After been release from being wanted fugitive on paper, both Aether and Sekai meet with Zhongli back to continue assisting in Rites of Parting. They continued making perfume with the help of the lady named Ying'er, get bell from the old lady named Madame Ping, the bell is inside her teapot and also her household, the team found this weird once they get inside, it's huge like Domain and Sekai have a lot of question about how does Madam Ping's teapot can do this. Sekai plan to asked for one as they didn't need to camp outside if they have this kind of teapot.
Then they bought kites from the old lady named Granny Shan, and hiring some workers. Zhongli didn't bring any Mora, so it was Sekai who pay for everything. His rewards from doing Ningguang request gone just like that.
Right now, they enter Bubu Pharmacy, there is no one inside.
Paimon: Huh, the reception is deserted. And it seems kinda spooky here…
Paimon: Hello? Is anybody there?
Scratching his head, Sekai spoke
Sekai: Hmmm… it seems no one is here.
???: Welcome to Bubu Pharmacy
Paimon gasped in surprised
Paimon: D-did you hear that? Wh-where did it come from?
Zhongli: The reception, it seems.
Paimon: Aether, Sekai… how about you two go check it out and… Paimon will bring up the rear.
The two of them turned to Paimon with a blank look.
Aether: Really?
In the end, Sekai and Aether approach the reception desk then see a head pop up, which makes them surprised. They walk closer and see a child.
She has light purple hair reaching her shoulders at the sides with a long plait in the back, pale skin, and magenta-colored eyes. Her fingernails are black.
She usually wears purple clothing and has several fulu talisman stuck on her. Her attire consists of a purple frock and deep purple beret with a red-purple tassel on top and her Cryo Vision embedded on the side. She wears a pair of simple earing; one balck and one white. She also wears black heels and white stockings that are wrapped in mummy-like bandages.
Paimon: Oh, there you are! But you can't even reach the counter!" Paimon looked at her.
Aether: Paimon, if we're going to talk about height, you ahh…
Paimon: Joke's on you—Paimon floats, so height is no restriction
Sekai lifts the child by her hip and hold her.
Sekai: She's adorable like a cat.
Paimon: Ehh, Sekai, Paimon doesn't think that a good idea.
Aether: You never hold child because you are one, Paimon.
Sekai ignores his two traveling companions and asked the child.
Sekai: What's your name?
???: I am Qiqi. Once upon time, Qiqi died. Then Qiqi was saved by adepti. Now Qiqi is zombie.
Aether: Such nonchalant delivery for bombshell revelation…
Paimon: Something like this would be unimaginable in Monsdtadt…
Sekai: Hello, Qiqi. I'm Sekai Silver. This is my friend, Aether and Paimon. That man over there on Zhongli.
Sekai introduces the group as Aether and Paimon waved at her and say hello.
Zhongli: Hello… little girl. Do you sell Everlasting Incense here?" Zhongli asked.
Qiqi rest her head on Sekai shoulder and spoke
Qiqi: Excuse me sir, did you bring your priscription?
Zhongli: I… Surely no prescription is needed to purchase Everlasting Incense? It's not a controlled substance
Qiqi: Qiqi can get your medicine. But only if you show Qiqi your prescription. These are Qiqi's orders from Qiqi
Aether: The way she talks is… unique…
Sekai: Do you know why she talk like that Zhongli?
Zhongli: I'm afraid it has to do with her orders. Zombies are limited to acting within the confine of their orders. And somehow in this case, the zombies issue her own order to herself.
Both Aether and Sekai nodded in understatement.
Zhongli: My dear Qiqi, we didn't bring prescription, I'm afraid. But we do hope that you can still help us find some Everlasting Incense.
Qiqi: Okay then
Paimon: How did you manage that?
Qiqi: But Qiqi helps you, you help Qiqi. Only fair.
Paimon: Since when do customer need to do favors for customer service staff?
Zhongli: Never mind, just think of it as a peer-to-peer transaction. That way everybody wins. Sometimes in Liyu, the art of the deal is simply about victory via mental gymnastics.
Qiqi: Go to Mt. Tianheng. Find the Guizhong Ballista, and hunt a Cocogoat. Please and thank you.
Aether: Hunt the what with the which at where?
Zhongli: Guizhong Ballista… I have heard of this device before. It is a kind of crossbow turret, installed on Mt. Tianheng by adeptus in the distant past. An early mechanical device. Located in Tianheng Pass, it was designed to automatically fire at large monstes, protecting Liyue from external threats.
Paimon: Mr. Zhongli really knows Liyue inside out!
Zhongli: Apparently, not quite… this is the first I have ever heard of the "Cocogoat"
Qiqi: The Cocogoat is legendary animal. An adeptibeast.
Paimon: Did you wanna add anything else, or…
Qiqi: No, just that the Cocogoat is legendary animal. An adeptibeast. What it looks: don't know. where to find it: don't know either. Where it came from: also, don't know
Aether: This isn't much to go on
Zhongli: Very well then… let's start by investigating near the Guizhong Ballista. Perhaps we will find some clues.
Zhongli ponder a bit and called Sekai.
Sekai: Hmmm?
Zhongli: I think you should stay here with her to get some rest
Paimon: What? Why?
Zhongli: He may hide it, but he's exhausted after his commission, then he followed us collecting the things needed for Rite of Parting. So, we, should let Mr. Silver rest a bit.
Both Aether and Paimon realized that Sekai actually does many commissions before joining them. then nodded in agreement.
Zhongli: Alright, let's go.
Paimon: What the heck is a Cocogoat
Aether, Paimon and Zhongli are gone. Now left is Sekai with Qiqi
Sekai: So uhh… Qiqi, what would you like to do?
Qiqi make a look of confusion while replying in sad expression.
Qiqi: Qiqi would like to do? Qiqi doesn't know what Qiqi would like to do…
Thinking that he just suggests a bad question, Sekai using his two-cell brain pondering hardly how to salvage the situation.
Sekai: Cheer up Qiqi, how about this? Wanna explore Liyue Harbor with me?
Qiqi: Explore Liyue Harbor? Qiqi would love to.
Sekai: Then, let's go!
Sekai held Qiqi hand and started walking around Liyue Harbor like a brother. Sekai pondering which place should he visit with Qiqi. After much pondering he decided to visit Xianling's place.
Once they get there, Sekai saw Xiangling walks outside and gives the customer their order.
Xiangling has a dark, indigo-black hair cut in a bob-like fashion at the front with thick bangs swept to one side by golden hairclip with a paw motif, the rest braided in a looped bow-like updo at the back of her head resembling panda ears when viewed from the front, fastened with a small red ribbon. She has golden eyes, a pale complexion, and a perpetual smile on her face.
Xiangling wears a brown and gold leotard with red ribbons in the front and back, the back being larger and holding bell. She wears a gold belt, which she uses to hold her vision and carry around her red panda companion, Guoba.
Xiangling: Here you go, maam! One Satisfying Salad and One Sweet Madame!
Customer Lady: Thank you Xiangling. Here the Mora.
After finishing her money transection, the customer went her way. Afterward, Xianling went step back inside the shop only to be stop by Sekai voice.
Sekai: Hey, Xiangling!
Xiangling turned and saw Sekai waving at her. she starts ran to him and greet both Sekai and Qiqi.
Xiangling: How are you, Sekai?
Sekai: I'm fine. And hello Guoba, how are you.
Sekai question was been replied by the bear Guoba waving with show happy expression.
Xiangling: So, Sekai what are you doing in Liyue? And where Traveller and Paimon?
Sekai: Me, Aether and Paimon are planning to visit someone here, but you know what currently happen right. Then after many unexpected events, we currently are helping with Geo Archon rite of parting. Currently Aether and Paimon are searching for something and I'm looking after Qiqi here.
Sekai answer with a bit of frowned remind of how his journey on Liyue is kind of 'interesting'
Xiangling hearing this turned her head towards the small child on Sekai side
Xiangling: Oh, Qiqi from Bubu Pharmacy?
Sekai: Yeah, that Qiqi.
Sekai ponders a bit and asked permission from Xiangling to borrow her kitchen for a moment.
Xiangling: Oh, Sure! But please make extra, I also want to try you dishes!
Once they get inside, they meet the man
Chef Mao: Ahh, Xiangling. Where were you running off to? And who is this?
Xiangling: Oh dad, this is Sekai Silver. He and his friend helping me out with my ingredients hunt during my stay at Monstadt. And Sekai, meet my dad, named Mao. He is the chef and the boss of this restaurant.
Chef Mao: Ahh, you must be the young men, who helping my daughter out. Xiangling told me a lot about you and your friends, especially how interesting all of you.
Sekai: ahaha… I hope it's only good thing you heard about us…. Sir, can I borrow your kitchen for a little bit?
Chef Mao: Sure, I don't mind.
Sekai takes this time to create some cold dessert. Afterall, because Liyue was a Harbor city, in some point the temperature is quite hot.
-a few minute later-
Sekai: Done!
Sekai: Here you go Xianling. A special Ice Chocolate for you.
Xiangling: Yay!
Sekai: For you too, Guoba.
Gouba accept it happily, and Sekai also didn't forget Chef Mao. He started to examining the drink.
Chef Mao: Is this ice chocolate drink that Xiangling told me about?
Sekai: Yes. I used specific kind of coco powder, and with it was been add with many other nutritious ingredients to make sure it's not only delicious but good for our health. (Basically, it was MILO)
Chef Mao: It tastes good. I guess my daughter wasn't kidding at all.
Xiangling: I told you dad!
Sekai: Here you go, Qiqi.
Qiqi: Whats this? Qiqi doesn't know what this is.
Sekai: It's Dino Ice Choco drink. You should try it, Qiqi.
Qiqi seem reluctant to taste the drink. Sekai convinced her and calmed her down so Qiqi looked at the drink once again then started drinking. This makes her eyes widened a bit.
Qiqi: Woah. It's good. Qiqi likes it.
Sometimes later, when they finished their drinks. Sekai and Qiqi are ready to leave. Xiangling, Chef Mao and Guoba said ther goodbye.
…
Feeling like they had a bit more time, Sekai switched to his Cyclone element and summoned his hoverboard, its sleek design glowing with soft wind energy. He glanced over to Qiqi.
Sekai: "Hop on, Qiqi! You can ride on my back."
Qiqi stared blankly for a moment, then, after some hesitation, nodded and climbed onto Sekai's back. With a gentle lift-off, they began gliding smoothly over the roads of Liyue Harbor, the wind rushing past them as they hovered above the stone paths. Qiqi's eyes widened, and a rare glimmer of excitement sparked.
Qiqi: "Woah… So cool."
Sekai: "Pretty awesome, huh?"
They glided around the bustling harbor, weaving lightly past merchants and travelers, who looked on in surprise and delight. As they neared the steps of Bubu Pharmacy, Sekai gently lowered the hoverboard and let Qiqi down. After a moment of quiet, Qiqi tilted her head curiously at the board.
Qiqi: "What is… that moving thing?"
Sekai: "Heh, that's called a hoverboard. It lets you move around without ever touching the ground."
Qiqi: "Woah… That's… awesome."
They settled onto a nearby bench, deciding to wait for the others. As Sekai gazed out over the harbor, he felt something soft and delicate rest on his head. Turning, he saw Qiqi placing a small, handmade flower crown on him, her usual blank expression holding a hint of gentle pride.
Qiqi: "For you."
Sekai: "Thank you, Qiqi. It's beautiful."
Sekai was touched, feeling a warmth bloom in his chest. He paused, then remembered something and turned to her.
Sekai: "Hey, Qiqi… about this 'Cocogoat' you mentioned. Do you remember what it looks like?"
Qiqi's face fell a little, her gaze dropping as she spoke.
Qiqi: "Qiqi… can't remember. Qiqi… has a bad memory."
Her sad tone hit Sekai's heart like a stone, and he reached out, gently patting her on the head.
Sekai: "Hey, cheer up, Qiqi. It's okay. If it's hard to remember things, how about we find a way to help?"
After rummaging through his inventory, Sekai pulled out a small notebook with a string attached. He looped it around her neck, so it would always be by her side, and clipped a pen to the notebook.
Sekai: "Here, Qiqi. This is a memory notebook. Anytime there's something important you don't want to forget, just write it in here. That way, it'll always be with you, like a treasure chest of your memories."
Qiqi: "Really? Qiqi… can have this?"
Sekai: "Of course. And even if you forget, that notebook will remember for you. And if you ever need help… I'll be here to remind you."
Sekai gave her a warm, reassuring smile. Qiqi stared up at him, her usual blank expression softening as a rare warmth grew inside her, something she hadn't felt in a long time. Hesitantly, she leaned forward, wrapping her small arms around Sekai in a gentle hug. Sekai smiled and hugged her back, the two sharing a quiet moment of peace.
-Timeskip-
[Bubu Pharmacy]
Sekai: Hey, guys. How things going?
Aether: We're looking everywhere but we didn't find any cocogoat of which she speaks
Zhongli: Forgive us, we were unable to fulfill our end of the contract. We found no trace of the Cocogoat adeptibeast of which Qiqi speak.
Qiqi: Ah. What a disappointment. Don't worry about it. bit I feel very disappointed.
Qiqi felt sad as Sekai pat her head to cheer her up
Paimon: Aww, poor Qiqi… why does Paimon feel so guilty all of sudden?
Aether: What do you need this Cocogoat for?
Qiqi: Cocogoat milk is tasty. So tasty. Much better than normal goat milk. Only an adeptibeast could make such tasty milk. I'm sorry. Qiqi have… poor memory. Qiqi cannot remember the name of the milk. That why Qiqi wrote it down. Where did Qiqi put it…
Qiqi starts to rummage her small bag.
Qiqi: Ah. Here. This is the name, "Coconut milk"
Qiqi said while showing the group her note.
Other: Ehh!?
Zhongli: …I owe you both an aology. I hastily agreed to what appeared to be an equitable agreement with this zombie child, when perhaps I should have undertaken further due diligence.
Paimon: Never mind Zhongli, you didn't know. as Liyue proverb goes, "All things are random, and… so how are you supposed to predict anything?" Literally no one could have seen this coming…
Qiqi: Excuse me, everyone. Did Qiqi say a bad thing?
Qiqi asked in sad tone making Sekai pat her head while reassuring she didn't do anything wrong.
Paimon: Ooh… Sorry, Aether, but Paimon gonna leave the job of shattering this poor kiddo's world to you…
Aether: Really?
Aether stare at Paimon then make a look that he has collected his resolve.
Aether: It all begins with the fruit of the coconut tree…
This make Qiqi surprised with the look like saying it was impossible and unbelievable…
Paimon: Seem Qiqi took this pretty hard.
Aether: They all need to grow up sometime.
Suddenly they all hear voice which taken all their attention.
???: Haha, someone learnt a valuable life lesson today, then? Thank you all for looking after little Qiqi.
They turned their attention towards the source of voice and see the green man with a white snake around his neck.
Zhongli: Might I ask who…
???: Ah, how rude of me. I'm Baizhu, boss of the Bubu Pharmacy.
Sekai: Nice to meet you, dr. Baizhu.
Sekai offered Baizhu a handshake. Baizhu receive the handshake and reply to him.
Baizhu: You do have manner. Thanks for looking after Qiqi.
Paimon: Paimon thought Qiqi was the boss… turns out it's some wacko who wears medicinal ingredient around his neck!
???: What a sorry of affairs… this little mascot is even more of simpleton than Qiqi…
The snake just talked, which makes Paimon surprised.
Paimon: Ah! The Medicine—the snake is s—speaking!
Sekai: Wow, a talking snake…
Aether: Nothing in Liyue surprise me anymore.
???: Hmph! I prefer to stay silent. But faced with strangers, I must speak, lest you mistake me for an escapee from the medicine cabinet, for I am a living breathing serpent!
Baizhu: Hahaha, don't mind Changsheng, she's a good girl, really. As your four… Communal chaos—causing with Qiqi aside, what business bring you here?
Zhongli: Do you sell Everlasting Incense in this fine establishment?
Baizhu: Everlasting Incense? Why off course we do!
Paimon: Phew at last! Things are finally starting to come toget—
Before Paimon could finish her line, Baizhu interrupt her
Baizhu: Three million Mora, top quality, guaranteed.
Sekai: Th—Three million?!
Aether: You might as well just rob the Golden House!
Paimon: Too bad the Qixing have taken it over for now… Security will be tighter than usual.
Zhongli: Hmm… Three million… an innocuous number in and of itself, though practically speaking, it could be a hard sum to come by.
Paimon: It's crazy number! We'd never be able to make that much Mora, and as for Mr. Zhongli… he's around three million short.
Zhongli: This is correct
Aether: No shame… hey Sekai…
Both Aether and Paimon turned their head toward their money bank. Feeling the stare, the silver knight gave and awkward face.
Sekai: Don't look at me, I don't have that kind of money after all other purchase we had done…
Paimon: What are we gonna do? Is this the part where we go crawling back to Childe…
Aether: Maybe