The Liuli Pavilion, a long-established restaurant in Liyue Harbor, represents one of Liyue's two great cuisines, "Li-style", which specializes in mountain delicacies.
Its counterpart is Xinyue Kiosk, equally renowned, specializing in seafood, representing the other major cuisine, "Yue-style."
These two "old brands" dominate half the culinary world of Liyue, beloved by countless gourmets. Their fame has even spread overseas, drawing streams of travelers each year who make it a point to dine in these establishments.
At this moment, in Liuli Pavilion, a guest from Snezhnaya was hosting a banquet.
"I didn't expect Mr. Zhongli's circle of friends to be so wide, that even someone as distinguished as Mr. Richard would be invited." Tartaglia smiled happily at the arrival of Richard and Hu Tao.
This was pure joy, without malice. Even though he knew Richard might be a rival for the Geo Archon's Gnosis, and that his colleague Signora had recently lost to him in the struggle for the Anemo Gnosis, Tartaglia felt no fear.
He was born a warrior. His arrogance and pride stemmed from countless battles. Thus, even when facing Richard, whose reputation echoed throughout the Fatui, he felt no hesitation or dread.
On the contrary, he was excited.
Back when he was still grinding through the Fatui's lower ranks, he had already heard tales of the man before him. Unfortunately, by the time his father sent him into the Fatui military, Richard had long left. Even after rising to Harbinger, they had never crossed paths until now.
And so, fate had granted his wish.
Even if Tartaglia disdained Signora's methods, he acknowledged her strength. But this man had crushed her effortlessly. Just imagining it made battle lust stir within him.
"You flatter me, Childe. I'm hardly a great figure, merely a humble vessel of Fontaine's society, carrying the fruits of Lady Furina's careful deliberations." Richard's words drew a sharp look from Zhongli.
His glance was clear: 'There you go, spouting nonsense again.'
From what Zhongli knew, Richard indeed "carried" Furina's fruits of thought, but only because he had first emptied her authority, then "planted and harvested" them like a farmer selecting seeds.
"Just call me Tartaglia. To meet you before I depart is my good fortune. Order whatever you like, it's all on me. You too, Master Hu, don't be polite." Childe's tone was bold, as though he weren't paying out of pocket.
…In truth, he wasn't. The bill would be sent to the Northland Bank for reimbursement.
A classic case of dining on public funds.
"It seems you've already found what you seek?" Zhongli asked with a smile.
"Yes, and I have you to thank, Mr. Zhongli," Tartaglia replied.
"Payment accepted, trouble resolved. Our contract is fulfilled," said Zhongli.
"Though the contract ends, I still hope we remain friends. Next time we meet… our stances may be different."
Tartaglia knew what he was about to do meant standing against all of Liyue. Zhongli, as a Liyue native, would naturally be his opponent. Whether they could drink together again as now was uncertain.
But Tartaglia also knew Zhongli was not as simple as he seemed, and being Richard's friend meant his life likely wouldn't be in danger.
Thinking this, his hesitation vanished. The moment the time was right, he would act.
Zhongli sipped tea, unruffled. He understood Tartaglia's resolve well. Just as Richard "selected and guided" Furina's thoughts, Zhongli had subtly guided Tartaglia to his own chosen path.
Meanwhile, Richard, though new to Liyue, could tell that this young Harbinger was being played like a fiddle.
Sold off, and happily paying for it.
"Though I don't fully follow what's going on, it sounds like good news. Mm, Richard, you've lived long; have you tried this dish? How is it?" Hu Tao pushed the menu over, eyes bright with curiosity.
For her, food was the real priority. Deals, gnoses, Fatui schemes, none of that mattered.
"Some impression… but it was long ago. The taste is a bit blurred." Richard glanced at the menu. Some dishes were old, others new.
"Then let's order them all! Rare chance, must eat to our hearts' content." Childe waved boldly, ordering all the signature dishes.
Hu Tao gave him a thumbs-up. "Big spender!"
Childe chuckled. "No no, you're too polite. Like Mr. Zhongli, never hesitates when ordering. That's the way to be."
After a luxurious feast, Tartaglia departed first, firm in his resolve. Richard too prepared to leave, his goals here were complete.
"Not staying longer? Surely it's been a while since you came to Liyue," Zhongli asked.
"Most of my old friends are gone. The few who remain… aren't so easy to see. And after what happened at the Rite of Descension, it's no time for leisure. Besides, I only took a short leave."
"You're leaving already?" Hu Tao asked in surprise.
"Yes. But Hu Tao, if you come to Fontaine, let me know in advance. I'll host you with fine tea."
"Deal! Once Wangsheng's Rite of Parting is over, I'll take a real break and visit. You better keep your word!"
For Hu Tao, parting wasn't sorrow, it was a promise of reunion.
As Richard stepped out of the private room, Hu Tao and Zhongli followed to see him off. Opening the door, they found a young woman in dark red traditional Liyue attire bowing politely.
"Honorable Mr. Richard, Lady Ningguang requests your presence."
Zhongli smiled slightly, tone teasing. "Perhaps it's worth staying longer. A meeting with an old friend, after all."
Richard shot him a glare, this old man just enjoyed watching the show. Still, at the mention of Ningguang, memories stirred, and with a sigh he said, "Lead the way."
An invitation from an old friend could not be declined.
The secretary introduced herself as Baiwen, tasked with intelligence gathering. She studied Richard keenly, the man Ningguang had spoken of so often, the one who had once made her smile at just a photograph.
Escorted through Liyue Harbor, they rose on a floating platform, borne by adeptal mechanisms, until the land below shrank to miniature. Their destination: the Jade Chamber, residence of the Tianquan.
And there, in elegant finery of white and gold, stood Ningguang, waiting in the dusk chill to greet him herself.
A vision of grace, wealth, and power, yet behind her poise lay something deeper.
"It's been a long time. How should I call you now? Richard… or simply 'Mister'?"
Her words carried him back to the day they first met, when she was just a struggling merchant, desperate and cornered, and he, a passerby with sharp eyes, had extended a hand.
From that moment, fate had turned. The girl who once despaired over unsold wares had become Liyue's most dazzling star.
And for Ningguang, Richard was not just a mentor, or a partner, he was something more.
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
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