The Geo Archon's Pact

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At the very heart of Liyue, the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor stood as a darkened monument in solemnity against the busy streets of the city. Lanterns filled the grand structure with their muffled light, long and thin shadows dancing across the polished floors. It was a quiet, reflective atmosphere, comforting and deep in its tranquillity.

Inside the parlor, there was dignified serenity, while the walls were speaking carvings of various scenes of reverence and remembrance. The lace-like smoke of incense curled through the air, carrying with it an elusive peaceful scent. Standing in the middle of this sacrosanct space was none other than Hu Tao herself, the energetic and mysterious 77th Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. But whereas the surroundings were somber, her lively manner was quite a contradiction to that, adding a hint of fanciful inquisitiveness to an otherwise calm ambiance. Hu Tao smiled at Zhongli, the consultant across her, in her characteristic impish grin. A bit of mischief, tinged with truly shared concern, sparkled in her eyes, conveying a surveying look toward him.

"Ah, Zhongli," she said, her voice a flowing dance of light-heartedness and solemnity. "It would seem that you are as unyielding as always, but I must ask, what is at the bottom of this sudden shift in mood? For it most assuredly does not befit you to refuse any fresh assignment, let alone one requiring the services of our most valuable consultant."

She paused for a moment and let her words stay in the air. Soft, dim light from the parlour danced around her in soft grace, casting a warm aura on her face. Her expression softened almost imperceptibly to show a glimmer of the earnest concern she felt for her colleague.

"I understand that the duties of a consultant are varied and often taxing,," Hu Tao added after some time, her voice softening to a more sensitive tone. "Yet for some time now, you wear a different mantle-one indeed which even one of the most accomplished consultants would hardly be able to handle."

Her gaze was unwavering, a silent invitation for Zhongli to share what troubled him, yet her manner remained light-hearted, reflecting her characteristic blend of empathy and playful curiosity.

His eyes, the bottomless pools of some sort of ancient wisdom, met Hu Tao's without a flutter. His voice was rich and deep, but it had that calming modulation that seemed to carry the weight of his particular words with gentle assurance.

"Ah, Director," Zhongli began, his tone respectful and calm, "indeed, I have asked for some leave of duty recently. Please do not mistake my disappearance for dissatisfaction or disobedience; it is rather a personal matter of urgency which requires my most urgent attention."

Then he paused, and let the weight of what he had said sink in, before continuing. "The responsibilities I bear are many, and although I am always keenly devoted to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, sometimes affairs come up that are more personal in nature. This by no means is a slight against my position here as I ask for this leave, but rather to attend to an unexpected issue that has arisen and needs my very presence".

Zhongli's voice quieted, his face a mask of silent determination. "Be assured, Director, this brief sojourn is necessary if I am to perform my duties with the diligence and devotion they require. I am sure that you will cope with equal energy and ability in my absence as you have always shown."

The fire of her eyes did not dim its characteristic mischievous spark although curiosity was definitely there in Hu Tao's eyes as she leaned forward slightly. Her tone was light, yet probing, "And where, if I may inquire, does your journey take you? Where is it that has stirred you from your esteemed position here, Zhongli ?"

Zhongli's expression did not change; his voice was even, tranquil. he replied with the eloquence befitting a person who held high discourses. "I am… bound for Mondstadt. There are matters which I must attend to there...matters brought to my recent attention."

Hu Tao's eyes sparkled with curiosity as a playful smile curled the corners of her lips upward. "Mondstadt, is it? How interesting; the threads of our fates are indeed intertwined, it would appear, even across the breadth of lands. Is it perhaps some kind of Heavenly thread that guides your way?

Zhongli laughed and slightly nodded, admitting it, "Yes, Director. Sometimes the threads of fate pull us towards unexpected directions. I am forced to look for answers and solutions in Mondstadt , the city of wind freedom.

Hu Tao smiled more widely, a sparkle of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Well, if it has to be Mondstadt, then I shall not stand in your way. I hope you'll find what you want, and maybe a few little surprises along the way."

Zhongli's eyes smiled gratefully, a bit softer now. "Thank you, Director Hu Tao. I appreciate your understanding."

With one last nod, Hu Tao stepped back, her manner a perfect mix of professionalism and playful curiosity. "Safe travels, Zhongli. May your journey be as enlightening as eventful. We shall manage here with the usual flair, and perhaps a few extra tales to tell."

Zhongli's eyes sparkled with amusement as he performed one final, respectful bow. "I have no doubt of that. Until we meet again, Director."

As Zhongli stepped out of Hu Tao's office, the door closing softly behind him. he allowed himself a moment of quiet introspection. The quiet corridors of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor seemed to echo subconsciously with the lingering energy from the lively conversation that had just transpired.

He paused a little, looked back to the door, a slight smile playing at his lips. In all his long years- centuries, really-and innumerable interactions with beings both mortal and divine, few had ever managed to surprise him, least of all Hu Tao. She was a maelstrom of unpredictability, her youthfulness hiding a shrewdness that belied her age.

Zhongli folded his hands behind his back, turning his gaze forward as he began to walk, his thoughts unfolding in the privacy of his mind. "In all my lifetime," he mused to himself, his inner voice carrying the weight of aeons, "there have been those who were straightforward, and others who required a delicate touch. Yet this child, filled with boundless energy and having a mind like a labyrinth, stands unparalleled among them all, i admit defeat."

He shook his head slightly, a ghost of a chuckle escaping him—a very unusual display of emotion for the reserved consultant. "She is, without question, the apex of those who are not easily dealt with. A child, indeed, but one who navigates the world with a wisdom and cunning that defies her years; I'm quite sure she even suspects that I'm one of the adepti."

And with Zhongli continuing to stroll at a leisurely pace, the warm light of Liyue's lantern-draped streets unfolded before him, encasing the city in the soft haze of twilight. The usual drone of activity, the soft buzz of conversations and the clatter of merchants closing up shop created a picture of a city at peace-the peace he struggled day and night to uphold.

He came to a stop right at the edge of the rocky bridge, with waters far below, which were peaceful and still enough that the greatness of Liyue was reflected upon its face. The small sigh that escaped him was one full of silent, quieted responsibility, and perhaps with a tinge of contentment.

Such peace," he whispered to himself in a deep, husky voice that seemed to reverberate more with grit than quiet resolve. "To preserve this harmony, to keep these streets uborthered. I am prepared to pay whatever price."

His gaze drifted to the sky as he said this and then to the serene scene before him to the distant horizon, where the first stars of evening began to emerge. "And just as there are those who possess true wisdom," he continued softly, his thoughts turning to the many faces and forces he had encountered over the centuries, "there are those whose folly is just as profound."

Zhongli shuts his eyes for a moment and thinks of the myriad number of people who had only instigated tensions and chaos with all their wrong interests at heart. He walks along Liyue's silent streets, with murmurs of the city surround him, and his thoughts turn inwards as the question bubbles up into his mind.

"Xiao. why did you ever involve yourself in that mess?" he asked again in a hushed tone as the heaviness of the words weighted them down in the night air.

A memory swam to the surface. A conversation not very long ago.

"Lord Rex La....," Xiao had begun with a tone of deep concern before he quickly corrected himself. "Zhongli, don't you think this is—" He paused, his brows furrowed and the usually composed warrior clearly unsettled. "I heard some very concerning rumors too; some other nations are under attack, and Liyue may not be in a better place. There are also some murmurs that some Archons are disappearing. be careful."

Zhongli met Xiao's gaze with calm assurance, cutting him off before his worry could fester further. "I've already taken care of that," he had answered.

Xiao's eyes narrowed in confusion. "What do you mean.?"

Zhongli's voice was solid, bearing a great weight of countless years of wisdom and experience. "That which transpired there will not occur here," he said finally, with all definitive certainty.

Xiao faltered, gazed at Zhongli's expression for some tell-tale sign-how much did his schemes go? But he could only see whole-hearted determination. And at that moment, Xiao's concern seemed to lift, though not totally removed.

The memory faded, and Zhongli's mind was again in the quiet streets of Liyue. But he would not forget the young adeptus. "Foolish," he whispered to himself, but not without fondness. "But admirable."

Zhongli dismissed any preoccupation and opened his eyes to the night's serenity that surrounded him. He looked back over his shoulder, not turning fully, his voice firm and firm as he spoke to the presence that was behind him.

"I'll honor my part of the contract," he whispered, the weight of millennia caught in his words. "And you should too, Celestia."

A figure emerged from the shadows, into the dim light of Liyue's streets, and stood with the quiet authority draped about his aura. "Naturally," he said with a knowing smile. "Though it would appear one of your adepti already meddles with matters beyond his station."

Zhongli's eyes were still so calm, not even a fluctuation of ripples. "That, however, is not a part of our deal. He and everyone else are allowed to act as they see fit."

The emissary chuckled then, his tone bemused and resigned at once. "But of course . You are the Lord of Contracts, after all. As if we can outcompete you where the breaking or otherwise of an agreement is concerned." There, his tone turned serious, a serious note creeping in. "In any case, it's not entirely his fault, though our concern is waning so it doesn't matter. That dragon is not what we believed him to be."

"I see," Zhongli said, and his tone was contemplative. "So it was the fear of the 'old ones' that drove you to such lengths."

The eyes of the Celestial Emissary narrowed, warning; his words could almost be a growl. "Careful, Morax. It was necessary."

Zhongli's words were indiffferent as he replied, "So you say."

The emissary's gaze went calculating; his tone was as sharp as knives. "The one currently in Mondstadt is of great value to us, but if he keeps treading away from our interests, this, then, becomes your end of the contract, Morax."

Zhongli nodded, his face static. "Yes, I am well aware."

The emissary offered a small, satisfied smile, inclined his head before he melded back into the crowd. he disappeared among the people as if he was never there.

Zhongli was silent for a time, his mind reeling with what had come after the moment of confrontation had passed. Zhongli finally breathed out, the weight of the exchange settling over him. "At any cost, eh.." he said low to himself, as serious as the words sounded, stamped forward, continuing his journey through the peaceful city of Liyue.