Edited: 07/14/23
Act I
Chapter IX
Ink and Iron
As Ganyu wandered through the tranquil night, her footsteps whispered against the cobblestone streets. The moon cast a gentle glow upon her ethereal figure, illuminating the conflict raging within her heart. Thoughts of Zhongli flooded her mind, refusing to be ignored.
His presence, like an ancient soul, commanded her attention and stirred emotions she dared not acknowledge. She cherished their conversations, his profound wisdom resonating deep within her being. His captivating face, chiseled and serene, seemed to hold countless stories untold. And his voice, resonant and soothing, had the power to quell the storms of her troubled mind. Something that was not normal for mortals.
She truly wondered if he was a genuine Adepti. The thought alone made her heart sigh easily.
But amidst her blossoming feelings for Zhongli, Ganyu grappled with a weightier burden. She alone carried the knowledge of Xiao's impending darkness, a future obscured in shadows and uncertainty. Her heart ached with the weight of this secret, torn between loyalty to her friend and the desire to protect him from his grim destiny.
Friend.
Did Ganyu truly feel a sense of pity for the enigmatic Conqueror? Did she dare to label him as a friend, despite his aloof demeanor and apparent indifference towards companionship? Perhaps, she contemplated, the very reason he resisted forming bonds was the very reason he needed them the most—to prevent his own downfall.
As an adept at reading others, Ganyu prided herself on deciphering emotions and using them as a compass for her actions. Yet, in all the millennia she had known Xiao, she remained oblivious to the depths of his past. His history was veiled in an impenetrable mist, and the few souls who had glimpsed his inner turmoil could be counted on a single hand. The suffering that Karma inflicted upon its challengers went unnoticed, masked by the Conqueror's masterful concealment.
And so, for the time being, Ganyu made the choice to consider him a friend. Even if Xiao himself had no apparent need for a confidant, let alone someone as timid as herself, she was determined to find a way to break through his defenses. She would offer her support, silently vowing to uncover the secrets that lay hidden within his tormented soul.
It was a precarious path she tread, for Xiao's walls were fortified by a lifetime of pain and isolation. But Ganyu, with her unwavering determination, would not be deterred. She understood the importance of companionship, even if her understanding of Xiao's unique circumstances was limited. With patience and empathy, she hoped to earn his trust and provide the solace he unknowingly craved.
As the moon bathed the world in its soft radiance, Ganyu resolved to embark on this uncharted journey. Her heart brimming with compassion, she was ready to navigate the labyrinth of Xiao's emotions, driven by a genuine desire to be the friend he never knew he needed.
For if not her, then who else would take that perilous mantle?
Each step she took mirrored the indecisiveness of her heart. Should she confide in Zhongli, a stranger that intrigues her heart, seek his guidance, and risk altering the course of fate? Or should she keep silent, bearing the weight of her knowledge alone, burdened by the responsibility of preserving the balance?
Was it truly Ganyu's place to extend her helping hand to Xiao? The weight of the future she had witnessed pressed upon her, urging her to take action. She was resolute in her determination to prevent the impending darkness she foresaw, no matter the cost.
Yet, as she contemplated her next move, doubt crept into her thoughts. Should she divulge the terrible truth to Tianshu? To Zhongli? Would unburdening herself of this ominous knowledge be a greater risk?
Ganyu knew all too well the capricious nature of her fellow Adepti. They could be impulsive and quick to judge, claiming the moral high ground without considering the consequences. Mountain Shaper and Rex Lapis were likely to approach matters with level-headedness, but Cloud Retainer and Moon Carver concerned her. They were often too hard on themselves and others, neglecting to empathize with different perspectives, and insisting that their own judgments were infallible.
The thought of Xiao's reaction to the truth weighed heavily on Ganyu's mind. Would he resist the threat he posed, defiantly clinging to his current path? Or worse, would he accept the darkness that loomed within him, resigned to his fate? The uncertainty gnawed at Ganyu's resolve, and she found herself torn between her duty to protect and the potential consequences of her actions.
Immersed in the depths of contemplation, Ganyu grappled with the intricate web of emotions and responsibilities entangling her. The night enveloped her, shrouding her in its comforting embrace, as she sought solace and clarity in its enigmatic whispers. The weight of the choices ahead pressed upon her, urging her to find a delicate equilibrium between protecting Xiao and navigating the intricate world of the Adepti.
Her heart yearned to shield her dear friend from the darkness that loomed over his future, yet the path to alter his destiny seemed elusive and fraught with uncertainty. The burden of knowledge weighed heavily upon her, and she knew that the choices she made would ripple through the lives of those around her.
The night sky became a canvas upon which her internal struggle painted its vivid hues. She sought answers in the starlit tapestry above, hoping for a sign, a guiding light to illuminate the path she must tread. With each step, she wrestled with her conflicting desires, torn between safeguarding Xiao and the unspoken yearning that stirred within her for Zhongli.
For now, her feelings for Zhongli remained veiled, locked away within the depths of her guarded heart. Her resolve wavered, caught between the weight of her duty and the gentle pull of her own desires.
Was she truly being selfish, torn between her duty to aid Xiao and the forbidden desires stirring within her heart? Ganyu grappled with conflicting emotions towards Zhongli, unsure of what to make of their connection. He had merely been a benevolent stranger with whom she shared tea, his captivating tale leaving an indelible impact on her soul. Yet, as she wandered under the moonlit canopy above Liyue, a subtle blush graced her cheeks.
Had he been a mortal, Ganyu might have dared to take the leap, despite the cautionary words of Cloud Retainer. Mortal hearts, transient and fragile, were not built for enduring love. Nevertheless, she couldn't help but reminisce about Zhongli's concerned gaze, his gentle smile, and the melodic timbre of his voice. The mere recollection sent her senses spinning, though she couldn't discern the cause.
If only Zhongli were an Adeptus like herself, Ganyu mused, a surge of excitement mingling with her lingering doubts. The thought of sharing an eternal existence with someone, traversing the depths of time hand in hand, made her heart swell with anticipation. The prospect of companionship amidst the vast expanse of eternity was undeniably alluring.
Caught between her devotion to Xiao's well-being and the stirrings of an unexpected connection, Ganyu found herself standing at the crossroads of duty and desire. The moonlight whispered its secrets, casting a soft glow on her uncertain path. With a conflicted heart, she continued her moonlit stroll, knowing that the answers she sought would only reveal themselves with time.
As Ganyu continues her walk in the night, she notices a group of people hurrying towards the fish markets. Curiosity piqued, she glances in the direction they're headed and gasps at the sight of fading smoke rising in the distance. Though dissipating, the dense darkness of the smoke lingers in her vision.
Driven by her innate sense of duty, Ganyu hastens her pace towards the scene of the incident. As she arrives, she finds a dozen Millelith guards stationed at the entrance of a warehouse gate that has been broken and burned. The dissipating smoke elicits gasps from the onlookers. Amidst the growing crowd, Ganyu spots a senior Millelith officer, a familiar face, wearing a look of dismay as he surveys the scene.
Temporarily setting aside Tianshu's reminder about her day off, Ganyu makes a decision. Though she cannot reclaim the missed hours and workday, she can lend a hand in this matter. The Millelith appear to be troubled by the sudden commotion and the disapproving glances of the whispering crowd. They could use her assistance, and Ganyu is determined to offer it.
"Disperse immediately," the senior officer demands to the crowd. "This is official Millelith business. For your safety, go to your homes and carry on with your business as this does not concern you."
Many acquiesce to his order, showing little interest in getting involved in any potential trouble with the law. However, in the corner of her vision, Ganyu notices a group of suspicious onlookers who remain rooted in their position, their eyes eerily fixed on the assaulted warehouse. Despite her reservations about demanding public obedience, she knows it is the right call in this situation.
Approaching the officer, Ganyu offers her assistance, casting her gaze over the destruction within the main square of the warehouse and the ruined gates outside.
"Lady Ganyu?" The officer is taken aback by her sudden appearance, and his nervousness is evident to Ganyu. "What is the General Secretary of the Qixing doing here at this late hour? I'm afraid this unfortunate incident is not worth your time, madam."
Beads of sweat form on the officer's forehead, and he gulps nervously as Ganyu approaches.
As two other Millelith officers move to escort her out of the crime scene, clearly nervous about going against a person of high renown, Ganyu steps forward to assert her authority. "I'm afraid I have to decline that offer. It is my duty to assist the people of Liyue to the best of my ability. You can discuss it with Tianshu if you'd like, but I am determined to learn what happened here."
Noticing his comrades' hesitation, the officer nods reluctantly. "I believe your insight could shed some light on this madness." He signals for one of the officers, a young man named Chen, to approach. "Chen was closest to the scene when it happened. He quickly evacuated the people in nearby buildings and called for backup. Tell this lady what you witnessed."
Ganyu observes that Chen seems nervous in her presence, though she knows she doesn't look threatening. "Go ahead, young man. Tell me what happened here."
Chen chuckles nervously. "I hope I won't get in trouble for this, ma'am."
"No, you won't," Ganyu assures him with a smile. "In fact, your quick thinking may be rewarded. Now, please tell me what you saw."
Taking a deep breath, Chen begins, "It all started like this..."
As the story he reports comes along, Ganyu nodded along on every word Chen said.
Chen reports, "I was assigned to an unexpected night shift as one of my colleagues had to take leave for his sick daughter. He needed to bring her to Bubu Pharmacy, and unfortunately, I was the only one available in the barracks at that time. As I made my way to the fish market, everything seemed normal. However, when I handed over patrol duty to one of my seniors, there was suddenly a blast in the area."
The officer shakes his head. "Chen here initially thought it was a misplaced firework explosion. It was only when he returned to the scene with backup to investigate that he discovered it was no accident." He glances towards the far corner of the warehouse, and Ganyu follows his gaze to a row of bodies neatly covered in cloth.
Ganyu stifles a gasp as the gravity of the situation slowly dawns on her.
Chen, the young and inexperienced officer, looks visibly shaken. "I genuinely believed it was just a firework, but I was wrong. As we continue our search, it becomes increasingly evident that a fierce battle took place here."
Ganyu doesn't deny the possibility. Every night, fireworks illuminate the fish market and docks, celebrating the safe return of sailors and fishermen. On her way here, Ganyu also heard multiple sounds of fireworks in the sky. She wonders which one of them was responsible for the explosion that occurred here.
"What kind of explosive was used here?" Ganyu asks. It's unlike anything she recognizes. It was too quiet to be a typical blast, yet too destructive to be indistinguishable among other fireworks.
The officer grimaces slightly. "I've seen one of these before. It's known as a 'grenade' or a breach potion. It's not meant for causing widespread destruction, but rather for killing people. It's a highly effective anti-personnel explosive. We found two bodies outside the gates and on the streets, severely burned and torn apart."
Ganyu shares the officer's feeling of unease, but her realization is even more chilling. It's the first time she has ever heard of such a device. "Is this 'grenade' a common weapon?" she asks, shivering at the thought of such a malignant tool designed to cause harm to living beings. It may not cause extensive destruction, but its deadly effectiveness is undeniable.
The officer shakes his head in relief, "No, thank the gods that it isn't. The only time I've seen something like this was when the Fontaine Commission of Foreign Affairs invited us to one of their Innovative Fairs. They showcased a prototype with potential for devastating impact. However, it was still in the experimental stage. Out of the twelve tests they conducted, only three were successful, while the others failed."
Chen scratches his head in confusion. "So, what was used on these poor individuals? There shouldn't be a completed prototype, right?"
Ganyu's brows furrowed, a subtle sign of her unease. Her eyes wandered, taking in the somber scene of the warehouse littered with covered bodies. The weight of uncertainty hung in the air as she shifted her gaze to the officer standing nearby. A mixture of worry and determination flickered in her eyes.
"We don't have the answers yet," Ganyu murmured, her voice tinged with doubt. She shook her head, as if trying to dispel the unsettling thoughts swirling within her. Her gaze returned to the officer, her expression imploring. "Have we made any progress in identifying the perpetrator? Time is of the essence. They shouldn't have evaded us for this long."
When the instigator of the crime is mentioned, two of the guards exchange a nervous glance. Ganyu narrows her eyes in suspicion. "They were the perpetrators, weren't they?" All the evidence points strongly towards this being no accident. "Do you have any leads on their whereabouts?"
There is no way an unknown culprit could escape the reach of the Millelith's justice. Ganyu stares at the two officers, who avoid making eye contact with her. As the exhaustion of the day finally catches up to her, she massages her temples, feeling a headache coming on.
"Did you find any signs of the perpetrator's presence?" Ganyu asks the officer, her gaze fixed on him intently.
The officer gulps and replies, "No, ma'am. We dispatched a team to secure the area, but it seems we were too late. The suspect must have fled long before we arrived."
Chen, the younger officer, bows his head in acknowledgement.
"When we arrived, all we found were lifeless bodies," the officer remarks grimly, his voice filled with disappointment. "Dead men tell no tales."
Ganyu's heart sinks, a mix of frustration and helplessness washing over her. She had placed high expectations on the Millelith, relying on their expertise to handle such situations. They were the elite mortal force that defended Liyue countless times. However, her own neglect and detachment from their operations for centuries have taken their toll, revealing cracks in their effectiveness.
It wasn't solely the Millelith's fault though. The unknown suspect had proven to be skilled and deadly, their actions causing widespread destruction and chaos.
Desperate for any lead, Ganyu turns her attention to Chen, sensing his unease. She follows his gaze towards one of the warehouse structures. "Did you find any clues that could help us identify the perpetrator?" Her voice carries a mix of determination and urgency, her eyes searching for any sliver of information.
Chen shifts uncomfortably, his gaze returning to Ganyu. "There was a break-in at the main office building," he explains, his tone slightly hesitant. "The door was forcibly opened, and the interior was in disarray. It appears that the perpetrator eliminated the guards and ransacked the office, presumably in search of something."
Ganyu's eyes narrow in suspicion as she leans forward, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Tell me, what was the purpose of this office? And what business transactions were conducted here? This warehouse is located in close proximity to the fish markets, yet there are no signs of fish or any other creatures. Furthermore, it is situated quite a distance from the main harbor and primary markets. It seems rather peculiar. What exactly is the nature of this warehouse?"
The officer shoots Chen a stern look, attempting to silence him. But the young man remains undeterred, his voice filled with determination. "Madam Ganyu, this warehouse has long been a hub for local criminal activity. The notorious gang in our district has been utilizing this facility for storing their illicit products for many years."
Ganyu raises an eyebrow, her interest piqued. She gestures for Chen to continue. "Please elaborate. What kind of illicit products are we talking about? And do we have any leads on the individuals involved?"
Chen hesitates for a moment, exchanging a quick glance with the officer before responding. "The gang primarily deals in contraband goods such as illegal substances, smuggled weapons, and stolen merchandise. As for leads, we are currently working on gathering more information and apprehending those responsible." He avoids her shocked gaze. "At least, that is what we should've been doing."
Ganyu's eyes widen in surprise. She takes another look at the main courtyard of the warehouse and notices various items—weapons, crates of unprocessed minerals, and unmarked boxes of medical supplies. It dawns on her that they have been gathering these items in one place. Her expression turns stern as she glares at the two officers, her demanding gaze seeking answers. "How could a place like this exist for so long?" she questions, her voice laced with disbelief. "And how could the Millelith allow such a thing to happen?"
Before Chen can respond, the older officer silences him with a warning glare. "No offense, Lady Ganyu, but this is beyond your authority. The Qixing has explicitly instructed us not to disclose any information regarding this operation. Even for you, General Secretary."
Ganyu blinks, finding it hard to believe what she is hearing. "Authority?" she repeats incredulously. "I have the power to request an audience with Rex Lapis, and I can certainly bring both of you into question unless you provide me with the information I need. As an Adepti representing Liyue Harbor, I hold authority here, regardless of the Qixing's jurisdiction."
The older officer visibly flinches as Ganyu reveals herself as an Adepti, while Chen, the younger officer, gazes at her with a mix of awe and admiration. Ganyu is taken aback by how easily she confessed to being an Adepti, realizing that it is the first time she has openly admitted to her true nature.
She never used her status as an Adepti before, not until now. Knowing that not only did the Millelith let this travesty happen for years, staining the honor of Liyue, but also the Qixing keeping this from her, made her feel even more weary since this morning.
A sudden hush falls over the other Millelith officers, their eyes fixed on Ganyu with a mixture of shock and disbelief. The news of the renowned General Secretary being an Adepti spreads among them, causing some to grow wary and alarmed. Ganyu feels the weight of their stares and realizes she is getting sidetracked from the investigation. Shaking her head, she refocuses her attention on getting to the bottom of the case.
In that moment, Ganyu remembers that one person she trusts the most within the Qixing, Lord Tianshu, had kept this case hidden from her for years. "Did Lord Tianshu know about this?" she asks, hoping that the old man was unaware, just as she had been.
The older officer, fearing the authority of an Adepti who can pass judgment in the presence of Rex Lapis, hurriedly nods his head. "Yes, Lady Ganyu. Lord Tianshu and all the other members were aware."
Everyone was aware, except for her.
A sudden weight justled her, as Ganyu realized another burden came to her shoulders. "Tianshu kept this from me?"
Ganyu couldn't believe it, wouldn't believe it.
"Did you have no clue, Lady Ganyu?" Chen's innocent question catches Ganyu off guard. "I learned about it during my early days as a recruit. I had joined the Millelith with the belief that I would be protecting the innocent and the weak, but all I've done is change shifts and follow orders," he adds bitterly. "Just a glorified guard, nothing more."
The older officer standing near Chen shakes his head, his nervousness evident. "It's not that we don't care, Lady Ganyu," he says, his voice tinged with frustration. "For years, my comrades and I have been urging the Qixing to take action against this growing threat. But every time we do, our pleas fall on deaf ears." The officer's eyes dim with the weight of past disappointments. "Our only orders when it comes to these gangs are to conduct surveillance and act passively."
Chen nods in agreement, his disappointment evident. "That's right. We're only allowed to intervene when a gang member is physically harming a citizen of Liyue. We can investigate if the gangs commit crimes in broad daylight, but we're never actively encouraged to probe their illicit activities. The lack of anything solid against them proves their ability to hide their dark affairs."
Ganyu's eyes widen in shock as she processes the officer's words. The realization hits her hard. "So, you're saying you're not allowed to actively pursue the gangs? That's absurd," she exclaims, her disbelief evident in her voice.
Chen did not seem to believe it, his eyes downcast. "Those were just the known cases, but there are plenty more crimes that went unheard since they arrived."
The officer's expression turns despondent as he nods in agreement. "Unfortunately, that's the case. The gangs are careful not to engage in illicit activities in broad daylight, making it difficult for us to build a solid case against them. We are aware of their crimes against the citizens, but we struggle to gather sufficient evidence. Many of the harassed merchants and alleged victims choose to hire Legal Advisers instead, but even that doesn't yield satisfying results."
Experienced, but helpless, the older officer could only close his eyes. As if the problem would go away if he could just ignore it. "Even with a solid case, I doubt the Qixing would care. They didn't care then, why would they care now? In the early days, there was a group of Legal Advisers discontent with the Qixing's lack of actions, but they went quiet after a week."
Chen, frustrated by the situation, growls in anger. "They must have been bribed! If not by the gangs, then by the Qixing. It's clear that many representatives of the Liyue Qixing wanted to keep this issue under wraps, hence the lack of awareness beyond the city. It's a deliberate attempt to suppress concerns about the gangs' presence," he says, casting a pitying glance towards Ganyu. "It must've been why you only learn of this now."
The officer's face contorts with a mix of anger and sorrow, his lips pressing tightly together. His eyes gleam with a grim determination as he speaks. "Ink and Iron," he says, his voice filled with a sense of gravity. "Those who refuse to sign the contract of silence will meet a permanent silence of their own. I had a friend, once full of passion and hope, who led that group."
A glimmer of tears forms in the officer's eyes, revealing the pain he carries within. He continues, his voice tinged with sadness. "I was also the unfortunate soul tasked with investigating his death. There were no traces left behind, no evidence to follow. Just a brutal and gruesome end."
Ganyu says nothing. It was one thing for the Qixing to suddenly keep this from her and from the larger public, but for the Legal Advisers to not partake in this injustice? To be victims themselves? The stab in her heart was a sordid reminder that this was something Ganyu would have overlooked if she continued her day of work as any other.
She was in charge of maintaining the overall capacity of the Liyue Qixing's administration, Ganyu doubts that she would ever learn of this if she kept up the usual work.
Would she have remained ignorant of this foul treachery if not for her missed day at work or the sudden incident in this warehouse?
Ganyu's stomach churned with a wave of nausea as the shocking revelation settled in her mind. The weight of the situation pressed upon her, and she knew there was only one way to confirm the truth.
She fought the urge to vomit, determined to maintain her composure. "Continue with the investigation," Ganyu instructed the Millelith officers, her voice laced with a sense of urgency. "But I must attend to a matter that should have been brought to my attention long ago."
Ganyu was resolute in her determination to ensure that this incident would not be ignored or swept under the rug by the Qixing. With the growing crowd before her, she understood that rumors would spread like wildfire. While they might fade away after a day or two, she intended to leave a lasting impression in their minds.
Chen lets out a frustrated huff, his voice tinged with bitterness. "They always find a way to divert public attention. It's not the first time a serious incident gets buried. Remember last year's outcry? It vanished into thin air as soon as the Lantern Rite was celebrated ahead of schedule. It's like everything that happened just disappeared into nothingness."
Ganyu's eyes widen in disbelief and anger. "So, that's why they moved up the Lantern Rite schedule last time," she exclaims, the memory of that confusing time resurfacing. She had questioned the Qixing's decision back then, unable to understand the reasoning. But now, the pieces of the puzzle fall into place.
Chen scratches his head sheepishly, a look of guilt crossing his face. "It's possible, Lady Ganyu," he admits, his voice filled with a hint of regret.
Tianshu lied to her, lied to Ganyu during last year's Lantern Rite. She asked if there was a problem with the reason for moving up the schedule. Tianshu said no, and assured her that all her organizing went too well that they decided to start a week early.
Ganyu was lied to by a trusted friend.
"I need to go."
There was no need to see the look of pity and worry from their eyes, as Ganyu was far more concerned with confronting Tianshu. She could've asked them why the Qixing ordered such ridiculous orders, she could've asked them why she was not told of the injustices happening in Liyue.
Instead, when she arrived at Tianshu's home, knocked on his door, and waited for the old man to answer it with a bewildered stare, Ganyu asked, "Why?"
The old man blinks in surprise at Ganyu's sudden question, his mind racing to understand why she has come to his home at such a late hour. Concern lingers in his voice as he speaks, "Why what? And why are you still out so late? I thought I had advised you to take a few days off."
Avoiding his gaze, Ganyu's eyes fixate on the pavement outside his home, her voice barely above a whisper. "Can I come in?" she asks quietly. "It's cold outside..."
Worried for her well-being, the old man ushers her inside, his curiosity growing with each passing moment. His daughter, with bed-ridden hair, hurries down the stairs to see who has come to visit them at such an unusual hour. Her eyes widen as she spots her superior, Ganyu, looking disheveled and weary, a look she has never seen on her before.
Tianshu notices his daughter's concerned gaze from the stairs and a wave of worry washes over him. "Go back to sleep, my daughter. Ganyu and I need to discuss a private matter," he tells her. As she opens her mouth to voice her concerns, he gives her a stern look. "I won't ask again, child. Please trust me to handle this situation."
Without voicing any denials, Ganyu watches as Tianshu's daughter, Huixin, hesitantly retreats to her room. Ganyu knows that sleep will elude her tonight, just as it will elude Tianshu. The distressed look in Ganyu's eyes reveals that something has indeed upset her. She doesn't need a mirror to see how she was staring at the old man.
Tianshu furrows his brow, his confusion evident. "What happened?" he asks, genuinely perplexed. "What did I do or say to offend you, Ganyu? Please, tell me, so we can resolve this misunderstanding. It's late, and I have important work tomorrow. I need to conserve my energy to deal with the other members of the Qixing, you know how difficult they can be." He lets out a tired sigh and gazes at Ganyu, his expression a mix of concern and weariness.
Ganyu closes her eyes, attempting to contain the torrent of emotions within her. Finally, she speaks, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "You knew," she says, her words trailing off. The weight of her unspoken accusations hangs heavily in the air.
Tianshu's calm voice carries a hint of impatience as he addresses Ganyu. The weariness that once defined him seems to have vanished, replaced by a stern figure who holds the power to protect Liyue. "You need to be more specific, Ganyu," he states firmly. "Disturbing my daughter's sleep and coming to my house late at night with such vagueness will not get us anywhere."
Ganyu meets his gaze, her expression a mix of frustration and determination. She suppresses her anger, but the dismissive attitude and evasion of her question trouble her deeply.
"There was an incident at the fish markets recently," she begins, her voice steady.
"Does this really matter? Let the Millelith handle it. They always have."
Ganyu froze when he said that, as if something clicked in her mind. It shouldn't be. He wouldn't be! It might have been a misunderstanding. Maybe he doesn't truly know.
"They conducted an investigation," Ganyu admitted quietly, "I should have gone after the perpetrator, but I have something vital to discuss with you."
Tianshu nods, his eyes hiding something behind their facade. His sarcastic tone does not deter her. "This is not like you, Ganyu, with these dreams and Adepti beliefs," he remarks, disappointment evident in his voice. "For the sake of Liyue's well-being, it would be best if you let go of these concerns. It's for the greater good of everyone involved."
Ganyu scowls, her words sharp and accusatory. "Even if it means disregarding the victims of the gangs that have infiltrated our city?" Her statement lands like a blow, causing Tianshu to flinch, his aged fingers trembling.
Tianshu's voice quivers as he vehemently protests, his words dripping with frustration. "Gangs? Are you seriously going to entertain baseless rumors and idle gossip? The General Secretary's position is far above such ludicrous claims."
Ganyu's disbelief intensifies, her eyes narrowing at Tianshu's denial. "But the Millelith officers themselves informed me-"
"Drunkards and lazy imbeciles!" Tianshu interrupts with an angry outburst, his voice laced with disdain. "They have nothing better to do than spread idle chatter. And now you're falling for it too? What has come over you? This is absolute nonsense. You're wasting my time with these slanderous rumors and disgruntled soldiers, rather than addressing real matters. You've lost your mind." He scoffs, challenging Ganyu to defy him.
In a moment of resignation, Ganyu plays her final card, her voice firm yet tinged with a hint of sadness. "Even if it means breaking a sacred trust? A contract signed?"
Tianshu blinks, his expression growing suspicious. "What contract? I haven't signed any contract with you," he retorts, his eyes narrowing.
Ganyu locks eyes with the old man, a mischievous smirk forming on her lips. "That's precisely the point. Sign a contract with me," she challenges. While Tianshu tries to maintain a composed demeanor, Ganyu detects a glimmer of concern in his eyes. "If I am proven wrong, I will formally apologize, drop this matter, and take a week, no, a month off. But when I am proven right..." She lets her words trail off, allowing the unspoken threat to hang in the air for a few lingering seconds.
"You know the saying: Those who break a contract must suffer the wrath of the rock."
Tianshu's silence speaks volumes, his eyes betraying a mix of bitterness and disbelief. His lips curl into a snarl, while his eyes flash with a hint of betrayal. Ganyu's heart sinks, disappointed by the confirmation she had always feared deep down. The Millelith officers' admission had exposed Tianshu's lie, and now the truth hung heavy in the air.
Her friend had deceived her.
Confusion clouds Tianshu's features as he struggles to find his words. His voice wheezes, as if his strength is fading. "Must you inflict such suffering upon a man? What have I done to deserve this reaction from you? A contract to bind me? How childish, Ganyu." Hurt seeps into his tone, and his slouched posture betrays his defeat. "Such a cruel and baseless accusation."
Shaking her head, Ganyu implores her friend, her voice tinged with desperation. "Then tell me the truth! If you have nothing to fear, why not sign the contract? Prove me wrong!"
The old man's glare hardens, his desperation now transformed into stubborn resolve. "Why should I? Why should I indulge in these games with you? You spout nonsensical tales this morning, of bleak futures and delusions, and I dismissed them as mere exhaustion. I believed you were sincere, but weary. I granted you the space and time to gather your thoughts, to grapple with reality! Instead, you chase after hidden monsters in every corner, burdened by a duty that doesn't even exist." He closes his eyes, silently pleading with Ganyu to bring this to an end. "You have no right to demand anything from me. Least of all a contract. Leave."
Ganyu lets out a heavy sigh, not one of relief, but of disappointment. She closes her eyes and then opens them, meeting Tianshu's expectant gaze. She wanted to believe in him, but he denied her the fundamental essence of trust in Liyue—the signing of a contract. It wasn't a difficult task, nor an impossible one. Even a beggar could enter a contract with a merchant, pledging to repay their investment in an attempt to regain their livelihood. Children would engage in contracts daily with their friends as a means to practice humility and foster honesty in all aspects of life, not just in trade.
Ganyu believed in the power of contracts. So why couldn't Tianshu?
"I see."
Ganyu's words hang heavy in the air, filled with a mix of determination and sorrow. She rises from her seat, her movements indicating a sense of purpose. Tianshu's hopeful expression falters, replaced by a look of disappointment.
As Ganyu prepares to depart, she meets Tianshu's gaze and notices his pleading eyes. Her heart aches at the thought of hurting an old friend in this way. Is he truly a friend? Friends do not deceive one another, regardless of the circumstances.
"However, I will not let this matter rest," Ganyu declares, her voice steady with resolve. "I will take it upon myself to report these findings to Rex Lapis." Ganyu accepts her fate with a sense of resignation. She had underestimated Tianshu's stubbornness, but now she must face the consequences. Putting on a facade of disinterest, she waves a farewell to Tianshu, who is visibly shocked and horrified by her decision.
"I am eager to hear Rex Lapis' perspective on the recent conduct of the Qixing," Ganyu asserts, her words carrying the weight of her three-thousand-year duty to the city. "After all, who would he trust more than someone with my long-standing devotion to Liyue?"
After all, I fought for him. Bled for him. I stood by his side as the Archon War and the Cataclysm were about to plunge Liyue to destruction. He will believe me. No else could.
Not even Tianshu.
"I- We- I don't-" The old man was panicking, his eyes darted around in worry and fear. "I have a contract!"
Ganyu's hand tightens around the door handle, her whole body tensing as she hears Tianshu's anguished yell. The weight of his words lingers in the air, causing a brief pause in her departure. Her eyes reflect a mixture of determination and uncertainty.
"You're right," Ganyu responds softly, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "I have no right to demand anything of you, especially if it puts you and your daughter in danger." She understands the gravity of the situation, the potential consequences of involving Tianshu further. The mysterious contract that binds the old man becomes a stark reminder of the boundaries that exist between them.
Friendship could only go so far.
A flicker of desperation flashes in Ganyu's eyes, but she quickly regains her composure. "This goes beyond just me and you now. It's something much bigger, and I need to find the answers on my own." She realizes that jeopardizing Tianshu and his daughter's safety would only leave a bitter taste in her mouth. They deserve better.
Ganyu takes a deep breath, her resolve solidifying. "But please understand, Tianshu, that my intentions are driven by a desire to help. I don't want to see anyone else suffer. I will do everything in my power to uncover the truth and protect Liyue."
Tianshu's desperate shouts faded into the distance as Ganyu hastened away. Rain poured down from the darkened sky, drowning out any half-hearted pleas or deceitful words that might have escaped Tianshu's lips. The rhythmic pitter-patter of raindrops hitting the ground provided a somber soundtrack to Ganyu's thoughts, momentarily distracting her from the disappointment weighing heavily upon her.
Taking Tianshu's advice to heart, Ganyu made up her mind to take a few days off. There was only one person she felt she could trust and confide in during this time of uncertainty. Beyond that, it would be Lord Morax, the ultimate arbiter of judgment, who would decide the course of action.
As the night wore on, Ganyu marched purposefully homeward, her determined strides carrying her towards Mt. Aocang. It had been years since she last set foot on that sacred mountain, but now it beckoned to her, a sanctuary where she hoped to find solace and clarity in the midst of turmoil.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This is the start of the rest of the Liyue arc. There will be more Aether parts, as the night is not over yet.
I always wondered how contracts work in Liyue. Are they more than tangible? Could the contract withstand by only verbal agreements? Will written contracts be null if missing or destroyed? How does the punishment occur, divine or mortal? These parts of the lore in Liyue only play a smaller role or is only used for plot foundations.
Stay tuned for more.
