Raiden Makoto sat by a meditation rock overlooking the Inzuman waters that swayed gently on the horizon. Sakura petals swirled all around her with grace, their movement slow as if lamenting at her behest, preparing for her departure. She turned her purple eyes towards the gentle creature that had been closer than a friend, one that shared her innermost joy and sadness all the same. As the Almighty Shogun, Makoto could not afford to share everything in her mind and heart fully to everyone, including her own twin sister.

She had her sister and she loved her more than her own life, but Ei still had a long way to go to fully understand and accept her version of eternity. In this, the twin sisters did not see eye to eye.

The gentle woman stretched out her graceful index finger at the little finch, her true friend, and let the small creature with white and black fur perched on top of it.

"Let us make a contract, you and me," Makoto said to the finch, looking into its tiny gray eyes, "For tomorrow at first light, I ride to Khaenriah, and I may never return as I am."

"..."

"I am afraid my time is nigh. After all, rocks would eventually turn to dust. Nothing in the physical plane is truly eternal. Even for gods, there is an end to everything."

"..."

A quiet chuckle escaped the goddess. "Oh? So you remember? Worry not. I am not one to back down from a promise. Hence, I am here to propose said contract, to bind that promise, so that you may act on my behalf and fulfill the promise and the dream we have together."

"..."

Another chuckle escaped Raiden Makoto as she heard the finch sang, "What about Ei? Do not worry for her. It is a lonely path my sister must take. I am sad and a litte fearful knowing what awaits me tomorrow, but even before the moment I made you immortal, my little friend, you know that she is a better leader than I could ever be."

"..."

Sadness descended on Makoto's expression. "Hana... Don't say that." the edge of her lips turned down, "There is no single bad bones within you, and all your life you have followed where I go. But none can follow the path which I must walk alone."

The finch visibly hung her head, her chirping reduced to something akin to a whimper then to a silence. Makoto gently stroke the fur of her friend with affection.

"Do you remember what I said two years ago at Mount Yogou, when we were both watching the sunset together?"

"..."

Makoto smiled gently, her purple eyes gazed at the small bird on her index finger, "Back then, I told you that once the war is over, and Inazuma is allowed to thrive once more, I will find a way to convince Ei to let me step down from the shogunate so I can try that life of a human, and that I would take you with me," she shook her head, "I have not forgotton my word."

***

"Try your luck betting on jade?"

"I just want to make people smile."

A woman walked down the streets of Liyue Harbor, taking in the lively atmosphere of the foreign city. Her attire was that of an Inzuman kimono in the color of gray and white that was fastened with a black belt, highlighting the womanly curve of her hips. Despite the short length skirt of her kimono, she wore a pair of black tights that was complimented by a simple, slim dark boots to cover up her form. A sakura hairpin fastened to the side of her head, the light pink color contrasting her raven black hair that was tied loosely behind the small of her back.

"...Discount for your future investment! Grab it now! Buy one get one, tax included!"

The word 'discount' and 'investment' put together in one sentence quickly perked up her attention. She deviated from her stroll and turned her chin up to read the sign of the establishment.

Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

She stood in deep thought. Funeral... Discounts?

She didn't have long to ponder the strange correlation between the two, since a young girl with flowery eyes, and an unsettling grin bounced towards her, handing her a phamplet as she stopped and stand before her.

"Hello, miss! Ah, I see the lost look in your eyes. Let me guess, there's a death in the family?" the girl asked with a cheerfulness that even to the ignorant Inazuman woman, was a little bit out of place, considering the nature of the topic.

She shook her head. "No. No one died."

"Not yet anyway," the young girl said with a huge grin before continuing, "But I see, no problem. Still, have you considered investing to your next life? After all, us mortals, we are all heading to the same destination. You are young and seem to be in a prime condition, but think about this, aside from death due to old age, there are many factors even the wise unable to see beforehand, such as in the event of an untimely death due to accidents, battle, sickness...?"

The woman with the raven hair listened patiently despite the boundless energy in which the young girl advertise the normally somber kind of business she so called 'future investment'. Seeing that her potential client didn't shy away from her, only fueling the young girl's passion to speak even more.

"...Do you know that according to reasearch, there is a 13% increase of mortality rate this year from the group age of 30-40?"

The Inazuman woman read the phamplet as she pondered the fact bit that the girl mentioned, "Is that so?"

"Ohh yesss..." the young girl giggled to herself in excitement, her eyes glinting, "But worry not! This is what Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is established for. To pave the way for the passing to the next live in the smoothest way possible! If you'd like to hear more, please let me," she cleared her throat and straightened up, "...Director Hu Tao of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor- at your service- to give you the honor of introducing the package we have for your future investment!"

The woman nodded at what seemed to be a sound advice from the young director and followed her inside the building and into an office. Once inside the traditional yet neat looking office space, her nose caught a whiff of something beautiful as she sat, one that reminded her of the scent of the falling sakura petal back in Inazuma, only it was bolder and more potent than sakura. Her gray eyes finally landed on a contraption at the side table at the edge of the office, one that released vapor that smelled just like what she was smelling.

"Zhongli!! Zhongliiiiii come and meet our new customer!"

Her head tilted a bit as she kept her attention to the vapor that rose from the small contraption that seemed to have a burner underneath it. It was fascinating how a small thing could disperse such a beautiful green aroma on its own. How it tickled her senses and sent her mind at ease.

"Miss? Misss? Hellooooo...?"

Too fascinated she was with the aromatherapy difusser (which name she would learn in the future), that she failed to realize that a tall man dressed immaculately in the hue of black, brown and gold linings had joined them and currently taking his seat next to the young director across the desk where she sat.

"Pardon me," she apologized, "I have a bad habit of getting lost in thought."

Hu Tao chuckled and nodded good naturedly. "No problem. I can't say I never done that myself, and Mr. Zhongli here is definitely guilty of the same charge way too many times, considering how nostalgic he is-"

The tall man cleared his throat, as if to put  rein to Hu Tao's ranting. "My name is Zhongli, Consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. I heard from Director Hu Tao that you wish to see the funeral package that we have on offer?"

The woman nodded. "Correct."

Both Zhongli and Hu Tao took turns to explain about the various funeral package, and the woman listened with an intent to learn the ways of the humans- or at least, their death. With how much the director mentioned the necessity of preparing for one's death beforehand, and backed out with real life example of what the lack of preparation might entail to, the Inzuman woman began to actually weigh her choice of funeral packages available against how much mora she had currently possessed and might make in the future.

"...We can also import any necessary materials from any nations in Teyvat, if you wish to have a customized funeral so you can part this world with something from home to remember by," Hu Tao offered with a  confident grin.

She saw the consultant eyed the director with an almost scolding look, before turning his amber eyes to the woman who sat there listening without a change on her neutral expression. That was not unusual for Zhongli; he knew normally people may look horrified at what the director suggested with her unfiltered words, but he had also seen many people with souls drowned too deep in their grieve, so much that they became numb, even to Hu Tao's lack of sensitivity.

"Forgive me, Miss...?"

"...Hana."

"Miss Hana," he said her name, making her look at him more, "Please forgive the bluntness of Director Hu Tao," he eyed Hu Tao again, who just smiled at him with her glinting flowery eyes, "...But before we proceed, may I ask, do you have an elderly or any sick family member in your family?"

"No," Hana shook her head.

"So might I know who you are taking your time inquiring about our funeral packages?" asked the consultant.

"Just for me."

If Zhongli looked surprised at her answer, his stony expression didn't give it away.

"Forgive me for asking... But you are young, and seem healthy as far as I can see."

"I am healthy, Mr. Zhongli," confirmed Hana, turning her eyes to Hu Tao, "Before you joined us, Director Hu Tao already explained some of the benefits of preparing for one's death before hand. I think it is a sound advice."

Hu Tao suddenly hit Zhongli's arm with excitement, but the man stayed unmoved and only looked at her wearily, "You see, old man, I told you people would eventually see my vision! Take Miss Hana over here! What an astute customer you are, and Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is happy to cater to your needs!"

During her existence, usually people would look sullen and wilted when being faced with the topic of death. But seeing the director talked about it with such bubbly energy was very refreshing and unusual.

So unusal that it made Hana smile a little for the first time since she arrived at Liyue Harbor.

Her smile, though small and brief, caught Zhongli's attention for a second.

After letting her choose the package for her own funeral, Hu Tao then had Zhongli produced a formal contract and let the consultant read the key clauses for their new customer.

"...Do you accept the condition stated within the contract?" asked Zhongli with his sharp eyes at the end of his legal reading.

Hana nodded, her expression empty of any emotions. "Proceed."

No one saw it, but Zhongli was taken aback at the way she gave her confirmation. The Archon mulled over the idea in his head that this was probably Raiden Shogun, posing as a commoner, but except the regality and elegance in her mannerism, and her near impassivity, Hana did not bore any elemental traces around her, even from a Vision. For a Goddess of Thunder, even under disguise, Zhongli would've been able to detect the remaining power in her aura, no matter how well concealed.

"Very well. Please sign here, Miss Hana. Director Hu Tao, please sign at the indicated space next to Miss Hana's signature."

"..."

"..."

"...Thank you for trusting your future with the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!"

Hana stepped outside the building of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to find that it was raining.

She watched as the many people of Liyue began to run towards the cover of shade. Merchants did all they could to quickly cover their wares to make sure they don't get wet, but a group of children happily hopped into the rain and jumped in the puddles.

Seeing their joyful expressions made Hana smile. She too, stepped under the rain and looked up to the gray sky. The humans did not know how lucky they are to live as humans. How many beings coveted just to live as they do, no matter how brief a lifetime may have.

Hana closed her eyes as she felt the gentle droplets of rain falling to her face. It made her feel a lot of sensastions on her new body all at once: Refreshed. Relieve. Cold.

A shadow appeared behind her closed eyes, and rain stopped falling on her skin. When she opened her lids, she was met with a black umbrella, hold by a gloved arm which belonged to man with familiar piercing amber eyes.

"Mr. Zhongli."

"Miss Hana," he greeted politely, his eyes warm, though his expression is neutral, "I fear you would catch a cold if you stand too long under the rain. I see that you bring no umbrella with you, but we can share mine and I can walk you towards your destination," he offered.

"Will it not trouble you?"

"Not at all, it will be my pleasure," he smiled a little, "Where do you headed?"

"To be honest... I don't know yet. My plan was to resume my stroll into the city to get myself better acquaintaned with it."

"I bid you welcome to Liyue Harbor then. As a citizen that knows Liyue Harbor, how about I accompany you on your stroll? I can offer pointers for you to get around the city."

"That is much appreciated, Mr. Zhongli," beamed Hana, and Zhongli could not help but smile with her.

"Again, it is my pleasure." His intense amber eyes noted the way the woman began to shiver due to being exposed to the element, "I know a place where we can chat over some tea. It will warm you up while we wait for the rain to stop."

***

To say that the mortal sitting before him intrigued him would be an understatement for the millenium.

Zhongli blew at the surface of this tea cup, gently inhaling the aroma of the freshly brewed tea before taking at sip on it, his eyes quietly watching her every move.

Hana inhaled the herbal, warm, slightly earthy scent of her tea before carefully taking a sip from her steaming cup. She had expected it to taste bitter like the one she had in Inazuma, but this one was not. It had a hint of something sweet, leaving a fragrant yet fresh aftertaste in her mouth.

"Since this was your first time in Liyue, I took the liberty of ordering us traditional Liyuean Tea that most homes serve daily. What do you think?" inquired Zhongli.

"It's unexpected," Hana replied as she took another sip, holding it in her tongue for a bit as she closed her eyes, savoring the taste before letting the nectar down her throat, "There is a herbal feel to it, but it is sweet. It is exotic to me."

Zhongli smiled. "I am glad to hear that, although, what you have is actually a classic tea brewed from tea leaves that can be found all over Liyue."

"Is that so?" Zhongli nodded. Hana continued, "Mr. Zhongli, what can you tell me about this tea? You said that this kind of tea is common for the people of Liyue."

"Please, just Zhongli is fine."

"Understood. You may as well call me Hana."

"Very well, Hana. These kind of tea leaves are usually grown at the higher altitude, so you might not see them around Liyue Harbor. One of the highest quality of tea leaves however, can be found in Chenyu Vale..."

Hana found herself sucked into Zhongli's voice and his way with words. Even while just mentioning an interesting facts about Liyue tea leaves, it felt as if he was telling her a story which grabbed her attention in the same way that Inazuman short stories grabbed hers. The more they talked, the more Hana realized that Zhongli was quite knowledgable in many things despite his seemingly quiet and calm mannerism.

Hana thought that he was the first human whose voice enraptured her.

Zhongli paused his storytelling and took a sip of his tea. "Forgive me. I have a bad habit of going on and on on a certain topic once started."

Hana smiled- it surprised her that she learned to smile so much in one day. "I don't mind. You are very knowledgeable in seemingly many things. The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is truly lucky to have your service."

"You are too kind," he said with a neutral expression, not a single hint of pride taken by the compliment.

Maybe he heard that a lot.

Zhongli refilled her teacup for her. "So you hailed from Inazuma? When did you arrive?"

"This is my third day in the city."

"I see. If I may ask, do you come here for work or visiting relatives?"

"Neither. I left Inazuma a little after the Sakoku Decree was lifted by the Shogun. Experiencing... life, at another nation had been one of my dreams," Hana answered carefully.

Zhongli nodded, his gaze casual yet attentive, despite the fact that he was watching her, "And Liyue is your final destination?"

"It would seem so, though I would like to visit Mondstadt, Sumeru and Fontaine too, if given the chance."

"Why don't you?"

"Well, I spent quite a fortune to come to Liyue Harbor. After all, I can't make those journeys alone, and a guide fee for an all out journey across Teyvat would not be cheap. I plan to settle down here, figure out what I want to do next before planning anything else."

"A guide?"

"Yes. I needed a guide because I can't fight to defend myself, should the need arise on the road," Hana replied.

"Any basic fighting skills?"

Hana shook her head.

Zhongli watched her expression closely, a frown started to form on her forehead. "Do you think I should at least learn the basic fighting skills?"

"In my opinion, that would be wise, for your protection. Liyue Harbor is pretty safe, with Milleleth soldiers patrolling the city and the border, but beyond that, some areas are more dangerous for mortals than others."

Something inside Hana wilted at the revelation.

"Really?"

Her voice sounded so small and disappointed, and the light in her eyes seemed to fade a bit. Seeing the gentle woman looking so disappointed at a thing he just said made him want nothing but rectify his words earlier, despite the truths in them.

"I seem to have put a damper on your mood," Zhongli said with a gentler voice, his tone apologetic.

"Ah...No matter. Could you tell me which areas you said could be dangerous?" asked Hana as she pulled a folded map from the pocket of her kimono and laid it on the tea table.

Zhongli leaned closer and marked the areas which he suggest was highly dangerous for mortals, like Mt. Aocang and the neighboring areas.

After telling him of her plan on opening a flower shop business, Zhongli helpfully told her about the Adventurer's Guild where she could post commissions so she didn't have to risk going at it on her own.

"If need be, I can be of help getting you what you need too."

Hana thanked him then, though she thought that actually asking that kind of favor from him would trouble him too much.

Zhongli proved to be the best guide she could have gotten around Liyue. After the rain ended, he continued to accomoany her for a stroll around the city, letting her know of various important places such as the markets, the pharmacy, Adventurer's Guild, best food in town and so on.

If the God of Contract was still alive, she would most likely believe that it was his blessing that made her day so smoothly that she was met with a kind gentleman with abundant knowledge she needed to know to adjust to Liyue.

He seemed to be very popular too, Hana noticed, since almost every place they went to, he often bumped into people who knew his name and regarded him with kindness and respect just as he regarded the others.

While Zhongli was excusing himself a moment to greet a client, Hana busied herself by making her way to a huge hall, one with an huge offering placed in the middle. There was only one person there. She studied him as he muttered a prayer. The name Rex Lapis could be heard from him.

Hana looked back towards the spot where Zhongli had his back on her while he engaged someone in a conversation. She was truly thankful to have met him.

So she turned to where the offering was placed, and even though she knew that Rex Lapis was gone, she still clasped her hands together and closed her eyes.

Thank you, Lord Rex Lapis, for giving your humble servant a friend.

Amongst the dimming prayers that the people of Liyue still uttered towards the God of Contract, a prayer suddenly reached him. Her sweet voice tugged the strings to his heart, so much that he turned his head towards her and excused himself rather abruptly from his audience to approach her.

By the time he arrived next to Hana, she still had her eyes closed, hands clasped together in front of her chest.

The sincerity and the thankfulness in her prayer to him touched his heart, and he found her beautiful.

He mapped out the feminine contour of her beautiful face, burning it at the back of his mind. When she opened her eyes, the warmth in his amber eyes made it seemed almost inviting to the woman.

"Who did you pray to?" he asked, despite knowing the answer.

"Rex Lapis."

"But he already passed away. Do you think he can hear you?"

"His spirit will be eternal," Hana replied with solemn conviction, "As whether he hears me or not..." she shook her had, smiling briefly, "It doesn't matter."

***

[Author's Note: Video is my teapot. I have not yet Silken Courtyard, but aligning the buildings to the sunset is still quite beautiful. You like it? Add me as friend and I'll be your tourguide in my teapot!]