A/N: Full title:
In terms of gods, we have no gods.
yes it's a meme reference
Warning: minor spoilers for 1.1!
It was a drizzly day - the perfect sort of day to go for a stroll along the harbor, in Rex Lapis' opinion.
He took a human form to do so. He often took the forms of beasts to dwell in the high peaks and mountaintops of Liyue, but sometimes he preferred to mingle with his people.
As he walked on the damp wooden planks that formed the harbor's docks, he relished the sensation of the rain on his face and the cool bite of frigid air against his skin. He expected the sensations to calm him, energize him, but they didn't have the same effect they usually did.
This fact didn't surprise him. He had been feeling more and more tired in recent years.
He passed by many market stalls that sold various wares - food, trinkets, and clothing, among other things - whose lanterns glowed warmly despite the darkness of the clouds and rain. He easily weaved his way through the crowds, which were less dense than usual due to the bad weather.
As he walked past a stall selling jewelry, he overheard one of the merchants behind the counter talking to one of his workers. The merchant's voice was casual as he said, "You've finished your duties. Go ahead and call it a day."
Rex Lapis froze in place. He stood motionless in the crowds, suddenly feeling the weight of a crushing burden on his shoulders. It was a burden he hadn't noticed - or rather, had done his best to ignore - until he heard that merchant's words.
He couldn't help but ask the same question to himself. Have I already finished my duties?
Three thousand and seven hundred years of serving as Liyue's archon, watching and protecting the people who dwelled there. Was that not enough?
He played the words over and over again in his head. You've finished your duties. He wished that someone would say those words to him, finally releasing him from his duty to Liyue. He wanted to be told that he'd done enough for this country. He wanted to know when his contract with Liyue would ever be fulfilled, if it would ever be.
But then he felt the light raindrops on his face and the cold air that wrapped around his body, and he was brought back to reality again. The movement of the crowds around him urged him to stop standing still, the flow of people pushing him forward. He one step, then another. Then, he fell into a rhythm, no matter how much each step tired him. He kept walking, even when everything in his very being told him to stop.
And he would keep going, just as he always had.
Every once in a while, the thought occurred to him again. He wondered if he might have finally finished his duties, after all these years. He thought that perhaps he might be able to step down from his dominion over Liyue.
Sometimes, he would entertain the idea of faking his own death. If the people of Liyue thought he was dead, he would be free from his duty. He would be free to walk among them not as Rex Lapis, but as a mortal.
But then, he would see how the people of Liyue relied on him. He would hear their prayers, asking for blessings of wealth or healing. He would notice how they clung to every word he said to them, and even to the words he never said at all.
And he would push the thought aside again, seeing that the people of Liyue were not ready.
Rex Lapis waited in the skies high above Liyue on the day of the Rite of Descension. He was currently in his human form, standing on a floating Geo boulder of his own creation. In a few minutes, he would be called down to give his predictions and policies for the year, mostly pertaining to business and economics. It was the yearly renewal of his contract with the people of Liyue.
One of the Liyue Qixing was surely on the ground below on the main platform of Yujing Terrace, performing the ritual in order to summon him. After waiting for some time, Rex Lapis finally saw his queue - a purple pillar of light that shot straight into the sky. The purple color indicated that the person in charge of the ritual this year possessed an Electro Vision.
He unmanifested the boulder and immediately took the form of a brown, serpentine dragon, with glowing horns on his head and golden spikes running down his back. He flew down from the heavens and parted the cloud cover above the platform, like a portal connecting him to the mortal world. He flew through the opening in the clouds and hovered above Yujing Terrace's main platform, where there was a large stone table full of carefully-placed offerings. From his vantage point, he could see dozens of human onlookers surrounding the platform.
The most notable of the humans was the violet-haired woman standing at the front of them; she seemed to be the member of the Qixing who had been given the task of summoning him, this year. Her hair was tied in twin tails that ran down her back, held with brass hairpins.
When the woman turned around to face the crowd, Rex Lapis could see the Electro Vision held in place on her back by her clothing. Suddenly, he was reminded of exactly who this was.
He remembered a certain day in one of the dense forests of Liyue. He had taken the form of a feline. As he prowled through the bushes, he happened upon a purple-haired woman who was trying to destroy her Vision. She took a sword to it, at first. When that didn't work, she chucked it as far as she could, deeper into the woods. After she chased it and saw that it was still intact, she gathered a large number of sticks and set her Vision on fire. The memory amused him to this day.
She had been a stubborn one back then, but it seemed that she now wore her Vision with pride. Her name came to his mind, unbidden. Keqing.
Rex Lapis expected Keqing to immediately ask for a prediction, but instead she said to the crowd, "I know that you all are here to receive a prediction, and you will indeed receive it. However, I must first raise a question to you all. As we all know, Rex Lapis has watched over Liyue for a millennium. But what about the next millennium? What about the next ten, or the next hundred millennia? How long are we expecting this status quo to last?"
Murmurs throughout the terrace. Rex Lapis watched with interest, as Keqing had just about hit the nail on the head. He thought again about that fantasy of his - faking his own death. When he did so, the status quo would be broken, leaving Liyue without an archon.
But then again, it was only a fantasy.
Keqing continued, "What I think is that the time of the adepti is long over; we just haven't fully realized it, yet. When the time comes that Rex Lapis is no longer around to give predictions, the people of Liyue will be wholly unprepared for it. I suggest you rely on your own merits instead of the coming prediction, if at all possible."
There were a couple of gasps in the crowd, no doubt a reaction to Keqing saying those words right in front of Rex Lapis.
Rex Lapis, however, laughed heartily, the sounds of deep huffs coming from his ethereal dragon form. For years now, ever since he overheard that merchant on the wharf, he had felt crushed by the burden of the entire population of Liyue, an entire nation of people who clung to his every word in the name of contracts and survival. He had worried that if he faked his own death, leaving the people to their own devices, they would be lost - unable to learn to live on their own. He had worried even further that maybe they wouldn't want to learn to live on their own.
But then, this woman lifted a not-insignificant fraction of the crushing burden of a nation from his shoulders, all with a single speech. Rex Lapis laughed from the bottom of his heart in equal parts amusement and relief. What a coincidence, that a member of the Liyue Qixing, a group at odds with the adepti, might be the person who understood him best.
Keqing turned back around and asked, "Why are you laughing, Rex Lapis?" Her fuschia eyes were set in a determined look, her voice filled with challenge rather than inquiry.
Rex Lapis only laughed louder. Now, he was almost certain that the people would be okay without him.
He decided right then and there that next year would be the year. In a year's time, he would begin his life as Zhongli, the mortal.
Several months after the Rite of Descension, Rex Lapis decided to start living as a human - practice for what would be his future life. He showed up at the doorstep of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, introduced himself as Zhongli, and asked to speak with the boss. After he demonstrated his extensive knowledge of all things in Liyue, the boss, Hu Tao, hired him as a consultant.
Hu Tao turned out to be a bit of a pain to deal with, but it wasn't enough to quit his job over.
Zhongli procured himself a home in the heart of Liyue. Such a location was expensive, but money was no object for Morax. Though, the first time he tried to purchase the home, it seemed he did not bring the right amount of coin. A single pouch of Mora was simply not enough, according to the original land owner. The next day, Zhongli created the correct amount of Mora and successfully made the purchase.
One sunny afternoon, Zhongli spotted Keqing at the market, perusing the stalls by the docks. He wanted the chance to speak with her as equals, after what had happened at the Rite of Descension.
He walked up to her and said, "I hear you're the one who caused a bit of an uproar at the last Rite of Descension."
Keqing stopped her examination of the stalls to turn to face Zhongli. "I am. And you are...?"
"You may call me Zhongli."
Keqing snapped her fingers. "Oh! You're that mysterious consultant from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
Zhongli inclined his head in acknowledgement. "That is correct. I'm mysterious, you say?" 'Mysterious' wasn't the first descriptor Zhongli would have used to describe himself.
"That's what people are saying. They also say that you have vast knowledge of all things in Liyue. Is that true?"
"I would say that is the case, yes."
Keqing crossed her arms. "Is that so? Do you even know my name?"
"You are Keqing, a member of the Liyue Qixing."
Keqing blinked. "Oh. Maybe that was an easy question to ask, considering why you approached me. Speaking of, I'm surprised people are still talking about that. The Rite of Descension, I mean."
Zhongli couldn't help the small smile that graced his lips. It seemed that Keqing didn't believe in the power of her own influence. "How could they not? It is not every day one witnesses someone disparage against a god, especially when that god is right in front of them." He quoted, "'The time of the adepti is long over; we just haven't fully realized it, yet.' Those are bold words. It is no wonder you caused such an uproar."
"You say that as if you were there."
Perhaps the quote was a bit much. Zhongli answered her observation with a question; he did not enjoy lying. "Is it so odd for me to know about the most exciting event in recent months?"
"Sure, but..." Keqing narrowed her eyes. "I'm still not sure I fully believe that you're as knowledgeable as they say." Keqing glanced around the pier, her eyes finally settling on the boats in the harbor. She pointed at a colorful, ornate-looking boat. "Which boat is that, and why is it in the harbor right now?"
Zhongli felt no need to prove his knowledge, but he decided to humor Keqing anyways. Zhongli never passed up an opportunity to tell people his thoughts. "I believe that is the Pearl Galley, a ship that is exclusive to a small number of guests, who are only allowed onboard through invitation. While it usually floats offshore, it sometimes returns to the harbor to restock on supplies and change guests; today is one of those days. It is said to be a front for more... worldly affairs, but I'm told that the Qixing turn a blind eye because it only conducts such affairs offshore."
Keqing regarded Zhongli for several moments. Zhongli couldn't decipher her expression. Keqing said, "That is... correct. Don't think you've fully convinced me, though."
"I wouldn't dream of it." That seemed to be the end of that conversation for now, so Zhongli changed the topic. He gestured towards the market. "Are you out shopping, today?"
"Oh, that? I'm just here to buy some fish. What about you?"
Zhongli was at the market to buy something to cook for dinner, but he hadn't decided on what in particular until Keqing mentioned fish. He usually wasn't the most fond of seafood, but the thought of seafood didn't put him off at the moment. He said, "I am here for the same." It was good to broaden his horizons from time to time.
"What are we waiting here for, then? Let's go." Keqing started walking towards one of the stalls, not even checking to make sure Zhongli was following.
Zhongli was perplexed. He wasn't sure how they went from having a conversation between strangers to shopping at the market together, but he decided not to question it. It seemed that, despite his many years of life, he still had things to learn when it came to human connection. He followed after Keqing to the seafood section of the market.
When Zhongli set his eyes on the rows of fish, crabs, and shrimp at the stalls, he instantly regretted agreeing to shop for fish with Keqing. While the smell and taste of seafood didn't bother him, the appearance of it surely did. It reminded him of a disturbing battle long ago - one that he could remember all too clearly. However, he didn't want to back out now.
Perhaps he would be able to eat a fish if he chopped it up beyond recognition.
There were two stalls that were selling fish at the moment. The men behind them were shouting prices into the crowds. The man at the stall on the right said, "Fish for 300 mora! One fish for 300 or three fish for 1000!"
Zhongli stood next to Keqing, who had stopped walking. He remarked, "That man does not know basic arithmetic. Shouldn't buying three fish be a better price than buying one?"
Keqing let out a delicate snort. "I think you're a bit off-base, with that one."
"How so?"
Keqing subtly pointed at the stall on the left. "Listen."
The man at the left stall shouted into the crowd, "Get your fresh fish here! 240 mora each!"
Zhongli said, "That man is offering a better price."
Keqing briefly sighed. "That's one way to look at it. Come on." Keqing went to the stall on the left, and Zhongli followed.
The man at the stall said, "Want to buy some fresh fish? 240 mora per fish."
Keqing said, "My friend and I here would like to buy..." she threw an inquiring look at Zhongli.
After a moment, Zhongli realized that Keqing was prompting him for a number. "One."
Keqing turned back to the fish vendor. "We'd like five fish total. What would the total price be?"
The vendor grimaced, sucking air in through his teeth in a sympathetic gesture. "I know you're looking for a deal for buying in bulk, but I can't lower the price. It's hard enough to keep my prices below my competitors'. 1200 mora total."
Keqing crossed her arms. "I know that's not a fair price. 750 mora."
Zhongli was baffled by such a low undercut. There was no way Keqing would get a deal so much lower than the original price. He said as much, "Why are you asking for such a low price? This man is already selling us goods at a much lower rate than his competitor."
The vendor quickly nodded. "I'm glad you understand, sir. I can't lower it much more than this."
Keqing shook her head. To Zhongli, she said, "Have you no sense of money? 240 each isn't a fair price at all; these two vendors are working together to make it seem like this stall is a much better deal."
Zhongli put a hand to his chin. "I see. It seems that one must not only take into account relative prices, but the relative price trends across the entire region of Liyue."
Keqing raised her eyebrows and slightly smiled. "Are you sure you're from Liyue?"
The vendor leaned in and whispered, "Hey, don't rip on my prices so loudly! Here, I'll give you the fish for 160 each. 800 mora total. Deal?"
Keqing stared for a long moment. "You're really pushing it with that price, but deal." She reached for a pouch at her belt and started counting coins on the counter. Then, she glanced at Zhongli. "Do you have your part?"
Zhongli reached into the pocket of his pants, but it was empty. He checked the pocket on the opposite side. Still nothing. He raised his head back up to Keqing, who was giving him an expectant look. "It seems... I may have forgotten my coin pouch." He was so used to producing mora from thin air that it often didn't occur to him to bring a pouch of mora when he went out.
Keqing sighed before she turned back to the counter and counted more coins from her pouch. She handed a large stack of coins to the vendor, who in turn gave her two bags of fish. Keqing turned around and handed one of the bags to Zhongli. "I'll cover for you this time, but you ought to pay me back next time."
"Thank you," Zhongli said. Then, his mind caught on the end of Keqing's statement. "Next time?"
"Next time we run into each other, I mean. We live in the same city and I know where you work, so it's not like we'll never see each other again. If you never pay me back, I'll visit your workplace myself." Keqing paused, then added, "If that's okay with you."
Zhongli smiled. "That is an acceptable arrangement. Thank you for this pleasant outing."
"You're welc- er, thank you, too. I'll see you next time, whenever that may be." Keqing walked away and quickly disappeared into the market crowds. A few moments after she left, Zhongli did the same, but in the direction of his own home.
He hoped that he would run into Keqing again soon.
Hello! Parts of this fic have been sitting in a google doc for over a month now, but I was trying not to publish any of it before finishing my other Genshin multichapter. But the new posts about this pairing made me excited and I'm posting it now lol.
The majority of this fic will be more like the last scene of the chapter, just fyi. Sad Zhongli at the beginning was just setup XD
Anyways, hope you enjoyed. I'm still prioritizing my other fic until I finish the last chapter of it but I should hopefully be posting chapter 2 of this fic in a week or so!