Freedom (Jean x oc) A Genshin Impact Fanfic *Completed*

Chapter 22

Hu Tao was exuberant as the fireworks that ignited atop the skies of the Lantern Rite. The friendly jane looked harmless when she didn't hold a polearm near Amell's throat. 

"You put on that display of violence as a warm welcome?" Amell deemed Liyueans were terrifying with first impressions. What even was their meet-and-greet? It was elaborately fierce. Nothing like the books he'd read back in headquarters. New things just popped up day by day. 

The three of them were in the living room where porcelain vases and Liyuean crafts were displayed in a brilliant and shimmering splendor. Amell could've sworn nothing here would be dirtied even if no one maintained their polish.

"New faces means new resources. I'm sure you wouldn't know but one individual has a powerful effect over the economy. It's nuts and impulsively invites greed~" Hu Tao replied.

Jean Gunnhildr wasn't sure how to handle the situation but invited the young girl over for a cup of tea since they were staying for the night. They'd spent half an hour that way discussing and just getting to know who the mysterious girl was. 

"Was it rude of me to point a spear right at your face? Conceivably-"

"No, it was actually kind of you to do that," Amell said with crossed arms.

"Your body language says otherwise. Don't fret, I wasn't aiming for vital organs. That would leave a bad image in the establishment I work in," Hu Tao twirled her a strand of her hair, making the fakest sad expression. "My consultant would be disappointed if I'd killed my clients instead of life naturally taking away their hopes and dreams to the grave."

Her humor was vexing and jet-black. If she weren't so jolly, her statement would've been misunderstood. 

When they'd finished drinking tea, Hu Tao acted as if she was the owner of the house, monologuing to every piece of furniture as if it was made by legendary craftsmen. Amell found it silly but Jean found it educational. While young, the girl had an astonishing sense of vocabulary. 

"It is an absurd question but you surely must know who Rex Lapis is, correct?"

Jean immediately injected herself into the conversation. "That would be the Geo Archon, yes?"

Amell was a little intrigued.

"Being a funeral parlor director, I wish he'd retained his battle-crazy tendencies to this day so that our business would be more prominent. Sadly, he's from long ago in a land full of deceased and powerful gods," Hu Tao chuckled. 

"What does any of that have to do with a simple stone table that could've been made by anyone?" 

"Oh but you see, Rex Lapis introduced everything to our ancestors. From grass to rock and even water. Historians would preferably discuss over his strong points but Rex Lapis was multifarious. He didn't just wage wars, after all. This stone is made from volcanic rock and that itself speaks volumes as it's discovered in most islands. While some random man indeed made this, it is all Rex Lapis' teachings that influenced this structure," Hu Tao said. "Wrath of the Rock, I suppose. Teehee~"

"Really?" Amell bent down, looking over the intricate details of the table.

"Just as Rex Lapis left a mark, he also left the people he cared for to fend for themselves. But that doesn't mean the people will forget his contributions. As time passes, perhaps his legacy might be buried eventually yet our time won't allow that to happen."

"Are you even a funeral parlor director?" Amell asked.

"Hehe~ My personal undertaker believes I am pivotal to the role. Just the drawls of those informed."