To Solve a Case, to Forge a Contract - Genshin Impact Zhongli X Reader

Prologue

The death of Rex Lapis came as more than just a shock to the people of Liyue, but as an earth shattering event that left those people in a swell of panic and fear. What could have killed the great Morax, the God of Geo? and what did his death mean for them and their precious city of commerce?

Thats why you were called. Since your unintended arrival in the world of Teyvat you turned your focus towards employable skills, hoping to at least make your time in this world easier . . . and sleeping in the wild wasn't an option you wished to continue after a run in with a very angry wild boar. So, instead of spending time on swordsmanship or adventuring, your skills in problem solving lead you down the path of investigation and crime solving.

And so, your name spread to almost every corner of Teyvat, hailing you as one of the greatests detectives in the lands. You had been brought in by the Milileth, the scholars in Sumeru, archeologists, and had even collaborated with members of the knights of Favounius to assist in solving issues that seemed to escape their reach.

You were summoned to the city of Liyue within hours of the incident occuring. You could only assume the worst as the Milileth made sure you were taken straight to the funeral parlour, barely having time to see the state of the city and its people; though you could feel the heavy sense of misery that hung over the harbour and you knew before you heard the news that whatever you were about to investigate would be your hardest, and most cathartic, case yet.

"Ah you're here!" Hu Tao greeted, the female grabbing your hand and dragging you deeper into the Wangsheng funeral parlor.

She ushered you into a dark coloured room that appeared to proceed the morgue where the body of the Geo god was being held while the Qixing ran around behind the scenes trying to perform damage control as well as plan their next moves and find the culprit. A tall man was already waiting in the room as you were dragged in, being made to stand next to the curious gentleman who nodded his head to you as a form of greeting, but also as a nod of sympathy at Hu Taos over zealous treatment.

"You two will be working together" she announced "Mr Zhongli here is our consultant, he is very knowledgable on the Geo god and of Liyue so his knowledge will be invaluable to you, and this is-"

"I am aware of who they are, thank you Hu Tao" Zhongli interrupted, extending his hand out to you "I am familiar with your endevours. A pleasure to meet you"

You took his gloved hand, exchanging a polite handshake "nice to meet you, too, Mr Zhongli" you smiled awakwardly. He simply smiled before you both returned your attention to Hu Tao.

She looked a little stressed out, something that was very unusal for the overly positive director, though this was a rather terrifying death "please take your time, if you need anything don't hesitate to let myself or one of the parlour associates know. We have strict orders from the Qixing to provide anything and everything that may assist your investigations"

"I appreciate it, thank you" you smiled.

Hu Tao clapped her hands together "well I will leave you both to it, I must attend to other parlour matters up in Wuwang hill" with that she had dashed off, leaving the two of you to enter the room containing Rex Lapis at your own leisure.

"So, how much do you know of the event?" you asked, turning to Zhongli.

"It was the rite of descension, are you aware?" you nodded, having heard of the rite of descension from a Milileth you had assisted with a robbery a few months ago "everything was set to happen as planned and then, the body of Rex Lapis crashed to the ground and panic ensued. Those in attendance were cordoned in and questioned but no suspicious persons were indentified, almost immediently after the body was moved out of public eye and myself, and yourself, were called here. Shall we?" he guestured towards the door.

You nodded, following him as he pushed the door open, allowing you to enter first as he followed behind.

In the centre of the room lay Rex Lapis body, elegantly curled in the centre of room. The sight was unnerving and unworldly, seeing an archon -albeit a deceased one- this close was a new experience for you. The sheer size of the archon leading you to wonder who or what could possibly have managed to take down the powerful geo god.

"Where do you wish to begin?"