Not long after, a tall, dignified figure strolled casually through the door.
"My apologies. I had some matters to attend to and only just managed to free myself. I came straight here without delay."
Three Harbingers who had been waiting for quite a while came into view. Among them was a rather "familiar face."
Although Tartaglia was a bit surprised that Shajin wasn't wearing his mask, he immediately stepped forward.
"Mr. Zhongli, allow me to introduce my colleagues. This is the Eighth Seat of the Fatui Harbingers, The Fair Lady, Signora. And this is the Twelfth Seat, The Gambler, Adventurine…"
"Long time no see, Mr. Adventurine."
"Eh?"
Tartaglia: ?
Zhongli's eyes shone like molten gold, locking with Shajin's dreamy, kaleidoscopic gaze.
"Indeed, long time no see, Mr. Zhongli. It's been over three years, hasn't it~"
Zhongli sighed with faint nostalgia.
"Yes… Time only seems to slip away when you look back."
He then found a seat and settled in.
If the room were full of ordinary people, Zhongli's arrival would have cast a solemn, heavy air over the place. The atmosphere would've turned stifling, the very air seeming to freeze with gravity.
But now, warm light bathed the room gently, illuminating each person's profile like figures in a finely painted oil portrait.
Zhongli's voice was deep and resonant, and every word he spoke seemed to carry weight, subtly pressing on those who heard him.
His presence alone transformed the atmosphere into something denser and more profound, like a silent mountain looming overhead—enough to make common folk tremble.
Yet, the three Harbingers present were anything but ordinary. Not one of them felt uncomfortable. In fact… it felt oddly familiar?
At that moment, servers from Guiyi Pavilion began bringing out dish after dish. Each one was vibrant in color and aroma, practically mouthwatering, as if they were works of art rather than meals.
"Come, come, Mr. Zhongli, don't be shy. Try the specialties here at Guiyi Pavilion." Tartaglia enthusiastically urged him.
Rosalyne rolled her eyes.
Of course you don't mind being generous—it's not your money. But she still picked up her chopsticks and began eating at a measured pace.
Far away in Snezhnaya, Pantalone: "Achoo!!!"
Tartaglia glanced at the way Rosalyne wielded her chopsticks with practiced ease, then thought about his own clumsy practice sessions.
He felt completely unbalanced and pointed accusingly at her hand.
"Okay, I get Adventurine and Zhongli, but Signora—when did you learn to use chopsticks!?"
Rosalyne calmly swallowed her food, dabbed her mouth with a napkin, and responded with poise.
"Adventurine and I used to play chess deep into the night back in Snezhnaya. He often cooked Liyue cuisine for us, so I naturally got used to using chopsticks. Is that so strange?"
Tartaglia: ...
Rosalyne continued in her usual cool tone. "Besides, for Liyue's cuisine, eating with chopsticks just makes sense. Why are you so shocked?"
Tartaglia looked at her, a deep sigh rising in his chest.
'Yeah… I really can't get along with her.'
He shook his head and resignedly picked up his chopsticks, continuing to enjoy the delicious meal.
...
Knock knock knock!
"Come in."
The private room door creaked open, revealing a head of golden hair and a small floating creature peeking inside.
Lumine scratched her head, a little embarrassed.
"Hope we're not interrupting?"
Shajin smiled lightly and waved dismissively.
"No trouble at all."
He then signaled the server waiting at the door.
"Please bring a new set of utensils. Oh—and another full round of everything on the table."
"Whoa! Shajin, you're the best!!!" Paimon exclaimed, bouncing with excitement mid-air.
Shajin gave a modest wave, silently indicating there was no need to thank him.
Then he stood and began making introductions.
"Lumine, Paimon, this is a man of some… influence—consultant to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Mr. Zhongli."
"Man of influence?" Lumine tilted her head.
"Well, in Liyue, it's inevitable that a business like Wangsheng's ends up involved in… certain types of dealings."
Shajin wore a faint, ambiguous smile.
"We Fatui quite enjoy working with those who move in the shadows, you know."
"In… the shadows?!" Paimon gasped, covering her mouth.
"People of influence… shadows… funeral… Wait—don't tell me Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is actually—"
Zhongli nodded solemnly.
"Correct. Just as you suspected."
"Eh!?"
"Wangsheng Funeral Parlor oversees funeral rites. Its mission is to guide souls peacefully to the afterlife."
"Huh?" Paimon blinked.
"A funeral organization?"
Lumine nudged Paimon with a mischievous smile.
"Hehehe, Paimon, don't tell me… you thought Wangsheng was some kind of assassin group?"
Paimon's eyes darted nervously.
"N-no I didn't!"
But her awkward expression and shifty gaze betrayed her thoughts completely.
Lumine chuckled softly, her tone teasing.
"Really? Your face is telling a different story."
Paimon flushed and lowered her head, flustered.
"Okay, fine! I did think they might be an assassin group…"
Zhongli gave a slight shake of the head, his voice laced with gentle exasperation.
"Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is the largest funeral service in Liyue. Though their work relates to death, they are certainly not assassins."
Paimon blinked again, looking like she finally understood.
"Ohhh… I see. That kind of work… is actually kind of important."
Shajin nodded with a gentle smile.
"That's right, Paimon. Though Wangsheng deals with death, their mission is to help people accept it with peace."
...
Before long, the food was served again.
Lumine and Paimon dug in without hesitation, clearly savoring every bite.
They nodded in approval repeatedly, evidently impressed by the flavors.
As the six of them ate, they chatted about everything from Liyue Harbor's culture and customs, to ancient history, to lighthearted banter. The once-heavy atmosphere grew steadily more relaxed.
Rosalyne occasionally chimed in—her words were always sharp, but laced with wit, making even Tartaglia reevaluate her with newfound respect.
Shajin acted as the host and conversational guide, effortlessly steering the discussion toward lively and interesting topics, filling the room with laughter and warmth.
Time passed quietly.
"Well then, everyone," Shajin clapped his hands, drawing attention back to himself. "Now that we've enjoyed the meal…"
He looked at Zhongli.
"Shall we talk business?"
_
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