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When it comes to funerals, Diluc knows the importance of top-quality services, and for that, he turns to Liyue’s Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. When one of his associates requires their assistance, Diluc agrees to help and heads to the Knights of Favonius headquarters. Standing at the doorstep, he takes a deep breath, steels himself, and knocks.
“Come in.”
Diluc enters to find Jean engrossed in her paperwork. She looks up, clearly taken aback by his unexpected visit. She sets her pen down and gives him her full attention.
“Master Diluc.”
“Acting Grandmaster.”
A brief silence hangs in the air, thick with unspoken tension. Jean breaks it first, her voice steady despite the unease.
“To what do the Knights owe this visit, Master Diluc?”
Diluc’s expression hardens as he replies, “One of my associates requires assistance with their funeral arrangements and has specifically requested Wangsheng Funeral Parlor from Liyue. I need you to formally request their help.”
Jean ponders this for a moment before responding, “I will see what I can do, Master Diluc. I’ll notify you as soon as I receive a response.”
Diluc nods in acknowledgment and departs. The request is directed to Hu Tao, but she is too busy with her duties as the Director. Thus, Zhongli steps in to handle the situation and extends an invitation to Mondstadt. The Traveler is asked to accompany Zhongli.
“Traveler, could you escort Mr. Zhongli to Mondstadt?” Jean asks.
“Why do you need Zhongli anyway?” Paimon inquires.
“One of Diluc’s associates needs assistance with a funeral. They requested help from Liyue, specifically from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Unfortunately, Hu Tao is occupied, so Mr. Zhongli is the only one available.”
“Well then, let’s leave right away, Traveler!” Paimon exclaims.
The Traveler nods, and the two set off. Hours later, they arrive in Mondstadt and head to the Knights’ headquarters. Upon arrival, Jean and Diluc exchange greetings and begin discussing the plan. Suddenly, the door bursts open, and Venti makes a dramatic entrance, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Well, if it isn’t Morax! To what do I owe the pleasure of seeing you in my beloved city?”
Jean and Diluc are visibly startled, their eyes widening in disbelief at the sight of the Geo Archon, whom they thought was no longer alive. Zhongli’s face darkens with irritation.
“Barbatos…”
With that, Zhongli and Venti dive into a spirited argument. Zhongli accuses Venti of irresponsibility, while Venti retorts with jabs about Zhongli’s so-called “retirement” and how he never informed him of his plans to fake his death. Their bickering escalates as they reminisce about past grievances.
“Pfft, you faked your death to retire? And didn’t even bother to tell me! Oh, is the old blockhead feeling envious of my freedom?” Venti teases, a grin playing on his lips.
“You wish, drunkard. At least I’ve managed my duties without leaving my city in neglect. And let’s not forget how you forged my signature to get out of a jam, Barbatos.”
“I had to handle the nation’s affairs, and you’re the last person to lecture me on responsibility! You spent half your time getting drunk and playing the bard while I was holding down the fort.”
“Ah, but I did it with style! You, on the other hand, brooded in your stone tower, missing out on all the fun. Besides, I wasn’t the one who nearly made a mess of Liyue’s geo energy with that reckless experiment of yours.”
“You were the one who drunkenly decided to serenade the geo statues at midnight! If you recall, that ‘experiment’ was a direct result of your actions.”
“I had to keep the people entertained! What was your excuse for all those long, gloomy speeches? Did you ever think of lightening the mood?”
“Lightening the mood? You were busy serenading the wind spirits while I had to deal with the aftermath of your antics. And speaking of, I haven’t forgotten that time you tried to play my role as the Geo Archon.”
“You mean the time you were so busy being ‘responsible’ that you forgot to actually enjoy being an archon? I had to step in just to save you from your own dreariness!”
Their argument spirals into discussions about Venti’s drinking habits and Zhongli’s brooding tendencies. As the two archons bicker, Jean and Diluc exchange bemused glances, their initial shock giving way to curiosity.
The Traveler, growing impatient, interrupts. “What have you done to Khaenri'ah?”
The sudden question brings the bickering to an abrupt halt. Venti and Zhongli’s faces, previously animated with argument, now shift to solemn expressions. The playful air that once surrounded them evaporates, replaced by a weighty silence. Zhongli’s eyes grow shadowed as he speaks with a grave tone. “The matters concerning Khaenri'ah are not to be discussed lightly. Such topics are forbidden, bound by agreements and oaths sworn long ago.”
Venti nods in agreement, his usual cheerfulness replaced by a somber demeanor. “Indeed. The events surrounding Khaenri'ah are shrouded in secrecy, and it is not our place to reveal details. We are bound by constraints beyond our control.”
The Traveler’s frustration peaks, their face flushed with anger and desperation. “You’re telling me that the fate of an entire nation is kept from us? How can you justify hiding the truth about what happened to Khaenri'ah’s people? As the original Archons, you must know more than the current ones. This isn’t just about us—it’s about the lives of countless people!”
Jean and Diluc exchange stunned glances, their shock palpable. Jean’s usually composed face reflects a mixture of disbelief and concern, while Diluc’s expression darkens with contemplation. Diluc’s mind races, connecting the dots between the forbidden knowledge and his own experiences. He begins to reflect on Kaeya, who is from Khaenri'ah, and the implications of what this revelation might mean for his brother. The weight of the situation begins to settle heavily on him.
Diluc’s eyes narrow slightly as he ponders the deeper implications. He had always known that Kaeya’s origins were shrouded in mystery, but now, understanding the gravity of Khaenri'ah’s situation casts a new light on his brother's past and the secrets he might be keeping. It feels as though the pieces of a much larger puzzle are finally starting to fall into place.
Jean, sensing the growing tension and realizing the gravity of the situation, suggests a pause to the discussion. “Perhaps it’s best to revisit this topic another time. The weight of this knowledge is clearly heavy, and it would be wise to take some time to process everything.”
The Traveler, though still frustrated, nods reluctantly. The room’s atmosphere shifts from one of heated confrontation to somber reflection. The realization that some truths are beyond reach hangs heavily in the air, leaving Jean, Diluc, and the Traveler with a sense of unease and a new layer of understanding about the enigmatic world they inhabit.
Jean suggests they all get some rest and continue their plans the next day. “Why don’t we call it a day and reconvene tomorrow? I’m sure Mr. Zhongli would appreciate some rest after his journey to Mondstadt.”
Everyone agrees. Venti invites Zhongli to join him for some light-hearted entertainment, extending the invitation to the Traveler as well.
“Why don’t we grab a bite to eat?” Venti suggests, his tone cheerful.
“Let’s go to Good Hunter!” Paimon exclaims, her enthusiasm infectious.
The group heads to Good Hunter, where Sara warmly greets them.
“Hey, Sara,” Paimon says brightly.
“Well, hello there, Traveler, Paimon, and Venti! And we have a guest from Liyue,” Sara responds with a smile.
“This is Zhongli. Zhongli, this is Sara—she makes amazing food here in Mondstadt!” Paimon introduces.
“She’s exaggerating! Anyway, welcome to Mondstadt, Mr. Zhongli,” Sara adds.
“Likewise, Ms. Sara,” Zhongli replies politely.
After the greetings, they place their orders and begin to catch up. During their meal, Paimon inquires whether Zhongli brought any mora, to which Zhongli sheepishly admits he forgot. The Traveler and Paimon exchange an exasperated glance, while Venti laughs heartily.
“Seriously? To think that the Archons have no mora! Especially Zhongli, the God of Mora, with no mora to his name! And don’t you laugh, Tone-Deaf Bard! You’re just as bad as Zhongli!” Paimon chides.
Venti and Zhongli chuckle at the situation, their laughter mingling with the warm, inviting ambiance of Good Hunter. The evening progresses with a series of lively anecdotes and shared memories, each story adding to the camaraderie and lightheartedness of the moment. Zhongli recounts tales of his time as the Geo Archon, his voice rich with nostalgia, while Venti, ever the mischievous bard, adds playful commentary and exaggerated embellishments.
As the conversation flows effortlessly from one topic to another, Paimon and the Traveler listen with rapt attention, occasionally interjecting with their own questions and remarks. The friendly banter and the clinking of cutlery against plates create a comforting backdrop to the evening's festivities.
Eventually, the light outside fades into twilight, and the soft glow of the lanterns inside Good Hunter becomes more pronounced. Sara begins tidying up the tables, a subtle hint that the night is drawing to a close. The group’s laughter and chatter begin to wane as the realization of the late hour settles in.
Venti, with a yawn and a stretch, glances at Zhongli with a knowing smile. “Well, it seems we’ve talked the night away, old friend. Time does have a way of slipping by when you’re having fun.”
Zhongli nods in agreement, his expression reflecting a mix of contentment and weariness. “Indeed. It has been quite a while since I’ve had such a pleasant evening. Thank you, Venti, for the invitation. And thank you, Traveler and Paimon, for joining us.”
The Traveler and Paimon offer their thanks as well, expressing their enjoyment of the evening. Sara approaches with a warm smile, offering a final round of goodbyes. “I hope you all enjoyed your meal. It was a pleasure having you here.”
“It was delightful, Sara. Your hospitality is truly appreciated,” Zhongli replies, giving a respectful nod.
Venti, ever the charming bard, winks at Sara and says, “And remember, Sara, if you ever need a bard’s touch to brighten up a gloomy day, you know where to find me!”
As they gather their belongings, Venti takes a moment to give Zhongli a playful nudge. “I’ll hold you to that promise. Next time, I expect you to bring some mora, even if it’s just for the sake of tradition.”
Zhongli chuckles, a rare, genuine smile lighting up his face. “I’ll do my best. Perhaps I should start carrying some just to keep you from teasing me.”
With final farewells and promises to catch up again soon, the group steps out into the crisp night air. The moonlight casts a gentle glow over Mondstadt as they make their way towards their respective destinations. Venti waves cheerfully as he heads off in one direction, while Zhongli, the Traveler, and Paimon walk in another.
As the distance between them grows, the Traveler reflects on the evening’s events, the newfound camaraderie, and the complex web of relationships among the archons. The night, filled with laughter and revelations, leaves them with a sense of anticipation for the challenges and adventures yet to come.