SailorStar9: After getting Chapter 75 out, this is Chapter 76 of this fic. (Sighs) Guys and girls, is it too hard for you to leave a review, instead of just putting this fic up on your favorited list and story alerts?
Pairings: Albedo/Sucrose, Zhongli/Mitsuko/Kazuha, One-sided Diluc/Mitsuko, One-sided Diluc/Jean
Disclaimers: Genshin Impact and Sailor Moon belong to miHoYo and Takeuchi Naoko-sensei respectively. Me, on the other hand, own absolutely nothing, except the plot, I hope.
Chapter 76: Teyvat Arc: Fleeting Colors in Flight, Part One
At Dihua Marsh...
Kazuha stopped in his tracks as Mitsuko plucked a mint plant and pocketed it into her herbal pouch.
"Kazuha-gege?" Qiqi peeked up from under her hat.
"I'm fine, Qiqi." Kazuha patted the Cyro zombie's head.
Time passes...
"Send this report to the Ministry of Civil Affairs and have them delegate each of the tasks on the list to the appropriate departments." Ningguang instructed outside the Yujing Terrace. Also, be sure to tell them that though the Lantern Rite may be complicated, everything must be done properly."
"Hello, Lady Ningguang!" Paimon waved. "It's us again!"
"We're not disturbing you, are we?" the Traveler asked.
"No, of course not." Ningguang replied. "You are my honored guests. And given the looks of you two, I presume that you are here to celebrate the Lantern Rite?"
"That's right!" Paimon nodded. "So, what's on the agenda for the festival this year?"
"As always, there will be a variety of activities taking place." Ningguang answered. "Oh, but there is one of particular interest: the Ministry of Civil Affairs is planning a fireworks show this year. It should certainly be worth your time. Releasing Mingxiao Lanterns has always been at the heart of the Lantern Rite, but with all that has occurred in Liyue as of late, I think the people of the city need something to warm their hearts, a feeling of everyone coming together in solidarity. So, I believe that this year calls for a celebration of particular magnificence, something that would be closer to the hearts of every citizen. We are currently in the process of placing fireworks at various locations all throughout Liyue. We shall choose a timely moment during the festival to set off all the fireworks in unison, allowing the sparkling lights and excitement to resonate with the hearts of the people."
"Fireworks?" Paimon echoed. "But we've already seen fireworks in other places before. Is there something special about the fireworks in Liyue?"
"Fireworks were originally developed alongside many other inventions here in Liyue." Ningguang went into history-telling mode. "When our ancestors first created fireworks, they were originally known as 'firecrackers'. Their bright flashes and loud sounds were often used for warding off beasts or as warning signals to other people. In those days, it was difficult for people to contact one another while out farming the land, so they would carry firecrackers with them to give signals when necessary. But people's lifestyles began to change after Liyue Harbor was founded. They no longer had to travel out of town to tend the fields anymore, so the use of firecrackers for emergencies also began to dwindle. But through our local customs, the pioneering spirit of the firecrackers has been passed down to this very day. We made improvements to firecrackers and began setting them off during the Lantern Rite to commemorate the tenacious spirit of our ancestors."
"Classic Liyue." the Traveler noted.
"Everything has so much history in Liyue." Paimon gawked.
"As I am sure you already know, everything on this land accumulates history and value as time passes." Ningguang related. "That is the nature of Liyue. I've left Keqing in charge of the fireworks show. If you're interested, why don't we pay her a visit together?"
At the fireworks stall...
"We need to add a few more locations for launching fireworks." Keqing related. "The show has to be visible all across Liyue, not just in the city. They celebrate Lantern Rite in Qingce Village too, you know."
"But Lady Keqing, what about our budget..." Pengyi protested.
"The budget is exactly what it's meant to be." Keqing retorted. "It's the necessary amount of funds to properly carry out a task. If you think the current budget will not suffice, then we'll simply have to apply for more funding from the Ministry of Civil Affairs and wait for their approval. Our aim is to organize a memorable Lantern Rite. The budget is there just to facilitate planning, we mustn't lose sight of our goal."
"Yes, Lady Keqing. I understand." Pengyi nodded.
"Please remember, safety first." Keqing reminded. "It's Ningguang and the Traveler!" she greeted her visitors. "Good to see you. Are you here for the Lantern Rite? Your timing couldn't be any better, the preparations are almost complete."
"What are you working on, Keqing?" the Traveler asked.
"I'm reviewing the positioning of the fireworks and double-checking the relevant facilities." Keqing replied. "It's all in a day's work."
"Forgive my directness, but if I'm not mistaken, you could just as easily leave these tasks to your subordinates." Ningguang pointed out. "You've already been working around the clock these past few days, I'm sure a break would not be amiss."
"No, it's fine." Keqing assured. "Really, I can handle it. Pengyi, please redraft our plans, make a summary report, and send it to the Ministry of Civil Affairs." she instructed Pengyi. "I'm going into town to check the progress of the fireworks setup. I'll return shortly. Traveler, you're our esteemed guest. Please take the opportunity to stay in Liyue Harbor and enjoy the festivities. Pengyi, is everything clear? Please remember the tasks I've given you."
"Yes, Lady Keqing!" Pengyi nodded. "Don't worry."
"Ningguang, Traveler, goodbye for now." Keqing went her way.
"Please excuse me, Lady Ningguang, and Traveler, I must get going." Pengyi was also about to leave. "Lady Keqing told me a great deal of information, and I have to write up the plans from scratch again, so time is of the essence. One moment, I almost forgot! Here, Traveler, this is a Launch Tube. Lady Keqing said you may be interested, so she had me keep one to give to you. Someone with good handicraft skills should be able to use this to design their very own fireworks. You should try it when you have the chance!"
"Paimon couldn't get a single word in just now." Paimon blinked after Pengyi left. "More like Paimon didn't dare open her mouth while they were talking, but still!" she corrected herself. "Did you notice it too? Lady Keqing is a lot more outspoken than she used to be! And she seems a whole lot busier, too."
"Ever since the Adepti left Liyue Harbor in the hands of mortals, we Qixing have taken up the responsibility of leading the people." Ningguang explained. "We have taken charge of many vital tasks in various sectors, and we are responsible for planning and organizing all sorts of affairs. That said, being in charge of everything inevitably takes its toll. It's exhausting at times. Jiangzhou was responsible for planning the Lantern Rite in former years, but her father is getting quite old now, so she transferred to another department this year. In the end, the Lantern Rite planning was left to Keqing and myself. I am the head organizer, while Keqing is responsible for the highly anticipated fireworks show. Such an important event should be entrusted to the most qualified candidate. Keqing is disciplined, yet passionate about her work, so she's naturally the best fit for the job."
"She's definitely disciplined." Paimon admitted. "No doubt about that."
"Absolutely." Ningguang agreed. "She is strict with both herself and others, to the point that she can even become overly involved at times. She's worked several days without a break now. I'm concerned about the effects it may have in the long run. Finding balance is an essential concept in Liyue culture. I've tried talking to her, but you know how she is; she uses her wit to talk circles around anyone. Traveler, you are quite close to Keqing, why don't you try talking to her? Maybe she'd listen to someone as experienced as you."
"Sure, leave it to me." the Traveler nodded.
"Thank you, Traveler." Ningguang nodded. "I am glad you are able to help. Keqing can be a tough nut to crack, sometimes. I still have other business to attend to at the Jade Chamber. I'll leave Keqing in your capable hands."
"Are you sure you can really persuade Keqing to take a break?" Paimon was skeptical after Ningguang left. "Even Ningguang herself couldn't manage to convince her. Besides, before you can persuade someone, you have to at least understand how they feel at the moment. Keqing has been working non-stop without a break."
"So, she must feel... very tired?" the Traveler blinked.
"Everyone knows that!" Paimon huffed. "Think harder, how does she feel deep, deep down inside? Or maybe, we could ask a friend. You know, someone more knowledgeable about these things?"
"Let's go talk to Zhongli, then." the Traveler suggested.
"Zhongli?" Paimon echoed.
"He's really knowledgeable about the people of Liyue." the Traveler pointed out.
"There's no arguing that!" Paimon agreed. "Zhongli it is, then! Paimon thinks he's still a consultant at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Let's go see if he's there!"
At the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor...
"Hello, how may I help you?" the Ferrylady addressed her visitors.
"We're looking for your consultant, Zhongli." the Traveler replied.
"I'm afraid he is currently out with the director." the Ferrylady answered. "The director said that they were going for a walk. If you'd prefer, you could go look for them at Third-Round Knockout."
At the Third-Round Knockout...
"I'm so full, not another bite!" an utterly satisfied Hu Tao beamed. "Hats off to you, Xiangling, serving the grilled fish with a dipping sauce is quite an innovative approach, the flavor is just to die for!"
"That's my signature dipping sauce." Xiangling grinned. "I knew it would taste great!"
"Tempered Jueyun Chili powder mixed with garlic paste and chopped scallions." Zhongli added. "Then seasoned with salt, vinegar, and soy sauce, before finally sizzling in hot oil. This recipe may seem a bit crude, but is entirely hinged on the precise balancing of flavors and seasonings by the chef. Everything must be balanced just right. It is the consummate mastery of this balance that turns a humble dish into an exquisite one."
"That's quite the compliment, don't you think?" Hu Tao gushed.
"I am flattered." Xiangling giggled. "Thank you, Mr. Zhongli!"
"And I thought I have a way with words, but you certainly take the prize, Mr. Zhongli." Hu Tao tsked.
"You are too kind, Director." Zhongli chided. "Your eloquence is... infamous in Liyue Harbor."
"Are you guys talking about tasty food again?" Paimon whined.
"It's the Traveler and Paimon!" Hu Tao beamed. "What brings you to this side of town? Hold on! Let me take a wild guess. You must be here for the Lantern Rite!"
"Isn't that pretty obvious?" Paimon chided. "Anybody could have guessed that!"
"Can't you take a joke!?" Hu Tao pouted.
"You came at the perfect time, I was just letting everyone try my latest dish!" Xiangling declared. "The owner of Third-Round Knockout says it's a real knockout. Mr. Zhongli and Hu Tao seem to like it too, but I think it never hurts to let more people do a taste test. How about it, you two? Would you like to have a taste?"
"Thank you, but we're here to see Mr. Zhongli." the Traveler declined before Paimon could even get a word in.
"We meet again, Traveler." Zhongli nodded. "I trust your journey is going well?"
"Not bad, we've learned a lot along the way." the Traveler replied.
"Splendid, therein lies the value of a journey." Zhongli spoke.
"Why are you looking for our good consultant?" Hu Tao prompted. "Do enlighten us. And just in case you were wondering, we are on business, too! We only tried Xiangling's dish since we just happened to be here. You can go ahead and chat away. Xiangling and I will go have some tea with the boss over there. Zhongli, please come get me when you're through here!" she pulled Xiangling and Gouba off.
"Now then, Traveler, what brings you to see me today?" Zhongli asked, the Traveler taking the vacated seat.
"Long story short..." the Traveler started.
"The Yuheng is honest, intelligent, and most diligent." Zhongli nodded. "She is capable of shouldering responsibilities that few others could, but everything has a balance, and one's health must certainly weigh in. If I were still the mighty Rex Lapis, I might be able to help her see reason. But alas, I'm now nobody but an ordinary consultant. My words no longer carry the same weight as they once did. Besides, I am by no means close to the Yuheng. Taking the liberty to lecture her may just as easily produce the opposite of the desired effect.: We could take a more subtle, indirect approach to the matter." he suggested. "Such as telling a story that resonates with her, containing your message conveyed within it. Such a story can be achieved by referencing topics from her daily life. The story could prove even more effective if you weave in something about someone close to her."
"Let's go speak with others who are familiar with Keqing." the Traveler realized what Zhongli was implying.
"I knew you'd understand what to do." Zhongli nodded. "Well done, Traveler. Go collect some source materials for your story. Of course, I can always provide you with my advice, if needed. Once we have formulated the plot, you can tell the story to the Yuheng. You are on amiable terms with the Yuheng, which makes you the natural candidate." he reminded.
"Greetings everyone, I hope I'm not intruding." Keqing stepped in. "Mr. Zhongli, I didn't expect to see you here. Thank you for all your assistance during the Rite of Parting."
"You are most welcome, Yuheng." Zhongli nodded. "It was the least I could do."
"What are you doing here, Keqing?" the Traveler was puzzled.
"Why?" Keqing was confused. "And what's with your strange expression? My apologies, I appear to have interrupted your conversation with Mr. Zhongli."
"Keqing, are you here looking for us?" Paimon asked.
"I was going to ask you to introduce me to the Adepti." Keqing explained. "I thought that it would be fitting to send them some festive gifts on behalf of the Liyue Qixing."
"Didn't you meet them when we were fighting to defend Liyue Harbor together?" Paimon inquired. "You could just as easily go and find them in Jueyun Karst."
"But we only met briefly on that single occasion." Keqing explained. "The Adepti may have already forgotten about me, and I'm concerned it would be imprudent to show up so suddenly. Which is why I thought it would be more appropriate to ask you to introduce me first."
"Sure, no problem." the Traveler remarked.
"So, you even have to run around delivering gifts in person." Paimon gaped. "It sure doesn't seem easy to be a Qixing."
"We'll gladly help you." the Traveler offered.
"Thank you, Traveler." Keqing nodded. "Let me go and prepare the gifts. I'm sorry to make you run errands with me during our big festival. I promise to make this quick, and I'll be sure to get you back in time to enjoy the fireworks show."
"Great, then we go watch the fireworks together!" the Traveler stated.
"Together?" Keqing flustered. "Alright. I'll go to see the fireworks with you once I've finished my work. Speaking of which, Mr. Zhongli, the Fireworks Show will be particularly exciting this year. Please, don't miss it."
"Thank you for your kind reminder." Zhongli nodded.
"I should be going now." Keqing bade her companions farewell. "Traveler, please come find me at the Jade Chamber once you're ready."
"That's the Yuheng, efficient and reliable as ever." Zhongli smiled. "Please don't forget our earlier conversation. Once you've collected enough story material, we can meet here again and discuss things further."
SailorStar9: Any OOC-ness is regretted. *Grins* Don't you just love plot bunnies sometimes? Reviews are much appreciated.
