Gonna live this life as the Heroine Villainess

🪈 👹Chapter 39🏮🐦

"...sorry, do you sell the moon here?"

Y/N giggled. This was the first time she had seen Paimon try to act so dignified. Was she trying to imitate Zhongli? In any case, such a tone didn't fit her character- it just made her seem more silly. Y/N shook her head. No, She thought. This was not the time to let her guard down. She needed to focus- the Jade Chamber is controlled by, arguably, the most powerful person in Liyue- and she has adepti as her trusted personnel. She couldn't afford to mess up here- she wasn't sure what Ganyu's impression of her was during their first meeting, either.

"Y/N? Are you alright?" Y/N turned to Lumine, who stood anxiously on the floating platform as they were slowly raised through the sky. Her hand had a tight grip on Ningguang's gift. Noticing the paleness of her skin and the white of her knuckles, Y/N reached forward to pat Lumine reassuringly on the shoulder. "I'm alright, really. Just brooding. It's not everyday you meet Tianquan." Lumine winced. "Hey, don't worry! You've fought a dragon before, Lumi- this would be a piece of cake. Besides, Ningguang is a nice person, so surely she'll be understanding." Lumine cocked her head. "Really? You talk as if you know her personally, Y/N." Y/N laughed and waved her off, her heart beginning to pound as she looked up to see a few workers looking down at them from the entrance of the palace. "No... not really." Unless you would count the time she spent pouring over character designs and dialogue, she was not acquainted with the woman. Although, Y/N was really impressed by her- it was no easy feat, running a city.

"I've been waiting for you, a returnee from Jueyun Karst." Ningguang stood from her ornate wooden desk. Ningguang sure did work hard, she reminded Y/N of Jean, back in Mondstat- the two women would mostly bond over a shared addiction to work. Y/N glanced at the large pile of scrolls stacked neatly on top and inwardly sent Ningguang prayers of good health and prosperity. She would need it, especially after Y/N caught sight of a letter proposal from Fatui diplomats wishing for increased trade access to Liyue's port. Although, the problem would be taken care of, soon enough. "We've prepared a gift! Hope you like it?" Paimon clasped her hands earnestly as Lumine gave an awkward bow and offered the gift forward. Thankfully, Ningguang looked pleasantly surprised- and Y/N smiled as she noticed the tension leave Lumine's shoulders. "Oh, for me? You have my thanks. It seems that I have made things difficult for you, considering that you were supposed to be my guests." Lumine blushed lightly and shook her head. "Ah, no it's nothing- we're really grateful for your invitation. The Jade Chamber is a really nice place... it's impressive." Ningguang straightened, her eyes gleaming with pride. "I'm glad... that you like it, as well." Y/N stepped forward, and Ningguang's eyes flickered towards her. Amber red met crystal blue.

Y/N smiled, lowering herself in a slight bow before extending her hand to shake. She didn't miss how the Tianquan raised her eyebrow, who was perceptive enough to notice the greeting used by business partners, a general custom in Liyue. "And you are Miss... Y/N, correct?" Y/N nodded. Her intel was better than she had thought- she had only begun using her name for a short while, and yet... "Yes, that's correct. It is a pleasure to meet you, Tianquan. I've heard many good things about you from the citizens of Liyue... so much I feel as if I know you myself." Ningguang gave a wry smile, raising a hand armed with finger guards to her mouth. "I suppose I should be flattered." "You should," Y/N said airily. "For all the work you've done, for Liyue- you deserve it, I think." At that, the calculating look in Ningguang's eyes softened, ever so slightly. Apparently, that was a good answer. Y/N knew that although Ningguang was a businesswoman, she was a kind person at heart- anyone who had so much control over a city and had it's best interests at heart, instead of trying to take advantage of it for themselves- would be. Though she valued monetary successes, being humble and kind was the best way to earn her trust. That, and proving her worth. Y/N raised her arm, and from the sleeve of her hanfu retrieved a short scroll.