zhongli.

What is he going to do if things go tits up? What is he going to do if he ends up having to go on the run and escape Liyue?

What will happen to Zhongli?

He doesn’t want to leave Zhongli to his lonesome, and he hates the idea of having to leave him behind. Maybe…Zhongli can be convinced to join him on a life of adventuring?

“Hey AR,” he asks and a second later, a blue screen materializes in the air. “What are your thoughts on taking Zhongli with us if the Main Missions go sideways and we have to get out of dodge? Do you think Zhongli would even be interested?”

“Character Zhongli is a deity thousands of years old. Most of his living years are spent defending Liyue. By my calculations, getting Character Zhongli to leave this land, while not impossible, would occur under extraordinary circumstances given his natural tendencies to be deeply entrenched in his habits.”

Ajax deflates like a balloon. “Yeah, you’re probably right. Even if he decides to step down as the Archon, I doubt Zhongli would ever be able to truly sit back and watch his precious Liyue burn when it comes down to it. He’s been guarding the lands for thousands of years. You don’t wear such a heavy mantle of responsibility for this long unless you love Liyue, truly and deeply.”

Still, “I just,” Ajax continues, frowning, “I don’t like this, you know? I don’t like having to peace out like that. I don’t want this to be the only time I get to see him. And I also hate the thought of having to abandon him.”

Because that’s exactly what it feels like to Ajax if he has to yeet himself out of Liyue. It feels too much like he’s having to abandon everything and everyone behind.

He’s been forced to do that in his previous life twice, the first time being when he was summarily kicked out of his home. Having to build from the ground up hurts as with being forcefully separated from Teucer, Anthon, and Tonia. He was able to grit his teeth and bear it using the roiling anger and frustration as twin shields.

The second time occurred because he had died and, well, Ajax is clearly still dealing with that.

Now though…

Now, he’s not sure how he’s going to repeat all of this. Using the adrenaline from his need for survival, maybe? How long will he be able to rely on that before his body and his mind give up on him?

“Perhaps User will feel better if a contingency plan is in place to cover the possibility of having to leave Liyue,” AR helpfully suggests. “The plan can include things User can do to keep those in Liyue safe and taken care of should you no longer be present in the country.”

It’s good advice. “Do you have any suggestions on what I can do?”

A few more seconds of silence, then a ping. “Financial stability is always welcomed. User should also leave something that will bring emotional comfort.”

“Damn, AR. Look at you spitting out wisdom left, right, and center,” Ajax chuckles softly. “What do you propose I leave behind?”

“A gift and a letter. Something that will allow you to leave your presence behind that can be felt by your loved ones. Words on a page allow the preservation of bits and pieces of you from which comfort can be drawn.”

A terrible thought occurs to Ajax then. “Say, AR? Have…have you had to leave people behind? It’s just that what you’re saying makes it sound like you’ve done this before.”

The blue screen flickers and it gives Ajax the distinct impression of someone being taken aback by surprise. “Regretfully, I do not remember,” comes AR’s response. “I do not remember much outside of being a System, but the suggestion I have spoken just then sounds…right, for the lack of a better term.”

Although his wisdom stats are low, even Ajax knows that now is not the time to continue pushing.

“Thank you for the advice,” he says with sincerity. “I’m sorry for the circumstances that led you to having to use that advice in your past, if that was the case. I’m also sorry that you can’t remember.”

The screen flickers again. “Your apology is not necessary though the sentiment is appreciated. Thank you, User Ajax.”

AR does not speak again for the rest of the evening. Ajax does not push him.

AR’s words continue to resonate with Ajax in the next few days, playing in the background like the muffled noises of the market permeating into his apartment. They make him quieter, more pensive, as he takes a good hard look at everyone he’d have to leave behind.

…There are a lot. Without knowing it, Ajax has really built quite the life for himself in Liyue.

Back home, he trudges to one of the bedrooms he’s turned into his own office and settles into the seat before his writing desk. He retrieves his notebook from the System’s Inventory and begins to write.

Slowly, steadily, the page fills with names – Vlad and Nadia, Felix and Ekaterina, Andrei, and he would jot down little ideas on what to write to them along with some of his effects Ajax thinks they would appreciate. On and on the list goes until he hits the bottom where he’s put down, ‘Zhongli’.

Ajax pauses.

Hmm, what words can he even say to someone who’s no doubt heard it all? What can he give to a god who has everything?

Money? Zhongli would always appreciate more money, right?

Ajax huffs out a laugh. Dear lord, after Zhongli steps down as the Geo Archon, what will the state of his finances even look like? Something tells him that the Adeptus hasn’t thought deeply about his needs as a mortal at all.

Inspired, Ajax finds himself scribbling like mad – money, Zhongli needs money, but more specifically, he needs it to finance his fancy meals, which means Ajax should pay Wanmin Restaurant, Liuli Pavilion, and Xinyue Kiosk well in advance to cover Zhongli’s fine dining habits. Oh, and what about Zhongli’s love of collecting artifacts and beautiful arts? Maybe he should allocate some sort of Zhongli fund that merchants can draw from after showing proof of receipt, all of this to be managed discreetly by someone from the Northland Bank –

His elbow bumps into his bottle of ink, sending it flying off of his desk and onto the floor, rolling until it hits against the wall. Cursing, he jumps up and quickly grabs a napkin to mop up the spill before it stains and ruins both his desk and the hardwood floor. His one saving grace is that there isn’t much left in the bottle, so he’s able to make a quick work of the clean-up with only minimal grumbling.

As he bends down to retrieve his (miraculously unbroken) bottle, his knuckles knock against the floorboard. A dull thud sounds out.

Ajax pauses, processing his discovery.

And then, with practiced hands, he carefully pries the board loose.

It doesn’t surprise him at all to see the little hollowed-out hole with what appears to be a small handful of letters, neatly bundled together. Clearly, more of OG Tartaglia’s stash.

Funny. He’s swept through this apartment dozens of times, trying to find where OG Tartaglia’s been hiding his things but to no success. He’s fairly sure he’s knocked on every panel of wood and tile as well but despite his best efforts, he’s still clearly missing quite a few pieces.

Ajax retreats back to his desk with the bundle. The first couple of letters are dated shortly before his death and they seem to contain shopping lists of eclectic items – medication to stave off colds and headaches, snacks and sweets, and a collection of ‘Liyuan-style dresses, dolls, and toys’. Underneath that is a note which reads, “to purchase and to request customization. Send underling to get tasks done. Discretion is of utmost importance. To be sent to Morepesok anonymously.”

Ajax puts those aside, unsure of what to make of them. Morepesok…why does that sound so familiar?

Shaking his head, he presses on.

The next stash of letters seems to contain more unfinished drafts filled with scratched-out sentences and angrily scribbled out words, all of them addressed to a mysterious person whose name starts with a ‘T’. If there is one thing clear from reading these scraps of writing, it’s that the OG Tartaglia appears rather fond of this individual, going so far as referring to them as ‘my dearest Princess’.

Ajax is not sure what to think of all this, to be honest. The idea that OG Tartaglia clearly has someone he held in high esteems strikes a painful chord in his chest. He hasn’t really thought deeply about this before but…did OG Tartaglia have friends and family waiting for him? Did OG Tartaglia similarly had to leave people behind?

Like Ajax did when he died?

Fuck.

Oh, double fuck.

Everyone in this world is real, so of course, OG Tartaglia is – was – a real person. Worse still, he was a real person whose life Ajax had casually usurped, thanks to his transmigration.

And judging by all these unsent draft letters, it doesn’t seem like OG Tartaglia had the chance to reach out to, well, at least one of his loved ones, whoever this mysterious princess is. Is this person still waiting to hear back from OG Tartaglia?

How many other people are waiting for OG Tartaglia’s letters without realizing that he’s long dead?

Ajax buries his face in his hands and groans, long and loud. Just when he discovers one problem, a million more seem to crop up. For just one day, he’d very much like to stop having some sort of existential and/or emotional crisis.

He spends a good solid half-hour wallowing in despair but finally, he manages to muster the energy to look at the last letter. To his surprise, it appears to be a torn-out sheet from a book going by the ragged edges along the length of the page.

His brow raises. It’s also dated a year ago, the earliest entry of any note or letter from Tartaglia he’s come across so far.

Unfortunately, the date seems to be the most legible thing on the page – Tartaglia’s writing is a mess of smudged ink splotches and scraggly, shaky letters. Squinting a little, Ajax thinks he can make out something about a fight and something about a Matvey, and what the hell is that massive block of text –

Oh. Oh.

Filling the rest of the page in dark, sharp letters, with some parts of the paper clearly torn from the way the tip of the fountain pen had stabbed through, is the word ‘sorry’ written in distressed caps on repeat all the way to the very bottom of the page.

Extra: La Signora

La Signora has spent over half a year lingering in the background in Liyue, hiding out in the discreet, yet luxurious home (on the inside) that she called her base of operations, watching and waiting not only to see how the mission her Tsaritsa had bestowed upon her would progress, but also for a different reason.

The Eleventh. That loose cannon inbred mutt from some backwater town. She had expected him to fail on the very first day of his arrival in Liyue, and in a sense, she had been proven right. Those first few reports on him had been so promising – they detailed his temper tantrums, his demands to be treated like royalty from his men, and then, his accident, which resulted in him missing his very important meeting with the Qixing.

She was all too happy to pen her own reports to the Tsaritsa with great details about the Eleventh’s failures along with her humble suggestion on how to resolve this issue: like with all unruly, rabid beasts, the best solution is to bring them out back and shoot them in the head least they become a danger to everyone else.

This is especially true when the beast had caused devastating damage once already.

(She has seen firsthand what that monster was capable of. She has seen the remains left behind after that monster’s savagery.)

(There weren’t enough of him for La Signora to even bury properly.)

(The doctors said he had died fast at least. La Signora will make sure the Eleventh will have no such luxury.)

Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. By some miracle, the Eleventh’s personality went through a drastic change after the accident. He suddenly became professional. Diplomatic even. This left La Signora with nothing to do but to watch the Eleventh playing his part as a diplomat to a tee as months roll by. He was doing such a good job that even their client, the Geo Archon, had praised his professionalism.

How incredibly infuriating.

“Lady Harbinger, the Eleventh was seen spending lunch and dinner times with the consultant from Wangsheng Funeral Parlour this week again. The Director of the funeral parlour was also seen meeting with the Eleventh, and when she left, she was carrying a large bag of mora with her. We believe that the meeting was for the Eleventh to pay for the consultant’s services as Cultural Advisor to the Fatui. Otherwise, the Eleventh’s schedule was consistent. He trained, went to work, and then trained some more before retiring back to his apartment.”

The anger in her belly flares. “This is it? This is all you have to report back to me?” Useless. These underlings are utterly useless. “Did he refer to himself as a Harbinger out loud at all?”

“No, Lady Harbinger.”

“Did he abandon his cover as a banker for the Northland Bank to go gallivanting for even just one second?”

“No, Lady Harbinger. The Eleventh goes to work consistently and is very punctual.”

Her expression darkens. The underling reporting has the good sense to duck her head down and avert her gaze.

“Did he do anything at all that would attract attention to him?” she demands. “Anything at all?”

There is some hesitance. Then, “The Eleventh was seen participating in the Rite of Descension as a guest of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour, Lady Harbinger. Rex Lapis had apparently stared at him during the Rite. Following the Rite, the Eleventh was seen accompanying the consultant from Wangsheng Funeral Parlour with a geo crystalfly on his head.”

Her temper snaps. “Idiot! Imbecile! I do not care to hear about such trivial things! I want to know if he has done anything that would have the Qixing suspect his real identity!”

“Ah, regrettably, Lady Harbinger, that has not been the case. The Fatui’s activity has been quiet around Liyue. The only thing that had caught the Qixing’s attention was the, uh, staring, by Rex Lapis, but the Yuheng Keqing was particularly vocal at dismissing this as nothing important.”

La Signora begins to pace. “Has that little imbecile been working at all?” she mutters. Has the Eleventh not made any advancement to the Tsaritsa’s mission? Why is everything so quiet and peaceful?

“Outside of his duties as a banker, has he given any of you orders to do anything recently?” she barks.

This time, another underling steps forward, bowing deeply. “Lady Harbinger, the Eleventh has asked me to deliver a package to Il Dottore’s lab in Lingju Pass. He has asked for my discretion.”

“What’s in the package?”

A lower bow. “I – I do not know, my Lady. The package was thin and was sealed tightly in such a way that it was tamper-proof. My attempts at asking Il Dottore’s men were firmly refuted. Apparently, they had received instructions to keep the contents of the package strictly confidential.”

“Clever, clever,” La Signora hisses. It appears that the Eleventh is doing something. If it has anything to do with the mission, it would no doubt make its way to the Tsaritsa, who would later inform her so that she could report back to Rex Lapis. But if she doesn’t hear back from the Tsaritsa about this mysterious package…

“Find out what it is,” La Signora orders. “I need to know what the Eleventh is planning. Has the Qixing caught wind of this? Does the Qixing suspect anything at all?”

“No, my –”

“Lady Harbinger!” a messenger appears, bowing low. “My apologies for interrupting but I received an emergency missive from the Tsaritsa.”

She takes the envelope without so much as a glance at the groveling underling and fishes out the letter within, her eyes skimming over the content.

“Oh?” she says, her lips slowly curling up into a wicked smile. “Her Imperial Highness knows just what to do to cheer me up. It appears that I am to be sent to Mondstadt to stir up some trouble.”

She pauses, a beautiful thought slowly blooming in her mind.

Here’s an interesting idea: what if she goes to Mondstadt and makes her attack particularly public?

Mondstadt is far too weak to stop her or the Fatui, so she will unlikely face any repercussions.

But her actions certainly would catch the attention of Liyue, including the Qixing.

Also, what was it that her underling had said just now? That Rex Lapis had apparently stared at the Eleventh during the Rite? Yes, she could work with that. She could work the rumour mills and oh so casually slip in the idea that Rex Lapis had been staring because he had sensed the danger that day.

More specifically, Rex Lapis had sensed a would-be murderer in the midst.

La Signora chuckles.

Even if the Qixing doesn’t immediately investigate after she finished causing trouble to the Anemo Archon, they certainly would be investigating when Rex Lapis finally fakes his death. Either way, the Eleventh’s days are about to get significantly less peaceful. La Signora will damn well make sure of it.

Chapter Text

Part XX. The Boy from Morepesok

“What the actual fuck.” Ajax flips the page around to see if there’s anything else written, but nothing, nada. He traces along the ragged and ripped edge. “This looks like it’s torn from somewhere, like a book or something. Hey AR? Please tell me OG Tartaglia has more scraps lying around?” Anything to explain whatever the fuck creepy shit he’s witnessing at the moment.

He’s met with silence.

“Uh, AR? You there, bud?”

A quiet ping chimes out. “Apologies, User Ajax. I have been distracted. What is your enquiry again?”

Distracted? Can systems even do that?

Ajax shakes his head. “No worries. I was just wondering how my quest progression is for Traces of Tartaglia.”

“The side-quest Traces of Tartaglia is still ongoing. Current status reads: Traces of Tartaglia(2): you have found some of Tartaglia’s hidden objects in your quest to discover more information about Tartaglia. Continue to find more hidden objects to learn about Tartaglia’s link to the Abyss.”

“So, there are more hidden stuff around the apartment. If my gamer senses are spot on, then I suspect I will get more of these ripped out pages or I might even get the rest of the book.”

What to do next? Ajax can try sweeping his apartment again but it honestly feels like finding a pin in the haystack. He also suspects, from the way things are progressing, that he’ll find the missing pieces in due time by accidentally running into them. That’s how he’s been making 99% of his discoveries anyway.

Meanwhile, he can try to advance his Tartaglia quest by chasing another lead, something that makes him feel like he’s actually making good use of his time.

“Hey AR, can you pull out OG Tartaglia’s military records again?”

A literal brick of paperwork materializes a second later, landing on his desk with a loud ‘thump’, thoroughly reminding why Ajax had never finished reading this.

“You…uh…wouldn’t happen to have a search function in your Shop, would you?”

“I do, but its cost may be a bit prohibitive.”

“Do I even want to know what it is?”

AR wisely chooses to remain silent.

Ajax lets out a huge, defeated sigh before cracking open the report.

Once upon a time, there was a young boy named –

No, that’s not quite right. The story doesn’t start there.

Not yet, at least.

For now, the story starts like this: once upon a time, there was a young man. His full name has unfortunately been redacted; not intentionally, but more due to bad luck – it just so happens that the original enlistment form which contains his name appears to have been severely damaged by water, smearing the ink on the sheet into a smudge of grey. All that is left (somewhat) legible of that form is the first letter of the young man’s last name – a P or maybe an R or a B – and the town from which he originates: Morepesok.

It is unclear whether the young man has any family. What is clear is that the young man appeared, well, young in the grainy black and white image attached to the form, all large eyes, baby round face and messy hair.

But the cocky smile stretching across his face makes him look…fearless. Reckless.

And just a touch unhinged.

It is an expression that does not belong on someone so young. One must wonder just what had happened to put it there.

Regardless, this person was assigned the rank Private and the identification numbers 3560720, and for the rest of the records, he’s simply referred to as his title followed by ‘720’ (until his promotion to Harbinger, when he was granted the name ‘Tartaglia’).

Within his first year, Private 720 seemed to have attracted a lot of trouble. Case in point, according to the very first report, which apparently was written a mere one month after Private 720 had enlisted, Private 720 had been reprimanded for fighting in the cafeteria. If one were to continue reading the report, they would see that this fight had not been something so mundane as punches exchanged between two hot-headed youths over something insignificant. No. The fight had been Private 720 versus a group of thirty of his classmates. Apparently, they had started it by providing some loud, unflattering comments about the humble origins of Private 720.

Private 720 sure as hell put a stop to that real fast.

What was even more spectacular was that apparently, those thirty classmates had all been older and physically larger than Private 720, but despite facing against overwhelming odds, Private 720 had made short work of his foes. According to eye witnesses, the youth had fought with the grace of a seasoned veteran, dancing between clumsy fists thrown at him before charging forward to slam makeshift weapons – whether it was a cafeteria tray, a mug, or a fork – in some soft, fleshy and utterly vulnerable part on his foes’ body.

All the while wearing that unhinged smile, no less.

The instructors, including the one writing the report, had been rather impressed. They had also been warned that this youth, despite his humble origins, was a special case. He was hand-picked by Harbinger Pulcinella for greatness, so it was no small wonder that this little protégé would show such promise so quickly.

Still, protégé or not, the youth needed to learn some discipline. This was the Fatui, after all, and one must learn to work together as a cohesive team to succeed. Beating the stuffing out of ones’ classmates do not promote a collaborative work environment.

(The instructor writing the report noted that the comments by the classmates, though crude, weren’t exactly wrong either. Private 720 did come from “some backwater village in the middle of butt-fuck nowhere” and to everyone else, Private 720 seemed like “some ginger inbred yokel who has no place in the illustrious Fatui”. Though the accusations that Private 720 had whored himself to obtain his spot went a tad overboard, those sorts of comments were not the worse the instructor has heard. Nothing to warrant Private 720’s massive overreaction.

(Had Private 720 not received the backing of a Lord Harbinger, the instructor would have been more than happy to…turn a blind eye to the whole incident. After all, there was nothing wrong for some bottom-tiered trash to be taught a lesson or two by their betters.)

But the instructor was well aware of Pulcinella’s watchful gaze on his protégé, so, the youth was punished with having to clean the cafeteria from top to bottom. The instigators had it worse – they were punished with cleaning the toilettes with nothing but their toothbrushes for a week. The instructor writing the report was satisfied with the punishments doled out and that had been that.

Until the events in the second report occurred, which involved a fight between Private 720 versus even more upper years. Fresh punishments were doled out, harsher than the last.

Not like that deterred Private 720 because shortly afterwards, there was a third incident, then a fourth – all the way up to the double digits and this was all within Private 720’s first six months of enrolment. The instructors were a bit stumped on how to stop the chaos.

It probably hadn’t helped that Private 720 had never lost a single time. Not once. Ever. That had only fuelled other people into challenging Private 720 into more duels. Whenever that happened, Private 720 would fight with his all, never holding back his punches. If anything, the young man was a bit too gleeful at the prospect of a battle, his good mood only increasing as he became more and more injured. The author of the reports made sure to highlight just how unsettling this was to witness. Private 720 was way too young to develop such strong masochistic tendencies.

Eventually, the instructors firmly believed that Private 720 was way more trouble than he was worth. It was in their best interest to promote Private 720 out of the unit they were overseeing so that this individual could become someone else’s problem.

And so passed Private 720’s first year in the Fatui.

“You know, these records remind me a bit of my own wayward youth,” Ajax muses as he finishes reading the last of Year 1’s reports. “I was a terror in my teenage years and fought everyone who would look at me funny. After getting suspended from school and arrested multiple times, my parents decided to send me to a child’s therapist to ‘get to the root of my problems'.”

Although, luckily, nobody ever called him a country bumpkin slut like people apparently had with OG Tartaglia. Ajax probably would’ve shanked someone if he had received that fun treatment. He would’ve caused some damage too. He was surprisingly good in a fight and he was not afraid to fight dirty.

He wonders what OG Tartaglia’s deal was, how he ended up in the army to begin with, how he ended up with this scrappy attitude and burgeoning ego.

(If what he experienced in his childhood was anything like Ajax.)

Ajax also wonders what made this… trouble-making youth into the villain in the game, and how any of this is related to the person who filled that page with sorry’s in painful, jagged handwriting.

“Hey, AR? Do we have any more personal details on OG Tartaglia? I doubt these records would say much and so far, we only know that he’s from Morepesok. I don’t even know his real name or if he has any family.”

The system is silent for a bit. “I do not know his name, that information is not available to me,” AR admits. “Most of Character Tartaglia’s information is similarly locked on my end as well.”

“Seriously? Damn,” Ajax grimaces. “Would you happen to know why that info is locked for you?”

“Regretfully, I do not know. I am as equally perplexed as you are.”

“Okaaayyy, no biggie. Let’s go back to the stuff we’ve found and see if we can piece together more information.”

He pulls out all the things he’s found from his Traces of Tartaglia questline and sifts through them again. “Nothing, nothing, I can’t even read what that says – oh wait, hang on one second.”

He takes out one of his more recent clues: the list of seemingly random items OG Tartaglia had wanted commissioned in Liyue. He rereads the note, then the bottom blurb out loud:

“To purchase and to request customization. Send underling to get tasks done. Discretion is of utmost importance. To be sent to Morepesok anonymously.”

To be sent to Morepesok anonymously.

Morepesok…Morepesok…

Suddenly, it clicks in Ajax’s head why Morepesok looks so familiar.

“Wait, these are things that OG Tartaglia wants to send back to his home!” Ajax exclaims. He flips to the first page of the reports, and points to the registration form, “See? Morepesok. That’s where he’s from!”

And he wants to send toys, medicine, clothes.

Probably to his family back home.

The excitement dies a swift, painful death.

Oh. Oh, no.

The familiar feelings of unease and guilt slam into Ajax once more like a sledgehammer to the gut. There’s proof now that OG Tartaglia had a family. Why else would he be sending these things to his hometown?

“User Ajax? Are you alright?”

“I don’t know, no?” Ajax confesses, pinching the bridge of his nose to work out the beginning of a tension migraine. He’s glad he’s already sitting down. “Tartaglia has a family and I don’t know how I feel about this except bad and oh shit. Oh fuck, Tartaglia has a family and they don’t know that he’s dead!”

There’s no way Ajax can just leave them hanging either. Not when he’s the only person in this entire world who even knows about Tartaglia’s death.

“We’re going to have to tell them,” he says, grimacing even harder.

“User Ajax, just to be clear, you plan to inform them of Character Tartaglia’s death?” AR says, the incredulousness dripping from its words evident despite its robotic voice.

“Maybe not immediately, I dunno, but I kinda have to tell them, you know? It’s not like I can hide this fact forever and it’ll only be a matter of time before they find out! I mean, look at me. Which part of me screams OG Tartaglia to you?”

He gestures to himself helplessly, at the sloppy sweater and sweatpants he’s in, and at his mop of messy ginger hair. Very student chic. Very pathetic. Not at all like a proud Harbinger.

“Wouldn’t it be simpler if you were to…just pretend that you are Character Tartaglia with them?”

Ajax winces. “Yeah, no. Hard no. I don’t want to pretend to be their family. That’s just wrong.”

“Weren’t you pretending to be Character Tartaglia with his subordinates?”

“It’s different. Given how quickly OG Tartaglia had died in Liyue, his men never had the chance to know him. They’ve only known me and I’ve always been, this.” Again, Ajax gestures at himself vaguely. “So, it doesn’t really feel like I’m replacing him. It feels more like I’ve just continued where he left off as a different actor.”

He continues, “But, it would be different if I were to reach out to his family as OG Tartaglia. It would feel too much like I’m erasing the memories of who he really was to those who knew him best. And I just – I hate the idea that his family doesn’t know he’s gone, that he has no one to mourn for him.”

There is something tragic about having no one to mourn your death – not even family members who are supposed to love you the most in this whole wide world. Because this implies that you’re that unloved, that reprehensible, or that you’re that forgettable of a human being, that your existence meant absolutely nothing to anybody.

(It’s not lost on Ajax that he is probably projecting his own insecurities. He’s had that fear running in the back of his mind since Day 1 of his new life in Liyue, this fear that nobody would find out that he’s dead until the police discover his rotten, stinking corpse in his apartment a week later. That his parents wouldn’t care at all, that their only reaction is annoyance at being inconvenienced with having to arrange for his burial. That nobody would remember him before things turned bad. That nobody remembered how once upon a time, there was a young, happy boy who had lived in the brick house with white trimmings, who had loved music, had loved playing Salut d’amour for his mother and father as they danced in the living room. That nobody would remember him – )

(Ajax feels his urge for his piano rearing back; his go-to crutch to help process the familiar mess of emotions is just in the other room. It’d be all too easy for him to…sink into his playing like he did before his fateful performance for Zhongli so many months ago. He can play and play and play until his fears quiet down once more.)

(No, he can’t let himself do that. He’s still got work to do.)

“I need to find out more about OG Tartaglia and his family,” Ajax says, the decision cementing in his mind. “Maybe I can get a Morepesok address or something from the vendors who worked on OG Tartagli’s commissions. Somebody has to know something.”

“User Ajax, I am still having difficulty grasping why it matters whether you inform Character Tartaglia’s family about his demise. Character Tartaglia is dead and gone, so it is not like he will care one way or another if you tell his family about his death.  His family is nothing but strangers to you, and to disclose their son’s death could invite further trouble into your life.”

Ajax gets where AR is coming from, he really does. To AR, his actions must seem illogical and foolish for the unnecessary risk he’s taking. It’s a lot easier to just keep quiet about OG Tartaglia’s death and sweep it under the rug, and yet…

“I have to. It’s the right thing to do,” Ajax answers, his voice soft. “It’s cruel to leave the family hanging and waiting for a son they won’t get back. It - it’s also what I would’ve wanted someone to do for me back in the real world.”

Because this is really what it comes down to, this futile hope that someone has done one last act of kindness for Ajax, that his fear of being left forgotten is nothing but a baseless one.

(There’s also the hope that despite his strained relationship with his family, someone would’ve wanted to know that he was gone and that someone is missing him as much as he misses them.)

“It seems that User Ajax has decided. Very well. Perhaps, User Ajax should think a bit more carefully on how and when you would like to disclose such information without breaching the rules.”

“I remember. Don't mention the transmigration business. It’s not like I planned to because who would even believe me?” But Ajax takes AR’s point about planning this a bit more carefully without it coming back and biting him the ass.

“Before making such disclosure, User Ajax should also consider what other uses he can obtain from finding the Morepesok address.”

Ajax draws back, confused. “What do you mean? What other uses –are you suggesting I write to OG Tartaglia’s family about other things? What will I even ask?”

“I am not instructing you to do anything specifically. To do so would be breaching my protocol. I am merely cautioning User Ajax to consider all the cards in his hands before he discloses the death of Character Tartaglia and risk cutting off a potential source of information for his own research. After all, there is a high chance that the family would not wish to remain in contact with you after you delivered the unfortunate news of Character Tartaglia’s death.”

Ajax is still not sure why AR is carefully hinting that he may need to talk to OG Tartaglia’s family members. Is he missing something?

“AR…?”

There is a few seconds of silence. “Perhaps, User Ajax should continue reading the reports.”

Private 720 continues to live quite an exciting life as he rocketed up the ranks, quickly becoming Corporal 720. According to the Sergeant overseeing his progress (and was stuck writing the next several dozens of progress reports), his meteoric rise was both met with excitement and dread. The excitement was evident: seeing a young man brimming with innate talent excel at every challenge thrown at him made everyone involved in his training look good. His superiors could easily boast about how they have contributed to Corporal 720’s career, how they have refined that raw diamond in the rough until it became the shining gem that it was. Better yet, it was clear as day that Corporal 720 was going to go places with the backing of Lord Pulcinella, so just imagine the bragging rights one would have in instructing a future-Harbinger. Think of the glory!

As for the feeling of dread, it came from the fact that with every challenge Corporal 720 had conquered, the more his ego seemed to grow…as with his eccentricities.

One such eccentricity was his fascination for battle and for blood-shed.

Various methods to temper Corporal 720’s fascination were attempted, including assigning Corporal 720 on some of the most gruelling missions that would sure to exhaust anybody. But the young man only became stronger and with it, his ability to wreak havoc became greater.

The Sergeant also noted that Corporal 720’s success also drew equal parts admiration and ire from his fellow Fatui, but Corporal 720 had a reputation for winning fights, so any attempts made to undermine the corporal was done in subterfuge. The Sergeant also noted that those who led such efforts against Corporal 720 were related to those the youth had offended in his days as a private. Worse still, most of the offended parties belonged to well-to-do families who had their eyes set on getting a family member to become chosen as the next Harbinger. The spotlight-stealing Corporal 720 clearly threatened their plans; who could possibly shine and catch the Tsaritsa’s attention with Corporal 720 being right there?

The Sergeant noted a particular example that propelled Corporal 720 further into infamy: there was a mission to exterminate a series of Hilichurl camps that have invaded a local village. The camps were headed by not just one but three Frostarm Lawachurls, and contained an army of Mitachurls, Samachurls, and Hilichurl troops. Since the village was located close to the Fatui training compound, the responsibility fell on those leading the compound to take care of this problem.

Corporal 720’s unit was sent out to dispatch the threat. The mission was scheduled to take up to five days.

It ended up taking two days.

According to eyewitness accounts, Corporal 720, upon seeing the first Hilichurl, grinned his toothy, unhinged smile and automatically launched himself at the monster, hydro blades flashing as swirls of dark, corrupt power enveloped his body.

What followed could only be described as a massacre.

Nobody was certain just what sort of power Corporal 720 had used, but it had enhanced his speed and strength even more than what he had already, which were leagues above his colleagues.

Needless to say, the mission ended in an overwhelming success for the unit. Corporal 720 was recognized as the person who pretty much singlehandedly defeated all the Hilichurls including the three Lawachurls whose heads Corporal 720 had dragged all the way back to the Fatui compound as trophies. The corporal had been awarded multiple medals for his feats.

But with those merits also came Corporal 720’s rising reputation as a terrifying, bloodthirsty monster.

‘Perhaps,’ the Sergeant wrote, ‘had Corporal 720 had companions or some sort of relations that could help ground him a little, he would come off as less intimidating. It is such a shame that the boy is very much a lone wolf with no friends. Even his family members seem to distance themselves from him, judging by how few correspondences the corporal receives in response to all the letters he sends out.’

Coincidentally, the medical reports (stamped with ‘confidential’ in bright red all over the documents) came to a similar conclusion.

“The Abyssal Effect in Corporal 720 will continue to grow if left unchecked, resulting in increasing side-effects from the corruption of the body and mind. To slow the corruption, Corporal 720 is advised to have trusted confidants or family members to ground him. While this is not a permanent cure, corruption could be better managed with more positive, stable influences around Corporal 720.”

“Son of a bitch!” Ajax jumps up. “The Abyssal fucking Effect?!”

Long ago, shortly after Ajax came back from Wangshu Inn, Ajax had asked Zhongli about the Abyss and its energy. If Ajax remembers correctly, Zhongli had mentioned how those who visited the Abyss were left a mark, implying that OG Tartaglia had at some point ventured into the Abyss.

The report was written during OG Tartaglia’s second year in the Fatui, so whatever Abyss-visiting incident that gave OG Tartaglia his status effect had to have occurred earlier.

Ajax flips through the reports again. He’s not seeing anything in the reports for Year 1, no mention of any extraordinary event or Abyss visits. There weren’t even any mentions of OG Tartaglia mysteriously missing for a little bit before resurfacing again. Everything seems to be in pristine order.

Does this mean that Tartaglia had been plagued with the status effect even earlier than that? Possibly before his army days when he was still, presumably, chilling at home with his fam?

Wait, shit, is that what AR was hinting at? AR must have figured it out from reading the reports. They had been just…floating in the System Inventory for the longest time, after all.

Which means, “Fuck. Do you think OG Tartaglia’s family was there when he went into the Abyss?”

“It is hard to say definitively,” AR chimes in. “But this is one possibility User Ajax should keep in mind in case it needs to be explored.”

“AR, I think I really, really need to get my hands on that address,” Ajax concludes.

“I think User Ajax may be right.”

It doesn’t take much effort to get a start on his investigation. Asking a few questions to his underlings quickly reveals that yes, OG Tartaglia had instructed a fellow grunt (a nervous-looking fellow by the name of Alyosha) to make arrangements with various vendors to purchase and ship the items on the list. But when he asked about the specific sending address, Alyosha pales and begins to apologize fervently.

“Master Childe! My most sincere apology. You have never provided me with the address. Instead, you prepared several letters for me to deliver to the vendors containing all the information they needed to know.”

Of course, OG Tartaglia would do that. The man is absolutely paranoid. Ajax wouldn’t be surprised if OG Tartaglia also instructed the vendors to destroy the letter once they’ve shipped off the items. “Can you point to me the vendors you have reached out?”

Alyosha is happy to do just that.

“An order for the medicine to be sent to Snezhnaya? Yes, yes, I remember,” Baizhu says when Ajax drops by Bubu Pharmacy with his request. Ajax had specifically picked an afternoon when the pharmacy was less busy to get the shop owner’s attention, but he needn’t have bothered. Baizhu’s face lit up upon seeing his person like Christmas came early, immediately launching into sales pitch after sales pitch. His talking snake was just as chipper.

Ajax suspects that he has gathered a bit of a reputation for himself having spent so much mora buying things for Zhongli out in the open.

“If I recall, the order was for cold medicines and a pain reliever against headaches. It came with a letter instructing that I provide the finest quality I had in store, and I was happy to deliver! I believe I shipped the package and following that, I destroyed the letter as it had instructed.”

Of course, he did.

“Do you have a copy of the receipts or any documentation on the shipping address?”

“I do not, unfortunately. Given the request for privacy in the letter, I had documented the package as shipped to Snezhnaya only. Is…there something wrong?”

While this level of attentiveness would normally score brownie points for Ajax, today, it’s doing nothing but adding to Ajax’s frustration.

Still, Ajax plasters on a friendly smile. “No, no, it’s fine. Thank you for your time, Doctor.”

The moment he gets far enough for him to not be seen or overheard, Ajax’s shoulders slump. “Welp, that’s a strike. I’d had hoped that this info would’ve been easy to find, but just my luck.”

“The search has just begun. User Ajax still has plenty of other vendors to find and ask. In the meantime, there are always more reports to read.”

Corporal 720 became Sergeant 720, then Sergeant Major 720, Second Lieutenant 720, First Lieutenant 720, and so on and so forth. The promotions piled on and on until he was pulled out of the army altogether and appointed into a special commissioned role largely recognized as a precursor to becoming a Harbinger. He was referred thereinafter as Candidate 720.

Through the years and promotions, trouble had only followed him like a ghost haunting his every move. There were never-ending battles between strong opponents and never-ending glory obtained from winning. Candidate 720 grew terrifyingly strong, but his successes also went straight to his head, and he could always be heard boasting about his plan to become the best fighter to serve Her Imperial Highness.

He started to call himself as Her Imperial Highness’ Vanguard.

As part of his appointment, there was a psychology test conducted on him. A formality, more than anything, since the outcome would not affect his eligibility to become the next Harbinger.

(After all, if Il Dottore could become a Harbinger, anybody could.)

It was no surprise that the psychological evaluation revealed that Candidate 720 was both masochistic and sadistic as well as being borderline narcissistic and possessing some form of conduct disorder. He held no interest in almost anything else except battle and seemed to relish in the violence.

The only things that would capture his attention and temper his more violent urges were his letter writing to his family and his friendship with a fellow candidate that had managed to blossom against all odds. There were notable differences in Candidate 720’s behaviour when he spoke about his family and friend; he seemed more grounded, calmer, and downright chipper.

When asked about the state of the relationship with his family, he had shrugged and had said, ‘Fine. It’s fine. I wish they wrote more.’

The evaluator concluded that Candidate 720 could benefit from having more time off to spend with his family. Otherwise, Candidate 720’s psychological evaluation firmly put him in the average amongst the other Harbinger candidates:

‘Despite a few personality quirks, Candidate 720 is sound of mind. Nothing alarming, especially compared to those normally accepted into this program.’

At the bottom of the page, there was a note tucked in below the last paragraph in neat handwriting: “Abyssal Effect creeping upwards was noticed, resulting in increased aggression and paranoia, but symptoms are controllable. Well worth the trade-off of increased stamina and strength. Proposed next steps: continue to monitor candidate for Abyssal Effect creep and encourage candidate’s exploration into his powers.”

“You seem busier than normal,” Ekaterina notes as she pointedly takes away his coffee and nudges the plate of deliciously fragrant chicken fried rice closer to him. Ajax has gotten so used to her barging into his office that he doesn’t even bat an eye at the sight of her scowling at the way he’s hunched over his paperwork. “What’s gotten you so busy? Also, it’s an hour and a half after lunch and all you’ve been consuming today is coffee. Eat.”

“Huh, is it?” A quick glance at the clock shows that Ajax has completely blown past his lunchtime. It’s the third time this week, so of course, Ekaterina noticed. “Sorry, I’ve been trying to get as much of my work done before I run off to meet with a few vendors.”

“Vendors? What for?”

“Trying to figure out something with some of the orders I’ve put in,” Ajax answers with a dismissive wave of his hand as he reaches for his rice dish and starts scarfing it down. No offense to Ekaterina, but he doesn’t need her reporting the details of his hunt back to La Signora, so he’s keeping his explanation vague and boring. “I had a bunch of stuff commissioned and I want to check on them, except that’s surprisingly tricky. Like, I thought it’d take a day or two at most, but some vendors are away, and some only open their stalls once a week and at very specific, very limited times. It’s been a right nightmare trying to catch everyone.”

The toy seller, Granny Shan, for example, is away on an extensive business trip for something or other, and her son who’s subbing in for her knows nothing about OG Tartaglia’s request. There’s not much Ajax can do until she comes back, which he hopes is sooner rather than later.

His frustration must have leaked through (or he must look particularly pathetic), because Ekaterina hands him his coffee back. “You know, you do have subordinates who can help you. You don’t have to try to do everything under the sun.”

Definitely not. He does not need the Morepesok address to be leaked through the gossip vines.

“It’s alright, it’s alright,” he says with a feeble chuckle and a dismissive wave before switching to his tried-and-true tactic: deflection. “Besides, I think Felix is ignoring me. The last three times I ran into him, he literally turned right back around and scurried off. He must have blabbed to everyone else because even the recruits are running away when they see me. They run pretty quickly too after all those months of training I put them through.”

Ekaterina snorts. “I think everybody has heard about your unique ways to train the recruits. Even the Millileth are starting to give the recruits looks of pity while the Qixing is starting to grumble.”

Ajax looks up, mid-chew. “The Qixing is doing what now?” Shit, is the Qixing catching on to Ajax and his millions of plans on the go? Last he checked, Il Dottore’s research department is still happily researching away in some secret laboratory to make replicas of the Sigil. Il Dottore was so excited at the prospect of fresh research on Archons and Archon powers that he sent a (surprisingly sincere) thank you note to Ajax. It tops as one of the most disturbing things he’s received in his life.

“The Qixing have been grumbling about the paint splatters the recruits trail behind them whenever they march back into the Harbour after an afternoon of training.” Ekaterina gives him a look. “They started forwarding their cleaning bills to the bank.”

Oh. Oh, thank God. “As long as they haven’t been giving us any trouble beyond that, let them be petty.”

The look Ekaterina gives him is downright venomous. “Easy for you to say, you’re not the one having to receive those reports from one of their people every other day and having to file them in triplicates.”

The room descends into a comfortable silence, but it doesn’t last long. “Are you sure you’re doing alright, Master Childe?”

“Hm?” Ajax blinks up. “What makes you say that?”

“It’s just…you have that look on you again. All glum and miserable and woebegone.”

Ajax’s face scrunches up. “Woebegone?”

“You look like a kicked puppy dog,” she clarifies bluntly. “You haven’t looked like that in months and the last time you did, you worked yourself to a stupor. The men and I worry is all. Even Mister Zhongli dropped by to see how you’re doing.”

That has Ajax sitting up. “Mister Zhongli dropped by? When? Why didn’t anybody tell me?”

“He said it was an impromptu visit and insisted on not telling you if you were busy. He did get you the food and hoped you would like it.”

Ajax glances down at the rice he’s holding and feels a surge of warmth in his chest.

Oh, Zhongli.

Ekaterina pulls up a chair and settles in. “So, what’s wrong? Something’s bothering you.”

She’s not wrong. This whole OG Tartaglia and his backstory has been lingering in the back of his mind ever since he found that disturbing letter. The more Ajax reads about his experience in the army, about his glory and achievements and his skyrocketing career growth, the more he’s starting to realize this one, crucial piece of information: OG Tartaglia had lived a real lonely life.

There is no doubt that OG Tartaglia had been a talented fighter, but his success certainly hadn’t made him popular amongst his colleagues. From the get-go, he had been tagged as a country bumpkin with no connection to the upper echelons of society. He should have stayed in the bottom tier of the army while his well-to-do colleagues flourished, but despite all odds, he had somehow obtained the support of a Harbinger and had climbed to the very top of that precipice. He had threatened the status quo and he had been hated for it.

What’s unclear to Ajax is…where was OG Tartaglia’s family? What roles did they play in all of this? From what Ajax read, OG Tartaglia was an avid writer but apparently, had heard very little from his family in return. Could it be a financial thing? Maybe sending letters out from Morepesok had been expensive.

Or maybe, like some of the instructors had noted, OG Tartaglia’s family had been distancing themselves from him due to his problematic behaviour.

Hoo boy, what a kick in the gut that fun thought is. Did the family just abandon OG Tartaglia because they hadn’t been able to deal with him?

(Just like how his own family had given him the boot when he became too much to handle?)

(Does that mean that if the Abyss Effect is allowed to continue to run wild on Ajax, he could become as twisted and conceited and bloodthirsty as OG Tartaglia? On the flip side, does that mean that had the Abyss Effect been under control, OG Tartaglia would’ve just been…some random dude like him?)

His head hurts. His heart hurts. No wonder Ekaterina says he looks like a kicked puppy.

“I’ve just been thinking about some stuff in the past is all,” Ajax finally answers. “Say, Ekaterina, have I ever received anything from Morepesok? Letters and stuff?”

“Morepesok?” Ekaterina looks confused. “Um, I can’t say you have. Not from what I’ve noticed. Were you expecting to receive something from there?”

Ajax shakes his head. “No, I guess not.”

There once was a young man from Morepesok who was gifted with exceptional skills in combat. How he obtained those skills was unknown, at least for now, though the medical professionals in the Fatui who examined him could say that those skills were enhanced by the odd abyssal taint in his body. The abyssal energy also brought on other unfortunate side effects, including increased levels of aggression, narcissism, antisocial tendencies, and masochistic and sadistic tendencies, but such effects were deemed small, inconsequential things if the trade-off meant possessing strength, speed, and stamina unseen before.

It was all thanks to the young man’s fighting prowess that he was propelled from the very bottom all the way to the cusp of success: a candidate for becoming one of the Tsaritsa’s honourable Harbingers. In order to go from Candidate to Harbinger, one must undergo a series of tests to prove their worth, after which, one must be voted in by the current Harbingers, with the final decision being approved (or rejected) by the Tsaritsa herself.

There were 20 candidates to choose from, 20 talented men and women, the majority of which hailed from the most influential families in Snezhnaya.

(Of course they would hail from influential families. Who in the country would have the resources to train their progeny to ensure they were among the best?)

The young man had no such background. Although he was picked by Harbinger Pulcinella, this did not set him apart. All of the other candidates were lord and ladies in their own rights, and probably had their own connections with the Harbingers.

(This information was implied from various mission reports. More often than not, the writer of the reports accidentally referred to the other candidates either as Lord or Lady before those words were hastily scratched out, or in notable instances, ‘Lord Pantalone’s Pick’, or ‘Capitano’s Chosen’, for example.)

(Candidate 720 himself has been called ‘Pulcinella’s Gold Egg’ in more than one report.)

What continued to set Candidate 720 apart was his expertise in battle, the sheer versatility of his combat styles, and his mastery of all weapons he put his hands on. It made sparring with him a thing of nightmares, and it made him an absolute monster on the battlefields. He was, simply put, a one-man army destroyer.

His capabilities for destruction slowly won him the grudging respect of his fellow candidates, though there were no indications that anybody outside of select medical professionals knew that Candidate 720’s skills were attributed to the strange abyssal energy plaguing his body. It also helped that apparently, Candidate 720 was friends with a fellow candidate who helped bridge the gap between Candidate 720 and the rest of his cohorts.

The medical reports and psychiatric evaluations all put him as stable and actively encouraged this comradery to help counter the symptoms of the Abyss taint.

And then –

“What the?” Ajax flips between the pages of the reports. “Hey AR! You got a second there, bud?”

The familiar robotic chime sounds out. “How can I help you, User Ajax?”

“I think I’m missing some pages from this file.” Ajax frowns and flips through the reports again. “Do you see this? We go from the updated psych eval on May and then the next report,” he flips the page over, “is another psych eval but it’s for November. We’re missing six months of info here.”

“The file has been copied in its entirety. Chances of error are 0%.”

“Which means that the original file had missing info.” Ajax slumps in his chair and breathes out a heavy sigh. “Just when I was getting to the juicy parts.”

“Juicy parts?”

“Yeah. Here, take a look at the May psych eval. Nothing unusual, same old, same old, ‘Candidate 720 is showing signs of stability.’ Great, fantastic news. Now, take a look at the November psych eval.” Ajax goes to the page and reads out loud, “‘Candidate 720’s mental health is degrading at a significant rate, lack of support is a contributing factor.’ Oh, and take a look at this.”

Ajax skips a few pages forward. “Here. The physical eval. ‘Significant improvement in strength and agility, Candidate 720 is quickly proving to be one of the most, if not the most, capable fighters this nation has ever seen. Candidate 720 is showing complete control over his black armor despite the considerable strain on his physical body. Given the armor’s natural compatibility with electro powers, it is recommended that Candidate be provided an appropriate Delusion.’ What the fuck is this ‘black armor’?”

Also, “Delusion? I’ve seen this before.”

Ajax pulls up his status screen and swipes through the pages. “Inventory? No. Shop? No. Status Page? No…”

“Allow me, User Ajax.”

The screen glows once, twice, then the text blurs into streaks of grey. When the screen resettles, it’s on the Battle Gauge page. The words are currently faded as with the horizontal gauge keeping track of the amount of hits Ajax has accumulated, but he can still make out the words.

“Under the first battle gauge - Delusion! That’s it, that’s what I remember seeing! Isn’t the Delusion power suppose to give me electro powers? I remember you telling me that.” He goes back to the report and rereads the recommendation. “‘Be provided an appropriate Delusion’. What weird phrasing. Does that mean that OG Tartaglia has been given a Delusion that grants him electro power because of his compatibility? Wouldn’t that would make a Delusion a weapon manufactured by the Fatui that gives people the power of Vision Holders?”

“Intelligence point, +5,” AR answers. “Secret achievement unlocked: ‘Elementary, My Dear Watson (I)’, for piecing together the clues obtained from Character Tartaglia’s backstory with the skills you possess. Reward: +10 SP.”

“Oh shit, I got it right!” But also oh shit, Ajax got it right, which means the Fatui is a hell of a lot scarier and more powerful than he thought with their capacity to make fake Visions.

Now, if only he can find out more about this black armor business. Is that also a Fatui weapon?

“User Ajax, I believe you were inquiring about the missing pages in the file?”

Ah, right, right. Looks like AR is catching on to his bad habit of chasing down after every shiny new piece of information. “Yeah, sorry,” he says. “Thanks. About those missing pages, something tells me that they’re not simply placed in the wrong order in the file either.”

Just in case though, he flips through the rest of the document. There isn’t much left, just more of the same information about OG Tartaglia getting a massive stat bump like he’s gone Super Saiyan all of a sudden, and more records of his personality becoming dark and twisted. The file ends on a brief note explaining that OG Tartaglia has been selected as the next Harbinger and that all monitoring efforts would cease.

“Yeah, fucking knew it,” Ajax says, finally closing the file. “I’m willing to bet all the mora in my bank account that those files were redacted on purpose ‘cause something big had happened.”

“What do you propose to do now?”

“Don’t know yet,” Ajax confesses with a sigh. “But it looks like we’ve reached a bit of a dead-end with this file. Maybe I’ll have better luck with finding that address.”

He doesn’t. A solid two months go by and Ajax still doesn’t find his answer among the vendors who handled Tartaglia’s orders. It leaves Ajax with roughly half a year before the Main Character is set to show up, and he is growing antsy at how quickly time is trickling away from him.

On the bright side, this whole exercise really showcases the professionalism of Liyue’s merchants and how they’re clearly willing to go above and beyond to make a customer happy, including following instructions to keep the shipping address on the down low to Ajax’s great frustration.

He’s about to give up and retreat to his hotel room to sulk when he reaches the toy stall – the last vendor on his list whom he hasn’t spoken to yet. He nearly weeps tears of joy at the beautiful sight of Granny Shan behind the counter.

“Good morning, Granny Shan!” he greets with a wave. “I have a question about an order I asked an associate put in for me months ago, the one to be sent to Morepesok. Would you happen to recall that order?”

Before he can elaborate further, Granny Shan’s face lights up. “Young Man! I am glad you paid a visit! I remember this order very well, and your timing is perfect.”

She reaches under her stall to pull out – what the hell, is that a giant Ruins Guard kite? How did she even manage to fit that under that tiny ass table? “Your third commission took longer than I had wished. Unfortunately, we had a supply shortage of plaustrite that I had to go resolve personally, so I was just able to finish this yesterday.”

Ajax stares at her, confused. “My third commission?”

“Why yes, young man!” Granny Shan nods patiently. “As requested in your letter. You commissioned three large kites: one flying dragon, one large stag, and one ruin guard; they are to be sent to Snezhnaya in one package once completed.”

For the first time in weeks, Ajax feels warm hope blossoming in his heart. “Granny Shan, can I trouble you to show me the letter? I just recall that I may have made a mistake in the shipping address and I wanted to double-check if that’s alright.”

Bless her soul, Granny Shan agrees readily. “Of course, young man. You are very fortunate that I have not sent the package out yet. Let’s see, let’s see – ah! I have the letter right here.”

Ajax accepts it with cheerful thanks. When Granny Shan is distracted by a set of new customers, he quickly turns around and activates the Copy Function, stuffing the extra in his pocket.

“Everything looks to be in order!” he says, returning the letter to her after the customers depart. “Thank you for your patience! Please send the package out when you are able. Those kites look perfect!”

He barely manages to close the door to his apartment before pulling the copy out of his pocket.  He skims over OG Tartaglia’s blocky writing (legible for once) at the address (some street name he doesn’t recognize, but that’s expected), and laughs.

“Fucking finally! This took fore – huh?”

His eyes catch the set of instructions under the address, ‘to send the parcel anonymously’, but below that is the name of the addressee.

Ajax goes still.

What – what the – ?

‘Send the parcels anonymously,’ the letter says, ‘addressed to Dearest Princess Tonia of Morepesok.’

Ajax feels as if the ground shifted under his feet like he is experiencing vertigo from free-falling into the unknown. The painfully familiar name glares back at him, the black ink crisp and clear against the white paper even as he rereads the name again a second time, a third time, a fourth time in disbelief, the letter clutched between nerveless fingers.

“H – Hey, AR? I’m reading this wrong, right? That’s not Tonia’s name on there, is it?”

But AR doesn’t answer him. AR continues to stay silent even after Ajax repeats the question a few times.

Ajax looks back at the paper in his hand.

Princess Tonia of Morepesok.

Princess Tonia of Morepesok.

There once was an unnamed boy who later grew up to become the 11^th Harbinger. But before that, he had lived in Morepesok and had a sister. Her name was Tonia.

He doesn’t register what happens next. One second, he’s standing in the foyer, letter in hand, and in the next second, he’s in the middle of his living room that looks as if a tornado has torn through the place. Chairs, tables, stools, instruments, everything movable are either shoved to the side or are upended. The floor and the walls around him are littered with great jagged holes breaking into the planks or through ripped silk screens, almost as if someone had punched their way through before ripping chunks out of it, desperately trying to reveal what was underneath the veneer surface.

Dimly, Ajax registers a dull throb in his knuckles and the scent of copper, but he ignores them.

What was he trying to – oh. Oh, he remembers now. He’s been trying to find more letters, notes, anything by OG Tartaglia to give him more of an explanation, but…

He looks around the mess. No hint of paper anywhere.

“AR,” he croaks out, “What’s the status for my Tartaglia quest?”

“It remains unchanged, User Ajax,” comes AR’s quiet explanation.

Unchanged. There are more hidden items around here that Ajax isn’t finding. There are more hidden clues around the room to explain just why the hell his sister’s name is showing up in this world despite his best efforts to find everything, and he’s – he –

He is so sick of everything.

Fury sweeps through his veins, hot and acrid and uncontrollable. Ajax had spent months chasing down these stupid leads, months trying to untangle this web of secrets and it seems like at every turn, his past is being thrown back into his face time and time again and he’s sick of it. He’s sick of having to jump through more hoops only to discover more things that poke and pry at his scabs. He’s sick of being toyed with, of being reminded just how much OG Tartaglia is unwanted and unloved just like how he was, how OG Tartaglia had died alone and hated like he had been in his goddamned studio apartment, how OG Tartaglia hasn’t even been given a fair chance at living because he was designed that way just like how circumstances pushed Ajax into his shitty, shitty existence. How is that fair? How is any of this fair?

Wait.

Designed.

That’s right, OG Tartaglia’s backstory was designed. OG Tartaglia’s family was designed.

Ajax spins on his heels and marches out the door, slamming it shut behind him.

Hu Tao.

“HU TAO!” he roars, banging against the redwood door of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour. The sky is pitch black and it’s probably late at night, but he doesn’t care. He doesn’t care if he’s causing a ruckus and waking up the whole goddamned neighbourhood. He just needs to see Hu Tao because she has a lot to answer for. “HU TAO! GET OUT HERE!”

The door opens. “Holy shit, calm your tits – Ajax?” Hu Tao lifts the lantern up closer to his face and squints up at him, “Is that you? The fuck are you doing here raising hell - fuck, your hands! You’re bleeding everywhere!”

He lets himself get pulled into the building and ushered to a seat. Now that he has her attention, Ajax isn’t sure what to say, or how to express the craziness he’s experienced, so he wordlessly bats away her hands that were trying to bandage his knuckles, instead, shoving the copy of the letter towards her. “Read it.”

She takes the crumpled paper from him. “I – uh – I don’t understand what I’m supposed to be reading,” she says, shaking her head. “Is this a letter by OG Tartaglia or something? Who’s Princess Tonia?”

“Y – you don’t know who Tonia is?” Ajax asks, his voice small. The anger in him leaves in a rush, leaving him lightheaded and breathless. Maybe that’s the blood loss, who knows. “B – but you wrote him. You wrote OG Tartaglia.”

Hu Tao’s eyes turn soft. “Boyo, the characters I’ve written are not carbon copies of the ones in this world, and they’re certainly nowhere near this in-depth. OG Tartaglia is no exception. Whoever Princess Tonia is, she’s not anyone I came up with.”

Oh.

Oh. Hu Tao didn’t write Tonia.

Hu Tao has nothing to do with her appearance in this world.

If that’s the case, then how? How did she end up there?

“Hey, boyo, I need to see your hands, okay? You’re bleeding a lot and uh, you’re not wearing any shoes, do you know that?”

A knock sounds out. “Miss Hu Tao? I heard a lot of commotion. Is everything alr – Childe?”

Familiar hands adorned in soft brown gloves gently cup his face and oh, it’s Zhongli. Zhongli is here and he’s looking decidedly unhappy.

“Childe, what’s wrong?” Golden eyes flit towards his hands at the split knuckles and the rivers of blood running down his arms, and there’s a part of Ajax who knows that that should hurt, but he can’t really feel anything at the moment. “You’re injured,” Zhongli says, frown deepening. “How? What happened?”

“Um, I – I – I think I punched something,” Ajax chokes out a laugh. He sounds deranged even to his own ears. “I punched the walls and the floor.”

It hits him just how stupid everything is and how crazy he must appear. He’s sitting there in the reception of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour, shoeless while his hands are dripping blood all over the once pristine floor. It’s also getting really late, because Ajax can’t hear the hustle and bustle of the night market outside, which means that he had probably barged into Wangsheng Funeral Parlour as they’re about to close for the night. He’s probably holding everyone up from being able to go home.

He’s causing a lot of inconveniences when Hu Tao doesn’t even know who Tonia is.

“I – I need to go,” he stammers, stumbling up. He’s swaying a little, probably would’ve swayed way more if Zhongli isn’t propping him up. “I think I need to leave. Sorry for – sorry.”

“Woah, you’re not going anywhere.” Hu Tao pushes him back down into the seat. For such a small girl, her grip is surprisingly strong. “I don’t know what’s going on, but you’re in no state to be going home like that. We also need to fix you up first. Mister Zhongli, can you keep an eye on him? I’ll be right back. I’m going to get some water.”

“Of course. Please, leave him with me.”

“Childe.” Zhongli’s hands are back. They feel warm on his cheeks. He’s crouching down and is looking up into Ajax’s eyes, and he looks so worried that Ajax feels the guilt and shame come flooding back. “Are you hurt anywhere else? Your head? Your chest?”

Ajax chokes out another laugh past the growing lump in his throat. His head feels a muddled mess and his chest feels like he’s got a million pounds crushing him. But, he forces out an answer: “No, no I’m not hurt anywhere else. I’m just…” going crazy, “I’m just having a really, really bad day.”

A look of understanding settles over Zhongli’s face. “Would you like to talk about it?”

No, Ajax definitely, definitely does not.

Instead, he leans forward and lets his forehead rest on the other’s shoulder. Lets himself do nothing but breathe in the soothing scent of silk flowers and incense. Lets himself do nothing but bask in the comforting warmth of the other’s body as he tries to wrestle his breathing back in order and his heartbeat to slow from its scared, frenzied thrumming.

“Alright,” Zhongli says when the silence stretches on. A second later, Ajax feels long fingers card through his hair, tentative at first, but getting bolder once they reach the nape of his neck. Then, the motion would start all over again and again, slow and rhythmic and soothing. The careful touches send shivers down Ajax’s spine.

It’s been a long time since he’s been touched like this. Probably back when his father and mother were still together.

“Alright,” Zhongli repeats, his voice soft and low and so gentle that it makes Ajax want to weep. “You can rest easy, dear boy. I am here. I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.”

As Zhongli continues to murmur into his ears, Ajax latches on to the words like a drowning man grasping at a lifesaver. In his mind, he repeats what Zhongli says over and over again. A lullaby to calm the turmoil in his heart.

Zhongli is here. Zhongli is here.

Zhongli is here like he’s always been, like all those times when Ajax found himself feeling overwhelmed in the new world and left to ride out the chaotic storm of his emotions on his own. Zhongli is here to act as his anchor and ground him to reality.

Zhongli is here and Ajax is safe. Ajax can rest.

And with that realization, the pressure in his chest lessens and Ajax can finally breathe.

Chapter Text

Part XXI. Zhongli! Zhongli! Zhongli! Part 2

The way in which Ajax wakes up is not gentle; one moment, he’s drifting in a sea of darkness and the next, his eyes snap open, his mind quickly being dragged from the comforting depths of sleep into the harsh world of consciousness.

Everywhere he looks is shining gold, from the canopy of shimmering fabric above his head to the cool sheets draped over his body. Ajax shifts, slowly freeing an arm from the confines of his cover, and as he does, he catches a glimpse of the bedclothes he’s wearing.

Even his pajamas are gold and satin-like to touch, with delicate embroideries featuring the geo symbol lining the cuffs. Way more luxurious than the usual cotton oversized shirt and pants he prefers.

Next, it’s the smell that hits him – familiar, floral and delicate, mixed with old paper and incense. It covers the room, clinging on to the sheets, its scent warm and comforting.

Where the fuck is he?

He moves to peel off the cover from his body, but the hot aching pain pulsating from his hands stops him in his track. Ow! Owwwww! What the shit?

The door to his room slides open and holy fuck, is that Zhongli? What is Zhongli doing here?

Better yet, what is Zhongli wearing?

The man has his hair down, the long strands tumbling past his shoulders in a waterfall of dark silk that fade into cor lapis amber. He’s in a set of casual dark brown and gold robes made of material that shifts and shimmers with every movement under the candlelight. His robes drape over him, cinched closed with a silk belt, the thin material of his outfit does nothing to hide the broadness of his shoulders or the way his torso tapers into that lovely thin waist.

“I’m glad to see that you are awake, Childe,” Zhongli says by way of greeting. “How are you feeling?”

Zhongli’s tone is gentle despite the wide-eyed look Ajax must be giving him. It takes an embarrassing amount of time for Childe to even register that Zhongli is holding something – a box of medical supplies and a glass of water.

“’m fine,” he chokes out, pulling himself up so that he’s seated upright. It’s slow going and clumsy without the use of his hands. “What happened?”

Zhongli takes a seat at the side of the bed, laying out the supplies and the glass on the table beside him. “I thought it would be best if you spent the night here after the excitement from last night. Would you like some water? Some painkiller?”

As if by magic, the events from the evening come crashing back and Ajax finds himself choking on the onslaught of memories.

Last night.

Oh god, last night.

Ajax remembers showing up to Wangsheng Funeral Parlour, raving like a goddamned lunatic because –

“Tonia,” he breathes. And then, a second thought hits him, one that’s much more sinister that he hasn’t even fucking considered before, one that has him going pale in fear.

What if this Tonia is a user?

What if the user is his sister?

“I need to go,” he croaks out. “I need to find her. I need – I need to leave and I – Zhongli, let go of me!”

“I will not,” Zhongli says, his tone hard as he keeps his grip firm on Ajax’s arms, stopping any of his flailing movements. “You are injured and distraught and you need to stay put for your own safety.”

“I can’t!” Because Tonia might be here in this world. Tonia might be here and Ajax can’t leave her by herself. He can’t just abandon her like that. He needs to find her.

User Ajax, please remain calm, AR chimes out in his head. Even with his mechanical voice, the worry is obvious.

What if she’s a User? Ajax thinks as he renews his struggling. What if she’s trapped in this world like I am?

User Ajax, there are no other users in this world aside from yourself and User Hu Tao.

Ajax goes still. There are…no other users?

That is correct. You need not worry over Character Tonia.

Character Tonia.

Character Tonia.

Tonia is a character in this world.

The relief that bowls into him is palpable. Ajax slumps over, his body going limp like a puppet with its string cut. Oh. Oh, thank god. Thank god his little sister is not –

Thank god Tonia is not going through what he’s going through.

User Ajax should focus before Character Zhongli worries even more .

Just as AR finishes his warning, two soft hands reach over to cradle Ajax’s face, and the unexpected touch draws him back to a visibly worried Zhongli.

“Childe. I’m right here, dear boy. I’m right here. That’s right, focus on me. Focus on my voice.”

Ajax blinks slowly.

Fuck. Zhongli is here. Zhongli is still here and he’s gone off and tried to fight him in his panic.

He’s got no words to placate the Adeptus before him, who’s clearly growing more alarmed from how dazed he must seem.

“The pupils are a bit dilated and the heartbeat is elevated.” Zhongli’s hand brushes against his forehead. “Temperature is a bit too warm. A fever? Hmm, maybe it’s from the agitation. What about the abyssal energy level?”

“Zhongli?”

Zhongli pulls back slightly. “Childe? Are you with me?”

Ajax swallows and gives the smallest nod. “I’m here. I’m here. I – sorry. Sorry.”

“Nothing to apologize for,” Zhongli says, though he isn’t completely relaxed. His eyes are still scanning Ajax’s face like Baizhu does whenever he’s diagnosing a patient. “Are you alright? If I said anything to have alarmed you…”

Ajax shakes his head. “No, no, you didn’t. I just, ah…”

What the hell kind of explanation can Ajax give? How can he justify freaking out on Zhongli like that?

“Um, I just came out of a nightmare and I was confused,” he lies. Probably badly. He wants to bury his face in his hands but his hands hurt too much. “I thought – I didn’t manage to get my head on straight ‘til just now. Sorry for making you worried.”

Luckily, Zhongli doesn’t pry further. His shoulders slump with relief. “Understandable. You had an upsetting evening and you woke up to find yourself in a strange environment. Anybody would require a few minutes to adjust. Here, let me get you some water.”

Ajax takes several large gulps of water from the glass Zhongli is holding up for him, trying not to grimace at his own helplessness. Now that his head is a bit less muddled, the rest of his memories from last night are trickling through. He remembers barging into Wangsheng Funeral Parlour, remembers confronting Hu Tao (oh God, there’s another person he owes a million apologies to.) He remembers the anger leaving him when Hu Tao admitted that she had no idea who Tonia was, and then, he remembers slumping against Zhongli’s shoulders, listening to that low, soothing voice while Zhongli and Hu Tao worked on his hands. And then…

“You fell asleep last night,” Zhongli murmurs, predicting Ajax’s question probably from the look of growing confusion on his face. “I woke you up and we decided it was best to retire to my abode for the night, though I suspect you would have little recollection of that,” Zhongli pulls the glass away and places it back on to the table. “It is still very early, so you should sleep some more. But after I take a look at your hands. May I see them?”

The mention of sleep has Ajax feeling tired all of a sudden. Like magic, a blanket of comforting warmth settles over him, making his body relax further into the cozy bed and his mind fuzzy. It’s probably the soothing incense smell or the adrenaline crash.

“Hmm, okay,” Ajax answers with a little nod and a yawn.

Zhongli gently takes a bandaged hand, cradling it in his own, and inspects it with careful eyes. Even in the dim candlelight, Ajax can see the faint splotches of rust-brown staining the bandages, which explains the dull throbbing pain in his hands.

“We’re going to need to change these.” Zhongli gives the second hand the same careful look-over before laying both limbs down and reaching for his medicine kit. “This may hurt a little but I will do my best to be gentle.”

Ajax’s unwrapped hands look positively gnarly. His knuckles are swollen to an ugly red purple, and the skin over them is scraped off, leaving behind raw flesh and thick scabs where the blood has broken through. Now that he’s focused on his hand, he can feel twinges of sharp pain from even the slightest movement.

At least Zhongli is working quickly, first wiping the injuries carefully with a clean rag and some sort of medicinal oil, then slathering on a thin layer of lotion that does wonders numbing out the pain. Finally, he wraps the hands with fresh bandages, tying the ends in a neat knot.

“There. All done. Now, some painkiller and after that, sleep.”

Ajax downs the round little pills Zhongli gives him without protests, chasing it with the last few more gulps of water from the glass pressed against his lips. In the next breath, he feels his eyelids droop with exhaustion.

Yes, sleep sounds perfectly divine right now.

“Have a good night, Childe,” he hears Zhongli say as he helps him lay back into the soft, comfortable bed. “I will be right here when you wake up, alright?”

“’M kay,” Ajax sighs, and then, he’s out like a light.

The next time Ajax opens his eyes, it’s to streaks of gray morning light streaming through the windows. His mind is also much clearer; so clear, in fact, that the embarrassing memories of him freaking the fuck out from a few scant hours ago lay in the forefront of his thoughts.

Oh, he thinks, with no small amount of dread as he registers the grand room he’s in and the luxurious silk sheets he’s lying on. Everything that happened last night was real. Oh, god.

He had acted completely deranged in front of Hu Tao. And Zhongli, twice. End his miserable existence now.

Before he can lament too much, the sight of a familiar figure sitting in a nearby chair, a newspaper in hand, catches his attention.

“Zhongli?” he calls out. “Is that you?”

He moves to rub his eyes but hisses at the stinging pain. “Ow.”

The speed in which Zhongli abandons his seat is pretty impressive. “Childe, careful. Your hands are still healing.”

Good morning, User Ajax. Healing Food is available should you wish to use it, AR helpfully suggests.

Yeah, he’s definitely going to be popping one of those the moment he’s left alone to wallow in shame and self-pity. But first, “Zhongli? What are you doing here?” He squints at the familiar attire the man is in. Is he still in his sleeping clothes?

“I said I would be here when you wake up, remember?” Zhongli replies as he helps Ajax up so that he’s sitting up. The answer tells everything Ajax needs to know. Knowing the man, Zhongli must have stayed the entire night to make sure Ajax was doing alright even if it means he’s stuck wearing something more casual than what he would prefer in front of a guest, and yeah, this knowledge does not make Ajax feel better about himself. Zhongli’s done so much for Ajax already. It’s just embarrassing how much Ajax needs to be coddled at this point.

“I – uh – yeah, yeah I remember,” Ajax says, clearing his throat. “Thanks. You didn’t have to do that. You could’ve just left me to it and get some proper rest for yourself.”

Zhongli shakes his head, a frown marring his face. “Never. I made a promise and I will honour it. How are your hands? Are they feeling better? Let me get my kit.”

Ajax tries flexing his fingers a bit and okay, bad idea. Very bad idea. “Better,” he lies through his teeth, trying not to wince. “Almost as good as new all thanks to your healing. I, uh, think I should probably get out of hair. Get back to my…” his eyes go wide. “Oh, crud! My apartment!”

Zhongli, who’s clearly taken to ignoring Ajax’s babbling since he didn’t stop unpacking his medicinal kit, pauses. “Your apartment?”

“I wrecked it and oh, Ekaterina is going to be so mad.” She’s going to be so worried when the news reaches her ears about what he did to his apartment and then she’s going to be livid because she’s in charge of arranging his living accommodations, including fixing everything.

Zhongli’s eyes flit to Ajax’s hands. “I see. So that’s how you were injured. You mentioned you punched the walls and the floor when you were in Wangsheng Funeral Parlour, and to be honest, I thought that was just a turn of phrase.”

“N – no, I was trying to, uh…” What explanation can Ajax even give without making him sound insane? Though that ship may have sailed at this point. “It’s complicated?”

Zhongli nods. “So it would seem.”

Then, he goes back to changing Ajax’s bandage in a disturbingly Zen-like silence.

“A – aren’t you going to ask about what happened?” Ajax asks when it looks like Zhongli won’t talk.

“Do you want to talk about what happened?”

No. Not really. But he feels like he owes it to the man. “Uh, I –”

Zhongli shakes his head. “You can tell me when you are ready.” He ties off the bandages and tucks Ajax’s hands back under the covers. “Are you hungry? I can prepare something to eat unless you would like to rest some more.”

“I – I think I want to lay back down.”

“Alright. Let me make things more comfortable for you first.”

He watches as Zhongli putters around the room some more, taking Ajax’s western-style pillow, fluffing it, before placing it against his back, and it hits Ajax at once how utterly ridiculous everything is. Here he is, sitting in bed, a very luxurious bed in a very luxurious guestroom in the exceedingly gorgeous home that belongs to Zhongli, aka Morax, aka the Geo fucking Archon himself. The same Geo Archon who spent the evening taking care of him, who had held him as he spiralled into panic twice. Who had then hauled his ass home because Ajax had shut down on the man, then fell asleep on him. And now, that Geo Archon is fluffing his pillows and offering to make breakfast and being perfectly lovely while Ajax is laying there, a human mess with a disaster zone of an apartment and with zero explanations for his actions.

Scratch embarrassment. Ajax is so mortified he can practically die. Jesus Christ. Jesus fucking Christ.

“Hmm, and there it is, there’s the panic,” Ajax hears Zhongli mutter through his hitched breathing. “Childe. Stop. Look at me.”

Hands reach out and cup his cheeks, drawing his face up so that he’s staring into a pair of warm amber eyes. The hands feel soft against his skin, and Ajax focuses on the sensation, on the strength hidden in those delicate fingers, to ground him to the present.

“Hmm. Good. Much better,” Zhongli murmurs, tracing the curve of Ajax’s cheek with his thumb. “What you need to focus on right now is to rest and heal. Whatever it is that you need to do can wait once you get better. If there is anything urgent, I can help, including help with your apartment.”

“I don’t think I locked the door properly and my stuff is just there,” Ajax confesses, which is just sheer idiocy because it doesn’t fucking matter. Who cares about his locked door when he’s faced with the pressing need to crawl into the nearest ditch and die? Still, his mouth persists: “And Ekaterina, I need to tell her. She’s going to get so mad.”

“I will go and make sure everything is in order.” Zhongli pushes Ajax down until he’s lying on his back, tucking his covers around him before smoothing the fabric out. “I will also speak with Miss Ekaterina and let her know you are currently resting somewhere safe, so there is no need to worry.”

“But – I – ”

Zhongli gives Ajax’s chest a reassuring pat. Before Ajax can stammer some more protests, he leans down, his eyes soft and tender and murmurs, “Have a good rest, Childe. I will wake you when food is ready.”

Then, Zhongli sweeps away, elegant robes swirling behind him as he floats out of the room. The door closes behind him with a soft click and silence settles over the space once again, leaving Ajax alone with nothing but his thoughts.

And with AR, of course.

He sighs. “Great. Just great. How the fuck am I going to get myself out of this one?”

What is he going to do about Tonia?

Because no matter how he slices it, isn’t it too much of a coincidence that OG Tartaglia has siblings, with one of them also named Tonia?

“Perhaps User Ajax should follow Character Zhongli’s advice and rest some more. There is not much to be done in the time being, after all.”

Ajax sighs. AR is right. He can mull over some more after the last of his panicked adrenaline subsides.

There is one last thing to do before he can nod off though.

“AR? Activate Healing Food, Medium Grade.”

Ajax wakes to the faint scent of warm, savoury food and the muffled sound of conversation.

“ – injury….best….stay for a while.”

“….do not mind…inconvenience at all…watch over…”

“…he doing…?”

“…sad…exhausted…shock…not sure –”

“…no idea…noticed…Master Childe…”

At the mention of his name, Ajax peels off his cover, fumbling a little with his still heavily bandaged hands, and hops out of bed.

He shuffles out of his room and follows the sound of the voices as he navigates the hallways richly decorated in silk paintings, precious wall hangings, porcelain vases, and statues. Ajax recognizes some of these as recently purchased during their many shopping excursions (given that he paid for them all; that celadon plate, for example, cost him over three hundred thousand mora).

At least the pieces look well-cared-for with not a speck of dust found ghosting their surfaces.

He makes his way down the stairs. Now that he’s closer, he can recognize one of the voices being Zhongli’s. The other one, female, sounds awfully familiar too.

“…will only be a temporary measure until arrangements can be made for alternative living accommodations for Master Childe.”

“What’s temporary?” Childe cuts in as he shuffles into the sunny foyer. Sure enough, Zhongli (back in his day suit) is standing in front of –

“Ekaterina?”

“Master Childe!” she greets, a look of relief crossing her face. “You’re awake. How are you feeling? Mister Zhongli told me about your injury and your apartment.”

The question ‘what happened’ is clearly tacked on to the end of that statement, though unasked.

Ajax winces. Right. He’s not going to have this conversation now. “It’s, ah, complicated. I’m…doing better, thanks. Sorry for troubling you with my mess.”

“It’s fine, no need to apologize,” she answers, though the look she’s giving him suggests that they’re going to have to have this talk sooner rather than later. “I’m glad you’re feeling well enough to be up and about. I was discussing arrangements for your accommodations while you recuperate. Mister Zhongli has kindly offered his home for you to stay in. I think it’s a fantastic idea.”

Wait, next accommodations? Staying over at Zhongli’s? “What’s wrong with my hotel suite? I know I made a mess of things, but not all the rooms are busted. I can just stay in those while people fix up the place.”

He flinches at the matching stern looks from both Zhongli and Ekaterina.

“Master Childe, you need a proper place to rest properly and that means being somewhere away from the mess,” Ekaterina says, “I have also taken the liberty of letting Andrei know you will be away for a week.”

“A week? Isn’t that a bit much? I only hurt my hands!”

He gets the look again, fiercer this time. It reminds him all too much of being scolded by his mother as a child. “Yes. You hurt your hands under complicated circumstances. I am well aware.”

Yikes. They’re going to have that conversation real soon.

“I must agree with Miss Ekaterina on this, Childe,” Zhongli interjects. “Some time off to heal and relax would be beneficial.”

“But – but,” Ajax splutters. “Wouldn’t I be bothering you?”

“No, not at all,” Zhongli answers, shaking his head. “I am delighted to have you in my home. I must also admit that a large part of my offer stems from selfishness since it would put my mind at ease knowing that you are here, recuperating peacefully.”

He can practically hear Hu Tao’s voice in his head, her words from months ago taunting him: “How the hell did you turn my amazing RPG game into a BL dating-sim?”

Yeah, no. He’s not thinking about that impossibility. He’s done a fantastic job not thinking about it for the past few months and he will continue to not think about it.

He’s about to open his mouth to protest some more but the expression on Zhongli’s face stops him in his track.

The man looks worried. Genuinely worried. And…disappointed.

Aw, fuck.

“I understand if my offer may be a tad too bold and you would rather have alternative arrangements,” Zhongli offers instead, “I apologize if the liberty I have taken with my offer is making you uncomfortable –”

“I – no, it’s not that – Zhongli, it’s fine! You’re doing me a favour!” Ajax placates. “It’s just a lot to take in at once is all. I’m happy to take up your offer.” Anything to wipe that sad look off his face.

“Good,” Ekaterina says with a nod of satisfaction as a bright smile blooms across Zhongli’s lips. “We can decide more on what to do about alternative living accommodations after your leave, whether that means moving you to somewhere new or not. Before I make arrangements for repair for your apartment, I’m assuming you’d want to clear the space first to give more room for the contractors and repairmen?”

Which is coded for: please make sure you don’t have any secret documents lying around before the space is opened up to outsiders. Ajax understands that loud and clear. He nods. “I’ll need to do that and, uh, lock everything up. And I’d rather keep my current apartment rather than move to a new one.”

His Traces of Tartaglia quest isn’t over yet, after all. Who knows what else Tartaglia has hidden in the walls that Ajax has yet to find.

“We can plan more in a few days’ time after you’ve rested,” Ekaterina confirms. “Please do not feel like you should prioritize this over your own health. If that is all, I will seal off your apartment until you are ready to visit. I will also have some men send over a few casual outfits from the tailor for the duration of your stay. Do you have any preferences?”

“I – I can just go back to my apartment and pack a few shirts and stuff. Really, there’s no need.”

“He prefers loose-fitted shirts and long pants,” Zhongli offers. “Made with soft fabrics, mostly cotton. Nothing too ostentatious. He prefers blues, grays, and creams as opposed to the more vibrant colours.”

Ajax looks at Zhongli in surprise. How does he –

“This tends to be your preference whenever I visit your home,” Zhongli answers the unasked question with a smile that has no business looking so fond. It’s doing funny things to Ajax’s chest. “My apologies if I were mistaken and you prefer something else.”

“Ah…no, no, that’s not it.”

“That’s easy enough to arrange,” Ekaterina answers, as she turns to go. “If there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave for now. And Master Childe,” she gives him one last pointed look, one filled with extra judgment, “rest. Or Mister Zhongli and I shall be very cross with you.”

“I rather like Miss Ekaterina,” Zhongli notes lightly at the space she had just occupied. “She is quite the character.”

Lunch is a quiet affair consisting of a warm home-cooked meal of chicken congee, herb pork bone soup, steamed Chinese broccoli, and jasmine tea. As expected of the illustrious Rex Lapis, only the most elegant porcelain is used to serve and prepared to perfection, each bite bursting with flavour.

The meal would’ve been much better received if Zhongli wasn’t actively spoon feeding him every bite.

“Z – Zhongli! I’m fine. My hands are doing much better. I can hold a pair of chopsticks or a spoon!”

Zhongli isn’t having it. “I’m sure you are feeling better,” he placates as he holds another spoonful up for Ajax after blowing on it, no less. “Which is all the more reason for you to rest your hands. We wouldn’t want you to hurt them and undo all the healing that’s been done already. Now, another bite, please.”

“This is embarrassing,” Ajax whines, but caves to Zhongli’s demand when the man looks at him expectantly. Dammit, the congee is delicious. “I’m not a child!”

“Of course not. You are a very capable individual who will no doubt help me if I were in a similar predicament. Please try this soup. It is very nutritious, very fresh.”

They finish their meal one spoonful at a time. Ajax is apparently a lot hungrier than he thought because he ends up devouring everything in front of him to Zhongli’s obvious delight.

“I didn't know you cooked,” Ajax says when the dishes are cleared and Zhongli is changing his bandages. “Everything you’ve prepared is delicious.”

“I dabble. I cannot claim to be a master of the culinary arts and I certainly cannot create anything as exquisite as some of the dishes you’ve prepared for me. Oh, your hands are looking much better. I’m glad to see how much you’ve healed.”

“I heal fast,” Ajax answers with a small shrug. Thank you, OP Healing Food! “I hardly created anything fancy either. It’s just stir-fries and cakes mostly.”

“You made me that delicious ‘mille crêpes’ cake. That is hardly a simple affair. The labour alone to create all those layers must have been extensive, let alone the hours you must have put in to perfect the recipe.”

Ah, leave it to Zhongli to point out and appreciate the craftsmanship that went into the dish. The thought makes Ajax smile. “I’m happy to make you another one as a thank you for letting me stay over.”

The offer is tempting enough for Zhongli to stop and consider it instead of giving his usual polite rebuff. “You need not make it to thank me,” he settles with, “but if you insist on making it, then I must insist that you do so after a bit more rest.”

Ajax chuckles. “Alright, deal. One mille crêpes cake as a…a celebratory cake then.”

The rest of the day is spent in an equally peaceful, if not, surreal manner, especially once Ajax learned that Hu Tao actually gave Zhongli time off which he accepted. With Zhongli at home, fully intent on taking good care of him, it doesn’t leave him much to do except lay in bed, sleep and eat. Basically, it’s as if Ajax is the most spoiled cat on the planet.

At least Zhongli wasn’t lying when he said he didn’t mind, judging by the utterly, utterly random L-points Ajax gets from doing basic mundane things. Leaning over and taking a sip of water from the cup Zhongli is holding up for him garners 2 L-points, grumbling about how he doesn’t need that much TLC gets him 1 L-point, thanking the man for dinner gets another L-point, as with offering to clean up.

Praying to Rex Lapis that evening, because he remembers he needs to keep up that façade at the last minute, also nets him a generous amount of L-points. Those points are way more than his singing deserves, what the heck is Zhongli thinking?

(Ajax remains steadfast in his conviction to Not Think about Hu Tao’s words as the L-points accumulate. He’s going to chalk it up as Zhongli being pleased with his presence and nothing more. Yup, yup.)

This goes on for the next few days. During those days, any guilty attempts made to explain himself are gently turned down, with Zhongli repeating that he will listen only when Ajax is ready to explain. It does nothing to assuage the gnawing guilt from taking advantage of Zhongli’s hospitality and generosity.

Meanwhile, Ajax has made exactly zero progress with his Tonia situation, because any questions about how Tonia the character is here and whether more of Ajax’s family are characters in this world are met with cryptic answers or straight-up denials. At least AR sounds genuinely apologetic for being unable to answer Ajax’s questions and is sympathetic to his plight.

Speaking of being sympathetic, Hu Tao herself waved off Ajax’s apology when she dropped by for a visit, after Zhongli kindly ushered them into a guest room and left them to chat in private.

“I might not know who that person in the letter is, but I’m guessing it’s someone important from the other world. I’d be freaked out too if I run into people I knew, so I get how fucked up it feels,” she says, for once, sounding like the serious adult that she is. “Just…take care of yourself, okay? I’m here if you need someone to chat or vent.”

She also hands the copy of the letter to him, the one with Tonia’s name on it. “By the way, you left this on the table. Don’t worry, I hid it from Zhongli. He also asked if you were looking for me when you showed up at Wangsheng Funeral Parlour but I lied and said I had no idea and that it was more likely for you to look for him than for me since you’re close friends.”

“Thanks,” he says, tucking his letter back into the System’s Inventory. “Tonia is my younger step-sister from, um, from before, as an FYI.”

“Shit, kid. I’m really, really sorry,” Hu Tao says. “No wonder you were pissed. You doing okay?”

“Better. I asked AR if Tonia is a user and he told me that that’s not the case. At least it makes me feel better that this world’s Tonia is just another character. Still pretty fucked up in the grand scheme of things.”

“I’ll say,” Hu Tao nods. “Does AR have an explanation on why there’s a Character Tonia in this world?”

“‘Character Tonia is here because she is needed here.’ That’s the response. When I asked if I’d run into more of my family members in this world, all he has to say is, ‘if the characters are here, it is because they are needed here.’ Any questions elaborating on those answers are denied.”

“Well, that’s decidedly unhelpful. So, what are your next steps? Do you want to reach out to Character Tonia to find out more about her?”

“I don’t know,” Ajax admits. “There’s a part of me that really, really wants to reach out but how am I going to do that? She’s OG Tartaglia’s sister, not mine, and I don’t exactly want to pretend I’m her dead brother especially when at some point, I want to let the family know that OG Tartaglia is gone.”

“That’s really, really ballsy of you.”

Ajax shrugs. “I wasn’t planning on telling them right now. But eventually, once I know it’s safe for me to divulge this info, I’ll do it. It’s the right thing to do after all.”

“Yeah, I suppose it is.” Hu Tao gives him an appraising look. “You’re a good kid, Ajax. Don’t let other people tell you otherwise.”

“I wish I can do more though,” Ajax mutters with a grimace. “I don’t like sitting around with no plan of action.”

“Well, what else have you been doing lately?”

“I was trying to advance the OG Tartaglia questline. I got as far as finding out OG Tartaglia’s hometown and, well, Tonia.” He also summarizes his findings of the military records to Hu Tao, as well as his speculations about something major happening during the six months of missing records.

Ajax is expecting Hu Tao to nod along, confirming that he’s on the right track. He isn’t expecting her to look gobsmacked.

“What the hell,” she says, “That’s not – that information shouldn’t be there.”

Ajax does not like the sound of that at all, especially coming from the person who originally created the world. “What do you mean, shouldn’t be there? What shouldn’t be there?”

Hu Tao gets up from her seat and paces. “When I designed the world, I had a million drafts on backstories and lore. Honestly, I’ve written so much, it’s impossible to remember every little detail, but I do remember playing around with the idea of fleshing Tartaglia out. Make him into a more well-rounded character. Give him more of a personality, a backstory. I had all these grand designs for him and tried pitching the idea to the board of directors.”

“What happened?”

Hu Tao grimaces. “They hated it. They didn't like the idea of spending so many resources on an Arc 1 villain so I had to scrap everything and start from scratch. I ended up going for a more simplified version of the character with a vague to non-existent backstory and simple motives. I’m not proud of what I had done. It’s definitely one of the long lists of regrets I’ve got with how I handled this project. I would’ve stuck to my guns had I known that the budget cut afterwards would’ve stripped the character down even more into the one-dimensional villain we know and hate.”

“So, what exactly are you saying?” Ajax asks, brows furrowing.

Hu Tao stops and turns to Ajax. “I have a theory about this world. You and I both know that this place is more complex than OG Genshin Impact, but I’m starting to suspect that this world is borrowing things directly from our world to build those complexities. Specifically, things like,” she points to herself, “my unpublished drafts,” and then, she points to Ajax, “and the people you know.

“And if that’s what’s happening here, then clearly, whoever’s in charge has some sort of grand design for you and me. Why else would they be borrowing things so personal to us both?”

Hu Tao’s words continue to haunt Ajax as he lays in bed that night.

This world has grand designs for him and Hu Tao. It sounds preposterous except…didn’t AR say that the users’ purpose in this world is not that of punishment? Didn’t AR say that the character roles bound to the users are “selected carefully and for a purpose”?

And didn’t AR say that Character Tonia is here because she is “needed here”?

Needed in what ways? Is it related to the purpose for Ajax’s presence in this world? What even is the purpose for Ajax to be selected as a user? Come to think of it, why does he have to complete the Main Missions at all? Sure, he understands that he’d be penalized, but why? Why is the world going out of its way to punish him in order to force him to complete the Main Missions?

Ajax feels like he’s one of those conspiracy theorists on YouTube. Where’s a board and a million strings when he needs them?

Sighing for the umpteenth time that evening, Ajax gives up on sleep altogether. He throws back his covers, hops out of bed, and leaves his bedroom, snagging a robe on his way out. What he would pay to have his piano right now, or even his guitar – anything to help him think as he purges this restless energy out of him. Since neither of those things is available, he might as well try for Option B: a nice, warm cup of chamomile tea.

This late at night, the house is completely quiet and peaceful, a far cry from his apartment in Chihu Rock that’s facing one of the busiest streets in Liyue Harbour. Ajax quietly pads to the kitchen, oil lamp in hand to guide his way through the darkness, and puts the kettle on. He’s busy perusing through Zhongli’s endless tea collection in his tea cabinet when he hears soft footsteps behind him.

“Couldn’t sleep?”

“Hmm. Too many thoughts in my head,” Ajax replies, turning around to greet Zhongli with a small, sheepish smile. The man is looking noticeably more relaxed with his unbound hair and his set of wispy, silk sleeping robes, though this set of clothing differs slightly from the previous versions Ajax has seen. It features more blacks and creams, peppered with patterns that look like glimmering golden scales along the sleeves. Just as fancy and elegant as the other sleeping attires the man had adorned.

And just as laden with obvious symbolism of him being the Geo Archon. Really, it’s as if Zhongli is not even trying to be subtle in hiding his status as Rex Lapis. How is it that nobody knows about Zhongli’s real identity?

“Childe?”

“Ah, sorry,” Ajax shakes his head. “Lost in my own head again. Would you like some chamomile tea? I’m making a cup for myself.”

“Chamomile tea would be nice, thank you.”

They relocate to the living room with a fresh pot of tea and two teacups. As with the rest of Zhongli’s house, the room is decorated to impress in traditional Liyuan-style, hand-carved, redwood furniture, painted silk drapes, and more decorative antiques that are probably older than any Liyuan alive today. Different shades of gold feature prominently throughout the space, embodying the space in a warm, amber glow that reminds Ajax of being inside a treasure trove.

Maybe that analogy is a fitting one. He is sitting in the den of a dragon, after all.

Ajax sinks into the plush cushion on Zhongli’s fancy redwood chair and sighs into his tea, letting the warmth diffuse into his body and wash away the last of his panicked thoughts.

“I hope I didn’t wake you up,” he says after they’ve each had their quiet moment to enjoy their beverages. “Unless you’re having trouble sleeping like I am.”

“No, I was awake,” Zhongli answers, taking a slow sip of his tea. “I was actually finishing up some work and had a craving for tea, so it was excellent timing running into you.”

“Always so hardworking,” Ajax tsked, “you really should take better care of yourself or else you will get sick. I know, I know, I shouldn’t be talking. You can stop looking at me like that now!”

Zhongli, tellingly, doesn’t deny the comment and continues sipping his tea.

“You said you’ve had too many thoughts in your head,” he says instead after a moment of silence. “I’ve been told that sharing them helps lighten the load in your mind. If you care to share them, I am happy to listen. I promise I will keep them strictly confidential between you and me.”

Ajax believes him, especially coming from the mouth of the God of Contracts.

The question is, where can he start? It’s not like he can be completely forthright with his problem either. Maybe, he can talk in hypotheticals?

“Zhongli, do you ever have the feeling that you’re just…trapped by something out of your control?”

“Trapped?” Zhongli goes still. “What do you mean?”

“I don’t mean physically,” well, he does, “more like, where you feel like you’re on a boat and you have no control where it’s steering towards. You’re stuck on it and you’re at the complete mercy of a million and one things out of your control – wind, current, weather – and all you can do is just hang on and hope you don’t fall off.”

Ajax clutches his warm tea closer to his chest. “And the worst part is, you have no idea where it’s even taking you. You have no idea who’s steering the ship and what their intentions are – good or bad. All you can do is hope that things turn out for the best. I – I’m not making any sense, am I?”

“You feel lost and not in control of your own fate,” Zhongli offers, golden eyes focused on Ajax. “Worse still, you feel like you are placed in a situation where you’re being guided to a set of actions that you have no control or say over. If I may ask, does it have something to do with your injuries?”

“I – yeah,” Ajax admits, grimacing. God, he wants so badly to be able to talk candidly and openly to Zhongli, but at the same time, what the hell will he say to explain this clusterfuck? “Please don’t spread this around but I, um, I found out something a – about my family. I didn’t react well.” The chuckle he lets out is full of self-deprecation. “Obviously. I didn’t react well. I must have scared you showing up the way I did, didn’t I?”

“Oh,” Zhongli blinks. “I am very sorry to hear that and I am doubly sorry that your family is making you feel like you are trapped. Please do not apologize for the way you appeared that evening. I was more worried about your well-being than anything else. I would prefer this a million times over you deciding to struggle alone.”

“Thank you,” Ajax answers. Technically, Zhongli’s wrong in his assumption; it’s not Ajax’s family that’s making him feel trapped but, ah, it’s fine. It’s easier to let Zhongli run with that thought.

“What do you intend to do next? Do you need to travel home to resolve the matter?”

“No idea on what my next steps are,” Ajax admits. “I won’t be leaving Liyue any time soon though.” Although going to OG Tartaglia’s hometown would be one way to uncover more secrets about him. But for that plan to work, it will involve him having to pretend he’s OG Tartaglia which Ajax remains against. He’s also not sure how he will react if he does see his family members as characters there.

He’s not sure how he will react if he sees Tonia. Maybe his other little siblings too.

Just the idea of running into, what is effectively, a group of strangers with all hauntingly familiar faces makes his heart hurt.

He’ll want to get his family back even in his heart of hearts, he knows that they’re not his family. And if they act differently from how he remembers his own family behaves, it will undoubtedly send him spiralling because he’ll be constantly reminded of what he’s lost.

There are just too many risks. Too many opportunities for things to go terribly wrong.

“Childe, about your analogy, is there no way for you to get off the ship?”

Ajax shakes his head. “I wish. A course has been set and I’m stuck on board.”

“And there is no way for you to go back?”

“Definitely not.”

“Hmm.” Zhongli nods to himself. “In that case, if there is no path available, then one might as well go forward and see what lies ahead. However, that is not to suggest that you should accept it with open arms, or that you should go without preparing as best as you can for what’s to come. Perhaps in your preparation, you can gain back the sense of control to help ease your worry.”

All very reasonable advice, especially since it aligns with AR’s not-so-subtle hint of mitigating damages and acting in secrecy to complete his Main Missions.

And now that Ajax knows what the world is capable of, that it can have a version of his loved ones from his old life, he won’t be as caught off guard if he goes through something similar in the future.

“Further,” Zhongli adds, “please know that you are not alone.”

His expression grows soft and warm, made all the warmer still in the amber light from the oil lamp against the gold of their surroundings. “Should you need any help, know that you have people around you who are willing to support you, myself included. My door will always be open to you should you need a place to seek shelter or even a place to call home. You will always have somewhere safe with me.”

Zhongli delivers the answer like it’s the most natural thing in the world – of course, he will be happy to help Ajax. Of course, he will be happy to offer him a house and home, and safety. There is no hesitation in there, no expectation for something in return. Just an offer freely made with sincerity and warmth and compassion.

He offers it without knowing what it means to Ajax.

Nobody’s offered a home to Ajax before.

Nobody’s asked Ajax to stay.

Nobody’s wanted Ajax to stay.

Not even his own family had wanted him to stay. He was too messy, and chaotic, and angry.

“Zhongli, you shouldn’t make such an offer so lightly, especially to someone like me.” Even in his own ears Ajax sounds quiet and more than a little raw. He swallows the lump in his throat and continues, “You shouldn’t want someone like me around. I’m only going to bring trouble to your doorstep.”

Zhongli’s expression hardens, settling into unyielding stubbornness. It brings a surge of fondness flooding through Ajax’s chest. When did this sight become so familiar to Ajax? When did it start bringing him so much comfort?

“You use the term ‘someone like me’ to imply something negative and yet, I cannot disagree more,” Zhongli says with a tinge of growl to his voice. “I see a young man who cares deeply for his men, colleagues, friends, and family. I see someone with a generous heart who goes above and beyond to make sure those he cherishes are well-taken care of. I see a hardworking individual who strives to do his best no matter how difficult the task is to the point of neglecting his own diet and health despite the efforts of those wiser than him to get him to eat –”

“Ah, Zhongli, isn’t – isn’t this a bit much? I’m not that good.” Ajax is still a Harbinger, after all, tasked to stir up trouble for Liyue Harbour. Zhongli knows this.

Still, Zhongli persists. “I see someone who has faced misfortune at an early age and struggles with its consequences to this very day, and yet, he persists to rise above the bad hand he’s been dealt. And, as I have told you before many months ago, I see a person who indulges my whims and encourages me to enjoy all the pleasures Liyue Harbour has to offer, who teaches me to live and relish the moment. Not only does this remain true to this day, but this person has also grown into my dearest friend, who listens to my concerns and worries while trusting me enough to share those parts back.

“So, tell me, why wouldn’t I welcome someone like that into my home? Why wouldn’t I welcome someone so near and dear to my heart?”

Ajax takes a big sip of tea to hide the way how red he must look from how hot his cheeks feel.

Zhongli called him his dear friend.

Sure, he knows Zhongli likes him – the L-points don’t lie – but there’s just something that hits different hearing him say it so plainly that – that he thinks so highly of Ajax.

To the point of letting him into his house and home. Fuck.

Oh, goddamned Zhongli! Damn him and his stupidly sweet soliloquies. How the fuck is Ajax supposed to warn Zhongli against the dangers of associating with him now?

(How the fuck is Ajax supposed to keep himself away? How the fuck is Ajax supposed to resist?)

“I – I think you’re being too generous with your praises, Zhongli,” he ends up mumbling. “I don’t think I’m doing anything out of the ordinary at all.”

His heart is rattling like a drum and he feels warm all over now. There’s a glowing heat that pulses from his chest and spreads throughout his body as if he’s submerging himself in a nice, warm bath. It’s the strangest combination of feelings – bashfulness, nervousness, fondness, all mixed with sheer, unadulterated delight – that Ajax has never experienced before. He’s not entirely sure what to make of them at all.

“The fact that you think so proves my point further,” Zhongli counters, and oh, he’s crossing his arms now and that frown deepens even more. Zhongli is serious. Is it wrong for Ajax to find that equal parts exasperating and adorable? “In any event, you may perceive yourself in a negative light, but I am happy to prove you wrong. I have made up my mind about you and about my offer. I will not be changing either of those.”

“O – okay, Zhongli,” Ajax answers. He’s losing his battle against the smile he’s trying to fight down and he knows it. He can feel the way the corner of his lips are curling up, and judging by how Zhongli is relaxing from his defensive position, so does Zhongli. “Whatever you say.”

“Indeed, and I am seldom wrong about these sorts of things.” If Zhongli is any less restrained, Ajax suspects he would have sniffed in a gesture of pure haughtiness. The mental image warms him up even more.

They decide to head back to bed after a few more minutes of quiet chatter, and as Ajax lays back down into his soft sheets, he finds himself still smiling at the echoes of Zhongli’s words and the ferocity in which he delivered them. At least for tonight, his previous worries go quiet and still.

At least for tonight, Ajax can sleep soundly.

Part XXII. The Way The Wind Blows

Ekaterina drops by with fresh clothes as promised.

Or more accurately, Ekaterina shows up at Zhongli’s home one sunny morning, and trailing behind her is a fleet of people rolling in with racks upon racks of brand new clothing.

A fleet of very familiar-looking people.

“Oh, hello!” Ajax greets the Madame and her assistants who made his Rite outfit. “It’s very nice to see you again.”

He excuses himself, leaving Zhongli to chat with the Madame as he pulls Ekaterina to the side. “Isn’t this too much?” he hisses, “I’m only staying here for a couple of days longer! I hardly need a brand new closet of clothes!”

“Actually, I was just about to discuss that,” she says. “Renovations are going to take a little longer than anticipated. We’re looking for at least one month. More realistically, two. Apparently, the hotel owner is using this renovation as an opportunity to make several upgrades to your unit.”

All on Fatui’s dime, no doubt. Ajax can’t blame the enterprising hotel owner.

“This means that you will not have access to your home for the duration of that time, so I thought it would be prudent to have some clothes ready, just in case.”

“B – but, I can always go back to the apartment and pack my clothing…”

“Of course you can. I anticipate that you will be making a trip back to pack up all the belongings you want to take to your temporary lodgings, whether it’s with Mister Zhongli or somewhere else. I just took the initiative to have more clothes made.”

Ajax balks at the answer. “Took the initiative? Why?”

The look Ekaterina gives him is full of judgment. “Because the only outfit I have ever seen you in is your Fatui uniform. The fact that you even have loungewear is news to me, and something tells me you only have a few changes of those clothes if that.”

She’s not wrong.

“Further, as much as the team and I appreciate your ongoing effort to better yourself after seeing the errors of your old ways, need I remind you, sir, that you are still a Harbinger. As a Harbinger, there are certain luxuries afforded to your position, including possessing more than just a handful of shirts and pants.”

“I own more than just a handful of shirts and pants,” Ajax mumbles. “Also, who says anything about staying with Zhongli?”

It’s a meaningless protest and they both know it, which is why Ekaterina’s response is merely lifting a brow.

“Anyway,” she carries on, “now you have even more clothes. Do thank Mister Zhongli. He has been a great help with recommending a tailor and with selecting what you would like to wear. If there’s nothing else, sir, please go try out your new clothes. We can talk more later.”

The tailors and seamstresses are just as excited to see him as they did the last time. They descend on him in a swarm, pulling sweaters and T-shirts and pants off the racks to showcase their work all the while chattering a million miles a minute.

“We have so many clothes prepared, Young Master! And in all the shades of blues, greens, and creams, made with softest cottons, linens, silks, and a few wool items in case you get cold. We heard you like looser fits so we hope these will satisfy your taste!”

“They all look amazing, thank you for your hard work,” Ajax answers with a grateful smile. “Um, not to sound rude or anything, but is there a reason why they’re all cut with a v-neck?” And a low one at that?

From the corner of his eyes, he sees Zhongli shift a little in place, almost like he’s uncomfortable with something, but the man settles back into his usual poised stillness shortly afterwards so he decides to ignore it. It’s probably nothing.

Madame’s eyes are glittering with amusement. “We think it’s particularly flattering on your frame, Young Master. But if you want more variety, we are happy to make more shirts with different neck styles for you.”

“No, no, it’s alright, thank you. I’m happy with this collection!”

He didn’t lie, either. The moment the tailors leave, he dips into his room and changes into his new oversized, sage green sweater and soft, cream, linen pants. As the clothes settle over his frame, he finds himself breathing a sigh of relief. It’s stupid, but the familiarity of these clothes makes him feel more grounded. Relaxed. Definitely more like himself for the first time during his stay with Zhongli.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” he says, walking back to the parlour where Zhongli and Ekaterina are milling around. He holds his arms out to showcase his new outfit. “How do I look?”

“Huh,” Ekaterina says simply before flashing Zhongli a look that Ajax has no idea how to interpret. Whatever it is, it’s got Zhongli looking away while clearing his throat a little.

“What?” Ajax asks, “Is something wrong?”

“No, no, there’s nothing wrong. You look very nice,” Zhongli answers. He strolls towards Ajax and gently fixes the sweater, tugging the collar up so that it sits more evenly on him. “There. You look much more like yourself.”

“Thanks, Zhongli. And for picking out my wardrobe as well. You didn’t have to do that.”

“Nonsense. I’ve been told that there is a possibility you won’t have access to your apartment and I want to make sure you at least have comfortable things to wear.”

“Ekaterina told you, huh?” Ajax gives the man a sheepish smile. “Looks like the apartment is going to be out of commission for a month at least. Um, would you be okay if I stay here a little longer?”

“Say no more. My offer still stands: my home is open to you for as long as you wish to remain.”

“Thanks, Zhongli,” Ajax answers, the gentle warmth from that night filling his heart once more. “I am going to make you so many mille crêpes cakes.”

“I look forward to it.”

“How are you doing?” Ekaterina asks once Zhongli leaves to give them some privacy. “How are your hands?”

Ajax holds out his bandaged hands. “They’re fine, but Zhongli insists that I keep them wrapped up just in case. I’m itching to do something to chase off the boredom at this point. Anything. Even paperwork!”

Ekaterina does not show an inkling of sympathy for his plight. “Boss, you’re still on sick leave, which you should be using to rest your hands. I don’t want to see your face anywhere near the office ‘til next week. I even posted a couple of guards outside to keep a lookout for you in case you decide to do something stupid like climb the walls again. And no, that pouting face is not going to change my mind so you might as well quit it.”

“Can’t I at least go back to my apartment and pack some stuff? Like my guitar? Some books?”

“You should be resting your hands,” Ekaterina reiterates, placing her hands on her hips. “But I suppose if your hands do feel well enough, you can drop by your apartment and lock everything up. I will have some men on standby to help pack and carry whatever you need.”

With logistics arranged, Ekaterina doesn’t waste any time getting to question she’s no doubt been dying to ask: “So, what happened? How did you come about injuring yourself and damaging your apartment?”

Ajax, who’s had the last few days to think of a brilliant excuse, can only offer a flimsy, half-baked lie: “Uh, I, had a nightmare and I think I was sleepwalking. I didn’t really snap out of it until I got to Wangsheng Funeral Parlour. The next thing I know, Zhongli was there trying to calm me down.”

To Ajax’s surprise, Ekaterina doesn’t outright dismiss his lie, but her growing look of concern doesn’t make him feel any better. “A nightmare that made you hurt yourself to such an extent. This is serious, Master Childe. Do you know what caused you to have this nightmare, to begin with?”

“Uh, it was, uh –” Fuck. Fuckfuckfuck. “It was a memory, I think. I saw something that reminded me of something unpleasant that I had forgotten. The reminder didn’t sit right with me and I guess it triggered something.”

Please stop asking questions, Ekaterina! Ajax begs in his mind. Please stop prying!

The gods must be merciful that day because Ekaterina actually stops. “…I see,” she says, “I am infinitely more glad that Mister Zhongli is here. I hope you will have a chance to make a trip to Bubu Pharmacy once you are feeling better. In the meantime, please rest. I mean it.”

They wrap up the conversation pretty quickly and relatively painlessly. Ajax even manages to net a few friendship points from Ekaterina after thanking her profusely for her help and offering to treat her to a nice meal.

Moving into Zhongli’s place also ends up a relatively low-key affair given all the drama that had occurred to cause it. Ajax shows up to his apartment (wincing at the utter chaos he has left behind) and dutifully arranges his things in neat boxes to either be stored away or to be sent to Zhongli’s. There’s really not much of his own items for him to worry about. Anything of importance to him, he’s got stored in the System’s Inventory already (except for items that are too bulky like his instruments). So really, the bulk of the stuff he’s packing belongs to OG Tartaglia like his ugly furniture and overly gaudy knick-knacks.

There’s a part of him that’s concerned that the construction to his apartment might end up revealing some of OG Tartaglia’s hidden items, but there’s not much he can do at this point except for appointing a handful of his people with particularly high friendship points to supervise the entire construction process.

“Please make sure those renovating the place don’t try to do anything funny with the apartment, including removing anything from it,” Ajax instructs the row of agents standing to attention before him. “Stop them if they do, and report any suspicious activities back to me.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Sir, what would you like us to do with the piano?”

“Bring it to Mister Zhongli’s home as well.” Zhongli had been adamant that Ajax brings over every single piece of his instruments, especially the piano. He’s so eager that he even cleared out one of the spare rooms to make space for Ajax’s things. Who is Ajax to argue in the face of such excitement, especially from the man who’s housing him and keeping his Abyssal Effect at bay?

(Who is he to deny the happiness of the only person who’s ever wanted him to stay?)

And so, Ajax finds himself officially bunking with Zhongli and things are going…surprisingly well. Maybe it’s the fact that they hang out on a regular basis, but Ajax finds his schedule with Zhongli to be oddly in sync. They wake up (Zhongli being as much of an early bird as Ajax), they go their separate ways for an hour (training for Ajax and reading and writing for Zhongli), they gather to have some morning breakfast (both of them cooking), and then, they head off to work. They would meet up for lunch and would meet up once work is over, walking together back to Zhongli’s home. The evening is spent first with some alone time to handle personal matters (for Ajax, it means more training whereas for Zhongli, even more reading and writing). Then, they would head off to have dinner and enjoy each other’s company, finally capping things off with a musical performance of some sort by Ajax before heading to bed.

It’s nice having someone at home to spend time with. It’s nice to have someone there to share meals with. It’s doubly nice to know that someone is waiting for him, whether in the mornings to start breakfast, in the afternoons for lunch, or in the evenings when work is done.

It’s nice living with Zhongli.

(And Zhongli apparently thinks so too. The L-points are just flowing steadily at this point, the sight of which makes Ajax feel warm all over. It’s starting to become a familiar feeling. Ajax finds that he doesn’t mind.)

“A mora for your thoughts?” Zhongli asks, one evening approximately one month into their living arrangement. They have retired to Ajax’s music room and are about to start their nightly concert. They would’ve started earlier had Ajax not been busy daydreaming in front of the piano.

“Sorry, sorry, I was just lost in my thoughts. You know how I get sometimes.” Ajax laughs and shakes his head. “Now, where was I? Ah, yes! We were going to choose our song for this evening. What are you in the mood for? Something slow and relaxing? Something upbeat?”

He teases the beginning notes of The Entertainer, fingers flying over the keys, the notes crisp and clear and full of joy.

“That is a lovely tune,” Zhongli says, leaning closer and resembling like a cat that had caught sight of something curious. “I would love to hear the rest of it.”

Ajax grins and stretches his hands.

He barely gets through the first half when a series of loud knocks resonate throughout the house.

“What in Teyvat?” Zhongli rouses from his seat, perplexed frown firmly in place. “Who would dare cause such a ruckus this late at night?”

The knocks sound out again, louder still.

“My apologies, Childe, I believe there’s someone at the door.”

“Oh, no it’s alright, we can just restart afterwards,” Ajax answers, getting up from his seat. “Let’s go see who our mysterious visitor is.”

Could it be one of his men? No, that’s unlikely. Ajax keeps a pretty careful eye on the happenings in Liyue. He hasn’t sent anyone out on missions except for the usual debt collection shenanigans, and those have been handled smoothly. The research to recreate a Sigil of Permission is still chugging along with the Dottore promising to have the first prototype ready in a week.

Maybe it’s one of Zhongli’s acquaintances, then?

The pounding gets more aggressive, and this time, it’s accompanied by a human voice.

“Open up, this is the Millelith!”

Zhongli and Ajax exchange a look of confusion. The Millelith? The fuck do they want?

“Good evening,” Zhongli greets upon opening the redwood door. Sure enough, two officers are waiting rather impatiently outside, one of them with an arm raised, ready to resume his banging. “How may I help you, officers?”

The officer looks at Zhongli from top to bottom, and, probably registering his poise, elegance and aura of someone possessing great wealth and power, backs down and clears his throat. “We are looking for one Mister Childe, diplomat of Snezhnaya. We have been informed that he lives here?”

“Uh, hello?” Ajax pops up from behind Zhongli and waves. “That’s me. How can I help you?”

“Mister Childe?” At Ajax’s nod, the Millelith move forward as one. “Under the authority granted by the Qixing, you are to be brought before the Tianquan for questioning.”

Before the Millelith can get closer, Zhongli steps forward and blocks their path, pushing Ajax behind him.

“Since when does the Tianquan have the authority to drag innocent civilians out of their homes for questioning, let alone a diplomat from an allied nation?”

Ajax doesn’t need to see Zhongli’s face to know just how angry the man is; the tightness in his voice and the hint of a growl say it all.

But credit to the officers, they don’t intimidate easily. “The Tianquan has the authority under section 246 of the national security provisions to invite any and all individuals visiting or residing in Liyue for questions.”

“And what’s the triggering event for the Tianquan to be enacting this emergency power?” Zhongli challenges.

The officers exchange uneasy looks for a split second. Then, the officer who’s done the most talking replies.

“The attack on Barbatos of Mondstadt by the Fatui, notably by Harbinger La Signora.”

Chapter Text

Extra: Zhongli

Childe has been keeping himself busy.

That's not to say that Childe is one who is normally idle. For as long as Zhongli has known this young man, Childe has always been brimming with energy while possessing this unquenchable drive to improve himself, whether through training, through developing his culinary skills or musical skills, or through his day job at the bank.

Recently, however, things seem different with Childe. A strange sort of frantic energy seems to thrum through his veins like electricity. It's the same type of energy that has driven Childe to keep working as the bags under his eyes darken into a sickly purple against pallid skin. It's the same type of frantic energy which Childe has exhibited shortly before his forced vacation at Wangshu Inn. It’s also that same frantic energy that was humming in the background when Childe had first invited him over for the stir-fry offering and the piano recital.

Zhongli recognizes the signs. And he is worried.

“I've been keeping myself busy with a new sort of research,” Childe answers when Zhongli asks what he's been up to one evening over dinner. "I suppose it's been keeping me a bit busier than I had originally anticipated.”

"A new sort of research?" Zhongli asks.

"Hmm, it's for work. Well, sort of."

Sensitive Fatui matter. Possibly relating to his mission to steal Zhongli’s Gnosis. The realization makes something twist uncomfortably in Zhongli’s chest because had it not been for this elaborate ruse of a mission, Childe wouldn’t be working himself to exhaustion like that.

However, had it not been for this mission, Zhongli wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet Childe at all. This mission truly is both a blessing and a curse.

There is not much Zhongli can do except continue to lend his emotional support for Childe while reminding him to eat. He thinks he is doing alright; through his diligent care (mostly nagging at the young man to hydrate with water, not coffee, and to eat something substantive), Childe’s able to retain a healthy flush to his cheeks while keeping his spirits high. The moment that things get worse, Zhongli will intervene.

Things get worse, and it’s at a level that not even Zhongli could have anticipated. One moment, he’s busy wrapping things up in his office in Wangsheng Funeral Parlour, and the next, he hears banging at the door, then shouting.

Angry shouting from a familiar voice.

Zhongli’s brow furrows and he rushes towards the commotion. To his great frustration, he can’t make out clearly what’s being said, just muffled sounds of a man and Hu Tao. He knocks on the door, enough to be polite, and steps forward.

“Miss Hu Tao? I heard a lot of commotion. Is everything alr – Childe?”

Childe is seated next to Hu Tao and he looks a right mess. His hair and clothes are absolutely dishevelled, his socked feet are filthy and covered in dust like he trekked all the way here without wearing any shoes and his hands –

Zhongli is moving. “Childe!”

Childe is not looking at him. Childe is not looking at anything, his blue eyes oddly focused on the empty space next to him. He only jerks back a little when Zhongli cups his face gently, lifting his head up to draw his attention.

“Childe,” he calls out, “what’s wrong?”

His eyes flit to those damaged hands. The knuckles are swollen and split, possibly broken, and rivulets of blood are running down too pale skin, dripping all over the floor. The sight of it makes Zhongli’s heart hurt.

His inner dragon rouses. What’s wrong with my little priest? Why is he not responding? Why is he hurt? Who did this to him? Whoever did this will pay –

Zhongli clamps down on his rising anger and focuses on keeping his voice steady.

“You’re injured,” he says instead. “How? What happened?”

Childe’s eyes finally settle on his. “Um, I – I – I think I punched something,” he says, laughing a little, and it chills Zhongli to his bones. Childe sounds off, like he is not fully in control of his faculties. “I punched the walls and the floor.”

Punched the walls and the floor? Literally? Or metaphorically?

Before he can ask further, Childe stumbles up as if he’s drunk. Zhongli rushes to hold him before he topples over. “I – I need to go. I think I need to leave. Sorry for – sorry.”

“Woah, you’re not going anywhere,” Hu Tao says, pushing Childe back into the chair. Zhongli couldn’t agree more. “I don’t know what’s going on, but you’re in no state to be going home like that. We also need to fix you up first. Mister Zhongli, can you keep an eye on him? I’ll be right back. I’m going to get some water.”

“A good idea, Director. I will stay here to keep an eye on him.” He turns his attention back to Childe, who’s gone completely quiet and even paler than before. Frowning, Zhongli cups those cheeks in his hands again, fingers rubbing gentle circles on the skin to bring some colour back.

“Childe, are you hurt anywhere else? Your head? Your chest?”

He isn’t seeing blood anywhere else, which is the only bit of good news so far.

Childe chokes out another strange, hollow laugh. “No, no, I’m not hurt anywhere else. I’m just…” He takes a shuddering breath. “I’m just having a really, really bad day.”

“Would you like to talk about it?”

Childe does not respond. Instead, he…slumps forward like a puppet whose strings are cut, his forehead resting heavily on Zhongli’s shoulder. It’s as if the mere act of keeping himself upright is taking too much energy. The sight of him looking so tired and defeated is a strange and heartbreaking one for someone who is normally brimming with passion and motivation.

Zhongli is not going to refuse this cry for help. As if Zhongli can refuse his little priest anything.

“Alright,” he says. Slowly, carefully, he brings a hand up and cards his fingers through auburn locks. They feel incredibly silky and fine and under different circumstances, Zhongli would’ve relished the sensation of those locks slipping past his fingers. Now, his primary focus is to provide comfort, to calm the other’s hitched breaths and frenzied heartbeat.

“You can rest easy, dear boy. I am here. I am here and I’m not going anywhere.”

He continues to murmur soothing words, keeping his touches even and gentle with the intention to soothe the last of that built up panic in Childe’s body. Slowly, Childe relaxes; his shoulders drop as the last bit of tension bleeds out of him drop by drop. He leans closer towards Zhongli, letting more and more of his body weight rest against him until he’s fully cradled in Zhongli’s arms, head tucked against the crook of his neck in a display of pure vulnerability and trust. Zhongli continues carding his fingers through those Childe’s hair, continues repeating his words, softly and quietly, letting the slow, even cadences of his breathing set the rhythm of his pets.

Zhongli doesn’t know how long they’re stuck like this, only that he doesn’t stop comforting Childe even as Hu Tao returns to clean and bandage his hands. He continues as Childe’s breathing evens out and his body finally goes lax in sleep.

Only then does he turn his attention away from Childe.

“What happened,” he asks Hu Tao.

“I don’t know,” she mutters with a frown. “He seemed dazed and upset but I couldn’t make out what’s going on.”

“Did he say anything?”

“He raved about something but I couldn’t catch it. I was trying to calm him down to understand what he wants.”

“Was he seeking you out in particular?”

Hu Tao casts her eyes at Zhongli, then at the sleeping Childe. “I don’t think so? What reason could he have to look for me? He might have been looking for you, to be honest, since you two are so close and all.”

Zhongli nods, his suspicions appeased even before they can fully materialize. Hu Tao’s answer also makes the dragon inside him rumble in pleasure.

Yes, Childe showed up to Wangsheng Funeral Parlour to seek comfort from him because the two of them are close. And Zhongli is happy to provide comfort.

“What should we do with him though?” Hu Tao asks. “I don’t want to leave him alone after all this.”

“He can stay with me,” Zhongli answers even as he shifts Childe into a more comfortable position. “I have a guestroom ready and I can keep an eye on him.”

“Okay, Zhongli. I’ll leave him to your capable hands. I’ll drop by your home sometime later after he’s had more chance to heal. Oh, and feel free to take the next couple of days off.”

“Thank you, Director.”

Zhongli turns to Childe once more. This close, he can see just how exhausted Childe is, the dark bags under his eyes are more pronounced than ever. Even in sleep his brows remain slightly furrowed and the corner of his lips tugged down in a small frown.

All the more reason for Zhongli to take him home and get him into a proper bed.

“Childe?” he says, shaking him gently awake. “It’s time to wake up.”

Dazed blue eyes blink open. “Hmm, Zhongli?” Childe slurs out. “Where am I?”

“You are at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour and you fell asleep. This is not the best place to rest. Would you like to stay over at my place for the night?”

Childe’s face scrunches in thought. “’K. Thanks, Zhongli.”

That garners a smile from Zhongli. Even half asleep, the boy is polite. “Alright, come with me – oh, I see you do not have any shoes. It matters not, I will lend you a pair.”

The walk back to Yujing Terrace is, thankfully, a quiet one. This late at night, the streets are devoid of people, a welcome reprieve from the chaos they had just gone through. Zhongli is able to use the cover of darkness and isolation to half-carry, half-drag Childe back home before giving up entirely and hoisting the drowsy man into a bridal carry.

“Zhongli?” the other slurs out.

“It’s alright. I’ve got you. You can go back to sleep.”

He tucks Childe’s body in his arms so that his head can lean comfortably against his chest. His soft hair tickles against Zhongli’s jaw, and the delicate scent of his shampoo wafts up to his nose. For such a lanky individual, Childe is surprisingly heavy and solid, probably because the young man is all skin and bone and muscle. Zhongli doesn’t mind though. The weight of Childe in his arms is a comfortable one. He’s more than willing to keep carrying him for as long as he needs Zhongli’s help.

When they arrive home, Zhongli beelines for the guestroom and gently places Childe down on the bed. He rummages for a set of spare sleeping clothes – a loose-fitted shirt and pants made of fine, gold silk – and puts the bundle on the side table.

“Childe,” he says, shaking the other awake once more, “we’ve arrived home. Come, let’s get you into a proper pair of sleeping clothes.”

Childe rouses, blinking sleepy eyes at Zhongli. He doesn’t say much as Zhongli helps him strip off his uniform and into the borrowed clothes (while politely averting his gaze from the expanse of milky skin revealed as each layer is pulled back. Zhongli suspects that the other isn’t entirely awake to remember what’s going on, which is for the best.) When the other settles comfortably in bed, Zhongli pulls the blanket up to his chest, tucking it around Childe’s body to keep him warm.

“Have a good rest, Childe,” Zhongli murmurs. It’s a testament to how tired Childe must have been because he nods off almost immediately, leaving Zhongli to sit by his bedside with the sound of his gentle, even breathing to accompany him.

Zhongli waits. He waits for a little while to make sure that everything is alright with Childe. When Childe remains perfectly still, his breathing slow and deep, Zhongli closes his eyes in his mortal body and opens those that belong to Rex Lapis Morax, the dragon Adeptus.

His sight as an Adeptus differs from what he can see in his mortal body. In addition to being able to see those who make offerings and prayers to him, his sight allows him to track the energies of the world around him with great clarity, whether these traces are left behind from a fellow Adeptus, trailing whisps from the Ley Lines, or dark clouds of corruption from monsters. Indeed, when it comes to keeping tabs on the flow of energy in Liyue, the Prime Adeptus is the best of the best.

He turns his golden gaze on to the prone body in bed.

It is the ability to track dark energies that he wants to use in at this moment.

Abyssal energy tends to swarm those afflicted like a dark, swirling, choking cloud. In Abyssal monsters, these energies seem to exude from their very pores and very breath. Every exhale would send more plumes of midnight smoke out into the air, polluting their surroundings.

With Childe, his Abyssal taint looks different. The sign of his affliction does not take shape as an almost opaque, toxic smoke, but rather a faint, cloudy fog like morning mist. Instead of exuding from his very body, the cloudy fog seems to originate from…somewhere above his head, judging by how dense the energy’s manifestation is at that location. It clings to Childe’s body with weak, thin tendrils like burdocks trying to cling to clothes.

Zhongli has never been quite sure what to make of this unusual sight, but he’s done his best to layer on spells of protection to weaken the fog as well as the tendrils’ grip on his little priest.

Zhongli pays special attention to prune the tendrils that grip to Childe’s heart, in particular. Those tend to be the first to thicken every time Childe is having a bad day, as if the Abyssal taint has planted a straw to draw out the trauma directly from its source, gorging on it with gluttonous greed. Worse still, the Abyssal taint would inject more of its venom through the link to keep the wound bleeding so that it can keep feasting.

In a lot of ways, the dark energy plaguing Childe reminds Zhongli all too much of a leech, but at least leeches detach when they’re full.

What Zhongli’s seeing at this instance makes him frown deeply.

The fog cloud has gotten larger, and darker. One of the tendrils linking to Childe’s heart has gotten thicker as well, expanding and contracting in aggressive, disturbing pulses like it is feeding from Childe’s very essence.

Zhongli snarls low. How did this happen in such a short period of time? Zhongli is strict with layering on his blessings. He doesn’t remember Childe looking this bad the day before.

Clearly, something drastic and shocking has happened to have fed the Abyssal cloud, but Zhongli can see that from the way Childe had walked into Wangsheng Funeral Parlour, his mind gone as he raved in uncontrolled anger while bleeding and shoeless.

With a flick of his wrist, Zhongli draws the geo energy from the very earth on which his house sits. He watches it rise from the hardwood floor in a wave of sparkling, shimmering light orbs. Another wave of his hands and the light swirl together, slow and lazy at first, then, gaining more and more momentum until they coalesce into ribbons of gold as delicate as the silk in his clothing. He leans towards Childe and waves his hand over his chest, sending the ribbons to float towards the dark mass plaguing Childe’s body. They wrap their ends around the Abyssal tendrils, coiling and tightening around those parasitic limbs like a tourniquet as the tendrils jerk and flail in a desperate attempt to be freed.

Zhongli narrows his gaze. He will not have this parasite resist his will. He will not have this parasite gorge on Childe.

He curls his fingers into a tight fist.

The ribbons answer to his command and tighten all at once as the gold in them flare to a blinding white, throwing rainbows of warm light across the bed.

All at once, the tendrils shudder and the darkness in them recede back into the cloud in a clear attempt to flee. As the darkness retreats, the tendrils begin to shrink and go hazy gray, losing more and more definition and colour by the second. Zhongli wills a few ribbons to give chase, and the gold energy darts towards the cloud, wrapping around it in thick choking layers before smothering it completely with gold.

Zhongli keeps the ribbons on for a good half hour, watching the way they squeeze and pulsate gold light before dissipating his geo energy with a last wave of his hand.

Like the tendrils, the cloud has shrunk and has taken on a smokier grey-white colour. Its potency clearly has faded though never completely disappearing. That is to be expected; as Zhongli had explained to Childe when he had asked about Abyssal effects, the Abyssal taint is a permanent scar that only Celestia can erase.

(And Celestia will not grant any favours. Celestia only rewards boons for feats of greatness. Zhongli has learned that lesson well as Rex Lapis Morax, the victor of the Archon War in Liyue.)

Still, Zhongli breathes a sigh of relief and blinks away his spiritual vision. The threat of the Abyssal taint is at least contained for now, leaving Zhongli some time for quiet reflection on what just happened.

This evening…has been a deeply unpleasant and an eye-opening one.

This is the first time Zhongli has seen the effects of the Abyssal taint on Childe to the point of twisting his mind, replacing his normally amicable personality with that of a madman filled with uncontrolled rage.

Before it peters out into terrifyingly dazed confusion.

Is this how Childe had garnered his reputation as the fearsome Vanguard? Is this how the stories of his cruelty on the battlefield had been born? Coupled with his natural talent as a prodigy fighter, there is no doubt that Childe could be capable of substantive damage.

Zhongli places a careful hand over Childe’s heart, finding comfort in the strong heartbeat and the slow, rhythmic rise and fall of his chest.

Did the Cryo Archon allow the Abyssal taint to go uncontrolled? There is no possible way that the Cryo Archon would be unaware of Childe’s condition, or the side-effects of letting the caustic energy of the Abyss to run amok in Childe’s body. So, it goes to reason that she must have known and allowed the Abyssal taint to devour Childe in order for the young man to have gained such a strong reputation for being violent, bloodthirsty, and cruel.

She must have let the Abyssal energy take Childe in order to gain such a strong Vanguard in return.

But if that was the case, then why hadn’t Childe shown signs of being that bloodthirsty Vanguard upon their first meeting in Liyue? Childe had seemed nervous, a little shy even, but he had been bright and happy and sincere.

What happened?

Zhongli’s hand brushes against a raised, hardened mark on Childe’s chest and realization strikes him – a scar.

Not just any the scar, but the scar from the severe injury Childe had suffered. From an injury so severe that it not only almost killed him, but it stole a portion of his memory as well.

… could this be the answer? Could this injury have somehow reversed the damages the Abyss has done?

Zhongli has no idea. Never in his long life has he encountered as strange of a case as Childe’s. But assuming that his hypothesis is correct and that the loss of memory had helped reset some of the Abyssal’s effect, wouldn’t that mean that if the corrosive energy is left unchecked once more, then Childe would slowly revert back to being the Cryo Archon’s violent and bloody Vanguard?

Further, what happens once Childe is outside of Liyue’s protection – outside of his protection? Would it mean that the Cryo Archon would sit back and simply let Childe…

His heart clenches painfully and Zhongli lets out a deep, unsatisfied rumble.

No. No, this is unacceptable. Zhongli cannot let this future come to pass. He cannot lose another, not after having already lost so many important people in his life, and not when Childe is so precious to him.

He has to do everything he can to keep Childe safe, to keep Childe away from the clutches of the Cryo Archon’s willful neglect.

The question is, what can he do to prevent this? How will this work with his plan to retire?

(Will Childe wish to stay?)

And speaking of his retirement, what happens when he fakes Rex Lapis’ death? Once he’s “dead”, who will Childe officially pray to in order to manage his symptoms?

Of course, Zhongli would still be there, doing everything he can to smother the effects of the Abyssal taint from strengthening its hold on Childe. Childe’s been told that daily gestures that venerate Celestia or its archons would be necessary to help dampen his curse though. Without Rex Lapis around, he’s going to have to look for someone else.

The idea of Childe praying to someone else leaves a sour taste in his mouth, particularly to a deity who may or may not answer him, squandering Childe’s precious offerings. Zhongli will need to find someone for Childe, someone who’s understanding. Maybe Madam Ping.

He’s got a lot of things to think over. In the meantime, however…

Zhongli passes his hand over Childe’s covers, and as he does, a simmering gold sigil appears, wavering in under his palm before sinking through the covers and into Childe’s chest. A simple one-time spell to notify Zhongli if his guest wakes.

Satisfied with his handiwork, Zhongli gets up and heads for his room. He’s got much to prepare.

A handful of hours later, Zhongli is roused from his meditation by the familiar tugging sensation of his spell being activated.

Childe is awake and is more than a little groggy, blinking large doe eyes at Zhongli like he’s not quite sure what he’s seeing.

That look of sleepy peace does not last long.

“Tonia,” Childe breathes, his face goes alarmingly pale like he’s seen a ghost, and before Zhongli can ask him who Tonia is, Childe is struggling to get out bed.

“I need to go. I need to find her. I need – I need to leave and I – Zhongli, let go of me!”

Zhongli tightens his grip on Childe’s arm to get him to stay still lest he hurts his hands. “I will not,” he says, “You are injured and distraught and you need to stay put for your own safety.”

“I can’t!”

Zhongli continues to hold him as he flails and continues to protests. Childe’s eyes have gone wide and his pupils blown so much so that Zhongli can only see the thin ring of blue of his iris. It’s also evident that he’s no longer really registering the room or Zhongli, and the realization makes Zhongli’s heart drop even more.

It’s like what happened back in Wangsheng Funeral Parlour all over again, that uncontrollable frantic energy that threatens to burst out of him.

Zhongli sucks in a quick breath. The Abyssal taint. Could it be another flare-up? But how? Zhongli had taken care of it –

“Childe, Childe, it’s – it’s alright. It’s alright. Breathe, slowly, slowly.”

Childe thrashes harder.

Zhongli curses under his breath, and keeps his grip strong, hoping that he won’t bruise Childe too terribly. What could have set things off? What could have triggered this reaction?

“Let me – let me go! I need to go!”

Zhongli has no idea what to do.

“Childe, please – you need to – you’re going to injure yourself!”

How can he stop this? How can he bring Childe back? Using his geo energy is out of the question, not with how he’s too busy holding Childe down to stop him from hurting himself, so what options does that leave him?

Zhongli doesn’t have an answer to any of these questions, and the reality sends Zhongli snarling in desperate frustration. What’s the point of being the oldest Archon if he can’t even help the one person he l–

Be patient, Morax. Be patient, be gentle and be kind.

The familiar, soft voice from a long-lost friend rings out in his mind, clear and bright like the chiming of the delicate bells she once wore in her hair. It cuts through the suffocating swell of panic like a cool, gentle breeze blowing away the choking miasma of a fallen god.

Guizhong.

Be patient, Morax. Be patient, be gentle, and be kind.

Guizhong had always been one of the closest Adepti to humans. Sweet and sympathetic and incredibly intelligent, she had been a natural when it came to matters of the heart. She had resonated with the common people’s fears and desires and had known just what to do to quell the fear in their people’s heart even amidst the Archons War’s darkest days.

She had also been Morax’s greatest advisor, teaching him the ways that the mortals work. One of her first lessons to him whenever addressing his people’s concerns was: be patient, be gentle, and be kind.

As Morax, he had never truly understood what she had meant by those three words, but he had tried nonetheless, tried to be patient, tried to be gentle, and tried to be kind.

Her death had dealt a massive blow to everybody who had known her. Her death had broken Morax out of his stony persona and had made him…feel.

Wise, gentle, kind Guizhong. Thousands of years after her death, her actions and words could still be felt. Thousands of years after her death, Zhongli continues to listen to her sound advice.

It is no different now.

“Childe, I’m right here,” Zhongli says. He shakes away the panic from before and injects calm into his words, keeping his voice low and soothing. Childe has finally stopped struggling but the alternative is as equally terrifying – he’s gone completely still and non-responsive, not even with Zhongli’s effort to wake him from the seemingly strange spell he’s fallen into.

“Childe,” he repeats as dull blue eyes stare past him, reaching a hand to stroke at his cheek. “I’m right here. I - I’m right here.”

He repeats his words over and over again, almost as if in prayer. And what a funny thought that is, a god, praying for the wellbeing of a mortal, but this person is more than that. More than just a mere mortal. This person is…he is…

His treasured friend, his little priest, his Childe.

His Childe.

Something clicks into place, like a piece of puzzle slotting perfectly into an empty gap, and it settles over his body, its weight warm and reassuring from how right that sounds in his mind, in his heart, in his soul.

His Childe. His Childe. His Childe.

Be patient, be gentle, and be kind.

For Childe, his Childe, he can be all those things and more.

Time stretches out between them, and Zhongli loses himself to the task of drawing Childe back to reality as Guizhong’s words ring in his head on constant repeat. Be patient, be gentle, and be kind.

Then, like a miracle, Childe starts to…respond again.

First, his eyes start to brighten. Then, in another breath, his gaze locks on to Zhongli’s face, his expression morphs into that of confusion, then realization.

Zhongli feels the first bit of tentative hope blossom in his chest.

“Childe. I’m right here, dear boy. I’m right here. That’s right, focus on me. Focus on my voice.”

He takes the opportunity to do another quick check up. “The pupils are a bit dilated and the heartbeat is elevated. Temperature is a bit too warm. A fever? Hmm, maybe it’s from the agitation. What about the abyssal energy level?” Could it be that the Abyssal taint has grown strong once more? He’ll need to use his other vision again to make sure.

“Zhongli?”

Zhongli draws back. “Childe are you with me?”

“I - I’m here. I’m here,” he croaks out, “I – sorry. Sorry.”

He still looks dazed but the fog in his eyes is dissipating, replaced with awareness and sheepishness.

Zhongli doesn’t think he’s seen a more beautiful sight.

Oh, thank Celestia. Thank Celestia.

The flood of relief that crashes into Zhongli’s chest is as swift as the coursing waterfalls cutting through Liyue. He barely keeps himself together enough to keep from wrapping the young man tight in his arms.

“Nothing to apologize for,” Zhongli manages to say, wrestling back the sense of sweet relief so that he can think properly. Childe is back. Childe is back and Zhongli can at least find comfort in that, but he still has no idea what caused this reaction in the first place. “Are you alright? If I said anything to have alarmed you…”

“No, no, you didn’t. I just, ah…” Childe looks flustered, face going red. “Um, I just came out of a nightmare and I was confused. I thought – I didn’t manage to get my head on straight ‘til just now. Sorry for making you worried.”

A nightmare?

This sets of a fresh alarm in Zhongli. To be trapped in one’s nightmare to such a degree…are the effects of the Abyssal energy flare-up not fully purged?

He doesn’t express his concerns out loud. Instead, Zhongli forces himself to keep calm as best as he can to avoid alarming the other.

“Understandable. You had an upsetting evening and you woke up to find yourself in a strange environment. Anybody would require a few minutes to adjust. Here, let me get you some water.”

Zhongli keeps a careful eye on his companion as he offers him water and changes his bandages. Whatever adrenaline that had fuelled Childe so abruptly dissipated into thin air. As the minutes tick by, the young man begins to slouch more and more into his bed.

“There. All done. Now, some painkiller and after that, sleep,” Zhongli says, tying the bandages into a knot and tightening the ends into a bow.

He helps Childe get back into bed and draws the covers up to his chest once more. “Have a good night, Childe. I will be right here when you wake up, alright?”

He waits for Childe’s breathing to settle into a natural, relaxed rhythm of deep sleep before using his Adeptus gaze once more.

The cloud has darkened ever so slightly, and the tendril connected to his heart has widened by just a hair’s width.

He takes care of the problem swiftly. Then, he settles himself into a nearby chair and proceeds to layer blanket after blanket of golden protection on Childe – his Childe - so that there is no way another flare-up can rear its ugly head again. He only stops when, an hour later, he feels the last of his fear and worry trickle out of his heart.

Things are less hectic the second time that Childe wakes up. Zhongli, who’s taken no chances to being caught off guard, immediately flies to his side the moment he tries to pull himself up.

Childe looks better. The dark circles under his eyes have lessened and his eyes are alert and tracking Zhongli’s movement even as the Adeptus reaches for his first aid kit for more pain-relieving lotion and fresh bandages. His hands clearly still need work (despite the young man insisting that he feels “almost as good as new”) but Zhongli feels less worried with every minute that Childe is awake and not exhibiting symptoms of flare-up.

“I, uh, think I should probably get out of your hair. Get back to my…Oh, crud! My apartment!”

His apartment?

“I wrecked it and oh, Ekaterina is going to be so mad.”

Wrecked his apartment? Zhongli glances down at Childe’s injuries. “I see. So that’s how you were injured. You mentioned you punched the walls and the floor when you were in Wangsheng Funeral Parlour, and to be honest, I thought that was just a turn of phrase.”

“N – no, I was trying to, uh…It’s complicated?”

There’s no denying that. Childe’s destruction of his apartment is likely a side-effect of the Abyssal taint flare-up: surges of uncontrolled anger and violence. Whether Childe is even aware of the flare-up’s effect on his behaviour is debatable. From the mortal’s perspective, Zhongli imagines that Childe would’ve felt an overwhelming sense of anger that now, in the sober morning light, seems completely irrational.

His musing about whether Childe is aware of the effects does bring up the uncomfortable question of: does he tell Childe about this flare-up?

Zhongli wants to. Zhongli would very much want to be completely transparent to Childe, but the problem is…how? How will he be able to divulge this information without a reasonable explanation on how he had discovered this in the first place?

How can he let Childe know without divulging the truth of who he is?

Maybe he can say that he is an Adeptus in reality. That wouldn’t be lying.

But questions would flow from that. Childe could start poking around for more information on the type of Adeptus he is. The chances of him making the connection that Zhongli is Rex Lapis would increase, especially with Zhongli’s distinct amber eyes as a big giveaway. Frankly, it’s a small miracle that Childe hasn’t put two and two together regarding Zhongli’s real identity. The popular book Rex Incognito had, unfortunately, painted a rather accurate picture of his tendency to parade around with amber eyes.

No, it’s best to let the flare-up remain a secret despite how much Zhongli doesn’t like to keep Childe in the dark like that. Zhongli will simply have to make up for this with creative ways to keep him safe.

“Aren’t you going to ask about what happened?” comes Childe’s meek follow up question.

“Do you want to talk about what happened?” Zhongli counters.

“Uh, I –”

“You can tell me when you are ready,” Zhongli says, ending the conversation there. He does not want Childe to feel like he owes him anything even if he is curious to know more about what triggered the flare-up. Childe will tell him when he is ready and Zhongli is patient. More patient still, now that the threat of another flare-up has been temporarily removed. “Are you hungry? I can prepare something to eat unless you would like to rest some more.”

“I – I think I want to lay back down.”

Zhongli gets to making the man comfortable once again, taking care to tuck his hands under the covers as gently as possible. His proximity to Childe affords him front row seats to Childe’s changing expression, first confusion, then sheepishness, and then panic coupled with hitched breaths.

Ah. The reality of what’s going on has finally hit him. That is to be expected. Now that the haze of panic and anger from the abyssal taint has been removed, his clarity of thought has returned, as with, no doubt, the guilt for his behaviour.

Because if there is one thing Zhongli is certain about his Childe, is that for all of his brashness and eagerness for a good fight, the young man is also sensitive and tender.

“Hmm, and there it is, there’s the panic,” Zhongli mutters. “Childe. Stop. Look at me.”

He cups the other’s face to draw his attention to him, barely resisting smiling at the (adorable) pole-axed look Childe is sporting.

“Good. Much better,” he murmurs, his thumb stroking against that cheek once more. It is a gesture that is fast approaching his favourite for the closeness that it brings him to Childe. “What you need to focus on right now is to rest and heal. Whatever it is that you need to do can wait until you get better. If there is anything urgent, I can help, including help with your apartment.”

“I don’t think I locked the door properly and my stuff is just there,” Childe confesses in a mortified hush. “And Ekaterina, I need to tell her. She’s going to get so mad.”

“I will go and make sure everything is in order,” Zhongli swears. He gets Childe to lay back down, tucks his covers and continues, “I will also speak with Miss Ekaterina and let her know you are currently resting somewhere safe, so there is no need to worry.”

He ignores the other’s protests and gives him a reassuring pat on the chest. “Have a good rest, Childe,” he murmurs, “I will wake you when food is ready.”

He closes the door quietly behind him, finally letting out that sigh of relief.

Now that Childe is safe and resting, Zhongli gets dressed and gets to work. He sends a missive to Miss Ekaterina with a very, very brief note about Childe currently resting at his home and invites her to come over at her convenience. Then, he sets on preparing some comforting dishes that are not only nourishing, but will settle easy in the stomach. He makes sure to prepare everything to perfection – every ingredient picked are pristine and unblemished, every cut he makes are clean and precise, every spice he chooses are of the finest quality – only the best for Childe, since he would have done the same for Zhongli.

He just finishes setting his soup to a low simmer when he hears knocks at his door.

Sure enough, Miss Ekaterina is at the door, looking appropriately distraught. The only times Zhongli has ever seen her sport such an expression are in Childe-related incidents, which are, unfortunately, far too numerous.

Zhongli doesn’t waste time recapping what had happened after inviting her in. He explains how Childe had showed up to the funeral parlour last night with his injuries and that Zhongli had taken him in for the night. He explained what had apparently happened to the apartment, to which Ekaterina…surprisingly doesn’t react at all.

“I had received reports about loud noises from Master Childe’s suite last night,” Ekaterina confesses. “Someone saw him storm out of his suite and head outside of the hotel. I was trying to track where he went afterwards but nobody dared follow him so we were at a loss as to where he was until your letter.”

News spreads fast. Let’s hope that stories about Childe storming out had not reached beyond the Fatui and Wangsheng Funeral Parlour.

“I will need to assess the damage to his suite,” Ekaterina notes. “Until then, with his injury…” she sighs. “Mister Zhongli, I hate to impose on you, but I think it would best if he stayed with you for a while. At least until he recovers.”

“I would have offered if you did not ask, Miss Ekaterina. Say no more. I do not mind. This is not an inconvenience at all. I will happily watch over him for however long it takes for him to get better.”

“Thank you, Mister Zhongli,” Ekaterina says with feeling. “Do you know how he’s doing now?”

“He appears to be…sad,” Zhongli says, trying to explain without divulging too much information out of respect for Childe. “He looked exhausted and when he showed up at the Funeral Parlour, and he appeared to be in shock. I am not sure what led to this development. Did something occur last night? I understand if there are Fatui matters at play that you cannot disclose…”

“No, it’s not that, Mister Zhongli,” Ekaterina answers, frowning. “I have no idea what would have caused Master Childe to react the way you described. I mean, I noticed that he was working more and more as of late, and how tired he was starting to look, but Master Childe had seemed in relatively good spirits.”

“Nothing out of the ordinary had happened last night?”

“Not that I know of.”

Hm. Curious.

“In any event, I have to thank you once more for generously agreeing to house Master Childe. The Fatui will, of course, compensate for your trouble. In the worst-case scenario where Master Childe’s old apartment is no longer livable, then his stay may be extended for a bit longer, but this will only be a temporary measure until arrangements can be made for alternative living accommodations for Master Childe.”

Childe chooses this exact moment to walk in, still dressed in Zhongli’s golden sleeping clothes.

Seeing Childe up and feeling much better warms Zhongli’s heart, as with seeing Childe openly wandering his home in his clothes. It speaks to how comfortable he is despite the traumatizing event he had gone through, that despite his injury, he feels safe enough to make himself perfectly at home in Zhongli’s house.

This sends a fissure of satisfaction up Zhongli’s spine and it feeds into this growing feeling that everything is as it should be – his nest is full of his most treasured belongings and now, his collection is more complete with Childe in it.

(My priest, his inner dragon growls, eyeing with satisfaction at the way the Rex Lapis symbol is plastered all over his guest. My dear boy. My Childe. Mine.)

He lets Childe and Miss Ekaterina sort through more details, and by that, he means he stands idly by and watches Miss Ekaterina bully Childe to get her way. He only chimes in when Ekaterina suggests a few clothes to be made for Childe.

“He prefers loose-fitted shirts and long pants. Made with soft fabrics, mostly cotton. Nothing too ostentatious. He prefers blues, grays and creams as opposed to the more vibrant colours.” At Childe’s look of surprise, Zhongli’s smile turns soft and fond. “This tends to be your preference whenever I visit your home. My apologies if I were mistaken and you prefer something else.”

Childe’s embarrassed nod only makes the fondness grow.

They wrap up their conversation with Ekaterina promising to return in a few days’ time. With a nod and some pointed words at Childe to rest, she leaves, insisting that she does not need to be walked to the front door.

Brilliantly efficient, and she gets Childe to do what’s good for him. Zhongli likes her and admits as much. Judging by the look of betrayal Childe shoots at him, his thoughts are not appreciated.

That feeling of completeness and satisfaction only grows with every passing minute. He feeds Childe his lunch, pleased that the young man, despite his grumbling, trusts Zhongli enough to eat out of the bitesize spoonfuls Zhongli brings to his lips.  Zhongli is doubly pleased at how enthusiastic Childe is upon tasting his food to the point of demolishing his lunch with no coaxing.

Caring for Childe feels right. Simple tasks like changing bandages (and thank goodness Childe’s hands have healed so much), tucking him back into bed and giving him more water feel right. Seeing Childe wander around his house and exploring the space feels right. Even something as simple as having Childe seated beside him at his dining table feels right.

Zhongli’s inner dragon hasn’t stopped rumbling in pleasure. The joy he feels fills his chest with soft warmth like sunbathing on a particularly smooth boulder. He’s just…so utterly delighted that his nest feels so complete and that Childe (his Childe) is there with whom he can share his days. Zhongli had never minded his own company before, but it’s undeniable that with Childe around the house, his days feel more fulfilled and more interesting. His sunny mood is so apparent that when Hu Tao drops by for a visit like she had promised, she stops in her track to give him an extremely judgmental side glance.

“You’re awfully sunny especially given what happened.”

“Of course, Childe is recovering wonderfully here and is getting plenty of rest. Why wouldn’t I be happy?”

He leaves her alone with Childe afterwards, sunny mood only getting sunnier when he replies to Miss Ekaterina’s letter about Childe’s clothing. V-necks, he proposes immediately, and dutifully provides the contact information for his favourite tailor.

(As if Zhongli can resist the possibility of seeing his Childe, healthy and hale, and parading throughout his home in his trademark loose shirts, the collar dipping low to reveal tantalizing skin. Zhongli’s old enough to know an opportunity to enjoy such a tantalizing view should always be taken.)

Childe looks more relaxed with each passing day. There is, however, still an air of tired melancholy that clings to him, but Zhongli hopes that he can slowly coax whatever that’s troubling the young man out of him.

Be patient, be gentle, and be kind.

The opportunity presents itself when he runs into Childe late at night in the kitchen, adorned in Zhongli’s spare sleeping clothes as he forages through the cupboard for tea.

“Couldn’t sleep?” Zhongli asks.

“Hmm. Too many thoughts in my head,” Childe replies, turning around to flash a small smile.

They move to the living room with a fresh pot of chamomile tea. This late at night, the house is completely silent and dark save for the soft amber emanating from the flickering lamp light reflecting against the warm gold of his decors. It is one of the advantages of living in Yujing Terrace; aside from being afforded the peace and quiet from being away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets, the light pollution is kept minimal so as not to disturb anybody’s rest.

“I hope I didn’t wake you up,” Childe says, interrupting the comfortable silence. “Unless you’re having trouble sleeping like I am.”

“No, I was awake,” Zhongli answers, taking a slow sip of his fresh tea. Although chamomile is not his favourite, he appreciates its warmth nonetheless. “I was actually finishing up some work and had a craving for tea, so it was excellent timing running into you.”

Childe apparently finds that answer amusing. “Always so hardworking,” he says with a teasing little tsking noise. “You really should take better care of yourself or else you will get sick. I know, I know, I shouldn’t be talking. You can stop looking at me like that now.”

At least he is self-aware. Zhongli supposes that is better than nothing.

“You’ve said you’ve had too many thoughts in your head,” he says instead of voicing his opinions out loud. “I’ve been told that sharing them helps lighten the load in your mind. If you care to share them, I am happy to listen. I promise I will keep them strictly confidential between you and me.”

Zhongli waits – be patient – while Childe visibly mulls things over.

“Zhongli,” he finally says, his tone hesitant and soft, “do you ever have the feeling that you’re just…trapped by something out of your control?”

Zhongli goes still. “Trapped? What do you mean?”

“I don’t mean physically, more like, where you feel like you’re on a boat and you have no control where it’s steering towards. You’re stuck on it and you’re at the complete mercy of a million and one things out of your control – wind, current, weather – and all you can do is just hang on and hope you don’t fall off.

“And the worst part is, you have no idea where it’s even taking you. You have no idea who’s steering the ship and what their intentions are – good or bad. All you can do is hope that things turn out for the best I – I’m not making any sense, am I?”

No, Childe is making perfect sense. With every word spoken, the more Zhongli feels his dread grows.

Could it be that Childe is…describing his situation in the Fatui? How due to his status as a valuable Harbinger, he is at the mercy of the Cryo Archon’s benevolence?

Has Childe become aware that the Cryo Archon has done nothing to stem the corruptive influence of his Abyssal taint?

Or maybe, Childe is describing his mission in Liyue and how he’s torn between his loyalty to the Cryo Archon and his task to stir up catastrophe. Now that the Abyssal influence has been lifted from him, maybe Childe, with his mind clear and his heart calm, is regretting whatever chaos he’s got planned in order to steal the Geo Archon’s Gnosis.

“You feel lost and not in control of your own fate,” Zhongli offers, his heart twisting in familiar guilt, stinging with sharp and acrid pain. Had it not been his plan to retire, Childe would not be going through this. “Worse still, you feel like you are placed in a situation where you’re being guided to a set of actions that you have no control or say over.”

Then, a horrifying thought dawns on him. “If I may ask, does it have something to do with your injuries?”

Was it Zhongli’s fault that Childe’s flare-up was triggered?

Was it Zhongli’s fault that Childe ended up hurting himself?

“I – yeah,” Childe admits and Zhongli feels his heart twist. “Please don’t spread this around but I, um, I found out something a – about my family. I didn’t react well.” He gives a wry little chuckle. “Obviously. I didn’t react well. I must have scared you showing up the way I did, didn’t I?”

“Oh.” I – it wasn’t him. He wasn’t the trigger. The ache in his heart lets up but only a little because at the end of the day, Childe – his Childe – had still gotten hurt to this extent.

Childe’s family has always been a such a sore point for him. Zhongli doesn’t think he can ever forget the image of Childe hunched in front of his piano in a visible attempt to hold the pieces of his heart together during that fateful first performance.

Childe has never mentioned his family again after that and Zhongli had not pried, but the silence speaks for itself.

“I am very sorry to hear that and I am doubly sorry that your family is making you feel like you are trapped,” Zhongli offers. “Please do not apologize for the way you appeared that evening. I was more worried about your well-being than anything else. I would prefer this a million times over you deciding to struggle alone.”

Childe flashes him a weak smile. “Thank you.”

“What do you intend to do next? Do you need to travel home to resolve the matter?”

A part of Zhongli wonders if he can accompany Childe on his trip, his plans of retirement and his contract with the Cryo Archon be damned.

“No idea on what my next steps are,” Childe admits with a little shrug. “I won’t be leaving Liyue any time soon though.”

They descend into silence once more, each lost in their own thoughts as they sip their cooling tea. It gives Zhongli the chance to mull over his companion’s words.

Trapped. By circumstances related to his family.

Childe had said that his family was made up of impoverished musicians, and that he had chosen to join the military to escape a life of starvation. Childe had also said that his family had not cared that he had left, that they were “probably all breathing a sigh of relief” from his departure.

Maybe all of this is related to the Fatui as Zhongli had initially surmised. Maybe Childe does feel trapped from working for the Cryo Archon. Maybe Childe feels that he is being manipulated into doing the Tsaritsa’s dirty deeds in this Liyue mission but feels that he has no say because…well…

What can he even do? He can’t disobey the Cryo Archon. And if he decides to quit the Fatui, it’s not like he has any place to go either.

It’s not like he can return home to seek shelter from his family when they had, in essence, turned their back on him.

Does Childe even have a home to return to?

“Childe, about your analogy, is there no way for you to get off the ship?”

“I wish. A course has been set and I’m stuck on board.”

“And there is no way for you to go back?”

“Definitely not.”

Trapped in the Fatui. Trapped in this mission. Trapped, trapped, trapped with no way out.

At least, not yet.

Childe does not know about Zhongli, nor the trump card that he can still play.

“In that case,” Zhongli answers carefully, the beginning of a new plan slowly blossoming in his mind, “if there is no path available, then one might as well go forward and see what lies ahead. However, that is not to suggest that you should accept it with open arms, or that you should go without preparing as best as you can for what’s to come. Perhaps in your preparation, you can gain back the sense of control to help ease your worry.

“Further,” he adds, “please know that you are not alone.”

Childe looks up from his mug in surprise, and Zhongli, well, he doesn’t think he’s remotely hiding the fondness he feels for the young man sitting across from him. “Should you need any help, know that you have people around you who are willing to support you, myself included. My door will always be open to you should you need a place to seek shelter or even a place to call home. You will always have somewhere safe with me.”

Even if Childe’s family had turned him away, Childe – his priest, his friend, his dear boy, his Childe - will always be welcomed at Zhongli’s side. Childe will always have a home with Zhongli, and it is imperative that he knows it.

“Zhongli,” Childe chokes out after a pregnant pause. His voice is thick with emotion and even in the dim flickering light from the lamp, Zhongli can make out how glassy his eyes have become. “You shouldn’t want someone like me around. I’m only going to bring trouble to your doorstep.”

Trouble? Pah! As if something as trifling as that will get Zhongli to rescind his offer.

“You use the term ‘someone like me’ to imply something negative and yet, I cannot disagree more,” Zhongli finds himself countering with a growl from the well of indignant fury rising in his chest. Is that what Childe’s family had told him? That he had forfeited his right to their house and home because he was trouble?

Is this the lie that his family has gotten Childe to believe as well?

Well, Zhongli is more than happy to correct that narrative.

“I see a young man who cares deeply for his men, colleagues, friends, and family. I see someone with a generous heart who goes above and beyond to make sure those he cherishes are well-taken care of. I see a hardworking individual who strives to do his best no matter how difficult the task is to the point of neglecting his own diet and health despite the efforts of those wiser than him to get him to eat –”

Childe lets out a soft little whine. “Ah, Zhongli, isn’t – isn’t this a bit much? I’m not that good.”

Zhongli barely refrains from snorting. Stubborn boy. It appears Zhongli will have to try harder to get through to his thick skull.

“I see someone who has faced misfortune at an early age and struggles with its consequences to this very day, and yet, he persists to rise above the bad hand he’s been dealt.”

His actions under the influence of the Abyssal taint were not his fault, not when it was out of his control. Not when there had been someone more powerful who could have stepped in to fix things but hadn’t.

“And, as I have told you before many months ago, I see a person who indulges my whims and encourages me to enjoy all the pleasures Liyue Harbour has to offer, who teaches me to live and relish the moment. Not only does this remain true to this day, but this person has also grown into my dearest friend, who listens to my concerns and worries while trusting me enough to share those parts back.”

His little priest, his dear friend, his Childe –

“So, tell me, why wouldn’t I welcome someone like that into my home? Why wouldn’t I welcome someone so near and dear to my heart?”

Throughout his speech, Childe hunches further and further into himself until he’s all but curled up in the seat into a tight ball. He’s also aggressively hiding his face in his mug, pretending to be particularly interested in his tea, but Zhongli can see just how red his face has gotten from the red glow in the tips of his ears.

Good. This means that Zhongli’s words are getting somewhere.

“I – I think you’re being too generous with your praises, Zhongli,” Childe mumbles into his mug, still unable to meet his eyes. “I don’t think I’m doing anything out of the ordinary at all.”

“The fact that you think so proves my point further,” Zhongli says, crossing his arms now. “In any event, you may perceive yourself in a negative light, but I am happy to prove you wrong. I have made up my mind about you and about my offer. I will not be changing either of those.”

“O – okay, Zhongli,” Childe answers softly, and for the first time this evening, his lips are curled up in a soft, pleased little smile. A much more fitting expression than the sombre sadness that had plagued him all evening. “Whatever you say.”

Zhongli refrains from scoffing, but only barely. “Indeed, and I am seldom wrong about these sorts of things.”

They retire to their rooms soon afterwards and if Zhongli layers a few more layer of protections on Childe that evening to ensure that his dreams would be free from the unpleasant memories of his family, then nobody else needs to know.

The days pass by peacefully afterwards. Zhongli gets more pleasant surprises, first in the form of Childe’s new wardrobe arriving.

And what a magnificent wardrobe it is. Madame has really outdone herself with the selection of soft, loose shirts that do wonders hanging off of Childe’s angular frame, the necks so wide that they practically slip off of his shoulders. Zhongli’s inner dragon had definitely purred at the (delicious) sight of all that pretty pale skin dusted with cute freckles and stretched taut over toned flesh. This is what his little priest should look like at all times in their nest – soft, relaxed, happy, and completely at home. Although he will miss seeing his symbol displayed openly on Childe’s body, this wardrobe with its blues and greens and creams is much better suited to the young man’s taste, and Zhongli will hardly begrudge him for that.

Besides, nothing is stopping Zhongli from recommending additional clothing to be made in the future – more shirts in greens and blues but decorated with little golden geo symbols along the hems, the sleeves, and shirt collars. Hmmm, yes. That will do nicely –

The look of pure judgment from Ekaterina jolts him out of his, admittedly, blatant and shameless ogling like a bucket of cold water to the face. For the first time in centuries, Zhongli finds himself flushing in guilt and shame not unlike a schoolboy caught with his hand in a cookie jar. Or, more accurately, a young man caught possessing a collection of…particularly lascivious picture books.

Luckily, Childe seems oblivious. Zhongli is glad because he has no idea how he can begin to explain his behaviour. He hopes Ekaterina will show pity and keep her observations to herself.

The second pleasant surprise is that Childe has agreed to stay for the duration of the time it takes to renovate the hotel suite. Zhongli does not waste his time in seizing his opportunity to encourage Childe to move everything he needs, including every single one of his instruments.

Zhongli happily clears away his grand treasure room at the heart of his home to make space for Childe. Things that were once considered his most valuable possessions are haphazardly tucked into one of his many domains so that he can show off the (miraculously and conveniently) empty additional room that Childe can now use as his new music space. He doesn’t regret his decision; after all, how can his old objects compare to the sight of his new housemate’s joy at being reunited with his precious piano, or the free flow of delicious, lovingly crafted feasts that are now being offered on a day-by-day basis in addition to the meals offered to Rex Lapis during Childe’s nightly prayers?

(Or the sound of Childe’s delighted laughter when he pulls off a particularly tricky and difficult piece of music, or the sight of Childe, surrounded by the gold of Zhongli’s home and layered in Zhongli’s divine protection, looking, for once, utterly relaxed and content?)

His priest, his dear friend, his Childe, hishishis –

Zhongli has never been so well-fed in his life, nor has he felt so content and at peace.

The sound of aggressive knocking interrupts their little utopia, rousing Zhongli from his meal and his precious quality time with Childe.

Who dares show such disrespect as to interrupt Childe’s playing?

Apparently, the Millelith and their audacious request to bring Childe before the Tianquan for questioning.

Zhongli moves before the Millelith can react and gently nudges Childe behind him, keeping a firm control of the rising anger he feels at this blatant insult against his Childe.

“Since when does the Tianquan have the authority to drag innocent civilians out of their homes for questioning, let alone a diplomat from an allied nation?”

“The Tianquan has the authority under section 246 of the national security provisions to invite any and all individuals visiting or residing in Liyue for questions.”

“And what’s the triggering event for the Tianquan to be enacting this emergency power?” Zhongli challenges.

There is a second of uneasy side glances being exchanged between the officers. Then: “The attack on Barbatos of Mondstadt by the Fatui, notably by Harbinger La Signora.”

Extra II: Ekaterina

“I don’t like this,” Nadia says during their weekly get-togethers with the rest of Signora’s spy team. These meetings have long since evolved into casual potlucks at Ekaterina’s condo, with the idea that food and booze make discussions a lot more manageable. Today is no different, and the team finds themselves once again crammed around a small table laden with take-out from Wanmin Restaurant. “I haven’t heard anything from Eight for months now. What has she been up to in Mondstadt?”

“I haven’t been able to pick up anything from the rumour mills either,” Vlad confesses from his seat beside her. He flashes a quick grateful smile when she pours him a shot of fire-water and continues, “Whatever’s going on out there, they’re keeping it really locked up to the point where even the men stationed at their capital are kept in the dark.”

“So long as she doesn’t come back and bother us any time soon for updates on Master Childe, then good riddance, I say,” Felix mutters into his own fire-water from across the table. “I’d rather she be Mondstadt’s problem for as long as they’re willing to put up with her.”

“Speaking of Master Childe, does anybody know what he’s been up to?” Nadia asks.

Three sets of eyes turn to Ekaterina, who’s mid-chew in her jueyun chili chicken.

“What? Why are you all looking at me for?” she says after swallowing her bite. “I’m not his keeper, you know.”

“Are you sure? You bully him to eat all the time,” Felix teases. “You also nag at him to take breaks and when he tries to stay late for work, you’re the one who kicks him out of the bank.”

“And you pick up his lunches from Wanmin Restaurant all the time,” Ekaterina says with a roll of her eyes. “Also, you’re his supplier for everything that makes him happy whether it’s coffee, weapons, or musical instruments. You spoil him as much as the rest of us.”

“No, but seriously, what has he been up to?” Vlad interjects. “I’ve seen him running around town, talking to all the merchants like it’s going out of fashion. It’s been going on for a while now and he’s starting to develop that frenzied look in his eyes.”

The group winces. The last time Master Childe has shown similar signs of manic energy, they had to stage an intervention and force him on a weeklong vacation in Wangshu Inn.

“I have no idea what he’s been doing and I’ve been trying to find out,” Ekaterina confesses with a sigh. “It looks like he’s following up on some orders that were placed with those merchants, but whatever he’s doing doesn’t seem to have anything to do with the bank since the people he’s been talking to don’t have accounts with us. It’s probably some sort of personal matter. I didn’t want to pry further.”

Not unless La Signora orders her directly, and even then, Ekaterina will do the bare minimum to satisfy that order.

“Do you think this is related to the message he’s got Felix to deliver to Dotttore’s men some time back?” Nadia ponders.

“If it is, I don’t want to know,” Felix answers after throwing back his fire-water. “The more I know, the more I’d need to tell Signora. I’m happy to be blissfully ignorant, thank you.”

“She’s going to get suspicious of us,” Vlad says with a grimace. “We’re saying too little about Master Childe. She’s going to figure out we’re actively providing her as little information as possible.”

“Well, if she’s going to find out that something’s suspect, it’s not going to come from any of the men stationed in this city,” Felix says, pouring himself another drink. “They love Master Childe. I’ve never seen a Harbinger who’s so genuinely liked by his subordinates.”

“I’ve always wondered – do we even know why La Signora hates Master Childe? Don’t get me wrong, she hates everybody, but it’s clear as day that she particularly loathes Master Childe and is looking for any dirt on him.”

“Maybe she hates him because he’s not noble-born?” Nadia guesses. “That red hair gives Master Childe away as coming from those western seaports in Snezhnaya. You know how the nobles hate country bumpkins, especially ones who are perceived to have climbed beyond their stations.”

Vlad shakes his head. “I don’t know, that doesn’t seem right. La Signora doesn’t seem the type to expend that much energy on those she thinks are her inferior. She would’ve dismissed his existence altogether. Somehow, I suspect that her hatred is more personal.”

Nadia frowns. “Did Master Childe do something in the past back when he was…you know.”

A raging lunatic, comes the unspoken words to Ekaterina’s mind. An egomaniacal monster, a rabid dog –

“Given his track record, that’s a huge possibility,” Ekaterina says instead. She turns to Felix. “You’re the one with the most extensive network. Do you have any thoughts or theories for this?”

Felix rubs his chin and leans back on his chair. “This is the first time La Signora and Tartaglia have been paired together on a mission, and Tartaglia was made a Harbinger fairly recently. So, whatever happened that is fuelling La Signora’s hatred likely stems from some sort of a shared past before Tartaglia’s promotion.”

Nadia makes a face. “That’s even more confusing. How is it even possible for La Signora to share a past with Tartaglia with her being a noble born and him being…not? Where could they have intersected with each other?”

The group goes silent for a second, then, Vlad offers: “The Candidacy.” At the looks of confusion from his team mates, he continues, “No, seriously, think about it. It’s no secret that before he became Tartaglia, Master Childe climbed up the ladder through the military before being chosen as a Candidate with Lord Pulcinella as his backer. You all know what the Candidacy is like.”

Ekaterina makes a face. Oh boy, have they heard rumours of the Candidacy – a team of men and women considered to be the best of the best Snezhnaya has to offer, all of them vying to be chosen as the next Harbinger. Realistically, only those coming from powerful and influential families with power and influential backers are selected as Candidates.

It’s probably nothing but a den of snakes and vipers.

Wait. Powerful and influential backers – “Do you think La Signora backed someone who ended up in the same Candidacy program as Master Childe?” she blurts out. “But that still doesn’t explain why she’d hate the Eleventh to such a degree though. Just because whoever she backed didn’t get to become a Harbinger hardly means they would’ve been shunted to some…some nothing position. A Candidate is still a Candidate.”

“Unless something happened to that person,” Vlad points out grimly. “And knowing Master Childe’s bloody, unhinged reputation before the accident, I’m willing to put down money on something really, really bad happening to that person.”

It’s times like these that Ekaterina is reminded of Master Childe’s less than stellar past. Hard to believe that he had been a completely different person, a cruel and callous individual, before his accident (and Ekaterina is absolutely convinced that Master Childe is suffering from partial amnesia). She only hopes the Master Childe they know and love today stays with them permanently.

But a part of her has always wondered – is the Master Childe they’re seeing today the real version of the young man? That something horrible has happened to have twisted and warped his personality into Tartaglia, the Cryo Archon’s Vanguard?

And now that he no longer remembers what happened, does that mean that the trigger for him to become that monster no longer exists?

“The mystery deepens,” she mutters. “Whatever happened between the Eighth and the Eleventh is likely to remain a mystery. For now, we need to keep our guard up and continue to monitor any developments in Mondstadt.”

Despite uttering those words, Ekaterina has to admit that the following month of more peace and quiet has lulled her into a false sense of security. Master Childe continues to go off on his wild quest to chase after merchants, but he seems cheerful enough even if the bags under his eyes are starting to grow alarmingly dark once more. He still greets Vlad at the door every morning with a cheerful wave, makes time to bring snacks for the Bank staff and for the recruits, works diligently at his paperwork, spends his lunches with Mister Zhongli, and goes home (after some light nagging from Ekaterina) with a skip in his steps. In the evening, in between chasing down merchants, Master Childe continues his training regime and his bullying of the recruits, followed by an evening at home, playing his music. Everything is progressing normally.

Which is why the news that Master Childe was seen storming out of his apartment late at night, delivered to her by a worried recruit knocking frantically at her door, catches her completely off guard.

“I’m sorry, could you please repeat that?” she asks but she’s already pulling a jacket over her sleeping clothes. “You saw Master Childe doing what?”

Apparently, he had rushed out of the hotel after slamming the door to his suite; his clothing was dishevelled, his hands bleeding, and his expression…well…

Murderous fury did not begin to describe it. He had looked so terrifying that the small handful of recruits who saw him hadn’t dared to approach him. They merely dove for cover.

“Did anybody see which direction he went off to?” Ekaterina says, stuffing into her shoes and rushing out to the main stairwell, the recruit trailing behind her. She can see a few droplets of blood trailing down the steps and leading out the main door, and she curses.

“Unfortunately not. I – it’s too dark out, and nobody wanted to…well…”

Nobody wanted to follow him for the fear of getting stabbed. Ekaterina gets it.

She pokes her head out of the door. This late at night, the outside is nearly pitch black save for the dimly lit street lamps dotting the major streets. All traces of Master Childe have long since disappeared, making it impossible to trace wherever he’s disappeared off to.

“Tell anybody who saw this to keep this strictly confidential,” Ekaterina orders the recruit. “And get someone to clean up the mess. If anybody tries to pry what Master Childe is up to, say that he’s gone off to train.”

“Yes, ma’am. What are we going to do with Master Childe though?”

What can they even do? “Master Childe is a Harbinger, he will be fine,” she says even as her heart clenches with worry. “If he is not back at the break of dawn, we will assemble a search party for him.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

With the recruit gone to do her bidding, Ekaterina treks back up the stairs, beelining for Master Childe’s unit. The door remains closed though more splatters of blood can be found on the floor. She pulls out a napkin from her pocket and wipes off the mess.

There, good as new.

“Makes sure nobody goes near Master Childe’s suite,” she orders to a Fatui standing guard by the stairs. “Not until Master Childe is back. And say nothing of what happened tonight.”

The rest of the night is spent in a sleepless, worried haze. Ekaterina turns her mind to all the different possibilities that could have led to Master Childe fleeing into the night but comes up empty.

The last thing Master Childe has done that she’s aware of is visiting the toy seller, the one manned by a little old lady who sells large elaborate kites. How could that have set him off?

Luckily, as the sky starts to lighten and just as she’s about to leave her apartment to check up on Master Childe’s status, a recruit knocks on her door and hands her a letter from Consultant Zhongli of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour.

She tears the envelope open and quickly skims through the content.

Then, she breathes a huge sigh of relief.

“Master Childe is safe. He’s staying over at Mister Zhongli’s home,” she announces to the worried recruit. “H – he’s fine. He’s currently resting. The search will not be necessary.”

“Oh, thank the Tsaritsa,” the recruit replies, a hand over her heart and looking just as relieved. “I’m so glad his boyfriend is there for him.”

“Please do not call Mister Zhongli that around Master Childe,” Ekaterina says with another sigh even though at this point, everybody and their pet dogs can see just how close Mister Zhongli and Master Childe are. “But yes, Master Childe should be in safe hands. I’ll head off to check on him shortly just to be sure.”

At the end of this whole fiasco, she still can’t tell what caused Master Childe to rush out the way he did. Master Childe had explained that he had hurt his hands from a nightmare but that lie is so poorly constructed that not even the most novice of Fatui trainee would believe it. Worse still, not even Mister Zhongli seems to know, which only adds to her confusion and growing worry. At least, as the recruit rightly pointed out, Master Childe’s ‘boyfriend’ is there for him. Mister Zhongli seems absolutely adamant about taking good care of him and does not hesitate to share his (surprisingly rather spacious and luxurious) home with Master Childe for as long as he wants.

Ekaterina is so impressed by his generosity that she doesn’t even comment on his thinly veiled attempt to see Master Childe parading around his home with his chest out on full display. Instead, she merely gives Mister Zhongli a judging, knowing look, enough for him to shuffle a little uncomfortably in his spot, properly shamed. She supposes that Mister Zhongli deserves to treat himself to some eye candy.

“How’s Master Childe holding up with his boyfriend?” Nadia asks during their get-together. Today, they’ve ordered dumplings from a kiosk on the recommendation of Mister Zhongli. They’re just waiting for Felix to arrive with the food. “Did you ever find out what happened that night with Master Childe’s disappearance?”

Ekaterina shakes her head. “No. By all eyewitnesses’ accounts, the last thing he did that day before returning back to his apartment was to visit that toy stall on Chihu Rock. He was apparently checking up on an order that had been put in months prior. He had been nothing but polite and courteous to the seller.”

“Weird,” Nadia says, “Maybe he received a letter when he got home or something.”

“A letter that will get him this upset him to the point of destroying his apartment? What kind of letter would do that?”

“I don’t know!” Nadia shrugs. “I heard that his old self would blow up for less so maybe he’s starting to revert back to his old ways? I hope that’s not the case. I like this Master Childe.”

Everybody does. That’s why everyone from their little spy team to Andrei all the way down to the recruits are worried for Master Childe.

“He hasn’t done anything else aside from that apartment incident, so let’s hope that’s not the case. Mister Zhongli seems to be doing wonders for his mood.”

“The Tsaritsa bless Mister Zhongli and all boyfriends with calm demeanors,” Vlad mutters from his spot at the table, lifting his glass for a toast. “On a related note, have we figured out what we’re going to say about the apartment incident?”

Ekaterina doesn’t bother hiding her pained look. “Felix and I have been telling everyone that Master Childe was a little too overzealous with testing out his Vision and he accidentally wrecked his place. In his frustration from his failed test, he rushed out in hopes to work off some steam. I know, I know, it’s a terrible lie, but it’s the best that we can come up with.”

“La Signora is going to see right through our bullshit,” Vlad says with a grimace and a shake of his head. “We can’t even hide this from her either. It’s too obvious that Master Childe’s suite is going through renovations.”

“Maybe, we can say –”

The door slams open and in rushes Felix, eyes wide and clutching several crinkled bags of dumplings.

“We’ve got trouble! A few of our men just spotted Master Childe being escorted by the Millelith!”

“Escorted?” Ekaterina asks in alarm. “This late at night? Where?”

“Qixing’s Administrative Building,” Felix answers quickly. “No idea why. But a group of Millelith is heading this way as well. We’ve got about fifteen minutes, so hide whatever sensitive shit you need to hide now.”

The room, predictably, descends into chaos.

Chapter Text

Part XXIII. Diplomat Childe in Action Part 2 – Now With 100% Less Diplomacy

The attack on Barbatos?

“Ludicrous,” Zhongli answers. He’s refusing to budge from his spot in front of Childe, his presence sturdy as rock. “The Anemo Archon has been asleep for centuries and hasn’t been seen for just as long. What proof do you have to support the accusations you have levied against Master Childe?”

The attack on Barbatos…by La Signora? But – but –

The Millelith exchange another uneasy look. “We are not at liberty to disclose,” the officer who’s done most of the talking admits. “We have been instructed to disclose Barbatos’s attack as reasons for bringing Diplomat Childe before the Tianquan. Any further information about the event will have to be provided by her. We have, however, brought a warrant signed by the Tianquan herself.”

That shouldn’t be happening now. Childe still had at least a handful of months left. The Rite of Descension isn’t even happening till in three months’ time from now. So…how…?

“I would like to see these documents, please.”

How has the timeline shifted? Why are things happening earlier than in the original game?

Zhongli takes the paper and skims through the page. “Childe,” he murmurs, turning towards him with a grimace. “The paperwork is in order. But I will not let you go by yourself.”

That snaps Childe out of his stupor.

“N – no, Zhongli. You shouldn’t be dragged into this,” he says, gently guiding Zhongli to the side so that he can take a step forward. He nods at the Millelith. “I – I’ll go. The Tianquan can ask all the questions she wants but I doubt I’d be able to provide any information anyway.”

It wouldn’t be good for Zhongli to draw attention to himself, not when there are Adepti like Ganyu working at the administrative building.

A blue window appears along with a string of text. System Update, chimes AR in Ajax’s mind, almost making him jump.

Hidden side-quest: Interview with the Qixing has now been activated.

Objective: successfully get through Qixing’s questions while evading suspicion. Reward for successful completion: 50 SP.

Mission failure consequence: - 65 SP.

Of fucking course, this is going to be a hidden side-quest. Just Ajax’s rotten luck.

Meanwhile, Zhongli insists on being stubborn and protective. “No, I am coming with you,” he says. He eyes the two officers. “I trust that the Millelith will afford us some time to change out of our night clothes especially given how Master Childe is not resisting.”

They get ten minutes, enough for Ajax to don on his uniform and ask AR, “Hey, I’m not going crazy, right? The attack on Barbatos shouldn’t be happening this soon in the canonical timeline?”

A soft, familiar ping chimes out again. “User Ajax’s assessment is correct,” AR responds. “And before User Ajax asks, no this is not a bug. As User Ajax is aware, events in this world are not identical to those in Genshin Impact 1.0, including when they occur.”

Just like that Ajax’s rotten luck strikes twice in a row.

But fuck that noise, he does not want to even begin to unpack that statement right now. No, he’s got Ningguang to worry about.

“AR, what do you have in the store that can help me get through the interrogation? I think I’m going to need some help.”

A painful 50 SP deduction later, Ajax finds himself possessing the Silver Tongue Ability once more. At least it’s not the exorbitant 450 SP price point that AR had quoted him a lifetime ago. Maybe AR feels sorry for him and the clusterfuck that has suddenly fallen on his lap. Whatever the reason, he will gladly take it.

“Right,” he mutters to AR, taking a deep breath and squaring his shoulders. “Let’s get this over with. If I succeed, I’ll even get to earn my 50 SP back.”

The one saving grace to the Millelith’s presence this late at night is that the streets are mostly deserted. This means that hardly anybody sees him being marched to the Qixing Administrative building, flanked by the two Millelith with Zhongli trailing after them. The only exception were the three Fatui members that happened to be gathered around a stall, and Childe had given them a look of warning. From how quickly they had fled, they seemed to have gotten the message to tell the others to have their guard up.

Because something tells Ajax that he won’t be the only person getting a surprise visit. Let’s hope his people will be able hide what they need to hide on time.

The walk is mercilessly short. Ajax is guided through the looming set of double doors of the building, down a maze of corridors where more stony-faced Millelith stand guard, before turning into a separate wing and entering into what looks like a waiting area with plush chairs lining the sides of the space. There is another set of doors – gold and decorated with symbols of scales and the geo element – that loom over them at the other end of the room.

“Only Master Diplomat may enter,” the Millelith says, breaking the silence that has stretched for the duration of their journey. “Mister Zhongli, you are to wait here in the waiting room.”

Zhongli gives a brisk nod. “I will be waiting right here for you, Childe,” he says, his tone considerably warmer than the look he gave the officers. “No matter how long it takes.”

“Ah, Zhongli, you don’t have to stay if it gets too late –”

“No matter how long it takes,” Zhongli repeats firmly, and before Ajax can say anything further, he heads for a nearby seat and sinks down onto the plush cushion, exuding elegance and the unshakeable confidence of a lord in his own castle.

Or an ancient god in his country.

Ajax shakes his head, unbearably fond. Stubborn dragon.

He waits for the Millelith to open the doors and steps through the entrance with as much dignity as he can project.

This new room is equal parts grand and stark. Gold banners hang from the red wood pillars depicting scales, clouds and waves, the gold made richer from the flickering grand lanterns lining the walls. The walls are covered by some sort of silk panel, judging by the way they shimmer, and the rich redwood floors are polished to gleaming. However, the room itself is devoid of anything save for the tables arranged in a U shape before a small wooden chair placed at the center. There is also a single standing lamp right beside the chair, and it reminds Ajax all too much of the police interrogation rooms from the detective dramas and murder mysteries from his old world.

“Please take a seat, Diplomat Childe,” one of the officers says, gesturing towards the chair at the center. Of course, that would be his seat. “The Tianquan will be with you shortly.”

“Is she the only one taking part of this…” interrogation “meeting? Or will there be others?”

“Unfortunately, I am not privy to this information,” the officer answers.

Yeah, right.

Ajax takes a seat, again, unsurprised that the chair is as uncomfortable as it looks, and waits.

At least the officer hadn’t lied; in less than a minute, a side door previously hidden opens and in strolls Ningguang, followed closely by Keqing, Ganyu, and two gentlemen. All of them are sporting particularly stony expressions.

Ajax has met Ningguang what feels like a lifetime ago during his tutorial meeting. She had emitted a terrifying aura, one of no-nonsense and competence, and if it hadn’t been the Silver Tongue ability helping him then, he would have most definitely made himself out to be a bumbling fool.

As for the other characters, the two random dudes are clearly NPCs so Ajax has never paid any attention to them. Not to say his knowledge on Keqing and Ganyu is any better, but at least he kinda remembers them from the original game and from reading his intelligence reports. He has seen Miss Keqing before at the Rite of Descension but he never interacted with her. The only big piece of information that sticks out to him (the same information that came to mind, in fact, during that Rite of Descension) is her disdain for the gods.

It makes her a rather interesting choice for this interrogation. Ningguang must really trust Keqing’s professionalism to have invited her.

Especially when working beside her is Ganyu, a being with the blood of the gods she disdains.

As for Ganyu, she is unfortunately yet another five-star character whom Ajax had skipped in favour of rolling for a better weapon for his precious Zhongli. Apparently, her backstory is that she is a half-Adeptus working as the head secretary of the Qixing, and she is super, super hardworking.

She is also a DPS beast.

Ajax doesn’t know how that translates to in this world and he hopes he doesn’t ever find out.

He discreetly clasps his hands and places them on his knee to hide how sweaty his palms are getting.

AR? Activate the Silver Tongue ability, please.

Understood. Ability ‘Silver Tongue’ activated for the next 24 hours. Time remaining 23:59:59…23:59:58…

“Master Diplomat, thank you for arriving to our meeting so swiftly,” Ningguang says by way of greeting once everybody has taken a seat. “As you can imagine, I bring you here for a matter of great importance.”

“It is good to meet you again, Miss Ningguang,” Ajax says, dipping his head in respect. He can feel the Silver Tongue ability kicking in with how calm and in control he sounds though his sweaty palms belay his true feelings. “And you as well, honourable members of the Qixing, though I do not believe we have formally met. I wish we would have had the pleasure of meeting in less serious circumstances.”

Keqing, Ganyu, and the NPCs return his greeting with the barest of nods, the gesture is just enough to be polite but certainly nothing more to showcase genuine friendliness.

“Hmm, serious circumstances,” Ningguang continues, “an interesting word choice. And pray tell, what sort of serious circumstances do you believe that are bringing us together?”

“Miss Ningguang, you seem to be a woman who does not enjoy wasting time so I will be frank. You have invited me here to speak about the alleged attack on Barbatos in Mondstadt, have you not? This was the information that your officer has given me when I had asked for the reason for this meeting.”

“Indeed, that is certainly one of the reasons why we are gathered here today.” Ningguang places her hands on her desk, lacing her fingers together. “You do not deny the fact that there has been an attack on Barbatos, then?”

“Miss Ningguang, I cannot say one way or another because I do not know if this is true or not.” Ajax replies. “What I know about Barbatos is that he hasn’t been seen in half a millennium. Legend has it that he is deep asleep somewhere. What form he has taken in the modern era, if he is, in fact, awake, is information I do not know.”

“Ridiculous,” one of the NPC (whom Ajax will lovingly refer to as NPC A) scoffs. “Are you not the most senior Fatui diplomat here? And you’re here to tell us that you wouldn’t be privy to the knowledge of something as serious as an attack on Barbatos by the Fatui no less?”

Ajax blinks. “Sir, why do you believe I would be privy to such knowledge? Further, where is this knowledge even coming from?”

“Master Diplomat, I too will be frank,” Ningguang answers instead. “It is not a secret that the Qixing has eyes and ears all over Liyue. When a group of Fatui steps foot into a roadside inn, getting uproariously drunk in celebration over their latest triumph, the Qixing takes notice.”

It takes everything for Ajax to not shut his eyes and sigh. Oh, for fuck’s sake.

Of course. Of course this all stems from drunken revelry of fools who don’t know how to keep their big mouths shut.

But something about this is awfully fishy. The Fatui are trained to be better than that especially for a mission as sensitive as stealing the Gnosis of an Archon. Why would they have the galls to openly brag about this mission, drunk or not? This is all too suspicious.

Also, if Ajax recalls the events of in the original game correctly, La Signora was the one sent to head that mission. She is too much of a control freak to let underlings blab about her top-secret mission so why hasn’t she managed to keep her people muzzled now?

Unless…

Unless she knows about this and endorses this behaviour. Knowing La Signora, she probably even manipulated the situation for it to happen. But why would she do that? Wouldn’t she be putting herself in hot water with the Cryo Archon?

No, La Signora is much too clever for that. Assuming that she had masterminded all of this, she would have pinned the blame on those unruly men. She would make a big show about being angry and then, she would have had them executed as a show of loyalty to the Cryo Archon and penance for supposedly failing to keep her people in check.

Ajax is willing to bet that while the Cryo Archon wouldn’t be completely mollified, at least she wouldn’t be homicidal towards La Signora.

But…why though? Why go through all that? Why risk making the Cryo Archon even slightly angry?

Does La Signora want the rumours about Barbatos’ attack out that badly? What purpose would that even serve?

“Well, Master Diplomat?” Ningguang’s voice cuts through Ajax’s whirring thoughts.

“I find myself a bit loss for words, Miss Ningguang,” Ajax answers, his voice even. “First, at the unruliness of the Fatui soldiers. To hear that they are causing so much trouble in a public establishment is deeply embarrassing and disappointing. Second, I am…confused. Is this the basis on which you have invited me here today?”

In other words, did Ningguang really drag Ajax out of his home late at night over the drunken words of a few undisciplined men?

The Qixing members clearly understood what was said between the lines, because they’ve all stiffened in their seats.

Something tells Ajax that even with the Silver Tongue ability, this meeting is going to net him a shit ton of R points.

Well, fuck it. It’s not like the Qixing like him much anyway. He might as well continue to (politely) poke holes in their interrogation especially if it will net him a victory on his side-quest.

“Further, I do not seem to recall any news from Mondstadt regarding this alleged attack on Barbatos. Surely, if such an attack had occurred, Mondstadt would be the first to reprimand Snezhnaya, or declare an open investigation on the matter. Mondstadt would even have grounds to declare war on Snezhnaya.”

And yet, there has been no news from Mondstadt. Ajax hasn’t received any missives from his men or the Palace about Mondstadt’s retaliation. From the growing frowns on the Qixing members’ faces, what Ajax is saying is clearly striking a chord.

“Third, what I am still trying to understand is what any of this has to do with me, or Liyue for that matter.”

Why would Liyue be concerned about the attack on a neighboring nation when said neighboring nation hasn’t even taken any steps to seek justice?

“The existence of such allegations and from the mouths of Fatui members are concerning enough,” Keqing answers after a moment of uncomfortable silence. “Such allegations are specific enough that as allies of Mondstadt, we cannot ignore them.”

“Oh, so Mondstadt has requested your aid to investigate the Fatui then? If that’s the case, would you mind showing me the paperwork signed by Mondstadt’s Knights of Favonius of such partnership including any warrants that have been issued for my arrest?”

Clearly, none of the Qixing like that answer because Keqing switches gear.

“You are not under arrest, Master Diplomat. This is simply a meeting to discuss concerns the Qixing have. Further, as the Tianquan has stated, Barbatos’s attack is only one but many things to discuss tonight. Another concern includes the recent activities of the Fatui in Liyue.”

Uh oh. What now?

Outwardly, Ajax shrugs. “Sure, Miss Keqing. What would you like to discuss?”

“I would like to discuss about the recent increased Fatui presence and activities around Jueyun Karst and several of the burial sites of our old gods. As I recall, the permits granted to the Fatui and their diplomats all involve setting up the Northland Bank and conducting business. What business would the Fatui have at Jueyun Karst and ancient burial sites then?”

Ajax curses internally. The answer is to conduct Ajax’s research on the Sigil of Permission, no doubt, but he can’t exactly say that.

“Has there been an increased presence in those locations?” Ajax asks with a frown. “We have been ramping up our debt collection efforts at the bank as of late. Our agents could be in the process of hunting down some debtors who operate at those locations or are hoping to escape the debt by seeking divine protection. That may explain the increased Fatui presence in those locations.”

Technically not a lie. The Northland Bank lends to Treasure Hoarders and Ajax is 99.9% sure the Qixing knows this.

Keqing isn’t so quick to let this line of inquiry go. “Really? Debt collection would warrant sending a contingent of Fatui members to those sites? Isn’t that a bit of an overkill?”

“Miss Keqing, although I am a diplomat for Snezhnaya and a representative of the bank, I am not in charge of assigning troops for debt collection.” Technically true. The latter falls under Ekaterina and Felix’s joint managements.

“Further, I don’t understand why you are asking this question. As you have mentioned, the Fatui are provided permits to set up the Bank and conduct business, and an activity that falls within the realm of conducting business for the Bank is debt collection. The permit does not restrict how we collect our debts so I fail to see how sending Fatui to certain locations is in contravention of the permit or relevant to this meeting, which, as I remember, is about your national security.”

Ajax tilts his head. “And yet, so far, I find myself having to answer questions about a rumoured attack against a foreign archon and about our debt collection practice. Does the Qixing make it a habit of dragging foreign diplomats out of their homes in the middle of the night to express concerns about such trivial matters? I had thought Liyue prided itself in being fair and reasonable.”

Again, this answer gets a round of deep frowns. The NPCs look like they’re this close to frothing at the mouth. Ajax is going to net so many R points, but he doesn’t think his responses and rebuttals are unfair. Why are the Qixing asking these weird questions? Just what is it that they’re trying to insinuate here? If they’re going to make such a show of dragging Ajax to their building for talks in the middle of night, he’d prefer if they’d just stop beating around the bush and get to the point already.

“These questions are relevant, Master Diplomat,” Ningguang steps in once again to answer, “and the more information you can provide for us, the faster we can wrap up this meeting. Need I also remind you that failing to answer our questions properly is viewed as being in contravention of our national security provisions and can result in your and your men’s expulsion?”

“Warning!” A large message in red appears on the blue screen which materializes in front of Ajax. “Failure of the side-quest: Interview with the Qixing will results in – 65 SP. Further, early expulsion from Liyue may result in critical failure of the MAIN MISSIONS.”

Wait, now you tell me, AR?

Okay, okay, time to maybe backtrack a little.

“I have not refused any of your questions so far, have I?” Ajax answers even as his heart begins to race in his chest. “I’m just not seeing what you’re trying to get at with them.”

“We appreciate your cooperation, Master Diplomat,” Ningguang replies with a plastic smile. “We hope we can clarify things for you soon, but first, a few more questions.”

‘A few more questions’ ends up being an additional half-hour of interrogation. Ajax is subjected to more questions about the alleged attack on Barbatos (What was the purpose behind the attack? What had the Fatui been after?) Ajax naturally lies and denies knowledge of anything. There were also hyper specific questions about the movements of the Fatui around different holy sites and domains, which he, again, proceeds to deny, deny, and deny.

And then comes an unexpected question from the second NPC: “You have attended Lord Lapis’ Rite of Descension, have you not?”

“I have,” Ajax answers, brows furrowing from the sudden pivot.

“You have attended the Rite as an honoured guest of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour?”

“Yes.”

“Why had they invited you?”

“We are business partners. They offered to take me to an important ceremony in Liyue and I agreed because it sounded interesting.”

“By they, do you mean Consultant Zhongli of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour specifically?” NPC A interjects.

Hmm. Ajax doesn’t like where these questions are going.

“Yes. Consultant Zhongli offered to show me the Rite. I hired him as a cultural advisor since he has an excellent reputation for being a well-learned man.”

“The same Consultant Zhongli who’s currently waiting outside for you?” NPC A probes.

“He is my friend.”

At that, NPC A sneers. “A friend whose home you were found in and who is willing to stand by and wait for you so late at night? My, that’s quite the loyal friend you have there. One must wonder what else this loyal friend is willing to do for Master Diplomat?”

Ajax feels his body go still. Just what the hell is he trying to insinuate from that?

Right. Fuck this. He’s entertained this for far too long. He’s shutting this down.

“Honourable members of the Qixing,” he says, his voice going cold. “I have been more than cooperative with answering your questions since I respect your concerns regarding Liyue’s safety. However, asking about my private life and relationships without providing an ounce of proof on how they relate to the topic at hand is not only wholly improper but downright offensive. I had expected the Qixing to afford the barest modicum of respect to foreign diplomats, particularly from one of its trading partners. But if the Qixing no longer cares to view Snezhnaya with respect, then please advise so that I can discuss with Zapolyarny Palace about terminating all existing trade deals with Liyue.”

Ajax most definitely does not have the authority to make that call, but it doesn’t matter because the threat works beautifully. The members of the Qixing all look noticeably uncomfortable. NPC A is flat out starting to sweat, his eyes wide with growing panic.

“Ah, Master Diplomat, the comment was not at all meant to – uh, that is to say, of course Liyue would like to continue to have economic ties with Snezhnaya…”

Ningguang comes in for the save, “That question was out of line, I apologize on behalf on the Qixing. Indeed, Master Diplomat have been very cooperative and we thank you for your time and patience. Further, Consultant Zhongli is a well-respected member of Liyue Harbour high-society whose name should not be disparaged so easily.” She directed that comment particularly at NPC A, who, at this point, has shrunk into his chair like a turtle hiding in its shell.

“Perhaps it will benefit all of us if we resume after a fifteen break? I don't anticipate we have much to discuss afterwards. Master Diplomat, please wait in the reception area. There will be refreshment served for you and Consultant Zhongli.”

He doesn’t bother to wait. He gets up and unceremoniously heads out the door, the Millelith scrambling to open it for him on his way out.

Zhongli jumps to his feet immediately. “Childe, is everything alright? How are you doing?”

“I just want this stupid thing to be over with so that we can go home,” he mutters with a scowl. Meanwhile, a food cart rolls into the room, unveiling plates of beautifully crafted tea cakes, dim sums and other snacks. A separate cart featuring a selection of tea served in delicate porcelain follows.

“Are they almost done?” Zhongli asks once they’ve settled close to the refreshments. He reaches for the tea and pours a cup for Ajax and himself. “It’s been going on for quite a while already.”

“Hm. It should almost be done.” Ajax takes a sip of the tea, letting the warmth soothe away the lingering rage he feels in his belly. He sighs. “Sorry Zhongli. I never got to finish playing that song for you before we were so rudely interrupted.”

“There is nothing for you to apologize for. There will be other opportunities should you wish to perform.”

That earns a gentle chuckle from Ajax. “It’s as if you don’t even know me, Zhongli. Since when will I not want to perform a piano piece for you?”

As much as Ajax hates to admit it, the break was a good call. He spends it sampling the snacks and tea, and enjoying Zhongli’s calming presence while trying to desperately muster the energy and will to carry him through the (hopefully short and less painful) remainder of the meeting.

Lucky for him, when he sits back down into his interrogation seat once more, it’s to the sight of Ningguang, Keqing and Ganyu only, the two men having disappeared to who the fuck even cares? Certainly not Ajax.

Ningguang clears her throat. “Thank you once again for your time, Master Diplomat. We only have one last big question we would like to ask.”

“What is your relationship with Rex Lapis?”

The question is unexpected on multiple fronts – first, the nature of the question is confusing and second, the question is asked by Ganyu, who hasn’t spoken at all throughout the meeting.

She sounds deceptively soft and sweet for a DPS beast.

“Um, pardon?”

“Your relationship with Rex Lapis, Master Diplomat,” she repeats.

“I – uh – don’t know what you mean.”

“Well, you had attended his Rite of Descension and you wore clothes with his symbol all over,” Ganyu explains. “Your presence at the Rite seemed to have surprised Lord Lapis to the point where he had stopped giving his predictions mid-sentence to look at you.”

Oh.

Oh, God.

Ajax remembers now. He remembers what had happened, or more specifically, the cringy things he had said to get Zhongli so distracted.

“Holy fuck, he’s so cool,” followed by an even cringier, “Hi, I like your horns.”

“And then, there was the Geo crystalfly that had manifested on you.”

For the first time that evening, Ajax finds himself genuinely not knowing how to answer a question. Not even his Silver Tongue ability seems to be saving him.

Still, he tries to fumble through.

“I uh, I mean, I agree that those things all happened. Obviously. I attended the Rite of Descension as a guest as we had previously established. As for the outfit, it was commissioned for me after I had asked for something to wear that was both appropriate and respectful, so I, um, wore the clothes. I thought they looked nice.

“As for Rex Lapis, um,” Ajax shifts a little in his seat, feeling the awkwardness in his chest grows once more, but there’s no way he can get away without answering so he might as well just say it quickly like ripping off a band-aid fast to lessen the pain. “I, uh, think the reason he stopped was because I surprised him with what I had accidentally blurted out loud.”

“Oh?”

“I may have been a little loud in my admiration,” Ajax clarifies and feels himself growing red.

“You…admired Lord Lapis?” Ganyu asks as even more surprise colours her tone. “What did you say to Lord Lapis that day specifically?”

Aww, geeze. Does he have to repeat them? “It was really, really stupid,” he admits, but when he’s met with expectant silence, he continues begrudgingly, “I said that he was very cool, and when he looked at me, I waved and told him that I liked his horns. And I guessed he appreciated the compliments because of the, er, crystafly thing.”

The last of that sentence was mumbled but in the silence of the room, it had still felt unbearably loud to Ajax’s ears.

“Oh,” Ganyu repeats, blinking. “I see.”

Ningguang, on the other hand, looks decidedly amused and her lips quirk into a smile, the first genuine smile she has mustered since the start of the meeting.

Keqing, though, doesn’t care for his answer one bit. She rolls her eyes hard. “Well, this has been a complete and utter waste of time. There’s wasn’t any nefarious plot against Rex Lapis’ life. He’s just a Rex Lapis fanboy!”

Wait, nefarious plot against Rex Lapis?

“Is that why you were asking me about Barbatos’s supposed attack?” Ajax blurts out as the lightbulb finally goes off in his head. “And all those questions about the Fatui’s presence near Jueyun Karst? This entire time, the security threat had been about whether me or my men were going to attack Rex Lapis?”

In hindsight, Ajax can see how suspicious things would look when putting all of these things together. Rex Lapis interrupting himself to stare at a foreign diplomat can be misconstrued as Rex Lapis pinpointing his potential assassin (though Ajax has no idea what sort of negative connotation can be spun from the whole…crystalfly thing. People can get creative when they desperately want to see the negative in someone though, so who knows.) Coupled with the sudden increase of Fatui forces gathering around the home of the gods, and then, loud celebrations by drunken Fatui about how they’ve successfully attacked a neighbouring archon…

Yeah, no wonder the Qixing had been alarmed.

Also, technically, the Qixing is not entirely wrong in their accusations either because OG Tartaglia’s quest is to steal the Geo Archon’s Gnosis. But just the sheer thought of having to fight Zhongli, sweet Zhongli who’s offered him a home and who’s patiently waiting for him outside, leaves a sour taste in his mouth.

He lets that distaste carry through his voice when he adds, “why the heck would we want to attack the literal God of mora when we use mora in our business and in our day-to-day lives? Besides, how are we even supposed to attack Rex Lapis? He’s…he’s like,” Ajax gestures vaguely in the air, “a twenty-foot flying dragon who can shoot light beams. From his horns!”

“Definitely a fanboy,” Keqing scoffs, looking even more disgusted. “I think we’re done here. Ningguang? Ganyu? Any more questions?”

“We don’t have any more questions on our end either,” Ningguang says after exchanging a meaningful glace with the half-Adeptus. “Thank you for your time, Master Diplomat and for your cooperation. An officer will escort you and Consultant Zhongli out.”

He’s never been more grateful to be back home, and after taking off his shoes, he immediately beelines for the nearest couch and throws himself on it.

“Freedom,” he mumbles into the silk covering the plush seat. “Sweet, precious freedom.”

“It has been a very long night. You should get to bed soon.”

Ajax stops burying his face in the cushion and turns his head towards where Zhongli is calmly hanging up his coat. “Can’t. I’m still too shaky and nervous to sleep. I think I’ll need to ride out the nervous energy first.”

“Let me prepare you some chamomile tea then. I’ll add a dollop of honey just how you like it as well.”

Ajax grins shamelessly from the couch. “Thank you, Zhongli! You treat me so well!”

His good mood and relief from escaping that hell meeting remains strong when AR’s screen pops into existence.

“Quest update. Side quest: Interview with the Qixing – Complete. SP +50.”

“Relationship Status with Ningguang, F point: +2, R point: +5.”

“Relationship Status with Ganyu, F point: +1, R point: +5.”

“Relationship Status with Keqing, R point + 50.”

Ajax blinks. “AR, what the heck? Why did I get so many R points from Keqing? That’s a bit harsh!”

“Achievements earned: ‘Miranda Rights? Never Heard of Her’ for successfully evading the Qixing’s questions without insisting on having a lawyer present. Rewards earned: +20 SP, +5000 Mora.”

“Wait,” Ajax says, reading that last line, “I could’ve had a lawyer?” He hadn’t needed to go through that whole excruciating ordeal on his own?

“If User Ajax had done so, he wouldn’t have earned his reward,” AR points out.

Fair enough, but Ajax is not entirely sure if gaining 20 SP and a paltry sum of 5000 mora was worth the pain.

Zhongli comes back with his tea before Ajax can say anything to AR. “Here you go. I hope this will help calm your lingering nervousness.”

“Thanks, Zhongli,” Ajax grins, taking the tea and cradling it in his hands. “You’re a lifesaver.”

Zhongli is way too patient for his own good. After having sat through the interrogation, he’s willing to sit quietly in the living room as Ajax destresses, making charming, light conversation. He must be dying to know what the Qixing said to Ajax at this point. Ajax knows he would, had he been in Zhongli’s shoes.

So, when Zhongli graciously offers to refill his tea, he declines and instead, recounts the events of the interrogation.

“The Qixing thought the Fatui were planning to attack Rex Lapis based off of the Fatui’s recent activities and rumours about Barbatos’ attacks?”

Zhongli politely does not bring up Ajax’s embarrassing ordeal at the Rite of Descension, which, good. That had been Zhongli’s fault anyway!

“Were they able to vet the truth of those rumours?”

“Apparently, because they came from the bragging mouths of drunken Fatui soldiers, it’s enough for them to take the threat seriously.”

“It is an oddly specific thing to reference,” Zhongli murmurs. “It is also oddly suspicious that the Fatui would brag about this. An attack on an archon is not something one would openly admit to, not without drawing the ire and suspicion of all other nations.”

Ajax snorts. “Right? It’s almost as if the leak was done on purpose to raise tension in Liyue or something.”

“…I see.”

“At least things are settled for the time being. Not much I can do now except keep a vigilant eye and to keep my head down.”

“I am inclined to agree with your assessment even if the thought that nothing can be done is a frustrating one.”

But keeping his head down doesn’t mean Ajax still can’t plot, and that’s exactly what he finds himself doing the next morning, bright and early.

Because there’s one thing that’s been nagging at him, one discovery that has taken a spot front and center in Ajax’s mind.

“We’re still a handful of months from the Rite,” he utters to AR, trying to keep his voice down in case sound travels far in the stillness of the morning. “The timeline is off. When is the traveller set to arrive with Barbatos’s attack having already occurred? Still right before the Rite of Descension or will they be showing up to Liyue Harbour now?”

In the original game, the attack of Barbatos happened pretty much right before the Rite. Had it not been for the attack, Barbatos would have not given the Traveller the hint to go to Liyue Harbour and seek out the Geo Archon during the Rite. Ajax had assumed that that would have been the timeline to expect.

This whole incident proves otherwise. It’s showing Ajax that his knowledge of the original timeline, which he had taken for granted, is not as solid as he had hoped. Things can happen faster than anticipated and Ajax…well…

“Fuck,” he mutters. “I have so much shit I haven’t even gotten to yet.”

The so-called ‘shit’ that he hasn’t got to yet is described as follows in his notebook:

Objective 1: His Exit Strategy. This includes making sure that when he peaces out of the Fatui (and possibly out of Liyue Harbour to lay low for a little bit), he wouldn’t leave his men and Zhongli with nothing. He’s got most of that down already, including a neat sum of mora for Zhongli’s retirement, but he has not figured out how to break the news gently to Zhongli about him having to get out of dodge. While it’s super tempting to just…hole up at Zhongli’s home and ride out the storm, he doesn’t want to draw the Fatui’s attention (or the Cryo Archon’s ire) on Zhongli, especially since at that point, he should be Gnosis-less.

He also hasn’t figured out how to cut ties off from the Fatui. He will need to have another meeting with Hu Tao soon.

Objective 2: The Actual Goddamned Main Missions. The sigils research is going strong. As the Qixing has rightly spotted, tests are being conducted on multiple prototype sigils to see if they are able to hold any adeptal energy. Ajax anticipates that they should get close to a final result. This is probably the only thing he doesn’t have to worry about in his life at the moment, and it’s all thanks to Il Dottore’s efficiency.

Ajax is not sure how he feels about that so he’s going to ignore it.

If everything goes to plan, meaning that he fights the Traveller (in disguise!), unleashes Osial, and the Traveller, the Qixing and the Adepti all gather together to successfully take down the evil god, then that should be enough to get the Traveller to reach hero status. So, that’s Main Missions 1 and 2 done.

Hopefully, Mission 3: ensure Zhongli is freed from the shackles of godhood will also be fulfilled with his surrendering of his Gnosis.

All this to say, there’s not much Ajax can do about Objective 2 except to wait for the sigils to be done and for the Rite to happen.

Speaking of the upcoming Rite, Ajax has no idea how that’s going to play out. After the Qixing incident yesterday, it’s probably the best for him to not attend, especially since this Rite is going to be the one where Zhongli chucks his dragon body from the sky.

Nothing is quite as damning as being a suspected God-attacker in the actual scene of the crime.

He’ll also need an alibi, something to establish that he’s been on his best behaviour for all this time leading up to the Rite so that if the Qixing investigates, his presence will always be accounted for.

Something tells Ajax that what all of this translates to is confinement to Liyue Harbour from now until the Rite. Great. Just fucking great.

Objective 3: OG Tartaglia’s side-quest. This includes trying to find more information about OG Tartaglia and what to do with the revelation that Tonia is an actual NPC in this world.

“Fuck if I know,” Ajax mutters, tapping on the page with his pen and making the inkblot grow larger. He’s currently reached yet another impasse. He’s read the reports and has garnered as much information as he can from them, but he hasn’t found any additional hidden notes from his old apartment (and meetings with the men he assigned to watch the renovations haven’t turned up anything either.) Digging for the missing records sounds like a good idea until he’s faced with the reality that he has no idea how he can execute that plan. OG Tartaglia doesn’t have allies whom he can rely on to do these discreet sorts of tasks and things haven’t really changed much for Ajax. The closest group of people to him in Liyue are all Signora’s spies.

The alternative way to get to the bottom of this missing information is to track down the letters OG Tartaglia may have written and sent out to his family. And the easiest way to do that is to contact said family.

But that brings its own issues to the table. Although he’d be lying if he says he’s not curious about this alternative version of his family, he remains firm in his stance that pretending to be OG Tartaglia is a Bad Idea.

“Well, this is just great. Clearly, I have no fucking idea what I’m doing. What else is new?”

“User Ajax should take a break. You have mentioned that you wanted to visit the Hotel to see whether the Qixing had sent some Millelith to pay them a visit? Why not focus on that for now before returning to your task at hand?”

“Yeah, AR. I think at this point, I’m just uselessly spinning my wheels.” Ajax gets up from his chair and stretches, sighing in bliss when his joints give a satisfying pop. “Let’s go for a walk. That’ll help clear my head.”

After bidding Zhongli a quick good morning and a promise that he’ll be back for a later breakfast, Ajax skips on to the hotel to assess the damage that has been wrought by the Millelith.

The answer is, surprisingly, not too much.

“Master Childe! We hid all the sensitive documents when we caught wind that the Millelith were coming. We were expecting a raid, to be honest,” Felix reports after he, Ajax, and Ekaterina have gathered into one of the hotel rooms reserved for meetings. “The Millelith hadn’t asked to enter the premise though. They merely surrounded the place and presented an order from the Tianquan that no Fatui shall leave the premise for as long as you are being questioned by the Qixing. They’ve asked Ekaterina and I questions about Fatui movements around Liyue, but we told them that it was part of our debt collection activity.”

Good man. Though nobody has ever said anything out loud, it has been agreed by the collective that ‘debt collection’ is the go-to term to describe pretty much any Fatui activity outside of the bank in case anybody asks. It’s good to see that Felix and Ekaterina have similarly defaulted to that answer like Ajax himself has.

“Did they ask you about anything else?”

“Some questions about your relationship with Wangsheng Funeral Home,” Ekaterina answers. “We told them that you were business associates and that Mr. Zhongli was your cultural advisor. His role was to aid us in better establishing our business in Liyue and to aid you in better understanding the people and culture to be a better diplomat.”

“I don’t like how they’re sniffing around Zhongli,” Ajax mutters. “One of the Qixing members had made some insulting remarks and I had to shut it down with a threat to sever business ties with Liyue. Oh, don’t look so alarmed, it was a bluff and they backed off!”

“Master Childe, although you are the Harbinger, when it comes to matters related to Snezhnaya economy and foreign trade, those fall under the purview of Lord Harbinger Pantalone,” Ekaterina scolds. It really goes to show how far their relationship has developed for her to let loose on him like that. “Please consider the repercussions and the trouble you would be in should you attempt to make similar threats to the Qixing.”

“Yes, yes, Ekaterina, I won’t do it again,” Ajax answers with an unrepentant grin. “But at least I managed to shake off the Qixing. They were concerned that the Fatui had intended to go after Rex Lapis especially after hearing about a rumour that Barbatos had been attacked by the Fatui in Mondstadt. I was able to convince them that we had no such interest.”

Okay, so Ajax is omitting a few details, namely how he’s able to shake the Qixing off is because they think he’s a Rex Lapis fanboy, but there are just some things that he can’t say. Not without the last of his dignity shrivelling up like a dried husk out in the sun.

“Wait, Barbatos has been attacked in Mondstadt?” Felix asks, eyes going wide.

“Hmm. A mission that was led by no other than Lady Signora of course,” Ajax says. “Luckily, even with her failure to keep her people in line, I’ve managed to salvage the situation for us. I will need to keep a low profile until the Rite of Descension is over though.”

And in the meantime, Ajax is going to have a field day writing his report to the Cryo Archon about La Signora’s screw up for once, even though he knows she’ll have damage control down already. At least he’ll be able to emphasize his success in handling the situation.

“So, what happened afterwards with the Millelith? They surrounded the hotel, asked questions, and then what?”

“A new officer showed up to deliver a new order from the Qixing. They left after reading the order,” Ekaterina answers. “I am assuming that this new order was issued when your meeting with the Qixing was finished and they had been satisfied with your answers.”

“Yeah, seems that way. Welp,” Ajax says, “if there’s nothing else, I’m heading off home for breakfast. Take it easy for the rest of today. We’ve had a long night.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Master Childe, before you head off, there is a letter that has arrived addressed to you,” Ekaterina adds after Felix has left. She pulls a thin, dark envelope from her jacket and hands it to him. “I was about to come find you and deliver this but it seems you got to me first.”

“Thanks,” he says, taking it and tucking it in his pocket. “Now please go sleep! I know you must have stayed up all night, worrying.”

Ekaterina rolls her eyes. “You are the last person who should lecture me on overworking. Have a good day, Master Childe.”

He doesn’t look at the envelope until he’s almost at Zhongli’s doorstep, turning the paper around to read the front.

Huh. The letter is addressed to Lord Tartaglia, Eleventh Harbinger, but despite the oddly formal address, the writing is made up of big and bubbly cursive letters, cute and almost childlike.

He glances at the corner for the sender’s information and, oh. Oh shit.

Miss Tonia Rybakova.

Of Morepesok.

Chapter Text

Chapter 16

Part XXIV. Echoes from Morepesok

It’s becoming a routine now, the feeling of having the rug pulled from under his feet and feeling disoriented just as he’s beginning to feel comfortable and safe. Muscle memory directs him to turn tail and march straight for Wangsheng Funeral Parlour to find Hu Tao, not to blame her, but to have her as a sounding board as he works through the jolt of panic thrumming through his body. Alternatively, the piano in the music room is another favoured option. Its cold, gleaming white keys are beckoning Ajax to sit down and play and play and play until the inside of his chest is scrubbed raw and clean so that everything feels blissfully hollow.

Ajax finds himself doing none of that, surprisingly. He’s still standing by the front entrance of Zhongli’s home, staring at the letter, frozen in place.

Strange.

He can most definitely feel the alarm from the letter and the sharp pain at the reminder of what he’s lost, but…the overwhelming sense of hopelessness and the swell of anger that typically follow simply aren’t there.

No, that’s not quite right. They’re still present but they feel much more muted like a faded photograph left exposed to the elements, its colours and details so blurred together that everything just looks distinctly grey. That’s a much better representation of the slow swell of feeling in Ajax’s chest: nothing but soft, tired grey stretching out as far as the eye can see.

At least there is a silver lining to all of this. Because of the way everything feels more muted, Ajax feels like he can still function semi-normally. He can brush them aside for now until he’s had breakfast with Zhongli as promised, and that revelation makes everything feels that much weirder.

He’s never really been able to do that before. Maybe it’s the repeated exposure that’s finally trained his brain to calm down a bit, or maybe, it’s Zhongli’s zen that’s rubbing off on him after spending so long living together under the same room. Either way, he’s grateful that he can still think so clearly.

(Or maybe he’s just finally gotten over the denial and anger stages of his grief and is settling into resigned acceptance.)

He still doesn’t manage to fool Zhongli into thinking that everything is well though. It’s rather embarrassing how quickly the man notices that something’s off. Zhongli only has to glance up from his seat in the living room for one second with his book left open on his lap before commenting: “I recognize that look on your face. What happened?”

“What look? I’m not having a look.”

“You are,” Zhongli insists. “You look like you’re about to frown.”

“I –” How does one look like they’re about to frown. Ajax shakes his head. Never mind that. “I just… I received a letter is all. From home.”

“Oh.” Zhongli closes his book and sets it aside. His gold eyes flit to the paper that Ajax still has clutched in his hand. “Is there…something that your family wants with you? Am I correct in assuming that this is the first time they have reached out to you since your stay in Liyue?”

“Yeah, and it’s from my younger sister. Tonia.” And what a weird, surreal feeling it is, calling this character who shares his sister’s name his sister. “I haven’t opened the letter yet so I don’t know why she wrote to me.”

Zhongli nods. “You should take the time to read the letter first. We can postpone breakfast.”

They can postpone breakfast, except no, Ajax really, really doesn’t want to. He’s had an adventurous night and an okay morning, and he knows that the moment he reads that letter, the rest of his day is going to be ruined and he really, really doesn’t want to experience that. Not yet.

All he wants right now is to have a pleasant, chill breakfast with Zhongli as he had promised. Zhongli has been perfectly lovely and patient so it’s not right that he keeps getting shafted for Ajax’s problems.

So it’s with a surge of righteousness that he goes, “You know what? No, we’re going to have breakfast.”

Everything else can just screw off for a hot minute.

“Are you sure?”

Ajax tucks the letter inside his jacket. Then, he deliberately strips off the jacket and drapes if over the chair away from him. “You’ve spent last night waiting for me during the interrogation and this morning while I was off running my errands. I – I don’t want to keep having you wait for me. It’s not fair to you, Zhongli.”

Zhongli looks equal parts amused and fond. “I don’t mind, Childe.”

“Well, I do. So, up, up. Let’s go make some breakfast. I’ll…save the letter for when I’m on a full stomach.”

Zhongli sweetly acquiesces, the look of fond amusement not disappearing from his face even as he puts his book away and pulls himself up.

Breakfast is a simple affair: a warm bowl of fluffy chicken congee topped with green onions and served with a side of fried doughs and warm soy milk. Zhongli makes the effort to talk about anything and everything except the letter. He rambles about his day – a relatively light day of work gathering supplies for the next funeral so he should be done by early afternoon. He also takes the opportunity to launch into three side stories, one on the process to dye silk, one on the technique of applying lacquer to wood, and one on the dos and don’ts of ore extraction.

It’s an obvious attempt at distraction. Ajax knows this (and is thankful for it) but he still can’t help but find himself sucked into the conversation.

“Zhongli, never mind my previous offer to work at Northland Bank. Have you considered going into teaching instead?”

“I have worked briefly as a teacher once,” Zhongli divulges. “While I find the profession to be a fulfilling one, I had found my compatriots’ knowledge to be…lacking despite calling themselves experts in their respective fields. When I had offered to provide them with the correct information, they had not taken kindly to my aid.”

Ajax grins. Hoo boy. If only those poor scholars had known that they had disappointed their own god, they’d probably find a hole somewhere and crawl into it in utter shame. “Something tells me that not a lot of people can match your knowledge, including those experts. I can’t imagine they would have appreciated the correction.”

Zhongli snorts elegantly into his tea. “They did not indeed. But one should not seek to call themselves scholars if they are not up to the task of learning, including from their own shortcomings.”

Yeah. Definitely disappointed their own god.

“Dare I even ask…what was the topic about?”

 “Liyue’s history, particularly about the Archon Wars and the various roles the Adepti had played during those tumultuous times.”

Yikes. Definitely RIP to those scholars’ dignity. Ajax may not know those two bastards but he feels embarrassed for them.

“No matter,” Zhongli answers with a small shake of his head. “I had for the longest time felt vexed by this incident partly due to the scholars’ stubborn refusal to accept an alternate view to their argument but also because they hadn’t been entirely wrong to reject my views either. At the time, my reputation as a learned man was still in its infancy, and I had no credentials and no publications of my own to speak of to justify my expertise. Why should they believe me? But I have arrived at a solution to this predicament, and I have you to thank for that.”

“Me?”

“Yes,” Zhongli insists. “Do you remember our conversation during the last Rite of Descension? About what I should do with my free time?”

It takes a few seconds before the memory clicks. “Oh! About writing down the stories about the Adepti?” Ajax perks up. “Does that mean you’re going to write a book?”

Zhongli’s smile brightens. “Indeed. I had started on a draft already but to be honest, the task is a bit overwhelming. Without realizing it, I have managed to accumulate a lot of stories about various Adepti and I’m not quite sure how to organize my thoughts onto paper properly.”

Ajax isn’t surprised. 6000 years’ worth of memories is a lot. “Why don’t you start at the beginning then? Include stories from before the Archon Wars and slowly work up to it. You can always figure out how you want to organize the stories later after you’ve had them all penned out already.”

“Start from the beginning…yes, a simple solution but one that has proven to work time and time again. It is going to be a lengthy manuscript though.”

Ajax grins. “It is only fitting to adequately capture Liyue’s long and rich history. In any event, when you finish the manuscript, I would love to read it if you’re comfortable with sharing.”

“Of course, Childe,” and there’s really no disguising how warm Zhongli’s expression is. “I would be delighted.”

With the pleasant breakfast finally coming to an end, Ajax finally excuses himself and retreats to his room with his jacket. The moment the door closes, he plucks out the letter once more, smoothing the slight creases on the paper.

From Tonia Rybakova.

It’s so weird how the Administrators or whatever Powers May Be running this world have also borrowed his step-father’s family name Rybakov.

(Not his family name, even if legally, he’s known by that last name after his mother’s marriage. His step-father has never been his father, after all.)

He lets the old, familiar feeling of resentment and hurt rise and fade to the background like cresting waves. He moves to his bed and sink down on to the soft, satiny surface, crossing his legs and settling himself comfortably.

He opens the envelope and unfolds the letter. And then, he begins to read.

Dear Big Brother –

Ajax pushes through the sharp pang of ache and tries again.

Dear Big Brother,

I hope this letter reaches you! I had no idea you were in Liyue now! It’s been so long since we last heard from you. Mama and Papa said that you must be busy as a Lord Harbinger so we shouldn’t bother you needlessly while you’re performing your important duties as a representative of Snezhnaya and Zapolyarny Palace.

(Don’t worry, Big Brother. Anthon and Teucer –

Ajax has to take a pull away at the sight of his little siblings’ names. It takes a couple of minutes of taking even breathes and waiting for the sting in his eyes to die down before he can continue.

(Don’t worry, Big Brother. Anthon and Teucer don’t know. We just tell them that you have an important job serving Her Imperial Highness the Tsaritsa.)

The rest of the letter details what the family has been up to back in Morepesok. Tonia makes it abundantly clear how quiet and boring everything is, and she’s so adamant in her complaints that Ajax can hear her voice in every spoken line.

The pang in his heart grows stronger still and Ajax rubs at his chest, swallowing the lump in his throat.

This is…so much like Tonia. His Tonia, from her exuberance, her brightness, and her chattiness that comes off so clearly even on paper that he can practically hear her voice as if she’s speaking to him in the room this moment. He lets out a weak chuckle when he gets to a paragraph of her just gushing over the toys they had received from Liyue, and how much they absolutely loved everything, but especially the snacks.

His little siblings had been like that too. When Ajax had been kicked out of his home, he had budgeted what money was left in his bank account ferociously to make ends meet, but he had always made sure that he had enough to buy his kid siblings little presents on the rare occasion he had been allowed to visit. The snacks had always been particularly well-received.

(God, he misses them. And he’s all the more sorry that he can no longer send them treats and little presents, or hear them laugh or complain to him. He’ll never get to see them grow up, will never see where life will take them, will never get to meet them as adults. He’ll never be able to build that relationship with them.)

He gets to the end of the letter.

I hope Liyue is treating you well, Big Brother. I know Mama and Papa don’t like us bothering you but if have some time, can you write back with stories from Liyue? Pretty, pretty please?

Lots of love,

Tonia

Ajax puts down the letter, his heart in his throat.

“What am I going to do now, AR?” he asks out loud to the quiet room.

AR does not answer.

He ends up going to his piano anyway.

He thinks it’s been hours since he’s started playing. The way his fingers are cramping up makes him feel like it’s been hours, as with the growing pain snaking up his spine from the rigid way he’s been holding himself. It takes him a few more seconds to register the haunting last notes of Chopin’s Winter Wind ringing from the piano and piercing through the air, cradled between the faint sounds of applause that only he can hear in his mind from an audience that no longer exists.

A technically challenging piece that he had spent hours upon hours mastering. He had only ever played it once live. At that point, his father had just recently started travelling for his concerts leaving his mother to attend his shows.

She had been incredibly proud of his performance but he had found his own playing a little soulless and mechanical. The song had not resonated with him; he had still been fresh-faced and full of hope, completely comforted by the stability of his happy home and family.

To think, it only takes his old life-ending and his new life thrown into chaos for him to finally be satisfied with his performance.

(Has he ever played the piano for his kid siblings before? Ajax doesn’t think he has. Yet another regret added to his piling list.)

His fingers dance across the keys, and he’s about to transition to a new song – probably Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata when he feels a warm hand grasping lightly on his shoulder coupled with the familiar scent of silkflower.

“Childe,” Zhongli murmurs, “That’s enough for now. You should rest and eat.”

Zhongli? Since when did he get here? Had he been sitting around this whole time?

“No need to worry about me. I have been here keeping myself occupied with my writing,” Zhongli says in the lingering silence, only half answering his unasked questions. “I hadn’t wanted to interrupt. But you have been playing for the entire afternoon and early evening and I wanted to make sure you’d have some dinner before it gets too late.”

“Oh,” Ajax says, wincing a little at the way his voice sounds dry and grating. He clears his throat and tries again. “I’m sorry for making you worry. And for making you wait.”

He lets himself be pulled from his seat and guided to the door, Zhongli’s hand a warm presence at the small of his back. “There is no need to apologize,” Zhongli answers as they step closer to the kitchen, the fragrant scent of garlic, ginger, and sesame growing stronger. “I never mind waiting for you, Childe.”

Dinner is a quiet affair with Ajax still caught up in the lingering ghosts of his memories and the fading tunes of his last song. Zhongli seems to understand because he doesn’t attempt to launch into his usual stories, instead, scooping some veggies and meat on top of a bed of perfectly fluffy rice and nudging the bowl into Ajax’s hand in a not-so-subtle gesture to eat.

He also hands Ajax a spoon, which shakes Ajax out of his reverie.

“It’s easier on your hands,” he explains, “I noticed you rubbing your joints and I can imagine how your fingers are cramping. After you have eaten, I shall get some ice and ointment to treat them.”

“It seems like I keep showing you my most pathetic side, don’t I?” Ajax chuckles weakly. “Are you sure you still want me in your house? I’ve been nothing but embarrassing around you.”

“I will always want you here,” comes Zhongli’s too serious and too earnest answer. “Especially after I had told you that you can trust me with matters of the heart. You’ve taken me up on my offer, and I do not intend to turn you away. And I do not for one second find you embarrassing, not when the hurt caused by those you love bleed the most and strike the deepest.”

Ain’t that the truth.

“Hmm. At least things aren’t as bad as before.” Ajax picks up his spoon and takes a careful bite of his food. He does it again when he sees the way Zhongli’s shoulders relax to the sight of him eating. “I suspect it’s all due to your influence, Zhongli. I don’t think I would have been able to leave that piano had I been in my old apartment, so, um, thank you for pulling me out of there.”

“I am happy to hear that my presence has brought you some comfort. How are you feeling now? Has the piano helped?”

“I feel better. More settled.” Ajax isn’t lying either. He feels shitty, but he still hasn’t sunk into himself the way he would in his old apartment.

Looks like he’s really starting to come to terms with everything.

Zhongli does not pry, only nods a little in understanding.

With dinner quickly finished, they move to the living room where Zhongli can treat Ajax’s hands. The ointment he rubs into Ajax’s skin tingles pleasantly while giving off a light, minty scent.

“A blend of mint, glaze lily, and mist flower corollas,” Zhongli explains at Ajax’s questioning look as he slowly and carefully works at each joint. It’s also another example of Ajax getting way too comfortable living with Zhongli because he doesn’t so much as blink at the man’s attention, just lets him fuss as he pleases. “My personal concoction that I like to use to alleviate any potential soreness.”

“It’s nice,” Ajax mumbles. Now that he’s eaten and the pain in his hands has been treated, the exhaustion is finally starting to trickle in, numbing his emotional pain like the medicine to his skin. He does a better job stifling his yawn than he does disguising the way he’s sinking further and further into the chair. “You can start a side business selling this stuff. I would buy so many jars from you.”

“I hope you will not get into activities that would warrant that many jars, but something tells me that that’s wishful thinking.” Zhongli pulls away, capping the medicine and placing it on the table. “That should do it. Please consider taking the rest of the night off from playing anything else.”

“But it gets too quiet though,” Ajax mutters. This time, he doesn’t quite manage to disguise his yawn. “It’s why I play. It helps me process stuff but it also helps drown out the other noisy thoughts so that they don’t get too overwhelming.”

Zhongli hums in understanding. “If it’s sound that you need, I am happy to help. Please wait one second.”

He comes back later with more tea, because this is Zhongli so of course there’s more tea, and a small stack of loose-leaf papers tucked under his arm.

“Zhongli?”

“My manuscript,” Zhongli explains after handing Ajax his mug and settling in the spot beside him. A tentative sniff of the mug confirms Ajax’s suspicions: chamomile. “I hope I am not being too presumptuous with my offer?”

“What? No! I want to hear what you’ve written!”

Zhongli sends him a gentle smile. “Let me recount you the tale of Guizhong, the Goddess of Dust. Though she never formed an official contract with Rex Lapis, they had ruled what is now known as the Guili Plains together…”

For a day that started with so much drama, it ended on a much quieter and peaceful note than Ajax would have ever predicted. Here, warm and safe in Zhongli’s home, surrounded by the ever-present scent of incense, silkflowers, and tea, and lulled by the soothing sound of Zhongli’s low, even voice, Ajax finds it hard to think too deeply about the letter or anything else, really, save for the way Zhongli’s gentle words wash over him.

“…and so, she relayed her four commandments, her words echoing across the plains as she stood tall and announced: ‘To unite in ambition is to be steadfast and immovable for all time. Wisdom is like water; it nourishes all those who receive it and in it is a reflection of the truth’…”

There is a serenity to Zhongli as he reads his manuscript, the way he carries himself not with his usual rigid (but perfect) posture but instead, he exhibits a sort of languid looseness in his limbs and in his shoulders. His words are unhurried and quiet, and he would pause every now and then to take a sip of the fragrant tea before resuming.

He is also smiling.

How does he do it? How can he recall all these old stories from friends who have long since passed while looking so at peace with everything?

“Do you think Rex Lapis ever misses his friends?” Ajax asks, rubbing his eyes. “It sounds like he was super close to Guizhong.”

He realizes a little late that he must have said that out loud when Zhongli stops reading. “Shit, sorry. Ignore me. I must sound –”

“He does.”

“ – entirely insensitive – eh?”

“I think he does,” Zhongli repeats. He doesn’t look offended, merely wistful. “After all, for all the power he possesses, Rex Lapis is still a living being that feels – anger and frustration from the stories of his long battles against Osial, empathy towards the Adepti he has freed who later went on to serve as Yakshas, devotion towards the people he so rules. It is not a stretch of the imagination to surmise that Rex Lapis would yearn for his companions of old and grieve over those he had lost.”

“Rex Lapis has lived over 6000 years. The number of lives he’s seen come and go must be immeasurable.” Ajax shakes his head. “How can he bear it?”

How is it that Zhongli can sit beside him looking like he’s made peace with everything around him? How is it that Zhongli hasn’t been crippled with grief?

“I suppose like all things in life, when one experiences enough of it, one simply becomes accustomed. There is no need to look so upset, Childe. What I mean to say is that death is an inevitable reality, one that is well acquainted by someone who has lived as long as Rex Lapis. After all, such is the circle of life, and the Adepti are not spared from it either even though the manner in which death greets them differs from mortals.”

“But doesn’t he have any regrets?” Ajax asks, his voice small, “doesn’t he wish he had more time to spend on those who had departed? How does he make peace with all of that?”

Zhongli takes a long thoughtful sip of his tea. “Just because one is accustomed to the ebbs and flow of life does not mean one does not experience regret from losing a loved one. Regret is one of those things experienced with the wisdom of hindsight; one does not realize or even contemplate how many opportunities are missed until those opportunities are gone.”

Zhongli’s eyes flash golden as he stares out into nothing, his irises reflecting the warm light radiating from the lanterns strung above them. Though his voice is quiet and his expression calm, the serenity from before had disappeared. The slump of his shoulders and his back exudes a sort weariness Ajax doesn’t think he’s ever witnessed before, not when Zhongli is always, always so perfectly in control of his body.

It makes Ajax pay all the more attention to him.

“I don’t know if there is a way one can truly make peace with their regrets,” Zhongli admits. “There are some things that are simply irreplaceable when they are lost. I suppose the best way to move forward is to learn from those past regrets. Learn to cherish those you have in your life. Learn not to make the same mistake again when a similar opportunity is presented to you. And in so doing, honour those you have lost so that you can be better.”

Zhongli lets out a soft chuff, shaking his head, dispelling the sombre aura that had wrapped around him like a blanket. When he focuses on Ajax, his gaze is warm and fond once more. “I do not know if I was able to answer your question. I realize that my advice can be a bit unhelpful in its vagueness.”

“No, no, your wisdom is always appreciated, Zhongli. Thank you. Your words have certainly given me some food for thought.”

Learn not to make the same mistakes again, learn to cherish those you have in your life, and learn to be better, huh? If only he knew how to apply that sound advice to his current situation.

“If you would like, I can give you some space to reflect,” Zhongli offers. “You look like you have a lot to think about –”

“No, no,” Ajax shakes his head. “The problem isn’t going to be resolved right away. I might as well take the time to mull it over first. Please, do you mind finishing your story on Guizhong? I want to hear some more.”

“Alright.” Zhongli settles back into his seat and adjusts the manuscript on his lap. “Now, where was I?”

The story about Guizhong leads to stories about the great migration across the plains for a new home. Zhongli reads about his faithful Adepti defending the common people, about the Stove God’s kindness, the Yaksha’s bravery and steadfast faithfulness to cleanse the land of evil, and Rex Lapis’ oldest disciples Moon Carver, Cloud Retainer, and Mountain Shaper. Tales of adventure, joy, heartbreak, betrayal, and loyalty spin together into a rich tapestry of colours in Ajax’s imagination.

Ajax yawns, the previous sleepiness coming back with a vengeance. He shifts in his chair and lets his head droop towards Zhongli so that he’s leaning more comfortably on the headrest while still being able to listen to that soothing voice.

Even in his tired state, he recognizes the obvious love and care in crafting these stories, the way Zhongli has painstakingly preserved his friends’ personalities and quirks with each stroke of ink on paper. Just as the Adepti love Rex Lapis, he too shares their affection and devotion. Of course he would. It would take someone truly heartless to feel absolutely nothing towards their compatriots and comrades after spending multiple lifetimes together through hardship and victory alike.

Ajax yawns again, his eyes slowly drooping shut. He wonders if this story-writing is a way for Zhongli to honour those he had lost. Maybe this is his way of addressing some of his old regrets and for him to make peace with himself.

“I hope the Adepti will read your tales someday, Zhongli,” Ajax mumbles as he tucks himself more comfortably on the chair. He thinks he’s listing to the side a little, but he’s so comfortable and tired that he doesn’t care. “I think they will love them, and I think they will appreciate you preserving their personality and spirit.”

He hears Zhongli chuckle, but the sound is muffled as if Ajax is hearing it from underwater.

“I don’t know if the Adepti would care for the words of some mortal consultant.”

“Hmm.” Ajax is definitely listing to the side, but his fall is broken by something firm against his cheek. He nuzzles against it and sighs at the way the familiar scent of silkflower grows stronger. “…s’good to let them know. Important to let the people you care know ‘bout how you feel...gonna regret it if you don’t. Like me.”

He hears the sound of paper rustling and then, he feels himself being shifted so that his body is tucked more comfortably against the warmth. Something sturdy wraps around his shoulders and pulls him closer, supporting his upper back so that he can just flop and rest his entire weight on that lovely surface.

“Wish I had said half the stuff…wanted to say…” he murmurs but his thought is unravelling as he’s being whisked further and further away on the wings of sleep. “Wish I had one more chance to get it right with ‘em. Tonia deserves better.” And Anthon. And Teucer. “They all do.”

“It’s alright,” a low voice murmurs. “It’s alright, Childe. Rest for now. Whatever it is can wait for tomorrow after you’ve had some sleep.”

Yes, Ajax supposes that’s true enough. “m’kay.”

He thinks he feels a press of lips against his forehead, the kiss soft and lingering and screaming of devotion. Then, slender fingers card through his hair in slow, even pets, trailing warmth from the top of his head to the base of his neck. The touch feels like bliss and Ajax doesn’t ever want it to stop.

He has a funny feeling that these gestures are important, that he should be over the moon to receive them because they mean…something, but hmm, he can wait for tomorrow to figure out why, right? The voice says he can rest. And he knows it in his heart that he can trust that voice. Trust it with his safety and his life.

Comforted by that sleepy logic, Ajax nuzzles against that sweet-smelling surface with a satisfied sigh.

“’s nice,” he slurs. “Smells nice.”

He lets the gentle touch and the soft, fond chuckles send him off to sleep.

When he wakes up the next morning, it’s to the disorienting feeling of being in unfamiliar surroundings.

“Oh, I think I accidentally fell asleep,” he says, his sleepy mind finally registering that he’s still in the living room. He blinks at the soft silk blanket draped over him, patterned with little golden geo symbols across its satiny surface and scented with a blend of silkflower, tea, and incense. Definitely Zhongli’s. There’s also a soft pillow tucked under his head.

Zhongli really does go all out when it comes to taking care of him, huh?

With a shrug, he rolls over and settles in for another nap. Might as well get some more shut-eye since he’s already so warm and comfortable.

His thoughts from the previous night are completely forgotten.

He wakes up for the second time a few hours later feeling decidedly more awake and human. Idly, he pulls up his notifications screen and checks his status update.

The flashing numbers to his status update have him balking a little, more specifically, the sheer number of +5 F points from people he’s never even met. Cloud Retainer? Moon Carver? Even Ganyu? Aren’t they all Adepti??

And then, there’s Xiao’s +10 R Points which is just rude and uncalled for because what did he even do?

He scrolls to the bottom of the list and outright stares at the glowing + 30 L Points from Zhongli that’s just sitting there waiting for him.

What the - ?

What even happened last night?

He remembers Zhongli reading to him and then their serious conversation about handling regret. He remembers wishing he had a second chance with his siblings, and he remembers trying to tell Zhongli how important it is for him to tell his loved ones how he feels, though how well he was able to express that point is debatable. He couldn’t have been all that coherent.

After that, there’s nothing. The next memory is of him waking up confused, very much like what he’s experiencing now.

If there’s anything else that has happened, Zhongli isn’t telling. He’s not acting like anything’s different when Ajax joins him for breakfast, merely wishing him good morning with a sunny expression before nudging a bowl of rice porridge over in his usual mother-hen-like manner.

There isn’t a whiff of awkwardness at all. The opposite, in fact. Zhongli looks to be the happiest Ajax has seen in days.

Ajax shrugs internally and digs into his food. Okay, weird, but whatever. At least he didn’t do anything cringy to sour their relationship.

Part XXV. The Room Where It Happens 2

 He manages to drag himself to meet Hu Tao the next day when his complicated feelings over the letter have managed to settle into a place of semi-calm.

“Fuck,” comes Hu Tao’s response when he recaps everything that has happened. They have sequestered themselves in a private meeting room in the funeral parlour tucked to the side of the building. It’s not like they have to be afraid of anybody overhearing them-- the staff (including Zhongli) are all outside running various errands. Still, helps. Almost immediately, Ajax throws himself into a nearby chair in a slump, barely grunting thanks when Hu Tao places a little plate of tea cakes and fruit for him to snack on.

“I mean, I heard about the Qixing thing. It’s kinda the talk of the town. Good job on evading their suspicion by the way,” Hu Tao continues, “but the letter thing is new. Shit, dude. I’m so sorry for all the crap you’re going through. It’s just one L after another, isn’t it?”

“Yeah well.” Ajax shrugs. He’s also not surprised that word has gotten out about the Qixing’s interrogation, but that’s to be expected. Rumours run rampant in Liyue Harbour. “This world took my sister’s name and everything, including the family name. The letter even sounds like her. It’s so fucked up.”

“So fucked up,” Hu Tao agrees with a grimace. “Any thoughts on how you want to address this?”

“Do I ever have any idea on how to do anything?” Ajax retorts. “I’ve been literally staring at the letter since I got it, hoping that I can come up with a clever solution but nope. Nothing. Nada. Except…”

“Except?”

“Except I think I’m going to have to write back with something.” Ajax pinches the bridge of his nose and breathes a heavy sigh. “Tonia – she is asking for her older brother to write back and it’s stupid. I know it’s not her but I can’t just leave her hanging, not when I’ve already left her hanging in the real world with the - the death thing.”

“You know she’s not your sister and yet, it’s a lot harder to convince your guilt otherwise, huh?” Hu Tao reaches over and pats Ajax on the shoulder. “Feelings suck.”

“They really, really do.”

“So, how are you going to respond? You’ve decided to play pretend at being OG Tartaglia? I know you said you didn’t want to do that...”

“Is there any other way?” Ajax asks. “Because if there’s another angle I can use without having to pretend I’m her dead brother I’d love to hear it. I don’t even know if I can pass him off convincingly!”

“Perhaps I can be of assistance.”

Ajax jumps. “AR? Hey! I haven’t heard from you in a bit. I was getting worried.”

“My apologies, User Ajax. I was…distracted these past few days. As I was saying, I can help you pass off as Character Tartaglia. I have a database of his old writing that I can use as reference.”

Ajax relays the information to a confused Hu Tao. “Wait, I thought Systems couldn’t interfere too much in the User’s experience,” Hu Tao points out. “At least that’s the excuse my System always gives me. Wouldn’t you be breaching those rules?”

There’s another ding. “User Hu Tao is correct, which is why I have offered a workaround. User Ajax, please check your System’s Shop.”

Ajax relays AR’s answer and pulls up the Store’s page with a swipe of his fingers. Sitting there as the first available item is a little icon he has never seen before featuring a feather quill on a roll of parchment.

He taps at the icon and a small description window pops up.

“Scribe Ability,” Ajax reads out loud. “A rare permanent Ability that grants users the power to mimic the writing of any character in the game, alive or deceased. Cost is…20,000 SP? AR! I can’t afford that!”

“Please give me one moment, User Ajax. System override, Protocol 278-422a. Reason: Critical requirement for mission completion. Set a new value to within the minimum range per Protocol 442-21b.”

As he says those words, the cost number starts to blur, the digits quickly rolling down like a slot machine. With a soft ding, the number updates to, “Huh.”

“What? What?” Hu Tao asks, leaning closer as if that will allow her to see Ajax’s System Screen. “Don’t keep me waiting?”

“AR did something and it now costs 20 SP,” Ajax answers, eyes wide. “Wait, wait, does this mean all this time you could’ve pulled some strings to not charge me those exorbitant prices? What the actual hell, AR?”

“The prices are largely dictated by a series of rules by the Administrators. Only in very specific circumstances can they be modified, circumstances including to prevent imminent failure of a quest,” AR defends. Even though its voice remains the same mechanical tone, Ajax can most definitely picture AR scowling in offence. “And even in those circumstances, prices can only be changed a handful of times at best.”

“…When you say, a handful of times, are you talking about two times? Five times?”

“I cannot give you that information, User Ajax.” AR’s unspoken and no doubt sarcastic ‘nice try’ rings audibly in the silence.

Eh, he tried.

With his options exhausted, Ajax buys the ability. “What now?”

“Activate it when you need to use it. It will grant me the permission to access the database of Tartaglia’s writing so that I can write the letter for you.”

“Wait, you’re doing the writing? How will that even work?”

“I will dictate the words to you based on the information from the database. The only thing you will need to do is to be my scribe.”

“Oh,” Ajax says. The tense knot in his stomach slowly unravels at the news, disappearing with the heavyweight of dread that had clung on to his shoulders. “Yeah, that, um, works. Really well actually.”

“At least that’s one problem solved, sorta,” Hu Tao says when Ajax repeats what AR told him. “Not only do you not have to worry about mimicking OG Tartaglia accurately, you technically aren’t the one writing the letter. AR is.”

“I was hoping I wouldn’t have to lie to OG Tartaglia’s family to begin with, but yeah, I guess this is better than nothing.”

“You weren’t thinking of telling OG Tart’s family that he’s dead right now though. Didn't you want to do that after the Main Missions?”

Ajax nods. “That’s still the plan.”

“Okay, good,” Hu Tao pretends to wipe the sweat off her brow, uttering a quiet little ‘phew’. “Because this brings us to what I have planned for your escape. I was worried for a second that you had changed your mind. It would’ve thrown things off a little. Okay, there’s no need to look so surprised. I promised you that I’d think of a clever way to get you out of this hot mess after the Main Missions, didn’t I?”

“Hu Tao, you’re the best,” Ajax says, perking up from his seat, his good cheer returning for the first time in days. “So? What’s the plan? C’mon, spill the beans!”

Hu Tao holds up two fingers and grins.

“Two words. Fake. Death.”

Ajax stares at Hu Tao.

Hu Tao maintains her grin.

“…You can’t be serious,” Ajax says after a few more seconds of silence. “Fake death? Really?”

“Uh huh! Fake death.”

“Right.” Ajax moves to get up. “I’m going home.”

“Wait wait wait!” Hu Tao scrambles out of her seat, skirts around the table and pushes Ajax back down to his seat. “Okay, so I know it’s cliched –”

“Really? You think?”

“But hear me out for a sec, okay? Can you stop looking at the door, boyo? I’m being serious here!”

“Okay, then.” Ajax crosses his arms over his chest. “What’s your serious plan?”

“I work at a funeral parlour.”

“Yes?” Ajax asks, unimpressed.

“Sometimes, we get bodies that go unidentified.” She has the audacity to keep grinning at Ajax’s growing look of horror. “Ah, I see it’s starting to dawn on you what my proposal is.”

“I’m not going to use some rando’s body to pass off as my own!” Ajax exclaims. “Ignoring the dubious, dubious ethics of it all, where the heck are you going to even find a body with orange hair?”

Hu Tao shrugs. “Hair dye,” she answers entirely too nonchalantly and quickly for Ajax’s comfort. “Besides, if we pretend that you die in a super gruesome way like by fire or something, then all the hair would’ve been burnt away so it’s not like that’s a big hurdle to jump over.”

“Not a big hurdle –”

“But you know what will survive?” Hu Tao continues, ignoring his spluttering, “the fake Vision I’ve planted on the body along with a few scraps of your stuff. Your mask for one thing, the earring for another. Let people draw their own conclusion!”

“Assuming that I am going with this crazy plan of yours, how will I even hypothetically die in a fire?” Ajax asks. “I own a Hydro Vision! I can put out the fire!”

“So, we’ll have you somehow be unconscious before the fire. Maybe you were drugged. Or maybe you fell asleep and left a candle burning by accident. There are different ways that we can play this.”

Ajax pinches the bridge of his nose once more. “That’s great and all but I actually like Liyue and want to, like, make a home here? Maybe?” Zhongli’s offer of a home for him rises to the top of his mind, making him feel soft and warm all over. He ignores it for now. “Besides, I don’t want Zhongli to think I’m dead!”

“Didn’t you want to be an adventurer-bard? Take this opportunity to go explore and have fun! Peace off to Mondstadt and other places for like, five years or something before coming back to Liyue Harbour and set up shop here once more. That should be plenty of time for people to start forgetting about you. As for Zhongli, I didn’t say anything about not letting him in on the plan, stupid.”

She reaches over and gives his head a couple of pats as if to dismiss his very valid concerns and settles back into her seat. “Tell him about your plan. Like, not right away because if you start talking now, maybe he’ll have doubts about your loyalty to Snezhnaya, which would cast doubts about your willingness to follow the Tsaritsa’s orders to carry out the Main Mission. But after, once he’s handed off his gnosis and before you’re slated to return to Snezhnaya. You won’t be putting your Main Mission in jeopardy then!”

She pauses. “What? What’s with that wide-eyed look? Did you just realize now that once your mission is up that you’d be recalled back home?”

“Yes!” Ajax breathes. “Holy crap, it hadn’t even occurred to me that I’ll actually need to do Harbinger duties!”

“Tartaglia’s the Vanguard, boyo. Vanguard means they do a loooot of murdering. Murdering of monsters and people alike. Comes with the territory. I wouldn’t think you’re keen on the people murder part.”

No, Ajax is most definitely not keen on that. Suddenly, this fake death plan is not as ludicrous as it sounds, not when it’ll give him the clean break that he needs.

He’ll need to make sure the plan is bulletproof first.

“Let’s say that I fake my death. What happens next?” Ajax probes. “I rush for Mondstadt while in disguise and then, I lay low? But won’t the Cryo Archon be able to find me? I thought you said I’m safe from her spying here because of Rex Lapis and the Adepti’s effort to shield Liyue.”

“The Cryo Archon is not all-knowing. If you don’t give her any reasons to believe that you’re alive then she won’t come looking for you.”

“That’s easier said than done. What if I get accidentally discovered or something? I also don’t want to spend the rest of my life being on guard whenever I leave Liyue!”

“Okay, okay. How about you, uh,” Hu Tao scrunches her face in thought. Ajax can practically see the way her mind is rifling through all the drafts she had written on worldbuilding. “Okay, I got it: Sigils of Permissions.”

“How would that help?”

“The sigils are basically a special reservoir of adeptal energy. They also allow people to channel that energy to use it however they want. If it so happens that the user wants to use the energy to…oh, I don’t know, make a portable anti-spying shield, then this means…”

“Shit, Hu Tao, that’s brilliant,” Ajax says, laughing. “Since the Fatui are already making a ton of prototypes for me, I can skim one from the pile before I escape Liyue.”

“Exactly. But you’re going to need more than one. The thing with sigils is that they don’t last forever either, so you’re going to need a way to keep getting fresh sigils or carry a stack on you. The problem with the latter is that too much adeptal energy can overwhelm the soul so you’re going to have to figure out what capacity you can run around with.”

“I remember Zhongli saying that once when he explained the sigils to me,” Ajax muses. “He said that most people can carry five or so.”

“Yeah, most people. You are not most people,” Hu Tao replies. “First of all, between the Vision and the Abyssal Taint, your body is so used to all this wacky energy that you can probably carry around more than just five sigils on your body. Second, you have the System’s Inventory. The sky’s the limit so long as you stuff the sigils there.”

“User Hu Tao is partially correct. My Inventory does have a cap on item slots, but for one slot, I can hold up to 99 of the same item.”

“That should still be plenty,” Ajax answers and recaps AR’s response to Hu Tao. He also makes a mental note to test how long those sigils can last once he gets them from Il Dottore. It’s going to be tricky since he can’t exactly leave the city in the unforeseen future, not with the Qixing’s suspicions (that will probably grow once Rex Lapis ‘dies’).

“Is there a more permanent method of keeping the Cryo Archon’s eyes off of me? Can’t Zhongli like…permanently give me a blessing that shields me from the Cryo Archon’s sight or something?”

Hu Tao shakes her head. “Nah. He can’t intervene between your bond with the Cryo Archon like that. Call it some sort of code of honour between Archons: ‘Thou shall not openly poach each other’s lieutenants by superseding their prior oaths with their Archons.’ He can lay claim to you if she breaks off her bond to you or if you rescind your oath. Otherwise, the most he can do is offer you protection from harm, like the effects of the Abyssal Taint, but nothing that intervenes the Cryo Archon’s link to you.”

She pauses and takes a thoughtful sip of her tea. “Technically, he’s already toeing the line by offering you protection from harm but because the blessing doesn’t intervene with the Cryo’s Archon’s bond to you, she’s kept in the dark from all of this thanks to Liyue’s anti-spy magic. If she ever finds out though, she’s not going to be happy.”

Ajax nods. “Yeah, you told me this before. I’ve been keeping what I’ve been doing on the DL.”

The more he learns about how Archons work, the more Ajax is coming to the realization that they’re like cats. They get super territorial over their people and land. Weird.

“So, I’m assuming that if I rescind my oath, she’ll find out despite Liyue’s anti-spy magic? How does that even work?”

“Yup. Liyue’s anti-spy magic is fundamentally tied to its land, so anything that’s on its land can’t be seen. However, what happens to the bond between you and the Cryo Archon technically falls outside of this purview. It’s the one thing that Zhongli won’t be able to shield from her sight, so the moment you rescind your bond to her, she’ll know and she’ll be pissed.”

Ajax nods again. “The more I learn, the more I’m glad praying to Morax does not consider a challenge to my bond with the Tsaritsa. Jesus Christ.” A new concern comes to mind, “Wait, wouldn’t she know that something is amiss when she doesn’t feel the bond-breaking when I die?”

“Bonds of loyalty don’t die upon death,” Hu Tao answers, and wow, what an ominous answer. “Archons get the luxury of keeping the souls around for as long as they want. Luckily, Rex Lapis actually respects the sanctity of death and releases his hold on souls so that they can rest in peace properly.”

Jesus Christ.

“I don’t know if it’s a shame or not that your worldbuilding never made it to the game, Hu Tao, but the system you’ve created is terrifying.”

“It’s a cruel and complex world, Ajax,” she says, her tone serious. “Be careful out there.”

They spend a few more hours formulating the plan and they’ve settled on the following:

First, Ajax will wait until after Zhongli hands off the gnosis so that all of his missions are officially complete.

Second, Ajax is going to approach Zhongli and let him in on the secret that he’ll have to disappear. Maybe, Zhongli can pull some strings and help negotiate with the Tsaritsa to release his bond with her. But in the meantime, Ajax is going to prepare for his “pseudocide”.

Third, the “pseudocide”. Ajax and Hu Tao debated at length on this. Hu Tao suggested all myriads of gruesome fire deaths, one more outrageous than another. (“A piece of dumpling went down the wrong pipe, and then, in your panicked, choking throes, you knock a lamp to the ground, setting everything ablaze!” “Wow, Hu Tao. Can’t I have a fake death that’s more dignified?” He gets a kick to the shin for that answer, a reaction he’s confused by until he remembers that that was how Hu Tao had died in the past life. Whoops!)

They settle with an accident fighting in the domains. To appease Hu Tao’s strange need to see everything burn, Ajax agrees that the accident should involve fighting a million abyss mages or something.

Fourth, the escape. Hu Tao will plant the fake body dressed in Tartaglia’s outfit along with a fake Vision, Ajax’s Delusion, mask, and earring, and set it all ablaze. Ajax will get a head start making a run for the border, disguised as a member of the Adventurers’ Guild. He will have to camp out and stay clear of hotels until he’s well past the Stone Gates and into Mondstadt. There, and armed with his sigils of permissions, he can set up a new personality for himself as a travelling bard or something.

“I’ll join the Adventurers’ Guild for real,” Ajax muses. “It’ll be fun even if the pay is rather shit.”

“Not everybody has near-unlimited god-tier funds, Ajax,” Hu Tao says, giving him a dirty look.

With a plan somewhat in place, Ajax leaves the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour feeling better than when he had entered it. That feeling of stability manages to keep himself from being hit with a face full of dread even when he’s back in the privacy of his room in Zhongli’s house with Tonia’s letter laid out on his desk and a blank piece of paper beside it.

“Well, AR? Shall we try out the new ability?” Ajax says out loud.

“You may start any time, User Ajax,” AR’s mechanical voice answers.

“Okay. Here goes nothing,” Ajax mutters. “AR, please activate the Scribe Ability.”

“Scribe Ability activated. The effect is permanent. How will User Ajax like to apply this ability?”

“Use it to mimic OG Tartaglia’s writing so that I can get this stupid reply over with.”

“Understood. Initiating Scribe Ability.”

Writing the letter is a bizarre experience in that Ajax does not have to think, merely diligently copying out the words AR is dictating to him in his head. The words came slower at first, and Ajax chalks it up to AR needing to familiarize itself with the database, but halfway through, AR’s dictation becomes smoother, faster.

“Princess,” AR interrupts just as Ajax is about to write out ‘Tonia’. “She likes to be called Princess.”

“Ah. Right, right,” Ajax says a bit awkwardly. It’s a stark reminder that without the Abyssal Taint’s influence on him, OG Tartaglia is - was - just…a dude who loved his family. It makes his death all the more tragic.

“How should I sign the letter?”

“Your faithful knight,” comes AR’s automatic response. “No. Please correct that to, ‘With all my love, your big brother and your faithful knight’.”

“Y – yeah,” Ajax answers through the lump in his throat. “It’s important to tell her that he loved her. Better late than never, huh?”

Just a dude who loved his family. Even after he had lived a life away from them, whether on purpose or because his family was actively trying to distance themselves from him, his sentiment remained as strong as ever.

Whatever the reason for his life away from his family, it doesn’t matter now. OG Tartaglia is dead and it’s just Ajax left possessing his body. It’s just Ajax, who’s going to make sure the man gets to tell his family that he loves them one last time.

And maybe, Ajax is also doing it for himself.

Because while he may not be able to tell his own Tonia that he loves her face-to-face, as he begins to write AR’s well-wishes onto the letter, he hopes against all hopes that at least, a sliver of his sentiment will carry over to her.

With all my love, your big brother and your faithful knight, he signs with flourish as the words echo heavily in his mind and his heart.

Part XXVI. Home Is Now Behind You, the World Is Ahead

As promised, he keeps his head down for the next couple of months. He stays within the boundaries of Liyue Harbour, making sure to stick to his routine of work, groceries shopping, and training while discreetly checking on his people to see how they’re holding up all the while keeping tabs to see if anybody has seen the Traveller.

Nobody has.

Sometime during those months of waiting and being the model citizen, the renovations for his apartment are finally finished, but he continues to stay with Zhongli.

“It’s so that I have an alibi,” he tells Ekaterina when she asks him about potentially moving out of Zhongli’s home. “You know, with the Qixing and everything. It’s probably good if people see me hang around someone as respectable as Zhongli…”

“Right,” she answers with a stern nod. Ajax would have believed her sincerity if not for the way the corner of her lips were twitching in a clear attempt to restrain her laughter. “Of course, Master Childe. That is very sensible of you. Very responsible.”

“I don’t think she believed me,” Ajax complains to Zhongli that afternoon when they are having lunch. “It almost looked like she wanted to laugh at me.”

“Hm, that’s not very nice of her,” Zhongli placates while dishing out more soup into Ajax’s bowl. “You are being very sensible.”

“I know! The most sensible.”

He does drop by his apartment every now and then to pick up his old wardrobe. He doesn’t have anything left in there of importance having already stashed them either in the System’s Inventory, or in a locked box in his new room at Zhongli’s. He also takes the opportunity to poke at the walls and floors a bit to see if there are any loose bits that can unveil more of OG Tartaglia’s secret, but he hasn’t found anything.

“Hey, AR,” he asks one evening as he’s sprawled out on the bed. “Has my notification for my side quest Traces of Tartaglia changed?”

A familiar chime sounds out. “My apologies, User Ajax. The status has been updated. It now reads - Traces of Tartaglia (2): you have found some of Tartaglia’s hidden objects in your quest to discover more information about Tartaglia. You have also established contact with Tartaglia’s family. Continue to find more hidden objects and communicate with Tartaglia’s family to discover Tartaglia’s link to the Abyss.”

Ajax sits up. “Wait, wait, I can talk to Tonia about the Abyss? When did this update occur?” And what does this mean?

“It appears to have been updated upon us sending the letter out. Again, I would like to apologize for missing this notification.”

“No, no it’s fine, it’s just, are you okay? It’s unlike you to miss things and you seem to be more distant lately.”

It takes a few seconds before the familiar chime pings out. “I have been a bit…distracted as of late. It is nothing. Please do not worry about me.”

“Saying that only makes me worry more,” Ajax says. “Hey, AR. We’ve been through a lot already. For what it’s worth, I just want you to know that if you need someone to talk to, I’m here for you, okay buddy?”

“That is a kind offer. User Ajax is very kind,” AR answers and he says no more for the rest of the evening.

Although the side quest notification has updated, Ajax is still unsure how to proceed with that hint. He hasn’t heard back from Tonia yet (and he’s starting to doubt that he will), but even if he does, how does he go about asking about the Abyss? What does he even ask? Does he simply go, “Hey Tonia, do you know how I am connected to the Abyss? What’s up with the Abyssal Taint thing?”

Something tells him that he’s going to approach this a little differently.

In the meantime, the Dottore sends him a box of prototype sigils, wrapped in a bow and accompanied by a Thank You note in his usual spidery writing.

Dearest Lord Tartaglia:

Please find enclosed a box of Sigils of Permission for you to test out. Based on my numerous tests, I believe that I have mimicked the original perfectly, but in the rare case that I have made a miscalculation, please kindly let me know in detail how the sigil was used, what was its intended effect, and what was its actual effect.

It remains an absolute pleasure working with you and I hope to see you once you are back in Zapolyarny Palace for your annual check-up.

Yours very truly,

The Well Born Baron Il Dottore

Ajax shudders as he shreds the message and tosses the bits into his lamp as kindling. Not if he can help it.

“Status update. MAIN MISSION Objective (2). Number of talismans duplicated: 30/100.”

“Well, that’s as good of a proof as any that those sigils work,” Ajax says as he pulls up his Inventory and stashes the box of sigils there. “Now if only I know how to actually use these…”

He gets to practicing in the secrecy of his hotel unit, first channeling his energy into the sigil to get it to cast a light breeze. It takes a few tries to get the talisman to glow brighter than the usual glimmer it emits, and a few more tries before he can get a light gust of wind to kiss his cheeks. After an hour, he’s mastered enough to make a small swirling wind tornado to travel across the surface of his desk.

He keeps at if for a solid month before the talisman runs out of juice.

“Status update. MAIN MISSION Objective (2). Number of talismans duplicated: 29/100.”

“Not bad, not bad at all,” he notes, picking up the listless piece of paper from the desk. “I wonder how long this will last if I use it to only shield myself from spying. Hopefully a lot longer.”

Just in case, he reports back to Il Dottore and requests for “as many sigils as they can create, stat.”

Il Dottore does not seem displeased by the letter. If anything, he seems disturbingly excited.

Now what sort of mischief are you planning now, my dear Tartaglia? Your wish is my command!

And then, in true creepy Il Dottore fashion, he adds, I cannot wait to see the effects of you using these sigils in your next physical. The data promises to be absolutely delicious!

“The man just gets creepier and creepier every time I hear from him,” Ajax murmurs. “I definitely cannot wait to peace out of the Fatui. Fuck that noise!”

The days trickle by quickly and soon enough, the city grows lively with excitement from the Rite of Descension. Merchants start hanging colourful silk banners from their buildings and the Millelith start adorning the road sides with pots of golden chrysanthemum, silkflowers, glaze lilies and pink peonies. Bright paper lanterns are set up, hanging above every entryway and archway, casting a warm glow to their surroundings at night. Tourists and locals all pass under them in droves, admiring the sites and sounds around them as they shop to their hearts’ content.

The Rite of Descension is fast approaching.

On the eve of the ceremony, as they finish up their Jade Parcels that Ajax had lovingly made for Zhongli, the Adeptus speaks up: “Childe, I think it is best if you were to stay away from the Rite this year. From what you had told me, the Qixing were suspicious because they had noticed your presence and Rex Lapis’ reaction to you. Their suspicion might ease if you were not present this year.”

The suggestion brings a surge of warmth to Ajax. Zhongli clearly is trying to look out for him, knowing that he’s going to be faking his death and how bad this would be if Ajax is spotted at the site.

It’s a good thing that Ajax has zero plans of going outside that entire day either, so he nods. “It’s a shame that I wouldn’t be able to see Rex Lapis in the flesh, but I agree. I think it’s best if I were to lay low.”

“Good,” Zhongli says, looking like he wants to breathe a sigh of relief. It’s cute how much he worries about him and that funny warm feeling grows stronger. “I promise I will return by the evening. We will have a wonderful meal together and enjoy our own private celebration at home. How does that sound?”

Ajax grins. “It sounds perfect. I look forward to it.”

The next day starts like any ordinary day. Ajax wakes up to an empty house since Zhongli had to get up to get ready, but he finds a plate of breakfast cooling on the table for him along with a little note nagging at him to eat before he guzzles down a gallon of coffee. He does as the note says, enjoys his breakfast, drinks a respectable and normal amount of coffee despite Zhongli’s wild accusations, and shuffles to the dining room, ready to spend a chill day reading Zhongli’s writing.

He manages to get exactly 15 minutes of peace and quiet when AR’s screen pops up.

“Status Update: MAIN MISSION Objective (1): Ensure the Main Character reaches Hero Status of Liyue has commenced. The Traveller has arrived in the city on time to witness the Rite of Descension. Keep a close eye on the Traveller to ensure that they do not get into any trouble with the Qixing or the Millelith. Reward for successful completion: +10 SP. Mission failure consequence: -20 SP.”

Ajax sighs and puts Zhongli’s manuscript aside.

“Well, it looks like it’s finally showtime.”

Extra: Ganyu

It has been a long time since she’s last felt Lord Lapis summoning her through dreams, but the soft pulsating power of geo remains familiar despite the years of silence. She gets up from the grassy meadow she’s been laying on and follows the golden thrum of energy, letting her spirit drift towards the glowing light with every dainty step forward.

The flash of light that engulfs her doesn’t surprise her. Nor does the sea of Adepti that greets her when she opens her eyes. She heads towards the crowd, nodding at Moon Carver, Cloud Retainer, only blinking a little in surprise when she spots Xiao’s familiar figure standing nearby.

Oh. Lord Lapis has summoned the Guardian as well. Now that’s new.

The last time the Guardian Yaksha was summoned with the rest of the Adepti from Jueyan Karst, the iron stench of war had been thick in the air. Osial had been encroaching Lord Lapis’ rightful territory and in response, Lord Lapis had raised a giant wall of stone surrounding his beloved Liyue Harbour, shielding it from harm. But that had only been a temporary measure. All the Adepti knew it, and so when they had been summoned to finally discuss war strategies, they had been prepared.

From the growing murmurs around the room, nobody knows why they’ve been summoned tonight.

The noise quiets into a hush when a golden light materializes before them, starting from a sparkle of ember that quickly expands outwards, growing hot white and blinding. The light begins to morph into the familiar majestic figure of their Great Lord Lapis in his human form, his face obscured under his white hood, casting a dark shadow such that only his mouth can be seen. More details settle into place – the texture of Lord Lapis’ clothes, the geometric glowing patterns on his onyx arms, the brassy scales of his long tail trailed along the floor, ending in a golden tuft of lush fur. He also appears to be seated on his usual throne.

Then, the light expands further, stretching out from Lord Lapis’ side, slowly morphing into what looks like a second figure. Lord Lapis raises an arm and wraps around this figure, pulling it close so that it is pressed flush against his side as details on this mysterious figure begin to form. Ganyu watches, completely enraptured, as the figure’s form solidifies. A male, from the broadness of his shoulders, with short, curly hair that grows more and more orange.

A very, very familiar hue of orange, in fact.

“Oh, no. I can’t believe Lord Lapis brought him here,” she hears Xiao hiss under his breath, and that makes her surprise grow. He? Who’s he?

She doesn’t need to wonder long. The light fades, leaving behind the image of a sleeping young man with pale skin, long lashes resting against his lightly freckled cheeks, wearing soft golden robes so richly adorned in Geo symbols that the sheer obvious possessive claim makes Ganyu blush in its shamelessness.

Oh. Lord Lapis clearly favours this one.

Then, it sinks into her just who is pressed against Lord Lapis’ side, fast asleep.

“Isn’t that the Snezhnayan Diplomat?” she blurts out.

She immediately regrets the decision. A roomful of eyes turn towards her and she grows beet red.

“Um, that is…”

“Well spotted, Ganyu,” Lord Lapis says with a chuckle and (thank the archons) drawing the Adepti’s gaze away from her. “This here is indeed a diplomat from Snezhnaya. And in the past year, Master Childe has diligently made offerings to me without fail. In return, I keep him safe from the abyssal effect that haunts him.”

Ganyu had wondered about the traces of the Abyss clinging to Master Childe when she first met him during their interrogation. It had seemed faint so she had assumed it was caused by fighting some local monster infestation.

Who would have thought that Lord Lapis had directly intervened to protect this little mortal? And a foreign mortal at that?

And then, Lord Lapis turns to the young man and brushes a tender hand against his cheek, and Ganyu feels her mouth drop open. Never in her long life has she seen Lord Lapis do that.

Her mind flashes back to last year’s Rite of Descension to the moment when Rex Lapis had stuttered to a stop in giving his yearly predictions all for the sake of staring at the boy. Master Diplomat had said that it was because Rex Lapis had been caught by surprise by the diplomat’s admiration.

Ganyu suspects that the interaction was deeper than that. Was that when Lord Lapis had found himself mesmerized by the young diplomat?

And the geo crystalfly incident afterwards…had that been Lord Lapis’ gift, the first of many courting presents?

“He is…precious to me,” Lord Lapis admits with a quiet rumble. “I have plans to claim this one as my own that are in the works, but I have called you all today for more than just that. I have…a request I would like to ask of all of you. It is not a contract, merely a favour from an old friend. Would you be willing to listen?”

“Of course, Lord Lapis!” Moon Carver blurts out, probably just as shocked from what he’s witnessing. And it’s becoming more and more what they’re witnessing.

Affection from Lord Lapis towards this mortal. Pure, unadulterated warm affection. Possibly more. To the point where Lord Lapis is willing to lay his claim on a foreign diplomat, one who should be under the jurisdiction of the Cryo Archon no doubt.

The other Adepti are quick to murmur their agreement. From the corner of her eyes, she sees Xiao facepalming as if he knows just what he’s about to hear and he’s not liking it one bit.

“I had asked you all today so for a favour not for myself but for him,” Lord Lapis says. “For as long as he is in Liyue, I would like for him to be protected from the effects of the Abyss. Would you be able to grant him your protection in the event that I am unable to do so?”

“Lord Lapis,” she hears Xiao’s painful hiss among the renewed excited chattering. After all, just who is this little mortal to have swayed their great and noble lord to ask for a favour from his subordinates?

“Why protection against the Abyss’ effect, my Lord?” Mountain Shaper asks. “Surely, we can grant more than just that. We can protect him from harm or injury!”

“I had thought about it,” Lord Lapis admits, “But…”

He sighs and shakes his head before turning towards the mortal once more, reaching out and stroking against that rosy cheek. And it’s with such warm fondness that he says, “but Master Childe here is a bit of a troublemaker who enjoys combat. He would be most upset with me if I had asked for him to be free from harm and injury when those are the very things he chases after. Stubborn, foolish boy.”

Then, he adds, quieter but still loud enough for everybody in the room to hear, ”My stubborn, foolish boy.”

The murmurs grow loud and Ganyu quickly corrects her reassessment.

Clearly, Lord Lapis’ feelings towards the diplomat go beyond mere affection.

No, Lord Lapis adores the boy. Loves him even.

This open declaration is basically the equivalent of Lord Lapis’ announcement to marry the little mortal.

Does Master Childe even know just what a fundamental feat he had accomplished? Nobody has ever held Lord Lapis’ heart in his hands in the long history of Liyue.

Well, whatever that’s happening between them is really none of Ganyu’s business. After all, Ganyu is a loyal soldier of her lord. Who is she to deny him from experiencing a long life of happiness and marital bliss when he has clearly already made up his mind?

“O – of course, my Lord!” she says, “Please accept my sincere and heartfelt congratulations on finding your mate!”

It’s as if the dam has broken because all the Adepti jump in with their own congratulations and promises to keep the mortal safe. Even Xiao, with all of his grumbling, bows low towards his lord.

And through it all, Lord Lapis glows brighter and brighter, so bright that the entire room is bathed in warm gold light as his tail sways lazily in the air, his brassy scales practically gleaming.

Lord Lapis is undoubtedly happy. Very, very happy. And everybody can see it because he’s doing nothing to hide his giddiness.

It’s a very good look on him, Ganyu thinks, her own smile growing fond. After the long years of ruling Liyue, their noble Lord Lapis deserves to settle down and truly experience a life of peace. What better way than to do so with a mate?

Good luck, Lord Lapis, she wishes quietly in her heart. I hope this new chapter in your life will bring you full of joy.

Chapter Text

Part XXVII. The Rite

Ajax wishes he could say he has a plan for encountering the Traveller but he’d be lying.

“Fuck, AR. How am I supposed to keep a close eye on the Traveller if I can’t be seen near the Rite?”

A soft chime sounds out. “User Ajax should consider a disguise.”

…A disguise! That’s brilliant!

He looks around the living room, spots Zhongli’s coat, and throws it over his loungewear. It’s one of Zhongli’s casual coats with more dark brown than gold, and subtle gold detailing lining the cuffs and the collar, but it still clashes awkwardly with the loose, shapeless grey shirt and sweater he has underneath. He hastily ties the coat shut with a dark belt and hopes that it will be enough to hide his sloppiness.

“Character Traveller is getting closer to the destination. User Ajax will need to hurry.”

Ajax curses. He grabs his generous pouch of mora, shoves his socked feet into a pair of decent boots, and rushes out the door, pausing only to lock it behind him. On his way to the Rite, he makes a quick stop to a stall to buy a wide-brimmed hat made of straw, picking the first one he sees and tossing way too much mora at the vendor before rushing off, new hat plopped on his head.

There. Now he’s more inconspicuous! Sort of! Good enough!

“Man, we’re lucky that Zhongli lives in Yujing Terrace,” Ajax mutters as he continues to dash to the area where the Rite takes place. He can see the large colourful banners waving in the distance as well as the glinting metal from the sun reflecting off of the large brass censer. Almost there.

He manages to squeeze through the thick crowd of excited onlookers and tuck himself by a huge ornamental rock, chosen for its strategic location by the fence (which he can hop over to make his escape onto the streets below.) The rock also serves as a nice perch for him to scramble on top, and he scans the crowd looking for…well…he’s not entirely sure?

In the game, the Traveller can either be female – Lumine – or male – Aether – depending on which avatar the player chooses. Both avatars sport bright gold hair and gold eyes, with the male character wearing a dark outfit and the female in all white.

Ajax wonders which version of the Traveller he will end up meeting. Lumine and Aether were twins in the original game. Depending on which avatar the player chooses, the other character becomes “missing” and the rest of the game is centered around the player trying to find this long-lost sibling. Originally, before Genshin Impact 1.0’s story took a massive nosedive, there were growing hints that this lost sibling was the mysterious antagonist pulling the strings behind the scenes. After the nosedive, that plot thread has been promptly abandoned, leaving the missing sibling a plot element that got a passing reference once in a blue moon between useless, money-grabbing quests.

Luckily, they’re in a world that’s substantively more fleshed out so there’s a strong likelihood that the missing twin will become the hidden antagonist. And speaking of elements being more fleshed out, the Traveller’s original personality was non-existent as well. It was purposefully designed that way so that they can act as blank slates onto which players can project themselves. Now that they’re outside the confines of the original game, what type of personality will they have?

In the original game, the Traveller is also accompanied by this companion that acts as the guide to Teyvat – this floating fairy thing of unknown origin who calls itself Paimon. Paimon is yet another frustrating mystery that was never solved in the original game, but Ajax has theories. Theories like how every powerful creature with connections to Celestia is named after one of the demons from Hell, so Paimon being named Paimon is suspicious, to say the least.

But Ajax can ponder those things later. Right now, he has a job to do.

“How hard is it to spot someone with a floating creature by their side?” Ajax mutters to himself. “Hey AR, do you know where the Traveller is?”

“The Traveller has just arrived on site.”

“Wait, seriously? Where?”

From under the brim of his hat, Ajax squints out, trying to focus on the individual features among the sea of people. Maybe, he should look closer to the entrance – wait! There! Holy shit. Holy shit!

Paimon’s floating pink figure is the first thing that catches his eye. And beside her is…

“Aww yeah!” Ajax says, fist-pumping. “We got Lumine! Sweet!”

In the original game, Ajax had gone with the male avatar – Aether. The game had only shown Lumine in a few flashbacks here and there, so to finally, finally be able to meet her in this world feels oh-so-satisfying, like finally scratching an itch that had been bothering him for ages.

“AR! AR, I’m so happy right now,” he gushes. “I thought I would never get to meet Lumine between the game ending and the – uh – the death thing. This is amazing! Wait, where is she going? She probably shouldn’t stand so close to the altar…”

“User Ajax should climb down from the rock. The Millelith are starting to look.”

“Ah, right, right,” Ajax says, coughing as he does just that. He has to be inconspicuous.

No matter, now that he knows where she is, he can relax a little. His spot is also perfect for him to view the show that will happen soon.

In the original game, “Rex Lapis’ death” had been blamed on Tartaglia. Understandably so, because Tartaglia had flaunted his status as a Harbinger and had acted a right terror during his stay in Liyue Harbour (though knowing that there is an entire backstory to explain this behaviour makes Ajax’s heart ache.) Now that this is no longer the case, Ajax wonders how this whole death thing will play out.

He suspects he knows the answer, especially with the quest update: “Keep a close eye on the Traveller to ensure that they do not get into any trouble with the Qixing or the Millelith.”

“The Millelith will totally blame the Traveller for Rex Lapis’s death, won’t they?” he murmurs to AR as he watches the Qixing slowly line up behind the altar. It looks like Ningguang is in charge of the summoning this year. “I can understand that logic – a new person shows up in town and suddenly, your god is dead. Super suspicious.”

Though this is Rex Lapis. Isn’t this assumption completely downplaying the Prime Adeptus’ fighting prowess?

Whatever. People will latch on to another reason if it makes sense at first glance. For the purpose of completing this mission successfully, Ajax has to get ready to intercept the Traveller before they disappear off to parts unknown.

The crowd goes quiet as Ningguang takes the stage. She stands before a beautiful altar made of stone and gold, bracketed by two of her faithful secretaries. Laid out on top of the altar are a beautiful selection of candles on jade and gold holders, pools of delicate shimmering silks dyed in rich colours, and pots of glittering gemstones, shining mora, and fragrant food piled high. At the center of the altar sits a large jade censer with curling white smoke drifting lazily from its openings, emitting the delicate scent of silkflowers, glaze lilies, and earthy sandalwood.

“The hour is upon us,” she says simply, her regal voice carrying across the terrace.

The two secretaries bow and retreat, leaving her to stand alone.

She brings her arms up and gold light begins to gather at her feet, swirling around her as it picks up speed, rustling the silk of her dress. The light rises up and up, gathering around her upper body while tiny golden crystals materialize, rising up to join the maelstrom surrounding her. She spins, extends her arms out, and the golden maelstrom leaves her to circle the jade censer at the altar before slamming inside, lighting the great construct up in a brilliant flash of gold.

The crowd murmurs in awe as the light grows and grows until a large gold beam shoots through the air, rising high up into the heavens. The clouds grow dark and heavy, swirling around the spot where the light had touched as the wind picks up around them, and the air grows thick and charged like on the eve of a violent storm. Ajax’s hand flies to his hat to keep it from whipping off, his eyes flitting upwards in anticipation.

Then, the clouds turn into an ugly, dusty brown and the winds whip up to a frenzy. Red bolts shoot down from the sky, cracking against the stone as the crowd cries out in alarm. In the next breath, a dark figure comes hurtling straight down far too quickly for Ajax to make out what it looks like. It crashes into the altar in a thunderous bang, sending clouds of dark dust and debris flying into the air. Ajax ducks on instinct, throwing one arm over his face.

All is quiet save the sound of soft clicks of tiny rocks and pebbles settling back down onto the paved ground around them. Slowly, Ajax lowers his arm.

A giant serpentine body lays sprawled over the now broken altar, its once-proud figure in a sad limp. What were once bright golden scales have become dulled rust in colour. Likewise, the geode fins running down the back and the great antlers perched atop his head have all lost their majestic glow, reduced to tarnished gold. From his spot by the rock, Ajax can make out Rex Lapis’ face; he can see the way the once fluffy mane has matted to the side of its head and the way those eyes are open but so very vacant.

It’s all very convincing. Terrifyingly convincing.

Of course, the effect is completely ruined by the way Rex Lapis’ tongue is lolled out in a rather cartoonish manner, very reminiscent of the way an animal would play dead in the most dramatic fashion ever.

“I – I can’t believe Zhongli went with the mleh, wow,” Ajax mutters, trying to fight the way the corners of his lips are twitching up. “Way to oversell the death.”

Nobody shares his mood. Obviously. Ningguang crouches over Rex Lapis’ body while the crowd murmurs in confusion and fear.

She gets up and her expression turns fierce.

“Rex Lapis has been killed! Seal the exits!”

The crowd cries in alarm to the sound of Millelith swarming the Terrace, spears in hand.

“Killed? But how – ”

“Murdered!”

“Who would dare?”

“Okay, time to go,” Ajax says. He dips behind the rock and watches the way the Millelith are moving. It looks like they are nabbing anyone who’s gotten close to the altar. Lumine and Paimon are glancing around nervously, positively radiating suspicion.

“Oh god, she’s going to run, isn’t she?”

She does just that. But she’s clever about it. Ajax watches the way Lumine carefully walks through the moon door along the path that leads to the garden before heading towards the tall cliff walls that line the side of the space. He grins.

She’s going to scale the walls and rooftops like a badass, isn’t she? Hilarious. Better intercept her near the bottom of the stone stairs.

He vaults over the fence and shimmies from the ledge to a nearby roof, keeping his body low to avoid detection. He sprints, his shoes clicking against the ancient tiles as he runs across the length of Yujing Terrace until he sees the stone staircase. There, he waits.

Not a moment too soon. Lumine hops down and heads towards the stairs, her steps slow and careful. She watches the closest Millelith turn away and continues sneaking forward.

Unfortunately, she does not notice the broken tile under her feet.

The Millelith turns around. “You there! Stop!”

Ajax winces. “Ooooh, so close!”

Lumine breaks into a run with Paimon zipping quickly behind her.

“Arrest them! Quickly!”

“Not on my watch,” Ajax mutters and jumps down from his hiding spot.

Lumine manages to escape down the first flight of stairs but before she can go further, a group of Millelith is coming up to intercept her.

“There’s nowhere to run! Surrender now!”

She does the exact opposite of that and draws her sword.

Nope! Can’t have that! No getting into trouble allowed! Ajax gathers his Hydro into a tight ball as quickly as he can, letting the tendrils of power wrap around and around each other like a ball of yarn.

“Hey, you there, uh, girly,” Ajax says, biting back the cringe because really? Girly? “Hold still.”

And then, he chucks his ‘water bomb’ at the Millelith.

This version of the water bomb is nowhere near as violent as the initial one he had tested way back when he had ventured into the Guyun Stone Forest. Whereas that prototype had released a huge tidal wave that knocked everything to the ground to be washed away to parts unknown, this mini ‘water bomb’ merely possesses a fraction of its strength. Still, the rush of water that explodes out of it is enough to knock all the Millelith to the ground as a violent deluge sweeps out and rushes towards them like a broken dam.

Ajax hops over the stone fence and lands next to Lumine. “C’mon, don’t just stand here. This way!”

Lumine spares a quick glance at him and nods.

Together, they flee from the scene of the crime like a bat out of Hell.

They finally slow down when they’ve gotten far enough away. The Millelith haven’t really chased them, the water bomb seemingly having done the trick, but just in case, they’ve been navigating through the winding back alleys to stay out of dodge.

Ajax ducks under an awning and behind another building. He pops his head out and scans the area for any sign of life. Nobody. They’re completely alone.

Good.

“Okay, we can stop. We should be safe now.”

Lumine and Paimon practically droop in relief.

“Paimon’s exhausted!” Paimon says through heavy pants (and wow, Ajax has completely forgotten the way she refers to herself in the third person. For some reason, hearing it spoken in person sounds a lot more awkward than listening to the voice actor.)

Lumine side-eyes her floating companion hard.

“Just what muscles does magical floating use exactly,” she asks, completely dead-panned.

Holy shit! Ajax thinks with utter glee. She talks! And she’s so mean! This is the best day ever!

“So insensitive,” Paimon snaps back. “You have no idea just how tiring floating aroun - Wait!”

They turn towards Ajax.

“Just who are you exactly?”

“Ahaha,” Childe rubs the back of his neck, trying to keep his voice gentle and non-threatening. “Please call me Childe.”

Neither of them looks convinced. “Childe? What, so we're supposed to dote on you?”

…What? What the Hell kind of a response is that?

“No, no, it’s an alias of sorts.”

Apparently, that’s the wrong thing to say because Paimon and Lumine look even more suspicious.

“What kind of person needs an alias?” Lumine asks, her eyes narrowing. “And what’s with the outfit?”

“W – what’s wrong with my outfit? Okaayyyy I see that you have drawn your sword – please, please don’t do that! I’ll take off the hat if it makes you feel better, okay? I come in peace, I swear!”

He pulls off his straw hat and holds it in front of him like the flimsiest shield known to man. “There. Better?”

Lumine relaxes her stance ever so slightly. “Orange hair, blue eyes,” she murmurs.

“Paimon hasn’t seen any Liyuan who look like you do!” Paimon points out.

“Ah, I’m not from Liyue. I’m from Snezhnaya. I’m a diplomat!” He raises his hat to block his chest when Lumine brings her sword up once more. “What now? I already took off the hat!”

“Diplomat from Snezhanya,” Lumine says. “Just like the one from Mondstadt who attacked V – Barbatos. She also has an alias. La Signora.”

Paimon gasps. “You’re a Fatui! One of the Harbingers!”

Hooo boy. Okay. This was not how Ajax had anticipated the conversation to go, but like Hell, he’s admitting he’s a Harbinger.

“Ah, no, no, I am a diplomat! A diplomat! The alias is given to me by Her Majesty the Tsaritsa! I’m not looking for a fight.” Technically he’s not lying! “La Signora gave you quite the bad impression, huh? Look, between you and me, I can’t say I’m a fan either! But enough about her, I’m here to…uh…help! I’m here to help!”

Lumine, who still hasn’t unsheathed her sword, doesn’t budge. “Go. Leave. I don’t need help from the Fatui.”

Wow. Rude.

“Come now, don’t be like that,” he tries to coax. “I’m not here to give you any trouble.”

And then, inspiration hits him. “I just wanted to find out who killed Rex Lapis!”

That seems to do the trick. Lumine blinks in surprise, the threatening aura around her dissipates. “Rex Lapis…you believe that we were not culprits?”

“I was there. I saw everything,” he admits. “I’m…ah…I guess you can call me a big fan of Rex Lapis after seeing him at last year’s Rite of Descension, so seeing him like this on that altar. That’s just not right. I don’t know who’s behind this but I want to find them.”

“What has this got to do with helping us?” Lumine asks.

“I’m hoping you’ll be able to help with the investigation,” Ajax answers, thinking on his feet. “Even though I’m a diplomat, because I’m from Snezhnaya, the Qixing are rather suspicious of what I do so I don’t have the freedom to move around without being dragged before the Qixing for questioning. Even if I answer honestly and tell them that I am trying to find the real killer, they’re not going to believe me.”

“They’re not going to believe you if you manage to find the real killer either,” Paimon says, nodding in sympathy.

“Exactly. So, I propose a deal. You help me with the investigation and I will help you clear your name.” He holds out his hand. “Deal?”

Lumine stares at him for a few quiet seconds. Finally, she dismisses her weapon in a shower of light. “Alright, deal,” she says and shakes his hand. “What do you propose we do next?”

Ajax looks around. “Come to the Northland Bank. Staying here isn’t an option. As the old Liyue saying goes: "The walls have ears."”

They venture to the bank together with Ajax’s hat firmly back on top of his head. “This way, please,” he says, waving Lumine and Paimon in before stepping forward himself. He gives Vlad a look, holding one finger across his lips in a shushing motion when he sees the guard eyeing him up and down in obvious confusion.

“Here, let’s go to the back to the offices where we can talk a bit more freely.”

They are able to move to Ajax’s office without running into anybody. He was expecting Ekaterina to be at the front desk but it appears she’s away, probably for lunch or maybe to gather intel. The whole city has probably already heard of the news of Rex Lapis’ shocking death at this point.

“Okay, now we can talk,” Ajax says once he closes the door shut behind them. “Please, have a seat. Oh, have some cookies. They’re gingersnaps.”

Paimon lights up and goes for the tin with reckless shamelessness.

“This place. Where are we?” Lumine asks while her companion gorges freely beside her.

“This is the Northland Bank. This bank was opened here in Liyue by Snezhnaya. Though everyone knows Liyue is the most enterprising in Teyvat, Snezhnaya is not short of change either. Would you like some more, Paimon?”

He gives her another tin, this time filled with the tea cakes that Hu Tao is so fond of. Judging by her squeals of happiness, that gift is also similarly well-received.

“Yeah well, poorer nations don't seem the type to have diplomats that come around acting the way yours do towards the Knights of Favonius,” Lumine points out.

“I can’t speak for how the diplomats in Mondstadt have acted, but we here in Liyue have been nothing but respectful,” he says with a shrug. “Anyway, let’s talk about how to clear your name.”

Just as he speaks those words, he hears the familiar chiming sound from the System.

“Status Update: MAIN MISSION Objective (1): Ensure the Main Character reaches Hero Status of Liyue has commenced. The Traveller has arrived in the city on time to witness the Rite of Descension. Keep a close eye on the Traveller to ensure that they do not get into any trouble with the Qixing or the Millelith. Complete. SP +10. Relationship Status with Traveller, F point: +1. Relationship Status with Paimon, F point +1.

“Achievements Earned: ‘What am I wearing? That’s my ass-kicking outfit, bitch!’ for managing to complete the Mission despite wearing the gaudiest outfit around. Rewards earned: SP +5.”

Hey! Ajax thinks, offended. There’s nothing wrong with my outfit! 

AR ignores him. “Status Update: MAIN MISSION Objective (1): Ensure the Main Character reaches Hero Status of Liyue has commenced. The Traveller has escaped the clutches of the Millelith but she’s not out of hot water yet. Guide her to the safety of Jueyun Karst where she may meet the Adepti. Mission completion reward: +10 SP. Mission failure consequence: -20 SP.”

The Adepti, huh? Here’s an idea…

“Here, I think I have something that will help.”

Ajax pretends to reach into his pant pocket to fish something out. AR, he thinks, I would like to withdraw one Sigil, please.

In the next second, a soft piece of paper materializes into his hold, and he pulls out his hand, carefully depositing the talisman on the table.

“What is it?” Lumine asks.

“I'm not sure, exactly,” he lies. “Sometimes, all money can buy is "things" and not a name for oneself. All I know is that it's a sigil. A sigil to keep the "mighty and illuminated Adepti" from bringing harm to you.”

Paimon looks up. “Adepti,” she says with her mouth full.

“Right,” Ajax nods. “If you head north from the harbor, then west from Guili Plains, you will eventually reach a stone forest known as Jueyun Karst. The people of Liyue believe it to be the abode of the Adepti.”

“Isn’t it just a legend?” Paimon asks.

"You’ve seen the form of Rex Lapis and he’s known as the Prime Adeptus, so clearly the Adepti exist. Given that fact, I’m inclined to believe that Jueyun Karst is where they can be found as well. The locals certainly believe this to be true; they leave offerings to the Adepti at its borders.

“What’s also helpful is that nobody dares venture in for fear of disrespecting the Adepti. Which means if you can get in there, you will be safe. And if you run across any Adepti and can convince them of your case, that should get the Millelith and the Qixing off of your back."

“What makes you so sure that the Adepti will believe that we’re not the murderers?”

“How can a mere mortal kill a god that can sweep aside entire armies? Rex Lapis never gave up his power as a god. The Adepti, of all beings, know this and know Rex Lapis’ prowess best.”

Ajax crosses his arms and frowns. “This level of crude response from the Qixing is beyond what is called for. How suspicious.”

Because seriously. What is Ningguang thinking?

“You think the Qixing did it and are trying to pin it on someone else?” Lumine asks.

“Your thinking is even more radical than my own. I don’t know if the Qixing did it, but I wouldn’t put it past them to use it as an opportunity to interrogate or throw a few people in jail.”

People like the Fatui, for example.

“Anyway, you best head off. It wouldn’t be long before the Millelith comes swarming in to ask questions. The Adepti can clear you of any wrongdoing, so look for them for help. Be sure to reach them first before the Qixing’s messengers do so that you can present your version of the events first.”

With those parting words, he guides Lumine out of the bank before scurrying off back to his office where he promptly slumps into his chair.

“Status Update: MAIN MISSION Objective (1): Guide the Traveller to the safety of Jueyun Karst where she may meet the Adepti. Complete. SP +10. Relationship Status with Traveller, F point: +1. Relationship Status with Paimon, F point +10.”

Ajax snorts. A quick glance towards the empty tins of snacks confirms it. The little glutton can be easily bought with food.

“Status Update: MAIN MISSION Objective (1): You have sent the Traveller on a journey to seek the audience and alliance of the mighty and illuminated Adepti. Wait for their return for further Mission Objective updates.”

“Huh, okay. I guess that’s it then.” Ajax takes off his hat and runs his fingers through his hair, grimacing at the way it’s become matted to his head, no doubt from the way he had worked up a sweat during their escape. “Urgh. I’m going to need to wash my clothes and poor Zhongli’s coat as well.”

A knock interrupts his grumbling. “Come in,” he calls out.

Ekaterina slips into the room and closes the door quietly behind her. She arches her brow and gives him a look over, her eyes flitting to the hat he’s still clutching in his hand. “Do I even want to know?”

“I brought someone here to hide from the Millelith,” Ajax answers, his voice defensive. “I had to be inconspicuous!”

Ekaterina’s incredulous expression grows. “In that? Master Childe, if that is your definition of inconspicuous, then I don’t want to know what your definition of flashy is. Also, is that Mister Zhongli’s coat?”

Ajax tightens the coat around his body. “…Maybe? Is there anything I can help you with or are you simply here to give your unwelcomed critique on my clothes?”

Ekaterina rolls her eyes. “I was about to give you a report on the latest news from the Rite, but it seems like you must have heard already since you were running from the Millelith. I also thought that we had discussed you staying at home today so that you remain inconspicuous, so imagine my surprise when Vlad told me that you were at the bank, and apparently, harboring a fugitive.”

Ajax winces. Right. Everyone did agree that it’s best if Ajax had stayed at home, including Zhongli, who will be so very disappointed in him when he finds out. Still, he tries to give Ekaterina his most pathetic look. “…Please don’t tell Zhongli?”

“I don’t need to. How are you going to get back to Yujing Terrace now that they’ve locked the place down and dressed like this?”

Ah. He, uh, did not think about this. Huh.

Fuck.

“I’ll, uh, scale the cliffside?”

Ekaterina once again proves that she’s the best because she sighs. “You still have some clothes in your old hotel unit. Change into something that goes better with that hat and drop by Bubu Pharmacy to buy some medicine. If the Millelith decides to stop you, show them the medicine and say that you’re delivering a parcel to Zhongli’s house.”

“Ekaterina, you’re the best,” Ajax gushes. Subterfuge. Of course, that’s the solution. Spoken like a true expert spy!

“Yes, yes, I’m aware,” she answers with a wave of her hand. “Now, why were you harboring a fugitive? Who even is that person?”

“She’s the famed Honourary Knight from Mondstadt, you know, the one from all our intel? The one who helped stopped the dragon?”

Ekaterina nods. “Yes, I recognize her. Why help her though?”

Ah…it just occurred to Ajax that he’s never actually revealed the existence of the sigils to Ekaterina. He had been exceedingly careful and secretive with sending the original talisman to Il Dottore out of fear that it would get stolen but now that the man knows how to replicate it perfectly, that fear is no longer present.

He also doubts there’s much La Signora can do when she finds out about the sigils through Ekaterina.

“I’ve been working on something with Il Dottore,” Ajax begins as he asks AR to summon another sigil in his mind. He reaches into his pocket and plucks the paper out, laying it carefully across the table. “I came across a talisman during a debt collection mission. I showed it to Zhongli and he identified it as a Sigil of Permission. Apparently, very rare. Near priceless. They were created by Rex Lapis during the Archons War to hold Adepti powers and allow the user to channel them. You can imagine that something so precious is only gifted to people who are favoured by Rex Lapis and the Adepti. Naturally, I requested Il Dottore to try and replicate its effects.”

Ekaterina picks up the talisman with careful hands. “Replicate?” she asks. “Whatever for?”

There, he hesitates. Does he tell Ekaterina his plan to unseal Osial now or is it too soon? Come to think of it, does Ekaterina even know his real mission to steal the Geo Archon’s Gnosis? He hasn’t told anyone and he’s not entirely sure if La Signora has either.

Here’s another thing to consider: if he tells Ekaterina and she’s forced to tell La Signora, would he be in breach of the Tsaritsa’s orders to keep his mission a secret?

Fuck. Okay. Best not to risk it.

“To enhance Snezhnaya’s repertoire of arsenal for battle of course,” Ajax answers. “Il Dottore specializes in Archon energy and research so it makes sense to see what he can do. Imagine, if our army is kitted with a stack of these talismans, how much additional firepower we would have in addition to our technology.”

“The talisman here is a replicate? One of Il Dottore’s work?”

Ajax grins. “Yes. Il Dottore gave me a few prototypes to play around with. I decided to give one to the Honourary Knight and directed her to Jueyun Karst where the Adepti are located. If the Sigil is good enough to fool the Adepti there, then Il Dottore’s replication work is absolutely perfect.”

Ekaterina blinks. “Master Childe, that’s…actually very clever.” She hands the talisman over and adds, “of course, you would only use that cleverness for battle-related matters. Why am I not surprised?”

“Hey! Getting stronger is a noble goal, and I, Tartaglia, am always looking to grow stronger!”

The sigh grows wearier. “Of course, you are, Master Childe.”

He follows Ekaterina’s advice and treks back home to Yujing Terrace. He’s lucky; nobody looks at him twice. The Millelith are much too focused on trying to find the mysterious female outsider that has escaped, so he makes it home in good time.

His luck continues to hold when he comes home to an empty house. Good. He doesn’t have to face a disappointed Zhongli.

He quickly stashes his hat, showers, and goes about doing the laundry in the backyard, making sure to toss in his sweaty loungewear and Zhongli’s coat in the laundry hamper as well.

One of the luxuries of owning a Hydro Vision is that he can cheat; using his Hydro mastery, he makes sure the soapy water permeates through the fiber, lifting off every last bit of sweat, oil, and dirt, leaving behind perfectly clean clothing. A couple of equally efficient rinses with clean water and the clothing is as good as new.

He just finishes lifting the clean water from the clothing, gathering it into a floating ball above his palm when he hears footsteps behind him.

“Childe? I am back. How was your day?”

Ajax turns around and grins, his control over the water perfectly maintained. “Welcome back,” he says. “My day’s been quiet, thanks. I’m just finishing up the laundry. Here, let me use this to water the plants and I’ll come right over.”

“Thank you for doing the laundry,” Zhongli says when he brings the basket over. They head back indoors and beeline for the living room where they can start sorting out their various clothes and fold them for easy storage. “I’m glad to hear that it’s been peaceful for you. Have you perhaps heard of the things that have happened today?”

Ajax looks up from the loungewear he’s folding. “No? Why? What happened?”

Zhongli’s brow furrows. “Yes. Something terrible has occurred. During the Rite of Descension, a calamity has struck…”

It’s a bit surreal listening to Zhongli recap what is, in effect, his own death: especially with how factual he sounds. His body is still, his expression near serene save for the smallest frown marring it and Ajax isn’t entirely sure what’s going on. It’s almost as if the man is…being very, very careful? Like he’s handing delicate porcelain?

But why would he look like that while recapping Rex Lapis’ death to him?

…

Wait.

Wait, Zhongli knows he’s been praying to Rex Lapis every day to fend off the Abyssal Taint’s effect. Zhongli also knows the embarrassing fanboy reaction he’s had at seeing him during last year’s Rite. Of course, he’s acting like this; he’s trying to be delicate for Ajax’s sake.

Shit. Shit, he needs to act upset. Can he sell it? He’s not that good of an actor though.

AR, he screams internally. AR! Help!

“Would User Ajax like to purchase the ability, All The World’s A Stage for 25 SP? It grants the User enhanced acting ability up to three uses. Duration one hour per use.”

Yes, yes, buy and activate!

“Understood. All The World’s A Stage has been purchased. Activating the ability in 3…2…1…”

Ajax feels a rush of tingling power flowing down his body from the root of his hair all the way down to the tips of his toes. Sad, he thinks to himself. I need to act sad. Devastated? No, that’s a bit too much, but shocked for sure. Horrified.

Immediately he can feel those very same sets of emotions slam into his heart and oh. Oh, that hurts. His heart hurts. 

“Childe?” Zhongli asks, “Are you alright?”

“I – I don’t know,” he stutters out. “What you just – that’s a lot and I’m trying to – ” He shakes his head, a hand reaching over to rub at the spot where his heart is. “Rex Lapis is dead?”

The serene expression cracks and Zhongli reaches out, placing a hand on Ajax’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, Childe. I know you wanted another opportunity to meet him.”

“I – just. Who could’ve done it?” he asks, his voice quiet. “Rex Lapis was a god. How is that even possible?”

Perfect. Ajax thinks to himself. Now, disbelief.

He needs to sell that too for the sake of his future mission to release Osial. He needs to convince Zhongli that he’s not entirely sold on the idea of Rex Lapis’ death in order to make it make sense why he would release Osial to flush out the real Rex Lapis.

I am a fucking genius, Ajax thinks to AR. Witness this pro-gamer move.

“Very good, User Ajax,” AR answers with only just a slight hint of exasperation.

Zhongli seems to want to guide him to the conclusion that more is at play because he says, “the Qixing were interrogating all those who attended the Rite. Word on the street is that someone escaped. The Qixing are calling that person the assassin but…”

“But?” Ajax probes.

“As you said, Rex Lapis is a god. One who has never relinquished his power.”

“…So how can a mere mortal kill him? The more I think about it, the less any of this makes sense.”

 “Yes. I quite agree.” Zhongli pulls away gently. “Given the heightened tension outside, perhaps it is best if you remain at home for a couple more days in case the Qixing become overly suspicious.”

“They’re going to come knocking on our door, aren’t they? Given the thing with Barbatos…”

“They might.”

They do that very evening, though this time, when Zhongli and Ajax go to answer the door, it’s to the sight of two Millelith and, of all people, Secretary Ganyu.

“Good evening,” Ganyu says with a slight bow. “I apologize for interrupting your evening, but we would like to have a word with Mister Childe, specifically about what happened today.”

Childe nods. “Okay. Yeah. Um, let me go get changed into something more proper –”

“No, no, you do not have to go to the Administrative Building,” Ganyu corrects. “It is sufficient for us to simply have a chat here. I do not anticipate that it will take long.”

Oh. That’s different. Did something happen to garner this change in attitude?

“Of course, please come in,” Zhongli says, stepping aside and letting Ganyu and the Millelith enter. “The living room is this way. I shall go prepare some tea.”

“Mister Zhongli, is it? There is no need, but thank you for your hospitality. I do not wish to take up any more of your time than necessary.”

“Alright then,” Zhongli says. “I shall retreat to my study. Please find me once you are done, Childe.”

“So, Mister Childe,” Ganyu begins once they have seated at the living room. The Millelith remain standing behind Ganyu, but their stances are noticeably relaxed. “Would you mind telling me where you were between the hours of 8 o’clock and 16 o’clock today?”

“I was at home.”

“You didn’t venture out at all?” she asked, surprised. “Today was the Rite. It was the one opportunity to see R –” her voice breaks, and she clears her throat. “To see Rex Lapis.”

“I didn’t want to risk it, not after the last, uh, interview with the Qixing.” Ajax shrugs. “I figured that I should stay put this time around and that there’s always next year if I wanted to see Rex Lapis.” He grimaces. “Looks like that’s not going to be the case, huh?”

The room descends into an awkward silence. Ajax tries not to fidget with the sleeves of his sweater but it's so hard when Ganyu is, for some reason, looking at him all tender and sad, her eyes shining with sympathy.

W – why is she looking at me like that for? Ajax asks AR. She’s looking at me like I lost a loved one!

“I am sorry that you didn’t get to see Rex Lapis one last time,” she says. “I’m – I’m sure he would have wanted you to be there.”

Not really? Zhongli was the one who told Ajax to stay at home.

“I don't know about that,” he says instead, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t think a random foreign dignitary mattered all that much to him…but I wanted to be there.”

“No, that’s not true at all,” Ganyu insists with a fierce shake of her head. “Lord Rex Lapis wanted you.”

Another awkward silence stretches out between them.

What do you want from me, lady? Ajax screams in his mind. I gave you all the answers you wanted. Why won’t you just leave?

“…If you say so, Miss Ganyu,” he says instead. “Is there anything else you would like to ask?”

“No, we’re done here.” She gets up and brushes the wrinkles from her clothes. “Thank you for your time, Mister Childe. Please know that for as long as you stay in Liyue, you will be safe. That is what Rex Lapis would have wanted. And that is the least that us Adepti can do for our Lord Lapis to honour his last wishes.”

Last wishes? “Ah…okay? Thanks?”

They shuffle to the door, but just as Ganyu is about to step out, Ajax calls out, “Wait. Miss Ganyu. I have a question if you please.”

She pauses. “What is it, Mister Childe?”

“If you don’t mind me asking, where is Rex Lapis’ body? I want to – uh – go visit. To pay my respect.”

Not really. He wants to know if the Qixing kept the body in the Golden House like they did in Genshin Impact 1.0. Also, he wants to take a closer look to see those antlers up close and personal.

Her expression turns pained and sympathetic once more. “I am so sorry, Mister Childe. That information is confidential. However, if you would like to provide some sort of tribute or offering, I am happy to take it there for you.”

Well, fuck. Looks like that question’s a bust. And now, he has to prepare some sort of offering, or else he will look like a real ass. “I would love that, Miss Ganyu. Thank you.”

With one last goodbye, he watches her leave and closes the door behind him.

“What was that all about?” he mutters out loud.

He doesn’t have time to ponder the weirdness of the visit (or the weird expression that crossed Zhongli’s face when he had recapped what happened with Ganyu). Shortly after dinner and Ajax’s nightly performance, Zhongli comes knocking on Ajax’s bedroom door.

“My apologies, I should have sorted these earlier today,” he says when Ajax opens the door to let him in. “There is a letter for you.”

“Thank you.”

“I shall leave you to enjoy the rest of the evening in peace. If you need anything at all, feel free to knock on the door to my study.”

Ajax quietly shuts the door behind him before looking at the envelope more carefully, but he thinks he knows who it’s from. After all, how many people in Teyvat actually write to him?

“Another letter from Tonia,” Ajax says.

A ping sounds out. “What does Character Tonia have to say?”

Ajax sinks into his chair before his desk and carefully pulls out the letter, unfolding it to read the pretty cursive of his not-sister’s writing.

Overall, it’s a sweet letter filled with excitement and happiness to hear from her brother. (Ajax would be lying if his heart didn’t hurt when he processed that line.) She received the gifts and loved all the goodies she got. The young brothers Anthon and Teucer (another pang, stronger this time) also love their toys. The rest of the letter is filled with questions about what Liyue is like and whether he’s been on any adventure as of late.

Then, Ajax gets to the last part of the letter, below his not-sister’s signature. There’s a little blurb there written in a different handwriting with letters that are sharper and more slanted. Written in a more mature hand:

Thank you for the headache medicine, son. Stay safe in Liyue.

Love,

Your father

Ajax puts the letter away and leans back against his chair, groaning low and pained as the ache in his heart flares and flares and flares.

The fucking father wrote back. Great. Just what he needs. More complications and another healing scab being ripped right open.

“What have we gotten ourselves into, AR?”

He’s met with silence.

“AR? You, uh, there buddy?

More silence. Then, a ping sounds out. “I – that is – why did he – why would he – ?”

Ajax frowns and sits up. What the actual fuck? “AR? You doing okay?”

“I – My apology, User Ajax. I seem to be experiencing some sort of…disruption to my processes. I – I should be alright now.”

“You sure? You don’t sound so hot, buddy.”

“Y – yes. Yes. My processes are being stabilized. Please do not worry about me.”

Ajax snorts. “Of course, I’m going to worry about you. You and me, we’re in this together.”

“Thank you, User Ajax. Your kindness means a lot.”

“Hey, we’ve gone through enough bullshit together. You can drop the ‘User’ and just call me Ajax, you know. Unless it’s against your parameters or if you don’t want to. Completely up to you.”

“I don’t mind,” comes AR’s response. “There is no such parameter where I have to call you ‘User’ either. Alright then. Ajax, it is.”

“Great,” Ajax says with a weak smile. He glances at the open letter and shakes his head. “How about we call it a night? Let’s deal with this tomorrow. Given the insanity that we have coming up, something tells me that we will have to pace ourselves to preserve our energy.”

“I think that is a wise decision, Ajax.”

Extra I: Ganyu

The news of Lord Lapis’ death hits her like a hammer blow to the chest.

“No, that is impossible,” she says, but Lady Ningguang wouldn't lie, let alone when it comes to something so serious. “Lord Lapis cannot – how did it happen?”

“We don’t know,” Lady Ningguang says, her voice quiet and sympathetic. “The summoning went perfectly but when Rex Lapis appeared, he was already…I’m very sorry, Secretary Ganyu. My interactions with Rex Lapis have been brief and they have always occurred at an arm’s length, but I know you have a longer history with him. I can’t begin to imagine your loss.”

“I should have been there. Had I stayed in Liyue Harbour, maybe I could have stopped this horrible thing.”

“Please do not think for one second that it is your fault,” comes Lady Ningguang’s stern response. “You were running errands for those who decided to take the day off to enjoy the Rite. You were singlehandedly propping the Qixing up. Out of everyone, you are least at fault.” Her expression gentles and she sighs. “There is not much we can do now except finding the truth of what happened. For now, we have stored Lord Lapis’ exuvia in the Golden House and have placed it under heavy guard. We have also sent the Millelith out in search of the mysterious stranger who escaped Yujing Terrace. Please take the rest of the day off and rest.”

Rest? How can she even think about resting at a time like this?

“Please. There has to be something that I can do to help.”

“I was afraid you’re going to say that,” Lady Ningguang mutters. “If you insist, then there is one task I can ask you to do. We are speaking to different suspects, ranging from those who attended the Rite to those who may have a motive to be a threat to Liyue. One of the persons on that list that we haven’t gotten to yet is the Fatui Diplomat Childe of Snezhnaya. I know you have previously mentioned that he should be classified low on the suspect list by orders of Rex Lapis but, well, better safe than sorry.”

Diplomat Childe! Oh no. He is – was – and Rex Lapis’ had loved –

“Please, let me talk to him!” she blurts out.

“He’s all yours.” Lady Ningguang gives her a look. “After your talk with Diplomat Childe, take the rest of the day off. Please.”

Armed with two Millelith beside her (though their presence is completely unnecessary. Ganyu can more than take care of herself), they arrive to the handsome abode listed in the file as Mister Childe’s temporary accommodation.

It is not lost on her that this abode belongs to one Mister Zhongli, consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour. Although she has only interacted with the man once or twice, and very briefly at that, the mortal has left a deep impression on her, one that exudes elegance, grace, and intelligence. He is a learned man, a virtuous man, one who clearly cares deeply about Liyue’s history, culture, and people, so much so that he alone has the know-how to remember the ceremony required to bury the Adepti. It is no small wonder that he is so well-respected in Liyue Harbour.

Rumour has it that he and Mister Childe are…

Which is more than a little awkward considering Rex Lapis has the intention to claim Mister Childe as his mate. Ganyu had meant to speak to Lord Lapis about this; had meant to warn him that his chosen mate may have already entered into a committed relationship with another mortal, but she had never found the right moment to speak up.

Now, she supposes that that is no longer a problem.

She knocks on the door.

It opens a moment later to reveal Mister Zhongli with Mister Childe beside him. Both of them have obviously changed into something casual without the expectation of receiving any guests. Mister Childe, especially, is in a large shirt and soft pants, a far cry from the tailored, detailed outfit he’s seen sporting on a day-to-day basis.

He looks…young. Younger still now that he’s stripped of his finery. And soft.

Is that what had attracted Lord Lapis to this mortal? The dichotomy between strength and softness seen in this youth? Lord Lapis has always appreciated unusual and rare things, after all. His preference for people is the same.

“Good evening,” Ganyu says with a slight bow. “I apologize for interrupting your evening, but we would like to have a word with Mister Childe, specifically about what happened today.”

Mister Childe nods with an air of resignation. “Okay. Yeah. Um, let me go get changed into something more proper –”

“No, no, you do not have to go to the Administrative Building,” she corrects. “It is sufficient for us to simply have a chat here. I do not anticipate that it will take long.”

“Of course, please come in,” Mister Zhongli says and gestures for her and the Millelith to step inside. “The living room is this way. I shall go prepare some tea.”

Ever the gracious and virtuous man. “Mister Zhongli, is it? There is no need but thank you for your hospitality,” she says. “I do not wish to take up any more of your time than necessary.”

“Alright then,” Mister Zhongli says. “I shall retreat to my study. Please find me once you are done, Childe.”

They settle onto the seats in the living room across from each other. The room is tastefully decorated with fine red-wood furniture and beautiful silk banners. A room that screams of quiet wealth and dignity. It’s very appropriate for Mister Zhongli.

By contrast, Mister Childe, in his soft, loose clothes, seems to stick out. But he doesn’t seem to mind at all. He doesn’t spare his surroundings another glance. Clearly, he’s gotten quite used to everything already.

“So, Mister Childe,” Ganyu begins, tucking her observations aside. “Would you mind telling me where you were between the hours of 8 o’clock and 16 o’clock today?”

“I was at home.”

Oh. That’s…not what she is expecting at all.

“You didn’t venture out at all? Today was the Rite. It was the one opportunity to see R –” her voice breaks then. She takes a second to compose herself and continues. “To see Rex Lapis.”

Mister Childe shrugs with a frown. “I didn’t want to risk it, not after the last, uh, interview with the Qixing,” he answers, his voice soft. “I figured that I should stay put this time around and that there’s always next year if I wanted to see Rex Lapis. Looks like that’s not going to be the case, huh?”

Oh. Now, Ganyu just feels wretched. Mister Childe had wanted to go but had it not been for that interrogation…

Perhaps that is the best. Mister Childe is spared from the sight of the broken body of Lord Lapis lying on top of the altar.

Had circumstances been better, however, “I am sorry that you didn’t get to see Rex Lapis one last time. I’m – I’m sure he would have wanted you to be there.”

“I don't know about that,” Mister Childe says timidly as he rubs the back of his neck. “I don’t think a random foreign dignitary mattered all that much to him…but I wanted to be there.”

Nothing can be further from the truth, and Ganyu says it as much. “No, that’s not true at all. Lord Rex Lapis wanted you.”

But judging by Mister Childe’s answer, it begs the question, does Mister Childe even know that he had captured the heart of Lord Lapis? Was Lord Lapis ever going to tell him?

Or maybe, Lord Lapis had been planning to court the mortal slowly.

Lord Lapis had been so happy at that meeting with Mister Childe’s sleeping form curled against him. So very, very happy. And Ganyu can see what that happiness would look like further into the future. Yes, she can picture perfectly how Lord Lapis and Mister Childe would spend their evenings sitting together in a living room, not unlike the one they are currently in, enjoying each other’s company. Or maybe, they would enjoy the serenity over a shared meal and some tea, or over some light music. If Mister Childe knows how to play an instrument, Lord Lapis would have enjoyed that. Lord Lapis do – did – love his music.

The knowledge of what could have been hurts.

“…If you say so, Miss Ganyu,” Mister Childe says after a moment of contemplative silence. “Is there anything else you would like to ask?”

“No, we’re done here.” She gets up and brushes the wrinkles from her clothes. No use in getting maudlin here. “Thank you for your time, Mister Childe. Please know that for as long as you stay in Liyue, you will be safe. That is what Rex Lapis would have wanted. And that is the least that we Adepti can do for our Lord Lapis to honour his last wishes.”

Lord Lapis had chosen Mister Childe as his mate. Lord Lapis had asked the Adepti to keep Mister Childe safe. Ganyu heard Lord Lapis’ last wish loud and clear. She will honour it and, she suspects, so will all the other Adepti.

She’s guided to the door and she’s just about to leave the house when she hears Mister Childe call out, “Wait. Miss Ganyu. I have a question if you please.”

“What is it, Mister Childe?”

“If you don’t mind me asking, where is Rex Lapis’ body? I want to – uh – go visit. To pay my respect.”

Oh no. She can’t even give Mister Childe that.

“I am so sorry, Mister Childe. That information is confidential. However, if you would like to provide some sort of tribute or offering, I am happy to take it there for you.”

Mister Childe nods.  “I would love that, Miss Ganyu. Thank you.”

It really is the least she could do. But perhaps, once the truth of Lord Lapis’ death is uncovered, she will reach out to Mister Childe once more and let him say his goodbyes properly. It’s what Lord Lapis would have wanted – a last chance to have his would-be mate by his side.

Chapter Text

Part XXVIII. Dust To Dust

With the Traveller officially sent off to carry out her mission, Ajax is left with some free time to continue his prep for life after his faux-death. He hoards more resources and mora, pinching them here and there from the Northland Bank and stashing them in AR’s inventory like a squirrel hiding a stash of acorns.

“Okay, I got clothes, money, food, weapons, random travelling gear, the ukulele – oh wait, can I fit my guitar in the inventory? No? Too big? Aw, shucks. Looks like I might have to leave it in an external stash – ”

A soft chime sounds out, and it startles Ajax out of his inner musings. “Ajax, you should consider building up a collection of sigils.”

“Oh, shit – AR! Hey, buddy, you doing okay? You’ve been a bit quiet these past few days.”

AR has gone radio silent ever since they answered Tonia’s letter and, speaking of, what an awfully weird experience that was. Ajax had to try really, really hard to ignore his burning need to confirm that the game decided to use his stepfather as a stand-in for the character (given Tonia’s last name ‘Rybakova’ and all). He only managed to stop himself from digging when he realized that ignorance is bliss and that becoming attached to doppelgangers that share his original family’s faces was probably not a good idea for his mental health.

But he digresses. He and AR answered the letter with something politely generic and utterly unmemorable and then AR went completely radio silent, only answering Ajax’s questions with simple, short sentences. AR had never been a talkative or bubbly guy, but this was a bit concerning.

“I am fine. Thank you for asking,” comes AR’s predictable answer. “I’ve just been experiencing more minor hiccups as of late but things have stabilized for now. Please do not worry. Despite my quietness, I will still perform my tasks perfectly.”

“Okay. I’m glad that things are going alright even if I have zero idea what you mean by hiccups…”

But in all seriousness, should Ajax worry? Even if he does, it’s not like he can do anything to help. He has zero idea how AR even works or the powers behind the whole system and transmigration thing.

“They’re little interruptions. Perhaps minor data corruption. Nothing serious, just micro flashes of images and sounds here and there before dissipating entirely. I have made a record of those incidents already and am keeping track of them to see if there is a pattern of behaviour.”

“AR, has anyone ever told you that you’re a super reliable guy? I’m sorry that I can’t be of any help with these hiccups but I’m glad you’re on my side.”

“Ajax is kind. I too am glad to be of service.”

With the problem shelved for now, Ajax turns his mind to the sigils as AR had suggested. He debates about how to spin his request for more fake sigils from the Dottore without sounding suspicious and he wracks his brain trying to come up with a subtle excuse.

And then, he remembers that he’s supposed to be Tartaglia; so, he tosses all that aside for something much more direct.

“Need more sigils to test out during glorious battles. Liyue shall be bathed in blood. Make as many as possible.”

It works. The Dottore answers his call with 50 sigils carefully stashed in a strange, glossy onyx box and a note written in his spidery writing.

Dearest Lord Tartaglia:

I am absolutely delighted to hear that you are putting my little inventions to good use. I hope this box finds you well; the carrying case is yet another one of my brilliant inventions meant to contain the adeptal energy inside lest such a high concentration of energy escape into the wild with unpredictable consequences. With that said, I would like to remind you to only test a few sigils at a time, no more than four or five at once. We wouldn’t want all that adeptal energy to be detected or to cause some sort of catastrophic result during what should have been small, innocuous tests!

I have ordered my minions to produce many, many more so you should be receiving re-occurring shipments every three days or so. Happy testing, though do try to leave Lingju Pass alone; I am doing important work there and shan’t be disturbed.

I look forward to hearing about your success. Please inform me of any unusual effects you may experience, especially given your unique constitution.

Yours very truly,

The Well Born Baron Il Dottore

Ajax wrinkles his nose in disgust as he tends to do whenever he receives Il Dottore’s letters. “Your unique constitution? The fuck does that mean? Like my weird Abyssal Taint effect?”

“Status update. MAIN MISSION Objective (2). Number of talismans duplicated: 58/100.”

“Halfway there. Nice.”

Still, to try to answer his first question, he pulls up his status page. Hm, nothing out of the ordinary. The Abyssal Taint status effect is still ongoing, though the text has remained the same shade of faded gray as it has been for a while now, so nothing’s changed there. He’s rather glad that that’s the case. He’s recently had to stop praying to “Rex Lapis”, what with his death and all, and has switched to making offerings to Liyue’s Adepti and to Celestia as a whole. He’s not entirely sure who received his offerings but at least it seems like his efforts are working. He still prefers to pray to a more specific deity though but eh, beggars can’t be choosers.

Ajax swipes to the next tab to see his Battle Gauge section. Predictably, everything is set to zero with the text for Foul Legacy Transformation still locked.

“One of these days, I’m actually going to figure out just what the fuck this is,” he mutters to himself before dismissing the window altogether.

With his preparatory work a work in progress and with nothing else left to do, Ajax is firmly prepared to take the next couple of days easy by spending his time indoors with Zhongli. He’s been avoiding going outside as of late. With Rex Lapis’s “death”, the streets of Liyue Harbour are filled with a sense of uneasiness and fear so palpable that Ajax can taste it in the air every time he ventures outside for a stroll. The streets are quiet; cheerful conversations that once filled the air have gone muted as the few stragglers out and about flit from one destination to another, trying to get their tasks done so that they can escape back into the safety of the indoors. There are those who remain outdoors for their work, like merchants and the Millelith, but even the former who are typically loud with their advertising have opted to keep a close, wary eye on their customers rather than openly calling out their wares.

As for the Millelith, nothing has really changed. They continue to stand guard with stony expressions. There are a lot more of them now, though.

So yeah, to say that things are a bit tense is a bit of an understatement and Ajax, being a Fatui diplomat, knows that he sticks out like a sore thumb -- so it’s best to keep his head down and carry out the rest of his mission.