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Chapter Text

During a warm summer day, amidst the piles of paperwork on her desk, Hu Tao finds a letter.

It's a fancy envelope buried between Wangsheng's correspondence, something she lost in the sea of ceremonials and plans for the warm season to come. It has a seal she has never seen before, made of blue wax with little leaves carved in it.

It's such a detailed and gorgeous envelope that Hu Tao leans back on her chair to appreciate it, sipping her morning tea.

A knock comes from the door of her office. It's arrhythmic and it has no finesse, no class – and she's only ever heard one person knock on her door like that.

Only one person can also allow themselves in without her tacit permission. Hu Tao smiles into her cup. "Oh my, I thought two thousand years were enough for you to learn some etiquette, o mighty yaksha. I could have mistaken you for a robber, you know."

Xiao clicks his tongue. "No robber would bother knocking, and you have your window wide open."

Hu Tao giggles. "I have very good hearing, just so you know. If a robber was coming, I'd hear them coming from miles away – I'd even have time to write them a song and an obituary before they got here! You'd best not underestimate my vigilance, lest you try to spook me one day and I end up burying you alive…"

She juts her chin towards the chair in front of her desk. He complies, strangely docile. "Only you would dish out such meaningless threats."

"What can I say? I'm defensive of my office. A lot of people are dying to get in, in one sense or another. At least Zhongli asks before coming in."

"He told me you weren't particularly busy today." Hu Tao and Xiao eye the pile of papers on her right. "I see he might have been wrong."

Alarms ring within her as he makes the barest moves to leave. She stands up. "No no no! These are just ceremony details. They look super menacing and long and boring, but– but don't you worry, I'll take care of them later!"

It's not very often that Xiao drops by unprompted, so there's absolutely no way she's letting him scurry away that easily! She hurries to put the papers away from view, leaving just today's correspondence on the desk. She can only hope he won't mind her shirking her paperwork for a while – she could use a break, anyway.

Oddly enough, despite the duty-freak he can be sometimes, he doesn't seem to mind this. "Are you sure?"

"Mhm! It's all silly stuff, like…" Hu Tao sits down and reads a letter from the top, quick and mechanic. "Yup, our usual: two coffins with our custom varnish, two flower arrangements, twelve candles made of wax from Mondstadt… ay, that might be a little hard to get, but I'll manage. There's no value in a director that's not resourceful!"

Hu Tao drags a thick book from the corner of her desk and flips through the pages for her Mondstadt contacts, all under Xiao's eyes. She would have eased herself back into the rhythm of her work if it weren't for his bright eyes, perhaps the only thing in Teyvat that could tear her focus from her beloved coffins.

Aiya, leave it to Xiao to stir up trouble in her pristine, uncrackable routine. She'll just look into this later, as well.

Closing the notebook, Hu Tao clears her throat. "So! What brings you here, o mighty yaksha? Still haven't given my offer some thought? I promise the pay is very good. You could buy a house's worth in Almond Tofu with only a month's salary!"

"I already told you that I have no interest in becoming your Dragonspine corpse finder." By the Seven, he's so stubborn… but she'll make it work someday. "What a strange letter you have there."

Her eyes follow his to the desk. "Ooh, this! So you noticed too – isn't it beautiful?" Hu Tao takes in the silk-like paper, the slight embroidery at the borders, the faint scent of Cecilias and summer… a sigh blows past her lips. "Only someone with great taste would put so much care in their correspondence. I smell business here."

"When do you not do that?" Xiao asks, leaning back on the chair. Doesn't he have elsewhere to be? Hm. "It's not another Mr. Iho from Inazuma, is it?"

Her mood grows a crack. She pouts. "Will you ever let me live it down? It's not my fault that guy couldn't write to save his life."

Xiao shakes his head. "Neither you nor Zhongli could read it. That alone is extraordinary enough to be laughed at."

Hu Tao deadpans, "Meaning you will never let me live it down, hm?"

"Not for as long as I live."

A long time, then. Oh well, she can live with that. "Whatever. Feel free to mock me, at least I got a client out of it – and the same might happen here! Any bets on where this could come from? C'mon, take a guess!"

It only takes him one look for him to speak again. "Based on what little I can see, my best guess would be Mondstadt."

Hu Tao's eyes narrow. When she turns the letter around and sees the actual address, she pouts at him. "Quite unfair of you to check the data outright, Vigilant Yaksha. I never expected you to be so tricksy."

"I learned a thing or two from someone I know." Aiya, as though she does this all the time! What a hypocrite. "It doesn't come from the Knights of Favonius, does it? I trust they won't try to recruit you for another suicide mission."

If it were a light issue, Hu Tao would laugh along, but just the thought of it brings shudders down her spine – she's still very apprehensive about Abyss Mages, to this day.

Instead of providing an answer, Hu Tao reads the details written on the back side of the letter.

Her eyes widen. The letter comes from…

"... the Dawn Winery?

"Dawn Winery?" Hu Tao lets out a hum while looking for her paper knife in a drawer. "Are you starting a wine business soon?"

Hu Tao chuckles. "Full of questions, aren't you? Unless they're looking to bury someone in wine, I have nothing to do with it."

Not that it's a bad idea for a burial, either. If someone can be buried in soil or fire, it stands to reason that someone might wanna die surrounded by wine. She knows a couple of people who would be interested.

Her fingers touch something sharp in the drawer – ah, there it is, her knife.

Hu Tao cleanly rips the seal off; a shame, considering how pretty it is, but her curiosity is stronger than her pity. "Hm."

To the 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor of Liyue, Madam Hu Tao:

I, Diluc Ragnvindr, hope this letter finds you well.

With the motive of celebrating Dawn Winery's history, we will be hosting an outdoor event at the Dawn Winery manor. You will be able to taste our finest wines and hear about the latest business developments from the most important families of Mondstadt. As the keen businesswoman you have proven to be, this is an opportunity you won't let pass so easily, even if these topics don't immediately relate to your field of expertise.

I don't often write invites with my own hand, but somebody close to me personally requested your attendance. The motives are unknown to me and my staff. It would be an honor to have you here.

Feel free to come with a companion of your choosing. There will be plenty of things to do, and the food and music will make the trip worth it. The outdoors are beautiful this season.

We hope to see you there. Find me at my office.

Best,

Diluc Ragnvindr

Hu Tao's breath hitches. Diluc Ragnvindr – the Diluc Ragnvindr, is inviting her to a party? Her heart flutters as she rereads the letter, making sure she isn't misreading things. She's heard a lot about Mondstadt's fancy parties, those with long dresses, fans, and funny drinks – though this one doesn't seem to be one of those. Pity.

To be honest, wine tasting events aren't her forte – she doesn't exactly enjoy getting drunk for the sake of it, and this sounds like a very, very noisy kind of affair, but… how can she ignore such an elegant plea for her presence?

And they told her to take a companion with her, too. If she were alone right now, she'd invite Zhongli in a heartbeat, but…

Hu Tao's eyes flicker to Xiao. "Xiao?"

"Hm?"

"Do you like wine?"

The question catches him off-guard. There are few things she likes more than such earnest surprise in his eyes. "Wine? Why would my opinion on wine matter?"

Hu Tao's business senses tick into place. She sits straighter on her chair. "You speak like your opinion never matters! I might start worrying about you, o mighty yaksha." He still looks as unconvinced as ever. The injustice of it all! "Fine, fine. Close your eyes for a moment, will you? I need to set the scene."

There's a spark of hesitation in his eyes, but with a gesture from her, he complies. Hu Tao circles the table silently, cackling to herself against her mouth. He looks so cute like that, so vulnerable to a good prank.

Hu Tao leans against the front of her desk. "Picture this: you are sitting in a beautiful meadow with flowers. The world is quiet, the birds are chirping, your body is lying on the plush grass…" Hu Tao sighs, picturing herself there, as well. "There is a river nearby, clearer than a dream, with fresh water untouched by mortalkind, and the sun is gently kissing your cheeks. Sounds like a good place, hm?"

Xiao seems to be settling in that image, nodding without a word. Hu Tao smiles to herself and giggles.

"Well, now imagine that you're not in a meadow, but in a lovely manor with the richest people of Mondstadt, and that you can quell your thirst with a sweet, crisp cup glass of wine, instead!"

His eyes snap open with a frown. "What in the world are you planning? That's a completely different situation."

"No, silly, I'll still be there! Isn't that good?"

Xiao hesitates for a couple of moments, looking at her with irritation and the barest sliver of amusement. Alas, it's always the former that comes to light. "Not if it comes at the cost of walking among a crowd of noisy and drunk mortals."

Hu Tao tuts. "Harsh on mortals as always." Before he can talk, she raises the envelope with two fingers and extends it to him. "Diluc Ragnvindr from the Dawn Winery invited me to a fancy-schmancy party at his state. Sounds like a lot of fun, hm?"

A sigh blows past his lips as he reads the letter. "You know full well that your definition of fun is different from mine. This isn't my scene."

"Oh?" Hu Tao slowly takes a step toward him. "But we have gone to Mondstadt before, haven't we? And we danced among a lot of drunk people. That was fun."

"That was different."

"How?" When she pries into his eyes, he looks away, so Hu Tao crosses her arms and walks around him teasingly. "Did you forget about those fun games we played there? And the food, the dart games, the fish… And hold on a moment, mister, you also got drunk while we were in Inazuma!"

His response is immediate. And very defensive, too. "I was not drunk."

"Ay-ay-ay, you're even lying to your bestest friend in Teyvat? How hurtful." She pouts with a hand on her chest, but unable to hold her act, she grins at the end of it. "C'mon, c'mon, don't be like that! Look, if I got an invite this fancy, I'm sure the event's gonna be worth it. Besides, they need me there for some reason, so it's not like I can skip it!"

Xiao's eyes widen. He hands her the letter back. "You're willing to travel so far for a single day of festivities? Why do you need me there?"

She tilts her head, lip trapped between her teeth. "Do I truly need to say it, silly?" His cheeks, paler than moonlight, catch the barest shades of pink, and Hu Tao laughs. "It's gonna be fun! We can go to Diona's again and eat some of the fish you ate there – or, or! What about we try to teach her chef how to make Almond Tofu? That'd be quite the dash of innovation for their little tavern."

"You have no business teaching anyone how to cook." Hu Tao scoffs, looking away, and the yaksha chuckles. "Is it absolutely, unavoidably, and genuinely imperative for me to go?"

The director nods cheerily. "Absolutely, unavoidably, and genuinely imperative indeed! If I bring Zhongli with me, not only will the parlor be mostly empty, but he'll drink all the wine on sight and have us kicked out! You haven't seen that guy drink."

"No, I have." She tilts her head. He has? "You say such barbaric things about that man."

"How unfair of you to call me barbaric. I've seen butchers prepare steak with more delicacy than you destroy demons, o mighty yaksha. But I suppose that's why you're so effective."

That little compliment seems to please him. He folds his arms. "You needn't beg, Hu Tao. I was already going to accompany you."

Hu Tao's heart flutters with elation. "Really? Were you playing hard to get, then? I never thought you had such a mean streak to you, Xiao."

"No, I wasn't playing hard to get. But given that the letter mentioned an air of exclusivity, I have a few reservations." He looks away, more thoughtful than distraught. "My karmic debt might have somewhat settled, but it could still hurt anyone who doesn't have a Vision. Nobility doesn't tend to be very adventurous, meaning most of them won't have a Vision."

Hm… He makes a pretty good point. Hu Tao shakes her head. "I didn't see anyone getting hurt in any of the festivals we've gone to, so– oh, oh! What about I bring Meng in here? He doesn't have a Vision."

Xiao narrows his eyes. "You're going to put your mortal, Vision-less and overworked undertaker through more torment?"

She doesn't quite like the emphasis on more, but she lets the jab bounce with a clap. "No, I'm just trying to convince you! I doubt I can convince you with my prose and facts, so maybe visual evidence will do."

"I doubt I would still be convinced – I don't think I will ever be sold on mingling among Vision-less mortals." He folds his arms. "For all we know, I could have left corpses on the ground with my presence alone without us realizing."

Hu Tao wags a finger. "Trust me, I have a very good sense for bodies, and if there was one in my vicinity, I would have noticed. I doubt anyone has ever dropped dead in your presence." My, what a political nightmare that would have been for Liyue. She snickers. "Aaaand, if anybody perishes in your presence, then I can get rid of the body for a pretty Mora! That's why we're such a good team, silly. You kill, I bury – quite the cinderipitous enterprise we have going on."

His amber eyes linger on her for a few seconds, twinkling with a warm, strange look that's making her heart soft and her cheeks a little hot. "Your way of seeing the world will never cease to amaze me. You win. Again, I suppose."

Hu Tao nods eagerly. "Excellent, marvelous! I'll go inform Zhongli right away." She breezes past him, only turning toward him for a little reminder. "We gotta remember to get a room at Mondstadt's inn, okay? And don't touch anything in the office while I'm gone, it's top-secret information. Looking through those papers would be no worse than digging up a coffin – and it'd be pretty mortifying to see you do that, o mighty and solemn yaksha."

"I have no interest in your clients," he says. "Unless they're Abyss Mages or demons, that is."

"Ugh, don't get me started. Abyss Mages have been a pain lately." His eyes widen an inch. "Anyway, I'll be right back. Don't blink!"

Only after she's breezed through the door does it occur to her that she never asked why he visited her in her office to begin with.

Ah, whatever – she'll just ask later.

The trip to Mondstadt had been notably less bumpy than last time. Their path is far less strategic and cut for time, and when Hu Tao has to stop for a moment to grab a couple of ripe Sunsettias, Xiao not only doesn't complain, but he also helps her reach the tallest branches.

It's a peaceful, relaxed walk – aware that they have a goal, but not in a rush to get there.

He's taking them through a prettier path to Mondstadt, one dotted with flowers and butterflies. It's too pretty for her not to stop and stare; it's rare for the world to offer them a glimpse of bliss in a realm that never stops moving, never stops asking for bloodshed.

Hu Tao hums, watching a little butterfly flap away. "How studious of you, to memorize the prettiest of paths in Liyue, Xiao. Your taste is becoming more refined each passing day."

"I have roamed every path in this land for eons on end. It would be hard for me not to remember." he says through gritted teeth. The sun is still high in the sky, and the sunlight passes through his hair just right. "You also drag me everywhere you go on a whim. It makes fields like these hard to forget."

"Don't be so dramatic!" With a laugh, she grabs his arm. "Now that I think about it, I've never taken you gliding, yeah? C'mon, I'll show you something fun! It's been a while since we've raced, I'll race you to that mountain there!"

Before she can take off, he grabs her wrist. Hu Tao whines. "Why would we go out of our way to glide? If we have to climb, that will only tire you further."

"Oh?" She blinks innocently at him. "That's okay. I have enough stamina to run another mile, silly – but you can always carry me to Mondstadt on your back if you're concerned. I'll feed you some fresh Sunsettias while we're at it." Her cheeks are a little pink. She giggles at the roll of his eyes. "Sounds good?"

Xiao scoffs, not nearly as offended as she expected. "Is that why you brought me along? To carry you when your feet hurt?"

Hu Tao shakes her head and brings a hand to her chest. "Aiya, you're so hurtful. I would do the same for you. Be it your soul, your feet, or your entire body, I would carry you anywhere you desired – there just won't be a ditch waiting for you. Not yet, at least." The adeptus sighs, sounding almost fond, and she grabs his hand to drag him away. "C'mon, less stalling and more walking. My glider's getting rusty!"

After a lot of climbing and some stunning gliding, Hu Tao and Xiao make it to Mondstadt in mostly one piece. There was a silly-billy hilichurl lazing by a pond, but Xiao took care of it before she could even land on the grass.

Goodness, talk about barbaric. She wouldn't have him any other way, though.

Together, they walk through the fields of Mondstadt towards the capital city, taking note of Dawn Winery's location. As the sun sets, the manor is showered by Mondstadt's beautiful oranges and yellows, tinting the sky in a nostalgic, warm blaze. It makes Hu Tao close her eyes, take the summer air in and wonder what would be waiting for them tomorrow.

Will they walk back to their inn in a tipsy haze? Will they find time to blow on the dandelions and watch the stars from the impressive roof of this manor? What will they find when they arrive, and what will they have done when they leave?

Ah, she's starting to zone off. Xiao gently pats her shoulder. "Tired already?"

Stubborn, she shakes her head aggressively, trying to rid herself of the haze behind her eyes. "Never."

"Then you better move. I trust there will be no need to carry you to the inn." The tease in his voice makes her feel warm in a way the sun can't achieve. "Perhaps you're more tired than I thought. Shameful."

The image of Xiao carrying her like he's done a thousand times already shouldn't make her pink on the cheeks, but darn it, he's getting good at it. As he walks off, she chases after him with a squeal. "Don't be silly! I have walked from nation to nation on only two hours of sleep before. Rest ash-ured, I can handle this just fine."

With a sigh, he gently grabs her arm. "Your jokes are degenerating. Walk faster. You need sleep."

There's a joke at the tip of her tongue about his tight grip and his sour mood, but she's too delighted to be here again, meandering these fields and brushing the springy dandelions with her fingertips with him by her side.

After a good night's sleep – where Xiao yet again refused to share the bed on account of her footing the bill, but eventually fell asleep on a couch – Hu Tao had woken up in high spirits. She put on her hat, buttoned up her uniform, gave her staff a spin, almost hit Xiao with it, and walked out of the inn with a grin from ear to ear.

As they approach the Dawn Winery manor, she takes in the distant music and the light rustle of the grapevines. The day is beautifully sunny and warm, the kind of warm that makes Hu Tao thirst for a chilled drink, music, and an open parasol. Roaming Crystalflies flap their wings to the rhythm of the orchestra somewhere behind the mansion.

Will the party greet her with joy and jubilation? Maybe some noise, maybe some spilled booze? What if a V.I.P client is waiting for her there – or, even better, a corpse in need of a burial expert?

No.

What she finds is an argument at the entrance to the mansion, a tad too loud for a place as elegant as this.

"I already told you, it wasn't my fault!" The green-wearing bard rubs the back of his neck with a grimace. "What am I gonna have to do for you to believe me? I swore on Celestia's name I'd stay put all evening, and it's not like I could drink anything with that woman and her pet around!"

Diluc stares at him without an ounce of sympathy. "Only a drunk person would break a vase as opulent and ostentatious as that one, and only someone with zero shame would dare run away from me on my property."

"I wasn't escaping you, Master Diluc. I was being serious, a fox tried to bite me! I was just chasing after it!"

Beside her, Xiao pinches the bridge of his nose. Sensing he's already starting to get tired, Hu Tao summons a smile on her face and approaches the two bickering men.

"Now, now, I don't think disrupting this lovely atmosphere is worth it, hm?" As she steps close, they turn to her. She waves a hand. "Oh, no need to say hello. Your lovely back and forth was enough of a welcome. May I ask what happened here?"

The bard opens his mouth to explain, but Diluc beats him to it. "Someone snuck into my manor and broke a very expensive vase. When I walked out of my office, the criminal had vanished, but Venti was, coincidentally, rushing by. If there wasn't so much wine to go around, I might have spared him, but… let's say I locked the cellars for a reason."

Diluc's eyes flicker to the bard. Venti shakes his head. "Honestly, that hurts a little. I've been singing my throat off all day, you could have given me some juice to wet my poor chords."

Hu Tao looks around. There are no guards in sight, meaning it's not a dangerous place, and this manor doesn't look the kind to be haunted: it's too clean and pretty, and the music invites to a party, not a seance. This doesn't look like her scene, so it can't be any spirit's scene, either.

However, Mondstadt isn't known as the land of wine for nothing. She hums. "Do you think some lousy patron could have snuck in for an extra glass? They could have found their way into your cellar to drink themselves silly – and that's pretty dangerous. Especially without a coupon or a funeral plan."

Xiao subtly elbows her. "Now is not the time for that."

"There is never not a good time for good advice." She claps her hands. "Anyway, I'm glad to see everything is going fine here, shattered vases aside. I assume you didn't want me here for my funerary expertise, did you? Or, or! Maybe you want some business tips?" Hu Tao looks at the banner strewn across the entrance. She shakes her head. "Mm-mm, that won't do. Just how much fabric did you waste on that long, long banner?"

The other businessman crosses his arms. He looks amusingly offended. "What do you mean by that?"

"It's nothing too bad, but Dawn Winery's Wine Tasting Extravaganza Evening is too long for a name. You should have gone for something shorter, something snappy with some buzz! Something like…" Hu Tao closes her eyes. "Oh, oh! What about Angel's Share of Wine, for example? That way you could also promote your tavern!"

Diluc blinks and then turns to Venti. "I told you that title was too long."

The bard sighs in defeat. "And I told you I couldn't get this," he points at his temple, "going without some of that sweet Dandelion wine. Nothing boosts your creativity like a bit of a fizz."

Hu Tao eagerly agrees. "Wine is pretty good for that, but make sure you don't drink too much. A poet with a wobbly hand can't write a single verse." She turns to Diluc. "In any case, you told me someone wished to see me, hm? I brought some coupons for the occasion."

"Coupons?"

"And coffin catalogues," Xiao mutters. "She has them under her jacket."

She gasps and frowns at him. "I told you not to reveal the surprise! Do you know how bland a contract's signing is without a little bit of fanfare? You just ruined my deal."

"Your deal was ruined from the moment you came up with that idea." Swiftly, he digs a hand into her pocket and takes out a bright green paper. Hu Tao gasps. "Nobody here would bother to travel to the parlor for a discounted burial. It sounds far too expensive to be worth the trip."

Hu Tao tries to reach for the ticket, but he holds it above her reach with a blank stare. She pouts. "Since when do you know so much about business?"

"Since I started traveling with you," he tells her, like it's just that easy.

With a little jump, she manages to yank his wrist down, grab the coupon, and pat most of the wrinkles away. "Well, I'll have you know, rich people will pay millions to have the bestest experience possible, and there's nowhere you'll find that other than in Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. And if they get a sweet discount for it, then all the better!" Hu Tao wags the crumpled ticket at Diluc. "You said someone wanted to see me, hm? I'll give them a discount for two, since they're your friend. How does that sound?"

Diluc, slightly dumbfounded, ends up chuckling. "No, I'm sorry. I'm afraid my friend has no interest in buying a coffin or burying anyone." Gosh, all this prattling for nothing… "Nevermind. I think it will be better if I show you. Come with me."

Hu Tao blinks as he walks toward the manor's main entrance, key in hand. She's about to follow, but she stops to turn to Venti, who looks a bit sullen and concerned.

Aiya, she forgot she had another possible client here! She winks at him and pats his shoulder reassuringly. "Don't you worry, dear future customer. Here, you can have this one."

Venti stares at her with wide eyes. "Huh? For me?"

Xiao makes a noise behind her. Hu Tao smiles politely. "Yeah, all yours! And I'll give you another coupon if you bring a friend. If they're as eager about wine as you are, I bet they'll be giving it some use soon." She nods at him encouragingly. "Never forget this: the fuller your cup, the sooner you're done. Still, try not to drop dead today, will you?"

The bard looks at her with a mysteriously intrigued expression. The yaksha sighs and gives her a gentle push in Diluc's direction. "Don't stall. We came here for a reason."

Hu Tao waves at Venti enthusiastically before turning to Xiao. "Will you ever let me conduct some business development without meddling? Don't be jealous, o mighty yaksha. I promise I'll still pay as much attention to your funeral as I will to theirs. There's Hu Tao for everyone."

The tension in his brow doesn't go amiss. Before she can ask, however, Diluc opens the big doors to the mansion, creaking noisily under the faint music coming from the fields behind this home. The wood in this place is so fine she can smell the forest that came before it. So lovely!

Diluc dismisses a couple of maids that approach him, and then turns to the two with a sigh. "I'm sorry you had to listen my little problem with Venti. A couple of people want to speak to you in my office."

"And they aren't clients?" she asks, just to make sure.

He shakes his head. "There will be no need for officialese. It should be mostly, erm, casual. Follow me."

As they proceed through the grand lobby of the mansion, Xiao looks around himself like he's expecting a demon or a silly-billy hilichurl to pop out of every lightless corner of the place. If they were elsewhere with more people to hide them, she'd hold his hand to reassure him, but it's not like she isn't a bit nervous, either – last time she was in Mondstadt, she was barely alive.

The thought makes her gulp. They don't want her to go into another haunted Abyss cave again, do they? She's gonna have to decline; no matter how good of a businesswoman she is, there are some lines she can't cross.

It feels a bit cruel to say no outright, but she's not doing that again. She's had enough Abyss Mages for a lifetime.

When they reach his office, she holds her breath. Diluc opens the doors. Hu Tao braces herself for a client, for a disgruntled knight seeking her help with the Abyss, or maybe something else. She's ready for anything.

And still, what she sees catches her off guard.

Jean turns from the big windows to them, lips parted. Kaeya perks up from the seat he's slouched in and sits upright, back straighter than a rod. Both of them are looking at Hu Tao with a sense of fragility and uncertainty that concerns her a little bit.

Behind her, Xiao's shoulders tense and she swears he bares his teeth. "So I was correct. The Knights of Favonius are involved with this."

Hu Tao frowns at him. "You say hello when you meet people, not that!"

The Acting Grand Master circles Diluc's desk. She appears shy, shier than Hu Tao remembers her. "I understand your hostility. The last time we met, things didn't end quite well."

"You don't say," the adeptus says under his breath.

Hu Tao steps to the front and clears her throat. "Yeah, things did indeed not end too well, but… we're not here to pick a fight, are we?" Xiao clicks his jaw shut and looks away. Ah, much better. "Am I right in assuming you are the people that wanted to see me?"

Jean takes a deep breath. "Yes. I requested that Master Diluc summoned you here so we could talk – but please, rest assured we have no intention of asking you to fight in our name again."

As if to reassure her further, Kaeya nods. "I mean, I wouldn't say it was fighting in our name so much as dying in our name, but it does sound better when you put it that way." Jean throws him a little look, but the knight shrugs. "There is no harm in being honest. Better not let Miss Hu here think we're lying."

She's still a little confused as to what this could be about. She nods, trying to go along. "Well, I can't make any judgments until you explain this to me, so why don't– woah!"

The Acting Grand Master and Kaeya have sunk to the floor and to their knees, heads bowed down so low that they're almost touching the floor. It happens so suddenly that both Hu Tao is rendered speechless.

Diluc simply watches them with his arms crossed. His eyes twinkle with uncanny entertainment. "I already told you there was no need for you to be so dramatic."

"But there is," Jean says vehemently. "On behalf of every knight in the Knights of Favonius and speaking for every citizen of Mondstadt that you saved, I must sincerely ask for your forgiveness."

Hu Tao looks at Xiao, still struggling to find any words. With an anxious stammer, she glances back at the knights. "Um, please, like he said, you don't need to kneel like that!"

"I insist." The woman is so firm about this that Hu Tao relents. When she lifts her head, her eyes are so full of regret that Hu Tao's heart, previously afloat, plummets through her stomach. "I asked an outlander to fulfill our duties as knights, and I should have gone there personally to ensure your safety. We could have done much more to keep you safe, but we chose to run, instead."

Xiao's voice comes out raspy. "Hold on, you chose to run? What does that mean?"

A nervous laugh escapes Hu Tao. She shakes her head at both parties vehemently. "Now now, that's not what happened! I was the one who ordered your Cavalry Captain to leave. Hadn't he done that, he would have gotten hurt!"

"That would have been better than leaving you to your luck there," the Captain admits, sounding just as regretful. It looks a bit out of place in a man as sultry as Kaeya. "Probation was nowhere near enough to compensate for my incompetence. I'm sorry, Hu Tao."

Jean nods eagerly. "I'm honestly unsure as to why you came back to us despite what we did to you. I thought you wouldn't accept the invite, but–"

"And she shouldn't have," Xiao remarks, stepping beside Hu Tao. "She nearly lost her life. Had I not taken her out of there, she would be no more. And it's only because of her diligence and recklessness that the Abyss didn't succeed."

Both the knights and the quiet businessman flinch. Hu Tao isn't sure what to say or what to feel, because he's right, but there's one thing she knows: she doesn't like what Xiao is doing, not at all.

So she turns to him, scowling. "Maybe it would be better for you to step outside."

He recoils like she just slapped him. "What?"

"I think you're getting angry over something that's not only in the past, but also something that for the most part only concerns me." She puts her hands on her hips. "I appreciate your eagerness to defend my honor, I won't deny it, but I don't want you to get angry. I don't feel at all as strongly about it as I used to, anyway."

"How could you not?" Xiao says, eyes narrowed. "They almost pushed you to your death."

Ah, if only these people were evil. Hu Tao had sometimes wished Mondstadt was just as crooked as Snehznaya and that they were a little more on the gray side. She wished they had been a little less charitable, a little less kind, much more hostile and rude. If they had welcomed her with the hostility of Kujou Sara or the dubiousness of Yae Miko, Hu Tao could have mentally grasped at straws to hate them.

But she made so many good memories here, and Jean was so kind to her despite the ruckus she and Xiao caused. Everyone in Mondstadt had good things to say about the knights, and everyone showered outlanders like them with respect, fun, and sympathy.

She had sometimes wished she should resent them more.

The problem is, she can't.

Hu Tao sighs. "It wasn't their fault only. I was doing my job, and you told me before, too: I should have been more careful. I acted as I saw fit and made a mistake. Every mortal does." She turns to Jean and Kaeya, who in turn stare at her with fearful anticipation. "Please, get up, don't kneel for me – unless you have a ring, that is. But you should invite me for dinner first."

After a beat of silence, Kaeya sighs and chuckles, sounding shaky. "I'd gladly do that."

Xiao's eyebrows pinch, and Hu Tao chuckles. Jean stands up. "I speak for everyone in our organization when I say thank you. Does that mean you forgive us?"

"I appreciate your apology, and I'll take it. But no more of this kneeling business, I might get the wrong idea." Hu Tao nods, trying to encourage them to relax. "It's all in the past, and I'm okay now. I think we've all learned a lot from this."

Xiao grunts. "Doubtful."

She elbows his side gently. Jean smiles, seeming anxious. "We will still provide you with compensation for your medical troubles and the business the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor may have lost in your absence. We are all very aware of how passionate you are about your field of work."

As Jean reaches for a couple of papers on Diluc's desk, Hu Tao rubs the back of her neck. "Aha, I'm sure Zhongli had very quiet days in my absence. He might even say it was a good thing I was bedridden!"

"Don't say things like that," Xiao says, chidingly tugging at her cheek. "You were more cumbersome as a patient than as a businesswoman."

Hu Tao groans. Jean hands Hu Tao the papers. "I'm aware of how strict Liyue is about contracts, so I wanted to officialize the conditions on paper. I misplaced my quill, so I can't offer you to sign it here, but please, feel free to tell me if these terms are insufficient. I thought it would be good enough for you to split it with Xiao, if he so desires."

Xiao looks at her through narrowed eyes. "Why would I need compensation?"

"Mondstadt's law always offers compensation for emotional distress caused on the battlefield. It would only be fair for you to be offered compensation, as well." Hu Tao's cheeks grow hot, and she's pretty sure Xiao's face is a little pink, too – but she decides to say nothing about it. "Please, read over the document whenever you can. Feel free to do so in Liyue when you have time, and send it over here."

Of course she'll do that, because signing a contract during a meeting is a rookie mistake – but Hu Tao is curious, and as a curious person, her eyes immediately deviate to the compensation section in particular.

Her eyes are blown wide. The yaksha reads over her shoulder. "Xiao?"

"Yes?"

She points at a line in particular. "Am I blind?"

"I doubt so. If you are, so am I."

Jean blinks. "Is something wrong?"

"It's– This– This is too much Mora!" She flips the paper and points to the line in particular. Jean's eyes widen. "Isn't this the kind of money only governments have? I'm sure this amount is too high, not even the Golden House would hand out this kind of Mora. Especially not without me doing something in exchange!"

"You already have," Kaeya points out. "That sum is the price that Mondstadt has put on your lives, and the Knights of Favonius have more than enough Mora to afford it."

Hu Tao hesitates. She'd never not accept such a large sum – if anything, she'd demand it from Liyue's Qixing if her services ventured into risky territories, like the Chasm or the deserts of Sumeru – but this… she closes her eyes. This just feels like too much.

Xiao peeps in, whispering into her ear. "You should take the money."

She huffs. "It's our money. We should take it, you mean."

"Fine. Our money." He reads the paper over her shoulder. He's a little too close. It's making her stomach do funny things. "We will find a way to spend it. You can invest it back in Wangsheng or simply spend it for your pleasure. I don't need this ridiculous amount of Mora."

A way to spend it… Given her track record, she might probably end up going on a trip again someday, so she could get something fancier. And knowing herself, too, she won't be going alone, and two rooms are more expensive than one.

Hu Tao sighs, but extends a hand in acceptance. "You got yourself a deal. But you will have to take at least two coupons from me and read Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's latest coffin catalog. I wrote it myself, so I'll be expecting only compliments and lots of orders."

She's kidding, of course. It's a good thing Jean has some sense of humor. She shakes her hand. "That's fine by me. Grand Master Varka could use some safety tips."

A moment later, Diluc finally speaks, dusting his gloves off and heaving out a sigh. "Well, now that this is solved, I have a troublemaker to catch and a bard to monitor, so I'll have to leave. Feel free to use this office as you please, Jean." The Acting Grand Master nods. "And to you two, enjoy the festivities. The main event is at the back of the mansion. I'm sure you'll find something to do."

Kaeya tilts his head. "Oh? No good wishes for me, Diluc? I'm heartbroken."

"You stay away from the wine and Venti. I don't want any shows today, especially today that Sister Rosaria isn't here." The Captain sighs, looking genuinely dejected. "Anyway, business awaits. Have a nice day, everyone."

Jean bows her head with a polite smile, and Kaeya only clicks his tongue with a smirk as he waves him farewell. Hu Tao and Xiao watch him leave with a nod that he reciprocates before breezing past the door.

Hm… she should probably stay here to look over these papers, but she can smell food wafting through the ajar windows and the music coming from the gardens is pulling her focus away from business.

Hu Tao dusts off her jacket and folds the papers into her jacket. It's getting a bit bulgy. "I think we'll head downstairs to see what's going on, too. Aren't you coming?"

The Acting Grand Master shakes her head. "I have a couple of things to sort out with Master Diluc and Captain Kaeya before I can take today off. Completely unrelated to you, of course, so don't concern yourself over it."

"Well, the entirety of the knights is worried about you already, so there is indeed no need for an outlander to worry." Kaeya's comment makes Jean sigh. He chuckles. "Run along, you two. I'll make sure our dear master doesn't overwork herself. Oh, and please, do get me a glass of wine if you can. I think you still owe me one, don't you?"

The knight winks at Hu Tao, who nods with sharp remembrance. "A director never forgets a face nor a deal. I'll make sure there's some left for you." Then, she turns to Xiao and pushes him out of the room. "We'll see you later! Don't make me come look for you with a coffin, we haven't talked about it yet!"

Xiao sighs, "I'm burning your coupons the moment we're home."

"Hey, don't be rude!"

As they walk away, Jean and Kaeya laugh.

The gardens of Dawn Winery are a sight to behold.

The manor's luxury couldn't be understated, so opulent and elegant that anyone with a glimmer of taste would look at it and be awed – but the gardens, however, have a much subtler beauty to them. The weeds are a little wild where the sun doesn't shine and the trees offer much-needed shade for the patrons enjoying wine on the flower-topped tables.

There are some rocks on the ground with flowers sprouting from their cracks. She would have tripped with one of them if it weren't for Xiao's quick reflexes. "How did you trip when you're only looking at the ground?"

She readjusts her hat as Xiao bends her back to her feet. "Forgive me for being impressed, but look at the radiance of it all! It's hard to pull off this sort of look, you know!"

A gentle breeze trickles under her nose. It carries the smell of grapes, chilled wine, the clean waters of Cider Lake. There's summer in the current and sunlight on the blades of grass pillowing her every step. When she breathes in, it's like she's swallowing the sky, the sun, and the nature around her; when she breathes out, her feet feel lighter.

There is a slight prickle of spice in the air that feels slightly out of place, though. Hu Tao's eyes widen. "Do you smell that?"

Xiao blinks, lifting his nose. It wrinkles with a grimace. "I can smell death in the air. It smells foul."

She hits his shoulder. "Aiya, don't be so dramatic. It's probably just some chili powder." But no, that can't be it, because it's also sweeter, and it's getting dangerously hot in her nostrils. How strange. "It reminds me of a brand of incense Zhongli hates, but it's great to keep spirits at bay. Oh my, imagine if there was a ghost around here! Wouldn't that be fun?"

Xiao chuckles. "Only you would want a spirit to linger in a place as joyful as this."

"Variety is the spice of life, o mighty guard of mine – but sh! I can already feel it." She closes her eyes, relishing in the poetry bubbling on her tongue. "A playful ghost with hands made of spice and ash, with a friendly face but an ice-cold corpse, with tepid hands and jolly eyes, reaching out to say–"

"Oh, hello!"

Hu Tao yelps and jumps. Xiao nonchalantly turns to the blonde standing behind them. She looks harmlessly cute, with her pristine white uniform swaying over the wind as she waves at them. She's the pure image of harmlessness.

The problem is… The two look at the glass she's holding. Xiao takes a careful step back. "What is it you're consuming?"

The girl looks at her glass. She doesn't seem at all surprised, despite the spice permeating the air around her glass. "Oh, this? It's an energetic drink I asked Sara to brew for me earlier! It's very good to warm my throat during work days." She gasps, looking them up and down. "Oh, I forgot to introduce myself, silly me! My name is Barbara. Your clothes are familiar to me, but I'm unsure why."

Coincidentally, Hu Tao has the feeling she's seen her before too, but… She shakes her head. "We probably saw each other in passing – or perhaps you've heard about me in town? I hear I made quite the impression last time I was here."

Xiao gives her a very pointed look, but he does nothing to stop what's coming. When Barbara blinks, Hu Tao's smile widens. "Impression? Are you famous, by any chance?"

"You could say I'm famous, yes… among those who no longer speak, that is." Hu Tao tips her hat. "I'm Hu Tao, the 77th Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor – but don't fret, I'm not here to bury anyone! Unless you feed them that drink of yours, I suppose." She juts her chin towards her cup. "I don't see spicy drinks too often – not from any regular folk, at least. Are you a chef, by any chance? I'm always looking for inspiration in the kitchen."

Barbara shakes her head. "I can cook pretty well, but I'm not a chef at all." Aw, bummer. This was looking promising. "I work for the Favonius Church, but I'm here as a singer – um, as a backup, rather. The main performer of today is more eager about the wine, sadly."

Xiao juts his chin. "Venti, I assume?"

She nods happily. "Yup! He has real talent, so don't underestimate him or think any ill of him. He's a pretty good man, deep inside." Barbara looks past them, at the venue. "Oh, are you here to try some wines, too? There's a lot to do here today – you can even get your future read by Mondstadt's best astrologist, if you're curious! Someone stole my wallet a bit ago, so I can't afford her services right now, but I'm sure you can!"

Mondstadt… astrologist… Hu Tao's eyes light up in recognition. "You mean Mona?"

Barbara's lips part. "Oh, do you know her?"

Hu Tao nods. "Mhm! She takes her job more seriously than I do, that girl. No wonder she's here today."

Barbara nods. "You won't find a more honest astrologist anywhere on Teyvat, I'm sure! I can take you to her, if you wish – though, don't ask to touch her scryglass. She gets very angry if you even suggest it. Oh, so angry."

Hu Tao giggles. She playfully turns to Xiao. "What about getting your stars read, o mighty guard of mine?"

Xiao crosses his arms, skepticism written on his face. "I do not concern myself with matters as trivial as star reading, whatever that may mean. If anything, I'm curious about how such a discipline could hold itself afloat."

How unsurprising. Fond humor coils in her heart pleasantly, and curls her mouth into a toothy grin. "My, how blunt of you. Aren't you at all curious about your fate, Xiao?"

"Curious?" He looks at Barbara, then at Hu Tao. "How can you be sure she isn't a scammer?"

"I have a very good eye for scammers. She may look like one, but no scammer would flaunt their skills like she does. You just gotta meet her, you'll see." Hu Tao turns to Barbara. "Where is her booth? I bet she's gonna be thrilled to see us again."

The girl nods enthusiastically. "I'll take you there. I was going to drop by and say goodbye to her before my performance, actually. Follow me!"

Despite the undoubtedly elegant air in the area, some people are so far from sobriety that not even their fancy robes can salvage their nobility. There's a trail of tissues and drunken men leading to the very fancy and pretty booth that Mona is leading, and it so happens that she's dealing with a client as they approach.

"As I said, your family's woes won't be shaken off so easily, but you'd best focus on your work and friends instead of your family and vengeance. If you focus on the bad, I'm afraid it will only lead you to despair and darkness." The pool of Hydro above their heads whirls out of existence. "Also, it would do you best not to mingle among your family members while drunk."

"I am not drunk." Silver blue hair, tall posture, slightly slouched, deep voice… familiar, very familiar. "I thought it would only be appropriate for me to mingle among peers of my– my standing. My social standing. Yes, that."

Pity, she sounds very drunk. Mona clears her throat. "Neither your words nor your red cheeks will convince anyone, especially your very strict family. Head to a cool area and rest."

"Did the stars tell you that?"

"No. Common sense did." Mona waves a dismissive hand. "Now, please run along. Thank you for your patronage, but I have clients in line, and they're in less need of sleep than you are, Miss Lawrence."

Eula wobbly stands up after handing her a sack full of Mora. When she stumbles out of the little chair, Barbara holds her steady with a gasp.

The knight grumbles, "I'm not drunk. I'm trying to socialize…"

Barbara nervously looks at Xiao and Hu Tao, then Mona. The astrologist watches her with a pointed, vigilant, and intentional stare, so the poor girl nervously turns to the outlanders. "I better make sure Miss Eula gets some rest and sobers up. Enjoy yourselves, and be cautious with the wine!"

The two nod and watch the girl drag Eula off the venue slowly, carefully, with the knight mumbling curses to the air. Hu Tao would have poked Xiao to help, but Barbara seems to be managing just fine, curses and all.

It's almost a little funny. Mona doesn't find the humor, alas. "First a drunk knight, now you two? Today is full of surprises, that's for sure."

Hu Tao pouts. "You don't sound too happy to see us. How hurtful. Not even a client greets me with a face so cold."

The astrologist grimaces. "Spare me the gross details, and sit down before more clients pile up on me. You're very lucky to have come now that there aren't many people… though seeing their state, I'm not sure if that's a good thing." Well, it sure is for Hu Tao, if one of them isn't quite breathing. "I assume you must be Hu Tao's… bodyguard, correct? I don't think we met last time."

The way she says bodyguard makes Xiao jolt in awareness. Hu Tao keeps her smile on, trying to feign normalcy.

He sees right through it. "You insisted on the pretense of me being a guard and you're the one who broke it first? Unbelievable."

"Not my fault, o mighty guard of mine. Nothing escapes a good astrologist, am I right?"

Mona shakes her head. "Spare me the praises. His skepticism is too apparent for me to believe you." She gestures at the empty seat before her. "Why don't you sit here and– oh. Right. You have an Anemo Vision."

VIisibly confused, Xiao looks at his hand. Hu Tao is just as puzzled. "Is… there a problem with his Vision?"

"A problem? I've had enough of anyone that has an Anemo Vision! It's taken me entire months of salary to fix the mess they leave behind!"

Hu Tao and Xiao blink, taken aback by her distress. Xiao creases his eyebrows. "Why would an Anemo Vision entail danger? How ridiculous."

"Ridiculous? When I tried to peek into that bard's stars, my entire studio was destroyed. Then, the Acting Grand Master broke into tears when I gave her a read, and that child… she fell asleep during my reading! Asleep! And when she ran off, she nearly kicked my door down and blew all my books out of their bookshelves! And don't get me started with that Inazuman detective – he prattled on and on about how my read was wrong and that he thought I was a criminal being chased by Fontaine! He called me a thief!"

Hu Tao brings a hand to her mouth. "Ay, that sounds pretty bad. That would knock the wind out of my sails too, for sure."

Xiao chuckles. Mona scowls at her. "Ha-ha, how funny. It's not very wise of you to mock someone that can read your fate. I can be honest, but I can also be brutally and graphically honest."

The director flips her hair over her shoulder. "No problem. Finding a mangled corpse in the mouth of a dead, giant boar is about as graphic as life can get." Nonchalant, she gestures at the seat. "I promise that Xiao won't neither bite nor destroy this booth. If he does, you can punish him as you see fit."

Arrogant in ways that Hu Tao loves, he crosses his arms and tips his chin up. "Punish? Me? Don't be ridiculous."

"You said my chili-licious dumplings were very punishing."

"Yes, on the tongue. Humoring you rarely ends well." Before she can complain and say that, regardless, he ate the entire thing, he takes a seat. "Whatever. You have a Vision, do you not? This should be fine. Do I hold out my hand?"

Mona gapes at him, almost looking offended. "Excuse me, do you think I'm some novice, reading people's hands? What is with you people from Liyue being so skeptical?"

Hu Tao rubs Xiao's shoulders from behind. He tenses a little. "Cut him some slack, will you? You'll just have to illuminate him with your brilliant abilities. Be patient, and I shall even offer you a discount in case any unsavory drunk client points their blade at you today. Sounds convenient, yeah?"

"To think that's not the worst thing I've heard today…" Mona conjures a pool of Hydro above them. Her scryglass floats onto the counter of the booth with a beautiful noise. A gentle light shines through the runes. "Please, do not disturb me as I work, and only respond to the questions I ask. Be curt, be to the point."

He nods. Curtly, as she asked. "Fine."

"Okay." Mona nods. "Tell me your name."

"Xiao."

"Your age?" Xiao doesn't answer her, and she sighs. "Fine, fine. Old will do. What about your star sign? Do you know if– ah!"

A blur of pink leaps onto the counter and shoves the scryglass to the ground. In her surprise Mona screams and tumbles back off her chair, and it's only thanks to Xiao's reflexes that the scryglass doesn't touch the ground. The only thing left on the booth is Mona's hat, which the pink creature nips at joyfully, wagging its fluffy tail.

As Hu Tao rushes behind the booth to help Mona, the creature leaps to the vacant chair and drops the hat on the counter with a well-behaved yip under Xiao's vigilant eyes.

Hu Tao pushes Mona up. "C'mon, hey, you can't just go and knock yourself out!"

"Can– Can you fault me? What is that thing!?" Mona points at the pink fluffball, hands shaking. "It gave me the fright of my life!"

"My apologies. She didn't scare you too much, did she?"

Hu Tao and Mona look up. A girl no taller than Hu Tao with a big, purple hat and an ornamental purple kimono greets them. Her eyes are purple like thunder, so familiar in fact that Hu Tao can't shake off a vague sense of familiarity. The pink creature surely seems to know her, leaping into her arms with a noise of glee – but the joy vanishes when she's nestled in her arms and looks at the booth with a strange velour of mockery in her eyes.

Mona winces, retrieving her hat from the ground. "Ugh, who are you? Could you tell your pet to behave? I almost lost my scryglass… again! And look at what your pet did to my poor booth!"

Mona starts rearranging the tattered mantle over the counter, murmuring things to herself. The newcomer looks at her and then at the scryglass that Xiao has left on the counter.

"Oh? You mean that item?" she says, pointing at the scryglass. The more words this girl says, the more Hu Tao thinks she's met her before. "Is that a scryglass? It's only a ball of rock with light. How valuable could it be?"

Mona's entire body shakes with rage. "A ball of… a ball of…!"

Before she can get a word out, Hu Tao approaches the girl, head tilted. "And who might you be? Have we met before?"

Her soft, serene features grow a crack, like a speck of dust on a doll's face. Her serene eyes flutter. "I am afraid not. I have never seen you before."

When Hu Tao tries to meet her eyes, the girl looks away.

Wisps of dark purple hair are peeking from the hat's shade. Hm.

Hu Tao crosses her arms with a polite smile. "May we know your name, then? An introduction without a name is pretty much nothing, and if your pet causes any more trouble, the Knights of Favonius may want to take a name or two."

The girl looks at her blankly, blinking, but before anyone can speak another word, Xiao approaches her. He appears nervous. "You would best watch your words."

She squints at him. It's not very common for him to disregard the need of authorities here – even if, in this case, they aren't all that warranted. And she can't help but notice the little look this woman throws at Xiao, something tempered, something between mild self-awareness and keen attention.

Strange. She shakes her head. "Don't be silly, I'm just being cautious. You don't wanna know how many Treasure Hoarders have broken into Wangsheng's ceremonies this month – but if you're curious, it was five of them this month. Five! And the Milelith can't do a thing without identifications. I hate criminals."

Xiao sighs. "Calling people like her criminals may land you somewhere worse than jail."

Hu Tao tilts her head. The girl waves a dismissive hand. "Please, there is no need to be so wary, sir. We are here to visit a friend, nothing more." The girl offers Hu Tao a hand, which she shakes with a grin. "My name is Ei. I came from Inazuma to see an acquaintance of mine sing. You probably know Venti already, do you not?"

By the Seven, of course she's from Inazuma: the ornate kimono, the flowers on the gaps between the fabrics, the exquisite details on her hat, that icy yet calm look in her purple eyes… she's so flashy that surely Hu Tao saw her somewhere during their trip to Inazuma.

Though, seeing how uneasy Xiao looks, maybe they had a bad experience. He looks very stiff. Hu Tao hums. "He must be off somewhere drinking and being chased by Master Diluc."

Ei sighs. "How surprising. I suppose such an old soul won't change as easily." Hu Tao has no clue what that means. "Sir, why is there such anxiety in your eyes? Does my presence upset you?"

If Hu Tao didn't know any better, she'd say Xiao is about to either drop to his knees or flee. She rarely sees him look this… reverent. He shakes his head. "No, of course not, ma'am."

Ei frowns slightly. Her eyes flicker to the furball in her arms, who stares back at her owner innocently. Realization seems to dawn on Ei as she approaches Xiao. "Hm. Could it be that the people of Liyue fear foxes?"

Vexation flickers in his eyes. "Me, fearing something so small? Absurd."

Hu Tao arches an eyebrow. "Why don't you give it a little pat on the head, then?"

The yaksha looks at her like she said something blasphemous. "Me, touching that creature? I can't– you–"

He looks at Ei and buries his face in a hand. It's the first time Hu Tao has seen Xiao look so stressed, so much so she briefly wonders if he could have drunk something while she wasn't looking. His behavior is very much out of the typical.

Thankfully, Ei chimes in, "I believe your friend is aware of the, er, noble lineage of my companion. His consideration is much appreciated."

Hu Tao gasps. "Aiya, are you saying she's the descendant of some ancient creature? She looks so cute! I didn't know noble creatures could cause so much trouble."

Ei nods. "Many figures of legend in Inazuma can change shape as they please. This is her form at her most placid." She takes a step closer to them. "You shall touch her fur, if you desire, and if she allows you to. I have heard many people enjoy this sort of thing."

Duh, who wouldn't? Hu Tao's hand hovers a second over the animal, looking for a reaction. Xiao looks at her with alarm. "Wait, you shouldn't–"

Hu Tao gently caresses the fox behind the ears. The pet lets out a joyous wail, twisting her head for her to reach further behind, and Hu Tao squeals at the sight. As Xiao watches them, lips parted and eyes marred with bewilderment, she winks at him. "Aha, don't tell me you're still scared of this little bundle of fur! C'mon, pet her!"

After shooting a look at her and Ei, he clicks his tongue. His eyes stare pointedly at the little fox, whose eyes are so innocent Hu Tao thinks she might cry.

Xiao clicks his tongue. "So unnecessary." Regardless, he lifts a hand, tentative and hesitant. "To think that I would–"

The fox chomps down on his hand, and Xiao yanks it off with a hiss. As he grips his shaky wrist, the owner hums. "Ah, pardon her reaction. It's merely her way of expressing affection."

Hu Tao puts her hands on her hips as she watches him shake his wrist. She's trying her best not to laugh. "See? This is why it's important to get a name. If you get some infection, we'll have not only a name for the knights, but also something pretty to write on your tomb. Death by bite infection sounds a bit anticlimatic, though… oh, well."

Xiao grunts, "We might share ditches if you keep mindlessly petting such a cunning creature."

The little fox hisses. Ei shakes her head. "Please, do not mind our presence, sir. We are here only to enjoy our old friend's show. I'm not especially partial to his music, but I have heard laymen and soldiers talk extensively about his tales. Surely it must be a worthy show, hm?"

Hu Tao gets the feeling that there's something going on here between these two, something she can't quite read. If she looks closer, she can almost see something in this girl's eyes. It's serene and quiet, like the sea at night, yet this stature doesn't look quite right for the depth of her voice; and the eyes of that fox are, like Xiao said, strangely cunning, and the pink tone of the fur, the purple in this girl's eyes…

Oh.

Oh.

Her eyes widen, and a small gasp escapes her. Just as she's about to ask Ei to confirm her theory, Mona clears her throat from the back. She looks exceedingly bored.

"If you don't mind, idle chatter won't serve any purpose other than occupy space on what could be a long beeline of clients." Mona gestures at the empty chair they left behind. "Would one of you like to sit The songs will start at any minute now, but… a client is a client."

Hu Tao turns to Xiao, who shakes his head. Before Hu Tao can even offer Ei the seat, her fox scampers from her arms and to the empty seat, wagging her tail with a peculiar glint in her eyes.

Yes, it's definitely her. Hu Tao can't help a shudder.

Ei sighs. "Fine. Indulging in such a foreign discipline should be harmless." She takes the seat and plops the fox on her lap. "Do tell, is there truly any meaning to be drawn from the stars?"

Mona nods and conjures a pool of Hydro over their heads, allowing her scryglass to float upward and click pleasantly. "The stars in the sky shall tell you all you must know about your future. Granted, I can't give you a step-by-step vision, but… It's always good to know if the seas you sailed to come here will be dangerous when you go back home, right?"

With a shake of her head, Ei observes the scryglass. "Still, stars are only balls of gas in the sky. Is it their order in the sky that gives them meaning? Or could it be the way they shine, perhaps?"

Oh, another skeptic. Mona's going to have a field day. It's good that Ei – or rather, the Raiden Shogun in a strange disguise – seems genuinely curious about the subject, firing question after question as little fox Yae Miko paws the mantle of the booth and watches the poor, visibly irritated astrologist grumble and reply.

Hu Tao watches them with laughter brimming at the back of her throat. "Looks like Mona's gonna be busy with those two for a while."

"Good. Best not have that fox scheming around drunk people."

She shrugs. Clinking glasses catch her attention, and she turns to the other booths, filled to the brim of clients with fancy-dressed suits and not at all fancy-looking manners – smells like Mora to her.

Hu Tao grabs Xiao's arm, tugging him away from Mona's booth. "What about we grab a glass or two of wine? We need to try Dandelion wine before we leave. Would be nice to have something cold in this weather, right?"

"You know full well I don't drink alcohol."

Her lips curl with an impish smile. "Other than that time you did."

"That was one time only," Xiao says with a frown. "And I do not plan on indulging that sort of behavior anytime soon. Composure comes with my duty." He rolls his neck, looking a bit uneasy. "There are also quite a lot of people here. It might be best for me to stay away."

His demeanor makes her pout – not because she's offended, but because she wants him to think she is. "Ay-ay-ay, are you saying you will leave me alone around all these people? How hurtful. How sad." Hu Tao pats her chest and turns heel towards the other booths. "I suppose I shall taste all these wines in my lonesome, without anyone to share opinions with. Oh, my poor lonely heart…"

With a dramatic twist, she marches toward the booths, only for Xiao to catch up with her just a second later with a brisk grumble on his lips.

Laughter bubbles up her chest. There's a distant memory in her mind, of that time she almost had to go to this nation alone. It had been a warm day, but her stomach had been so very tense with anticipation.

What would it have been like, had he not been with her? What would have happened in that pit with Bennett? What would have become of Mondstadt's Cathedral, or that now destroyed area invaded by those Abyss Mages that nearly took her life?

When she thinks of those times, she's invaded with inescapable nostalgia and dread, but when she looks at Xiao, it all turns to dust.

She giggles, heart fluttering with affection. "Aha, had I known you'd cave in so easily, and I wouldn't have put on so much effort, o mighty yaksha."

He chuckles. "You're hard to say no to." His eyes are illuminated with a slight smile and amusement. "And I'd better keep an eye on you, lest you storm every booth and cause trouble for everyone."

"Me? Cause trouble? I'm just looking out for these patrons, is all. That's very rude of you, Xiao."

"Hm. Does that mean I should restrain you if you get tipsy and start handing out coupons to every wobbling patron?"

Hu Tao stops walking and spins in his direction, tapping his chest with her index. "And as tight as you can, if possible. The only thing worse than not making any business is making bad business, so don't let me make any mistakes, will you?" Xiao nods. "Though… I wonder if I should have offered Mona a coupon or two. With those two in her booth, who knows what could happen."

She throws him a look, meaningful and intense, and Xiao hums. "So I see you realized, too."

"Of course I did. There's something in those two's eyes that gives me a very weird feeling." A stiff breeze blows by. She shudders. "And they're friends with Venti? He must be a really good bard. We should stop and listen to his songs – if an archon is interested, so am I."

Xiao shakes with a grimace. "So long as you don't offer them a coupon and a coffin, I suppose there is no harm in that."

"The only benefit I seek is that in the field of poetry, o mighty guard of mine. I didn't bring my Inazuma-themed coupons today." Hu Tao throws a look at Mona's booth. "Still… is Mona gonna be safe with those two around? It's good that Lady Yae can't talk in that form, but..."

"Worry not." He gives her a gentle, reassuring push toward the booths. His his voice lowers. "An Archon is the epitome of respect, so all should be fine. On principle."

Hm. On principle, he says…

A loud crack echoes in the sky. Hu Tao looks up: the previously blue sky quickly turns a dark, angry grey, and before she can get a word out, thick downfall drenches them from head to toe.

They trade looks. Xiao seems to be bracing himself for whatever she's about to say, looking at her with a half-baked glare, and Hu Tao never underdelivers.

With a grin, she holds a hand up to the sky to feel the rain. "I suppose neither astrologists nor yakshas are known for foreseeing the weather, hm?"

Xiao's right eyebrow twitches. After looking behind them at Mona's booth, he grabs her hand and yanks her away, rushing towards the manor with her on tow. His quick reasoning is to be praised and she's not against his rough touch, but her hat almost blew away in his haste!

Hu Tao laughs. "Wait up, wait up! I'm gonna slip and fall on my face!"

"Do you think that matters in the presence of–" A lightning bolt strikes a foot away from Xiao, and both jolt with a yell before dodging and keeping their run. Hu Tao holds onto her hat with a squeal. "This storm is dangerous, we need shelter!"

"It's not like I disagree, but a bit of delicacy won't hurt you!" she comments, pushing her hat further over her head. "Ugh, my coupons are gonna get wet… and all that good wine…!"

"Hmph, to think that's all you can focus on!"

Hu Tao laughs. Together they run through the fields and the grapevines swishing in the wind, letting the rain soak them in their haste. Mud splashes on their shoes as water gathers on the upward path toward the manor, and when Xiao nearly slips, she quickly pushes him up, dragging him toward the manor with warm hands and a slippery grip that, somehow, never falters.

Rain showers them, warm like summer, refreshing like a comforting hug from the wind. Laughter falls off her lips like rainwater off a bucket, and when she looks back to make sure he's not slipping again, despite everything, she finds him to be smiling.