Tʜᴇ ᴇsᴄᴏʀᴛ ᴡᴀɴᴛs ᴘᴇᴀᴄᴇ『ᶻʰᵒⁿᵍˡⁱ ˣ ᵐ/ⁿ ˣ ᵗᵃʳᵗᵃᵍˡⁱᵃ』

III

Oᴜᴛ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛᴏᴡɴ

M/n was bored out of his mind at the moment, there wasn't much traffic going through the red light district that evening so everyone was in a state of relaxation; either drinking tea, playing card games among each other or gossiping about current events. It was peaceful until the door flung open and a woman named Ai rushes in and over to M/n with a look of worry on her face.
"M/n! Some strange man is looking for you!"

"Huh?"Ai quickly explained that a few shops stopped her to tell her the information and everyone was worried that the stranger was trying to hurt him. You see, those of the district treat each other like family and often become weary when strangers enter the district looking for someone by name.
"What does the stranger look like?"

"From what I gathered he's very tall, handsome, has brown hair that ends in this amber color, and he looks like a noble. Oh! He also has a Geo vision."

"Oh, hells!"M/n jumps ups, immediately striking out of the brothel, and looks around until he spots the consultant talking to a tea shop owner. The smaller male stomps over and grabs Zhongli's wrist, this startles the tall man quite a bit since the community seemed to be standoffish with him when asking about M/n.
"Are you insane!?"

"Oh here you are, I was–"

"Ugh! You can't just walk into a place like this during broad daylight! What do you think people would say about you, the consultant, coming here?! Why am I even trying, come with me immediately."M/n was very annoyed and it showed on his youthful face. Before M/n walked off, he explained to a few shop owners and friends that Zhongli wasn't there to harm anyone in the brothel. This soothes their worries just enough for the moment.

The taller male stumbles as he was pulled along to the brothel; finding their height difference to be a hassle when being pulled around. Once inside the building, M/n nearly slammed the door shut behind them. Thus drawing attention to himself and Zhongli.
"Madame, I'll be taking this man to the private sitting room to talk. Is that fine with you?"

"Of course darling. I'll have Ai bring refreshments."M/n bows lightly to the head of the brothel then guides the consultant further into the building until they reach a beautiful brown and gold sliding door. The smaller male slides the door open, steps to the side, and lightly downs while thanking Zhongli for joining him.
"No need to be so formal–"

"It's brothel etiquette when inviting someone to sit. Ai will be here in a while so we can speak freely until she brings the drinks."M/n heads in and flops onto the long couch with a satisfying plop, the couch was just as soft as his bed so this made him comfortable. Zhongli takes a seat across from M/n on the other and equally long couch.
"So why did you come looking for me?"

"Ah, I was curious about you and wanted to share tea with you."

"....Do you not fear anything?"M/n huffs still a bit annoyed that the Geo Archon didn't take any of this seriously. M/n then scolds the older man about how he went about looking for him.
"Next time, ask Hu Tao to bring you here if you wish to meet with me. Or if you find yourself within this humble community again, you shouldn't have to worry about the glares. I'll make it known we're acquainted."Just as M/n finishes, Ai walks in with a tray of tea.
"Thank you for waiting esteemed guest, today's tea is Double Milk Oolong Tea. Please enjoy it, sir."

"This is the first I've heard of this kind of tea...Thank you very much miss Ai."Ai giggles and hurries off, at first she was extremely worried about M/n but Zhongli was very gentle and it shows. This washes away any worry that pledges her mind. The two take a sip of the tea and the first thing Zhongli took notice of was how warm and welcoming the tea was.
"Ah, I see why this tea was made."

"You're very smart, anyway what do you wish to speak about?"