Chapter Text
Lady Ningguang walks briskly through Liyue harbor, ignoring all the strange stares she is getting. She’s rarely seen in public, unless there is an event, and she always has security trailing her around. This time though, she was asked to come alone, and considering her current state, that does not sound like a horrible idea.
For the past 3 days, her eyes have been glowing. So have her nails and the tattoo that adorns her left leg. They glow for short periods of time, about 10-30 minutes each time, and that too, in pulses that match her heartbeat. The glows also have triggers; for example, her tattoo is more likely to glow after she uses her vision, than not using it at all. Her eyes and nails glowed a few times while she was concentrating hard, discussing plans for Liyue with the other Qixing.
Lady Keqing noticed this and took her to Doctor Baizhu. Even though he didn't know what to do, he offered a sum of money in request to research her. Although she loved the idea of gaining more mora, she wasn't going to trust Baizhu. Besides, this was a serious matter considering THE Lady Ningguang. If anyone's going to research her, it's going to be someone more trustworthy than Baizhu.
Keqing's concern grew larger. She decided to ask Ganyu to advise her. But her conversations with Ganyu were fruitless. It's clear to her that Ganyu was hiding something. Many of the common folk were gossiping about how Ningguang was possessed by the soul of Rex Lapis. Ganyu proposed this idea to Keqing, who wasn't stupid enough to believe it. Knowing Ganyu, Keqing knows that Ganyu didn't actually believe in that stuff. Fine, she can keep her secrets.
Ningguang hated these Rumors. She knows for a fact that she isn't "possessed." She has a hunch that Hu Tao started this rumor, to promote her business. Not that she can blame her, for Ninguang has done her fair share of questionable business tactics as well. She knows that as she's walking– almost sprinting on the roads, that this only further confirms the rumor, as she usually walks, carrying grace and elegance. Whatever, she can talk to Hu Tao once she reaches Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, since that's where the note told her to go anyways.
The note was written on a yellowish half-torn paper. It said:
*********************
Meet me at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor
Do exactly as I say
Ask for the consultant
If they don't tell you, do not fret
I can sense you
Do not bring anyone with you
Do not tell anyone about this
Just believe me and I will explain everything
About what is happening to you
And about what you'll become.
Signed
The Consultant
**********************
Wow. What a creepy ass letter.
She didn't really believe the note, but this was her last hope. It was the consultant, Mr. Zhongli, who wrote this note after all. But the note was so unlike him; it was written in short phrases unlike his usual long rambling. She knew it was Zhongli and not an imposter though, as no one else has that fine handwriting. She didn't know what to think of Zhongli; he was a beautiful man who was extremely knowledgeable in all subjects. He was also incredibly broke, which Ningguang could never imagine being. Never again at least. His resemblance to Rex Lapis was uncanny; if anyone is possessed by the soul of Rex Lapis, it would be Zhongli. Not her!
But still, Zhongli was trustworthy, despite having connections with Fatui. As a successful business woman, and one of the most highly positioned women in Liyue, she trusted that she knew who was trustworthy, and who wasn't.
Mr. Zhongli was trustworthy.
She bursted through the door of the funeral parlor, with her face covered in sweat, ruining her perfect makeup. Not being too used to the hot sun and walking so fast anymore, her body almost collapsed before she caught herself on a nearby railing. She pants for a dozen seconds or so before she finally looks up at the Director sitting at the front desk.
"Well if it isn't Rex Lapis himself– or should I say herself?" said the pesky Director. Her eyes had a blooming flower in them, a flower that blooms full of mischief.
"Director Hu, I must ask you to cut it, as I know you know that I am not Rex Lapis," Ningguang replied. A woman of her status can't lose her cool in public.
"Oh please Rex Lapis, I can keep your secret! I gave you the best funeral and that practically makes us best friends right?" Hu Tao's expression looks as innocent as ever, but Hu Tao was a good actor after all. She has to act serious and not emotional at all each time she sees crying customers who have lost a loved one.
"I swear to Rex Lapis you need to stop acting like this or else I will get you fired," Ningguangs eyes narrowed in on Hu Tao. "I'm looking for the Consultant, do you know where he is?"
"I'm only telling you if you admit that you are Rex Lapis," Hu Tao teased and stuck her tongue out. Ningguang needed to find the Consultant before something started glowing again. Despite how ridiculous this is, she has to do it.
"Alright, fine, I am Rex Lapis." A lot of people stared over. That was a mistake.
"Louder~"
"I am Rex Lapis," she said again, louder this time. Each time she says it, she gets more and more embarrassed.
"Great, now Rex Lapis, tell us about how pleasant the funeral we gave you was!" Hu Tao was persistent. Ningguang regrets ever coming here. Due to how utterly embarrassing this is, Ningguang turns a deep red color, clenches her fists and grinds her teeth.
"Fine, the funeral you gave was, it was, umm," for the first time in ages, Lady Ningguang was lost for words. How was she supposed to describe a funeral that she didn't experience firsthand?
Hu Tao glared at her with a menacing smile as Ningguang continued to stutter. She was supposed to say that the Funeral was splendid!
"Come on, Rex Lapis, tell us about the funeral, perhaps you are lost for words, don't worry we–"
"Master Hu."
Hu Tao was interrupted by a deep voice which was as steady as stone. Ningguang was instantly relieved. Thank Rex Lapis for allowing Mr. Zhongli to appear at the perfect timing. She wasn't the only one who thought that.
"Ah, my dearest consultant, perfect timing! Come on and bow down to the one and only Rex Lapis," said Hu Tao, gesturing to Ningguang.
"Master Hu."
"What? Don't tell me you don't believe Lady Ningguang is Rex Lapis, Zhongli, you have to trust me! I know a Rex Lapis when I see one!" Hu Tao was starting to get nervous, as most people started to mind their own business now.
"I must talk to Lady Ningguang in private, with your permission," said Zhongli.
"Ooh~ you finally found a date old man? Unimaginable that you have a chance with the beautiful Lady Ningguang, rumored to be Rex Lapis, you lucky dawg!" Hu Tao's teasing has no bounds. If Ningguang wasn't already embarrassed, she turned an even brighter red. She doesn't necessarily like Mr. Zhongli, but he was gorgeous enough to make anyone swoon, even her. Except for Hu Tao apparently. It turns out that Hu Tao sees Ningguang as a bigger catch than Zhongli. Ningguang takes pride in this.
"I'm afraid that is not the case Master Hu," at this point, Ningguang is finally able to make eye contact with the two, only to realize there was a dust of pink Zhongli's cheeks as well, "we are here to discuss important matters, now if you could please just leave us alone."
"Okay okay, enjoy your date lovebirds~" said Hu Tao one final time before leaving.
Zhongli sighs as he leads Ningguang to a meeting room. He cannot deal with that child.
"I'm terribly sorry about that Lady Ningguang," he starts, "anyways, let's skip the formal greetings this time and get to the chase."
"Agreed," Ningguang said with determination in her eyes.
"So,” Zhongli hesitated for a second, “ I am Rex Lapis.” He took in a deep breath, uncertain about the reaction he would receive.
"I suspected, but I was sure you were dead," to Zhongli's surprise, Ningguang showed no surprise. She hid it perfectly. But really, she was thinking whether or not she should get on her knees and pray.
"Wait but how?" He asked.
"It was blatantly obvious," she replied. Ah. For a god of contracts, Zhongli was never too good at lies but he thought he did better this time, especially since even Childe was fooled. Other people never really observed him much, but apparently Ningguang did. Zhongli sighed and looked down before looking up again and continuing.
"So, you know how I retired right? But Liyue always needs an Archon," he started, worried about how Ningguang might react. It is not his wish, but it is necessary. "I sincerely apologize, I didn't think it would happen this early."
"Get to the point," Ningguang cringed while saying that; she didn't mean to sound so rude, especially not to Rex Lapis.
Zhongli sighs a second time, "well, Teyvat has chosen you to become the new Lord of Geo."
"If you are just here to waste my time, save yourself the trouble as everyone always does that. You aren't even Rex Lapis are you?" Ningguang started to storm out.
"Why would I lie, you have to believe me," Zhongli replies with desperation, "I can prove it."
As Ningguang was just about to step out, she turned her head back quickly, almost breaking her neck. "How? Prove it then."
It was time to do something embarrassing, but once you live for 6000 years, it isn’t anything you aren’t used to. "Alright, then don't look," he said.
Ninguang turns around, secretly peaking. It's not like he was going to change right now, she just wanted to make sure he isn't just tricking her.
Zhongli started to remove his uniform, for the sake of not tearing it apart. He ruffles his head a little, freeing it of the clasp behind, and lets his horns out. After he removed his uniform fully, he let out a small tail, still keeping his legs. The tail was still large, but nothing compared to it in his true form. Scales appear around his neck, his shoulders, and a little up his back. A faint resemblance of the Geo symbol appeared on his belly, uneven because of abs. It had the slightest glow, pulsating to the rhythm of his heart, but it would’ve glowed brighter if he was still the Geo Archon. He hadn't done that in a while; it felt so refreshing. Quickly, he grabbed the tablecloth and wrapped it around his waist, as pants would be too uncomfortable in this form.
“Alright, you may look now,” he said with a deep rumble, unknowing that Ningguang has seen everything. Ningguang didn’t know what went through her; she isn’t usually the type to disrespect someone’s privacy. Even when Zhongli– no– Rex Lapis stripped, she didn’t look away. In the name of Rex Lapis, literally, she has sinned. It wasn’t even a random man; it was the almighty Rex Lapis! She slowly turns around, too embarrassed to look him in the eye, but tries to anyway.
“So, do you believe me now?”
“Yes, please forgive me for ever doubting you,” she somehow manages to say. She was too busy staring at his bare abs and chest.
“No worries, oh and one more thing: you looked, haven’t you?” Zhongli regrets asking that the moment he did, but he was too curious.
“Of- of course not!” she stammered, caught off guard, “How, how did you know?” She should probably get down on her knees and beg for forgiveness.
Zhongli looked down, blushing a bit, “Otherwise, why would you be flustered?” He cursed himself for bringing it up, making things terribly awkward.
“Ahem– anyways, what do you want me to do about being the Geo Archon?” Ninguang attempted to change the conversation.
"Right, about that, first you will both have to introduce yourself to the other archons, and introduce yourself to the rest of Liyue. Don't try to hide your identity as it will be too much of a burden, especially since your lifetime has been extended," he said, "oh, and don't forget about the Adepti. Whenever you are ready to introduce yourself to the other archons or the Adepti, just inform me and I will accompany you, but you must introduce yourself to the rest of Liyue alone." He steadied himself and tried not to think of the incident that just happened.
"So I have no choice, is what I'm hearing correct?" She asked this with a serious tone, despite her sorrow. To start with, what she just heard was an overload of information, especially for a mortal. Furthermore, she doesn't want to give up her current title. She doesn't want to give up her relationships. Mostly, she doesn't want to give up her identity, as Ningguang, the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, as a human. The more she listens, the more she wishes this is just a dream, which is highly likely.
"I am sorry, Lady Ningguang, but this is Teyvat; there are no choices for the powerful," Rex Lapis said with regret.
"No, I refuse, I apologize, Rex Lapis, but I don't have it in me to do–" she was cut off mid sentence.
"No, Teyvat chose you because you are the only one who has it in them to do the duty of the Geo Archon," his voice got louder, "you have to do it, and if you don't, Celestia will make you," his former authority creeps up on him.
"I, I understand," she muttered, with tears streaming down her face. Anger began to form within her. “But why, why couldn’t you have just waited a few more centuries to retire, so that someone else could do it when I’m dead? Because you are just so damn lazy?”
"Take your time, this isn't a simple thing to process. Get some rest, and we shall meet again in two days," Zhongli did not give a proper response.
"What? You know what, never mind. Goodbye, Rex Lapis," Ningguang said before she dashed out the door, wanting to go back home. Will she even be able to live in her home after she fully integrates into the Geo Archon? Zhongli lives in his home, so why not her.
Zhongli lets out a constipated sigh as he returns back to Hu Tao.
"So, how was your date, Rex Lapis?" she asks.
"You've heard everything, haven't you," Zhongli was taken aback.
"Yes, even the moment where Lady Ningguang peeped at you hehe, I could write a romance novel," she said. She doesn't care if he's Rex Lapis or not.
"I-I'm going home," he does not want to engage further; the moment was already embarrassing as it is