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No one knew how old the Witcher named Zhongli. He was roaming around the continent for god knows how long. Yet he was famous for one thing, that is his contracts. Those who ask for his help would be presented with a piece of paper made by magic. Details of his job written with his delicate handwriting, the monster, the cost, the duration, and the employer.
Zhongli would always follow the terms with no fail. He would not work unless he has a contract.
On the other hand, Venti the bard was known all throughout the continent for his blessed songs. His voice is like an angel, soothing. His stories differ from each kingdom from love stories to heroic adventures. But the famous piece is a story of a boy who reclaimed the freedom of their country from a tyrant ruler.
Venti’s songs inspire those who listen to him with their heart. A traveling bard of freedom, never staying in one place to spread his song.
They met like many others. The witcher saved the bard from a monster who almost killed him.
Venti was mesmerized at first sight. He has never seen a Witcher before, but surely, Zhongli is the most beautiful man he ever met.
Sharp and piercing amber eyes, brown hair swept back in a ponytail yet its tip is glowing in the same hue as his eyes. Tall and slender yet strong enough to fight a kikimora thrice his size.
Zhongli on the other hand was curious, how this bard trusted him at first sight, jumping to his side the moment he appeared. How he never cowered at his touch, unlike others.
Aqua green eyes that hold so much life and a voice like a siren that lures him in. Small yet have so much energy for fun.
The witcher remembered what he heard before searching for the kikimora. The infamous bard whose voice and tales known to the whole continent was in the kingdom he was in.
Maybe his songs can help him, help him get some sleep.
“Must you stare that much, bard?” Zhongli’s voice was stern, and there was a hint of annoyance. The bard only laughed.
“I must, so I can take on your appearance wholly.” The taller man stopped making fire and looked at his companion. Venti only smiled grabbing his lyre. “How can I tell your stories if I cannot describe you truthfully?”
“Do not include my story in your songs, bard.”
“Venti. This bard’s name is Venti, dear witcher.” He plucked a tune out of the lyre and smirked, “Your heroism deserves a song~ So, may I know the name of the person who saved me?”
“Saving you was a coincidence, we have no contract to say you have to pay me.”
“A contract? Ah, then you must be Zhongli! The witcher who requires contracts.” The witcher did not reply and the bard started strumming. “And I insist, the wine and money do not compare to what you have done for me.”
True, saving one’s life can never be paid for by mere drinks, yet Zhongli was surprised when the bard he saved pulled a bottle of wine from his bag. Venti will always have two bottles of wine in his travels, the only true companion for him. He chugged the bottle he was holding before continuing with his questions.
“Say, does all witcher have glowing hair? And your eyes, they said your kind has golden eyes, yet yours are amber in color.” He smiled when Zhongli looked in his direction. Those sharp eyes piercing his aqua green pair.
“Do bards talk this much?”
“Depends,” Venti chuckled, “I only want to know more about you. Is that wrong?”
No answer.
“Then I should give you a song to test out.”
The bard started singing, eyes closed. He sang a tale about a traveler who saved seven cities to find his little sister. Zhongli stared at him and took in his appearance and was in awe by how the birds and small animals started to appear by their side, lured by Venti’s voice.
“Must you stare that much while I sing, witcher?” Venti stopped and smiled, “How was it?”
“Not bad.”
“But the way you stared says so otherwise?” They look at each other for one whole minute, a wordless conversation passes through their eyes until the witcher gives up sighing.
“Just come up with something that I can sleep with.”
Venti gave him a bright smile and started strumming. His tune and words combined soft and calming yet tells a story of a certain witcher who saved a bard from kikimora without his contract.
Zhongli listens and soon fell asleep. Venti smiles, his payment is done.
The witcher wakes up with no companion by his side. It does not matter, but he must thank the green-clad bard for such peaceful sleep. Maybe he'll say it, next time they’ll meet.