"Next, we require a series of perfumes," said Zhongli. "Three, to be exact."

"I don't remember any perfume shops," said Roxas. "And I'd feel pretty uncomfortable going into one."

"We are not buying the perfume itself," replied Zhongli. "For this Rite, the perfumes must be freshly decocted. It is also important that we acquire Silk Flowers of sufficient quality."

"Silk Flowers?"

"Their petals contain a high-quality fibrous material, often used in making brocades," said Zhongli. "However, the most elegant aspect of a Silk Flower is its scent. It is commonly used for solemn events such as funerals. As such, Silk Flower perfume - again, three kinds - is used in the Rite of Parting."

Roxas sighed. "Oh, great, here comes 'High Society 101 with Mister Big Moneybags Who Somehow Always Forgets His Mora.'"

Zhongli laughed. "You amuse me, Roxas. But we shan't speak of the details right now. After all, I do not wish to bore you. It is...entirely understandable that you find such things trivial. Though we may disagree in opinion, I admire that you have kept on this path despite some of its...less than entertaining times."

"Hey, no worries," said Roxas. "And I had plenty of fun wiping the floor with those Unversed back in Dadaupa Gorge."

Zhongli smiled. "It has been a while since I last took arms against creatures of the darkness. And yet I imagine you will continue to do so...for a long time."

"Do you sell Silk Flowers here?" asked Roxas.

The older merchant nodded. "We certainly do. What kind would you like?"

Roxas turned to Zhongli. "What're we looking for?"

"Golden House Maiden, Valley Weaver, and Fate's Yearning," said Zhongli. "One of each to start, if you don't mind."

Paimon whispered to Roxas, "Should we leave him and the guy to chat things out until Mora comes up?"

Roxas nodded.

"Wow, a true connoisseur!" the merchant commended.

"Ah, I possess naught but a smattering of trivial knowledge," said Zhongli. "My friend here - Roxas - he is the one who deserves your commendation. I believe he told me that he came to this world on a journey of self-discovery...to learn more about himself through helping others. And now, he is on a path that I feel will take him to every corner of Teyvat. Perhaps...even beyond."

"Oh, stop being so humble!" said Paimon, laughing. "So, which Silk Flower are we going for?"

"We'll take all three," Zhongli said to the merchant.

Roxas sighed. "Ah, crap, here we go again..."

"No...in this situation, we do require all three," said Zhongli. "Tradition stipulates that we decoct perfume from different subspecies of Silk Flower. Then we offer them up to a Statue of the Seven and allow Rex Lapis to decide which one he likes the most. It was once a lot more...tedious than that, but it has been simplified over time. Then again, this is the only Rite of Parting to take place for one of the seven Archons in almost four thousand years. As such, I believe we should honor the tradition down to the smallest detail. Now...with that settled..." He cleared his throat. "Do you, perhaps, have any Mora with you?"

"You seriously forgot the cash again!?" Paimon was exasperated by this point.

"Ah, if I may interrupt," said the merchant, "I believe I heard you say that these flowers would be made into an offering for the Lord of Geo himself?"

"Um...yeah?" said Roxas.

"Well, why didn't you say so?" said the merchant. "I...heard the news about what happened at the Rite of Descension. It...It would be bad luck to say it out loud, but I've been worried about our dear Lord ever since. And now I know that everything I've heard...is true...but enough somberness. Since these flowers are to be used in glorifying our Lord, I'll give them to you free of charge. If you wouldn't mind passing my regards to him, of course."

"Wait, you're serious?"

"Well, of course!" said the merchant. "After all, I'd be a nobody if it weren't for Rex Lapis. Had our Lord not masterfully written those wonderful poems in praise of my wares...heh, they'd only be worth but a fraction of what I can sell them for today."

"Guess Rex Lapis liked going incognito and supporting small businesses, huh?" Roxas mused. "Sounds like my kinda guy."

"Thank you, good merchant," said Zhongli. "I do not exaggerate when I say that your generous offer has saved our skins."

Yeah, from crawling back to Childe again, thought Roxas.

"Oh, please, it's the least I could do!" said the merchant.

"Well, we've got the flowers," said Roxas, "now for the perfume. How do we make it?"

"Ideally with guidance from an expert," replied Zhongli. "I believe there is a perfume shop somewhere in Liyue Harbor, owned by a woman named Ying'er. She carries and makes bespoke perfumes, so I do not doubt that she is well-versed in the art of decoction. I will wait at the Statue of the Seven outside Liyue Harbor. Meet me there when the perfume is ready."

Roxas nodded. "We'll see what we can find."

"'Scent of Spring'..." Paimon read the shop sign aloud. "Yep, seems like a perfume shop to Paimon."

"It is indeed...traveler," said a woman's sultry voice. "You've come, at long last. I've been waiting for you."

"How did you know we were coming?" asked Roxas, noting that she smelled very nice.

"Oh, a little bird told me that a golden-haired boy and his floating companion were in search of an expert in the field of perfumes," said Ying'er. "I was starting to worry you wouldn't find me. After all, this is the ultimate test of my appeal. Well, what can I say? It's an old saying that the walls have ears. Maybe you ought to be more...discreet in the future if you wish to avoid being the topic of gossip. But you can relax now. I know why you're here. You're looking to get your hands on some homemade perfume, aren't you? What kind would you like?"

"We're looking for a bespoke triple-Silk-Flower set," replied Roxas.

"Oh, my goodness!" said Ying'er. "Three in one go! You have very extreme taste for someone of your age. Perhaps the rumors are true after all. You're on the prowl and you need some sweet-smelling ammunition, don't you?"

Roxas found himself feeling a little hot. "I'm...I'm not looking for anyone to...you know," he said. "I already have someone I feel for."

"Oh?" Ying'er raised an eyebrow. "Then perhaps you wish to make this maiden's head swoon at the mere mention of your name?"

"No, this isn't even for her," said Roxas. "It's for Rex Lapis. Old tradition. He just passed away, so I'm helping put together the Rite of Parting."

"I don't remember perfumes ever being used in this 'Rite of Parting,'" said Ying'er. "Even if you were truly offering perfume to a god, why would you need three kinds? Your story doesn't hold water, I'm afraid."

Paimon sighed. "Guess people really have forgotten the perfume thing, huh?"

"To quote a favorite poem of mine," said Ying'er, "'O, cherry tree, begrudge not thy blossoms as they are deflowered in spring, for come winter, even thy sturdiest wood shall wither.'"

Roxas tilted his head. "...Okay?"

Ying'er laughed. "Sorry, I just love that poem. What I mean to say is I'm happy to help, but first, please...tell me your name."

"Call me Roxas."

"Mmm...Roxas...a name unlike any I have ever heard," said Ying'er. "That 'x' in the middle...there's just something about it...almost like it's what holds together your name. But we shouldn't wait around here. I'd be happy to allow you to serve as my assistant...but only if I'm the only thing on your mind while you're hanging around with me..."

"No promises."

"Hm, I suppose I can live with that," said Ying'er. "At least you're honest. Now then...where shall we make this sweet, sweet perfume?"

"We could try Dadaupa Gorge," said Roxas, "but I don't doubt the Hilichurls are back there. Besides, we're just making perfume."

"Correct," Ying'er agreed. "May I suggest the kitchen in Wanmin Restaurant?"

"Oh, that's a great idea," said Roxas. "I'm friends with Xiangling. She might let us borrow her kitchen."

"Oh, Roxas? Is that you?" Xiangling's face beamed. "How long has it been!? Man, you missed out back in Springvale!"

"Sorry I couldn't make it," Roxas apologized.

"Oh, no worries, now I know why you couldn't," said Xiangling. "You were out saving Mondstadt! So, what can I do for you?"

"We're not here for lunch, sadly," replied Roxas. "But...would you mind if we borrowed your kitchen for a few minutes?"

"My dear assistant and I are making perfume together," Ying'er cooed.

"Oh, okay." Xiangling whispered to Roxas, "She's been here before, I know her deal. Just sit tight until you're finished."

Roxas nodded.

"So, then," said Ying'er. "Are you ready to please me, Roxas?"

"Uh...phrasing."

Ying'er laughed. "I meant to make me proud as my assistant, of course. I'm going to set some things up, so would you be a dear and fetch some water? I imagine they keep some in jugs behind the restaurant."

Roxas left and returned with a heavy jug of water in hand. "One jug of pure water, ready for action."

"Ah, perfect," said Ying'er. "Now, extract the Silk Flower essence with an alchemical crafting bench. It's a simple process. The making of perfume is a very different technique from alchemy. Here, let me demonstrate."

Ying'er provided a surprisingly clear guide on how to extract the essential oils from the flowers. "There," she said. "You should be able to try it out on your own. There should be a crafting bench not far from here. And don't forget to do all three. They look identical, but I will store them in separate containers for you when we're done."

Roxas nodded, leaving Wanmin to find it. He managed to find what looked like a glowing stone table and got to work.

"Whew." He wiped his forehead with the sleeve of his coat. "Didn't screw it up."

"And to my surprise, I actually didn't destroy the entire thing."

"Wow!" Ying'er smiled at Roxas. "And you say you came close to failure...far be it from me to believe that. These essential oils are simply exquisite. Now, the next stage is the most important of all. The oils are placed in water at a low simmer. Most of the water should evaporate off. You must take care to monitor the heat during this process, otherwise, the smell will be far from that which you desire. So please, focus entirely on controlling the heat. This is the final step. Don't lose a single drop of that oil, now. We want every bit of it in there."

"Again, phrasing."

"And now, all three perfumes are ready," said Ying'er. "And you, Roxas, were a wonderful assistant. This was a true testament to the lengths you'll go for romance...so rare to see these days."

Roxas turned a little pink. "I told you, it's not like that...besides, I thought I told you earlier: there's someone else I have eyes for."

"Ah, I was teasing you," Ying'er cooed. "Loyalty is something else uncommon to come by in young men such as yourself. So even if that loyalty is not to me, I am glad another maiden captured your heart. If...you do end up courting her..." Ying'er met Roxas's gaze, and she wasn't teasing this time, "please, take good care of her. Show her your truest, deepest, most wonderful love."

"I plan to."

"This...lady you feel for," said Ying'er. "Would you tell me about her?"

Roxas exhaled. "She's from Mondstadt. She's a maid, working to become a Knight of Favonius. She puts herself on the line and works herself to the bone every day, all in the name of helping people. So...unfortunately, there are some who...take advantage of that. But even so, Noelle is never happier than when she's helping people. And when I'm around her...I feel like nothing bad could ever happen to me...like nothing bad ever happened to me...like there's no one else in the world...just me, her, and the sunset..."

"Roxas...Noelle..." Ying'er pondered. "What a wonderful pair of lovers you two will become. I sense it now...your heart yearns for her company oh so much. Such is the nature of a heart that pines for another."

Hearts long to be connected to other hearts... thought Roxas.

"Well, don't let me keep you much longer, my friend," said Ying'er. "Before you leave, however...I'd like to tell you a little about each of the three scents we've made here."

Roxas shrugged. "Eh, sure, go ahead."

"Ah, thank you." Ying'er held up one perfume container. "This one here is for those of more...refined taste. A favorite among the daughters of high society. This one," she motioned to another, "has a soft, yet lingering scent, as though a mist that captures the last rays of twilight. Older women love it. And this one..." She held up the final vial. "This one is Golden House Maiden perfume. It is sweet as candy, straight from a fairy tale. Younger women...perhaps those around your age...they adore this perfume. Perhaps if you're willing to make an extra vial of this one, you could give it to Noelle upon your return to Mondstadt?"

Roxas was hesitant. "I'm...not sure if she's the type to wear fancy perfume. At least I've never smelled any on her."

"Well...if Noelle is truly as sweet as you say," said Ying'er, "then perhaps, to her, your presence is a gift. Now...take care, Roxas. I...I know you are already in love with Noelle, but do come visit me again sometime. Though...I suppose I'll try not to tease you as much."

Roxas smiled. "I'd appreciate it. I'll head out, then."

"Farewell, my friend."

"You...uh...You okay there, Mister Zhongli?"

Zhongli snapped out of his trance-like state, having been staring up at the statue. "Ah, Roxas. Don't worry, I didn't wait long. After all, compared to the watch kept over Liyue by Rex Lapis's statues, the time I spent waiting for you was but a mere blink of an eye."

Roxas shrugged. "You can't really compete with a statue. That's like challenging the sun to a staring contest."

Zhongli laughed. "Now...you brought the perfumes, I trust?"

"Yep!" said Paimon. "Three kinds, just like you asked."

"Thank you," said Zhongli. "Let us make our offering, shall we?"

"This perfume is said to be really sweet, and loved by younger ladies," said Roxas, holding out the vial of Golden House Maiden perfume. "And this one here - from the Valley Weaver - has a more regal smell, loved by daughters of nobility. And this final perfume, Fate's Yearning, has a gentle, lingering scent, something like mist at sunset. Older women favor it often."

The statue glowed a little brighter at the mention of the third.

"Seems Rex Lapis likes the old lady smell," Roxas mused as he offered up the Fate's Yearning. "Was he actually an old grandma?"

"Rex Lapis took countless forms," said Zhongli. "Perhaps an old woman happened to be one of them."

"Shame we only got to see his dragon form," said Paimon. "Paimon hopes the Qixing can catch the real killer."

"Leave that to the authorities," said Zhongli. "For now, keep your focus on Rex Lapis's farewell."

We do need to see the Exuvia, thought Roxas. But...Childe...the Qixing...what motives do they really have...?

"Anyway," said Zhongli, "I'd like the two of you to borrow something called the Cleansing Bell. A friend of mine, Madame Ping, is its current guardian. She lives on Yujing Terrace. Ask her to let you borrow the bell, and she will be more than willing to give it to you. I...cannot go with you, as I have...other business to attend to. Director Hu Tao of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor cannot be expected to do everything by herself, after all."

"All things must change..."

Roxas noticed an older woman with a hunched back staring at a wilting blue flower. "Ma'am?" he asked quietly. "Are you okay?"

The old woman turned around. "Mm? Ah, hello, youngster. Come to admire the flowers? ...A shame, really. These Glaze Lilies have almost wilted."

"Why?" asked Roxas. "What happened?"

The old woman smiled wistfully. "Ah, back in my day, it was said that Glaze Lilies could read the hearts of humanity," she said. "If they heard happy sounds like laughter or singing, they too would be overjoyed and bloom. But if sounds like gossip, slander, and mourning reached them, they would wilt."

"So the flowers feel what's happening here," Paimon concluded.

"Indeed," replied the old woman. "The rumors of Rex Lapis's death are not to be trifled with. They are truly everywhere in Liyue. Some say it was a ploy by the Fatui. Others say it's a Qixing conspiracy, and others think that He Who Was Sealed In The Deep is breaking free."

"'He Who Was Sealed In The Deep?'" said Roxas.

"A story for another time," replied the old woman. "Regardless, this harbor is now akin to a mountain of dry tinder. One spark and everything will be lit ablaze. The fires will consume us all. ...Well, I shall say no more. Did you have something to tell me, children?"

"Do you know Madame Ping?" asked Roxas. "We're looking to borrow something from her."

"Ah, of course I know her," replied the woman. "She is me. And I assume you want me to lend you the Cleansing Bell?"

Roxas nodded.

"Ah, that old trinket," mused Madame Ping. "I do remember bringing it here with me, but my tired old brain mind can't quite remember where exactly it is. Hah...an old friend of mine used to wear it, back when I was young...about your age, I believe. Anyway, he saw me gazing at it one day and gave it to me. But...then he told me that if anyone should come looking to borrow it, I should not be unwilling to part with it. Many a year has passed since then, and who knows how many have come to borrow that bell. Still...though I can't recall when, it has been a long, long time since someone asked to borrow the Cleansing Bell." Madame Ping groaned. "My old bones are too slow to efficiently look for things. I don't want you to wait very long..."

"Oh, no worries," said Roxas. "We can look for it. After all, I'm an Adventurers'-Guild-certified finder of lost property!" He recalled the numerous lost-and-found Commissions he'd taken for the Adventurers' Guild.

"That's a weird thing to be proud of," Paimon mused.

"Ah, thank you, children," said Madame Ping. "Worry not, I didn't place the Bell very far away. I believe it is in my home."

"Wait, do you live on Yujing Terrace?" Paimon asked. "The houses here are probably super expensive!"

"Ah, you're right, I could never afford a true house in this part of Liyue Harbor," Madame Ping agreed. She held up a small teapot. "My entire house is in here."

"In that...teapot?" Paimon raised a confused eyebrow.

Roxas smirked. "Well, Paimon, in ya go."

"No! Paimon may be small, but this teapot is too small even for Paimon! Besides, can't you just lift the lid and look inside?"

Madame Ping laughed. "Ah, youngsters. I simply mean that the Cleansing Bell is somewhere inside this teapot. You are quite welcome to borrow it...that is, if you can complete the task of finding it. Touch the handle of the teapot, and you will enter my home."

"Paimon, wait out here." Roxas approached Madame Ping's teapot, which sat on a small table right next to her. He reached out and grasped its handle.

"Whoa!"

BGM: Merlin's Magical House - Kingdom Hearts

"This...looks like Cloud Retainer's abode," Roxas noticed. "What in the name of Kingdom Hearts just happened?"

"Well, youngster, this is where this old lady keeps all her things," Madame Ping replied from outside, her voice seeming to come from both nowhere and everywhere. "Quickly now, go fetch that bell. It shouldn't be a problem for a spry young go-getter such as yourself."

"And I guess the giant spiders and cobwebs won't be a problem either?" Roxas cut down a large cobweb - along with the spider inside - using Oblivion and Oathkeeper.

"Ah, yes, I've...neglected to clean for a long while. Youngster...would you be a dear and help an old lady clean up?"

"Got it!"

Roxas proceeded through Madame Ping's teapot just as he had with Cloud Retainer's abode; he wished to properly challenge himself instead of just flying to the other end with his Naught Glider. Besides, Madame Ping had requested a cleaning, so Roxas didn't mind doubling as an exterminator.

What's the bet that granny's an Adeptus? Roxas thought as he advanced through the teapot. I mean, with the fancy teapot, the whole shebang inside...and the Cleansing Bell...it wouldn't surprise me. After all, Xiao's an Adeptus, and he looks human. But why isn't she in Jueyun Karst, or at least away from the city like Xiao is? Hehe...sure would be nice if Paimon and I had one of these.

Roxas soon reached the proverbial finish line. On a table with various other items sat a bell with a large tassel attached to it. "I found it! I've got the Cleansing Bell!"

"Ah, so you have," said Madame Ping. "You're certainly light on your feet, youngster. Now...how did this whole opening thing work again? Ah, yes. Come on out, now."

End BGM

"In and out in no time," Madame Ping mused. "You really are quick on your feet, child."

"Okay, granny, I'll be blunt," said Roxas. "Are you an Adeptus?"

"An...Adeptus..." Madame Ping hesitated. "Now that's a word I've not heard in a long time. But...as to whether or not I am one, child...surely you understand?"

Paimon put a hand to her head. "Paimon's getting a little confused. Also...are you really just giving us the Cleansing Bell? Think about it. Something or someone kills Rex Lapis and now a couple of weird-looking people come running up and ask for it? Doesn't that sound weird?"

"Oh, you needn't be so silly," Madame Ping said. "Liyue Harbor has endured through a great deal of history. Countless Adepti have come and gone in our time. And whenever an Adeptus did pass, the Rite of Parting was everyone's top priority. To stand and cry 'catch the murderer!' above all else while ignoring a sacred tradition...Ah, I shouldn't get ahead of myself. Now that you have come to borrow the Cleansing Bell, youngsters, I suppose that means my old friend has decided to take matters into his own hands. So...why wouldn't I lend you the bell?"

"What if your friend doesn't return it?" Roxas pointed out.

"Well, he'd see an old lady knocking at his door." Madame Ping smiled. "We...haven't met in a while anyway. It'd be nice to have a chat over some tea. But I digress, you must have business to attend to. Oh, and when you find the person who sent you here...do tell him to come over for tea if he ever has the time. I don't have much to offer, but an old lady can always be counted on for a spot of tea."

"Mister Zhongli, we've got the bell!"

"Ah, Roxas, you've returned." Zhongli smiled a little. "Here, I will place the perfumes inside."

Zhongli got to work and finished surprisingly quickly. "There. Now, we must go to purchase kites. I ordered the required kites some time ago, and they should be ready now."

"Are you taking us kite-flying?" Paimon asked excitedly.

"Sadly, no," replied Zhongli. "Kites are used for fun and leisure, yes, but they also play symbolic roles in traditional Liyueren ceremonies. Come with me. A craftswoman named Shan has prepared the kites we require."

"Ah, sir, I have the kites you ordered," said an old woman who Roxas assumed was Shan. "You are here to pick them up, I presume?"

Zhongli nodded. "Yes, thank you."

"It is rare to see customers who want these sorts of kites nowadays," said Shan. "In the early days of our business, we received orders from people of all walks of life."

"Well, Mister Zhongli here is probably pretty well-versed in every single one," Paimon mused. "He's told us about all sorts of things."

"Yeah," Roxas agreed. "Fashion, economics, jade, jewelry, tea, perfumes, flora and fauna...all kinds of stuff. He seems like he knows politics and economics pretty well, too, but for some reason, he usually talks about other stuff."

"Why, because I prefer to discuss more...fun things with you," said Zhongli. "Even someone such as myself cannot be so serious at every hour of the day, you know."

Shan laughed. "Toy kites are certainly fun things, to be sure," she mused. "I enjoy watching the local children play with them, but...there is more to kites than that. Finely crafted toys are beloved by children, but this craft has existed for many millennia, and its meaning has endured through every single year. Forty years have I made kites here in Liyue Harbor, and I have greatly familiarized myself with the techniques of those who came before me. The seven kites I have made here for you...their meaning is far from banal."

"Indeed," said Zhongli. "These kites are used in the Rite of Parting, and each one represents one of the seven Archons. For example, this one here - it bears the insignia of the Anemo Archon, with its color free to extend beyond the lines of the symbol. And this one here honors the late Geo Archon, and its patterns are followed to the most minute of details. Such patterns can also be found in the Golden House. This third kite bears a design that displays the cyclicality and eternity held dear to the heart of the Electro Archon. The fourth kite's markings of the tree and leaf pay due honor to wisdom and knowledge...truly an astonishing design. Justice flows like a river and surfs the waves of the world, war rages like a blazing inferno, and this final kite...that which the Cryo Archon once...yes, these kites are lovingly crafted and magnificent. Thank you, Shan."

"Ah, the compliments of a learned man such as yourself truly do mean a great deal to me," said Shan.

"Then I shall take these back with me," said Zhongli. "As for the payment..."

Roxas sighed. "'As for the payment,' he says like he totally didn't forget to bring the money."

"Payment, you say!"

A familiar ginger with a suave voice approached.

"Childe?" Roxas looked confused. "Were you watching us?"

"No, I was just passing by when I heard you needed Mora," said Childe. "Mister Zhongli knows a great deal about money...but not really much about saving it. Guess you could say he never really imagined poverty as something that could impact him."

"How the heck has he not starved yet?" asked Paimon.

Zhongli laughed. "I see you're as fond of jokes as ever, Childe. Now, then...we've purchased our kites, so we have time to continue preparations even further. The Rite of Parting will require some helping hands as well as some more materials. We should be able to find some people throughout Liyue Harbor."

"Gotcha." Childe turned to Roxas, handing him a pouch stuffed with several thousand Mora. "Here, you handle the cash. Wouldn't trust Zhongli with it, if you know what I mean."

"Glad those guys were so willing to haggle," said Roxas. "But I can't seem to guess why that last dude wanted a Qingxin Flower so badly."

"Eh, some people have weird terms of negotiation," replied Childe. "But, since you're done, you can keep all the leftover Mora. Consider it a reward for your work."

"You're not buying my loyalty," Roxas deadpanned. "We may be working together for now, but once the Rite of Parting's done and I've gotten what I came for, we're through. I'd rather become a Heartless than have to work with your kind."

"Hey, now, you say that like I'm some kind of monster!" Childe maintained his friendly, suave demeanor.

"Maybe not you, but I couldn't say the same for Signora. Or any of your other Harbinger friends, I bet. Next time I see Signora..." Roxas summoned his Keyblades, brandishing them, "she's a dead woman."

"Now, we must purchase Everlasting Incense from Bubu Pharmacy," said Zhongli. "I am acquainted with its owner, Doctor Baizhu, so he should be willing to give some to us."

The trio entered the small building that was Bubu Pharmacy, only to find no one at the counter.

"It's empty," said Paimon. "Hello? Doctor Baizhu? We need Everlasting Incense!"

A strange, feminine, oddly dead-sounding voice responded from behind the counter. "Welcome...to Bubu Pharmacy..."

Paimon shrieked. "Who said that!?"

Roxas crept forward. "I'll look."

He stepped towards the counter and peered over to the other side. Standing there, barely able to see over the counter, was a young girl with light purple hair and a strange talisman sticking out of the hat she wore.

"There's a child working here?" Roxas said to Paimon and Zhongli.

"She can't even reach the counter," Paimon replied.

Roxas eyed her. "Well, you're one to talk."

"Hey, Paimon can float! No height limits here!" Paimon turned to the girl. "But...there's something weird about her. What's that talisman on her head for?" Paimon examined the talisman without taking it. "Wait...she's...a zombie!?"

"Welcome to Bubu Pharmacy," the girl repeated. "I am...Qiqi. Once upon a time...I died. Then...I was saved by the Adepti...and now, I am a zombie."

"She's awfully nonchalant about this," Roxas deadpanned. "Anyway, Qiqi. Do you sell Everlasting Incense here?"

"Did you bring your prescription?" Qiqi asked.

"Surely no prescription is required to purchase Everlasting Incense," said Zhongli. "It's not a controlled substance."

"I...can get your medicine," said Qiqi, "but...you need to show me your prescription. Those are my orders, from...myself."

"'Orders?'" Roxas wondered aloud.

"Yes," said Zhongli. "Zombies such as little miss Qiqi here can only act within the confines of their orders. And...I suppose Qiqi issues her own orders. To herself." He turned to Qiqi. "Young Qiqi, we didn't bring a prescription, I'm afraid. But we do still hope that you can help us find the Everlasting Incense we require."

"But, if you help us," Roxas added, "we can help you. Fairness, after all."

"Yes..." Qiqi agreed. "I help you...you help me."

"Okay, then," said Roxas. "Whaddya need?"

"Go to Mount Tianheng," said Qiqi. "Find the Guizhong Ballista. And hunt a Cocogoat. Please and thank you."

"Hunt the wha-huh?" Roxas was absolutely baffled.

"The Guizhong Ballista..." Zhongli paused. "Yes, I know of this device. It is...a crossbow turret, of sorts, installed on Mount Tianheng by an ancient Adeptus. It is a very early mechanical device. It was designed to autonomously fire at large monsters to defend Liyue Harbor from invading threats."

"Look who knows this place inside and out," Roxas mused.

"However..." Zhongli hesitated, "...this is the first I have ever heard of this...'Cocogoat.'"

"The Cocogoat is an Adeptibeast..." said Qiqi.

"Okay...did you want anything else?" asked Paimon. "Or..."

"No," replied Qiqi. "What it looks like...don't know. Where to find it...don't know. Where it came from...also don't know."

"Sure, let us know if there's something else you don't remember..." Roxas muttered.

"Maybe we will find clues near the Guizhong Ballista," said Zhongli. "We shall investigate there."