"You're just like the protagonist in a light novel," Chiori quipped, her words sharp and accurate.
Navia asked curiously, "So, the Exorcist Family is the kind that slays demons and exorcises evil spirits?"
"Exactly," Ningguang replied. "But there are also... those who succumb to demonic corruption. Exorcists are still human, subject to emotions and desires. When they become entangled in obsessions and refuse to let go, they can become twisted and lose themselves."
"I knew a disciple of the Adeptus whose father was such a man. Though from a branch family of the Exorcist Family, he sacrificed his own daughter in an attempt to revive his wife."
Arlecchino's expression remained impassive. "A dereliction of duty, indeed."
Though her face betrayed no emotion, Luna and Lynette could sense her displeasure. Her restrained demeanor stemmed from the diplomatic context of the conversation, each word carefully weighed.
"Indeed, the departed should be allowed to rest," Ningguang agreed.
"Everything in this world comes at a price. What you desire often demands an equal or greater sacrifice. The cost of resurrecting the dead is likely one few can truly bear."
Furina frowned. "Such a thing actually happened?"
This is more dramatic than any play...
Concerned, she asked, "Then how is the daughter faring now?"
"How is she doing? Heh... Of course, she's living happily ever after," Ningguang said with a hint of sarcasm.
Navia nodded enthusiastically. "That's wonderful! I can't stand tragic endings."
Indeed! Furina wholeheartedly agreed. Tragedies should remain confined to fictional stories.
"Miss Navia is truly kind-hearted," Ningguang continued. "I've heard bits and pieces about the events in Fontaine and deeply admire the courage, decisiveness, and sharp wit of Miss Luna and Miss Navia."
"If the Spina di Rosula ever needs anything, they can do business with me."
Ah, she's still a merchant at heart, Luna thought. Business is always her bottom line.
"Miss Lynette can also perform in Liyue with Mr. Lyney. I'll provide the venue."
Lynette responded softly, "Mm."
"Miss Chiori, do you accept overseas orders?"
Chiori replied confidently, "Of course I do! Why wouldn't I?"
Her dream was to make her brand famous throughout Teyvat, so naturally, she needed to expand beyond Fontaine.
Ningguang smiled politely. "Excellent."
At that moment, her secretary Qin Yu spoke up. "You can find Mr. Chen Liuxing's former residence here."
She handed over what appeared to be a printed map.
Luna smiled as she accepted the information. "Thank you very much."
"You're welcome."
Ningguang swirled her pipe. "Do you plan to rest here for a while, or would you prefer to set off immediately?"
Furina exclaimed in surprise, "You're just going to give us the information?"
"Give...? Not exactly. Miss Luna and Lady Furina are both natural-born performers. I imagine you'll be hosting a performance in Liyue, won't you? Why not hold it here at the Jade Chamber?"
There was the price.
But it suited their purposes perfectly; they had already planned to repay her with a performance.
A quick agreement was reached, and they briefly discussed the performance arrangements before Luna and her companions took their leave.
Luna had expected Ningguang to ask Arlecchino to stay and discuss matters further, but Ningguang merely sipped her tea, allowing them to depart without a word.
Lynette: "She just let us leave like that..."
Arlecchino replied coolly, "The Tianquan, Ningguang, has never been one to let opportunities or profits slip through her fingers. Her decision not to keep the House of the Hearth here simply means she believes she can secure greater advantages this way."
"And she's right. By taking a step back and maintaining distance, we can later negotiate on equal terms, each taking what we need."
Had Childe been in charge, they certainly wouldn't have received such favorable treatment.
After all, Ningguang's current position was the Tianquan, and the Tianquan's duty ranked higher than that of merchants. She would never tolerate the Fatui.
The House of the Hearth?
We can observe and see what happens.
Either way, we won't lose anything.
Furina sighed helplessly. "Ugh, all this scheming and plotting is giving me a headache. I hated dealing with such things back when I was the Hydro Archon."
Luna chuckled. "So you've turned into 'Fool-Furina' now?"
"Who are you calling a fool?! I just can't be bothered to overthink things!"
"I know, I know."
Because that was precisely the essence of trust.
Following the map's directions, Luna and her companions arrived at a corner outside Liyue Harbor, seemingly a small village with residents still living there.
And...
Clang, clang, clatter-clatter, bang, bang— The sound of gongs, drums, and firecrackers filled the air with a festive clamor.
Furina exclaimed in surprise, "What's going on? Is there a banquet?"
"Indeed! It's a banquet being offered to someone special!" a unfamiliar voice chimed in.
A slender girl with twin pigtails, hot pants, a heart as broad as Furina's, and—most strikingly—plum blossom-shaped pupils approached with a wide, cheerful smile.
It was Hu Tao, the Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Her presence here meant... Luna immediately understood the meaning behind the festive sounds.
Chiori, clearly familiar with Hu Tao's reputation, murmured, "Joyful Funeral, huh?"
"Joyful what?" Furina asked, not quite catching the words.
"Boo!"
Hu Tao suddenly flashed behind Furina, letting out a playful shriek.
"Eek?!"
Startled, Furina leaped into Luna's arms.
"What was that for?!" she protested, clearly annoyed. "Who scares a stranger like that?!"
"Did I really scare you? Sorry about that," Hu Tao said, placing her hands on her hips and surveying the group. "Fontainians, Fontainians, Fontainians, a Fontainian who doesn't look like a Fontainian, a Fontainian who looks like a Mondstadtian... and an Inazuman? Quite the eclectic mix!"
Navia sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I'm starting to forget what the word 'Fontainian' even means anymore."
Still clinging to Luna, Furina frowned. "Who are you anyway?"
"The 77th-generation Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—Hu Tao herself! You all look remarkably radiant. You might want to reserve one of our service packages!"
Lynette scrutinized Hu Tao. She couldn't quite discern what Hu Tao's job was. Service packages?
"Are you a chef?" Lynette asked.
"We help people rest easy before they dine," Hu Tao replied, making even less sense than before.
Luna explained, "The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor primarily handles funerals."
"F-funerals?" Navia exclaimed in surprise.
"You're quite knowledgeable, miss! But we occasionally take on quests from the deceased too," Hu Tao added.
"Quests from the deceased...?" Lynette murmured, her expression subtly complex.
So, 'making people feel comfortable setting out food' really means making them comfortable at a funeral banquet? What a whimsical girl!
"That package service couldn't possibly be...?" Furina's face paled.
"Exactly! It's—"
"Murder?"
Hu Tao shook her head vigorously. "Aiyo, we only bury the dead, not the living! Where did you even get that idea?"
"...A diversified supply chain?" Furina ventured uncertainly.
Truth be told, I've just read too many novels.
Hu Tao chuckled. "You certainly have a way with words! This package service means when you eventually pass, we'll handle everything from start to finish—a coffin of excellent quality and music that resonates to the heavens!"
"Of course, we can also try cross-sea services, though that would involve some extra fees."
Furina couldn't help but blurt out, "We're still young!"
Even though I'm over five hundred years old!
Navia, Chiori, and Lynette: "..."
Why is she still clinging to Luna?