Contracts & Conspicuous Characters || Genshin Impact

VII: Item 1 - Noctilucous Jade

A/N: A longer read

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Your group makes its way to the wharf, where small businesses compete against each other for customers. The chatter of the denizens left you yet another bittersweet feeling that reminds you of home.

Zhongli takes notice of this while Paimon and Aether chatter amongst themselves, "Are you alright, Y/N?"

You sigh, "Yes, my bad. Didn't mean to make you worried."

"Whatever it is, it'll be alright."

Your eyes widen at the statement the man made, quickly looking up at him. He merely sends a smile your way, unknowing of the effect he caused. Your lips quiver, trying to find the words to say, only to—

"Welcome to the Jade Mystery, my good friends! Would you like to try your luck betting on jade? This could be your lucky day. It's cheap and it's fun, and who knows, you might just strike it rich!"

Paimon puts a hand on her chin, "Betting? No, no, we're here for... um, what was it again?"

"Noctilucous Jade, of radiant grade at the very least."

The shopkeeper smiles at Zhongli's request, "Radiant grade Noctilucous Jade? I see, you're not a tourist. My apologies." The man, Shitou, showcases the three ores beside him, "I have some here for your perusal."

Noticing that Zhongli avoided your reaction earlier (or might have just dismissed, you're unsure), you make a mental note to question him about it later.

Your group inspects each jade on the display carefully, "What do you think? The Jade Mystery is an old name in the jade business. Just look at that wonderful quality! Rex Lapis doesn't often bless us with such finery. Go on, pick whichever one you like!"

It's hard to check the legitimacy of each jade, and you feel unsure of this man's business handling, "A man who makes his living off of betting stones can't be trusted so lightly."

The Funeral Consultant nods in acknowledgement, "Very good. It seems you have learned some tricks of the trade."

"These three pieces really do look pretty, not like the ones you usually dig up," The fae comments, "But how do we pick? Should we just grab one and go?"

Aether glances at Zhongli, "What do you think, Mr. Zhongli?"

The man in question quirks his eyebrow up, "Oh? You want me to decide?" When you group nods, he gives the shop owner a small smile, "If it were me, the answer would be simple."

Paimon asks in anticipation, "And that would be...?"

"I'll take them all, boss."

You choke on your own spit as the merchant laughs with mirth, "Oh, you act with such panache, good sir! I always knew you were not a man of ordinary caliber!"

The pixie shrieks, "Wait! Wait! Boss, that one didn't count! We need to discuss it again!"

-

You massage your temples, "Mr. Zhongli, with all due respect, what the hell?"

Paimon crosses her arms, "If we only need one for the ritual, aren't we wasting three times the Mora if we buy them all!?"

Aether giggles, "Actually, it's two times more Mora."

Paimon rolls her eyes as Zhongli ponders over her statement, "Oh, Mora. It is as you say. I suppose I overlooked this particular aspect of the transaction."

"Huh! How do you not think about Mora when buying things!?"

The Funeral Consultant chuckles at the fae, "If one must always consider Mora before acting, then in all things one is bound by Mora."