On a tranquil day in Liyue, Carmilla and her daughters had just finished their first shift of work for the day, and were heading out for lunch, before being intercepted by three women.
« Uhm…excuse me? could you lend us a minute? » one of the women asked.
« Oh, you must be Baixiao, Baishi and Baiwen, Ninnguang's secretaries, correct? » Carmilla guessed. « What seems to be the problem? »
« It's… a matter regarding Ganyu. She's the General Secretary of the Liyue Qixing. » Baixiao explained.
« Indeed. We know her well. Has something happened to her? » Odette asked.
« Well it's just…she has declared she's going to retire…» Baiwen explained.
« Oh really? Well she has loyally served the Liyue Qixing for quite some time, so I don't quite see the issue…» Clara noted.
« Well... It's because of this absurd workload of hers! » Baishi sighed. « When we first heard the three of us would be taking over for Ms. Ganyu, we thought it would simply be a matter of changing our work environment. »
« We couldn't have imagined that Ms. Ganyu's daily workload far exceeds what the three of us are used to doing. » Baixiao explained.
« I see. Well it does give credit to her highness account of her last meeting with her…» Carmilla noted.
Xxxxxxx
A few days earlier….
« Hey Ganyu! Wanna grab lunch together- » Charlie entered Ganyu's studio, dimly lit only from a candle on a desk, and was greeted by the secretary hissing at her like a barn owl.
In response, Charlie slammed the door shut in a panic, her eyes wide in terror. When Vaggie went to inquire as to what just happened, she just pointed at the room and whispered « Theeerrreeee beeeee deeeemmmoooonnnnssss tttthhhheeeeerrreeeee….. »
Xxxxxxx
« We don't even know how long we've been working... We feel guilty for taking even a short breather like we are now. » Baiwen explained.
« Do you know where she could possibly be? » Odette asked.
« She said she was heading to Jueyun Karst. If we're not mistaken, you can go in and out of there as you please. » Baiwen replied.
« Indeed. Me and my sister often train there. » Clara replied.
« Ah, that's good news... Could you go to Jueyun Karst and find Ms. Ganyu for us? Preferably before we collapse under this workload...» Baixiao pleaded.
« Of course. Your conditions look….worrysome… » Carmilla replied.
« Phew... We're saved. I remember Ms. Ganyu said that she'd be visiting Cloud Retainer's abode. You might as well start looking for her there. » Baixiao let out a sigh of relief.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, at Mount Aocang, the trio finally found Ganyu.
« Ah, miss Ganyu. We were looking for you… » Carmilla called her over.
« Ah! Miss Carmilla! And Miss Clara and Miss Odette too! I did not expect to meet you three here. Is it official or private affairs that bring you here? » Ganyu asked. « Ah, I shouldn't... I have left the human world. Please contact the Yuehai Pavilion regarding matters concerning the commercial port. »
« We have heard. We must ask you to reconsider it, the other secretaries are in a dire situation right now…» Carmilla explained.
« That's why you're here? You want me to come back? I'm afraid you came here in vain. » Ganyu explained.
« I…fear that we don't follow…» Clara noted.
« When the adepti entrusted humans with overseeing Liyue, I knew it was only a matter of time until I had to leave. My adepti blood makes me unwelcome in Liyue Harbor. » Ganyu explained.
« Why would you be unwelcomed in Liyue? Just because you have Adepti blood does not mean you have to leave. » Odette noted.
« Well, it's just that…after Morax retired, I've been thinking that…perhaps it's best for humanity to rule themselves. There is no space for me anymore. » Ganyu replied.
« I disagree. You are still needed as ever at Liyue. » Clara replied.
« I appreciate your kindness but there's no need for your words of comfort. » Ganyu replied. « After a thousand years away, I came back to Jueyun Karst. Looking at the clouds floating among the mountains brings me peace of mind. I feel better now. »
« Ganyu, you HAVE to reconsider! » Carmilla tried to argue with the Adepti, before a voice called her over.
« Who disturbs the peace of these mountains? » it was Cloud Retainer, who appeared out of nowhere.
« Cloud Retainer! You come at the right moment. » Carmilla exclaimed.
« What appears to be the issue? » Cloud Retainer asked.
« We implore you, you must talk some sense into your daughter! » Clara exclaimed without thinking, only to widen her eyes in realization.
A short, awkward silence followed.
« You…you feel like one is Ganyu's mother? » Cloud Retainer asked confused.
« …You two seem to be really close, in my defence… » Clara replied.
« Kinda like Xiao and Morax, if I do say so myself…» Carmilla noted.
« Well, in your defence, one has countless tales from her youth. » Cloud Retainer noted.
« Cloud Retainer! » Ganyu protested.
« Hahaha... Nothing to be ashamed of! You were so cute as a child, one is most certain that your friends would like to hear of it. » Cloud Retainer laughed.
« Uh…actually, we were here just to-» Carmilla tried to change the subject, but was interrupted by Cloud Retainer.
« Hehe... Little Ganyu loved when the horns on the top of her head were caressed. » Cloud Retainer continued. « When one was still taking care of her, one was pestered most often to touch her horns. She was else-wise loath to sleep... »
After hearing that, the three demons barely manage to hold a smirk.
« Plump she was, back then! Why, when she stumbled while we ascended the mountain, she would roll down to the bottom like a little ball... » Cloud Retainer continued.
At this point, the trio were barely holding on a giggle.
« ...The day Ganyu bumped into a pilgrim was the first time she saw a real human in the flesh. » Cloud Retainer continued. « So fearful she was that she hid in a rock's cleft for two days and nights. One found her wailing of a monster she had seen... »
« CLOUD RE—TAI—NER! » Ganyu protested, before sighing. « Forget it. It's about time for my training. I will take my leave! »
As she left, more silence followed. « Perhaps that was not the right call…» Carmilla noted.
« Ah, one's intention was merely to relieve the awkward tension... » Cloud Retainer justified herself.
« With…questionable results, to be honest…» Odette commented.
« But returning to Ganyu, most gladdened one is of your arrival. » Cloud Retainer changed the subject. « One cannot help but feel that remaining in Jueyun Karst shall not be good for her... »
« We have noticed. She seems to be suffering from depression, by the looks of it. » Carmilla noted.
« And she did mention something about training. You wouldn't happen to know more about it, right? » Odette asked.
« She has sought to reclaim her adeptus side since returning to Jueyun Karst. At her behest, one has organized training for her to achieve that end... » Cloud Retainer explained. « She should be in the southern part of Mt. Aocang right now, preparing for the trial. »
« Thank you. Perhaps we can still talk some sense into her. » Carmilla replied, as the trio raced off.
« ….Huh. Perhaps one IS a mother after all! » Cloud Retainer commented to herself.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the trio finally reached Ganyu. « There you are! Miss Ganyu, you have to listen! »
« Why did you come here? » Ganyu asked.
« To talk some sense into you. Just because Morax has retired, it doesn't mean that the Adepti are unwelcomed to Liyue. Your sister even works at the Hazbin Hotel, and no one bats an eye! » Odette exclaimed.
« Oh—Oh heavens! Blessed be Rex Lapis, I've finally come upon the adepti! » a man exclaimed, coming out of nowhere.
« Excuse me sir, but we're quite busy at the moment…» Carmilla explained, but was ignored.
« My name's Xin Cheng. I came to ask for your merciful blessings, O adepti! I beg of you, please grant me luck, wealth, and a good career! » the man, Xin Cheng, requested.
« As I said before, we're busy at the moment. » Carmilla replied annoyed.
« Nonetheless, yes, I am one of the adepti. You can say that I'm an adeptus in training. » Ganyu replied.
« Perfect! I didn't come in vain then. Although you sound a bit half-hearted, eh... doesn't matter. » Xin Cheng shrugged. « What blessings can you grant me? »
« Dear... pilgrim, you shouldn't jump to conclusions. Adepti don't help every pilgrim for free. » Ganyu replied.
« For free? Do you mean that you charge people for the blessings of the adepti? » Xin Cheng asked.
« Ah, that's not what I meant. What I'm trying to say is that everything should be earned through hard work and earnest living... » Ganyu replied. « It would be unfair to other people if you got everything you wanted for no reason. »
« Hold on, hold on, I've heard this all before. You're just like my old man, always nagging me... » Xin Cheng groaned annoyed.
« Your father must've experienced it firsthand. The lives of the common folk are riddled with hardships but are also full of joy. » Ganyu replied. « A person of your age should focus on work and family, instead of chasing after fairytales. »
« Are you a real adeptus? Why do you speak and behave like us city folk? » Xin Cheng asked annoyed. « You sure you're not one of those swindlers who pose as an adeptus to cheat people out of their money? »
« Odette. » Carmilla said annoyed.
« Yes mother? » Odette asked.
« Punch. »
« Gladly, mother. »
« Wait, "punch"? » Xin Cheng asked confused, before Odette walked towards him.
« H.» Odette replied, as she raised her fist.
« Oh. Right. Punch. » a terrified Xin Cheng said, as Odette punched him, sending him flying.
Xxxxxxx
Meanwhile, in Mondstadt, Diluc was enjoying a glass of wine, before he was struck at full speed by a flying Xin Cheng.
« DILUC, WE GOT A PUSSY PROBLEM! » Blitzo suddenly busted the door of his manor home, before seeing Diluc and Xin Cheng splattered against a wall.
« …We'll come back later…» was all Blitzo said, as he slowly closed the door.
« My ovaries… » the two men replied in unison.
Xxxxxxx
« Now that the pest is gone, we can resume our conversation. » Carmilla said.
« …What if he's right? What if I'm no longer worth calling an Adeptus? » Ganyu asked sadly.
« You are still an Adeptus, but perhaps it's best if you return to Liyue. » Carmilla noted.
« But... I'm unwelcome in Liyue Harbor. As an adeptus, I...» Ganyu retorted.
« Adeptus or not, you're still welcome to Liyue. If not, I know a couple of demons that deserve to be banished from this nation. » Odette replied.
« Alright, I'll go with you to Liyue Harbor. That said, I still trust my initial judgment. » Ganyu replied. « If I'm proven right, I'll return to Jueyun Karst once again. »
« A wise choice, Lady Ganyu. » Carmilla replied.
Xxxxxxx
Eventually, the group finally reached Liyue Harbour.
« Feeling better, Lady Ganyu? » Carmilla asked.
« Eh... I'm still... » Ganyu replied unsure.
« Perhaps it's best if we head somewhere that you would enjoy. Any place you want to visit? » Odette asked.
« I've spent too much time in the mountains. The first thing that comes to my mind is the sea. » Ganyu replied. « Let's go for a walk in the port. »
« That can be arranged. » Carmilla replied.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the group reached the South Wharf.
« The sound of the waves in this familiar port... » Ganyu commented. « The smell of the sea breeze makes me nostalgic. »
« You haven't left Liyue for that long. How come you look so moved? » Carmilla asked.
« Well, I used to be so busy. I haven't taken a stroll around here in a long time. » Ganyu replied.
« That…explains a lot…» Clara commented.
« Well, when I think about my time here, I've spent most of it behind a desk, filing documents. » Ganyu replied. « It put me in a certain mood — similar to the one I felt during my training in Jueyun Karst, in fact. »
« Is that... It is! It's Lady Ganyu! » a voice, belonging to Uncle Tian, called Ganyu over. « Hahaha... I wouldn't have thought I'd meet you here. You were always so terribly busy. »
« Oh, Mr. Tien. I trust you're recovering well. » Carmilla greeted the man.
« I'm…managing…» Tien replied.
A short silence followed.
« SO! » Uncle Tien broke the silence. « I don't know if I should bring it up. Ganyu, I believe you know my daughter, Huixin? She seems to be a bit... troubled, recently. »
« Yes, she works at Yuehai Pavilion, and she's my junior. How can I help her? » Ganyu asked.
« Hehe, I don't know myself, really. She's all grown-up now and doesn't like to ask for my help. » Uncle Tien explained. « May I trouble you to meet her at Yuehai Pavilion? She just needs a bit of guidance. »
« With pleasure. Solving the Qixing's problems has always been in my job description. » Ganyu replied.
« In that case, to Yuehai Pavilion we must head. » Carmilla replied.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the group reached Yuehai Pavilion, where they met Huixin.
« Ms. Ganyu! It's been too long! » Huixin greeted the woman. « I don't know why, but seeing you brings me a sense of peace in these chaotic times. »
« Indeed, it has been a while, Huixin. I'm flattered, but aren't you exaggerating a little? » Ganyu asked. « I heard that you've encountered some problems, and came to see if I could be of some help. »
« My father asked you to come, didn't he? » Huixin sighed. « Abusing his status as a member of the Qixing to trouble you... »
« Hehe, don't worry. I'm always happy to help a junior colleague from Yuehai Pavilion. » Ganyu replied. « So, what can you tell me about the problem? »
« Uh, where should I start? I discovered something strange while organizing tax records... There are obvious irregularities in the tax declarations of two stores: Second Life and Wanyou Boutique. » Huixin explained. « However, whether I question the shopkeepers or check their accounts, I... I can't seem to make any progress with my investigation. Without any evidence, my hands are tied. »
« I see. It's not uncommon for merchants to be blinded by greed. » Ganyu noted.
« Well, is there any solution you can advise? » Huixin asked.
« Naturally. I've dealt with similar issues hundreds of times. Give me a moment to consider the best approach in this scenario... » Ganyu replied.
« So what do you propose, Lady Ganyu? » Carmilla asked.
« Let's approach it this way: "Your enemy knows you best."» Ganyu replied.
Huixin just looked at her confused.
« If I remember correctly, Second Life and Wanyou Boutique are old business rivals, competing for market share due to their similar wares. » Ganyu explained. « In that case... »
« In that case... Ah, I know what you mean, Ms. Ganyu! » Huixin exclaimed.
« You're planning to pit them against one another, don't you, little fox? » Carmilla smirked.
« Let's start with Wanyou Boutique. The owner's name is... Bolai, isn't it? » Ganyu asked.
« Yes, you're right. Follow me, please! » Huixin exclaimed.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, they reached Wanyou Boutique, and met with Bolai.
« Aha, you three must be the new arms dealers of Liyue, correct? And you must be... from the Yuehai Pavilion? » Bolai asked. « Hehe, I suppose you're about to place a big order. I'd be honoured to offer you my wares. »
« That won't be necessary, Mr. Bolai. Wanyou Boutique's credit is not sufficient to accept orders directly from Yuehai Pavilion. » Ganyu replied. « Should we need to place such an order, we would certainly go to Second Life instead. »
« What! Second Life!? » Bolai exclaimed outraged. « Ugh... That rascal Dongsheng, he's stealing all of my customers. »
« Well, Second Life's credit has always been excellent, and based on their tax records, their business is thriving... » Ganyu noted.
« Hohoho... Tax records? Thriving? » Bolai asked sarcastically.
« Huh? Is there anything you'd like to share with us, Mr. Bolai? » Ganyu asked.
« Don't let that rascal fool you. I know his dirty tricks best. » Bolai replied. « If you don't believe me, show me his tax records. I'm sure I'll find something fishy in there. »
« You know Second Life's business so well? »
« Of course! Their every transaction makes my blood boil! » Bolai shot back. « I'd rather lose money myself than see that rascal make some! »
« Quite the statement, if I say so myself… » Carmilla commented.
« Well then, please look over this tax record. We'll review Second Life's credit based on your observations. » Ganyu requested.
« Oh, of course. I'll read very, very carefully... » Bolai replied. « Line by line and word by word... »
And so, the man examined the entire tax record, until…
« Ah! Here! I found it! That exquisite, wooden furniture set he bought from Fanmu Carpenter's at the beginning of the year? » Bolai pointed out.
« I see. He must've gotten rid of all the documents related to this transaction. No wonder there was no trace of it. » Huixin noted.
« Hmph, I told you so. Just as I expected. I can't wait to watch him squirm. » Bolai replied angrily.
« But Ms. Ganyu... Despite all this, can't he just flat out deny ever making this transaction? » Huixin asked doubtful.
« He might have destroyed all the evidence, but I believe the supplier, Fanmu Carpenter's, might still have some proof of it. » Ganyu replied.
« Aha, you're right! Master Lu from Fanmu Carpenter's must still have the invoice. He wouldn't be swayed by the likes of Dongsheng. » Bolai exclaimed.
« I hope so. Let's go to Fanmu Carpenter's. It should be near Qingce Village. » Ganyu said. « Thank you for shining a light on this case, Mr. Bolai. »
« Oh, please, please, that's nothing. I just hope you won't be lenient with him once you find the evidence. That's the best way to show your gratitude. » Bolai replied.
« I'm afraid I can't go to Qingce Village... » Huixin sighed.
« It's alright, Huixin. You can stay in Liyue Harbor and finish your work. Leave the rest to us. » Ganyu replied.
« Ah, that's so considerate of you. Still, I'm sorry to trouble you like that. » Huixin thanked her.
Xxxxxxx
After a while the group reached Qingce Village, and went to Master Lu.
« Ah, welcome, welcome. How can an old carpenter like me help you? » Master Lu greeted the group. « I'm usually happy to take new apprentices, but I'm afraid I can't take too many at once. But I'm always around if you're keen for a chat...»
« That would be lovely, but it's not the reason why we came here. » Odette explained.
« Master Lu, we've just come to see you and ask you some questions. » Ganyu added.
« Hahaha... Ah, don't worry, I know — you're from the Yuehai Pavilion, right? » Master Lu laughed. « Why would the Qixing care about an old man like me? Well, whatever. You said that you want to ask me something — ask away, then. »
« Hehehe, you're very direct, Master Lu. I will be plain — we're looking for proof that Dongsheng from Second Life has been evading taxation. » Ganyu explained. « Dongsheng bought some furniture from you at the beginning of the year. Do you still have the invoice or any other record of that transaction? »
« Oh, it's about Second Life. It was a big order, how could I forget? » Master Lu replied.
« Sure enough, Mr. Bolai was right. » Ganyu noted. « Could we perhaps borrow that invoice? We won't have any evidence to bring against Dongsheng otherwise. »
« Of course you can. » Master Lu replied. « But you'll have to wait a bit. »
« What do you mean? » Clara asked.
« I only do my woodwork and display finished wares here at Fanmu Carpenter's. As for old documents and such, I keep them all in a warehouse, west of here. » Master Lu explained. « But some troublemakers have recently moved there, invading my warehouse. I tried to drive them away, but they just wouldn't leave. Thankfully, there was this group of young men and women who decided to teach those rascals a lesson. »
« ….Who where these young men and women? » Carmilla asked, her face pale, knowing who they probably where.
Seconds later, a massive snake tank busted through the door, and emerging from it where Sir Pentious, Angel Dust, Cerri Bomb, Nifty and Husk. « Helloooooooo nursessssssssss~!»
« NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!»
« Oh hey! If it ain't Fatty Horny Rolly Polly who's always Sleepy! » Angel pinched Ganyu's cheek.
« I will kill that fucking crane, on Rex Lapis I swear it…. » Ganyu hissed between her teeth, an angry grin on her face.
« Anyway, we got all your shit, old man. We got to kill Futas, so it's on the house. » Sir Pentious said, as he dropped a huge sack.
Inside of it, sticking out of the sack, was an Invoice From Second Life.
« Excellent! This is what we've been looking for! » Odette exclaimed.
« So what were ya lookin' for? » Angel asked.
« Proofs of tax evasion from Second Life. » Ganyu replied.
« Tax fraud? Heh, that's a crime even I wouldn't commit! » Angel shrugged.
« Well, let's just head back to Huixin, then. » Odette said.
« Wanna a ride? » Cherri asked.
« I…don't see the harm…might as well be a way to keep you lunatics in check…» Ganyu replied.
Xxxxxxx
Eventually, the group returned to Huixin, the snake tank bursting through the building, causing the woman to yelp in pain.
« Sweetmommarockanica, the End Times are upon us! » Huixin exclaimed in a panic.
« Nope. It's just us. » Husk replied, getting out of the tank, followed by the rest of the group, including Ganyu, who begun to vomit profusely.
« Ms. Ganyu! What have they done to you!?» a worried Huixin exclaimed.
« Actually, that's entirely on me. I drank what seemed to be a bottle of water, turns out it was contaminated Spring water. » Ganyu explained.
« We delivered some of these bottles to the Futa harbingers and planted micro cameras inside to record their suffering. Vaggie was the one who hated it the most, and even she orgasmed over the whole scene…» Angel explained.
« Respect. » Ganyu replied.
« So how was your trip to Qingce village? » Huixin asked. « I hope it wasn't too much trouble rushing about like that... »
« I promised to help you and I'll keep my word. Nothing to worry about. » Ganyu replied. « Look, it's the invoice for the transaction between Second Life and Fanmu Carpenter's. We've brought it back. »
« Thank you so much! Now we can solve this problem. » Huixin sighed in relief.
« We must find this Dongsheng creature and commit various acts of torture on its flesh! » Sir Pentious declared. « These Tax Frauders give capitalistic societies a bad name! »
«…That makes…too much sense… » Huixin murmured.
Xxxxxxx
Seconds later, the snake tank busted through one of the walls of Second Life, causing a very surprised Dongsheng to yelp in pain.
« Gah! What the!? What's the meaning of this!?» Dongsheng exclaimed.
« You frauded the taxes! And daddy must punish you for it! » Angel exclaimed, as he and the rest of the demons (with the exception of Carmilla, Clara and Odette) prepared to cause immense pain on the man.
However, before they could strike, the man was gone. «…What? »
It was not long until they notice him jumping off a window and racing towards a parked demonic car, getting inside of it. « YOU'LL NEVER HAVE MY ASS! »
However, as he pressed the accelerator, the car moved nowhere. Obviously, he had forgot the key.
The demons, Huixin and Ganyu just looked at him with a deadpan and confused expression, before Husk tossed Nifty towards the man, the girl proceeding to cutting and slashing at Dongsheng whilst laughing maniacally.
Five minutes later, she was done, much to the horror of Ganyu and Huixin.
The small demon then proceeded towards Ganyu, and painted her face with the blood of the man. « Now you're Fatty Horny Rolly Polly who's always Sleepy and BLOODY! »
In response to this, Ganyu's face was pale and her eyes wide. After a few seconds, she proceeded to break down laughing, before Angel dropped a brick on her head, followed en suite with Huixin.
« W-what just happened? » a confused Ganyu asked.
« Fucker resisted. Had to apply a shitton of force. » Husk lied.
« Well, none the less, Miss Carmilla, if you would be so kind… » Sir Pentious grabbed the corpse and showed it to Carmilla.
« I'm not freezing this corpse, and neither are you. » Carmilla replied in a stern tone.
« Well we can't stuff it into a Mr. Cyclops and we can't turn it into cannibal food, so what are we supposed to do about the bloke? » Husk asked annoyed, before several tentacles grabbed the corpse, and dropped it into a portal.
« Into the hall of eternal torment you go! » it was Alastor, who had came out of nowhere. « It's technically eternal, merely 400 years, but given the fact that one microsecond in that room are the equivalent of 66 billion years in this world, it might as well be! »
The group just looked at the demon in pure terror and madness, before Alastor dropped a brick on each of the member's heads.
« Wait, what just happened? » Angel asked confused.
« Oh, we were merely discussing matters of tax evasions. I also came here to report a case of tax evasion from a certain Mr. Bolai, according to this lovely piece of paper I found in Mr. Dongsheng's attic! Even I wouldn't commit tax fraud! It's such a boring sin, I tell you! » Alastor replied, as he handed over a piece of paper to Ganyu, showing that Bolai had also committed tax fraud.
« And with that, we've proof of tax fraud from both Mr. Bolai and Mr. Dongsheng. Huixin, I do believe you can handle what comes next without the "help" of some psychopaths… » Ganyu turned to Huixin.
« Yes, thank you, Ms. Ganyu! I can take it from here. » Huixin replied.
« Hehe. That's good. » Ganyu giggled.
« I must say, you're truly impressive, Ms. Ganyu. » Huixin sighed. « "Your enemy knows you best." To think — you came up with this plan and executed it so masterfully. »
« Hehe. It's actually one of your father's — the Tianshu's — old tricks. I just took some inspiration from it. » Ganyu replied.
« M—My father! » Huixin exclaimed.
« Pitting your opponent against their enemies and watching them drag each other down from an advantageous position. That's how Uncle Tian managed to keep his position in the Qixing secure for so many years. » Ganyu explained. « I figured that as Uncle Tian's daughter, you'd naturally grasp your father's strategies. So I decided to use one of your father's tricks and play it out for you to see. »
« I can see it now... Clearly, I still have a lot to learn about my father. » Huixin sighed. « I'm really grateful, Ms. Ganyu! Heh, you're the kindest mentor I've ever had! Thank you! »
« You're welcome…» an annoyed Angel grumbled.
« All you did was massacring a man. » Carmilla shot back.
« Who committed tax fraud! » Cherri protested.
« Oh, you've helped me so much. You must... You must allow me to repay your kindness... » Huixin thanked Ganyu.
« Ah, that's not necessary. No need to be so serious. It was nothing, really. » Ganyu replied.
« Then... let me treat you to a meal, hmm? The demons are invited as well. Overabundance of violence aside, I appreciate your help! » Huixin exclaimed.
« Bloody finally, some fucking recognition…» Husk groaned.
« If it's just a meal... there's no reason for me to decline. It'll be my pleasure, Huixin. » Ganyu replied.
« So where's the place? » Angel asked.
« Actually, I've already booked Xinyue Kiosk. I need a moment to prepare everything first. Let's meet there in a while! » Huixin replied.
« Hmm, alright. We dare not refuse such generosity. » Ganyu replied.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the group finally reached Xinyue Kiosk.
« Ms. Ganyu, thank you for accepting my invitation. And as for you demons, your presence is also much appreciated, although mostly for Ms. Carmilla, Clara and Odette, to be honest. »
« Eat a dick. » Angel flipped the girl off.
« That's so kind of you, Huixin. You went to great lengths to organize this. » Ganyu thanked the woman.
« Ha, truth be told... Apart from thanking you for all the help, there's something I'd like to tell you... » Huixin replied.
« Oh? If there's anything I can help you with, just tell me straight away. No need to hesitate. »
« Ah... No, no, I don't really need help. Uh... Could you just listen for a bit? » Huixin requested.
« With pleasure. » was Ganyu response.
« Ha... When I was a little girl, my father used to tell me many stories about you, Ms. Ganyu. Even though I have the utmost respect for my father... » Huixin explained. « I always admired how gentle and reliable you are. I only decided to join the Yuehai Pavilion staff because I've always looked up to you. »
« I didn't know that you think so highly of me. » Ganyu noted surprised.
« However, in reality, working at the Yuehai Pavilion turned out to be an arduous task. » Huixin continued. « I can't compare myself to such an outstanding secretary like you. I often doubt myself as a result... »
« I disagree. You're a great secretary in your own right. » Ganyu replied.
« Aha, thank you. » Huixin thanked the woman. « Over the years, I became a mother, too... »
« Hohohoho! And who might the juvenile be? » Alastor asked cheerfully.
« Influenced by my youthful ideals, she followed my footsteps and came to be a secretary at the Yuehai Pavilion, too. At first, I was worried about her. It's not an easy job, after all. » Huixin explained. « To tell the truth, I'm still unsure if she's capable enough. But after all that happened this time, I've... made up my mind to support her choice. »
« So, what made you change your mind? » Ganyu asked.
« The fact that she'll have you, Ms. Ganyu, as her senior colleague. You'll help her, gentle as always, and tell her, "Your mom used to do it like that." Heh. » Huixin replied. « It'd be such a beautiful moment. If it's not too much to ask for, she might still need your guidance in twenty plus years, too. »
« Huixin... » Ganyu was left speechless. « I... I never thought that I meant so much to you. »
« Heh, just like when you showed me my father's trick. Having you as their "witness" makes people feel at ease. » Huixin replied.
« "Witness"... It's true that I've witnessed thousands of years of Liyue Harbor's history. All the changes it's gone through, the stories of its people... But I've always regarded it as nothing more than the source of my loneliness. » Ganyu noted. « Huixin, you don't know how important those words are to me... You've made me realize that I share another connection with the people of Liyue Harbor, apart from my contract with Rex Lapis. They rely on me, accept me, and long for me to bear witness to their stories. »
« Of course! You're irreplaceable to us! » Huixin replied.
« Ehehe... That's right. That's why I can't disappoint you. » Ganyu giggled.
« Well, guess we dealt with your depression arc or something? » Husk shrugged.
« Worst case scenario, I had some coke for emergencies. » Angel added.
« N O. » Carmilla replied with a stern tone.
« With that said, I do believe that I should explain to the Qixing that I've changed my mind on the matters of my retirement. Now, if you excuse me, I'll go back and see the secretary conditions myself. » Ganyu declared. « I'm afraid that it might've all become a mess during my absence. No time to waste — let's get back to work! »
« Good luck, Ms. Ganyu! » Huixin exclaimed, as she, Carmilla, Clara and Odette left.
« You deal with your issues with manual labour! There's feasting to be having! » Alastor exclaimed.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the four reached the secretaries, one of them having passed out.
« Baishi, are you okay? Did you fall asleep standing up? » Baiwen asked concerned.
« Look... Look who's back! » Baixiao exclaimed, pointing at Ganyu.
« You even have enough time for leisure? It seems you three are a suitable replacement for me after all. » Ganyu joked.
« Not at all! We just... We've been working for too long. If we didn't take a break...» Baiwen replied.
« We wouldn't have survived long enough to see you again, Ms. Ganyu. » Baixiao added.
« Ms. Ganyu, we've missed you... » Baishi added.
« Ehehe. That's so kind of you all, given we've only met once. » Ganyu replied.
« We've been praying day and night for you to return and take over your duties again. » Baiwen replied.
« To us, you're like an adeptus coming down to the human world to save all life. » Baishi added.
« Forget all our envious complaints from before — just free us from this strenuous work, please... » Baixiao begged.
« Alright, alright, I see. Please divide the matters at hand into government affairs, business affairs, and civil affairs. » Ganyu replied. « Mark out the tasks that haven't been started and those that are in progress... I'll take care of the rest. »
« Of course! We'll do it right away! » Baiwen exclaimed.
« Finally... We're saved... » Baishi let out a sigh of relief.
« Ah, yes, there's one more thing. » Ganyu turned to Carmilla, Clara and Odette. « I'd like to earnestly thank you, Ms. Carmilla, Ms. Clara and Ms. Odette. If it weren't for your companionship, I would still be embroiled in my inner conflict right now. »
« It's good that you recovered, that's all that matters. » Clara replied.
« Hehe, to think that I'd gain demon friends outside of work. It makes me happier than I could've imagined. » Ganyu replied. « I'd like to repay you when I'm done with the work at hand. »
« There is no need of that. » Carmilla replied.
Xxxxxxx
Many thanks to Inanna for many of the suggestions for this chapter.
I hope you enjoy this new chapter! Please review so I can know your opinion. I'm willing to accept suggestions for what is going to happen, so stay tuned! Also, remember to like and follow, if you want!
See you to the next update!