A Gentleman, or an Uncivilized Brute?

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***

As Yomite was about to enter the inn, he felt as if someone was staring at him.

He looked around before seeing an old granny and a rather handsome, tall gentleman looking at him with curious looks on their face.

Yomite was very familiar with both of them.

(The granny I met when I entered the city. I think her name was Madame Ping or something...and that bastard Zhongli!)

Yomite's eyes narrowed slightly before he approached them.

His steps were quiet but firm enough to convey his presence.

"Ah, Young'un!" The old woman greeted with a small smile. "We've been waiting for you."

Yomite stopped in front of her, "Waiting for me? For what?"

Madame Ping smiled, "Well...you see..." She turned to the man next to her, "It seems that our dear Zhongli had wronged you. Please accept our apologies."

At that, Yomite raised his eyebrows.

"Yeah, Zhongli! You better shit out some Mora immediately! I had to pay for my own gift and the stuff you took with you! You just left without paying!? Shit it out now!"

Zhongli gazed at him in wonder, "Shit out? I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with such terminology. What exactly would your request entail?"

"..."

Seeing that Yomite was about to blow a fuse, the old woman cleared her throat, "I apologize again, Young'un, but please allow me to explain."

He crossed his arms, "Go ahead, then."

The granny sighed, "Well, Young'un, the thing is...

************

Around the same time...

After interrogating the two drunk men, Keqing decided to head home and rest for a bit, so she made her way through the city streets.

After a couple of minutes, she saw a familiar face walking in front of her.

"...Ganyu?" She picked up her pace and quickly caught up with her. "Ganyu."

"Oh... Lady Keqing." Ganyu stopped and turned around, but didn't look too happy to see her. "What may I do for you? Do you have another assignment for me to complete? Just a word and I'll do it."

"No, it's not work related. I have a question if you don't mind."

Ganyu tilted her head. "What is it? If it's something from Lady Keqing, it must be important."

"I heard that you've been to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to remind them of their quota. Did you perchance meet a tall man called Yomite Hissha?"

Ganyu's eyes lit up like a star. "Yes! Of course! Although I only ever heard his given name, not his family name."

(I see...so he wasn't lying after all,) Keqing smiled. "Can you tell me what kind of person he is? Or something about him?"

"Well..." Ganyu started counting on her fingers. "He was very polite, very friendly, outgoing, respectful, kind, had an enjoyable personality and was always laughing... He cheered me up a couple of times and even complimented me at multiple occasions. He really gave me the energy I needed to finish the day and I would love to meet him again to vent about my pro—...O-Oh, I'm sorry...I-I went overboard! I apologize Lady Keqing!"

Keqing waved off Ganyu's apology as if saying, it's fine.

Then again...

(This sounds as if she was describing her perfect ideal husband or something akin to that...it was completely different from the rude and insufferable man I met on the street...) Thought Keqing as she looked at Ganyu fidgeting in front of her.

"Do you perhaps know where he lives?" She quickly added, hoping Ganyu had some idea.

"Um...He said he was currently residing in one of the inns in the city. He is from Mondstadt and is visiting this place only briefly to watch the Rite of Descension," Ganyu answered. "May I ask, why does Lady Keqing ask so much about him?"

"Something funny has happened just now. He beat up two drunk men that attacked him. It was reported to me by the witnesses later, that he was a target of jealousy"

Keqing kept a tight eye on Ganyu's expression to see how she reacted.

And to her surprise, her face immediately changed, her eyebrows knitted together, pulling the skin tight across her forehead.

"How could those miserable drunk heathens dare to attack such a kind person...O-Oops! I-I'm sorry, I... I'm not quite sure how that one slipped out either...Please pardon my behavior, Lady Keqing."

Ganyu suddenly flushed bright crimson and hurriedly continued,

"T-To summarize, he is absolutely charismatic, enthusiastic and humorous. A remarkable gentleman! So, of course I really wish to meet him again, perhaps, umm...we could talk about his worries next time." Her smile was genuine, wide and heartfelt as she looked straight into Keqing's eyes.

Keqing couldn't help but notice Ganyu's eyes were sparkling.

There was definitely more behind the story...

She was baffled by the entire situation.

Was Ganyu so...interested in this stranger...? Was she attracted to him?

It was highly unlikely considering Ganyu's position as the secretary of the Liyue Qixings, not to mention her identity.

They weren't that close, but Keqing was aware that Ganyu simply didn't have time in day for sleeping, much less a silly thing like romance.

No, the correct conclusion was that she admired the kindness of this character, admired him to a great extent and most likely had something in common that sparked this kind of behavior to make friends with him.

That made much more sense.

So, instead of brooding over her emotions, Keqing cleared her throat,

"Thank you for answering my questions, Ganyu."

Though seeing her uncharacteristic behavior was a little disconcerting, Keqing knew Ganyu wouldn't let it ruin her professionalism.