Chapter Text
“You are the intended victim of this case, so I have to ask you this.” The Overlord of the Vortex stared straight into Zhongli’s eyes. “Do you wish to press charges on Wei Ruiyu, Zhongli?”
Before he was able to answer, a figure stepped out of the shadows like a soul summoned by a chant. Her unforeseen arrival startled the Lord of Geo, even a god such as he couldn’t sensed her presence. Osial seemed as unfazed as a disappointed paying audience with his arms crossed and expression darkened. The lady walked ever so elegantly in a way that resembled a leisure strolling instead of an overthrown princess walking to the gallows. It’s Wei Ruiyu in the flesh.
“Good evening, Lord Osial, Lady Zhongli,” she bowed slightly, the thin smile on her visage was sweet…and ungenuine. “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation a while ago. It seems that my Lord is accusing me of a heinous crime that I might not commit.”
“...Wei Ruiyu,” Osial called her full name, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “I have all the evidence that singles you out as our culprit. Surely, you know what this means, don’t you?”
“I do, my Lord,” Lady Wei nodded. “If you believe that I indeed am, we may as well review everything at this very moment, no?”
Zhongli remained silent between the two, growing wary of Ruiyu’s demeanor. She’s plotting something, but the Lord of Geo still couldn’t figure it out. Who knew that Wei Ruiyu was such a wily character? He catched the Overlord throwing daggers at the suspect; she didn’t only challenge him, but also…betrayed him. Osial was the one who saved her from the villagers, brought her into Shenhai and gave her a comfortable life, a safe haven for she who was abandoned by her kin. And what did he receive in return? A deadly venom that almost took his life, a theft that almost ruined his relationship, and a suspicion that had hurt…his ‘Bride’.
Osial’s fists tightened, no one could tell if it was his emotional outlet or an attempt to suppress his murderous intent. He took a deep breath, maintaining eye contact with Ruiyu.
“Is this how you wish it to end, Ruiyu?”
Once he laid the evidence bare, it would be a one-way trip to the end. Her lips stretched into a soft smile— one belonged to a predator.
“That, my Lord, shall depend on fate .”
Zhongli casted a worried look at the ocean god, one which Osial quelled with a reassuring pat on his shoulder. It failed to complete its task however as the look stayed on his visage, the Overlord knew that only the ending of this chapter would be able to accomplish it. To top it off, he had put his reputation and position on line by accusing Wei Ruiyu; one mistake was all that needed to bring him down.
“Well, Zhongli, as the intended victim of both cases, you’re the one calling the shots.” Osial said. “Let me ask you once more: do you wish to press charges?”
The old him would answer this question with a ‘yes’ in a heartbeat, for there were only two colors in this world— black or white. But, his view of the world and its little inhabitants changed the moment Guizhong came into his life, introducing him to many colors in the form of the human society and mortals with their own behavior, belief and personality. A human that extended their hand to help didn’t always do it out of sincerity, likewise a villain that endangered a society was a hero to someone. Mortals were more complex beings and so he was hesitant in giving his consent.
On one hand, he knew there was a chance that Wei Ruiyu’s malicious intention would only bring more harm should he spared her now; yet this very woman had been following Osial for so long and before he came here, no one was hurt. Whether he’s the trigger or a catalyst, he didn’t know, but one thing for sure was that everything escalated because of his presence as Osial’s ‘chosen bride’.
It led into one conclusion of her motive: jealousy.
Love and ego are two prominent feelings of a mortal , Guizhong’s words rang in his mind, they could bring joy in the form of warm affection…and misery in the form of jealousy. I have watched relationships flourish from love and broken from jealousy, it is such an ugly emotion.
If it is ugly, why don't humans want to eradicate it , he asked. Or perhaps, they couldn’t?
The Lord of Dust nodded. They couldn't. The only way to ‘eradicate’ it is to…let go, Morax , her voice was quieter, and once they hold something or someone dearly, it is hard to let them go.
Zhongli stared into Wei Ruiyu’s eyes. At that moment, he understood, and his heart clenched.
She wouldn’t let go, thus this madness wouldn’t stop. He didn’t worry of the dangers that might follow him should he spared her, but desperation could drove someone beyond their limits and who knew who was going to be another collateral victim in future incidents.
He regretfully made up his mind, with these words, he sealed the fate of three:
“I wish to press charges on Wei Ruiyu, Osial.”
The lady laughed and laughed like a maniac, tears streaming down her rosy cheeks but Zhongli couldn't tell whether it was due to the intense laugher or...was she crying?
Osial called for his Chancellor through telepathy. “Wenji.”
Hydro particles swirled like a whirlwind nearby, bursting like a blooming flower to reveal the Chancellor. The woman bowed down to her master. “Wenji is present, my Lord, my Lady.” She didn’t even bother with the laughing lady, but she couldn’t stop her ears from catching the hysterics.
“Have everyone present in the capital be summoned to the Hall. We shall hold a trial against Wei Ruiyu without delay.”
“My Lord, are you-”
“Wenji.” His voice was deep and cold, his Chancellor knew better than to challenge his decision once his mind was set on it.
“...Your wish is my command, my Lord. I shall summon all the ministers and generals to the Hall of Everlasting Peace.”
Osial narrowed his eyes at the deep breath Wei Ruiyu took. “Ahhh~ My Lord, surely there is no need for ‘court sessions’, is it? This is not a place ruled by humanity, after all.”
This place is ruled by a monster who led a nation of beasts , as the villagers on the surface would say.
“You’re right.” Zhongli looked up at the other god who continued, “This place is ruled by who your kind calls a ‘god’, and ‘gods’ never need to be reasonable.”
“But,” Osial glanced at the Lord of Geo, smiling thinly at him, “ someone taught me that law and order are needed in a society, as both a guide and a teacher to those who live within. Even the beasts that live in the mountains still have their own ‘rules’. If I am to be unreasonable, I am but a being lower than said beasts.”
A group of guards marched into the garden, surrounding Wei Ruiyu like prison's living bars. The lady’s grey eyes never left her lord’s figure.
“...This is my last mercy for you, Wei Ruiyu. You earned it through your many years of service.”
The head guard bowed down to the Emperor and the Chancellor.
“Guards, escort Lady Wei to the detention room.” commanded Cao Wenji.
“Yes, Cao- chengxiang .”
The guards led the suspect out of the premises. Time seemed to have slowed down as the ocean lord and the lady crossed paths. Wei Ruiyu said not a word and so did Osial.
“My Lord, do you wish to have the other ladies attend the court?”
Osial contemplated the possible consequences before answering with a shake of his head. Cao Wenji excused herself and followed the convoy, leaving the two gods behind. Only when they were out of earshot was he finally able to sigh. The expression on his visage was that of…a mourning man. “Ruiyu, oh, Ruiyu…” he shook his head, “why would you walk down this dark path despite everything…”
A warm hand pressed onto his shoulder, caressing the area in a circle in an attempt to comfort him. Zhongli looked in concern. “Osial.”
“Ah…I’m fine.” He took Zhongli’s hand and wrapped it with his own. “Thank you for staying through it, Zhongli.”
“You’re welcome.” Neither these words nor the caresses could dispel the turmoil in the Overlord’s heart, he knew. What Osial wanted the most was the conclusion to this conflict chapter whether it’s for the better or worse. But for now, what he needed more is a brief respite that could clear his mind no matter how slight it was. “There’s still time before the trial, I shall brew some tea for you while you rest.”
“No need to trouble yourself further,” Osial scratched the back of his head, doing his best not to break his smile. “But, you’re going to insist that I need rest, don’t you?”
“You knew me well.”
“I might know you better than what you think I do.” Osial made his way hand in hand with his ‘bride’ deeper into the inner court.
“I am not surprised. We have been together for almost a year. I too have learnt a thing or two about you.”
“Oh?” Osial raised a brow, “What are these one or two things you have learnt about me?”
Zhongli was briefly silent before replying, “You’re a noble soul, Osial. Brave and kind, you always help those who need it and use your great powers for the good of the people. You respect and treat everyone the way they deserve to be. But…” he peered into the pair of aqua orbs as if searching for something in the depths of Osial’s soul, “you always force yourself to be strong in front of everyone, after all, you are the lord of this ocean— one who is the pinnacle of Shenhai’s might. For someone who sits on the top, weakness is not tolerable. This, I understand.”
“You carried many heavy burdens on your shoulders and like a seashell, you hid your woes from the world.” Zhongli stopped and stretched up his hand, tucking a few stray blue strands behind Osial’s ear. “But, all those who walk behind and by your side are willing to carry some of your burdens and your woes.”
“So…” Zhongli cupped the Overlord’s cheeks, his thumb stroking a line across affectionately, “remember that you’re not alone, Osial. You never have been.”
Osial closed his eyes and let Zhongli’s words sink in. The God of Contracts was right, but it was easier to say that. He knew everyone was there, ready for him. Xiao Ning, the late old man Ning, his trustworthy aides, the ladies of the back palace and…
“I am here for you, Osial.”
He opened his eyes and was met by an amber gaze; beautiful like that of molten gold poured over lustrous cor lapis.
Yes, he ’s here too— in flesh, by his side.
But, he wasn’t there when-
“Thank you. I’ll remember your advice, Zhongli.”
A rejection, was it not? Still, Zhongli nodded and retracted his hands away. Osial almost wanted to chase after that warmth but decided to reel in his desire. It left him completely in a few seconds, replaced by the cold touch of underwater sea breeze.
It’s alright , both of them thought at the same time, time is what we have in common .
Zhongli guided Osial into his chamber as his was the nearest and had the Overlord rest on his bed. The sea god laid down on his back, staring at the ceiling’s mural in silence. It’s proven difficult to have a nap with all the thoughts of the upcoming court spinning his brain like a boat trapped amidst a storm.
“Shall I play music that might help you relax?” Zhongli offered.
“Huh? You can play music too?”
The Lord of Geo chuckled. “Of course. I went through many kinds of training to be your perfect ‘wife’ before coming here, Osial. Streetward Rambler taught me a few songs that she felt you might like.”
Yet again, Osial blushed at the mere mention of ‘your perfect wife’. Well, he couldn’t blame himself for this natural reaction! And why did Zhongli put it in such a way that likened his adepti subordinates to chefs that were preparing a meal for a picky eater? …Not that he’s ever going to deny this one ‘meal’, wasn’t he? “Sure. I’d like to see how her abilities compare to the imperial musicians I have here.”
“Please wait for a moment.” Zhongli fetched a zither from the corner of the room and placed it on the low table. He sat on the floor, tuning the strings to a desirable tune. Osial laid on his right side, head resting on his right elbow as he watched the whole preparation going down. Deeming the zither was fit for performance, Zhongli started with a pluck of the fifth string.
Fingers glided smoothly across the silk strings, tapping down note positions while plucking the strings. A sweet melody wafted in the air, serenading its listener to tranquility. One by one, the troubling matters began to take their leave away from Osial’s head, replaced by images of the lakeside surrounded by tall mountains, sweet morning dew dripping down from the foliages, and the sparkling water surface as it reflected the soft sunlight.
A familiar sight.
He closed his eyes so as to be able to recall the images more clearly. Those memories were buried deep within his mind, but were never lost. He remembered a pair of hands scooping him up from the filthy, muddy ground; he could see that pair of golden amber eyes casting their gaze on him. So radiant as if the sun had split into two and fell to the earth.
He woke up from that unfinished sweet dream as the music ended, a shame.
“...We should head for the Hall now.” Osial suggested to which Zhongli agreed. The sheets rustled as he picked himself up from the bed, the door creaked gloomy as the couple stepped out of the room, heading for their next destination.
Before a storm, the sky darkened and the clouds towering. Yet, they were resolved in walking towards its eye. For when gods made their mind, not even cries and wails from the mortals were able to stop them.
— To Be Continued