Chapter Three: The View from the Eastern Mountains
The Lord of Contracts finally understood how the millelith could have mistaken the slender youth for Mondstadter royalty. While his exquisite features betrayed his youth, he spoke and carried himself with a dignified assuredness befitting someone four times his age. Despite his immense intellect, he never stooped to condescension, preferring instead to get his point across through observation and reasoning.
What manner of man is this? The God of Commerce muses as he watches the shorter man carefully adjust the slumbering cargo in his hands.
"Thank you for accompanying me," the Kreideprinz says when he notices him watching. "I'd forgotten how pleasant long walks could be in the presence of company."
"It was the least I could do after that misunderstanding near Bubu Pharmacy," Zhongli replies sheepishly.
"Please, think nothing of it," the blond dismisses with a. flippant shrug. "Everyone makes mistakes."
"I hope your sister wasn't too frightened," Zhongli asks glancing down at the slumbering child.
"Klee? Oh, she'll be fine," the youth chuckles. "Once she sleeps this off she'll wake up right as rain eager for her next playdate with Qiqi."
"If you don't mind my asking, how did you come to make young master Xingqui's acquaintance?"
"Oh, Xingqui?" the blond smiles. "I once stumbled upon one of his books at the Knights of Favonius library and was desperate for the next story. When it didn't seem forthcoming, I sent him a letter with a drawing I had made based on the characters and settings he had described in his book. He showed up to Mondstadt a week later and the rest—as they say—is history."
"I see," Zhongli mutters. "What a fortuitous tale."
"Xingqui tells me that you've worked at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor for some time now," Albedo says eying the taller man expectantly. "Are you an undertaker?"
"Oh no," Zhongli chuckles. "I'm merely a consultant who instructs the undertakers on the various customs and traditions of Liyue and its people."
"Interesting," the blond returns. "I heard the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor helped bury Rex Lapis some time ago when he passed."
"Indeed," Zhongli nods, not daring to offer more lest the blond discerned his true identity.
While he was could see himself confiding in the shorter man, he needed to make sure he was truly as deserving as he seemed.
"I never would have imagined you were the famous Zhongli," the shorter man chuckles. "When you approached me near the pharmacy, I thought you were one of the Qixing."
"Forgive me, I did not mean to startle you," Zhongli apologizes. "Allow me to atone."
"You have more than atoned Mr. Zhongli," Albedo smiles kindly. "Believe me, I thoroughly enjoyed hearing you explain your perspective on death."
"But you do not agree with it?" The blond shakes his head in response. "I must confess I was quite shocked by your own perspective on death."
"Surely it was not the first time you had considered that possibility," the youth shrugs.
"It was not. However, you were the first person who truly did not seem dismayed or disheartened by the notion of nothingness following death."
"I find it quite freeing actually," Albedo confesses. "Knowing that nothingness awaits spurs me to pursue my interests and conclude my research fully."
"Your research?" Zhongli repeats somewhat bemused. "Pray, what is your vocation? When I saw you painting, I mistook you for an artist, however you argue like a man of science and logic."
"I assure you some artists can be perfectly logical and discerning when it suits them," the shorter man chuckles before adding, "but you are correct in characterizing me as a man of science. I am an alchemist for the Knights of Favonius."
"Your profession suits you," the Geo Archon commends prompting the younger man to give him a small smile in return.
"I am glad you think so."
They reach the entrance of the Commerce Guild Manager's household and notice a pair of attendants waiting to greet them. After exchanging some pleasantries, Zhongli bids the shorter man good night and prepares to walk away before feeling a tap on his shoulder. He turns to find the alchemist watching him somewhat uncertainly.
"Did you want to ask me something?" Zhongli asks turning to face him completely. It disturbed the God of Contracts how alluring the smaller man appeared without any deliberate thought or effort.
"I was wondering if you wouldn't mind joining me for lunch tomorrow afternoon," the blond offers quietly. "You don't have to if you're too busy. I understand—"
"I would love to." Zhongli smiles. "I know a good place on Chihu Rock."
"Have you thought about what you're going to wear for your date?" Hu Tao teases with an exaggerated sigh, shimmying gleefully towards Zhongli's desk.
It takes every ounce of self-restraint the God of Contract possesses to not pinch the bridge of his nose in frustration. Showing frustration would only encourage further taunting and he was determined to withhold whatever satisfaction these little outbursts were designed to give his eccentric supervisor.
"Master Zhongli has a date?!" Undertaker Meng chokes out from the next room. There is a sudden rush of footsteps as every clerk and undertaker withing earshot scurries to hear the petite Director's response.
"My, my why the look of surprise?" Hu Tao chuckles, her red eyes twinkling slyly. "Have I not often remarked on how handsome and dapper our Mr. Zhongli is?"
"W-we know," the Ferrylady stutters, pausing to sneak a glance at the stern-faced consultant. "Trust me, quite a few women have inquired about Mr. Zhongli, but he never seems to be interested in anyone."
"There's a running joke that the only woman with any hope of turning Mr. Zhongli's eye is the Tianquan herself, Lady Ningguang. But they never seem to be in the same place at the same time."
"Master Hu Tao, pray tell who is the lucky woman?!" A female clerk shrieks excitedly.
"Please pay her no mind and return to your duties," Zhongli sighs.
"Well, to start it isn't a woman," Hu Tao chortles eliciting a chorus of shrieks and stunned gasps from the gathering crowd.
Zhongli rises with a resigned sigh and excuses himself to the backroom where he busies himself with inspecting the latest orders of burial incense. But as much as he tried to distract himself, the reaction of the growing crowd of his curious colleagues hanging on to the eccentric Director's every word grew rowdier and rowdier with every passing moment. As he prepared to set off for lunch, he noticed several female co-workers loitering near the backroom stealing glances at him to see where he was going. Feigning indifference, he grabs his tailcoat and sets off for Chihu Rock.
The Kreideprinz was studying an unattended alchemy table when he finally arrives and greets him with an understandably bemused smile once he noticed the gaggle of giggling clerks trailing him shamelessly.
"Good Afternoon Mr. Zhongli," Albedo waves. "I did not know that we would having company."
"We're not, Mr. Albedo," the Funeral Parlor Consultant sniffs dismissively. "Please, pay them no mind."
"Good afternoon Mr. Albedo!" The gaggle of clerks call after them in unison, cackling and squealing when the blond offers a polite bow in return.
Without thinking, Zhongli grabs the smaller man's hand and pulls him away breaking into a brisk walk as they approach the famous Wanmin Restaurant. Xiangling receives them warmly when they arrive before leading them to their seats. When she returns a few moments later she is eying the gaggle of clerks who are now pointing and staring at the refined pair from across the street.
"Mr. Zhongli, is everything alright?" Albedo asks quietly once the taller man is finished ordering.
"Yes, Albedo," he sniffs tersely closing his eyes once more as he feels the beginnings of yet another Hu Tao-induced migraine forming. "Are you not hungry?"
"I am still quite full from last night," the alchemist confesses somewhat timidly as he sneaks yet another glance at the taller man's attentive fan club. "M-might I ask—"
"I'm afraid this is Director Hu's doing," Zhongli sighs finally. "Perhaps you wouldn't mind sharing my plate of Jade Parcel? I can assure you Ms. Xiangling is the most accomplished chef in the entire continent."
"That's praise indeed," the alchemist acknowledges. "But I'd rather address the elephant in the room."
"Are they too distracting?" The blond nods. "Forgive me, I've grown so accustomed to Director's Hu's antics that nothing seems to quite faze me anymore. I will stay here to draw them away and meet you at the covered bridge near Bubu Pharmacy in ten minutes."
"Will that give you enough time?" Albedo asks arching a skeptical eyebrow as he rises to leave.
"It'll have to do," the Lord of Contracts insists with a fond smile. The smaller man reconsiders and promptly reclaims his seat.
"I've changed my mind," he informs him. "We'll just ignore them until they go away."
But the God of Commerce already nearing the end of his patience convinces the smaller man to leave as he had suggested. The gaggle of clerks sigh and groan when they notice the alchemist rise and take his leave. A couple of them call and hurry after the Mondstadter before rejoining the group thoroughly dismayed.
"He said something came up," Zhongli hears one of the clerks inform the group.
"Yeah right. I told you not to be so loud Li mei," the second clerk scolds the first. "Now he's run away."
"No wonder Mr. Zhongli never goes out on any dates," a third sighs pityingly.
"Come girls, let's go grab lunch at Third-Round Knockout," the fourth suggests.
They quickly debate their lunch options before reaching a consensus and departing leaving Zhongli alone with Xiangling. At his request, she quickly packs his meal into a takeout box and hands it to him as he prepares to leave. As he is preparing to ask her about the bill, she informs him that Director Hu Tao had sent a clerk earlier that morning to cover up his lunch expenses.
Seething, he thanks her through gritted teeth and departs with his meal. His mood improves substantially when he arrives at Yujing Terrace and promptly picks out the slender alchemist's familiar frame waiting patiently on the bridge. He remembers another fateful meeting on a long-forgotten bridge ages ago when the world was still embroiled in chaos.
"Morax, you came!" The Goddess of Dust had greeted him nervously when she had turned to find him watching her with a guarded frown.
"I said I would," he had returned stiffly not daring to stray any closer, his amber eyes trailing her vigilantly.
"Of course," she had chuckled sweetly. Even then he had felt his defenses waver for the briefest of moments and had given her a withering scowl.
The God of Contract starts as the blond finally turns and notices him. They stand still watching each other guardedly as if unsure of making the first move. Zhongli stiffens as he notices the unusual sensation of sweat gathering at his palms.
Could I be nervous about being around him? He wonders as he forces his foot forward with a long tentative step. The blond blinks slowly at him before finally approaching him.
"Is everything alright, Mr. Zhongli?"
Call me Morax. He wants to say but bites his lips at the last moment and instead forces himself to clear his throat.
"They left as soon as you did," he informs him dryly. "So, I grabbed our lunch and came over. Shall we eat?"
"Sure," Albedo shrugs as he turns to look for a suitable location. "But I'm not sure where."
"Come with me," Zhongli replies as he turns to lead the way.
They exit Yujing Terrace and descend several flights of stairs until they reach the Northern Wharf where they maneuver through the crowds of revelers and holiday shoppers to reach the bridge leading out of Liyue Harbor. When the younger man falls behind him, Zhongli grabs his hand in his and leads him the rest of the way, pausing to press him protectively to his side whenever the crowd threatens to sweep him away. Although he feels the younger man's eyes straying upwards to study him, he feigns ignorance and keeps his eyes trained on their destination. They ascend several stone steps near the outskirts of the city and follow the winding path leading high into the hills overlooking the city.
Zhongli quickly finds a secluded spot of grass far off the beaten path with an unobstructed view of the bustling harbor below. The alchemist gasps at the amazing view as he settles down beside the taller man.
"What a view," he sighs folding his hands delicately over his lap as his teal eyes scan the harbor appreciatively.
The Geo Archon watches him until the younger man notices and turns to face him.
"F-forgive me," Zhongli stutters uncharacteristically as he fumbles distractedly with their takeout. The younger man merely sighs and leans forward to retrieve the box from his hopeless hands.
"Give it here," Albedo chuckles softly as the taller man sheepishly relinquishes it. He watches him deftly open the box and pull out the bowls and chopsticks enclosed within and is reminded of how he once shared several meals with the other adepti on Mount Aozang.
"Thank you," the Lord of War mutters quietly as the younger man carefully serves the still-steaming soup into two bowls.
"Bon Appetit," the blond smiles before turning to take a sip of his soup. The taller man watches as he sips carefully from his spoon and closes his eyes savoring the rich taste of the tantalizing broth.
"Well?" the God of Commerce asks eying him expectantly.
"It is delicious," the young alchemist proclaims pleasantly surprised. "The flavor and texture is absolutely exquisite. You truly were correct in your assessment."
Zhongli smiles at the blond's enthusiastic verdict before returning his attention to his meal. They eat quietly and settle in to sip some chilled tea that Albedo had brought from Mondstadt in a large flask.
"So how are you and your sister liking the Lantern Rite festival so far?" Zhongli asks as the younger man pulls out a small sketchpad he had stowed beneath his sweeping robes.
"It's amazing," Albedo gushes with a fond smile. "There's so much to do and try every day. Klee's been thrilled to take in the sights and meet new and exciting people. When she's not bouncing around with Qiqi, she's helping Paimon and Aether gather materials to make Xiao lanterns for the Theatre Mechanicus."
"Excellent," Zhongli smiles. "I'm glad to hear that you are both settling in well. I trust your hosts are keeping you entertained."
"The Guild Master and his family have been extremely gracious hosts. They've invited us out for dinner at the Heyu Tea House."
"A splendid choice for your second night in Liyue," Zhongli approves with a small nod. "Tea Master Liu Su is a masterful storyteller capable of weaving intriguing tales of Liyue's rich pantheon of heroes. It is something I highly recommend every tourist experience at least once when visiting Liyue for the first time."
"I see," Albedo smiles. "Would you care to join us again?"
"You're too kind but I fear I have monopolized your company long enough."
"That's too bad," Albedo sighs. "I rather enjoy your company."
Zhongli feels his breath hitch in his throat causing him to choke on his tea. The smaller man immediately sits up as he doubles over, rubbing soothing circles along his back until his coughing fit subsides. As he recovers, the God of Contracts stiffens when he realizes that the shorter man's body is close enough to inhale his intoxicating scent.
"Better?"
The Archon nods mutely prompting the shorter man to pull away as he rises to his feet stretching his hands languidly above his head.
"Yes, thank you," Zhongli replies as he finishes the rest of his soup. "Might I ask you a personal question?"
"It depends on the question," Albedo shrugs as he turns to face him.
"Why do they call you the Kreideprinz?" the Archon wonders. "I know it means Chalk Prince which isn't necessarily a bad moniker but it does sound somewhat odd which makes me think that perhaps it has some hidden meaning."
"I can honestly say that I'm not quite sure how it started," the Alchemist admits after some thought. "When I joined the Knights, some of my colleagues insisted on coming up with an alias to refer to me by. I have always been fascinated by the nature of chalk and devote a significant portion of my research to its study so I guess that is how the name stuck."
"I see," Zhongli notes. "Fascinating."
"Ever since Xingqui learned my nickname he refuses to refer to me by anything else," Albedo sighs. "And often misleads others by doing so."
"Oh?" Zhongli arches an eyebrow.
"His father for instance," Albedo explains. "Xingqui has referred to me as "Herr Kreideprinz" so much that his father and older brother seem convinced that I am an actual prince of Mondstadt despite the fact that it has never had a monarch since the old days."
"Well, you do carry yourself with a refined and somewhat aloof demeanor," Zhongli observes.
"Yes, it is something my colleagues have noted on more than one occasion," Albedo sighs closing his eyes.
"You wish they didn't?"
"I wish I didn't seem so unapproachable to others," the blond explains. "If it weren't for Klee's encouragement, most of her agemates would give me a wide berth despite the fact that I am actually quite fond of children."
"Perhaps, but I think there is greater merit in not appearing too affable," Zhongli counters.
"Yes, but I fear my personality might be keeping me from understanding the truth of this world."
The God of Contracts perks up at this as he watches the sheen of regret flicker in the younger man's teal eyes. It was the first time the alchemist had confessed any goals or obsessions. Zhongli had lived long enough to know that intellectuals were often cursed with mostly impossible dreams and obsessions. Baizhu for instance was obsessed with prolonging his own life and he had once encountered a historian from Sumeru who was consumed with learning the secrets of every notable person that had ever lived in Teyvat.
"Ah a noble cause indeed but I fear you have been looking at it too literally," Zhongli opines. Albedo turns to give him a quizzical look prompting the older man to explain. "There are many truths of this world and they are almost always subjective, it would be impossible for any being to discern every truth for they vary from perspective to perspective, and no one has attained omniscience."
"But my master has never given me a task that was beyond my ability," the blond notes blinking blankly.
"Y-your master?" Zhongli stutters somewhat taken aback.
"Yes," Albedo replies quietly. "It was her final instruction to me before her disappearance."
"I see," Zhongli muses. "I didn't—you don't seem like the kind of person who has a master."
"She was the only family I've ever known," the alchemist explains sadly. "We always traveled, explored, and learned together. Now she's gone where I can't follow."
"I'm sorry," the Archon offers softly as he watches the blond.
"Forgive me," Albedo smiles glumly. "It's not right to burden you with my worries during such a joyous festival."
"I'm glad you opened up to me," the God of War admits with a small smile. "You are one of the most intriguing people I have ever met so I am always happy to know more about you."
"And I you," the Chief Alchemist returns. "Perhaps one day you will feel comfortable enough to burden me with your worries too."
They clear up after themselves and return the bowls and utensils to the Wanmin restaurant. Albedo offers to walk Zhongli back to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, but the older man politely declines citing the earlier commotion their combined presence had inspired. The young alchemist agrees and bids him a good day before quietly turning away.
"Perhaps," Zhongli calls after him prompting the blond to face him once more. "We could—I could walk you back home tonight. After dinner that is. If you'd like."
The blond blinks slowly at this and for a while Zhongli wonders if perhaps he had overstepped or spoken too quickly.
"I'd love to," Albedo replies finally with a small smile.