Work Text:
The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor had a commission that landed in Lumine's hands.
So, after taking care of Paimon's empty stomach at the Wanmin Restaurant, Traveler and Paimon knocked on the doors of the Parlor and were received by Zhongli.
"Traveler," Zhongli acknowledged with a dip of his head.
"Hey, Zhongli," Paimon greeted, and Lumine nodded her head as well.
"What's the commission today?" The golden-haired Traveler asked.
"Sending medicine and a mail to the one in Wangshu Inn," Zhongli replied, passing off a bundle, wrapped in parchment, with a piece of paper slotted within the folds.
Lumine nodded. "Sounds good," she said. "Is Director Hu footing the cost?"
"That, she is," Zhongli agreed.
"Alright, then," Lumine nodded, clutching the package to her side. "See you later, Zhongli."
"Yeah, see you later!" Paimon waved as they stepped out into the bright Liyue afternoon.
*
The trip up the plains was calm and scenic, but as they neared Wangshu Inn, a gust of wind blew through, dislodging the piece of paper tucked within the package Lumine held.
Paimon had to perform a quick lunge midair to grab the piece of paper.
Lumine, however, glared in the direction of Mondstadt.
"Barbatos, is that you?" She muttered through gritted teeth. She turned back to where Paimon was. "Come on, Paimon, let me tuck it back in and get going, we're nearly there."
"Hey, Traveler," Paimon said, with a sheepish look on her face. "Want to see what Zhongli wrote to Xiao?"
"...It's their business," Lumine shrugged as she shifted the neckline of her dress.
"I don't even understand it since I don't understand Liyuean, can you just read it and tell me?"
Paimon shoved the paper into Lumine's hands.
Lumine took a quick read-through and suppressed the urge to roll her eyes.
"It's a love letter, Paimon."
"I want to know what it said, please? Otherwise I will eat 20,000 mora's worth at Xinyue Kiosk later!"
Lumine sighed. 20,000 mora was worth more than her wish to not deal with the lovebirds, unfortunately.
"Okay, okay. It goes something like this:
'Xiao, may my letter find you well.
Lantern Rite is fast approaching, and I miss you dearly. Today, I had the inspiration to pen a poem, attached to this letter. I am not well-versed in the arts, so I hope the Conqueror of Demons does not mind.
Liyue's old traditions are blazing anew under the bright blue sky and geetle breeze,
A beautiful sight I wish would remain peacefully so, as I hope you do too.
Recently, I've been tasting tea, listening to songs, discussing with friends;
Discussion occurs quite candidly, which gladdens me greatly.The faint scent of qingxin still lingers in the mountains, old friends longing for your company.
I always have hid my love in my eyes, yet I still begrudge how we've spent longer times apart than in love.
Every year, the lanterns hang in the sky, and my time spent with you under their radiant light
Is stretched out long, like a spring dream.Zhongli
Wangsheng Funeral Parlor'."
*
"Happy now?" Lumine asked Paimon.
"Ugh, these people," Paimon groaned, and Lumine had to wholeheartedly agree.
"We need to tell Zhongli that there's a thing called envelopes, and in fact, he has his own legs and can deliver his own letter to Xiao!"