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

3 - First Contract

The next day you met Zhongli outside of the Wangsheng funeral parlour. He seemed confused that you were waiting outside for him rather than inside.

"Is the parlour not open?" he inquired as he approached.

"I was hoping to head up the mountain today" you stated.

"Tianheng?"

"Yes"

"Whatever for?"

"Its all part of the investigation process" you waved him off "you don't have to come along, but since we are to work together I thought I would at least give you the option" you started to walk passed him only to be stopped by his hand on you forearm, pulling you back.

He frowned "the mountain is dangerous" he warned "it would be best if you did not go there"

"I may not look like it but I can use a sword" you said, tapping at the simple sword that hung by your hip "since I travel a lot I picked up a few basic bits and pieces in order to survive should I be jumped by monsters. I'll be fine!"

"I apologise, but I must insist you don't go" he continued.

Although it wouldn't be a massive loss to your investigation, it was still something you considered necessary to helping the case. So, although Zhonglis concerned and firm expression was pleading with you to reconsider, you had to fight back against him.

"Okay, well, how about you come with me and keep me safe? I can do what I need to do and you won't have to worry, how's that?"

He released your arm, a bemused smile crossing his features "and if I agree to accompany you and keep you safe, what will you do in return?"

You tapped a finger to your chin in thought before declaring confidently "I will vow to solve this case no matter what!"

Zhongli let out a small chuckle at your bravado before saying "how about you heed my warnings from now on"

"Alright, deal" you grinned as you grabbed at his jacket sleeve starting to pull him off towards the mountain pathway, unaware as to what you had agreed to and to whom you had just made an agreement with.

Zhongli was true to his deal, leading you away from potentials dangers and fending off the few monsters who crossed your path and turned their sights towards you. Finally you reached the top of the mountain overlooking Liyue Harbour.

"What is it exactly you are looking for up here?" Zhongli asked as he stood next to you, surveying the view as you did.

You shrugged "I'm not quite sure, but here is the tallest point near Liyue, so if Rex Lapis was killed by something other than an archon, here is where I imagine it would be possible, I also believe that here would be an ideal location to survey the scene when faking the death"

"Survey?"

"If Rex Lapis's death is faked, and it wasn't by Rex Lapis himself then surely he would have appeared to set the wrong right" you explained "since he hasn't, assuming it is faked, then he would have to be the one he set it up, and what kind of god wouldn't make sure his death scene didn't accidently squish some innocent bystander"

"I see. I imagine it would be very important to Rex Lapis not to cause harm to his people"

"Exactly, so from here, he could ensure that nobody would be seriously hurt when his body fell from the sky, and he wouldn't be seen too" you said "now, I'll just take a closer look. . " you started to move closer to the edge.

"Stop!" Zhongli commanded "don't go any closer to the edge it is dangerous" he cautioned, his tone firm. You hesitated in your step but you looked over your shoulder to assure him you would be fine before continuing. His polearm was suddenly thrust out infront of you, the metal pressing across your waist as you were pulled back.