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From: Tartaglia
To: Wangsheng Funeral Parlor; direct to Zhongli
Zhongli,
It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Only joking, I know I only left a few days ago! Maybe a week or so, sometimes the Snezhnayan mail services are extraordinarily subpar. I think I’ll try to get this through Zapolyarny Palace’s mail system. The Tsaritsa must have good delivery services, yeah?
Maybe that’s overkill, but Snezhnaya is so boring. Liyue is warm, inviting, and interesting. Snezhnaya is… the opposite. No one talks to anyone except in business or threats, at least not in the capitol. So I might as well write to be with you in spirit! If you don’t want me writing to you, well, that’s too bad.
I must admit I didn’t expect to like those cakes you gave me at the harbor just before I left. They looked real strange. I have to say, they were delicious though! The rich custard in the center mixed with that crisp exterior… Simply divine, Zhongli! Amazing choice. Please send more when you get the chance. Plus, they didn’t require chopsticks to eat, which is a bonus.
I admit that I’ve only been back at the Palace for a day and am already missing your company. Everywhere feels strangely empty, despite having others around. It’s a strange phenomenon. Alas, there is not much I can do about it apart from hoping that I get assigned back to Northland Bank soon.
Please reply when you get the chance. Hope to see you soon!
Sincerely, Childe
From: Zhongli, courtesy of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor
To: Tartaglia, eleventh of the Fatui Harbingers
Childe,
Thank you for your letter. I admit it was unexpected; I did not take you as someone who would miss such a place as Liyue. You seem far more acquainted for the snowy trails of Snezhnaya, seeing as there is conflict brewing near indefinitely in your icy homeland. I know how much you enjoy a good fight.
I am glad you enjoyed the cakes. They have always been one of my favorites; a specialty that hasn’t changed for thousands of years. I have included another package of them with this letter; I do hope that they are as good as you remember, perhaps they will bring you back to Liyue just for a moment. I admit I know little regarding Snezhnayan cuisine; perhaps you would share some with me accompanying your next correspondence.
Liyue too seems quieter without the presence of a Harbinger. I have no doubt the Qixing are delighted by your departure, but the merchants and commonfolk you became friendly with do seem rather sombered by the lack of your interactions. You may work for a darker cause, but your existence brought light to a great deal of people. I cannot imagine what would have transpired should they have found out about your actions at the Golden House. Regardless, Liyue misses you as well. I do hope to find you at the Funeral Parlor for a visit over a cup of tea soon. We can resume your training in the art of chopsticks.
Sincerely, Zhongli