Harbinger of Destruction

Chapter 10:There's a pattern woth the women in one's life

Blade was tapping his fingers against his arm as his arms were crossed, impatience taking over him. He really wishes that Lumine and Paimon would find that bell already so Madame Ping would go back to acting she didn't know him.

He made a mistake. He made a huge mistake.

The reason for which he was always with more people when visiting her back when she was Streetward Rambler and he was just Yingxing was simple. One she finds a weakness, she won't let go of it.

Madame Ping's trasing is a fate worse than death. Blade would consider it a torment worse than Mara.

Blade had now made a vow to himself to ensure that Madame Ping and Columbina never meet. He's not afraid of Columbina getting flustered, but rather that the Damslette would join in the old adeptus's teasing.

Madame Ping:I remember when you were just a little kid wandering around Liyue. You might have been just an orphan, but you weren't gonna beg for anyone's help. You were sure to tell everyone hiw you were gonna become a big name in the Artisan Commision. Ah, so many people bellitled you back then...Ohoho, but you showed them.

Blade:Hmph!

Blade couldn't care less about those people that made fun of him in his younger years. After all, those same people couldn't tell the difference between a Condenssence Crystal and a Noctulilus Jade.

Madame Ping's old eyes bruefly glanced at Blade's sword. A black blade held by a handle meant to be weilded with a single hand despite it's weight, the very Blade he crafted long ago for Jingliu.

The very sword Jingliu left with Blade as they parted wait. It might have been through so much leaving golden cracks on the blade, but it still stayed unbroken...Just like Blade himself.

Madame Ping:Oh, that reminds me. I wouldn't want to depart with an old friend without giving a farewell gift. I had one prepared so long ago, but was unable to give it to you because of the circunstances...A teapot with it's own realm designed just for you.

Blade:I...There's no need.

Madame Ping:Oh?

Blade:I have places to stay and enough money for hotels in such. Even if those aren't disponible, camping is always an option. I have very capable subordinates, they never dissapoint when it comes to setting up camp.

Madame Ping let out a laugh. Falling back on bravado when he comes in a difficult situation, prefering people to see him as arrogant rather than see him embarassed...Classic Yingxing.

Madame Ping:Oh, yes. How could I forget? Even if you're not the Chef Artisan anymore, you're still a very big name now. Haha, my memory is not as sharp as it used to be. Even so, can't you do this forn an olf friend? It'd put my tired old soul at ease. It's not nice to make girls cry, you know?

Blade:Hm...

Another thing Madame Ping and Columbina had in common, they both liked to play unfair. Now that Blade thinks about it, Baiheng was the same.

Blade:...Fine.

Madame Ping:Well, aren't you a polite young man?

Madame Ping stopped, hearing sounds from her teapot. Have they finished so quickly?

Blade:That girl is quite capable...

Madame Ping:Oh, you've found it? Youngsters are so quick on their feet. Now, let me see... How did this opening work again? Oh dear...

Madame Ping meesed a bit with the top of the teapot before she remembered how to procees. Her hand glew golden as she used the adeptal art.

Madame Ping: Alright, that'll do. Come on out now, children.

The top of the teapot glew goldden and a swirl of clouds come out, spatting out Lumine and Paimon. The famous Traveller landed on the ground, taking a bit to regain her balance.

Madame Ping:Ho-ho, in and out in no time...You youngsters really are quick.

Lumine:Are you an adeptus, ma'am?

A very good question let by the girl. If she asked about her being part of the Qixing or Fatui, Blde might have doubted her intelligence.

Madame Ping:An adeptus...I haven't heard anyone say those words in earnest for a long time. As to whether I am one or not, child, surely you already understand?

Paimon: Ugh... Paimon kinda knows what you mean, but is also kinda confused. Are you really giving us the bell just like that Granny? Don't you think it's weird? Something's just happened to Rex Lapis, and then we come running up asking for it...

Madame Ping: Oh, don't be silly. Liyue Harbor has been through a great deal in its history. In that time, it has seen the departure of countless adepti. But no matter what, we have always performed the Rite of Parting first before any other matters.

So many of her old friends hace parted from this world already. It's important to go through the proper ceremony so their memories are celebrated, even if this situation is a bit different.

Madame Ping: To cry "catch the murderer!" at the top of one's lungs, but ignore the Rite of Parting...That, to me, is what is wrong-headed. Now that you have come to borrow the bell, I guess that perhaps an old friend of mine has finally decided to take matters into their own hands.

Madame Ping understood Zhongli's wish of retiring once his duty was over. Although he could have dine so in a less dramatic fashion.

Her eyes glanced over at Blade. She wished this olfd friend of hers would find peace and settle diwn as well, but such a time isn't near anytime soon knowing his turmoil.

If only there was something she could do to stop his torment...When had things become so conplicated?

Madame Ping:So, why would I be unwilling to lend you the bell?

Lumine:What if your friend doesn't return it?

Madame Ping: Oh? Well, if it came to that... Haha, they would find a certain old lady knocking at their door. We haven't met in a while anyway, it would be nice to share a drink and chat.

Blade would pay to see that. Even Zhongli would give anything to escape from one of her "chats".

Madame Ping:Well, you must have things to do. Since you have the bell, you should return. Oh, and, do tell the person who sent you...That if they have time, they can come over for tea. I don't have much to offer, but you can always count on an old lady for a pot of tea.

Paimon: We will! Thanks, granny!