Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Three months before Rite of Descension

After weeks of sailing the seas, which all look exactly the same for Childe, finally, the golden docks of Liyue Harbor were visible to the naked eye. Of course, accompanied by the view of the docks, there was also the unbearable humidity and heat that Liyuen summers were known for. 

He was standing tall on the deck; the unfortunately warm breeze ruffling his clothes and messing up his already disheveled, flame-colored locks that framed his youthful face. His nervous energy was evident in his wide, almost soulless, deep blue eyes. He could already feel the harsh Liyuen sun burning his pale skin. Oh, how he despised summer heat. However, what Childe despised even more than excessive humidity and heat, was having to be stuck on a small, fragile vessel, surrounded by endless waters, with people he barely liked, let alone trusted, for weeks straight. That was too much time wasted not training, and further developing his skills, in his opinion.

 It was so unbearably boring that if the voyage had taken any longer, he figured he would start growing gray hairs like Pulcinella, Tsartisa forbid. His muscles were sore from sitting around for so long, calloused hands yearned for the familiar handles of his weapons, his feet numb and uncomfortable from how much he was sitting and mindlessly filling in paperwork. But finally, after an eternity, Liyue was within reach.

~*~

Soon enough, Childe was on Liyuen soil. After getting his documents checked by the Millelith stationed at the docks, he raised his arms above his head, stretching and letting out a tired sigh of relief. Finally, he was on stable ground, and he wasn’t stuck on a tiny vessel with nothing to do. His men were carrying his baggage to a hotel near Northland Bank, and the Millelith soldier finally walked away with his documents. 

Childe's eyes slightly narrowed, and his stance stiffened when he noticed a new person walking towards him. He wondered if he had to through even more security checks. However, the stranger was not dressed like a Millelith soldier. He walked with confidence, his mere presence commanding respect. Amber eyes met blue as the stranger stood tall before him, hands clasped at his back. Childe took a moment to study the stranger. 

The individual donned a lengthy, flowing, rich brown coat that morphed into darker hues towards the bottom. The coat was eye-catching, made from quality material. The fabric was richly decorated with intricate, geometrical designs, skillfully embroidered by hand with golden thread. His broad shoulders were further accentuated by padding and emphasized by silver accents resembling shoulder armor. Beneath the coat, he wore a high-collared dark gray shirt with sleek, formal design. It contributed to his regal, authoritative demeanor. He had an elegant belt buckle with ornate detailing, and silky, tailored but practical gloves that added to his air of sophistication. He had a single earring, resembling a tassel. There was a single, high quality piece of Cor Lapis attached to it, the rich color somehow paling compared to the color of his eyes. He had long, umber hair that was tied into a ponytail. It reached below his waist and looked very healthy, perhaps even soft if Childe were to be honest. The ends of his ponytail and bangs had amber highlights, similar to the color of a Cor Lapis. This man somehow looked like the personification of Liyue Harbor, regal, authoritative, donned in gold and earthly colors.

Childe had to admit, the stranger was pleasing to his sore eyes that saw nothing but the uninteresting faces of his men, and the open sea for weeks straight. The man was objectively handsome. He was a touch- or two taller than Childe. He looked strong, his posture was straight, and his steps were light, as if he were trained. Childe could tell he was a fighter. Obviously, Childe never let good looks fool him. This was a stranger in a strange land, and he was going to keep his guard up. This was mere observation on his part.

“Welcome to Liyue Harbor, Mister Childe… I presume? I am Zhongli, consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. As you know, Wangsheng and the Fatui will be business partners during your stay here due to various reasons. I will be your contact, and a… glorified tour guide, you may say.” The man greeted Childe, giving him a shallow but polite bow. His voice was a smooth, velvety baritone, each syllable rolling off his tongue with a calming ease that drew people in effortlessly. A subtle, barely audible accent complemented his voice as he spoke the common tongue to Childe, as he clearly didn’t know Liyuen. 

“Hello, Mister Zhongli. Pleasure to meet you, indeed. You sure are a sight for sore eyes after weeks of voyaging by boat.” The harbinger joked, keeping the tone light. “Thank you for welcoming me at the docks. Otherwise, I would have no idea where to go.”

The man gave Childe a small polite smile in response, “Of course. That is why I am here. If I may, I would suggest enjoying a nice meal before heading to the hotel you will be staying at.”

The harbinger seemed to consider the suggestion. He was hungry, and getting to know his business associate could prove useful, as Pulcinella would point out. And, the man seemed interesting enough. Otherwise, Childe would never follow Pulcinella’s advice, just because he usually has a point. “That sounds good. Please, lead the way, Mister Zhongli.”

The two walked through the confusing, narrow and crowded streets of Liyue, making turns after turns. Childe had to admit, it would have taken him a while to find his way. Liyue was a very complicated city. He kept his eyes on all the landmarks he could see, memorizing the turns they took and the buildings they passed by. He took note of the luminescent Geo Vision that innocently hung by a golden chain, grazing Zhongli’s lower back. 

Soon, they reached a small, humble but cozy restaurant located in one of the wider, busier main roads in the city. It was crowded, people laughing together, talking, eating, and drinking. There were so many sounds coming from so many places, it made Childe dizzy after only being on a boat for weeks with nothing but his paperwork for company.

 Zhongli, his glorified, and certainly over-qualified guide, turned to him. “This is Wanmin Restaurant. It is very famous for its distinctive menu that combines traditional Liyuen dishes with innovative, fresh recipes that results in a unique blend of old and new. Despite their unorthodox approach to the Culinary Arts, they have quickly become a sensation throughout all of Liyue. I figured it would be the perfect way to introduce you to Liyue’s cuisine and keep things interesting at the same time.”

“I see. That is fascinating. I would be happy to eat here, since it is your personal recommendation. You seem well-versed in all things Liyue, after all.” Childe nodded, interested in the food this restaurant had to offer. He had figured Zhongli would take him to a prissy, conservative and pricey restaurant first, to show off his social status and wealth. Judging from his outfit, Zhongli was clearly wealthy. However, instead, the man took him to a popular restaurant famous with its innovative menu and street food. Childe was pleasantly surprised, if he had to admit.

The two were approached by a short, sunny girl with navy hair and bright eyes when they entered the restaurant. She seemed excited, and eager to host them. “Good evening, Mister Zhongli! It is nice of you to stop by.” She smiled wide. “I see that you brought a foreigner with you this time?” The girl added, her shimmering eyes finding Childe, who gave her an awkward wave.

“Hello to you too, Miss Xiangling. It is nice to see you as well.” Zhongli gave her a polite smile. “Yes, this is Mister Childe, a diplomat from Snezhnaya. I’ve brought him here so he can taste some of the best food Liyue Harbor has to offer.” The consultant replied. 

“Ah, I see now! You are definitely in the right place! Then, welcome to Liyue, Mister Childe. Please, take a seat and I will bring you a menu.” The girl grinned before jogging away. The two men took a seat while Childe continued to study his surroundings.

“What a charming place. I have high hopes, Mister Zhongli.” The harbinger grinned. “What would you recommend? I am not familiar with Liyue’s Cuisine, let alone the menu here, so I’ll go along with you. I don’t have a strict preference, so you may order whatever you like.”

“Alright, if you say so. I shall order for the both of us, and you may sample from those dishes and eat the ones you like.” Zhongli nodded. When Xiangling came back, the consultant ordered for both of them. Now, all they had to do was wait for food to arrive.

The conversation between them was light, Zhongli mainly taking the lead. “You seem to know a lot, Mister Zhongli. What can you tell me about Liyue in general?” Childe asked, slightly tilting his head. Maybe this way, he could also find out vital information relating to Rex Lapis, and how to find him. Maybe even his weaknesses. 

Zhongli let out a low chuckle, closing his eyes as he sipped the tea Xiangling brought for them to drink while they waited for the food. “Heh, well, if I were to tell you everything I know about Liyue, we would be sitting here for a century or more.” He said, his sharp amber eyes seemed like they saw right through Childe. The consultant had a small, knowing smile on his face, as if he was sharing an inside joke with himself.

“Well, that’s why I asked for general knowledge. Briefly. I clearly don’t have a century.” The harbinger joked, smirking.

“Well, officially, Liyue was founded three thousand and seven hundred years ago when Rex Lapis, or Morax, signed a contract with the Adepti to protect Liyue no matter what. Rex Lapis was victorious in the Archon War, having eliminated all gods that posed a threat to his authority in this region. He was now one of the seven, the ruler of Geo in the human realm.” The consultant took another slow sip from his tea. “However, Liyue was not safe even after the Archon War, for the hatred of the defeated gods and other monstrosities tainted these lands. Thus, such a contract that is accepted as the official foundation of Liyue, was signed between Rex Lapis and the Adepti. It marks the beginning of the long history of Liyue as an established nation. Rex Lapis, the Adepti, and the people of Liyue all worked together to preserve our culture and grow as a nation. Now, Liyue has bloomed into a beautiful flower, prosperous, beautiful and filled with history and culture, the trade center of Teyvat.”

Childe was never one to enjoy long speeches or history lessons. He never had enough patience for such things. However, the way the consultant spoke was mesmerizing. His voice was smooth like silk, his tone mellow and inviting. He seemed wise beyond his years, words carrying the weight of the seemingly limitless knowledge the man possessed. Childe was aware how valuable this was, as he was going to need to learn as much as he could about Liyue and, specifically, Rex Lapis if he was going to pull this mission off. Technically, Zhongli saved him from spending countless hours reading boring textbooks and scrolls. “The predecessor for Liyue is the Guili Assembly, isn’t it? I read something like that while I was on the sea.” Childe questioned, taking a small sip from the bitter tea.

“Yes, it technically is. The Guili Assembly as a topic is very complicated and largely ambiguous in nature, so it would take a very long time for me to tell you all about it.” The man nodded. “But what I can tell you is that the Guili Assembly was an ancient civilization established and ruled by Rex Lapis and Guizhong, the Goddess of Dust. It was a prosperous civilization with, for its time, advanced technology. It fell when Guizhong was slain in the Archon War. Following the war, there was a great flood that devastated the area.” Zhongli explained, his gaze was now on his tea cup rather than Childe.

“How did that go..?” Childe asked, “Or, like, what happened next? You said it is Liyue’s predecessor. Technically.” 

“After the great floods, the Guili Plains were inhabitable. Rex Lapis gathered the people of Guili Assembly– well, what was left of it. Rex Lapis, accompanied by an ancient god, Marchosius, patron god of the Stove, led the surviving people and Adepti to the South of Mt. Tianheng. While it wasn’t a long journey, it was indeed a treacherous one as they were caught up in a violent storm. Marchosius was a great help… Apparently.” The consultant paused for a short moment. “Soon after, that infamous contract was signed, and Liyue Harbor was established.”

“I see, that’s very cool to know. What happened to this.. Uh, Marchosius?” Childe struggled to pronounce the god’s name. He hoped Zhongli would go easy on him when it came to pronunciations. “I’ve never heard him mentioned anywhere. But maybe I simply haven’t been around long enough to hear his name. It is my first day.” He was surprisingly invested in the impromptu history lesson Zhongli was giving him. He was engaging and easy to listen to.

“No, you won’t hear him being mentioned a lot, unfortunately. After the founding of Liyue Harbor, as he did in the Guili Assembly, Marchosius lived alongside the people. However, soon plague, drought, and many other disasters struck Liyue due to the lingering hatred of the ancient gods that were defeated during the war.  Marchosius placed all of his power into the land itself to keep it vitalized, greatly diminishing the size of both his physical form and his mental faculties. Thanks to him, the people and the Adepti did not succumb to plague or starve to death. He saved the future of this entire nation.” The consultant explained. His gaze seemed faraway, almost thoughtful, as he gingerly held his tea cup in his left hand. 

“With the last remaining crumbs of his strength, Marchosius imparted the secrets of his flame to Rex Lapis and Streetward Rambler, so that the stoves of the people were kept lit long after his departure. It is said that he retreated to an unknown mountain shrine to rest until he regains his strength. But that part is very murky, nothing specific is mentioned in historical texts. Most people don’t even remember Marchosius’s name, after all. However, his flame and recipes still live on.” Zhongli met Childe’s gaze. “I feel that Wanmin Restaurant in particular perfectly embodies Marchosius’s legacy. It is another reason why I am so fond of this place.”

“He sounds fascinating. I wager not many would have risked their.. What, sanity to save everyone. His sacrifice allowed Liyue to become what it is today, yes? Thank you for telling me, Mister Zhongli.” Childe smiled politely. He had to admit that Liyue had interesting history. Almost everything symbolized something, or had a greater meaning, a backstory. His feeble knowledge of these lands barely scratched the surface. The harbinger hoped, some of Zhongli’s lectures would even help with his mission.“With this anecdote, now I am even more curious about the dishes of this restaurant!”

Shortly after their conversation on Liyue’s brief history, food arrived. The table was covered in many dishes that were foreign to Childe. The consultant thanked the girl before turning to the harbinger once more. “Let me give you a brief overview of what I have ordered. In the middle, in that large pot, we have Bamboo Shoot Soup. It’s a soup that has to brew for a very long time, several hours in fact. It has to be kept at low heat until it turns milky white. In it, you can find meat and ham diced into very small pieces, and some vegetables. All the distinct flavors make up a beautiful dish.” Zhongli then gestured at a smaller plate near the soup. “These are Jade Parcels, a specialty of Miss Xiangling. They are dumplings filled with ham and vegetables. Miss Xiangling also uses Lotus Heads. It is usually drizzled with a spicy broth that adds to its already rich flavor.” The consultant pointed at a bowl of noodles. “This is called Dragon Beard Noodles. It is called that because the noodles in it are supposed to be as slender as the beard of a dragon. They are meant to be skillfully hand-pulled multiple times to look like that. You can find mushrooms and grilled green onions in it.” 

Childe was listening to the brief explanations of the dishes with interest. All of them sounded very good to him. Zhongli had ordered more than Childe thought he would, but he figured they would be able to finish it all. The harbinger hadn’t eaten since this morning. 

“And, last but not least, Stir-Fried Filet and a bowl of Mint Salad. Stir-Fried Filet has Jueyun Chili in it, so be careful. It is very spicy.” Zhongli looked up to see Childe. “Shall we eat?”

“Yes, definitely. I am starving.” The younger man replied, clapping his hands. Zhongli skillfully picked up his chopsticks, piling some of the food into his plate politely. Meanwhile, Childe held the chopsticks in his fist, trying to figure out a way to hold them. While he had been shown how to use them before he came to Liyue for his mission, Childe hadn’t paid much attention.

“If you wish, I can show you how to use chopsticks, Mister Childe. Or we may order a spoon and a fork for you. You must be tired from your voyage, so I wouldn’t want to push you into learning how to use these utensils on your first day in Liyue.” Zhongli said after a few minutes of Childe trying, and failing, to use chopsticks.

The younger man frowned, expression filled with a stubborn determination. “No, if I asked for a spoon, I would be admitting defeat. I will master these chopsticks.” Zhongli clearly seemed surprised by the man’s explanation. But he was also clearly rather amused, the corners of his lips lifting in a small smile. “Alright, would you like me to show you how they are used?” Childe nodded.

“Well, first, you need to hold the first chopstick between your thumb and the side of your ring finger.” Zhongli demonstrated as he gave Childe instructions. “It needs to rest in the crook of your thumb, supported by your ring finger near the base.” The harbinger copied the consultant as well as he could.

“Yes, you are doing very well. Now, place the second chopstick between the tip of your thumb and the top section of your index and middle fingers. It is similar to holding a pencil. You will use this chopstick to pick up the food.” Childe managed to copy Zhongli’s position. However, his hold was wobbly and clumsy. “You are doing great, Master Childe. You needn’t worry. Make sure to keep the first chopstick stable with your ring finger and thumb, and the second chopstick needs to be held firmly but not tightly, as you will be moving it.”

Zhongli gave the harbinger a moment for him to correct his hold. “Now, try grabbing one of these Jade Parcels.” He instructed. Childe did as told, successfully managing to pick up one of the dumplings. His eyes widened in excitement as he lifted the dish, hold unstable. However, soon, the dumpling slipped from his chopsticks, ungracefully landing in his plate. Childe flinched at the sudden movement, while Zhongli chuckled lightly, eyes crinkled with mirth.

“It is alright, you will get the hang of it. It can be challenging at first.” The consultant said as Childe adjusted his grip on the chopsticks once more. 

“I need to try picking up these Jade Parcels until I learn how to successfully use these utensils.” The Harbinger said confidently, meeting Zhongli’s gaze. The consultant seemed perplexed by the man’s determination, but didn’t comment. 

The rest of the dinner went by with pleasant conversation, Zhongli answering some of the many questions Childe had about Rex Lapis and the Archon War. The Harbinger found stories of ancient warfare, and how gods battled each other, very interesting. Well, anything related to combat was appealing to him, and Zhongli had answers to most of his questions. However, using chopsticks were still very challenging, and he occasionally dropped noodles, dumplings, and pieces of meat on the table or in his plate. He had to admit it was mildly embarrassing, as Zhongli seemed so sophisticated and graceful while he was dropping food randomly when attempting to eat. 

Zhongli cleared his throat when Childe dropped his fourth piece of meat that day, causing Childe to look up at him. “If I may..?” He questioned, gesturing at The Harbinger’s hands. Childe was surprised that Zhongli was willing to help him. He nodded, allowing the consultant to adjust his grip. 

“There we go.” Zhongli gently positioned the second chopstick higher, using his other hand to move the harbinger’s fingers into the right position.  “As you can see, I moved the chopstick higher so you can hold it between the top of your index and middle fingers more comfortably. Now you should be able to hold it with ease.”

Childe blinked, eyeing his hand. He was surprised that the consultant was willing to touch a Fatui Harbinger. He did know his true identity after all. He knew one of the major reasons why the Fatui were partnered with Wangsheng is because Childe needed someone to dispose of the people he would have to eliminate for his mission, and for Northland Bank. Of course, the harbinger had gotten over the guilt long ago, but for other people this was a rightfully disturbing thing. Not that Childe really cared about what other people thought about him. 

Another thing that was interesting to him was the fact that, despite having been together for a long while now, the man never attempted to discuss money or business with him. It was what he expected, what other purpose would someone have to dine with a Harbinger? Perhaps the man had an ulterior motive, or would only begin to discuss such things after they get to know each other briefly. All things considered, Childe had to admit the consultant was intriguing, and he was not going to underestimate or trust him just because he was being friendly and had a pretty face. 

“Right, thank you. I’ll try again now.” The Harbinger said, moving to pick up the last remaining Jade Parcel from the plate, hands positioned the way Zhongli had instructed. Fortunately, he was able to actually eat the dumpling without making a mess or dropping it unceremoniously. Zhongli seemed genuinely impressed, nodding his head with a small smile.

“You already got the hang of it, and it is only your first ever meal in Liyue Harbor. That is impressive, Mister Childe.”

“Just you wait, I will be eating like a local the next time you see me.” The younger man said, flashing a boyish grin after swallowing his food. The consultant chuckled in response. “I believe you.”

~*~

It was late in the evening, the narrow streets of Liyue Harbor were illuminated by the warm glow of streetlamps, and light escaping from shops and stalls that were positioned on the edges of the smooth, stone road. It was busy, laughter coming from buildings and balconies, vendors and merchants yelling, advertising their wares to pull in customers. Childe was studying his surroundings carefully, the light of the streetlamps barely reflecting in his dull, deep blue eyes. The consultant, Zhongli, was walking beside him at a respectable distance. He blended in perfectly with his surroundings, as if he belonged here, in the hustle and bustle of Liyue Harbor’s crowded streets, amidst the organized chaos that is the market district of Liyue. His long, stylish coat moved along with him, the smooth fabric flapping with each step he took. 

Childe found the man interesting enough, he could see himself talking more with Zhongli during his stay. It wouldn’t be too bad, having company aside from his men and the spies La Signora sneaked amongst his men. He doubted the Fatui at Northland Bank were any friendlier than the Fatui back home. While Childe didn’t really go out of his way to make friends, having a bearable acquaintance who was so well versed in all things related to Liyue could prove useful.

Soon, the harbinger found himself near a stall that claimed to sell collectibles. The merchant had called Zhongli over, trying to sell some sort of porcelain vase to the man who seemed perfectly happy to study the antique. Childe also looked at the vase, trying to look interested. It was pretty, flowing illustrations of some type of blue flower Childe didn’t recognize decorated the thin vase, their leaves following the curves of the antique.

“Well, you see Sir, this vase dates back to the late Archon War, handmade and hand-painted during the late era of the Guili Assembly. It took our men a long while to put it back together! Such a distinguished and knowledgeable person such as yourself must be aware of how rare and precious relics from that era are, as not much is left of the Guili Assembly.” The merchant said eagerly, his eyes studying the consultant’s face to see what he thought. Zhongli slightly leaned forward, hands clasped at his back as he tilted his head, studying the antique carefully. He was purely focused on the vase, amber eyes narrowed and manicured brows furrowed. A few, long minutes passed until he spoke again, velvety baritone cutting the rather awkward silence.

“I must apologize, Mister, and tell you that this vase is not from late Guili Assembly.” 

The merchant seemed bewildered, a frown twisting his youthful features. His posture had stiffened. Even Childe was invested now, looking between the two men. “Whatever do you mean, Sir? How would you be able to prove such an accusation?”

Zhongli didn’t seem phased by the challenge. He crossed his arms over his chest, towering over the merchant’s stand, yet his voice was its usual mellow tone, contrasting the intimidating posture. “You see, Mister, the flowers depicted on this vase are Glaze Lilies, and, yes, the vase itself is handmade, the flowers are hand painted. Of course, Glaze Lilies were very important in Guili Assembly’s culture. These flowers once used to be very common, covering wild fields with their mesmerizing blue color and fresh yet sweet scent.” Zhongli paused. “Or so the texts say.” He added before tilting his head. “The reason I believe this vase is not from that era is because of the paint that is used. During the days of the Guili Assembly, certain shades of blue and lavender paint were made by using Glaze Lilies, specifically their petals. When this paint was used, it had a unique, distinct tone that came from the flower. A vibrant, eye-catching blue hue that is distinct enough to tell apart. However, this vase is not painted with that specific paint. Thus, that is my first argument.” The consultant explained, gesturing at the flowers on the vase with his left hand.

 “Secondly, this type of art on porcelain, called the Qing Porcelain, only started to appear a thousand and five hundred years after Liyue was established. I can tell this is the product of the Qing style, thanks to the very detailed shading, use of contrasting, bright colors and the thin yet certain lines on the designs that make the flower motifs pop, along with the dragon motifs on the top part of the base.” The tall man added, closing his amber eyes. 

“Last but not least, the state of the glaze on this porcelain vase leads me to believe it is around eight hundred years old, while the late era of the Guili Assembly was nearly three thousand and five hundred years ago. So, I would say you are around two thousand and seven hundred years off.”

Both the merchant and the harbinger were speechless after the consultant’s long explanation. Childe was mildly impressed, how could someone figure out so many things from a simple vase? The man had even guessed the vase’s real age. To think the merchant had tried to scam such a person, Childe almost felt bad. He had to admit that watching the consultant break down all the merchant’s claims was amusing.

The seller was staring at Zhongli with wide eyes. He spoke up after a minute. “Right, ah… You may be right, Sir. I will have some historians assess this antique once more to confirm all you’ve said.” He stuttered, “You really do know a lot...”

Childe snorted, glancing at the merchant, then shifting his gaze towards the consultant. “Tough luck, I suppose. He ended up actually being knowledgeable.” He joked, stepping away from the stall. Zhongli offered the merchant a polite nod before joining him. 

And once more, the two men were walking side by side with a respectable distance between them, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the market district. 

“Well, that was genuinely impressive, Mister Zhongli! You really do know a lot. I'm starting to believe you're overqualified for your current consultant job. I bet even actual historians wouldn’t notice all the details you've pointed out.” Childe said with a chuckle. “Man, the look on the merchant’s face was priceless! He had no idea who he was trying to scam.” The harbinger grinned, amused. 

The consultant merely shrugged. “It was nothing special, really. I just read a lot. And, I am perfectly happy with my job, so you needn't worry, Mister Childe.” He gave the harbinger a light smile, looking at him from the corner of his eye. 

“Well, if I ever decide to go shopping, I know who I am calling.” Childe winked, raising his eyebrows. 

“I'd be happy to help, if you require my assistance.” The consultant nodded, amused. 

~*~

Long after the sun had set, a good hour or two into the night, Zhongli led Childe to the hotel he would be staying at after the harbinger showed him the address, asking for directions. The building was a large Liyuen style building with wide balconies and a spacious terrace. The exterior was primarily constructed of rich, dark wood, showcasing intricate carvings and ornate latticework. The roof featured sweeping eaves that curved gracefully upwards, adorned with decorative tiles in deep shades of red and gold and delicate carvings of mythical creatures Childe didn’t recognize, and floral motifs embellished the wooden panel. Large, arched windows with red wooden frames invited natural light to flood the interiors. It was connected to the many buildings around it with stairs that were painted bright red, it was a common sight in Liyue. Paper Lanterns with hand-painted floral designs hung from the eaves of the building, illuminating the streets and the surrounding stairways.

“Here we are. This is the hotel you’re supposed to be staying at.” The consultant said as the pair stood before the large building. Childe took a moment to admire the stylish building.

“Wow, it’s a pretty building.” He commented as he looked up.

“Indeed, I am happy you are able to appreciate Liyue’s culture, and you even wish to learn more. Unexpected from most foreigners... Not many would listen to me go on and on about this country’s history, after all.” 

“What can I say? You’re an engaging storyteller. And, the stories were mostly interesting. I had fun today. Thank you for showing me around and accompanying me to my hotel, I would have definitely gotten lost.” The harbinger nodded as the men shook hands.

“Of course, the pleasure is mine. Have a pleasant night, Mister Childe.” Zhongli flashed a small smile, returning Childe’s nod before turning around and walking the opposite direction of the hotel. Soon, his figure had disappeared from Childe’s view.

~*~

Chapter Text

Two months before Rite of Descension

It had been an entire month since Childe arrived in Liyue Harbor. He even had an established routine now. He would wake up at five in the morning and train for two hours outside the city. Then he headed to the Northland Bank and took care of some paperwork, occasionally joined the debt collections, and worked on his plan on how he could drive out Rex Lapis to confront him; or find a way to access him and his gnosis. But, of course, Childe preferred to face the Warrior God of Contracts head on. At around five in the evening, if it is a Tuesday or a Friday, he usually met up with the consultant. They had dinner together, then strolled around the market district or just walked around aimlessly. Their conversations were always lengthy and pleasant, with Childe sharing anecdotes about his nation, culture, and stories of his family (that were ordinary and safe enough to share, of course). Zhongli responded with tales from Liyue's history and bits of trivia that Childe figured only few knew, recommended Childe books, different brands of tea, restaurants, museums, and even places outside the city with historical significance.

To be completely honest, Childe didn’t expect he would get along with the consultant this well. They were more close acquaintances rather than mere business partners, the seeds of a fragile friendship were planted. Zhongli never asked invasive or dangerous questions, and ignored anything Fatui related unless it involved Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. And Childe never pried into Zhongli’s mysterious past, or push the questions that were left unanswered for whatever reason. There was a mutual agreement between them. 

One peculiar thing about the consultant was that he forgot his wallet a lot . It was funny at first, now it is merely a curious detail about the man. Sometimes Childe would have to cover for the both of them, but Zhongli usually made up for it during their next outing. Typically, he seemed genuinely disappointed when he wasn’t able to locate his wallet, so Childe didn’t really comment on it aside from the occasional “wow, that happens a lot” or, “don’t worry I will cover us for today”. The fact that the consultant is able to recall so many things about Liyue’s history and knows all of Liyue like the back of his hand, but is unable to remember to bring his wallet amused Childe. 

His life in Liyue was going well, he could tolerate most of the staff at the bank, debt collections allowed him to try different, unique ways to fight since they were so simple. He was also able to learn his way around the country thanks to them. His outings with Zhongli were interesting, engaging, and genuinely pleasant at times. 

It was all going smoothly, except Childe wasn’t sure how exactly he would be able to initiate his plan. He had hit a roadblock. How was he going to draw out the elusive Rex Lapis? How was he even realistically going to get the Gnosis from the god? He figured he would set his plan in motion during the Rite of Descension, when Rex Lapis would actually show himself. According to the consultant, every year on this day, Rex Lapis graces the land with his prophecy, giving guidance on the economic path Liyue should follow in the coming year.

It was the perfect opportunity, since the god would be showing up in Liyue Harbor in person. 

In one of the many scrolls and books he had acquired about Liyue’s history and the Archon War; he read about an ancient god called Osial. He was one of Rex Lapis’s strongest enemies, whom he sealed below the sea, in today’s Guyun Stone Forest. When Childe asked Zhongli about the god, the man physically coiled, features scrunching up. Apparently, according to the consultant, Osial and Rex Lapis had a long-standing enmity. Osial was a powerful god, able to create Tsunamis as high as Liyue’s mountains. One day, Osial tried to flood the entire nation of Liyue. According to the consultant, A huge battle between the gods took place, only ending when Rex Lapis summoned great stone spears to defeat Osial, pinning him in the depths of today’s Guyun Stone Forest. He dealt the final blow with his famous spear, Vortex Vanquisher. 

That is how Guyun Stone Forest came to be. It is the place where Osial was sealed by Rex Lapis after the battle. An important detail to note in this tale, was that Osial was not killed by Rex Lapis. He was merely sealed. Maybe Childe could find a way to break the seal and use the god to get Rex Lapis’s gnosis. But this was a half-baked, unrealistic plan for now. Childe had no way to break such an ancient seal.

~*~

It was a new day in Liyue Harbor, and with a new day came new debt collections. Technically, Childe knew he didn’t have to partake in them. Debt collecting was too low of a job for a fully-fledged Fatui Harbinger, after all. In fact, many of his men, and other people at the bank, have questioned why he was doing this in the first place. Childe always brushed them off, stating that he had his reasons. To be fair, one of the main reasons were because he was bored, and beating up Treasure Hoarders was an outlet for him. The idyllic life of a bank manager in Liyue was too dull for him.

Today for yet another debt collection; he, along with one of his men, had arrived at a tea house, known for its luxurious blends and crippling debt to the Fatui. Yanshang Tea House, to be more specific. It was an impressive building, built with sturdy wood, ornately decorated with carvings and lanterns like most other buildings in Liyue. Hand carved details, golden accents, polished steps, detailed murals, all done with Fatui money, of course.

 “Alright, let’s get this over with.” Childe sighed lightly as he walked around the building, deciding to enter it from a more discrete entrance. Once he was in the building, he could hear two voices speaking under dim candlelight.

“Even if one day we can’t continue business here, we can make it far away with this.” A masculine voice said, sickeningly arrogant. The man’s mere tone was enough to irritate Childe.

“But Master, what about… the debt?” A feminine voice asked, her voice slightly trembling. Childe could see their shadows against the light colored walls of the interior, cast in skewed perspective due to the candlelight. He was seated on a wooden chair in the corner, a safe distance away from the pair. Somehow, they hadn’t noticed him even though he was in the same room. He rested his head against his palm, his elbow poised on the armrest. The Harbinger decided to make his presence known. 

“Oh, yes. I am here to collect that.” He said, voice low, dull blue eyes staring straight ahead.

“Who’s there?!” The man called out, his stance getting defensive. The woman’s posture stiffened. 

“Quick, guards! Protect the Master!” She cried out, taking a few steps back as the aforementioned guards towered over the Harbinger, ready to charge

“No matter what it is you owe, you can’t run from your debt.” Childe said, voice eerily melodious as he closed his eyes, shrugging. “Is that not the law of the God of Contracts in Liyue?”

“F-Fatui? You… You can’t just barge into a private residence!” The man yelled, pointing at Childe. His hands were trembling, clearly anxious. “Guards! Show him how we treat unwelcome guests at Yanshang Tea House!” He yelled, his eyes not meeting the Harbinger.

Childe stood up, dusting imaginary dirt off his shoulder as he summoned his dual blades, made up from water sourced by his reliable Hydro Vision. “Not much for adversaries… Well, I could always use a bit of exercise.”

In mere seconds, the guards who were charging at him were knocked out, along with the man and the woman. The building and everything in it were now property of Northland Bank. The Pyro Agent Childe brought with him had already begun cataloging the various items and furniture in the building, calculating their approximate value. Childe was leaning against a wall, arms crossed over his chest, as he watched the man work. 

The harbinger raised a brow in mild curiosity when the agent gasped, pulling out a golden strip of paper from a fancy wooden box. “Huh..? I never would have thought that an ordinary person had a Sigil of Permission in their possession. It’s been years since anyone has seen one of these…”

Childe took the Sigil from the Agent, frowning. “Your job is debt collection, yet you failed to check what treasures he possessed that you might collect?” He couldn’t believe the incompetence of some of the Fatui at the bank. Childe was less than impressed.

The Pyro Agent bowed, looking away. “Apologies, a dereliction of my duty…”

Childe merely sighed, looking at the Sigil in his hand. “Enough, let’s go.”

This Sigil of Permission was very curious. Childe could sense Geo energy coming off from it. It had an unnatural glow as it floated over his palm. This piece of paper was certainly significant, and the Harbinger would get to the bottom of it. Perhaps it could aid him in his mission? 

He figured, the only person who would know this Sigil’s purpose would be the consultant. 

~*~

It was late in the evening. Childe was on his way to Yujing Terrace to meet up with Zhongli, as it was a Friday. Even after two months, they still met up twice a week, sometimes more. They share food or drinks and talk about everything and nothing at the same time, take very long walks in companionable silence, visit bookstores, parks, museums, operas, theaters, tea houses, anything that comes to mind. Today they were going to visit a nearby bookstore, then probably head to a restaurant for dinner, then who knows what next?

 Childe figured he could discretely ask the man about the Sigil today. He had someone at the bank draw a mostly accurate picture of it, figuring he could act like he found a drawing of it rather than the sigil itself. He was aware how incredibly rare they were, and he didn’t want to tip Zhongli off. Despite their new-found friendship, Zhongli wasn’t someone he could completely trust. Childe could trust no one here, not even the people at Northland Bank. Signora was watching his every move.

When the Harbinger reached Yujing Terrace, he could easily see the consultant’s tall silhouette, leaning against the wooden railings that overlooked the rest of the city. The setting sun gave Liyue Harbor a golden hue, making the red accented buildings stand out among their mahogany counterparts, reflecting off the shiny stone roads. Slowly, streetlamps and lanterns were being lit, illuminating the busy streets. Sunsets were always breathtaking in this city, and even Childe could appreciate the impressive view of Yujing Terrace.

The red-head approached the consultant, not trying to hide his presence. Soon, he stood next to the man, resting his side against the same wooden railings. He crossed his arms over his chest as he smiled at Zhongli. “Good evening, Mister Zhongli.”

The man looked immaculate as always, not a single strand of hair out of place, no part of his outfit wrinkled or tilted. Not even his makeup was smudged, the gentle crimson eyeliner perfectly framing the corner of his sharp, amber eyes. His long hair softly swayed along with the chilly breeze, as did the tails of his long coat. His elbows were propped on the railing, the single silver ring on his thumb caught the orange light of the sun, reflecting it. Zhongli slightly turned his head towards Childe, long eyelashes grazing his high cheekbones as he blinked. “Ah, Childe. Welcome. It is wonderful to see you.” The consultant smiled politely, the corners of his lips lifting ever so slightly, the familiar velvety baritone greeting him with something akin to warmth.

“You say, as if we don’t sea each other at least twice a week.” Childe grinned, shaking his head. At some point, the Harbinger asked Zhongli to stop referring to him as “Mister Childe”. It made him feel like he was talking to other Fatui at the bank. The title was prissy, over the top, even. It made Childe feel way older than he is. Maybe this was too casual for Childe’s own good, but he figured he’d enjoy this fragile friendship until it inevitably ends when he betrays Liyue by taking the Archon’s Gnosis. 

Zhongli merely chuckled at Childe’s answer, letting go of the railings. “Touché. Well, would you like to check out that bookstore I told you about? Perhaps, you will also find books that interest you. They have a very rich collection.”

The pair started to walk, Zhongli leading the way as he was the one who knew the location. Childe was at his side, adjusting the crimson mask that rested against the side of his head. “As long as there are books written in the common tongue, I am interested.” He joked, tone light.

“Fair enough.” Zhongli nodded. “I’ve heard they have a wide selection in the common tongue, so you are in luck.” 

The men began walking at a leisurely pace, soaking up the pleasant breeze and the beautiful view of Liyue Harbor from Yujing Terrace. There were fewer people up here than the docks or the market district, so it was much more peaceful. The pair were mostly quiet as they walked, exchanging a few words here and there about their destination, and the history of the bookshop.

“It was founded around forty years ago, and is now run by the children of the previous owner. It is a fairly new establishment compared to other shops in the area, so I don’t have many tales about it. What I can say is that they have a very wide selection, and are good at what they do.” Zhongli said as they reached the building. 

The exterior of the bookstore was very fancy, which wasn’t surprising since this was Yujing Terrace. The building was mainly constructed from rich, high quality mahogany, polished to perfection. It had sweeping, curved eaves that rose gracefully at the corners, a distinctive feature of traditional Liyuen construction. Intricate paintings of dragons, most likely figures depicting Rex Lapis, and Liyue style clouds adorned the cloth panels on the building. There were dragon carvings on the thick pillars of the building as well. The skillfully carved figures were highlighted with gold accents, bringing out the dragons’ scales, horns, and eyes. Above the entrance, a large, hand-painted sign hung, its calligraphy meticulously outlined in gold, announcing the bookstore’s name in elegant Liyuen characters. Of course, Childe couldn’t read it. The double doors, which were ornately built, had two stone lion statuettes on two sides. The windows, framed with fragrant cedar, were large but covered with delicately latticed screens, offering a blurred glimpse into the warm, inviting interior. 

“Wow, I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t this.” Childe gaped, “This might be the fanciest bookstore I’ve ever seen.”

“You are in for a treat, the interior is just as elegant, their selections richer than the variety of wood used. I’ve been wanting to bring you here for a while now.”  Zhongli replied with a friendly smile as he held the door open for Childe, who gave the man a quick nod before entering the building.

 Upon entering the store, Childe was greeted by the rich aroma of wood mixed with the faint scent of old books, and a mild floral scent. Somehow, it was both fancy and cozy at the same time. The ceiling was adorned with intricate wooden beams that mirror the exterior's craftsmanship, featuring carved motifs of dragons, different Adepti Childe didn’t recognize, and silk flowers, each painted with delicate gold accents. Warm light emanated from the chandeliers that hung from the high ceiling. The shop had two sections, the first one being the entrance, all walls adorned by high bookshelves, with even more bookshelves in the middle, creating long corridors. This section was reserved for newer books, ranging from novels to story books to academic texts.

 To get to the second section, one had to climb old, wooden stairs which led to a large platform above the first section. Similar to the first section, most walls of this section were also covered with huge, towering bookshelves. However, in the center of the room there was a plush seating area with velvet armchairs and sofas, arranged around tasteful coffee tables. This second floor was restricted to older, vintage or ancient texts, books, and journals. There were some scrolls so old that they were preserved in glass cases. An entire part of this floor was dedicated to the translations of the older books, scrolls, and journals the store had. 

The Harbinger was speechless. “Wow, this place is huge. No wonder you praised it so much!” Clearly, Childe shouldn’t be so surprised anymore. The consultant was a man with very specific tastes, and his praise was usually reserved to only the best of the best. This bookstore was nothing short of perfection. “Where do we even start?” 

Zhongli seemed thoughtful, “Hm, you said you wanted to get story books for your siblings back home. Maybe we can start from the children’s section? There should be books that are in the common tongue.”

Childe nodded, “Sure, that’s a good plan.” The pair walked into the store, Zhongli leading them to the children’s section. “Tonia prefers books with mythical elements in them. You know, princesses, dragons, distant lands. Things like that. Anthon likes traditional fairy tales a lot. Legends and whatnot… Maybe I could get him a book about Liyuen folklore? And, for Teucer, a tale about an epic adventure, lots of action and drama, you know?” 

“Hmm, I understand. Let’s see if we can find books here that cater to their interests.” Zhongli nodded, his amber eyes studying the large bookshelf before them, filled to the brim with children’s books. Childe crouched down, looking at the books at the bottom of the shelf instead. 

After a few minutes, Zhongli picked up a book with a beautifully decorated cover with traditional Liyuen art style depicting a simplified silhouette Rex Lapis’s dragon form, looking over Liyue Harbor. “How about this? It is a cut-down, age appropriate version of some of the most popular Liyue legends and stories with beautiful illustrations. It might be to Anthon’s liking.”

Childe stood up, grabbing the book Zhongli handed him. “Wow, this looks beautiful. He will adore this. You have a keen eye, Mister Zhongli!” 

They spent around an hour picking books for Childe’s younger siblings, then they spent another two hour in the second section, studying the older books and scrolls. Unsurprisingly, Zhongli knew about most of them and took his time explaining most of their contents to Childe who listened patiently. The consultant picked a few scrolls for himself, and Childe picked up a book about ancient Liyuen symbols. Maybe this book could help him understand how that sigil he found works. He can’t completely rely on Zhongli, after all.

Zhongli insisted on paying for the books Childe picked out, expressing that he still felt very embarrassed about the time Childe had to cover the costs of their most recent dinner at Liuli Pavilion, since Zhongli had forgotten his wallet. The Harbinger didn’t argue further, and soon they were out of the bookstore after a whopping three hours. 

The sun had fully set, and the stars were completely visible by the time they left the bookstore, the silver moon high above the sky. “The bookstore was definitely something…” Childe chuckled lightly. “Do you think my siblings will like the books we’ve selected? I’ve been exchanging letters with them, and they are all so infatuated with the idea of being in a nation that isn’t Snezhnaya, you know? The world is small when you’re a child.”

Zhongli seemed thoughtful, processing Childe’s words. “I suppose… But, somehow, it feels very big even though as a child, one’s knowledge of the world is so limited. And, when one is an adult, the world feels small, even though it is vast and diverse. We think we know everything, even though we’ve barely scratched the surface.”

“I never thought of it that way.” The red-head mumbled, watching Zhongli. 

 The consultant closed his eyes, looking up, as the wind picked up, causing the man’s long ponytail to sway along with it. “To answer your question, I think Anthon, Tonia and Teucer will love the books, and every other gift you have gotten and will get for them. These gifts broaden their horizons, feed their desire to know more about the diverse world outside your hometown in Snezhnaya. I wouldn’t worry, if I were you. They will certainly be received well.”

Childe didn’t speak for a moment or two, taking in Zhongli’s words. “I sure hope so… I know you’re probably right. I just wish I could give these to them in person rather than have someone deliver these gifts to them.” He shrugged absent-mindedly. “It makes me feel like I am being insincere. Sending gifts and letters but never showing up, never actually being there for them.”

The taller man tilted his head, his amber gaze meeting blue. “I don’t think they see it that way.” He merely said with a knowing look. 

The Harbinger returned the man’s gaze, however, did not know how to respond. Zhongli dropped the topic, deciding against pushing Childe to elaborate. The red-head appreciated it. The consultant always spoke the truth, his honest thoughts.. But he was considerate and gentle when he did so.  He often gave straight-forward recommendations and good advice. Childe would obviously never reveal all of his troubles and weaknesses to this random Liyuen, but his advice helped when Childe was upset about something he could share or struggling to keep the few personal relationships he has left.

“Maybe you’re right.” The red-head simply said, dropping his shoulders. They continued to walk in companionable silence until they reached the restaurant. 

When they entered the building, Childe was greeted by the warm glow of red lanterns hung from the ceiling. The lanterns cast a gentle light on the dark wooden tables, which were adorned with simple but elegant tableware— porcelain teapots, delicate ceramic bowls and wooden chopsticks. There were detailed, beautiful murals painted on the walls featuring clouds and mountains and Liyuen calligraphy. Childe liked the decor. It was very traditional, as if the restaurant was stuck in time. It fit the consultant’s tastes perfectly. 

They were seated at a table, and Zhongli ordered some dishes for the both of them as usual. Childe took a moment to take in his surroundings. “Wow, this place is very beautiful. You always know where to go.” 

Zhongli smiled, crossing his arms. “Of course, I take pride in how well I know Liyue. And it is a pleasure to show you all the good sides of it. Aside from that, you are someone I consider a close associate, thus I would want you to have a pleasant time here.” 

Childe smiled back, corners of his eyes crinkling. “I am honored to hear that.” He paused, “Oh, and there was something I’ve been wanting to ask you.”

“Yes?” The consultant inquired, raising a brow as he leaned forward.

“While I was at a debt collection earlier today at a tea house, I came across a peculiar drawing.” He began, pulling out the sketch of the Sigil of Permission he ‘found’. “It caught the attention of my men and myself, despite being a simple sketch. Do you know what this is?”

Zhongli’s manicured brows furrowed as he looked at the drawing, thoughtful. “I haven’t seen these in a while. That is a Sigil of Permission. These sigils were once created by Rex Lapis and infused with adeptal power. During the Archon War, such talismans were used by mortals to channel divine power. However, in the present day only few remain and those that remain have lost most of their power.” The man explained, looking up from the drawing. “Adepti usually do not harm anyone who bears these talismans.” 

Childe tilted his head, scratching his chin. “Hm, how interesting. These are very rare, right?” He asked. 

“Yes, only few known sigils remain. It is intriguing that you found a sketch of it.”

The harbinger shrugged. “Eh, maybe he was studying them, or wanted to get his hands on one. No matter, I only asked because I was curious.” The information Zhongli gave him was vital. Chile figured he could use these sigils to at least create a situation where Rex Lapis has to reveal himself, and fight him. Possibly these sigils could allow him to release Osial from his prison? Create a nationwide distraction. Perhaps all that research wasn’t for naught.

 The sigils were how he was going to break Osial’s seal, using his anger towards Rex Lapis as a distraction to get to the gnosis without dying. Also, as a bonus, he would get to witness a great battle between two powerful gods. However, he would need to find a way to duplicate them since there were so few of them that remained. Even if he found all of them, it wouldn’t be enough.

After their conversation about the Sigil of Permission, their food arrived. The table decked out with many dishes, some Childe recognized, some he didn’t. He didn’t waste any time and dove in.

~*~ 

After dinner, they slowly made their way towards the docks, walking through the market district to reach there. Unlike the busy streets of the market district, the docks were silent at this time of the night. Childe could hear waves crashing against the sturdy wooden beams. The wind was stronger and colder. 

“Today was great, as always. You are truly a great guide.” Childe joked, gently hitting Zhongli’s side with his elbow. 

Zhongli chuckled lightly, shaking his head. “I am happy to hear that. Spending time with you like this is always a treat, Childe. I always learn something new about this nation.” 

“Really? But you already know everything about Liyue.” The harbinger tilted his head, inquisitive.

“Well, knowledge becomes outdated, Liyue evolves constantly, sometimes one becomes detached from life, letting years wash over him, numbed by time and melancholy.” Zhongli held a faraway expression. His words were vague. Something akin to sorrow could be seen in his eyes. His shoulders slightly dropped, as if he was carrying an invisible weight. He suddenly looked much older than he is. Wiser than he should be. “Lately, with the excuse of showing you around, I get to rediscover the nation I love so dearly. See the reasons why I appreciate it so much, why I spend so much time to better it. Get myself out of that haze of nostalgia and melancholy. Reconnect with life.” The consultant turned towards the younger man, a subtle smile forming on his lips. “I am thankful for the time we spend together, Childe.”

Childe was rendered speechless from the consultant’s words, trying to process the full weight of it. Dull blue eyes wide, mouth agape. They had been meeting multiple times every week for two months now. Sure, Childe felt their bond had deepened recently due to this, but he didn’t think Zhongli valued the time they spend together, or the fragile partnership between them. It was the closest thing Childe had to a friendship, even though Zhongli knew nothing about him, and he knew nothing about Zhongli. The harbinger never considered what these outings meant to him. But now Childe realizes, they meant more than he thought. The many dinners, activities, all the long walks, late-night chats, the unspoken agreement to never ask questions, to be each other’s company until it all goes down. 

Childe recognizes that when it all comes to an end, he will feel a sense of loss. He will miss these evenings. If Signora were here, she would chastise him, say he has gotten too attached, too personal. She would unfortunately be right. However, the Harbinger couldn’t find it in himself to act mature and stick to the code when this newfound friendship was so captivating.

The red-head closed his eyes, tilting his head down as he smiled. “I will admit that these outings are very beneficial for me too, beyond learning about this new foreign country that I find myself in. My acquaintanceship, dare I say, friendship with you has broadened my horizons.”

“Hm, I am happy to know that it is mutual.” The consultant nodded, his voice oddly gentle.

There was a comfortable silence between them as they stood on the docks, staring at the dazzling night sky and the endless sea.

~*~

Chapter Text

One Month Before the Rite of Descension

It was a quiet Tuesday morning. Well, quiet in Childe’s standards. He spent two hours training, well, more like massacring unsuspecting hilichurls in the wild. It was underwhelming to say the least. It had gotten harder to find stronger targets after spending every morning for the last two months fighting hilichurls and Abyss Mages, and whatever else he managed to find.

After the training session, at around seven in the morning, Childe made his way back to Liyue Harbor. His first stop was his hotel room. The Harbinger took a quick bath, and changed into appropriate clothes that weren’t stained with hilichurl blood. He had a quick breakfast brought to him by the hotel staff— otherwise he wouldn’t have even remembered to eat— and left the hotel to walk towards Northland Bank through the high wooden platforms that connected many buildings in Liyue Harbor.  

As the golden morning light illuminated the city, merchants had begun setting up their stalls along the main road, their voices ringing out to announce the day’s wares. The smell of freshly steamed dumplings, sweet flower pastries, and many more dishes Childe didn’t know of wafted through the air, welcoming the morning crowds that were beginning to form near bakeries and stalls as people started to go about their day.

Thanks to being so high up among the wooden platforms, Childe could roughly see Dockworkers heaving crates of exotic goods from arriving ships, their shouts echoing across the marina. The rhythmic clinking of metal echoed from the blacksmith's forge near the Adventurer’s Guild. Liyue Harbor was a city that never slept, but it was especially chaotic in the mornings when everyone was heading to work.

It was oddly calming… The normalcy that Childe had found within the organized chaos of Liyue Harbor felt comforting. Dangerously so. He had been here for two months now, and this idyllic, safe routine was something he had gotten used to, even though Childe thought someone like him could never like a quiet life. Routine offered a false sense of security and comfort. Childe knew that he shouldn’t let himself get caught up in this inviting, normal life. This, of course, didn’t mean that he disliked being a Harbinger. He loved the combat, relished in it. The money he earned thanks to his rank was more than enough to feed his family and meet all of their needs. He had power, and the respect of many. The constant danger, constant action, made his blood pump. Made him feel alive… And the advanced technology he had access to thanks to this helped him monitor his Abyssal Taint. But Childe would be lying if he said that the simple life of a banker in Liyue Harbor didn’t sound appealing. A simple banker was able to have a few connections, he was able to have a sense of normalcy he hasn’t had since he was fourteen. Having a stable life, not almost dying nearly every day… His fragile friendship with Mr. Zhongli, the excitement of exploring a new city with a new person. Starting life anew…

Childe knew this line of thinking wasn’t good.  He shouldn’t wish for things he can’t have, and be thankful for all that he has. Who knows if Liyue Harbor will even survive what he’s about to unleash on it? His “life” here in this city was set up to fail, to be doomed. Any connections he forms are temporary, built upon lies, and are purely to help reach his goals.

It was silly to dwell on such things…

~*~

Stepping inside the Northland Bank was like entering a realm of wealth and power carefully cloaked in understated opulence. The air, cool and still, carried the faint scent of polished wood and burning incense. The high ceiling was adorned with extravagant ornaments, a blend of Snezhnayan austerity and Liyue’s delicate artistry. Northland Bank was one of Pantalone’s many ventures in Liyue, subtly attempting to infect the nation’s economy like a dormant virus. It was his way of attempting to monopolize Liyue, weaken it and make its finances dependent on the Fatui. Of course, Childe wasn’t sure how well this was going to work, as the Qixing was very distrustful of the bank. But when it came to business ventures, it was best to not question Pantalone.

Rich, dark wood paneling adorned the walls, complemented by metallic trims that shimmered beneath the warmth of golden Liyuen-style lanterns. The light streamed onto the smooth stone floor, carved with subtle geometric patterns reminiscent of Snezhnaya's traditional motifs. At the far end of the room, a massive, ornately carved mahogany desk stood tall. Behind the desk stood Eketrina, the receptionist of the bank. Childe knew of her misgivings towards the Fatui, despite working at the bank and wearing the Fatui issued uniform. And, that was exactly why she was the one person Childe could trust the most in the bank. Although, “trust” was too strong of a word to throw around so easily. Still, she could be depended on occasionally; if necessary.

Eketrina was sipping a special tea blend, which was originally gifted to him by the consultant. Childe had made the mistake of offering some to Eketrina during a meeting, and at some point she managed to get her hands on the entire pack.

“Good morning, Master Childe.” She greeted the Harbinger, giving Childe a respectful nod. 

“Hello, Eketrina. Early as always.” Childe grinned, waving at the woman. She seemed unimpressed. “It’s nine in the morning, Sir. You’re an entire hour late.” 

“Details… details.” Childe waved at the air dismissively. “What matters is that I am here.” 

Eketrina sighed lightly, dropping her shoulders. “Today’s paperwork should be on your desk, Master Childe. Also, recently, a shipment from The Doctor has arrived. It is also on your desk.”

The Harbinger furrowed his brows. The Doctor? When it came to The Doctor, Childe usually never doubted the man’s capability to achieve something. So he wasn’t surprised that The Doctor managed to find a way to realize his impossible request. Although, the second harbinger was usually rather disturbing and eccentric, so he preferred to avoid him as much as he can. “Alright, thank you for informing me. I will be in my office if you need me, Eketrina.” 

~*~ 

The Harbinger sat on the plush chair in his office at the bank, stretching his arms. “So… He really managed to find a way to duplicate that seal..? I can’t even imagine how he did it.” He mumbled to himself as he opened the large wooden box. It was filled to the brim with Seals of Permission. Childe could feel Geo Energy coming off from them. It was so similar to the energy he felt from the original seal. Childe was impressed, to say the least.

Inside the box, Childe also spotted a small piece of paper. Curious, he lifted it up to discover that it is a letter. Presumably from The Doctor, if he were to judge from the logo on the paper. Childe frowned. 

“Dear Eleventh,

I hope this letter finds you well. I must say, you’ve given me a formidable challenge; but no task is daunting for I, of course. Who thought you would find an original Sigil of Permission? And one that still had the Geo Archon’s energy in it, no less. I must say that I am fascinated.

 As you asked, I managed to duplicate the talisman you’ve sent. While, of course, they can’t compare to Morax’s pure Geo Energy, it shall appear to the Adepti as the real deal, and serve whatever purpose you have in mind that requires such a substantial number of Sigils.

I can’t wait to see how much chaos you will cause with these little artifacts. Is La Signora aware of your plans, I wonder..?

Sincerely, 

The Doctor”

 

If Childe were completely honest, it was best to not ask The Doctor too many favors. He was a dangerous, unpredictable person. But he knows that he couldn’t have figured out a different way to unleash Osial and gain access to Jueyun Karst. Two birds with… hundreds of Sigils…

No matter, he had gotten through a major obstacle today, and Childe was happy about that.

Why did The Doctor felt the need to mention Signora? Childe knew she was watching him closely and had snuck agents of hers among his men. He was making sure to not alert her to his plan or agenda. He was sure that she’d find a way to take credit for all his hard work.

Childe figured he would leave Liyue Harbor at dawn, tomorrow, and finally get around to checking out Guyun Stone Forest. Mr. Zhongli had made it sound very eerie and dangerous… But that right up his alley. Supposedly, that’s where the ancient god Osial was sealed. It would be wise to scout the area and figure out how he was going to break the seal that bound him there.

Since it was a Tuesday too, he could search the Consultant’s mouth for more information on Osial when they met up for dinner in the evening.

After dealing with some paperwork, Childe headed to the main lobby of the bank. He figured he’d ask Eketrina to share some of the tea, gifted to Childe by Mr. Zhongli, which she stole from him under the pretense of trying it. Childe didn’t really mind, as she was constantly cleaning up after him at the bank; but the tea was very good. So, he decided to swallow his pride and ask the woman to prepare some for him as well. 

Perhaps he could make it a point to ask the consultant more of the stuff, too? Childe had asked one of his men to find the same blend, but the man hadn’t been successful… After all, he did pay for a lot of their meals, it’d only be fair. Just last week, the man had forgotten his mora back to back. His expensive taste left a gaping hole in the Harbinger’s wallet. Childe wasn’t too pressed about it, as he knew this week Mr. Zhongli would make up for it for by covering the both of them… Honestly, the man had a very weird concept of money. Like, he forgot that it was a necessary tool in navigating everyday life, and had to remind himself this fact whenever he went out. 

“Hey, Eketrina.” Childe approached the desk at the reception, resting his elbow on it as he waved at the woman with his free hand.

The woman looked up from the documents she was reading, wary and weary. “What can I do for you, Master Childe?” 

The Harbinger flashed her a boyish grin, winking. “Is there any of that tea left? I’d like some.”

“Yes. Three cups worth of tea, in fact.” Eketrina nodded, her masked face looking in Childe’s direction. She stood up to head to the cafeteria to brew herself and the Harbinger tea. The man followed her, incredulous.

“Just three cups? It was a whole bag of tea!” The Harbinger cried out. “I’ll ask my contact to procure another batch or two, I suppose…” He sighed deeply.

“That’d be great. Maybe he could procure two bags, rather one, so we don’t have problems trying to share… Master Childe.” Eketrina said hastily at first, then added his title as she gave him a shallow bow. 

Childe rolled his eyes. To be frank, he didn’t really mind it, even liked that she was able to talk back to him rather than cower and apologize profusely and run away at the sight of him. Their banters were fun, even. She was very helpful in general when he needed it, and kept an eye on Signora’s spies for him. Childe wouldn’t call Eketrina loyal per se, but she knows how to pick sides and is good at what she does. Also, she is a master at keeping secrets; a very valuable quality if you’re in the Fatui. 

She meticulously prepared Mr. Zhongli’s tea for the two of them. It took a while, but the lengthy process was worth it in the end. Childe thanked Eketrina, then headed back to his office to complete the remaining paperwork and send a polite letter back to The Doctor before heading out to meet the consultant ad Yujing Terrace as usual.

~*~

By the time Childe made it to Yujing Terrace, the sun was about to set. Same time as usual, six o’clock in the evening. Not a minute later, not a minute before. The Harbinger had gotten used to this routine, and he didn’t question some of Zhongli’s odd preferences or habits. The man was an enigma, if Childe were to be honest. He was beginning to wonder if the consultant was an Adepti, or someone who had a connection to the Adepti. It would make sense. He had no concept of Mora, he had a stupid amount of knowledge on very niche topics. Be it about an unknown author that lived thousands of years ago or the history of a highly specific beverage that could only be found in some obscure, random place only the consultant knew of. He knew everything about Liyue. And, no, Childe wasn’t exaggerating when he said everything. Zhongli even knew things someone alive in this day and age shouldn’t even be aware of. So, this made the harbinger assume that the consultant is an Adepti. Or, at least, half Adepti. A hybrid maybe? Who knows… There is no way the guy is an ordinary consultant fascinated by history.

It didn’t matter, though. Childe knew he should respect the consultant’s privacy, as he respected Childe’s own secrecy when it came to his mission, purpose of being here, or his past. This was how their… friendship worked. No one asked questions, and they both lived in the moment. He knows he should relish in it before it inevitably ends in tragedy. 

As always, Zhongli was right there when he approached the terrace that overlooked the city. Leaning against the railings, staring wistfully into the distance as the playful breeze brushed against his long, umber hair and the tails of his flowing overcoat. The consultant always managed to look so graceful and elegant, his mere presence commanding respect; authoritative but not pompous. A quiet confidence, a sense of certainty and duty. Childe loved it. One didn’t have to be a woman to admit how attractive the consultant was. It was an objective fact.

The familiar pair of warm Cor Lapis eyes met Childe’s own dull eyes as Zhongli turned around once he sensed the harbinger’s presence. “Good evening, Childe.” The man greeted, velvety baritone, pronouncing the Eleventh’s name with a subtle accent as the consultant spoke in the common tongue of Teyvat.

“Hey. Long time no see.” Childe jokes, winking. Even someone as oblivious as Childe was aware that they met up way too often. It had become an ongoing inside joke at this point.

The pair began to walk through Yujing Terrace, side by side, as the sun slowly set. There was a comfortable silence until Childe broke it by speaking up. “Hey, by the way… Where did you get that tea blend you gifted me last time? It’s too good! I wanted to get more of it, but I couldn’t figure out where you bought it from.” 

Zhongli seemed deeply amused by Childe’s request, a light chuckle escaping from his lips. His eyes were crinkled at the corners. “You liked it? I am very pleased to hear that. I didn’t buy it from anywhere. I made it myself.”

The Harbinger was dumbfounded. “What? Really?”

“Yes, really.” Zhongli said, smiling at Childe with poorly disguised mirth. “I shan’t get into the specifics. I combined Osmanthus tea leaves which have a citrusy, floral taste with Ceylon tea leaves that have more of a… earthy but sweet taste that is also not too flashy, but bold enough to balance the Osmanthus leaves.. The two go very well together, it used to be common practice among sophisticated families. Albeit, the tradition was lost to the flow of time.” 

“Oh? That is very cool. I can’t believe you know all this stuff.” Childe said, impressed. That is classic Zhongli for you; the guy even makes his own tea blends rather than purchasing pre-made bundles. “Do you have any more of this ancient blend lost to time ?” He asked, grinning at the consultant.

“Oh, of course.” Zhongli nodded, “Once we’re done with today’s activities; you could stop by. There should be a whole jar of it at my house.” 

Childe furrowed his brows, confused. “What do you mean ‘stop by’ ? You’re inviting me over?” While they had grown close over the months, none of them had gone to each other’s places. Well, that was a given since Childe lived in a hotel, but still! Visiting the place one lived in was deeply personal. It was genuinely surprising that the consultant even made this offer. Childe was speechless. And it was over some… some tea leaves! The thought of stepping inside the Liyuen’s living space made the man feel all jittery and sweaty and oddly nervous. Childe didn’t even know why the prospect made him so agitated. Clearly, Zhongli didn’t even think it was a big deal. He made the offer so casually! Like he was pointing out some vase he liked or talking about Liyue’s climate.

Maybe Childe was the one turning this into a big deal for no reason. 

“Well? What do you say?” Zhongli asked when Childe remained quiet for a good minute or two. The Liyuen seemed puzzled, a brow raised in question. “I can brew you some, too. If you want.” He added, subtle hesitance lacing his voice.

“Uh… Sure! Sure, why not?” Childe replied, almost overeager; his voice unnecessarily high. He mentally kicked himself for sounding like some wide-eyed, sappy kid.

“Alright, then we shall end the day at my place.” Zhongli nodded, oblivious to Childe’s internal struggle.

~*~

The evening went by very fast. They had dinner at some cool restaurant Zhongli liked, visited some bookshops, antique shops, stopped by stalls, listened to a few street musicians who instantly folded upon hearing Zhongli’s praise, chatted by the docks… Childe never thought someone could know so much about ornamental tableware used during the days of the Archon War...

It was a great evening. Though, to be fair, any moment Childe spent with Zhongli was a blast. 

Now, it was officially nighttime. The two walked side by side through residential streets of Liyue Harbor. Childe was acutely aware of the fact that they were headed to Zhongli’s house.

The men walked through a smooth cobblestone path that threaded through rows of wooden houses, their eaves sweeping upward, decorated with clay tiles that were darkened by centuries’ worth of elements. The tiled roofs arched gracefully, their glazed green surfaces reflected the moonlight. A narrow canal curved alongside the street, framing the left side of the cobblestone path. Each house bore intricately carved window screens, their latticework hinting at fine craftsmanship, and lanterns swayed softly from iron poles; casting warm, golden light onto the polished stone below. Some of the vibrant reds and muted blues of painted doors and shutters reflected on the clean water in the small canal.

It was a beautiful street. Spacious, tended to, clean… Childe approved. Of course someone like Zhongli lived in such a nice street.

“Is this your street?” He asked, glancing at the consultant.

“Yes, indeed. And this is my house.” Liyuen said as the pair stood before a modest but tasteful building.

The house stood with quiet dignity. Its walls, built of dark wood and plaster, were framed by elegant beams. The roof was crowned with emerald-glazed tiles that caught the warm lantern light coming from the street, their curved edges lifting ever so slightly. A crimson door marked the entrance, its surface was adorned with brass studs arranged in perfect rows. In the center, a gilded knocker shaped like a dragon’s head stood out, its fierce expression softened by edges that have become worn over the years.

A wooden veranda wrapped around the building, supported by carved columns painted a deep vermilion. Each column bore faint traces of gold detailing—stylized plum blossoms, phoenixes rising elegantly from the base, and Geo Symbols. The windows along the veranda were screened with fine latticework.

“Wow, this is a beautiful place.” Childe commented as he stared at the building. It was so… traditional. As if the building had become frozen in time. Childe wasn’t surprised Zhongli’s house was a very traditional Liyuen house– not that Childe knew much about traditional Liyuen houses.

The interior of the house carried an air of quiet dignity, the kind of place that seemed to hold its breath as if it were caught in a moment between centuries. They were currently in Zhongli’s living room, which was spacious but cluttered. However, it wasn’t cluttered in a way that was overwhelming, rather it felt cozy, like an old museum or a grandparent’s house... Which Childe figured might sound offensive if said out loud, since Zhongli isn’t that much older than him. Probably. If he's human. Childe guessed he is? But maybe, he wasn't..?

The ceiling was high, the floorboards were in excellent condition, clearly vintage mahogany. The faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air, blending with a barely noticeable musk of old paper, dust, and a touch of glaze lily incense. It smelled exactly like the consultant. 

Against the wall opposite to the windows, stood an ornate, towering bookshelf; Shelves filled to the brim with countless volumes of undoubtedly very rare and valuable books. Interspersed among the books were small relics—a jade dragon statuette, a porcelain figurine of a random historical figure Childe didn’t even know existed, and vases of different shapes and sizes. There were also ancient scrolls bound with silk ribbons, leather-bound tomes with gold-trimmed edges, and well-worn novels— clearly older than Childe’s great-grandpa or something— were on display on the walls or in glass casings.

At the center stood a low, rectangular table made of rosewood. The coffee table was placed on a woven rug with delicate geometric patterns resembling the Geo symbol. Four armchairs, carved from dark wood and equipped with antique silk cushions, were positioned around the table. Two of the chairs were placed on the longer sides of the coffee table, providing a comfortable setting for intimate conversations. The remaining two chairs were set at the shorter ends of the coffee table, slightly angled inward to create a cozy feeling. 

Each armchair had its own small side table nearby, crafted from matching wood and just large enough to hold a teacup, a book, or whatever a fancy guy like Mr. Zhongli wanted it to hold. They were clearly vintage, and had curvy, elegant legs. A slender vase holding a few glaze lilies stood on one of the side tables. The flowers caught Childe’s attention. Zhongli didn’t have any other plants in his living room, so why these specifically? 

“Make yourself at home, Childe. I’ll bring you some tea.” Zhongli told the man with a gentle smile. He fit so well into his own home, blending in seamlessly with all the trinkets, the scrolls, the rug… The Harbinger was oddly agitated, lost on where to sit or what to do with his hands, or with his feet. He never thought he’d find himself in the consultant’s house, no matter how close they got.

“Childe? Are you okay?” Asked the familiar, velvety baritone voice. The Harbinger felt an odd sense of security and stress wash over him at the same time. How was that even physically possible? 

Childe flinched, blinking a few times. “Uh… Yeah, yes. I am alright, sorry. I spaced out, heh…” He paused for a moment, scratching the back of his neck.  “Where should I sit..?”

“Oh, don’t worry. Sit wherever you like, I’ll be back shortly.”  Zhongli spoke, flashing Childe one of those gentle, warm smiles that the harbinger was so fond of. Such smiles softened the edges of the consultant’s intimidating demeanor, made him seem more human. Childe was aware that he should be the last one to judge someone else’s humanity, but whatever… It just made the consultant seem more real and less perfect. More attainable, perhaps?

~*~

After a short while, Zhongli entered the living room with a porcelain tea kettle in his left hand, and a large glass jar filled with tea leaves. Childe perked up when the man came into the room, diverting his eyes away from the antique paintings on Zhongli’s walls to the man. 

“Hey! You’re back. Took you a while.” The Harbinger said with a grin. He was seated on one of the armchairs; posture tall and stiff, resting his hands on his lap. He didn’t want to sprawl out and appear rude to Zhongli. Which was ironic, as Childe didn’t give a rat’s ass about appearances or etiquette. Pulcinella would have shed a tear at the sight.

“I apologize for making you wait. However, one can’t rush perfection. I wanted the tea to be brewed to perfection before I brought it.” The Liyuen said, amused by Childe’s impatience. He put the tea kettle on the table– protecting the polished wood by positioning a towel beneath the kettle, then turned to the Harbinger. “And here’s the rest of the blend. I hope it lasts you a good while before I restock on these leaves.” He held the jar towards Childe. 

“Woah! This is awesome. Thank you, Mr. Zhongli! This should last me a good while, yes.” Childe smiled widely, delighted when the consultant handed him the jar. “You’re really giving me all this?”

“Of course. I’m happy that you like my tea.” The man nodded as he poured some from the kettle into a matching porcelain cup. He placed the cup of tea on the side table next to Childe, then poured himself another cup before settling down on the nearest armchair; facing the harbinger.

There was a moment of silence as Childe gingerly sipped the tea; which was somehow much, much better than the tea Ekaterina prepared for him, even though it was literally the same blend. He closed his eyes, relishing in the rich, earthy taste of the tea. When he opened his eyes once again, he found the consultant watching him with those intelligent Cor Lapis eyes, framed by the subtle crimson eyeliner that contrasted them beautifully. A very small smile tugged at his lips. 

“You seem to be enjoying yourself.” Zhongli commented as Childe took another gulp from the tea, fully giving up on etiquette at this point. 

“Definitely!” Childe coughed into his fist. “I mean, yes. The tea is great, thank you.” 

There was another moment of silence; however, it was not awkward. After finishing his tea, Childe spoke up once again. “By the way, I have a question.”

“Hm, what is it?” 

“Do those blue flowers in that vase mean anything? They’re the only plants in your living room.” 

Zhongli’s expression immediately fell when he looked at the flowers. Suddenly he looked way older than he was, burdened by things Childe couldn’t even begin to imagine. A deep sadness was visible in his intriguingly expressive eyes, a ghost of a frown pulled down on his lips. 

“Ah… Glaze Lilies.” Zhongli said softly, his deep voice filled with a raw pain Childe had never heard from him before. “Yes, they do mean something… They were a favorite of a friend who’s long gone.” The consultant paused, “Ironically enough, they used to represent hope many millennia ago. However now, they represent longing. Once, they covered every visible surface in the country, now they need to be artificially raised and preserved… They have quite the history.”

Childe was perplexed. He didn’t think such an innocent question would be enough to change the tone of the room. He had never seen Zhongli express this much emotion before. Don’t get him wrong, the man wasn’t emotionless, of course; but he wasn’t very expressive when it came down to it. He only gave small, polite smiles, sometimes let out a light chuckle or two when Childe dropped his chopsticks or made a stupidly impudent comment about those Rex Lapis statues. Occasionally, one could see a hint of melancholy and sadness in his smile or in his eyes; but it was never obvious. Zhongli never let it show on his face much. He didn’t express his pain, or his joy… Of course, Childe could never ask such a thing of the consultant. He was Fatui, a Harbinger. Someone who will inevitably betray Zhongli and all of Liyue in the near future. Hell, even if he weren’t Fatui, he was still a mere passerby in Zhongli’s life. Someone he has only known for few short months over shared dinners and stuff. It wouldn’t be fair or reasonable to ask Zhongli to bear his soul to Childe…

So, why did he look so pained right now? An ache so raw, even glancing at the flowers was enough to break the façade of polite indifference he always wore.

Childe couldn’t believe he was overthinking Zhongli’s grief, his past… These were things he vowed to never question about the consultant. It was an unspoken rule. Childe knew that if he learned more about Zhongli, the more attached he would become, the more he would care. This has the chance to jeopardize his mission, his objective. Despite being acutely aware of these facts, the younger man finds himself thirsting for knowledge, to get a crumb of the past that haunts the consultant in such a brutal, wrenching way. A grief so immense that even someone like Zhongli is unable to keep his composure.

 “You don’t want to elaborate, I take it?” He asked gently, his dull blue eyes not leaving Zhongli for a moment, taking in the side of the consultant he would’ve never seen if he hadn’t asked about those flowers. 

“No… Well, it is a little sensitive. However, I am willing to tell you the historical and cultural significance of Glaze Lilies some other time. I apologize if I seemed rude… I suppose I am still mourning my friend.”

“That’s okay. I’m sorry for asking such a personal question.” 

“You needn’t worry yourself. Let us shelf this topic for a later time…” Zhongli said as he blinked, the grief in his expression gone in an instant. “Would you like some more tea?”

Childe couldn't say no to that.

Chapter Text

It was very early in the morning. By early, Childe doesn’t mean humane hours like six or seven in the morning, no. It was four in the morning, and Childe has already been awake for an hour and a half. 

Today, he made sure to wake up especially early because he was going to make the journey to Guyun Stone Forest. That infamous place, risen from the vast oceans by spears thrown by Rex Lapis. Spears so large and powerful that they became mountains. That place, according to many sources— Zhongli, mainly, and that book about Liyue mythology and history he had gotten from that bookstore Zhongli took him… so, Zhongli again, he supposed— it was the place where Osial, the Overlord of The Vortex, was sealed. 

The keyword, again, was that he is sealed, not deceased. Childe recalled asking the consultant why Rex Lapis hadn’t just taken Osial’s life. Mr. Zhongli explained that when a deity is slain, Karma is released, which is the corruptive force left behind by their will and power. A toxic miasma made up of their regret, hate and anger. He had mentioned this during Childe’s first day in Liyue too, when he was talking about how Liyue was founded. Zhongli also pointed out that this Karma thing could be catastrophic if left unattended; it could cause plagues, droughts, curses, and many more issues. The more powerful the deity, the more of this miasma it will unleash when it dies. 

So, it made sense to seal gods like Osial, who are so strong that even the Adepti can’t deal with the Karma they’d be leaving behind. And, it helped Childe’s cause, too. He was aware that the seal wasn’t going to be easy to break, but with the help of the Sigils that were infused with a power similar to Rex Lapis’s, he had a chance. Today was a mere scouting mission. Childe wanted to check out the seal and its location, maybe figure out Osial’s condition. No unleashing archaic horrors beyond human comprehension on Liyue Harbor today. 

Childe walked all the way to the city docks, where an unassuming Fatui vessel awaited him. The marina was much more quiet and empty than usual, although there were still a bunch of people here and there. Mostly fishermen or dockworkers.

According to a tourist map he procured from a local bookstore, Guyun Stone Forest was only reachable by sea travel. It was going to be a short voyage, around one hour if the sea is calm. He could probably get there much faster with a bigger, better ship, but Childe didn’t want to draw and unwanted attention. Neither from the Millelith, Liyue citizens, nor from La Signora.  

One of Childe’s trusted men was waiting by the sea-vessel. The agent gave Childe a deep bow before the two boarded it. 

~*~

After a little over an hour, Childe reached the shores of Guyun Stone Forest. The moment he stepped out of the Fatui vessel, Childe could already sense the menacing energy in the air. It was eerie, even by his standards. It was still very early in the morning, so the sun hadn’t risen enough to illuminate the small island. 

The land was covered with huge hilichurl camps, abyss mages, slimes… Think of any monster and you could find it here. Childe figured maybe he could fight a few of them after checking out Osial’s seal. It had been a while since he had a proper fight, and the monsters here seemed stronger than normal. 

He slowly walked towards the center of the island, which was technically an archipelago. Childe stared up at the huge, jagged rock formations in awe. The stone spears of Guyun Stone Forest stood like legendary monuments, their sheer size and sharp edges a testament to the divine force that had once shaped them. The textures of the stone “spears” were rough and time-worn, streaked with Cor Lapis veins, glittering faintly. Cracks and fault lines bled across their surfaces, evidence of both time’s erosion and the sheer force that had literally created and threw them like they’re nothing. Despite centuries of battering waves and storms, the stone spears remained solid, defying even the passage of time itself. These towering rock constructs were the remnants of a god’s wrath, the very weapons hurled by Rex Lapis himself in that ancient battle against Osial. If Childe had to be truthful, Rex Lapis was a very cool god. When Mr. Zhongli mentioned Rex Lapis throwing stone spears as large as mountains, he figured it was a hyperbole. However, it was clear that the consultant wasn’t exaggerating.  Now that he was looking at this place with his own two eyes, he wasn't surprised that Rex Lapis is also known as the “Warrior God”. Childe figured, fighting Rex Lapis must be a thrilling experience. 

The waters surrounding the archipelago were a striking blend of deep blues and luminescent turquoise, exposing the ocean floor below. In some places, the sea was shallow enough to reveal the sandy seabed. The seabed was littered with fragments of wrecked ships, scattered shells and random clutter like hilichurl masks, remains of probably antique objects, and other things Childe was too lazy to classify in his mind.

He made his way through the central island, defeating the hilichurls and abyss mages that blocked his path. Even he had to admit, the monsters here were unnaturally strong. Childe felt oddly tired, chest heaving and attire already disheveled, even though he hadn’t even fought that many things. It was weird… the harbinger felt uneasy. He could feel that familiar restless anger boiling deep within him, the anger he had tamed long ago when he joined the Fatui. Was this the Karmic energy Mr. Zhongli warned him about?

According to the consultant, Osial was sealed in the depths of the ocean; so Childe wasn’t sure if he’d be able to physically see the seal itself… But he was certain that if he kept walking forward, following the white-hot rage and deep hatred that kept growing in his chest as he headed deeper into the island, he would finally reach the seal. The more he walked, the more unnatural that feeling became; as if this rage, this hatred, wasn’t his own but someone else’s. It wasn’t familiar anymore.

Soon enough, Childe stood by a cliff created by one of those spears. It was facing downward, towards the sea, buried deep within the seabed; and Childe stood at its peak. It took a lot of effort— and way too many Wind Catchers— to get himself on top of the massive structure. It was exactly on that spot where that rage he was feeling deep in his heart became genuinely overwhelming, and clearly foreign. He instinctively knew that it belonged to the god, whose name even Mr. Zhongli refuses to speak out loud unless necessary. Childe knew he was right on top of the seal, which was beneath the tallest spear on the island: The one he was standing on.

Aside from that overwhelming hatred and fury Childe could feel, he could also sense a subtle yet powerful Geo energy. It was similar to the sigils, it clearly belonged to Rex Lapis. Even though it wasn’t as violent as Osial’s Karma, the Harbinger could tell it was potent. Clearly, it had to be, as it was holding down such an ancient and powerful god. He figured if he were to fire back Rex Lapis’s own power to this seal with the sigils, he would be able to weaken it ever so slightly… And that was all he needed. While it was underwhelming on paper, Osial would be able to easily break free if the seal was impeded jut barely. 

Childe was starting to feel a little dizzy, it would be good to get off the spear and get back to the city… Which was too bad because he really wanted to fight some more monsters, maybe explore the ruins and the Hilichurl camps. But Childe could feel his own abyssal energy starting to get unstable due to the overwhelming amount of hatred, or Karma, coming from the seal.

Getting off wasn’t too much of a hassle thanks to his glider. Slowly, the Harbinger began his trek back to the sea-vessel that he used to come to the archipelago in the first place. This time he actively avoided most of the monsters he came across, which was unfortunate because Childe always welcomed a good fight. However, this time he wasn’t feeling like himself, and he knew it would be genuinely stupid if he were to push himself here. 

The walk back to the vessel felt unnaturally long, longer than it took to go to the location of the seal. The Harbinger felt sluggish, absurdly exhausted. Embarrassingly, all it took was a single encounter with a stray Abyss Mage to lose his balance and slip up.

Childe hadn't seen it coming, which was even more embarrassing. It was a Hydro Mage, which meant he wouldn’t be able to break its shield with his Vision. Which meant, he would need to use the Delusion. That wasn’t a big deal, normally. Somehow, this time, just when he was about to make a final dent at that shield and shatter it, Childe’s head began to throb . He was seeing double, it felt as if his head was stuffed with cotton, mouth dry and ears ringing. He could still deeply feel the ancient god’s hatred and his own tainted anger merging and being amplified by the usage of his Delusion. So, in the end, Childe did end up pushing himself too much. How could he know that a single Abyss Mage would be pushing himself ? It was humiliating. 

In a few seconds he fell on his knees, raising his hands above his head to at least protect himself at least a little while the Abyss Mage prepared a potent attack, almost giggling in that annoyingly high-pitched voice.

Childe waited for the blow. Anticipation and adrenaline pumping in his heart.

He waited.

Waited.

And… waited..? What? 

Finally, he lowered his arms a little, dull blue eyes looking up to see an unfamiliar wave of teal fog infused with Anemo. It wasn’t steady and subtle like Rex Lapis’s Geo Energy, nor was it as overwhelming and violent as Osial’s Karma, or his own corruption. It was different, rough around the edges but subdued. 

The Harbinger squinted, trying to see what that energy belonged to. Was it another Abyss Mage? A different type of Hilichurl..? No, it had a human-looking silhouette, was it a person? No, why would a person be here, of all places? 

Unfortunately, Childe wasn’t able to catch a proper glimpse of the newcomer. He could feel his body giving up on him, no matter how much he fought against it. His eyes closed shut and the remaining of his consciousness slipped away. 

~*~

What an embarrassing way to go… A single Abyss Mage, huh? 

How could Childe allow himself to falter at such a critical moment? 

How did he even get to this point? He couldn’t be that weak. What went wrong?

What would happen to Tonia, Anthon and Teucer?

~*~

“... Stable…. Happened… Who…?” A feminine voice. Muffled… Far away. Unfamiliar.  

A sigh. “... Don’t know… Suspicious…. Fatui….” A deeper voice. Masculine. Again, unfamiliar. 

He could barely hear them, let alone understand them. Slipping in and out of consciousness, he was unable to follow the conversation. Unable to open his eyes or move his body, he blacked out once more. Or had he never woken up in the first place? Childe didn’t know.

All he knew was that, somehow, he is still alive.

After a few minutes, or maybe a few hours, or perhaps mere seconds, or even after a whole year..? Childe didn’t know, again. But he was finally awake enough to hear and sense his surroundings, move his eyelids. 

He could feel that he was on a soft surface… A bed, probably. He could hear footsteps from below. A busy building. He was on a higher floor. There was faraway chatter. The air felt different, he wasn’t in Guyun Stone Forest anymore. He could feel the familiar pull of his Hydro Vision. The stiff fabric of unfamiliar clothes against his skin. He couldn’t feel the unfamiliar hatred of Osial, nor the all too familiar anger he always carried within him. His mind was too quiet, too calm… It was unsettling.

When he heard light footsteps on the hardwood floor of the room, Childe opened his eyes in an instant, only to startle the stranger in the room. Well… Startle could be an overestimation. This person, despite looking a little surprised, was regarding him with open suspicion and hostility. 

It was a young man. Well, he looked young, but also he didn’t carry himself like a young person. He was short. His lithe frame, clad in intricate armor of deep teal and black, was notably intimidating. He had smooth, pale skin which contrasted sharply with the intricate green tattoos which traced along his visible arm. His hair, a fascinating shade of dark green, fell in untamed layers, like it was tousled by the wind. However, it seemed deliberate. He had piercing golden eyes with slitted pupils that watched Childe like a hawk. Clearly, this wasn’t someone to be underestimated.

 He wore a sleeveless, high-collared tunic that clung to his form. It was white and half-transparent. Intricate silver and gold accents traced along the edges of his tunic. He wore high-quality gauntlets, and there was a Liyue-style Anemo Vision attached to one of them. A Vision user. At his waist hung a sash of rich violet, secured with ornate jade brooches, from which delicate beaded golden tassels swayed gently. His loose trousers were tucked into boots that reached below his knees.

Neither of them spoke for a moment. Childe was aware this was a powerful person, and that he was— infuriatingly and embarrassingly— at his mercy. His body was still weak, sluggish. His eyes were barely able to stay open for long, and he was confined to the bed. 

“You better stay lucid, mortal.” The stranger sneered, voice harsh and hostile. “Because I have a lot of questions for you.”

Childe aimed to sound casual despite the many alarm bells ringing in his head. His throat was very dry, thus his voice sounded hoarse. “Alright. Ask away, stranger.” 

“Who the hell are you?” The man asked, pointing an ornately decorated jade spear at him. Ah, there was that warm Liyuen hospitality he was missing.

“I am Childe. A diplomat from Snezhnaya.” The Harbinger answered, voice light. He didn’t allow his dull eyes to stray from the stranger.

“A diplomat, you say? So you mean you’re Fatui.” The man spat, frown deepening. “I regret saving you now.”

Childe raised a brow at that. Did that weird Anemo energy he felt seconds before passing out belong to this person? Childe figured that this man was an Adeptus, as he had referred to him as a “mortal”. And clearly, he wasn’t very fond of the Fatui. Shockers. 

“What is your business in Liyue? Speak.” 

“I’ve come here to manage Northland Bank. Which is a completely legal institute in Liyue Harbor. I haven’t done anything wrong.” Childe replied easily, he couldn’t allow himself to falter when his fate depended on his tongue.

“Completely legal, huh? What in Celestia were you doing in Guyun Stone Forest, then? That place isn’t for mortals. Let alone foreign morals.” The man took a step closer to Childe, almost snarling. “Let alone foreign mortals that are Fatui .”

“I wasn’t up to anything bad!” Childe defended, “I am aware how this looks, but I heard that there were strong monsters there, and I had to check it out. I mean, I’ve been here for a little over two months at this point, and I’ve been fighting the Hilichurls and Abyss Mages around here, you know? And lately, it seems I’ve hunted all of them because there are none in the vicinity!” He crossed his arms over his chest, the Adeptus seemed stunned. Clearly confused. 

Childe continued, “And I thought, hey, maybe I could fight stronger monsters at that place! I have absolutely no idea why I collapsed. It is embarrassing. How did you even find me? Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful, but there wasn’t anyone there.”

The man looked at Childe for a moment. “Are you stupid or what? Why on Teyvat would you think that going to the single most dangerous place in the entire country is a good idea? ” He seemed furious, but somehow he seemed to believe Childe’s response. “And it was you who has been slaughtering every single Hilichurl in the area?” 

“Oh, you noticed? Heh, I mean, I need some way to sharpen my combat skills. And it’s not like I’m hurting anyone. I think I’m even helping people by cleaning up the area!” Childe seemed sheepish at first, rubbing the back of his neck. His tone grew more defensive as he neared the end of his speech, fully committed to retaining the act of a clueless, inexperienced Fatui.

The stranger let out a very deep sigh. “I can’t tell if you’re stupid or just have no sense of self-preservation.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re an odd one, for sure.”

“Hmm? What do you mean, friend?”

“Never call me that.” The stranger sneered. “I don’t understand how you’re still alive with all that Karmic energy at Guyun. Not to mention…” The man cut himself off. “Why am I even answering you? I’m the one who is asking the questions here.”

“Come on, I told you I don’t mean to hurt anyone. I am just a small fly.” Childe raised his hands in surrender, looking up at the Adeptus through his long lashes. “No need to be so hostile~ What is your name anyway? Who are you?”

The person didn’t seem too amused. “You don’t deserve to know my name. But I suppose I won’t kill you just yet.” He stood before the small window across the bed. His back was facing Childe, but the harbinger knew that the man was on guard. “You will stay here for two days and then go back to your stupid bank. You will not leave this room, interact with anyone, bother anyone. If I suspect that you’re up to anything malicious…” Childe was once again face-to-face with the tip of the jade spear. “Consider yourself dead.”

The Harbinger raised his hands once again, trying to appear friendly. “Jeez, no need to be so intense. Currently, I’m powerless anyway. Barely able to keep my eyes open.”

“You better be careful. I will be watching you, mortal.” The person said, or more like growled, before disappearing into thin air with only some teal fog and a gust of wind as a warning.

Well… That was a very weird interaction. Is everyone in Liyue so peculiar..? 

Childe needed to get his head together and figure out what happened to him. He had come dangerously close to death– dangerously close to a boring one at that. That was unacceptable. He shouldn’t have underestimated the Karmic Energy Mr. Zhongli had warned him about. And, he should have definitely considered the possibility of said energy reacting badly with his own Abyssal Taint. He was very lucky that this random Adeptus decided to save his life rather than killing him right there when he was vulnerable.

Clearly, this guy was aware of the fact that he is a Fatui. Childe was lucky that he hadn’t figured out how high his rank among the Fatui is, and Childe was going to keep it that way. He had an inkling that the Adeptus was aware of his Abyssal Taint. He had referred to him as an “odd one”. While the stranger didn’t elaborate, Childe felt that it referred to exactly that. Adepti were able to sense that tainted energy on him, no? 

Then, why did the man even let him live? And not just live, he clearly brought Childe to a relatively safe place for him to recuperate. The room wasn’t very fancy, but it was furnished and cozy, let in a lot of natural light. It wasn’t a house, though… And he was too high up. He figured, he would be able to ask someone where he is when, inevitably, someone brings him food.

Also, from the strange lack of that looming anger he always felt deep within his chest, the ruthless desire to attack everything on site, purely for the sake of violence itself, Childe figured the Adeptus must have done something. He doubted it was gone for good, but it was subdued. He wished he could ask about it, but the man wouldn’t even share his name with Childe, let alone what he did to him.

A few hours passed by. The Harbinger took a needed nap, and he was feeling way better by the time the sun began to set. Golden sunlight lazily streamed into the small room, warm against his skin. He slowly sat up, holding his temple with one of his hand. He felt better, but not good enough. That Adeptus had told him to spend two days in this place, no..? Originally, he was going to leave today or maybe tomorrow, but perhaps he should listen to the man this time.

He washed up in the small bathroom that was attached to the room. He didn’t feel well enough to take a shower, so he just washed his face. His lidded dull blue eyes followed the trail of water droplets sliding over his cheekbones, to his jaw, and then through the length of his pale neck and disappear into his chest. 

Childe could say one thing for certain; he looked absolutely terrible. 

His fiery locks were even more disheveled than usual, and that was saying something. His skin was paler, and there were bags under his eyes. He felt unnaturally tired, like he had experienced the worst cold of his life.

 Somehow, it compared to the cold he caught back when he was a boy and had fallen into the cold ocean through the ice while ice-fishing with his father and Anthon. It was so cold that the water felt warm . His father managed to pull him out in seconds, but the harm was done. The next morning, he had woken up with such a nasty fever that he thought he was dying.

 Of course, his mother was less than amused. 

Funnily enough, despite having gone through significantly worse things than falling into the half-frozen ocean, he never experienced such a terrible feeling in his life after that. Well, until now. Because now, he felt even worse than he did back then. It was an accomplishment, really.

Right when Childe left the bathroom, there was a knock on the door. He perked up, eyes focused on the door. After a few seconds it opened revealing a woman rolling a food cart.

She was a woman with average height, she had a fair complexion. She stood tall and carried an air of confidence that Childe was able to pick up on despite seeing her for the first time in his life. The woman had taupe eyes and long dirty-blonde hair with blunt bangs with two thick, longer strands framing her heart-shaped face. She had a braid that stretched to the back of her head. 

She wore a red shirt and a traditional Liyuen overcoat. Or whatever that would be called, Childe hadn’t asked Mr. Zhongli. The overcoat had golden accents and went down to her knees. 

“Oh my, it seems you’re awake. How nice.” The woman said with a smile. She pushed the food cart further into the room. Childe was standing near the bed, watching her. He wasn’t sure what to make of her, she acted friendly, but also it felt double-faced, faux.

“No need to be so tense.” She paused. “Perhaps I should introduce myself. I am Verr Goldet, the owner of Wangshu Inn. Well, normally, you’d never catch me serving food to guests’ rooms here, we have staff for that. However, your case is special enough that I felt compelled to personally bring you food.” 

Childe regarded the woman for a few seconds. “Ms. Goldet… Pleasure to make your acquaintance. I’m Childe.” He decided, acting civil and being cautious until he isn’t as vulnerable as he is now would be wise.

 Childe still didn’t know why that Adeptus saved him in the first place. And… had the woman said Wangshu Inn? So Childe is at some sort of hotel. He had heard of this place in passing at Liyue Harbor. It was a famed Inn that people booked rooms months in advance due to how full it is, apparently. Even Mr. Zhongli described it as “pleasant”, and for the consultant to use such compliments, it had to be actually very good. 

“Mister Childe. A fascinating name. I’ve brought you food, you must be hungry. I was told that you would be staying for two days.” The woman crossed her arms over her chest, raising her head as she regarded Childe. “You needn’t worry, all the expenses were paid for and no one will ask you questions unless you give us reasons to inquire.” 

That came off as a subtle warning, Childe wasn’t stupid enough to not see that. Clearly this woman knew that he is Fatui. Probably, she was related to that Adeptus somehow. Childe put on a charming, boyish smile as he gave the woman a nod. “Oh, of course. I appreciate your hospitality, Ms. Goldet, and I am very grateful for the food.” 

The woman pushed the food cart towards Childe. “I am glad to have seen you for myself. I will be taking my leave, if you require anything; simply pull the string near your bed and someone will come. Have a pleasant stay.”

Once Verr Goldet left the room, Childe walked towards the food cart. He hadn’t realized just how hungry he was until he caught the inviting scent of food. He pushed the cart towards the narrow wooden table at the corner of the room, taking a seat to begin eating.

~*~

The two days went by in a blur. Childe felt too weak to really explore, which made him feel frustrated and restless. On the evening of his final night at the inn, he finally gathered enough strength to leave his room and explore the building. It was fascinating, the entire place was built on a giant tree. He was sure that this tree had some sort of cool myth or story, like everything else in Liyue. He could ask Mr. Zhongli once he returns to Liyue Harbor. 

The atmosphere is serene and quiet, the view from the terrace is absolutely breathtaking. Even someone like Childe could appreciate how good the night-sky looks from the inn. In the city, the many lights there usually overpowered the sky, making the stars appear dull. However, from here Childe could see the sky with all its glory. It half reminded him of the almost magical nights of Morepesok. He spent a good half an hour sitting at the terrace and drinking green tea. 

The food was pretty good too, and the staff; while clearly suspicious of him and clearly trained in combat, were generally pleasant. Childe finally felt like himself, feeling weak and tired wasn’t his thing at all.

When the Harbinger returned to the Inn’s lobby, Verr Goldet greeted him. He raised a brow when the woman handed her a plate of something called Almond Tofu. Childe had never heard of this dish before, what was she even giving it to him? 

As if sensing his confused, the woman spoke again. “You should show how grateful you are, he saved your skin.”

“You mean the mean Adeptus guy?” Childe questioned as he finally took the plate from Verr Goldet. He studied the dish, narrowing his eyes.

“He favors this dessert. You can find him on the highest terrace.” She added, crossing her arms over her chest.

And with those annoyingly vague instructions, Childe found himself taking a lift to the terrace. I suppose it made sense to thank the Adeptus for not killing him back at Guyun Stone Forest, and instead bringing him here and helping him. Childe was half sure that it was because of the stranger that his Abyssal energy was the calmest it had ever been.

He got off the lift, standing on the highest and smallest terrace at the inn, it was nestled in the huge branches of the tree. There was a single, small wooden table with two stools on two of its sides. Childe walked towards the table and put the plate on it. 

“Hey, so… I heard you like this food, and I wanted to thank you for not killing me back at Guyun Stone Forest. I am grateful.” 

Silence.

Childe wasn’t really expecting a verbal response from the Adeptus, he was anything but friendly, but he couldn’t help but feel a little underwhelmed. He figured he was being watched by him anyway, so the man would get this plate of Almond Tofu somehow. 

“I was full on prepared to die there, so I am grateful to you for saving me, even though you know I’m Fatui.” Childe cleared his throat. “I have no idea what your reasons were, but I don’t really care. So, uh, I hope you like this offering..? Yeah.” 

And with that, Childe turned around to leave the terrace. When he was about to step on the lift, he felt an unnatural gust of wind tousling his disheveled, fiery hair and the half-cape of his Fatui uniform. A smile pulled on his chapped lips, clearly the Adeptus was able to hear him. 

He took the lift and returned to his room.

In the morning, Childe grabbed what little belongings he had and left the room. At the lobby, he was greeted by Verr Goldet once more.

“It is good to see you healthy, you don’t look as bad anymore.”

Childe didn’t know if he should be offended or take it as a compliment. “Right, heh. I appreciate all you’ve done.”

The woman nodded, offering a wave as the Harbinger left Wangshu Inn and began his journey back to Liyue Harbor. This had been one interesting mission. He wasn’t leaving completely empty-handed, though. He was very sure that he would be able to weaken the God’s seal.

Unleashing a powerful, ancient deity wasn’t something he really wanted to do, but Childe needed to be ready for all scenarios. Childe also preferred to face the god head on, yearned to share the battle field with him even if it was for a few moments, as he wasn't stupid enough to believe he could forcefully take the Gnosis from Rex Lapid in a battle.

So if Childe needed to use this card to make Rex Lapis reveal himself, then he would.

~*~