Beyond the Stars

Chapter I: Act II - Farewell, Archaic Lord (Three Poignant Perfumes)

Zhongli took us little flower place and let's just say this visit proved that I have zero knowledge about flowers. I mean I know there are different types of flowers but I didn't know there was more to it... It's hard to explain so for right now just listen into the conversation...

"Hey boss. Do you sell Silk Flowers?" asked Paimon.

"Silk Flowers? We certainly do! Which kind would you like?"

"What kind...? The, uh... good kind. The best kind... Remind Paimon what kinds there are again?" she asked as she faced me.

"Honestly, I'm on the same page as you Paimon." I said.

"Ugh. You ignorant shoppers, always coming in here with your stupid questions..."

"Stupid questions? Wait, are you calling me stupid?" Before I could spout out anything that could potentially ruin our plans and get us in trouble Zhongli intervened.

"Golden House Maiden, Valley Weaver, and Fate's Yearning. One of each to start with, if you don't mind."

"...My goodness! This gentleman is quite the connoisseur! You two must be his servants. Please refrain from any further attempts to contribute."

"Well, I guess I had that coming... Wait... You don't even recognize me!?"

I remember talking to this guy before the Rite of Descension. It hasn't been that long.

"I'm sorry? Ah, yes... We've met before, haven't we? Traveler, I shouldn't have spoken to you in that tone." Now that's more like it. "Now then... Please peruse at your leisure. Do let me know if you have any further thoughts."

"Silk Flowers exhibit different properties based on how their environmental conditions differ from their ancestral habitat... Nevertheless, these are fine specimens. Excellently preserved. Just look at the abundant foliage here. And these stamens, glamorous as a maiden of the Golden House. This strain is evergreen, and mostly grows under complex hydrological conditions. By contrast, this variety thrives in any dark, damp location, often in large clusters. Morphologically, it is distinguished by the profusion of petals and densely packed stamens, though its powerful scent gives it away just as easily. Lastly, this strain is quite the recluse. Unlike its exuberant cousins, flowers and foliage are minimal, and when in season, it has a subtle yet enduring scent. It was first discovered by the ancients when they scaled the mountains in search of the adepti. Silk Flowers have all but disappeared from the wild today, due to geographical changes over Liyue's history. Most are grown by horticulturalists."

To be fair all I heard was blah, blah, blah. That was way too much information for me to take in. 

"Wow. A true connoisseur. Most of that was new even to me!" At least the merchant was on board with us... I think...

"I possess but a smattering of trivial knowledge. My traveler friend is the one to watch - they are on track to set foot in every corner of the world." said Zhongli.

"I'm still an ignoramus on horticulture." I mumbled.

"Mr. Zhongli, you're way too humble... So which Silk Flower did you want, anyway?" asked Paimon.

"I'll take them all, boss." Here we go again.

"...Again!?" said Paimon.

"How can I put this... When purchasing opera tickets, it is natural to decide based on which singer has the most melodious voice. The same logic applies when purchasing a pet bird. But this Silk Flower purchase is not an analogous case. The same logic does not apply. Perhaps you don't know. Tradition states that we should decoct perfume from different sub-species of Silk Flowers when making an offering to a Statue of The Seven. Rex Lapis will make his own choice between the scents. Like several other tedious and complicated traditions, this one has become simplified over time. But this is the Rite of Parting to take place for one of The Seven in three thousand seven hundred years. As such, I do think we should honor tradition down to the last detail in this case."