Chapter Text
"I get that Liyue is beautiful and peaceful and all," the young Harbinger stated, poking at his Fullmoon Egg with a fork .
"But like, that's really all to it right? It's too quiet and there's not really much going on." He paused for a second.
"At least Liyue citizens should be able to turn into stone or something, I dunno. Maybe even eat stones."
Zhongli did not raise a nation for 3700 years to have it be called boring .
And to be asked if his people, of all things, ate stones .
"Is that so?" He replied, sipping his tea. He realized his posture is tense and truly he shouldn't be as... frustrated as he is. But he's planning to retire, and it would leave a bad taste in his mouth if the person who will be providing the attempted downfall of Liyue, did not at least be knowledgeable of its culture and splendor.
Eat stones .
"...How long are you staying in Liyue, Childe?"
"Hm? About 6 months or so."
"Let us make a contract then."
---
Zhongli surmised that the redhead sitting in front of him in Liuli Pavilion was the Harbinger Signora sent to:
"Cause havoc," her mouth had wretched into a frown. "He's a bit... too upfront compared to most of the other Harbingers, but well, that has it's uses. For your plan he's the perfect pawn."
Signora stood up to leave and he asked her where she was headed. She scowled.
"I'm in charge of the more troublesome, less negotiable archon."
Oh, so she is in charge of Barbatos.
"I'll be back to collect your gnosis though. It was good working with you, Rex Lapis."
--
"In 6 months," Zhongli stated, "If you still do not find Liyue to your liking, then you may ask one wish from me."
"I wouldn't know what to ask of you,"
"You may take your time to decide till then."
"I see you really take the whole contract thing seriously huh?"
"It is what Rex Lapis taught us to do."
Zhongli is still not used to referring to himself in third person, but this would not be the first time he's done it over his expansive lifetime.
(And he will continue to do so, even more so, from now on.)
Childe shrugged, "Hm. What's in it for you though?"
"The satisfaction of knowing that a foreigner enjoyed their stay in Liyue and saw its majesty," Zhongli answered punctually, doing his best to not betray the pride in his voice.
The young man in front of him blinked, a slight grin curved up on the corner of his lips.
"Alright. Do your best to convince me then, Zhongli xiansheng. It's a promise."
--
A week after the initiation of their contract, Zhongli met with Childe in the outskirts of Nantianmen.
His guest whistled, "You do have me. This is indeed an interesting spot to take someone for a trip in Liyue. In that it's nowhere actually in the city. A trip through the natural landscape first huh? I’ll take it."
Zhongli simply walked forward through the wetlands with a spear in hand. Wind billowed through and gingko leaves swept past him. He breathed in and allowed the scent of the mountains welcome him home, the land of the adepti.
"I thought it would be more logical to introduce you to something that is more to your liking before presenting the more intricate parts of Liyue."
"Oh? And what is more to my liking?" Childe followed.
"I understand that in your line of work for the Northland Bank, you have many debts to be collected. However, from the rumors, for the likes of yourself, I cannot imagine that to be anything stimulating since your targets are... businessmen or mostly normal citizens."
"...True. It seems you have done your research, xiansheng, but what does that have to do with us being out in the middle of nowhere?"
"The peace of Liyue is delicately maintained. Many factors from the people such as the adepti to the common folk help to keep Liyue safe."
"From what, pray tell? Things like...?"
Zhongli thrusted his spear downwards, "This." A rumbling echoed through the ground- and a hoard of Geovishap exploded from the ground.
"I would imagine cleaning up some monsters would be more interesting for you."
Childe’s eyes widened. He laughed and manifested his bow with a battle hungry glean in his eyes, "Well, maybe we can understand each other a little. You surprised me!"
As they defeated the vishaps with ease, Zhongli noted the lacking finesse of the Harbinger. His posture was crooked, and he put too much force in each pull. A few times he swore he saw Childe throw the arrow instead of properly shooting it. But his movements and positioning were that of a combat expert's, easily contrasting his clumsy technique.
When they finished, Childe called out towards Zhongli, "What was that? And here I was thinking you were just any office consultant!"
Said consultant merely released his summoned spear, "You should not judge a book by its cover."
"You've definitely had me fooled by your cover that’s for sure. Who would have known that such a put together gentleman could fight the way you do.” Childe replied with sharp interest.
“And not a single speck of dirt on you. I’ll admit I’m slightly intrigued by what you have in store now.”
Over the first month, Zhongli took his guest to numerous monster camps where the Harbinger delighted in combat against numerous opponents. Though it was when they fought the Pyro Regisvine, did Childe finally pull out his Vision to display his true skill. A few slices from his hydro daggers and a sweep from his polearm made the floral beast drop and shrivel into the ground in a matter of minutes.
"So you have been hiding your skill this entire time."
Childe only smiled sheepishly, "I’m actually the least adept with the bow. If I don't practice using it, I won't get any better, yeah?"
Zhongli stared at him pensively, but decided to nod in agreement in the end. To study all forms of weaponry to advance one’s martial skills is something Zhongli as a martial god could understand.
One time they even came across a Fatui camp. Zhongli prepared to avoid it (maybe place a report for the Millelith later of their activities) before his guest charged in.
Clearly Zhongli had entirely mistaken how much bloodlust the Harbinger had if he was willing to go attack his own men.
" Cause havoc ," Signora's voice reminded him.
Oh dearest Tsaritsa, what sort of mortals are you raising?
The consultant wasn't quite sure what to do, so he walked to step in as Childe gleefully shot volleys at his own allies.
However, he noticed that Childe was putting much less force than usual compared to how he treated the monsters they slayed and expertly avoiding vitals- as much as he probably could considering his technique with bows.
Zhongli was about to question Childe's actions after the Skirmishers seemed thoroughly beaten, but he heard Childe say, "Nice work. Though you guys need to be more cautious about ambushes.”
So it was surprise training? Zhongli could only sigh and follow behind Childe as he continued to provide tips for the soldiers.
"Although the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor does not normally deal with foreign clients, I was beginning to worry that I may have needed to plan their funeral reports.”
Childe laughed at the statement, "So even the seemingly serious Zhongli xiansheng can crack a joke! But really, do you not take me for the kind to hold back? I have some form of self restraint I'll have you know."
"I'll have that noted for future references then."
"Please do! I enjoy battle, but I’m not quite that terrible."
(Zhongli forwent submitting the report to the Millelith- at least until the Skirmishers recover from their wounds.)
--
The most troublesome battle they fought was when they entered the Oceanid's lair. Zhongli was initially against it, but Childe only delighted in such a challenge.
"It's a being of pure water. Your hydro vision will do nothing of sorts to hurt her."
"Fascinating! All the more reason to practice my bow technique, don't you think xiansheng?"
With such confidence, Zhongli wondered if this would be a chance for him to witness the Tsaritsa's Delusions upfront and see Childe’s...
No,
Tartaglia’s true power.
...
It was a mistake.
In the end, Zhongli had to carry the battle while protecting Childe for the majority of the fight, casting shield after shield while the Fatui boy shot dinky arrows. It was a bit difficult to maintain his strength and not go overboard with archon power so the fight dragged on as a battle of attrition.
"We will not be doing that again," Zhongli asserts, completely drenched.
Childe could only laugh apologetically, wringing out his scarf, "Admittedly, I bit off more than I could chew this time."
"Quite." Zhongli is beginning to question whether or not this contract was truly worth what he was going through.
"And you know..."
Zhongli notices an odd glance from the Harbinger.
"I didn't expect you would shield me."
The archon then realized that was the first time he had shielded Childe instead of just himself in their hunts.
"And, if anything, thanks to that fight I now also know what I want from you," the normally dull color of Childe's eyes grew darker, his devouring deep.
"Although there seemed to be a struggle, I felt like you were not going full out. And that was a difficult battle.”
Zhongli grimaced internally. Perhaps he did not hide his power as much as he thought he did.
"A fight. You will fight me with your full strength if you lose."
An expected proposal for his mistake.
"I accept."
--
It was around the 2nd month when they truly fell into a routine of lunch meetings. Or to be more accurate, the lunch routine fell onto them .
After all, it's not everyday teenage girls find themselves in Zhongli's lap.
"To be fair, I bet this is a common occurrence for you," Childe had stated, grinning while helping the girl off of him.
"Girls falling on top of me? I beg your pardon, but there certainly has not been many."
Zhongli, Rex Lapis, Morax could count on his hands how many times in his 6000 years where girls had fallen on him.
"Ignoring the fact that your statement means that this isn't the first time happening- which is ALSO hilarious- but what I mean is not falling literally on top of you. Girls falling for you- cause you know," he gave Zhongli a quick wave, "Your looks ."
Zhongli frowned. The consultant knows he himself has a particular taste in appearance, but he presumed he had fashioned his human shape in a mostly unobtrusive, non-girl-falling-on-top-of manner. Barbatos had stated that he was too modest with his clothing and should show more skin- but that drunkard bared his midriff and wore shorts with a singular thigh high so he never took his opinion to heart, or anywhere near a 6 foot radius geo barrier.
"Is there, an inadequacy in my appearance?"
Childe coughed, "NO! I mean, have you turned around and seen you’re a-"
"OH I AM SO SO SOOO SORRY ZHONGLI XIANSHENG!!!" squeaked the girl. Ah, he didn't notice it was Xiangling, daughter of the Wanmin Restaurant owner.
For some reason Childe had turned around, covering his face.
"GOSH AHH I was just trying to collect some violetgrass above and I slipped so thank you so SOOOO much for catching me but- how do I make this up to you?!?"
"Oh it is quite fine, you had simply dropped onto me. It was no-"
"A FULL COURSE MEAL ON THE HOUSE!!"
Oh that is a fine deal. Xiangling provides the most unique cuisine in Liyue.
"If you would not mind, I would take up the offer if it was your cooking."
"Oh absolutely!"
It would be a pity not to accept.
But Zhongli was, and for now still, is the God of Contracts. And he needed to be fair.
"We will collect the ingredients you need."
The young chef's eyes gleamed, "You will?! Wow, thank you so much!"
So there it was, what started Childe's and Zhongli's lunch gatherings. What was a hilichurl camp hunt became the two men sitting across a simple table, being served some of the finest dishes in possibly all of Teyvat.
Childe was about to raise his hand for a fork but Zhongli placed an arm over his.
"Since you are going to live in Liyue for some time, it is best to learn how to use chopsticks."
The Snezhnayan blinked, "Ah. I guess that is true."
"I will teach you how to use them."
He had said. But despite Childe's talents with weaponry, it seemed it did not translate to eating etiquette.
He stabbed a dumpling with his chopsticks.
"Sorry, it'll probably take me some practice. This is..."
He waved his makeshift hammer, the dumpling as the head and the chopsticks as the handle.
“I’ll get better at this, I promise!!”
"Take your time. It is important for understanding Liyue gastronomy since it is a large part of our culture. For example..."
Finally-
"We do not eat stones."
Finally, after a bit over a month, Zhongli had the proper chance to illuminate the ignorant Snezhnayan foreigner. He will take this time to thoroughly educate his guest, answering all foolhardy but innocuous inquiries as needed about Liyue cuisine.
Childe's face was blank. But then it became... mirthful?
"Zhongli. Zhongli xiansheng," he was trying not to crack a smile.
"Did you...? Did you not realize I was joking the first time we met?"
...
..
.
He can hear Guizhong laughing at him.
“Impressive, Morax.”
Glaze lilies bloomed in panoplies all throughout Guili City. Morax’s arms were covered in scratches and Guizhong gently bandaged his arms.
“I do not see how my failure in holding a cat could be considered… impressive.”
“I mean it’s impressive how bad you are with delicate things.”
“... still I do not see how this warrants a compliment.”
“You poor thing, the sarcasm flew right over your head didn’t it?”
“What is a sarcasm? My reflexes are quick and I would have caught it.”
"I," Childe wheezed, suppressing a laugh, "Oh Archons, I-"
Zhongli had accidentally jumped to conclusions.
"I'm so sorry, ah, my brother-" Childe is full on laughing now. "He told me to ask that as a joke, so I asked for him- but I didn't expect someone to answer that! And especially not from someone-"
Zhongli pressed a palm over the Harbinger’s grin.
"Please Childe... for my sake do not speak anymore.”
They ate the rest of the food in a rare case where Childe did most of the speaking, bringing up topics of his work and asking for Zhongli’s expert opinion on how to deal with various debt collecting problems the Northland Bank has.
“I trust your judgment, xiansheng has proven to be well versed in many subjects after all.”
During most of their excursions, Zhongli was the one bringing up topics and educating the younger man of Liyue’s long history in its terrain. He was thankful for it today, as he felt awkward after the realization, but Childe kept tossing him cheeky glances throughout their meal.
A rascal this one.
From there, the routine began. Somehow they got themselves roped up into helping Xiangling more to trade for meals, and became regulars at Wanmin, visiting a few times a week.
They also happened to visit other restaurants such as Xinyue Kiosk and Liuli Pavilion. It was a reasonable change of pace from their typical monster hunts. They were much quicker, much cleaner, and definitely much more peaceful. Slowly, but surely, they found themselves eating out more often than fighting. At first Zhongli was worried Childe would dislike the shift, but although Childe was a battle hungry warrior, he seemed to be quite content with simply accompanying him to meals.
“You promised me a tour right? I wouldn’t want to lose out on this deal so I’ll experience as much as I can which includes the cuisine.”
“Although,” Childe pulled out his wallet, “I’m still rather shocked by your bad habit, Zhongli xiansheng.”
Zhongli sighed and apologized, promising to pay him back in full later. It was really unfortunate, that despite being, as he believed, fairly practiced in being a mortal, that he did not truly understand mora. He understood that a currency for trade is important, but the act of carrying mora itself around is just not a habit that has stuck.
Childe laughed, however, and told him to consider this part of his payment for the tour and that the Fatui are financial investors of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor anyhow.
He then added, “Or just think of it as a favor from a friend.” His expression was the usual wide grin, but his normally dull eyes had a hint of a spark.
Zhongli frowned since this was not part of the contract, and he could not take the mora without something to return to him. He will have to figure out something proper to give Childe as compensation.
The reality was, Childe had paid for practically every meal they’ve ever had, and although Zhongli is aware that the Harbinger’s salary is plentiful and that the Fatui are indeed financial sponsors of the funeral parlor, it was still a burden he didn’t wish to force upon Childe himself.
It’s reached the point that even when he’s eating out by himself, the staff would simply smile when he stated he forgot his mora and told him the Fatui diplomat would be charged in his stead.
“Don’t worry Zhongli xiansheng! Childe had already paid in advance for you for today,” Xiangling exclaimed while thrusting dishes onto Zhongli’s table.
And before Zhongli could retort, she asked him to taste test her dishes. He could only oblige.
“Thank you for your patronage! Tell Childe hello for me!”
Zhongli dabbed his mouth with his napkin, “Have him come himself. If he is paying I would like for him to be enjoying the food along with me.”
The chef squeaked an “oh”. She paused for a second before grinning from ear to ear. “Of course! I’ll tell him for sure.”
The consultant left the restaurant confused, but with a full stomach.
The next time they met at Wanmin, Zhongli found Childe sputtering something as Xiangling skipped away from their usual table. Were they talking about something?
Zhongli asked him, but only got a bit of mumbling about “advice” before he snapped his chopsticks in half.
The look Xiangling gave Childe was filled with glee. As she got him a new pair of chopsticks, Childe gave her a murderous gaze that Zhongli thought was strikingly similar to Xiao’s when someone steals his almond tofu.
But the young chef only stuck her tongue out before she was called out by another customer.
“Xiansheng, I have been a very good Fatui diplomat Harbinger. Can I get one free kill?”
“No.”
Something else Zhongli worried at first about during their meals was that he tended to dominate the conversation. Childe interjects occasionally and comments but Zhongli did most of the talking.
“Childe, I apologize. It must be boring hearing me talk all the time.”
“Oh not at all!”
“But I insist, anything would do. It is not fair for you and I want to hear more about you.”
“Hm, does xiansheng finally have some interest in me?” Childe smirked as he sipped tea.
“Of course.” They are friends after all. “I’ve been interested in you for quite some time now.”
Childe spat the tea out.
Zhongli went to grab some napkins to wipe the table.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes, I, o-OKAY, what topic do you want to hear?” Childe wheezed while also helping Zhongli clean the table.
“Hm? Well let’s see… how about how you received your Vision?”
Zhongli’s back was toward Childe so he didn’t see him flinch.
“As you know,” Zhongli clarifies. “Vision elements follow the ideals of their archons. In particular, Hydro Visions are known to be the most noble of all. They say the Hydro Archon only gifts these Visions to those who’s ambitions are adjacent to seeking justice, to correcting wrongs.”
Childe only smiled that smile with dull eyes.
“Unfortunately Zhongli, who reveres his lord, would not understand my ‘justice’ even if I explained it.”
“Ah,” Zhongli opened his palm to Childe who gave him the wet napkins. “You are mistaken about that. The truth I suppose is that I do not revere Rex Lapis, exactly.”
Childe was stunned, “You… don’t? That doesn’t make any sense. You follow his laws perfectly. I don’t think I’ve met anyone who is as devout to Liyue tradition as you.”
“Hm, how do I say this,” Zhongli drops the napkins in the trash. Ah, speaking from the perspective of a mortal is still bizarre.
“I would say I respect his ideals, and I know he puts Liyue first. He will do anything to protect his nation, but I do not believe people should have blind faith in him. So while I follow his laws, I believe mankind should take matters in their own hands because the gods cannot always guide them. I have high respect for people like Keqing who question Rex Lapis and strive to surpass him.”
He smiled, remembering the Yuheng’s outburst during his Rite of Descension 2 years ago. He will gladly hand Liyue to hard workers like her who just want the best for the nation.
Childe pondered, “I see, I’m baffled we see eye to eye on this. Once again you’ve proven to me that you’re full of surprises. As you said, archons shouldn’t be idolized.”
“I believe it is now my turn to be confused. Shouldn’t you, a Fatui Harbinger of the Tsaritsa, of all people revere her?”
“There’s a difference,” Childe attempted to grab a clump of steamed egg with chopsticks.
“Ah, you should just use a spoon for that.”
“Oh thank the archons.”
Zhongli mused, “Now didn’t you just say you didn’t revere the archons?”
Childe rolled his eyes before faking hurt and chomped down on steamed egg (that he scooped up with a spoon), “You think you’re so clever xiansheng? Geez, and here I was thinking you were here to listen to me talk. Not make snarky comments about my rhetoric.”
Zhongli smiled, “I apologize, Childe, for my commentary. Please continue.”
Childe continued to slurp up his eggs just to make a point, “As I was saying, there’s a difference. I respect her, not revere her. I do not serve her because she is an archon, but because she has proven to me she is worth fighting for. She earned my respect as a warrior and we have common goals that I wish to see through.”
Childe didn’t need to elaborate what must be their common goals, but Zhongli can surmise as much. He knew of her plans, after all. But for what sort of life did Childe live to feel this way? To rise up the ranks to become one of the Tsaritsa’s highest order? He had no clue.
Childe huffed, “Truly this is a sacrilegious conversation. Let’s change topics shall we? As much as I’d like to fight an archon, being smited while having lunch isn’t an ideal way to go about it!”
Zhongli agreed and they continued dining.
(It was until later that Zhongli realized that he never got to hear Childe’s story of how he got his Vision.)
--
Another habit they picked up in terms of dining was to meet up beforehand. The first time Zhongli left the front doors of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and found Childe leaning on a pillar, he summoned a geo pillar almost launching the Fatui Harbinger into the air- if he wasn’t, well, a Fatui Harbinger.
“HOLY CRAP, well Zhongli xiansheng I know you are very kind so you wanted to give me my fight early, but if I were a normal person I’d be dead!! Is this how you treat anyone trying to walk you to dinner?”
Zhongli dissipated the pillar, “Ah- I apologize. I didn’t hear you at all and reacted upon instinct. Most people who mean me no harm do not conceal their presence.” Naturally this was an ability that an assassin like the man in front of him would have. “Are you hurt?”
Childe placed a hand to his hip. “I did mean to surprise you, but didn’t expect quite such a reaction! But don’t worry, something like that wouldn’t be able to hurt me. You better not be looking down on me after all this time, xiansheng.”
“Of course.” He knew fully well. “But hm? Walking me to dinner?”
“I mean, Wangsheng is on the way to Wanmin from the Northland Bank after all,” he scratched his cheek. “You wouldn’t mind spending a little bit more time with me passing through Liyue nightlife would you?”
“I see. And no, I don’t mind.”
“Well lead the way, my dearest tour guide. You know the streets better than I.”
Zhongli questioned, “Have you not been here for long enough to navigate them?”
“Like the back of my hand as you? Not anytime soon,” Childe retorted with a lazy grin.
“Now come come, we have places to go and things for you to monologue over,” he got behind Zhongli and pushed him gently forward.
Zhongli frowned, “I do not monologue.”
“Right, and I don’t like battle!”
And with that, they arrived at Wanmin together, Xiangling giving a wiggle of her eyebrows while Childe expertly ignored her. Whatever was the reason for their exchange, Zhongli had no idea. But from experience he could tell they were friendly with each other, and so he simply let them be.
But some things should not be let be.
Which happens to always be the case with Hutao.
Inevitably, the director caught wind of Childe waiting for Zhongli after numerous meetings.
“I didn’t know you were into Harbingers, Zhongli. Is this how we’re actually getting our funding from the Fatui?” she asked once when Zhongli was opening the shop while she looked out the window.
He pinched the bridge of his nose, “We have… an arrangement of sorts. It is not of the romantic kind.”
“ Please . I see him pick you up on Tuesdays and Thursdays.”
“We meet on Saturdays as well.”
Hutao gasped, “No. Way. Oh so you’re serious about this.”
“I told you it’s not what you are thinking,” Zhongli frowned. “We have a contract.”
Her mouth dropped, “So like forced dating? Tell me, my consultant- what is he bribing you with? Wait actually don’t answer that we both know the answer is mora. I’m so sorry for asking. How could I forget your horrible spending habits.”
The unfortunate reality is that she’s not entirely wrong.
“I’m right, aren’t I? I know I am.”
“A riveting proposal.”
“You know? If your tone were any drier, you’d bring Sumeran deserts to shame.”
“Then it would behoove you to stop your shameless accusations. It’s frustrating that I must admit that… indeed he is paying for me-”
“ I’m telling Xingqiu ,” she whispered in a scandalized tone.
“I beg your pardon, I don’t see how Xingqiu has anything to do with this.”
“He’s been in a writing slump, I’ll send him your way for material.”
“You will not.”
She doesn’t. Luckily. But Hutao meeting Childe was also something Zhongli wished would never have happened.
Naturally, that meant it did.
Hutao greeted Childe from her office table when he came over to pick Zhongli up. Ever since the two met, Childe was permitted entrance within the building to the dismay of the staff and some of the Liyuen locals. Though with time, the judging stares became stiff but begrudging acknowledgment. Meng, infamous for his scaredy-cat nature, even gave Childe a slight nod once before scurrying off to do paperwork. It was a small improvement, but an improvement nevertheless. Considering the Fatui’s reputation, this was no small feat. Zhongli could not help but feel a little proud of Childe.
(Although he worried that the Harbinger may have simply bribed them.)
“Wow! Look, it's my favorite Fatui diplomat! How’s it going?”
“Hello my second favorite Wangsheng Funeral parlor worker! Going splendid, actually.”
“Tsk, well it can’t be helped. Being second to Zhongli is good enough for now.”
Whether or not it was a good thing, they hit off ridiculously well. Perhaps their morbid senses of humor aligned, much to Zhongli’s chagrin.
“Did you hand out the discount coupons to your debtors? It’s a really good deal! 50% off memorial plaques when the cause of death is Northland Bank adjacent.”
Childe laughed heartily, “I tried offering the deal, but the last guy was cowering in fear the entire time so I only managed to slip the sheet onto his dining table.”
Hutao pouted, “Archons, well that’s better than nothing. And it’s honestly such a sale! Hey, how about an offer to you too since we’re partners?”
“That won’t be necessary. Although my job can be dangerous, I am adamant about surviving till the end.”
“Oooh confident aren’t ya? How about this. A deal for in case you get offed from debt due to my consultant here spending all of your mora,” she waved at Zhongli.
“...Do not drag me into your conversations.”
Childe sniffled, wiping a fake tear away from his eye, “You’re right. Maybe I do need a deal for the day Zhongli xiansheng bleeds my wallet dry.”
Zhongli blinked, “Childe, you did not tell me that you were in financial struggle. I was under the impression that your gifts were of insubstantial monetary consequence to you.”
“Ah,” Childe straightened up, “Don’t worry! I was kidding. The Harbingers are paid handsomely.”
Hutao rolled her eyes and whispered something that sounded like “simp”. Surely he was mistaken though, since that was not part of his vernacular. He will have to ask about it later, but for now Hutao is shooing them out of the funeral parlor.
--
3 months, they have reached the halfway point of the contract. They visited more parts of Liyue city, and Zhongli found Childe talking more freely about his family. He didn’t realize it at first, but it became more obvious with time.
There was a time when they were browsing the streets, or more accurately, Zhongli was, while Childe watched closely beside him, when a bunch of children bumped into them.
(Childe was standing close enough that their shoulders were touching. How did Zhongli not notice that?)
“It’s you! The evil Fatui man!” one of them cried. Oh, it was Little Fei. And following him were Little Meng and Little Lulu with brooms in their hands.
Zhongli smiled softly to himself. He remembered when their parents and grandparents were children. A hundred years ago, Lulu’s great grandfather was also a remarkable general in the Millelith who received a badge of honor for his service. When asked what award he would want, Lulu’s ancestor only asked for his lord, Rex Lapis, to remember his sacrifices for Liyue and to look after his wife and daughter, protecting them from harm. Zhongli promised, and sealed it with a contract.
“Oh no! You found me,” Childe faked anger. “Drat, if it weren’t for you meddling kids I’d get away with robbing this gentleman.”
The shopkeep that they stood in front of gave a worried glance before slowly shoveling some of his merchandise behind the counter.
Childe noticed. “Ah. I didn’t mean you,” he pointed at Zhongli. “This gentleman. The really handsome one.”
The shopkeep looked increasingly confused. He rubbed his bald head self consciously.
Zhongli gave Childe a questioning look before the Harbinger whispered, “Bear with me.”
Lulu noticed him leaning close to Zhongli and gave him a whack on the head with her broom. “Don’t move! Any suspecting, uh, sus-sustaining, that big adult word…”
Zhongli provided, “Suspicious?”
“Oh yeah! Sus piss something! Any suspiss activity will be reported to the Millelith!” she exclaimed proudly.
Childe gave Zhongli an apologetic glance. Fei noticed this and whacked Childe as well with his own broom.
“Ow,” Childe provided helpfully.
The Harbinger breathed in, “Curses! My plans are foiled again! It can’t be helped so I will be escaping!” He grabbed Zhongli and started running away. “I’ll be baaaaaack!” He yells back at the kids.
Zhongli was still confused, but he ran along with Childe through the Liyue streets. The day was sunny but was chilled with a crisp ocean breeze. The citizens of Liyue continued their daily lives and Zhongli watched. While some gave passing glances, most simply ignored the pair.
Perhaps , Zhongli thinks fondly, the two of us have become normal to them as well .
And as much as they, the Geo Archon and Fatui Harbinger have become normal to the lives of these Liyue citizens, Childe, too, had become normal to the life of Zhongli.
They finally stopped running when they reached the harbor.
Zhongli exhaled, “What was that about? Why were the children attacking you?”
Childe was panting but laughed, “Sorry. I’ve been playing make believe with them recently.”
“So you played as the Big Bad Fatui that they fight?”
He grinned, “Yep. I’m quite the actor right? Although, I’m much more used to playing the dashing knight more so than the villain.”
“Oh?” Zhongli was curious. “Who did you play the dashing knight for?”
“Ah, that's my little sister, Tonia,” he said sheepishly. “I’m sorry for getting you strung along with all that. I met them a few times before and they’re super convinced I’m some great evil that needs to be defeated. It’s super cute, really, so I can’t help but play along. Honestly seeing them kind of reminded me of my younger siblings…” He trailed off.
Zhongli watches him. He looked far into the distance. It’s the same expression as the one Ganyu wears sometimes, during the rare periods when she found herself free from work where she would look off to the mountains in the west.
“You’re homesick, aren’t you?”
The look on Childe’s face remained. “Yeah. Yeah I guess I am.” But he turned to Zhongli, the corners of his lips curling upwards.
“But at least, I’m with you.”
Childe’s expression was unreadable.
Zhongli remembered then, that their hands were still interlocked. Childe notices as well and quickly pulls his hand away.
“Ah, yeah! We still have some browsing to do, so let’s be on our way, shall we?”
The consultant agreed, and they headed off on their way.
--
They visited the bookhouse once and Zhongli told him if he was interested he could buy some of the books here- with his recommendations of course.
“Yeah but, honestly I like to hear the stories directly more so than reading about it,” Childe had shrugged, flipping through a book on the first series of Rex Incognito.
How fitting.
“Are you more of a listener perhaps? Maybe instead you could try visiting Tea Master Liu Su. Although I do admit he has, habit of telling tall tales…”
Childe snapped the book close, “Maybe, but really I just like listening to stories from you.”
Zhongli was surprised. His expression must have been funny since Childe chuckled.
“Is it that strange? Your voice is very relaxing xiansheng, I could listen to it all day. And the way you talk about history feels… very natural. Like you’ve been there, lived it.”
Zhongli froze mentally. Was Childe catching onto who he is…?
“Are you perhaps calling me old?” He deflected.
Childe’s eyes widened, “NO, no no… actually you sort of remind me of my dad- NOT LIKE THAT I DON’T THINK OF YOU LIKE A FATHER FIGURE!!”
Jifang, the bookhouse boss, glared at Childe and pointed at the store notice. He utters a quick apology to her.
“You’re just,” Childe continued to flounder, but quietly, this time, “at least here, in Liyue, someone I can relax around?”
He breathed in, “When I was younger, my dad took me ice fishing and when we waited, he always told me legends of adventurers. And when I hear your stories… I just sort of remember that same feeling. I enjoy your company, your stories a lot. They remind me of a simpler time when I was just a boy who had big dreams. The stories of adventures and heroes who go out to save the world.”
Zhongli looked at the man in front of him. How did he forget? Although he was the Fatui Harbinger that he was going to use to enact his plan, he was also a person. Over the time he has known him, Zhongli has gotten to learn of the young man, someone who fought with glee but still cared for his agents and treated them with respect. Who was charitable and listened to his long hour lectures attentively. Who cheerfully talked with children and protected their dreams. Who shared his views on the ways of the world in hopes that mankind can take destiny into their own hands. Somewhere along the line, Zhongli had found a friend in the man that was sent to destroy his city.
Oh.
Oh, Childe had become someone important to him.
Sometimes, he dreams of Azhdaha.
“Zhongli?”
“I,” Zhongli uttered slowly. “I enjoy your company as well. You are dear to me.”
The one who had broken the contract was him when he harmed Morax’s people.
“I care about you.”
His words meant more for another to hear.
But contracts cannot be used to define friendship, nor measure sentiment.
So just what can we use to measure the weight of our emotions?
Why?
Why was it really I the one who betrayed you?
He did not pay attention to Childe’s expression as he remembers pillars trapping Him, deep, deep, underground.
He feared if he looked up to see it, it would look like Azhdaha’s back then.
A few more months until the Rite of Descension.
Time will tell.