Chapter 651 (Patreon)

He had impeccable manners.

I ordered some tea, and I just happened to notice how he drank it. His posture, his finger positions, even how much he sipped each time, and his expression. Every part of it was without the tiniest bit of error.

I wasn’t a tea ceremony expert by any means, but I knew a thing or two, and he certainly put incredible effort into presenting himself quite nobly.

Was he some kind of noble family member? Rather than royalty around here, I would guess that they have families spanning hundreds of years since the inception of the city. Not a literal noble, but more in presentation, history, and wealth and resources.

“Thank you for the tea." Zhongli said politely, placing his cup down.

It was important, as a guest, when presented tea, to take a sip of it immediately and give it a compliment.

Even if it was bad tea, you could say something like ‘it has a unique flavor.' It was just one of those messy ‘rules’ when it came to proper decorum.

Gramps over in Soul Society would probably love him. That old man was really strict about his Tea presentation as well.

“We didn’t properly introduce ourselves.” Artoria spoke up. She had lived in Japan and been around Rin long enough; she was more than aware of our kind of 'manners.' Even if Chinese and Japanese mannerisms differed a bit, there were some things universal. “I am Artoria Pendragon.”

“And I’m Wilhelm Henry Schweinorg.” I introduced myself as well.

He smiled politely. “I am Zhongli.” He already said his name, but for reciprocates' sake, he said so again. “It’s my pleasure to make your acquaintances. If I may be so bold to guess, you are new to the city, yes?”

“That is correct.” Artoria nodded. “We arrived a few days ago, and we have been enjoying experiencing the cities’ hospitality.”

“Unfortunately, today’s festivities have ended abruptly. The past years Rites of Descent have carried with them a very pleasant atmosphere, and many travelers have enjoyed their time.” 

“We don’t hold it against the city.” Artoria said calmly, taking a sip of her tea. “Unfortunate circumstances are sometimes beyond one's control. They are handling it as best they can even if the atmosphere in the city has taken a sharp turn.”

“As a citizen of Liyue, your understanding is appreciated.” Zhongli responded. “I apologize, but I approached with an agenda.”

I don’t mind if people want something from me. I think it’s normal for people to seek out others for some kind of personal gain. It’s how we, as humans and even other species, exist and try to make our way in the world.

You take from me, that’s okay. One day, I may need to take from someone else. Of course, this is with the assumption that you’re not harming someone else either. 

But what I despise is when people do it underhandedly. I would much rather someone approach me, to my face, and tell me they want to use me for some goal. While I may not agree, I would at least be willing to hear them out for the sake of their bluntness.

Suffice to say, I prefer an upfront scheme or usage of myself when someone wants something. Tell me that you’re scheming with me in mind, and I might be willing to play around.

I’m not so childish to think that even if people knew this, they wouldn’t try to make hidden plans around me. 

It’s just…. My perspective on life, I suppose.

So, Zhongli coming over, politely, saying he wanted something form us? Well, I was open to hearing him out and letting him tell us without dismissal, even if we were strangers.

“Speak freely.” I gave him the go-ahead.

“I usually attend the Rite of Descension every year, but for certain reasons, I was unable to participate as I normally do. I saw the legendary Adeptus speaking to you just now, and I wished to ask you about what occurred. The rumors around the city have begun to spread.” He explained smoothly.

Well, Red Bird wasn’t exactly subtle.

And I would have to be blind to not notice the people looking at us out of the corner of their eyes. We weren’t exactly in a private setting either. I think most people were too intimidated to approach after that.

“I suppose it’s not really a secret.” I spoke, tapping my chin. I knew what to talk about and what not to talk about. “We were at the front of the Ceremony, luckily enough. As it began, apparently the corpse of Rex Lapis fell down from the sky.”

Zhongli’s expression didn’t change. “I see, so those rumors were accurate.”

“You’re very unmoved.” Artoria noted.

“I do not believe losing my composure would be beneficial to the situation. It’s best to remain composed and patient, as much of the city will become chaotic.” He responded.

“I see, that is indeed the correct choice.” She nodded in approval.

There is something strange about him; I just can’t quite put my finger on it. Non-Human? I think that might be a decent enough guess because I couldn’t feel any Divinity from him, nor any Immortal Power like those Adepti. But there are plenty of non-humans running around, and I wasn’t one to discriminate based on that.

But something felt slightly off.

Then again, I don’t know much about people here enough. Visions are already rather strange to me, so I suppose it makes sense. It wasn’t a dissimilar feeling to Ningguang either, and she had a Geo vision as well.

Though, hers was slightly different? The difference between people rather than power source, I think. Because people with the same source of power are bound to express it differently.

If Ningguang was refined, Zhongli would be steady.

It was hard to put into words.

I was starting to get the hang of it, though. I would continue to take a look at every Vision wielder I come across.

“If I may, the Adepti do not usually associate with the citizens of Liyue. Could I perhaps ask what you spoke with that Adeptus about?” Zhongli continued.

Oh, so that’s why he came over, huh? I guess it makes sense; he hears about what happened and sees Big Red Bird fly over and talk to us. It's logical he came over here to ask what was happening, as we would probably know.

“It’s nothing special. When the body of Rex Lapis fell from the sky, there was panic and chaos. The Adepti arrived quickly and tried to push everyone else away, even to the detriments of the crowd. The Adepti you saw was needlessly aggressive and harmed a few people, albeit not intentionally. I was looking after an elderly woman who had been pushed down due to his actions and he came over to heal her and apologize.”

Zhongli looked deep in thought for a moment. “The Legends say that Rex Lapis isn’t merely the God of Liyue but also the Leader of the Adepti. Before ascending to godhood, the Adepti all followed him into battle, fighting through life and death all to carve out this city of peace that we have today. I could imagine that they were overcome with emotions upon seeing such a corpse. The bonds they shared, for the long years they spent together, fought together, and were perhaps the most distraught.”

He was sounding apologetic towards the Adepti rather than condemning his behavior.

“The important thing is that he apologized and remedied his mistake.” Artoria responded. “People make mistakes; it is only natural. However, acknowledging them and doing one’s best to correct them is what makes one noble.”

Zhongli smiled. “Yes, that is a wonderful answer. Even Adepti can make mistakes.” He didn’t deny it. 

“Is that all you wanted to hear?” I asked.

He politely cleared his throat. “It would be rude for me to merely come to you for help and not provide anything in return. Is there anything you would like to ask me? I am quite knowledgeable about Liyue and the history of the country. I have spent many years dedicated to my research into various legends and stories.”

“Are you a historian?” Artoria asked curiously.

“It is a passing hobby," Zhongli responded. “Truth be told, I work as a consultant with the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.”

“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow.

“I know that such things are not so auspicious and—" He immediately went to defending the profession, which made me believe he wasn’t lying.

But also, I interrupted him because I wasn’t having those thoughts at all. “Properly arranging funeral ceremonies is very important.” He seemed to perk up just a tad, even smiling. 

“Yes, it is.” He agreed right away. “To ensure the dead rest peacefully, there can be no mistakes. Everything must be arranged to perfection.”

It explains his mannerisms.

Eastern culture around funerals is much different than Westerners. For Western funerals, it could be said that they exist for the living. Whereas Eastern funerals, they are for the dead. 

Beliefs differing make a different priority when it comes to settling the dead. For the West, you mourn, you bury, or you cremate your loved one, and that’s basically the end of it. For the East, there are many ceremonies that must be adhered to.

Things like making sure the spirits of the deceased are put to rest. Offering them incense, making sure there is no accruement of resentment or lingering regrets. If someone is buried 'wrong,' there is belief that they may never properly rest. Or even worse, they may become corrupted after death, rising like a zombie or evil spirit.

There are many meticulous and small details that are required to be observed in preparing a funeral in cultures like this. That kind of attitude and practice will bleed over into everyday life, which explains his mannerisms and behavior rather well.

Of course, I was making assumptions if the culture was similar to what I knew. For all I know, they might just toss all the bodies off a cliff and think that’s good enough. Probably not the case, but you never know.

“Where did you arrive from?” Zhongli suddenly asked. “If this is your first time visiting Liyue.”

“We came from Mondstadt.” Artoria replied. “We traveled on a caravan through the Adventurer’s Guild.”

“Ah, the Adventurers Guild.” Zhongli looked wistful. “I have considered becoming a member myself now that…now that I seem to have more free time on my hands. Perhaps I’m not too old to go travel and see the world.”

“You’re never too late to go on an adventure.” I think more people should travel. The world—all worlds—are big places with so much to see.

“I have an old friend in Mondstadt; perhaps when things subside here, I will go visit his home.” Zhongli said softly. “Thank you, your words meant more to me than you realize.”

“It was just something I said casually.” I waved it off. “Are you—"

“Zhongli!” A girl came, all but running in our direction. “I’ve been looking all over for you. Here you are, drinking tea when you’re supposed to be working! Again!”

Zhongli looked a little embarrassed, a far cry from his usual demeanor. “I apologize, Director.”

“Hmph! And where are all the fliers I gave you?”

"...I handed them out.” He looked away.

Someone’s a bad liar.

“Mhmm?” She put her hands on her hips, clearly not believing him. “Good thing I have some more here.” She set a stack of them on the table. “Who’re your friends?”

“Apologies for the late introductions. These are Artoria Pendragon and Wilhelm Schweinorg, adventurers from Mondstadt that are visiting. My new friends, this is the Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Hu Tao.”

“If you’re friends of Zhongli’s, then you get a discount!”

“A discount?” I blinked.

She slapped one of the fliers in front of us. “Two-for-one special on your next funeral purchase!”

I stared at the flier, and so did Artoira.

I’ve seen many different tries at advertisement and attempts at running a business. Never have I seen someone offer a two-for-one sale for funeral services before. Wasn’t that just basically asking us to die for her business?

I looked at Zhongli, and he had the most exasperated, but relenting, expression I’ve ever seen. Clearly, this isn’t new behavior for her, if this is how he reacts.

“Um, excuse me.” Hu Tao was next to Artoria, looking at her strangely. “Are you…?" She poked Artoria’s arm.

"...can I assist you?” Artoria asked, confused at what the young girls were doing.

“No, um…" Hu Tao looked really confused for some reason as well. “I was, well, I thought you were a spirit for some reason.” She laughed it off awkwardly. “Come along, Zhongli! You have work to do~” She quickly pulled on Zhongli’s sleeve as he gave a reluctant sigh again.

“Farewell, friends. I hope we can speak again some other time.” He allowed her to pull him away.

“...that was interesting," I commented.

“How surprising, that girl was able to notice my existence. She runs a ‘Funeral Parlor'; are the circumstances related to that?” Artoria ended up tilting her head. “She also possesses one of those visions, a red one.”

I noticed it too.

Seems like all Vision people are rather eccentric.

“Pyro, fire. Yet, her flame felt affectionate? Not like meant to burn things away, but a guiding light in the night.” I hummed.

[You’re right, that man does feel strange.] Ddraig also commented on Zhongli. [Can’t quite put my finger on it. Maybe it’s just the weirdness here?]

Before I could consider it further, I felt my phone buzzing as I pulled it out.

“Wilhelm~” Yasaka smiled on the other end. “Raikou is here too.” The view on the screen panned slightly to see Raikou next to her.”

“Are you ready to come over?” I asked. “Also, Artoria is here too.” She leaned in next to me, waving.

“Hello Yasaka, Raikou.”

“Oh my, just look at you, practically glowing.” Yasaka had a mischievous smile on her face, making Artoria turn red.

I made sure to surround us in another wind so no sound got out.

“How was it? Finally getting stuffed by that big—"

“Yasaka!” Artoria reached her tipping point where the embarrassment boiled on. Despite how far she’d come, she was still so easy to rile up like his.

Exactly what Yasaka was intending.

“Fine, fine~ We’ll have more girl talk when I come over.” The fox chuckled. “But I was wondering what you guys were up to, because I was finishing up work soon, so I figured we could coordinate.”

“We’re in Not-China right now, making preparations to head over to Not-Japan. Though, something happened here; the city might be locked down, so we might not be able to get a boat right for a bit.” They were more or less kept up to speed with what was going on here, so she should know what I meant by Not-Japan.

As for the boat, well…we didn’t need it, but I don’t think Inazuma would appreciate a random ship with no charter or registration appearing at their shores?

We’re trying to be responsible!

“Trouble? Artoria dear, what did Wilhelm do this time?”

“Oi.”

Artoria smiled. “It wasn’t his fault this time. There seems to have been an issue with the local deity, and we just happened to be at the festival when it happened.”

Someone’s getting a spanking when they come over.

“Give us a heads up before you go over to that place then. I’m almost done, and I should be able to wrap up all my work in a day or two, which seems to be perfect timing," Yasaka stated. “Raikou and I will be coming over.”

Yasaka couldn't hide her excitement.

It wouldn’t be the first time she traveled off-world with me, but it would be the first time where it wasn’t because of something we had to take care of. Skyrim, she was basically working and setting up trade agreements.

The World Kunou’s at? Well, we basically only went there to scout the place and get Kunou settled for schooling.

At most, she’s visited back home with Gramps, stepping over for a bit, not really having fun.

Now, it’s her turn to just ignore responsibility and get to have a fun vacation with us.

I was looking forward to it as well.

“I’ll make sure that you don't miss out.” Because I knew that’s what she was most worried about. 

“I can’t wait to come play with you.” She was being playful, but there was a genuineness to it that softened her mischievous nature. But that disappeared rather quickly. “By the way, I made a bet with Raikou, and I won. So I took away her bra privileges, so you can enjoy that too~."

I heard a squeak from Raikou’s end as the phone hung up.

Artoria just shook her head. “She is a handful.”

Yeah, but I can’t help but love her just as well.

“Um, excuse me!” A woman called out behind us.

Did she notice the wind barrier because she was like an inch away from it?

I snapped my fingers, making it dissipate, and there was a flash in her eyes as she apparently did notice.

I also noticed her other peculiarities.

She had horns on her head.

Definitely not human.

She had beautiful blue hair, though.

“Hello.” Her voice was rather soft and warm. “My name is Ganyu; I work as Lady Ningguang’s assistant. She asked me to come request your presence, if you would be willing. It’s okay if you want to decline, but she told me that an emissary of the Fatui is currently in the Jade Chamber, and she thought you might be interested.”

“Oh?” I brightened up. “Well, if it’s the Fatui, then by all means.” Did she need help, or did she want my opinion?

Or maybe she just wanted me there to pressure whoever it is?

Either way, I would be more than happy to help out a friend.

“Is it…uh, what’s that woman’s name again? It was a woman, right?” I seem to have forgotten.

“The Emissary is a man and goes by the moniker of the Doctor.” Ganyu told me. 

Well, I don’t know him. Either way, I already don’t like the Fatui, so sign me up!

“Want to go?” I offered my hand to Artoria as I stood up.

“Of course, I shall follow you wherever your whimsy leads.” She took it as Ganyu led us away.

@***@

A/N

Wilhelm makes more friends, and he gets to go meet the Doctor! I’m sure nothing bad will happen.

And there is a reason that Zhongli isn’t pinging as a god to him.