Chapter Text
To dedicate her life for her lord, Rex Lapis, the god of contracts...
This was the mission Ganyu sought to fulfill, no matter the cost. In the midst of bloodshed during the Archon War, the Illuminated Beast strode into battle, glorifying the name of her deity with every foe she struck down. She, along with the other adepti and all else who fought in the name of Rex Lapis, ensured their lord's place among the Seven who rule over Teyvat to this day.
Even after the war that waged thousands of years had ended, after the city of Liyue had been established, Ganyu still offered her life to meeting her end of the contract with Rex Lapis. For as long as she can remember, Ganyu had worked tirelessly, dedicating every second to make sure she honors the contract.
However, as diligent of a worker as Ganyu can be, there were several moments when something was bothering her at the back of her mind. Although she was tasked to stay in Liyue amongst humans, she never had the chance to befriend anyone with mortal blood. She occasionally helps people here and there, but her mortal half made her long for someone to confide her feelings to. To confide her struggles to. To confide her simple joys to. To confide her dislikes to.
To have… a friend.
Though those thoughts were fleeting, they still come back to bother Ganyu. It may not be apparent to the people around her, but there were moments when she would space out for brief moments of time. She’d picture herself with someone she could laugh with, cry with, have a normal conversation with.
Even more rarely when this one thought crosses her mind: "When will this contract end so I can be free...?"
Nevertheless, Ganyu carried out her duties with utmost diligence. When she heard the news of her god’s passing, she refused to believe such rumors and continued working tirelessly. She believed that her god still walks among the mortals, watching Liyue’s every move.
Maybe — just maybe — Rex Lapis will recognize her efforts and reward her as he would see fit…
That day really didn’t differ from any other day Ganyu typically has. As the sunlight shone through the windows of the Yuehai Pavilion, she efficiently sorted the mountainous amounts of documents assigned to her. A few clients here and there came to consult with Ganyu regarding various business matters, and she ensured that every single customer is satisfied with her services.
There is one client in particular that piqued Ganyu’s interest. This person was a man of tall stature. He donned a fine, black suit with yellow highlights. His face was stern, as if he wanted to discuss a crucially important business deal. In addition to that, this man radiated a familiar authoritative energy — at least, that’s what Ganyu felt about him.
As Ganyu saw him approach her, she immediately set aside the document she was writing and turned her attention to the client. “Good afternoon, sir,” she politely greeted him. “How may I help you today?”
“I’m here for an appointment,” the man simply replied.
“Very well. Your name then, sir?”
“Zhongli, consultant at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.”
Immediately, Ganyu picked up a list of names just right in front of her and proceeded to scan the list for someone named Zhongli. “Zhongli… Zhongli… Wangsheng Funeral Parlor… I am sorry, Mister Zhongli, but the only person from the Wanghseng Funeral Parlor in the list is Director Hu Tao, later tonight,” Ganyu pointed out. “Would you like to schedule an appointment right now while you’re at it?”
“No need, no need,” Zhongli replied. “I am simply here to have a quick word with you, if time permits.”
“I’m afraid I can’t do that either,” Ganyu replied immediately, yet politely. “Even if you have anything to say to the secretary, you must first fill up this short consultation form—” she handed Zhongli a piece of paper “—and give that to me once you’re done. Other than that, you must sign— “
“What if I were to tell you that I am Rex Lapis?” Zhongli interrupted.
Ganyu immediately stopped sifting through the shelves for the forms she was looking for. She averted her gaze towards her client, her eyes widened from the mention of her lord’s name. Now that she had a better view of him, she could understand why his presence was all too familiar to her. As soon as she got lost in those amber-colored eyes that radiated wisdom and knowledge of things long forgotten, Ganyu knew they belonged to one of the Seven, to the god whose contract she had been dutifully accomplishing since the victors of the War were decided.
“Rex… Lapis?” Ganyu whispered as she slowly approached Zhongli.
“Indeed, I am,” Zhongli replied. “And you, Ganyu, descendant of the Illuminated Beast, are one of my most loyal servants. I am pleased to see that you continue to honor the contract we made three thousand years ago.”
Ganyu stared in disbelief as Zhongli uttered those words. Ever since she started shouldering the responsibilities that are entrusted to her, she hadn’t met Rex Lapis in person. Despite that, Ganyu believed that he still watches over her, ensuring that a contract so important has been honored. And now that he’s standing in front of her, recognizing her efforts, Ganyu couldn’t help but shake in utter shock from the words of acknowledgment she had heard. Gratitude would be a small word to describe the swelling feeling in her heart.
Nevertheless, that shock turned into resolute as Ganyu knelt on one knee, bowing her head in reverence to her deity. “I am honored to be in your presence once more, my lord,” Ganyu said. “The people of Liyue believe that you left us, but I did not heed such far-fetched rumors. I continued serving you by meeting my end of our contract, and now I am still yours to command, Rex Lapis.”
There was a moment of pause. Ganyu still bowed her head, anxiously anticipating orders from Zhongli. But…
“There is no need to kneel before me. I have stepped down as the Geo archon.”
Ganyu didn’t dare to look up, but her eyes widened and her face tensed. It can’t be. Rex Lapis is right in front of her. He can’t have lost his divine status as the lord of Geo…
“Rise,” Zhongli ordered. “And look at me.”
Ganyu slowly stood up as per Zhongli’s command. Disbelief still dominated her mind as she gazed at the archon.
“It… It can’t be,” Ganyu whimpered. “But you’re here. You’re standing right in front of me, gracing me with your presence. You can’t have surrendered your status as the Geo archon. If so, then what of Liyue? What of the nation we swore to protect?”
“Your reactions are understandable, Ganyu,” Zhongli started. “Your devotion to me made you refuse to believe that I had passed. I suppose you hadn’t found the time to comprehend the message I sent to the Qixing and the adepti because you were too occupied with your work?”
Ganyu paused for a moment to figure out what Zhongli meant. Suddenly, she remembered that one dream she had while napping in Guili Plains after a long day of work.
“It was that dream,” Ganyu said. “I stood before you in your divine form. I wanted to say something to you, but… I don’t exactly remember what it was. I couldn’t tell you my thoughts then. I can only feel reassurance as I set my eyes upon you: the reassurance that you still live.”
“Your deduction is correct,” Zhongli replied with a slight nod. “I sent that message to the Qixing and the adepti to let them know that Rex Lapis is still alive in this world.”
“Then why did you surrender your divine status as the lord of Geo?” Ganyu asked. “The people of Liyue look up to you. With all due respect, my lord, but you can’t just leave your people hopeless like that.”
Zhongli simply sighed before he spoke once more. “I have walked this world for more than six thousand years. I have founded Liyue Harbor together with the adepti 3,700 years ago, and since then, I have ensured the safety of the nation. I did not think that my time would soon draw to a close, but then one day I thought to myself: ‘Have I finished my duties? Is Liyue ready to advance to the next age?’
“Of course, I wouldn’t leave my people alone without knowing they can handle things without my guidance. With the events that transpired as of late — your battle with the ancient god Osial, the Overlord of the Vortex — I can confidently say that Liyue is ready to advance to a new era, and I can live my life from here on out as the mortal Zhongli.”
Ganyu felt Zhongli’s sentiments as she listened to his story. She learned that he soon realized that he had been fulfilling his duty for far too long. He wanted to remove the burden he’d been carrying for millennia, and so he did, after reassuring himself that he had fulfilled his purpose.
Ganyu desired to be free of her burden as well, but her conditions are not quite similar to that of Zhongli’s. She is bound to the contract that had been signed three thousand years ago, and it won’t be null unless Rex Lapis himself deemed it so. If only she herself was an archon, a being ruled by no one, she would simply follow Zhongli’s example.
But here she was, working tirelessly for her old contract, wanting to know if the conditions of it were already met. She wanted to tell him of those times when she desired to befriend the people around her. She wanted to tell him how lonely she was as she was fulfilling her duties. She wanted to let go of the emotions that had been swelling inside of her for years.
But then Ganyu remembered that she had a mission: to dedicate her life for her lord, Rex Lapis, the god of contracts. She couldn’t just abandon it; else she would be ashamed of being present with the person she was just talking to at that moment.
With that in mind, Ganyu closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and calmed herself. As her eyes opened to see Zhongli staring at her, she finally spoke, “I understand, my lord. You are wise to leave the nation of Liyue to its people, to let them thrive without depending too much on you who defended them. I will not ask any further questions regarding that matter. Instead, let us get to the purpose of your visit. May I ask for the reason why you came to speak to me?”
“I believe we can have our conversation at a more suitable spot,” Zhongli suggested. “How about a table, just right there at the corner near your counter? I am sure it would be private enough for us to discuss the matter at hand.”
Ganyu did as instructed and followed Zhongli to a table of two near her counter. Her heart raced as she kept thinking of what her lord would have to say to her. Will he recognize the efforts she brought to fulfilling their old contract? Will he burden her with another task? Whatever it was, Ganyu was anxious to hear what the archon would say to her.
Once the two of them sat down at the opposite sides of the table, Zhongli clasped his hands together and asked, “So Ganyu, how long do you work in a day?”
Ganyu found the question a bit peculiar. Nonetheless, she looked away for a moment to try and remember the exact number of hours she puts in a day. “Around twenty hours, more or less,” she replied politely. “If time permits, I take a quick nap on an open field.”
Zhongli nodded as he continued writing the contract. “How frequently do you work in a week?”
“Every single day, my lord.”
“I see… Nothing unexpected,” Zhongli muttered. “Have you made any close relations with anyone? Say from your workplace, do you have anyone you consider your close friends?”
Ganyu didn’t see why Zhongli kept asking such strange, personal questions. Nevertheless, she had complete faith that he would not use such information against her, so she answered, “I assist everyone in my workplace to the best of my ability, my lord. I can say that I have developed a healthy relationship with my associates. As for close friends… I cannot say that I have any. The only person who I shared a normal conversation with once was the traveler. Other than them, I have no confidants who personally know me.”
“Interesting…” Zhongli took a moment of pause that made Ganyu tense a bit. “One final question: do you feel lonely?” he asked.
As that question rang in Ganyu’s ears, her thoughts immediately shifted to what she had been doing for the longest time. Only then she finally realized her own exhaustion. All this time, she had been working tirelessly to safeguard the peace of her deity’s beloved nation, so much that she neglected her own needs.
Ganyu thought that if it was for the people’s sake, for Liyue’s sake — for Rex Lapis’ sake, she could press on without ever asking for anything in return.
But now that she finally realized how much she set herself aside, Ganyu couldn’t help but quiver. She finally admitted to herself that she couldn’t bear the loneliness any longer. Tears started welling up in her eyes, but she didn’t dare shed even one drop of it in front of Zhongli. Appearing vulnerable to Rex Lapis was not something Ganyu would like to reminisce.
However, Zhongli noticed the sadness in Ganyu’s eyes; it seemed that the poor secretary couldn’t hide it any longer. “It seems that there is something bothering you, Ganyu,” he said. “Go ahead, let it all out. I am here to listen to whatever you wish to tell me.”
With those reassuring words from the archon, Ganyu finally let the dam burst. Slowly but surely, she let go of the loneliness she’s been feeling for decades with every tear that flowed down her face. Little by little, she could feel her heart lighten from the thought that she had someone else to carry her burden with her.
“I have offered my life to you with no hesitation, my lord,” Ganyu started. “That I do not regret, not even one bit. But sometimes, my mind wanders off; I kept imagining a time where I could talk to someone outside of work. I have always desired to have someone I can call a friend, but I kept telling myself that you are my priority. You are the one that I must honor, so I had to set aside my personal interests.
“But now that I’ve heard the reason why you retired as the Geo archon, I have wondered if I myself have fulfilled my duties. I would still follow your command if I am still of service, but… deep down, I want to live a life of my own. I don’t… I don’t want to be lonely anymore…”
And with all that being said, Ganyu’s cries slowly turned into sobs before looking straight towards Zhongli. Although the embarrassment from appearing vulnerable still lingers, she was relieved that she confidently shared her thoughts to someone else.
Zhongli attentively listened to every single word Ganyu said before picking up the quill. He continued to write the contract as he said, “Your mortal half longs for human companionship; I can understand that. No one can truly live alone, but being the devout servant that you are, you bore the weight in your heart for my sake. That is no simple feat, and I commend you for that.”
Ganyu couldn’t help but smile meekly as Zhongli uttered the last sentence.
“I am grateful to have someone as faithful and loyal as you, Ganyu,” Zhongli said. “There are only a handful of people who are like you.”
“I am… honored, my lord,” Ganyu responded as she made a light sniffle.
Zhongli paused for a moment to look at the window behind Ganyu. The sunlight slowly faded into an orange hue. Zhongli stood up and fixed the hems of his suit before saying, “I believe we still have some time to spare. I’d like to reward you for your hard work. Care for a walk with me?”
Ganyu stood up in response to Zhongli’s request. “If it isn’t too much, my lord, where are we going?” Ganyu asked while wiping the traces of tears on her cheeks.
“Please, from this day forward, address me as Zhongli. I don’t want anyone to know about my true identity,” Zhongli requested. “Anyways, we are going to have some tea at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. After all, Director Tao seems to consider you a wonderful fellow. She would most certainly wish to have a little chat with you.”
Having a little chat with Zhongli’s director… Even though Ganyu had the chance to talk to Hu Tao once, she somehow found the director quite strange. She didn’t leave Ganyu alone before offering a discount coupon, courtesy of the funeral parlor she manages. That thought still gave her quite a bit of chills.
“I…” Ganyu wanted to tell Zhongli how she gets quite the uncomfortable aura when she first met Hu Tao. However, she couldn’t dare refuse a request from her deity, especially when he said that he will be rewarding her for meeting the conditions of their contract.
“You need not to be wary of Director Tao,” Zhongli reassured Ganyu as he saw the hesitation in her face. “Sure, she may be… oddly enthusiastic in advertising our services to the populace at times, but rest assured, she is quite the likable person if you learn to understand where she is coming from.”
Guilt started to take over Ganyu’s mind after hearing Zhongli’s perspective on Hu Tao. She judged a person immediately from first impressions. Maybe she should take the time to know the funeral parlor’s director more; after all, she always wanted to learn about the lives of the people living around her.
Setting her guilt aside, Ganyu nodded resolutely at Zhongli and said, “I suppose I can have a nice conversation with Miss Hu Tao before her appointment tonight.”
“Very well,” Zhongli said as he gestured towards the exit. “Don’t worry about your higher-ups. If they ask any questions, I will be the one to talk to them. Now then, shall we get going?”
“Yes, my lor- I mean, Zhongli,” Ganyu replied as she opened the door for him.
As Zhongli walked past her, Ganyu could have sworn she saw a faint smile on his face, as if everything was going so well for him. What was that reward he wanted to give her.
Nevertheless, Ganyu brushed that thought aside for now and followed Zhongli into the streets of Liyue Harbor.