'We will continue this discussion in private.'
Those words were the only warning I had before I suddenly found myself whisked away into a different place.
Gone were the rather dilapidated scenes of her so-called abode. Instead, I found myself standing upon yet another sea of clouds – a recurring theme among the adepti, it seems – this time however, unlike the previous area where it screams abandonment, it's a lot tidier in comparison.
For starters, unlike the gloomy darkness from before, it's bright and sunny over wherever this place is. And the biggest difference would be the fact that this place is clearly well-maintained at first glance.
No floating rocks strewn about as if someone just haphazardly chuck them into the sky, no overgrown plants burrowing their roots into the stones it grew on, and certainly not an empty open area she calls a home.
The only thing that exists amidst the clouds is a single house built upon a flattened rock mixed with what seems to be golden ores that constantly pulsed with light, alongside a single cobblestone path leading to it from where I'm standing.
[Guess the adeptus knows what a proper house is, huh?]
'I'll say.' I took a step forward, stomping on the floating pathway several times before walking the rest of the way towards the house ahead. 'A far cry from the mess we saw earlier.'
[They are illuminated beasts for a reason.]
I let out a noncommittal hum in response.
[By the way,] once Kamiyama caught up, he started to match his pace with mine, [won't you have less free time on your hands should you manage to secure this deal?]
'I do, and it's sad to say that it's a bit too late for regret at this point,' I groaned, ignoring the snicker coming from the man behind. 'But if it means having someone like her on my side when I inevitably need her expertise, that'll make things a lot easier in the future.'
In other words, a doctor.
It's something that crosses my mind every once in a while, but I know that, at some point, something would happen to me that would damage my body to the point that it became unfit for use.
Though Kamiyama reassured me that the puppet can take a lot of beating, if I ended up in a situation beyond my control, or I was forced to face someone I stood no chance against… well, it's better to have some form of insurance to make sure I don't end up a complete wreck.
And with the situation being how it is, it'll be foolish of me to not take advantage of things as much as I can.
[Aww… even though you have someone like me on your side?]
Kamiyama's voice broke me out of my thoughts.
I glanced at the ghost of my mind, unaffected by his pathetic attempt at giving me the puppy eyes.
'Unlike a certain mad scientist,' I gave him a slight jab, only to click my tongue as it passed right through his sides, 'she can actually touch real life things and actively work on them. So unless you have a way to physically fix my body whenever it breaks down, it's better if you just sit this one out.'
[If such a convenient solution exists, I would've done something about it already.] Kamiyama shook his head, before his downcast expression turned into a brighter smile as he smacked my shoulders hard. [Oh well! Guess you'll just have to make do with a fledgling mechanic that knows nothing about your inner workings!]
'Says the one that spent the majority of his life studying stars.'
[And put his neck on the line for the sake of the body you're inhabiting now.]
Can't argue with that one.
'Still, to call an adepti who spent thousands of years perfecting her craft a 'fledgling'....' I folded my arms on my chest as I raised an eyebrow. 'Is that confidence or arrogance on your part?'
[I had to deal with numerous stuck-up, self-important pricks in my student days, Yuu. I'd like to think that I know the difference between the two by now,] he replied coolly. [Besides, just from the sole fact that you are here right now? I'd say the answer is pretty obvious, don't you think?]
I chose not to say anything and ignored the smug look on his face as I continued walking down the path.
As we finally reached our destination, I raised my hand and was about to knock on the door, only for it to suddenly open by itself.
"Come in, traveler," the owner of the house said, with a steady tone that feels much more human compared to how it was before.
I looked towards Kamiyama, who simply shrugged his shoulders and sauntered inside like he owns the place.
'Quite the show off, isn't she?'
[Remind me again who it was that says the crowd needed a little bit of 'wow factor'?]
'Touché.'
As soon as I stepped inside, one thing stood out immediately, and that would be the fact that the inside of the house has way more space than its exterior would suggest. Large amount of space fitted into a single unassuming house; a domain within a domain.
'Rather than a house,' I made my way further, nearly bumping into the many tools and trinkets scattered around the floor, 'this is starting to look more like a workshop with a bedroom attached to it.'
[You should expect this much from someone so dedicated to her craft.] Unlike me, Kamiyama simply walked through the minor obstacles like a ghost as he inspected the tools neatly hung on the wall. [Huh, I guess you'll end up being in safe hands after all.]
'If I can pull this off.'
[You'll be fine,] he said, waving away my concern. [As long as you don't ask for something unreasonable, she'll be inclined to agree.]
I hummed in agreement, ignoring the jittery feeling that spread across my body as I passed through the unreasonably large workshop into a different section, one that resembles more like what you'd find in a normal house.
[Though I would like to remind you that just because Cloud Retainer is drooling at the mere thought of working her magic on you, she would try her absolute best to tip the scales in her favor.]
'I know,' I nodded in assent. 'Just as she would try to milk me for all my worth, I would do the same.'
After walking some more through this irritatingly large place, I finally found the adeptus I was looking for.
"Please take a seat, traveler. We have much to discuss."
Instead of the illuminated beast that exudes majesty as it struts about the mortal realm, I was instead met with the sight of a woman wearing a flowy dress, the design and color of which reminds me of a certain crane.
With her hair tied into a high ponytail by a sharp hairpin, the woman in question motioned towards the seat across from her, the talon-like fingers covered by her gloves gave away to her true nature.
"What a surprise," I said, as I pulled the offered seat back and made myself comfortable. "To think that an adeptus like you would grace a mortal like me with the opportunity of seeing your human form. Should I be honored?"
"One cares not how you think, traveler." Despite the change in form, her behavior remained the same. Unsurprisingly. "This one would much prefer if we skip unnecessary pleasantries and get right to the point."
"Ah yes, you still have a harbor to 'save', don't you?" I reached for the cup she prepared, enjoying the warmth spreading against my hand. "And yet, despite your apparent urgency back then, you still make time to have this discussion with me. I guess it's true that the contract you held with Rex Lapis no longer means anything."
"Do not misconstrue this one's word." Cloud Retainer's eyes narrowed. "This one merely said that the contract itself is nullified. To say that it means nothing to this one is an insult to the adepti's dedication towards our progenitor."
"Is that the case?"
"It very much is."
"Then I suppose I should apologize for being inconsiderate."
We stared at each other, neither one backing down as the atmosphere gradually became more and more tense.
And while I would love to continue this little game, the faster we finish this discussion, the faster I can return and get my pay.
"What I want is simple," I started. "You are to abandon the thought of doing anything radical, example being destroying the entirety of the harbor to flush the murder culprit out, and will peacefully come to the harbor and talk to the Qixing alongside your fellow adepti."
"Your perception of adepti might be skewed with our meeting, but let me tell you this, traveler." Cloud Retainer gracefully took a sip of her drink, letting out a content sigh shortly after. "The others are not as patient as I am, nor are they particularly interested in listening to the request of a mortal who does not even bear the Sigil of Permission."
"That is your problem to deal with, not mine," I asserted, ignoring the glare she directed at me. "Coercion, blackmail, outright violence; I don't care what means you use, all I care about is that they will peacefully decide their next move with the Qixing and not arbitrarily decide the fate of an entire nation."
"Even though it's within their authority as the servant of Rex Lapis?"
"Remind me again, Cloud Retainer, why are we even here in the first place?"
The adeptus fell silent, before she slowly leaned back into her chair, a thoughtful look on her face as she pondered my words.
Though I doubt she would agree so easily, the fact that she's considering it at all is a step in the right direction. That fact is enough to somewhat calm me down.
After some time, Cloud Retainer broke the silence with a hum.
"In return for doing so, I would expect to receive something of equal value," she said, tapping her talons against the table. "Namely, studying you in your entirety. Every inch of your body and every single gear that runs inside of you."
"There are certain exceptions that I'd like to make regarding that, but otherwise, it can be arranged."
"Really now?" she scoffed, clearly dissatisfied. "In that case, surely you can make it up by the time of which I can spend tinkering with you? I was willing to be considerate and merely have you for six hours a day, but perhaps twelve would be enough to make up for it."
"I did not come here to sell my body to you, beast," I spat as the surrounding wind became much more intense. "An opportunity to study is all I'm offering, and if you think I would willingly sacrifice my freedom for the sake of a nation that's not even mine, then you're sorely mistaken."
Cloud Retainer pushed the rim of her glasses, undaunted by the sudden change as her face brimmed with annoyance. "Similarly, this one would loathe to be relegated into a mere mortal's gofer, and yet here we are."
"It seems we're at an impasse, then."
"So it would seem."
This time, the silence stretched for much longer.
And in the midst of all this, I couldn't help but think if things would be so much easier if we simply had the sigil in hand. Surely, a token created by their god would have a lot of sway towards their action, doubly so if the person holding onto them is an outsider, wrongfully accused for simply being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Unfortunately, there's no place for wishful thinking right now.
So I kept my mouth shut and waited.
Thankfully, I can afford to do so.
With Morax's assassination as the catalyst and Liyue as its stage, the show has officially begun, and the wide cast ranging from the citizens of the nation all the way to the harbingers hailing from Snezhnaya are each playing their own part.
It's all a farce that would never end in Liyue's destruction, with the only outcome being whether or not Liyue is ready to enter the age of man, and whether the Tsaritsa would have another piece to her grand plan.
The worst case scenario that Cloud Retainer dreaded would never happen.
But she doesn't know that.
The unknown threat of a godkiller would always be present as long as the identity of the culprit is not exposed. And as an adeptus that was duty-bound to protect Liyue, despite her claim of an annulled contract, she can never rest easy knowing that fact.
I have all the time in the world.
And she does not.
As advantageous as the situation is, it doesn't make things any easier.
If I continue to be unreasonable should she end up giving in, she might deem this contract not worth it and simply leave and do as she promised: laying waste to a nation that stood for thousands of years in order to flush out someone that does not exist.
Not that I plan to of course, but it's a good thing to keep in mind.
And now, with how things are going, it looks like I might have to make some concessions. I expected as much, but I still hate the thought of it.
Despite always expecting the worst case scenario, it never really gets any easier each time.
'I better get the key to the whole goddamn city when I get back.'
"Nine," she suddenly spoke. "And depending on how things progress, this one might consider reducing that time depending on your situation."
"Three," I replied without missing a beat. "Unlike you adepti who can afford to live in solitude for thousands of years, I am a mortal that needs to work to make ends meet. Especially with how expensive things are these days."
"Seven, but you would be the one to break the news to Alatus." Cloud Retainer scoffed at my words as she presented her counter offer. "Having to deal with two old coots is enough of a headache as is, and with such an urgent matter at hand, this one wouldn't be able to make the trip to Wangshu."
"Five, but should I ever need your help when something goes wrong, you will not turn me away."
"Elaborate."
"I am an adventurer, Cloud Retainer. A profession such as this is always rife with danger."
I looked down towards the cup that has now gone cold. The image reflected by its content reminded me just how problematic my identity is.
"Not to mention, there are people out there that would like to get their hands on me. Or perhaps kill me, should they deem me too much of a bother to bring back alive."
Though I'm not entirely sure on how the Fatui would react when they find out about my existence, I can confidently say that Signora would be the first to try to kill me if given the chance.
Nevermind the fact that I have the face of someone she loathes, but the fact that I was able to trick her into thinking I am one of them, it wouldn't be hard for her to come to the conclusion that I was in possession of information that I wasn't supposed to.
It's hard to predict the unknown, and she, being the loyal soldier that she is, would try her absolute best to not let anything go in the way of the Tsaritsa's will.
Things would probably unfold the same way with Childe, though it's questionable whether he would actually kill me given his unending thirst for combat. As long as it's not a direct order, I doubt he would willingly throw me into the deep end.
Probably.
Disregarding the other harbingers who I don't know much about, the real problem would come from two harbingers in particular: the real Balladeer, Scaramouche, and the Akademiya exile, Dottore.
Just thinking about it gives me a headache.
"It's unfortunate, but I don't have anyone to turn to should I ever damage myself beyond a certain threshold. Sure, I can do some self-maintenance here and there, but anything past that is beyond my ability."
"And that's where this one comes in?"
"Precisely."
And for the third time today, our good friend 'silence' returned in all its glory.
This time however, it wasn't as uncomfortable as the previous two.
Thankfully, not nearly as long either.
"This one finds it acceptable," she nodded. "You are a divine creation, one of its kind. This one wouldn't want one's already short time of study to be shortened any further because of some ruffian's unnecessary meddling. Even if you don't ask for it, this one is prepared to do so on one's own incentive."
"How kind of you," I replied, secretly sighing in relief. "Since we've come to an agreement, should we make it official?"
"Yes. This conversation has gone on long enough."
Cloud Retainer raised her hand, causing a sudden surge of energy to begin converging towards the center of the table. The same yellowish aura that I saw at the entrance gathered together and slowly took the form of a single piece of paper.
The tips of the adeptus' talon started to glow, before she deftly moved her finger across the bottom of the paper and handed it to me.
I scrutinized each clause of the contract numerous times, making absolutely sure that there's no trickery involved.
And once I was satisfied, I mirrored her action and wrote my signature right next to her, once again marveling at the wondrous nature of adeptal energy.
"There was no need to be so cautious," Cloud Retainer said, giving the contract a once over before a small smile began to form on her face. "To us, contracts are as simple as black and white."
"Humans would beg to differ, Cloud Retainer."
"They would, wouldn't they?" she sighed. "The people of Liyue seem content to dispense with their contracts, muddying something as simple as two opposites into a mess of gray."
"Human beings are greedy by nature."
"All of us are, traveler. Though unlike them, we are aware of the importance and sanctity of a contract. How many people can say the same, when faced with worldly temptations?"
With the contract finalized and secured, Cloud Retainer stood up and began walking past me.
"Cloud Retainer."
"Yes, traveler?" she asked, her tone noticeably much more cordial.
I tapped my fingers against the table, carefully pondering my next words.
"Your attitude back then was terrible, to say the least." I craned my neck back, catching a glimpse of the same white crane I saw before. "While understandable, it doesn't change the fact that you hurt my friend's feelings."
Seeing that she didn't respond, I continued.
"Truthfully, I don't particularly want nor care for your apology. I'm sure Xinyan would do just fine without it, she is a strong girl after all, and I'm sure you find the notion of apologizing towards a mere mortal to be beneath yourself.
"But I'm sure you'd be willing to extend that same notion towards your daughter at the very least, no?"
I stood up, slowly making my way towards the adeptus before stopping right in front of her.
"You should know better than anyone else how Ganyu feels about herself, the question you asked of her the first time we met made that very clear. And yet, for you to demand such a choice from her… I'm sure I don't need to tell you how difficult it must be for her?"
Cloud Retainer remained silent still, though it wasn't long before she turned her back on me and continued walking forward.
"This one is painfully aware of what one has done, traveler," Cloud Retainer spoke, her voice once again reverberating across the entire realm. "So lost was one in her own rage that one said something one shouldn't. To her, of all people."
A sigh filled with sorrow escapes her.
"Even without your reminder, this one would make sure to rectify one's mistake. But still, this one appreciates your gesture nonetheless."
Her figure gradually shrank, before it eventually disappeared as she steps past the space's boundary towards the outside.
"If you were to stay by her side for just a bit longer, then perhaps she, who wanders between the mortal and the adeptal realm with duty as her sole guide, would finally be able to put her doubts to rest."
Her words gradually disappeared into nothingness as a comfortable silence enveloped the entire place.
With the adeptus gone, I was left by my lonesome inside of her abode.
[You did well.]
Well, almost.
I felt my body finally relaxing, knowing that I've managed to finish what I came here to do.
"I sure hope so."
I turned and made my way back towards my seat, practically collapsing into it as I let the building fatigue finally sink in.
"So what do you think?" I asked, barely having enough energy to glance at the ghost sitting across from me. "Does my rendition of 'the greatest circus act of a lifetime' satisfy you?"
[The word satisfy doesn't even begin to describe how I felt.]
"Where's my standing ovation, then?"
[Now now, I wouldn't want to feed into your ego anymore than I should.]
"Whatever."
I slowly close my eyes, hoping to recover as much as I could before once again facing the tediousness of the outside world.
[I especially like your little sales pitch at the start, you know?] I could hear a brief shuffling of clothes coming from my front, followed by a thud of something hard hitting against the table. [I was a bit worried that she would notice your little lie, but everything turned out just fine.]
"That was no lie." I crack open an eye, staring at the man resting both of his legs on top of the table. "This puppet is, in fact, able to store and withstand the load of a gnosis. I just omitted the fact that for it to do so for a long period of time, heavy modifications are needed. One that involved the combined effort of an entire academy of scholars and the twisted mind of one Fatui Harbinger."
[Hah. You and your technicalities.]
"Hey, if it works, it works."
[Riiiiight….] Kamiyama stretched his back, the chair he was sitting on followed suit as it tilted and remained perfectly still at an angle. [I wonder how she would react if she ever found out that the puppet is nothing more than a prototype? The first of its kind at that.]
"She should be dancing in joy, no? It's not everyday you can get a hold of some quality vintage stuff."
[Antique sounds more like it.]
"Same difference."
Seeing that he has nothing more to add, I closed my eyes and enjoyed the calm breeze flowing through the open window as much as I could.
[How do we get out of this place, by the way?]
"Through the door, duh."
[Out of the realm itself, idiot, not just the house.]
"How am I supposed to know?" I sank my body deeper into the chair, the growing comfort gradually lulling me into sleep. "You go figure it out."
[Why me?]
"Because you're the one with the bigger brain, and because you haven't done much of anything today."
Despite him clicking his tongue in annoyance, I heard the sound of a creaking chair followed by the clicking of wooden sandals hitting the ground.
[Fine. Just this once.]
As the sound of his footsteps started to fade away, I gave him one last shout of encouragement.
"Good luck! And wake me up when you're done!"
[Yeah, yeah.]