Heart of Stone (Xiaolumi) Genshin FF

四

"I'm so glad to hear you've accepted my proposition," Ningguang smiled as she led the way to her office, her assistants trailing behind her. Paimon shrugged, "Yeah, well, we kinda need to go to Inazuma anyway and didn't really have any other concrete plan on how to get there."

"So, it's a win-win situation for us both. One of the more useful kinds of transactions, no?" She sat down and smoothly crossed one leg over the other, the slit of her dress revealing her thigh and the tattoo etched onto it. She always emanated an intimidating yet respectful aura about her. Sometimes, when you thought about the many people you now knew, remembering that you were friends with her always left you in awe.

"I'd previously procured a way to get you there, but I've also heard that you've come across other means." Her smirk and emphasis made you blush. "Yeah... Xiao will teleport us."

"And how ever did you manage to have Liyue's very own vigilant yaksha agree to that?"

Paimon put her chubby hands on her hips and scoffed, "You know how! With her feminine wiles!" She also teased, making all the women in the room laugh except you. "Paimon!" You uttered while smacking her hand. "Oh, Paimon, you're so funny. Maybe I should get my own floating companion." "You should! But Paimon's off-limits!" To further highlight her words she flew behind you and rested her hands on your shoulders. You rolled your eyes and sighed before continuing, "I simply asked him and he agreed. I didn't do anything else." You said sternly, whipping your head around to look at Paimon.

"Either way, I know I can rest easy with you on this case. Thank you again, Traveler." Ningguang picked up a pen and Paimon eagerly said, "You can just call her Lumine, you know." "Yeah," you agreed as you motioned to the Tianquan, "we call you Ningguang. It's only fair." "Do you not also address her as Traveler?" Ningguang made a point to Paimon, who scratched her head sheepishly. "Yeah but... Paimon gets a pass!" "Hmm, if you say so. But you are traveling, so you are a Traveler. If it makes you more comfortable though, I shall address you as Lumine." She smiled gently and signed the paper below her before whirling it around and placing the pen next to it neatly.

"Now, Lumine, would you please sign this contract?"

——————-

Master, Xiao thought quietly as he meditated atop Wangshu Inn, I humbly request a moment of your time.

Of course, Xiao Zhongli immediately responded.

Where may I meet with you?

There is no need to trouble yourself. I shall come to you. Zhongli dismissed, and Xiao waited until said man arrived, ascending the stairs leisurely and then stopping right as Xiao appeared before him, bowing. He should have done this first, asking Zhongli to take you to Inazuma. But when you'd mentioned you were going and stated you may have to get there by boat, he instantly offered his aid instead so you wouldn't have to traverse such dangerous waters. However, his words would all be for naught if Zhongli does not approve.

Seeing Xiao bow before him was nothing new, but it was a rare sight and one that always made Zhongli steel himself for the worst. "What troubles you?" He asked quietly, walking closer still to properly look into the young adeptus' golden eyes. Xiao gazed across the wooden banister of the inn for a few moments before addressing Zhongli. "I... have a request."

Zhongli stood in silence waiting for the man to continue, but when he didn't he realized he needed to speak to give Xiao the push he needed. He already had an inkling as to what the request would be about - or who, rather.

"Lu - The Traveler," he corrected himself, finally mustering up the strength to look upwards. "The Tianquan has requested she visit Inazuma to strike a deal on her behalf with the Raiden Shogun."