Disclaimer, I don't own Genshin Impact while Mihoyo does, I only own my OCs and my ideas. Reviews, suggestions, and critiques are welcome but flames are to be extinguished.
Chapter 9: Lady of the Jade Chamber
"Let's go gather ingredients. Time waits for no-one, and neither will our riches!" Aether and Amber sighed in unison at Paimon's greed, it became apparent what she really wanted from their eventual meeting with the Tianquan. Aether shook his head when it seemed obvious that she wanted to be able to curry favor through the gift rather than have it simply be a gesture of goodwill.
He had enjoyed and paid for a meal at the Wanmin Restaurant, Xiangling made good on her word to cook for him but she couldn't do the same for her promise to teach him some of her latest culinary creations as she was far too busy to spare some time for him. Aether was disappointed but knew that he could ask another day as he'll be in Liyue for at least a month.
Now they were out in the wilds of Liyue looking for whatever ingredients Paimon thought up in her dream, Amber had the map of Liyue in her hands. It was no longer combined with the map of Mondstadt's, she couldn't contain her excitement. She's finally able to explore the homeland of her grandfather in a semi-official capacity. Remembering what happened with her grandfather and how he disappeared without a trace which started a rumor mill about him defecting to the Fatui or something as terrible as that nearly lessened her excitement but she quickly bounced back.
"No Treasure Hoarders nearby, don't take caution to protect yourself and your belongings. Huh? Seems like some of the words were changed by someone." Paimon stated in confusion while scratching her head as they stumbled upon a road sign, unlike her companions that noticed immediately the fairy took some time rereading it over and over before finally giving up. Her attention was soon taken by a rotund blue creature as the pair looked around for signs of Treasure Hoarders.
"Ooh! Look at that slime! It looks crystal clear... and very delicious!" An hour had passed since they left Liyue Harbor through its north-western entrance through Yuehai Pavilion. He and Amber had spent some time admiring the ruins of old Liyue fortifications on the other side of Mount Tianheng as their fairy companion scrutinized the wilderness for the ingredients she seeks. At last, Paimon seemed to find something she was looking for, a surprisingly large Hydro Slime minding its own business near a marsh.
'We've passed by other slimes, I wonder what's so special about this one.' Aether thought in curiosity, Amber readied her bow and took aim as they stopped under the branches of a tree. He suggested to the fairy that they should ask the locals from the villages and townspeople for assistance but was shot down when they saw Fatui Skirmishers resting in some of the settlements. Aether still wanted to ask them but was convinced by Amber to leave and search for the ingredients on their own.
"One hydro slime coming right up!" Amber said as she let loose two flaming arrows into the unassuming slime, it bounced in aggravation as most of its body was vaporized only to disappear with a pop after she launched another pair of arrows at it. It left some Tasty Slime Condensate behind which Paimon happily tasted to check if it's what they're looking for.
"That's the one!" Amber put away her Favonius Warbow and waited for Paimon to finish examining the liquid closely, she grinned when Aether praised her Sharpshooter archery skills. She sniffed the air in confusion and looked around to look for the source, the Traveler looked at her quizzically before Paimon said what the Outrider wanted to say.
"Is it just Paimon, or is there a sweet fragrance in the air...?"
"I smell it too. Let's check it out! We may be able to use it for the gift." Aether stowed away the slime fluids before trying to smell whatever they were smelling to no avail, he followed them both into the marsh and swam to the land in front of them. Now he could smell it as well, Amber dried herself with her Pyro abilities and offered to do the same for Aether while their fairy companion flew around dry as ever.
"Huh... Did you hear that?" Amber blushed slightly at the sight of a wet Aether before snapping out of it as a cry of help could be heard from deeper within the Dunyu Ruins. The smell was getting really strong too.
"It sounded like someone calling out for help." Aether stated as Paimon forgot about the ingredient collecting that they were supposed to do and flew around to find its source. She came back worriedly and mentioned that the Treasure Hoarders have locked someone inside a wooden cage. Sure enough, they got closer to where Paimon checked and saw a small group of Hoarders using the ruins as a camp.
"Go, go Baron Bunny!" Working together, Aether readied several geo pebbles and flung it at the Hoarders right after Amber unleashed her Explosive Puppet to distract them. The brief moment of confusion among the thugs was enough for Aether to take out a good number of them with rocks to the head. Paimon made herself invisible and observed Aether engaging the remaining Hoarders with sword and shield.
"Help! Help me!" With Amber providing support, they were able to take out the remainders in a non-lethal manner shortly after. Thinking quickly, Amber materialized some rope and got right to work in tying up the bandits so that they won't be getting up and give them a nasty surprise when they're rescuing the prisoner. The voice called out for them when he noticed the sounds of fighting stop, they happened upon a nicely dressed man cooped up in the cage with a worried expression on his face.
"Phew... Thank you for your help, kind travelers. If you hadn't come to my aid, I surely would have rotted in this cell! Those Treasure Hoarders... when their mood was good, they'll rearrange those pots of Sweet Flowers. But when they were in a bad mood, they'll rearrange my face..." Upon hearing that, Paimon beamed as the second ingredient of the treat is within their grasp. Letting the fairy fly off to find the Outrider and search for the Sweet Flowers among the camp, Aether listened to the man who gratefully introduced himself as Meng Dan, a supplier for Mingxing Jewelry in Liyue Harbor that got caught looking for antiques in the Dunyu Ruins by the Treasure Hoarders that planned to do the same.
"Maybe I should've asked some of the Lisha Millelith to accompany me, oh well what's done is done. Is there anything that you lack? Antiques, treasures, various knick-knacks, you name it! Well, as long as you want what I have to offer, of course." The aged merchant offered his saviors some compensation of their choice which the Traveller used to ask if he had a nice-looking box that could store snacks which had the freed captive straighten his posture and reply with pride in his voice.
"Of course we do — how can one sell antiques without gift boxes? At Mingxing Jewelry, we have the best gift-wrapping service in the seven nations. Now, just give me a moment, and I'll let the boss know. You can go see her later whenever you require that box." The merchant limbered up and thanked Aether once more for saving him before he moved to leave the ruins and head back to Liyue Harbour. The Traveller offered to have them accompany them back before the merchant shook his head and said that he only got caught because he was careless.
"I'll just keep a low profile and find a Millelith patrol to bring me back if I run into any trouble when I tip them off on these guys. Farewell." The two females came back with what Paimon wanted, three Extra-Sweet Sweet Flower freshly picked from pots that Amber took out herself with her dextrous skills which Aether saw looked livelier than a normal Sweet Flower. That was all they found within the small camp, it seems that the gang that they ambushed was down on their luck.
"Great! Paimon's Sugar-Frosted Slime now comes in a beautiful package!" The fairy snapped her fingers with a drooling face as she thought of savoring the slime condensate and sweet flowers together at the same time before she regained her senses as Aether waved his hand in front of her face, Amber laughed at the sight before asking if they could explore the ruins some more as they still had several more hours left before having to return for the meeting with the Tianquan.
"Sure, it's not like the hours will pass themselves." Paimon agreed to their decision at the thought of happening upon an antique for them to sell for mora, the trio left the Hoarders that were tightly trussed up and out cold, and explored the ruins beneath the mountain on the other side of the shallow part of marsh that they had just passed. Paimon daydreamed about creating the tasty snack as the pair marveled at the architecture, there were a few common chests but they had long been plundered which disappointed the fairy greatly.
"The sights are worth more than treasure, Paimon." Amber consoled the saddened fairy who stared at the empty chests in horror. Aether simply kept his eye out for trouble from within the shadows of the Lisha ruins underneath the mountain. He felt disappointed as well but doubted that they would've gained much from the shoddy-looking chests.
"Shhhh….wait, are those Fatui?" Aether shushed both of them who widened their eyes before pressing themselves against the wall before peering out of the ruins together like a triple stack of Hilichurl totems. A squad of Fatui Skirmishers walked down the road towards the Dunyu Ruins, they passed the shoulder of a large statue of an armored Yaksha armed with a Lithic Spear that overlooked the depths of the ruins.
"What are they doing in a place like this?" Amber asked out loud, whatever they were here for surely isn't a good thing. When the squad jumped off the side of a cliff only for no thuds to be heard shortly after. The trio sneakily approached the cliff and passed the shallows once more, there were a few tiny slimes that they decided to leave alone to not arouse any suspicion.
"I count at least nine Skirmishers and one of those guys." Amber stated as they laid on their stomachs with their faces barely peeking from the edge, Paimon sat on Aether's head and gazed downwards at the sight of the Skirmishers surrounding a barrier around a small floating chunk of land in the middle of a pond. A lone Dendro Mystic guided a Seelie back to its court, the third one from several that would complete the puzzle to dispel the barrier to a Luxurious Chest.
"Paimon couldn't hear what they're saying." The fairy stated as she tried to get closer only for Aether to grab her before she fell off the ledge and onto the Northlander troops below. Amber gazed at them seriously, wondering what kind of nasty scheme they're concocting in an isolated place like this. She noticed a large plant right below them, doubtless it's what the Skirmishers used to land safely without injuring or killing themselves.
What seemed to be a lake that was just drained as fish lay dead on the floor of the ground, there were more statues that were tipped over or stuck in the ground for Archon knows how long. Destroyed Ruin Guards were scattered around the area as well as piled up Churls of a sizable number, parts of an unfamiliar Ruin Machine was among the wreck which Aether wondered if it had any similarities to the one at the canyon near Wolvendom.
The Mystic outstretched his arms towards the barrier, ready to create vines to wrap around the chest and pull it over to him. Instead of dispelling, the barrier changed color to a sickly purple which alarmed the Fatui that had their weapons ready for an Abyss attack. They looked around in anticipation before yelling can be heard as all of the Fatui started to sink into the ground which had turned black with hints of the cosmos within it.
"Intensifying heat!"
"Mmhragh!" It didn't matter what the Fatui did, their weapons and elemental shots had little to no effect on the abyssal ground beneath them. The Mystic created vines that stuck themselves onto the walls as he and the others were dragged into the Abyss, unfortunately, he did it too late as parts of the wall were pulled into the darkness alongside him and his accompanying Skirmishers. A ghastly Abyssal monster waited until all of them had disappeared before appearing out of the barrier itself to cackle at the success of its trap.
The Anemo Abyss Shroud flexed its sleek armored fingers and stretched its humanoid body that was covered by light green robes that were ripped in many places to reveal it's lightly armored body which billowed in the breeze before it vanished into a portal to deal with the Fatui that were trapped in the Abyss with its cohorts, the three of them waited for nearly a minute straight in silence before Aether and Amber glided their way down to where the Northlanders were abducted.
"I've never seen that Abyss monster before." Amber said in a concerned tone, while she was disturbed at what happened to the Fatui. The Shroud was a more pressing matter, Aether felt a wave of sadness wash over him as the Outrider scanned the area for more threats. Paimon assumed a thinking pose after she flew down to reach the pair, to her it's the bad guys fighting the bad guys so it wasn't too distressing to think about.
"The Fatui left some chests for us!" Paimon exclaimed as their little check of the vicinity found exactly that, the paltry contents that consisted of mora and small trinkets were split evenly between them both. Amber sifted through the slain monsters and Ruin Machines for clues for the creature's identity or reason for appearing in Lisha. Aether and Paimon examined the Luxurious Chest instead to see what the Fatui were trying to get their hands on.
"A golden box?" They stared at the Nameless Treasure which Aether took out of the chest, it was the only thing within the chest and they both took some time gawking at the pattern of unknown significance on the exterior. Aether wasn't surprised that Paimon started to loudly imagine how much it's worth if it's sold at the right store. Amber came over with her findings stowed away and popped her greed-filled bubble and told her that they should have an expert in Liyue Harbor check it when she saw their curious stares.
Aether was about to suggest that they seek a local expert within the region but with how both Amber and Paimon saw the locals being quite cordial with the Snezhnayans, it wasn't unexpected that they thought that they'd bring the treasure straight to them instead if they went with that idea. Aether then stowed the box away without opening it, thinking against doing it as it may damage or destroy the ancient artifact without skilled handling.
"Whoa!" Suddenly a wind tunnel manifested itself right at the small chunk of land which blew their hair upwards, Paimon screamed in surprise as she was blown into the sky.
"This breeze... so refreshing!" They both unfurled their gliders in unison to catch up with their fairy friend, she found the strong winds relaxing as she and the Traveller landed on the ground smoothly. Paimon managed to aim her fall straight into a camp ahead of them to cushion her eventual landing, groaning as she slid off the red tent. Paimon laid there to rest a bit so the pair can catch up to her.
The small camp has nearly exhausted supplies that had rotted away and notebooks scattered around the place, Amber checked the books as Aether gave Paimon an apple which she happily accepted to recover from the less than pleasant experience. The Outrider found out that it was the notes of a Treasure Hoarder that detailed their experience within the area. It mentioned Lingju Pass and a nearby Statue of the Seven.
"Hidden within the rocks, concealed beneath the waters. Huh, I guess that's what the Fatui were after." The log had the bandit named Liuliu guess the number of treasures hidden within the waters which weren't much as they had found out. Amber shivered as the Hoarder had written a passage within the book.
"Whenever I'm out investigating, I always get this feeling like somebody's watching me. And at night, I hear these faint, mournful groans... Ah, it's probably just the north wind making creepy noises as it blows past Nantianmen." It felt like reading through a horror story at the library which spooked her, she took a deep breath to calm her nerves before checking out to see if there's anything else that she could use.
After that they decided to return to the harbor together, Amber made a mental note about checking out Lingju Pass and the Statue of the Seven later as the camp looked several days or even weeks old at least which meant that rushing to the locations wouldn't do much. She also thought to let Jean and Lisa know about this in order to ask how they should proceed.
On the way back, they picked some fruits from the trees and hunted some boars to refill some of their supplies that were spent on the way to Liyue. They appreciated the ruins in the area and Amber found herself walking quite closely with Aether without realizing it.
"Those Millelith, are they working with the Fatui?" Amber muttered in surprise as soldiers from both nations conversed in a cordial manner on the road as they headed to Dunyu Ruins to supposedly apprehend the incapacitated Treasure Hoarders. She was sure that the Northlanders had other goals in mind but since she had no proof, she'd have to notify Jean about it and have discussed things with the Qixing.
Baron Bunny materialized in her arms as she sighed as they approached the city, wondering how she and the other Favonians would be able to undo the influence the Fatui had in Liyue. The worst that happened in Mondstadt was the whole sorry state of affairs with Inspector Eroch, Ursa the Drake, and the presence of the Fatui Delegation. Here it seemed like parts of Liyue are openly colluding with the Fatui.
"I wonder how Collei's doing." Her thoughts strayed to a Sumeran friend that she made a few years ago during the Black Fire Incident, Amber still had hopes that she'd meet her again in the future ever since she had received a letter from her that let her know that she had returned to Sumeru with Cyno to study after he had helped her deal with some of her magical problems.
"I love this kind of weather, ahh... so relaxing~" Gliding from the cliffs overlooking Liyue Harbour above Yuehai Pavillion, the Outrider exclaimed with a relaxed expression as the breeze blew her hair in a manner weaker than the strong winds in the ruins, they flew through the air and Amber noticed that the Traveller and Paimon looked at her in curiosity as they had no idea who she was talking about, when they both landed. The Outrider happily explained to them an old friend of hers that she made years ago far before he arrived in the land of Mond where she met him in the wilds outside the city.
"Maybe you'll meet her on your travels. I think you'll both get along!" Amber said with a smile after she recounted her experience with the Sumeran girl, from meeting her in rags at night in Mondstadt to having fun together with her during the Ludi Harpastum after foiling a Fatui plot. She looked quite happy while talking about her friend, Aether wondered what kind of person she is. He felt himself grow quite interested when he heard about her now-dormant affliction that Cyno helped them with, an expression that also appeared on his flying companion.
"Paimon never heard of it."
"He said that it's some kind of parasite that can take over Collei's consciousness if it awakens again." Amber said, she shuddered at the thought. While it did not come to pass, she still remembered how she came close to taking her own life because of its foul influence.
Asking around the Northern Wharf about local experts in ancient relics, the three were soon pointed towards Xigu Antiques which was located in the boulevard of Feiyun Slope.
"Hello! Can I help you?" The owner of Xigu Antiques Linlang asked the small group as Aether showed her the Nameless Treasure they found in the Dunyu Ruins. Examining it closely and using her expertise, Linlang opened it after placing it on the desk of her store without damaging the relic. She told the curious trio that the markings on the treasure are indeed Liyuean in nature and inscribed an anecdote about an ancient being known as Azhdaha.
"They say that Azhdaha was a dragon spawned by a convergence of the spirits of Geo in Liyue, and that even Rex Lapis could not easily subdue it. Rex Lapis thus summoned three adepti to his aid, and together they created a cavernous realm where He then battled the creature, luring it into the cavern, before ordering the Adepti to seal the entrance, trapping Azhdaha within."
The woman mentioned that the patterns on the relic he brought seemed to describe three Adepti joining hands to create the cavern. She theorized that there are at least two more Nameless Treasures out there and that combining all three would paint a clearer picture of the whole thing.
"Liyue truly is a mystical place..." Aether muttered in awe as he looked at it even more closely, Paimon thought quite seriously where else would they find more of it and Amber felt quite excited that they'd be solving an ancient mystery in Liyue. She hoped that her grandpa would be proud of her for what they will do in his old homeland wherever he is.
"Now this I'm not certain of, but a senior of mine once told me that Liyue is too large, and its history is, similarly, far too long. Don't be surprised if you find many other strange relics in Liyue. What we know of Liyue's lengthy history is but a single drop in the wide ocean." The woman handed the relic back and suggested that they find the rest before trying to sell it to her as it likely won't be able to find a high price alone. Linlang wished them luck as they left the store to discuss their plans with the golden object.
"Let's let the others know about this. Whatever the Fatui are planning to do with them can't be good." The Outrider said with a serious look on her face, if they can shed some light on their plot it will be one step closer in lessening their influence in Liyue. Afterward, they wandered around the boulevard for a good while in the search of Mingxing Jewelry which turned out to be far closer than they thought it would.
"Hey there! A guy called Meng Dan told us that we could get a nice and shiny box from your store..." When Paimon told the owner of the jewelry store about the reason they came here, Xingxi thanked them profusely and claimed that Uncle Meng is an extremely important figure in the store as and that without him searching for treasure, it would be impossible to continue doing business.
"Here, this container is itself an antique, with at least 140 years of history. It's already been cleaned... Will it do?
"Yup-yup-yup! It's great!" Paimon was more than satisfied with the high-quality box that was red and had gold edges. She asked if she could borrow one more item with a request which Xingxi allowed, the little fairy called out for Aether who was busy checking out some of the other wares with Amber. They were fairly standard; earrings, necklaces, and expensive hairpins in the shape of flowers or embedded with gemstones among all matter of expensive-looking trinkets.
"Aether, if we use an antique as our mixing bowl, we should be able to make a great snack!"
"It's done! The one and only Sugar-Frosted Slime! Carefully now. Into the box it goes, and dust it over with a bit more powdered sugar..." Xingxi and the pair observed Paimon do exactly as she said, Paimon had everything under control and turned her dream of tasty treats into reality.
"Oh yes. You might want to use these two freshly-picked flowers as decorations too."
"Woohoo! It looks beautiful!" Cheering loudly at the sight of the finished snack that she just made, Paimon marveled at the blue slime condensate placed into the box with the flowers on top of it. With all her hard work put into it with a healthy dose of boom shaka-laka. Surely this is a gift fit for someone who belongs to the upper echelons of society.
"Great! Now that we've put all that we've got into this box, let's go to the Jade Chamber to see Ningguang. I'm sure Jean and Lisa are waiting for us too!" Amber looked at the sky and figured that it really was about time they head towards the Yuehai Pavillion after Aether stored the gift carefully.
Together they headed towards Yujing Terrace, passing by the busy Ministry of Civil Affairs and the boulevard of Feiyun Slope that were filled with merchants peddling their goods and many customers of all ages seeking to purchase them. Aether let his companions lead him past the perimeter wall into the terrace as he had never been here before, he noticed the stone walkway in the middle of a large scenic pond filled with fish, lotus heads, and lily pads.
Seeing the children playing around the walkways and civilians admiring the scenery, he could see that the Yujing Terrace is where the more well off of Liyue Harbor's citizenry prefer to spend or live with the sight of large luxurious buildings he saw peeking through the walls of the uppermost level of the city at the Yuehai Pavillion up the stone stairs.
"That's the Bubu Pharmacy, many people here see it as the finest pharmacy in Liyue." Looking at another flight of stairs to his right, Aether saw a little girl with light purple hair being led into a large building by a long green-haired man. Amber noticed his curious look and answered it when he was about to ask her about it, he blinked when he noticed something coiling around his neck before thinking that he was seeing things from this distance.
"Apologies, the Librarian and Dandelion Knight were requested to meet Lady Ningguang earlier than scheduled". When they reached the pavilion, a secretary walked up to them to notify them about the little change. Amber was surprised but thought little of it, Paimon was busy telling Aether how exactly he should present the gift when they actually meet the Tianquan.
While Amber herself knew where they should go to gain entry to the famous Jade Chamber, she hadn't seen what it looks like up close. The most she saw was the distant figure of the floating structure far off in the sky, she was excited as she had never been to such a place. Two individuals awaited them at the right of the octagonal courtyard below a large structure guarded by a number of Millelith, an aged man , and a young girl with purple hair.
'That woman was right, I didn't have to wait long for these three to arrive.' Aether knew that she is the Yuheng who has fair skin and dark amethyst eyes from his experience outside the harbor city. Her light purple hair is tied into waist-length twin-tails that resembled cat ears with a golden hairpin worn on it. She wears a luxurious lavender dress with a high violet collar and ruffled dark blue skirt, layered under a deep violet overcoat.
"I am Keqing, Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing" The young girl introduced herself to the three who returned the courtesy, Aether felt somewhat relieved that she seemed unaffected by what happened at the gates of Shengdi a few hours ago. Keqing cleared her throat when she caught the Traveller gazing at her dark tight covered legs, he looked embarrassed when he snapped out of his thoughts and apologized. Paimon sighed as Amber believed that he was apologizing for being late compared to Jean and Lisa.
"It's fine. Excuse me, do you sell the moon here?"
"Yes. How many would you like?"
"It is not convenient to speak of numbers here."
"Ah, well said Lady Yuheng. Please use this to ascend to the Chamber." The guide to the Jade Chamber pointed towards the floating platform held up by plaustrite that lowered itself to let the three of them get on it with Keqing leading them, Paimon simply sat on Aether's shoulder as the platform flew upwards towards the grand majestic floating palace that is the Jade Chamber.
While the foreigners chatted excitedly about her colleague's floating palace and actually meeting the woman, the Yuheng's mind was on the meeting that is to happen in the evening after the Mondstadters get acquainted with Ningguang. All seven of the Qixing were supposed to assemble and discuss the formation of an Anti-Abyss task force with the delegation of Mond, she was worried that the Kaiyang would try to get the Fatui to disrupt the proceedings and force their way into the task force to assume leadership as he's practically in their pocket. A pawn in their plans to dominate Liyue economically, politically, and militarily.
'I wonder what Ningguang is planning as a precaution.' Keqing thought curiously, she knew that her colleague must've at least thought about it as it has crossed her own mind more than once. If there's anyone in Liyue that can beat him at his own game it's her. Politics and economic battles were never her strong suit.
Slowly but surely, the plaustrite platform got higher and higher into the sky to the point that they could see the whole city from where they are. The three looked down in wonder and awe at the sight with Amber thinking of asking the Tianquan for permission to let her glide from the incredible heights of the Jade Chamber. It would be the highest point she had ever flown from in Teyvat.
When they had arrived at the solid stone floor of the floating palace, the three of them left the platform together. Keqing went ahead to have a word with Ningguang as the trio looked around with amazed looks, nothing in Shengdi could even hope to match the aesthetics of the Jade Chamber. Neither the ministry buildings nor the Engineer's Guild headquarters looked as glamorous as this, he could only imagine how it would look from the inside.
"Ningguang really is super rich!" Paimon exclaimed, she looked at the lanterns and the crystal clear waters of the large pond contained by the stone walls of the Jade Chamber. Aether and Amber can only admire the incredible architecture as they continued to act like star-struck tourists even with the expertly placed plantlife. The clouds looked even closer than ever which just enhanced the mystique of the Jade Chamber, as if they're visiting the domain of a divine being.
"Ah, it's Ningguang!"
"I've been waiting for you, Hero of Mondstadt." A smooth voice caught their attention and interrupted their moment of wonder. Aether had to exert some effort to keep his jaw from dropping at the sight of such a beautiful woman sauntering forth from the doors of the main structure of the palace, Paimon prodded the blushing Traveller in an attempt to remind him to get the gift ready to no avail. His eyes just kept staring at the tall merchant that continued to approach and lingered on her long almost bare legs that seemed to go on forever for more than a while especially the eye-catching red and gold tattoos.
'Sheesh, he's gone. Just like with Lisa.' Ningguang has fair skin and red eyes that seemed to peer into his very soul. She has long white hair with a red tassel a worn which laid in between her eyes, where half is tied up into a wide bun held together by a black hairpin and the rest splits into two where it slowly gains an ashy color. The Tianquan wears a white, high-necked sleeveless qipao dress with side slits that reach up to the thigh that showed diamond cut patterns of her hidden shorts.
"Since this is our first meeting, um, we've prepared a gift! Hope you like it?" Aether finally noticed what Paimon's trying to do and materialized the gift in his hands as the Outrider wondered if it would be enough for the extravagant woman. The Traveller noticed a Geo Vision hanging onto her midriff and several fingernail guards that covered some of her fingers. He gulps when she neared the group and felt unable to look away as she wasn't alone.
A giggling Lisa observed from a distance as the Tianquan was flanked by two of her three secretaries that aided her in her duties as a member of the Qixing. She could only imagine how Jean would react at the sight of Aether gawking at the merchant, oh well. She was busy talking to the Yuheng Keqing and that fascinating secretary Ganyu about the meeting that is to occur later in the day. Lisa sighed, the moment they arrived at the Jade Chamber she immediately headed off to talk to the two Qixing instead of taking it easy like her after the introductions.
'Oh, there's Lisa!' Amber thought excitedly when she spotted the Librarian who noticed her gaze and waved back with a smile on the walkway at the other side of the Jade Chamber. The only thing stopping her from saying it out loud is that it would seem disrespectful at the moment.
"Oh, for me? You have my thanks. It seems that I have made things difficult for you, considering that you were supposed to be my guests." Ningguang accepted the gift with a smile, his gaze did not go on unnoticed and she felt amused by it as she was used to be seen as an object of desire by many. The Dandelion Knight was like an open book, dutiful and hardworking just like her fellow merchant Keqing. That is what she thought of her when they communicated through letters and it didn't change when they met in person.
The Tianquan gave Amber a thankful nod in recognition of her efforts as Jean wasn't quiet with her knowledge of their actions. With what she heard of the Outrider, she was simple-minded in her energy and cheerfulness of a reliable kind. That Librarian however hid something beneath her charming and carefree demeanor. Her reputation as the Grand Mage of Sumeru's Academia had already reached her ears.
"Hehe... Oh no, it's nothing." Paimon waved it off as it wasn't troublesome for them at all. They managed to keep the Fatui from getting their hands on a relic and explore a part of Liyue in the process.
"This Jade Chamber is incredible, I've never seen anything in Liyue quite like it."
"Haha. I'm glad you like it too. This palace floats in the skies, higher than the peak of any mountain. From this vantage point, one may survey all of Liyue." Ningguang accepted the praise and showed off her life's work to her guests with pride in her voice. She spoke of how she gathered funds ever since she learned the merchant's craft and hiring the best craftsmen in the nation to constantly extend it after having it built after she became the Tianquan.
"At first, it was but the size of one room. Now, it is large enough to blot out the moon in the skies above Liyue. One day, I believe it will overshadow all seven nations."
'This Tianquan does not lack for ambition. I think she could actually achieve it.' Aether did not doubt her words with the confidence the woman is showing through her words as she passed them both and looked towards the skies of the Land Amidst Monoliths. Gesturing for the three of them to follow her into the Jade Chamber's main structure, Aether and his companions looked at each other in excitement as they wanted to see how it looks inside.
"Not many from outside of Liyue earn the right to ascent to the Jade Chamber…" Following the merchant and her flanking secretaries towards the massive doors of the main structure. She told them how the Dandelion Knight had spoken quite highly of him and his goal within Liyue. The merchant shocked them all when she said that she got wind of their movements the moment they passed the border, Amber was amazed that the news could spread so quickly.
'Wait, I thought the Millelith answered to the Kaiyang.' Aether thought about it some more and came to the conclusion that they'd only let select information reach the ears of the Tianquan especially with their close connections with the Fatui within Shengdi. Paimon looked flabbergasted about the whole thing.
"Uh... you weren't peeking on us from the skies the whole time... were you!?" Paimon asked with a nervous voice, surely her eyes aren't all-seeing to the point that they could literally spy on the happenings of those just down below. Aether started to feel more anxious by the second, does she know that he helped the Kaiyang and entered the city to the west after making a contract with the Fatui?
"Haha... I fear that peeking would have been a little difficult from this altitude. Our eyes and ears are more than sufficient. You all are very interesting people, after all. It would be natural to take an interest in such exceptional individuals." The merchant's words were sly as she raised a hand, Aether stared at the fingernail guards that were common among the wealthy women of Liyue's high society as his little companion sighed in relief.
'The Kaiyang could watch over his city through the magic of the Fatui Mystics, does she has similar methods available to her that she kept secret?' Questions like these were asked to himself as Ningguang pushed open the doors to her grand palace with a slow and methodical move of her arms to ensure that their anticipation is at its highest.
"Wowee! What a huge hall! Paimon's never seen such a fancy place before!" Neither of them had even though he and Lumine had been to extravagant locations in other worlds long ago, Amber's eyes widened as she took in the sight of the expensive furniture. Nothing in the Knights of Favonius Headquarters looked as expensive as the bright lantern in front of them which was quite massive.
Paimon stared at the potted cherry blossoms and the antique vases themselves around them, she could only imagine how much Mora it took to purchase even one of them. It was the same with the lush carpets that covered select spots on the floor, she even took some time to walk on them to test it out.
"Be at ease, you two. Make yourselves at home if you wish."
"Can we really!?"
"I have invited you all here as friends. And when friends come over to play, our enjoyment comes first, naturally. My secretaries will bring you to the rest of your entourage." Three pairs of eyes looked around in sheer awe but one stopped her sightseeing to ask the Tianquan a question, she predicted what Amber was about to say and had a secretary ready to escort her to her Favonian cohorts.
With that, everybody split up and the Outrider gave Aether one last wave before heading to the door to the left which led to the platform and the west wing of the palace. Paimon was gone, flying here and there to examine everything that looked precious and pretty right after the Tianquan gave them her permission.
"Now if you'll excuse me, Lady Ningguang." Aether said as politely as he could to excuse himself as the anxiety came back in full force, he had no idea if he's going to look around or follow Amber but anywhere away from Ningguang would be good. She did not even let him take a step away before she closed in on him and wrapped her arms around him.
"No, I think not. Let us move to a more…private location. Aide of the western city." Aether's words died in his throat as the blush that appeared from her act turned into dread in an instant, iceborne courage that he didn't think he had welled up as the merchant led him to the eastern wing of her Jade Chamber. There were no secretaries or cleaners in sight that he could ask for help and he doubted they'd lift a finger with their mistress involved.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
'H-How did?! Did Xinyan, that secretary or the Qixing spies within Shengdi let her know I-I thought I was-' His mind was in shambles but a frosted calm hid his true emotions as Ningguang kept him moving at the same pace she was. Aether had no idea about what she knew or what she heard which is exactly what she wanted him to think, she ensured that she kept things vague enough to make his mind wander to a hundred directions. Doubt ate at him like a plague of rats at his own failure to keep things a secret, it nearly sent him spiraling into madness at the thought of his new friend or an acquaintance of Lisa's selling him out.
Aether's face stayed stoic as the Tianquan continued to use her charms to gain the information she desired, she could tell that he's starting to crack as she pushed open the door of the eastern building that she knew was currently empty of her subordinates.
Gently pushing him into the wall, she pushed the Traveler's chin slightly upwards to look directly into her eyes. She made sure not to cut into his flesh with her finger guard as she spoke, knowing that it would not help in this line of negotiations.
"Do tell me of your deeds with my pious colleague."
"One of the Kaiyang's subordinates approached me and asked me to deliver a message to his liege. I don't know the contents of the missive as I didn't read it." Ningguang stared at his eyes to detect if any of what he uttered are filled with deceit, seeing that there were none as she told him to continue as she doubts that it was the end of it. Aether lost himself in her deep red eyes that reminded him of the finest rubies and spilled the beans.
"He tried to make me work for him and the Fatui to sway the results of the meeting to their desired result, I refused." With conviction in his eyes, Aether uttered his words with his mind ensuring that he did not reveal that it was a Mystic that talked to him or that a contract of mora was made between them for a completely different matter. None of it were lies but simply omitted facts that Ningguang did not discover.
"And why is that? Surely, you could've asked much from one of the Qixing if you obliged his request. An entire fortune, a high position within Liyue or even an audience with the vaunted Adepti within the region to seek blessings."
"I won't accept a bribe to turn against my friends, our friendship has no cost.". Altruism and loyalty, exactly what she learned about the Hero of Mondstadt from her eyes and ears abroad. While such traits aren't the most desired within Liyue, they will suffice for what she had planned. When she brought his face closer to hers with her own hands with an elegance that charmed him deeply.
"Does anyone else besides the Kaiyang know of the missive's contents?" While the contents of the missive don't interest her as its likely logistics or military information which she has little use for, it wasn't uncommon for the Qixing or the business magnates of Liyue to use messengers for their own use. If it was truly important, then there were a multitude of individuals more suited for the task to guarantee secrecy.
"No, I just showed its exterior to the gate guards to get in before handing it over to the Kaiyang himself." It was unsurprising as it lined up with what she heard of him. Ningguang spent seconds considering what he said before giving him an offer that she doubts that he will refuse. He may actually see it as a sign of her favor after giving her the gift that she'll examine more closely in a later time.
"You be my personal bodyguard, and I will show you how to get ahead in Liyue". She observed his expression of surprise with amusement and waited for him to give her an answer patiently. Aether considered it seriously, with him and technically Paimon were homeless. There's not much of a reason to refuse especially since that it would help Jean and the others diplomatically. He had nothing to lose and if he could learn things from the Tianquan herself to live in Liyue efficiently, all the better.
"I accept and all I ask for is a place to stay." The Tianquan eyed the Traveller with great interest, he did not ask for immediate payment or a stipend of Mora. She knew the reason of course, he was affiliated with the Adventurer's Guild and had explored the wilderness and ruins which were normal as one of their number. He was also here as a guest of the Mondstadters and the Dandelion Knight had asked her aid to assist him in his journey so it's only natural that he would try to help them as much as possible considering his circumstances.
"Excellent, we will sign the contract after the meeting. You can do as you wish until then." Ningguang then stepped back from the Traveller and left through the doors she brought him in. Aether felt his legs wobble like jelly before he fell over, trying to keep a strong front was difficult and exhausting. He wondered how much Ningguang actually knew of his activities in Shengdi and if she actually knew nothing but made him think that she did and had him confirm it. Whichever the case, he had to admit that she was an extraordinary and fearsome woman on par with Lisa Minci with reasons that are both different and similar.
'I think I'm going to rest here for a bit.' Aether thought as he dragged himself away from the floor until his back was against the wall. He allowed himself to close his eyes and drifted slowly off to sleep with all the panic and anxiousness subsiding when the Qixing left him alone. His unconscious thoughts were filled with the elegant merchant and when a voice disrupted his blissful rest, his return to the real world was abrupt and he almost complained vocally.
Smack!
"Honestly, is your companion really the Hero of Mondstadt?" Paimon scratched her head in confusion when she saw Aether just lying there, the pretty Yuheng known as Keqing simply stared at him disapprovingly with her hands on her hips. Sleeping on the floor of your host's property was the height of unprofessionalism and she wondered what went through her own mind when a part of her thought that he looked cute and should be left alone.
"Ugh, and here I thought I was being polite trying to find you and let you know that your friends are looking for you." Keqing scoffed at herself for thinking of such a lazy bum like that, she was willing to give him a second chance after she caught him staring at her on the floating platform thanks to what she heard from that Jean.
"Come on. Enough procrastinating. Let's go." How did someone like him gain the recognition of such a professional and hardworking woman like the Dandelion Knight in the first place, she grabbed his arm and pulled him up to his feet with Paimon's help. Keqing didn't bother helping him fully regain his footing as Paimon kept him from falling onto her and become an even bigger embarrassment. She was already out of the door Ningguang used when he was about to apologize.
"Paimon and Keqing have been searching for you for an hour." Aether looked dumbfounded and scratched his head with a sheepish grin, he thought that he was out for a couple of minutes. When he asked what the others were up to when he was asleep, Paimon simply stared at him and told him that they were busy preparing for the meeting the whole time so they had asked her and Keqing to find him out of concern that he got lost.
"I uh, was overwhelmed by Lady…I mean Ningguang when we talked to each other." Aether visibly struggled to explain when they made their way back to the main structure, Paimon facepalmed when her companion blushed and seemed like his mind was elsewhere. Looks like Ningguang found out about his weakness and had exploited it like a pro. At this rate, he might as well be wrapped around her finger for the whole duration of their stay here.
"Just like Lisa" Paimon simply sighed as they returned to the chamber where Jean, Keqing and Ningguang were getting ready to leave the Jade Chamber for the Yuehai Pavillion below. An unfamiliar woman is with them who was quickly introduced to him, she had purple eyes with hints of pink and gold within them and bright long blue hair which fades into a darker shade at the end, his eyes were drawn to the dark red horns that bend back along with her hair like a goat's with brighter red markings on them.
Her outfit consists of a black bodysuit with gold accents underneath a purple and white bodice with long ends similar to a tailcoat that had its own long sleeves and a bow at its back. Aether's eyes followed the curves of her bodysuit downwards until they reached her white heels. He also noticed a Cryo Vision resting on her left hip with a red cloverleaf knot.
"I am an emissary of the Lady Ningguang. My name is Ganyu, corporate secretary for the Liyue Qixing." A faint blush appeared on his face when he noticed how well-endowed she was from her outfit which quickly ended when he noticed the cold stare of the Yuheng beside her. She crossed her arms and told the oblivious secretary to hurry up since Ningguang had already left the building. Jean walked up to the pair and invited them to join them in the meeting.
"Lisa excused herself to prepare the room for the Abyss Order Task Force and Amber wanted to help her with it." Jean was happy that the Traveller accepted as it would mean that she would have some familiar company among the conference with Liyue's ruling merchants. It wasn't surprising that the Librarian decided to do that as meetings of the sort are usually taxing and lasts for quite some time, Amber however would feel out of place in a chamber full of wealthy and powerful individuals.
"Are you sure you want someone like him as your bodyguard? I caught him sleeping on the floor."
"Haha, if he felt overwhelmed when we spoke together. He did not show it until after I left, an admirable effort." Keqing looked less than pleased with her jovial colleague's words and sighed, she'll find out that the slothful Traveller is a less than ideal choice for protection eventually. Always the opportunistic woman she is, Keqing was sure the only reason the Tianquan did not change her decision is just because of his status as the national hero of another country. It'll be a sign of her diplomatic prowess and connection with Mondtadt that she could use as an advantage in her domestic efforts.
"Maybe you should stay with Lisa, it seems that you haven't rested enough from yesterday's trip." Jean got closer to Aether on the floating platform and questioned him about the whole thing. The blonde knight looked concerned but felt touched when he said that he wants to accompany her throughout the meeting as company and that he's fine now. Although now that he thought about it, accompanying Lisa doesn't seem to be a bad idea but it was too late for any second thoughts.
Paimon looked at her companion thinking quite seriously and was about to ask about it only for Aether to stuff a Sunsettia in her mouth which she happily ate in exchange for her silence. He looked at the Yuheng with an apology ready only to deflate when she gestured to him that he can save it before giving him the cold shoulder.
"She'll come around, eventually." Ningguang stated with a wry smile before stepping off the platform to walk towards the meeting chamber on the other side of the wall. Jean and Ganyu looked confused before following her as well so they won't be late. Millelith presence in the area was bolstered for the whole duration of the meeting.
'The other Qixing are here first…" Aether thought when he noticed a secretary pushing open the doors from the inside after the building had been prepared for the Liyue Qixing. Wealthy merchants, bureaucrats, and Liyue's social elite murmured among themselves at the sight of the seven leaders of the nation starting to enter the building one after the other in an attempt to predict the outcome of the rare event whether Mondstadt and Liyue are equal or not. Aether could see the Tianji and Yaoguang entering first with attendants of their own while their political cohorts remained outside.
"That boorish man is going to be late again." Keqing commented in disgust as the Tianxuan just appeared from the stairs from the city itself only to stop and chatter with the first woman he ran into, likely after indulging in less than pleasant activities behind the closed doors of his Pearl Galley.
'Everyone he brought are either Fatui or from their bank…' Ningguang looked at her militaristic colleague that did not attempt to hide his connections to the Northlanders with a frown, disapproving looks were commonplace while a few pretended to dislike it openly as they secretly shared sympathetic ideals. He recognized some of them: Svetlana the High Administrator and Fu Jin the leader of the Fatui Mystics while the bespectacled blonde of the three was unfamiliar to him that seemed to be the most important among the Northlander group. Ganyu told him that he was the owner of the Northland Bank Bogdan and a man not to be underestimated.
'So that is what he has chosen. Ningguang works quickly, impressive.' The Kaiyang thought when he saw Aether show up with the Anti-Fatui Qixing, he greeted them all and pretended that he had never seen the Traveller before as he introduced himself as Sima Wei of the western lands. He praised his deeds and the fact that he had saved Mondstadt from a mighty dragon to become a national hero in such short a time. Aether just stared at him as Jean interjected that the dragon has a name.
"He's not just a dragon, his name is Dvalin, one of the Four Winds of Mondstadt."
"So you say but he had terrorized the land he had sworn to protect unlike the great Adepti of this land until a foreigner intervened. If one among their number falls to darkness, they will not hesitate to slay their fallen brethren." Jean pretended not to notice the insult and merely ignored it to introduce herself as politely as she could. Aether covered Paimon's mouth when she was about to insult him and glared at him instead.
"I mean no offense, I'm merely stating the differences in our nation's history." Svetlana looked sharply at both Qixing during the whole exchange while the bank owner had vanished into the chamber with a small group of Fatui Guards that doubled as diplomats, the Mystic however continued to pray to Rex Lapis in the hopes that the result of the meeting will benefit Liyue in the end. Unlike her fellow merchant who decided to stay outside a while longer to engage in idle talks to gleam what she could of his plans, Keqing scoffed at the sight and walked right by the pious Elite into the building, she kept any words she had for the man to herself to keep them from using it against her during the talks.
"Uncle Tian!"
Cough
"Please Miss Ganyu, not while I'm at work." Ganyu immediately apologized to an old man who coughed nervously in the hallway, he looked around to see if anyone else besides those that are to attend the meeting has heard her. Much to his relief, the door to the outside had just been closed with only the Tianxuan around who looked more concerned about looking presentable and not being locked out. At least not being observant is one thing he could rely on his fellow merchant to be.
"This is Tian, he's the Tianshu of the Liyue Qixing."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, young man. I see that you've made a few friends in high places, a wise decision in a place like Liyue Harbor." Aether quickly introduced himself when the blue-haired secretary looked at him expectantly with Paimon doing the same, this would be the last of the Qixing that he had actually seen with his own eyes. He was an unassuming old man with grey hair and facial hair of matching color with the only sign of him being one of the Qixing being his choice of clothes. Tian gave his secretarial daughter a nod when she told him that everyone is accounted for as the greedy-looking merchant rushed inside with an even smaller entourage than the rest.
"So, are you going to side with Liyue or both nations as equals?"
"Now that would be telling, there are good reasons for me to desire either outcome. Try and figure it out yourself, youngster." The Tianshu replied with a smile that gave nothing away, Aether looked thoughtful as the old man joined his fellow Qixing that had already entered the room and made themselves comfortable.
"Paimon thinks we should leave the talking to the others." His little companion suggested, thinking of all the super-rich and important-looking people together in one room that would make them both look extremely out of place. Aether agreed, he knew far too little about the way Liyue works at the top to be able to say much of anything that Jean could handle instead.
"Yeah, especially you Paimon."
"Hey!" He and his flying partner took some time to prepare themselves as the room ahead of them looked more foreboding than ever. Several Millelith had left the meeting room itself to keep guard over the doorway, Ganyu was waiting for them patiently to enter as the meeting to discuss the formation of the Anti- Abyss Order Task Force had just officially begun.
Author's note: There will be polls to decide the harem members for each nation, some of them are guaranteed a place while others will not be included like the children. It'll mostly decide the sub members of the harem.