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Dear Childe,
I hope this letter finds you well, for I never wish any harm to befall upon you.
Before you start asking questions, for I know you will from confusion, I have personally reached your Archon and it is only through her permission that this letter could be sent to you.
When writing a letter, it is hard to hold myself back from elaborating the present I behold and jutting down the flowery descriptions, as people name it, of what my eyes could perceive. But this time only, I push the urge to cut all of them short, because my purpose to write this letter to you is nothing but a simple wish. I assure you that I bear no further intentions with this letter, nor your Archon could see what I wrote.
All I wish is just to know how are you doing after that ordeal.
With respect,
Zhongli
What the fuck, Zhongli
“No further intentions”? I’m not buying that bullshit. After you tricked me like a fool and discarded me like I was a mere defect in your plans, not even sparing me a second glance when you surrender your gnosis, you think I’d believe that you want nothing more than just knowing how am I keeping up?
No way in hell
If it’s mora that you want, just come to the Northland Bank, see my secretary, and say you want to retrieve all of my money from my account. My staffs have known you and your shopping tendencies well enough to not ask
I don’t really care anymore, just tell me what you want so we can finish this
Dear Childe,
I have no rights to force any belief on you, but my intention is truthfully sincere. You looked greatly troubled back then when the business was over, and your conflicted expression has been haunting me ever since. I only wish to erase that look from you, for what disturbed you apparently had disturbed me too.
Once again, I bear no further intentions. Not even a mountain of mora could ease this uneasiness of mine. I’m worried for you, Childe.
With respect,
Zhongli
Hah! Would it disturb you if I spat on your paper? You should be, because I know how much you care about literatures as trivial as a letter
Worried? You? You’re the Geo Archon, or at least the former Geo Archon. You control the rock and ground, maybe even born from them, so shouldn’t your feelings consist something similar to them too? If you were really worried about me, then why didn’t you approach me after that? Why didn’t you try to stop me from leaving? Why did you just walk away like nothing happened?
No need to tell me, because I already know the answer
You didn’t care for me, and you never will
To you, I’m just another pawn on your chessboard. To you, I’m just another term and agreement in your contract. Like you said, it was all business. Nothing more, nothing less
Every moment you spent with me was just an act, wasn’t it?
Dear Childe,
Whilst it is true that I could never overlook such a degrading behaviour, your accusation towards my feelings is understandable.
As a being that has lived for 6000 years, I used to think I could comprehend mortals and their whimsical ways of living, but turned out I was wrong. Terribly wrong. Mortals’ feelings are something incredibly intricate that I’m not even sure myself if I could ever have a full grasp on them.
I found myself lost, Childe.
The reason why I didn’t do the things in your questions was because I didn’t understand. I didn’t understand how feelings work, Childe. I knew you were upset, but I didn’t know why. I knew you were angry at me, but I didn’t know why. These series of whys spun in my mind since then. All I knew was I didn’t like it when your face was contorted in a displeased expression. Loathe it, even.
I once spoke to the traveller about this, and was granted by a dawning answer.
That feeling is called care, and now I understand.
I care for you, Childe, and I realized, I always have been.
My contract with your Archon was naught but an enclosed performance, but every moment we spent together was not an act. It never was. Our meals, our time shopping, our leisure walks in the harbour and the wilderness of Liyue, our talks about everything and anything that popped to our interest, none of it was an act. If anything, it all came from my sincerest of will.
You were no pawn to me, nor any kind of terms and agreements. To me, you were, and would always be, my most pleasant companion I ever had in eons.
With respect and understanding,
Zhongli
You spoke to the traveller? After three months of all of that mess that you staged by yourself? I do know you have rocks for brains, smart rocks if they existed, but that was ridiculous beyond belief, Zhongli
It took you that long to figure out??? Really??? I need time to process that. That, and all of those sappy shits you say
I really hate you, you know that? Stop messing with my feelings again
Dear Childe,
I believe that no living beings could have rocks for brains. Inside the skull there could only be a single brain, and that applies to us adepti as well. And no, I don’t think there are such things as smart rocks. Rocks are abiotic beings, thus they have no ability to could ever be called as smart.
But I think I understand your resentment towards me. I have wronged you in so many ways. I have been exceptionally unfair to you. No one should ever be treated that way, especially you. If time could be replayed, I wish nothing more but to lessen and, if possible, dispel your pain altogether.
If there is a way for me to annul my past doings to you, then please, Childe. Please inform me. I’d be willing to do anything.
With respect and understanding,
Zhongli
You, of all people and immortals and any other beings, begging to a mortal? A loyal subject of another Archon at that too?
The snort I let out when reading your letter was really ungraceful, I think you should know that
Why so desperate? What value does I hold for you to make you go this far? Despite anything, I know how tough your pride could be, but the words you used imply that you’ve thrown it away just for this
Why, Zhongli? Why do you want to fix this, whatever we used to have, so bad?
Dear Childe,
Because I want to.
Because I want to experience it again. The “whatever we used to have”, as per your own phrasing. The comfort and contentment I felt whenever I was with you was something I thought I had lost thousands of years ago. It reminded me that I, just like you and any other beings, still have emotions.
Because I want to feel more, but only with you.
With respect and understanding,
Zhongli
So it’s true when they say dragons are selfish creatures
You’re doing this just for your own merit, aren’t you? Once again using me?
I wonder how your people would react when they know that their revered god, Rex Lapis, loves to use mortals for his own whims, or when they know that their handsome funeral consultant, Zhongli-xiansheng, is a true manipulator at heart
Tell me I’m wrong
Go on, because I know I’m nothing but right
Dear Childe,
You jumping into conclusions is something to be expected, but I’m baffled that you think of me so low.
Childe, on the absolute contrary, I want you to use me.
Drag me along the streets the way I did to you back then. Talk my ear off with your tales and knowledge the way I did to you back then. Take the mora I would create from my hands the way I did to you back then. Treat me your speciality dish the way I did to you back then. Show me anything you want to show the way I did to you back then.
To amend my mistakes to you, please amend me to become a mortal the way you are, Childe.
With respect and understanding,
Zhongli
Holy shit you’re really serious
Still, why me, Zhongli? Why would you want me, out of any beings existing in Teyvat and perhaps Celestia, to “amend” you?
Dear Childe,
Because I trust you, and have grown fond of you.
With you, I found old joy in involving myself with my people once again. With you, I found old joy in traversing Liyue’s wondrous landscape that I formed with my own hands. With you, I found old joy of a companion who willed to stay and listen to me. With you, I simply found joy.
And with you, I believe a new joy will be found in my retirement.
With respect and understanding,
Zhongli
Again with the melancholic stuffs huh, I guess I can also trust you on that
But seriously, don’t expect me to forgive you right away just because of those. I’ll have you know that the Tsaritsa had educated me in ways that wouldn’t make me falter from sweet words alone. We Snezhnayans require tangible proof as to show the sincerity of our feelings
Prove it to me that you weren’t acting with me now and before. All of your words, prove it to me that you don’t feign any of them
Dear Childe,
You shall have my words, for I uphold a promise the way I uphold my contracts.
As for my proof, I have done my research on that matter, and I hope you will accept these as my “apology gift”. I have sent them for your family as well, since I was told that it is inappropriate to present gifts to you only. I have learnt not to hope too much, but I really hope that my gifts would speak enough to you that I was, and still am, sincere.
With respect and understanding,
Zhongli
HOLY SHIT ZHONGLI DID YOU SEND ME DRAGON SCALES?!?!
I COULD TELL THAT THESE WERE FROM YOUR EXUVIA, DID YOU SNEAK INTO THE GOLDEN HOUSE JUST FOR THIS AND PLUCK THEM ONE BY ONE FROM YOUR OWN CORPSE?! DIDN’T ANYONE SEE YOU?!
I PUT THE WHOLE BLAME ON YOU FOR MAKING MY FAMILY WILD!! DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT WAS TO EXPLAIN WHERE AND HOW DID I OBTAIN THESE TO MY PARENTS?! NOW THEY WANT MORE AND IT’S ON TOTALLY YOU
Dear Childe,
Yes, as you have concluded, those are the scales of my Exuvia form. Worry not, for I didn’t pluck it from my corpse in the Golden House. I simply reduce myself back to my ancient form and ask assistance from the traveller and my Yaksha to pluck them off my body. There was no one else but us, so you need not to fret about the presences of outsiders.
I’m puzzled on whether your family like them or not, I have ensured that I only presented you and your family the best, most beautiful scales of my body. If your parents do want more, I will take the blame and be more than happy to oblige. I could always grow them again in any time, though not as quick as the times when I still had my gnosis, but I shall try my best.
With respect and understanding,
Zhongli.
No no no Zhongli you don’t have to!!
My family really likes them. Loves them, to be honest. They make them into accessories and decorations though I’ve reminded them to never show them outside else there’d be more ruckus. My siblings, on the other side, love to gaze on them and lift them to the lamp since your scales reflect light really well. It’s been a while since the last I see them so happy like that
But you troubled the traveller once again huh? And even your Yaksha? The Guardian of Liyue? The Vigilant Yaksha? Geez, I hope they didn’t mind doing that for you considering you did that for me
It’d be really rude of me to discard such rarity and humility from you though, so I want to say thank you for the gifts, Zhongli. I really appreciate them
Dear Childe,
It is to my greatest delight to discover that you like them. At first, I wasn’t sure of what the apology gifts should be since as you have known, I’m poor of mora. Thanks to the advice from several people and even a neighbouring Archon which I reluctantly admit was plausible, I decided to gift you something from myself for you have been very generous with your giving for me back then.
I have been looking forward for any chances to repay your kindness, and I believe this is the perfect moment to do so. Something of my own, bereft of any worldly value, sincerely for you.
Pray tell me if you or your family have something more in mind that you want to have from Liyue or other places. I shall do my best to fulfil them.
With respect and understanding,
Zhongli
Even from a neighbouring Archon? Did you mean the Anemo Archon? Then it must be so hard for you to ask advice from him since I heard that your relationship with him is quite bumpy. You really went that far just for this?
Couldn’t say that I wasn’t touched
And Zhongli, will you give me a moment to say (or write) something long? Consider this is a small payback for all the historical facts you told me
Zhongli, three months might be a flash in your eternal lifespan, but the same applied for me. After that mission, I just got minor tasks from the Tsaritsa and executed them as Her Majesty’s wishes. I didn’t even realize three months had passed until your first letter came, and I want to say that I’m sorry, Zhongli
It kind of hurts my pride to be the one who apologizes first, but when I saw your letter, it felt like that whole ordeal had just happened yesterday. I let my emotions from back then win over me for the next couple letters, and when I looked back at them, again I realized I was being an idiot
And a jerk. Yeah, a total jerk
As Her Majesty’s Harbinger, I should never let my own emotions overwhelm me, it felt like a betrayal to the oath I swore to her. No feelings should be involved, for hers were never an issue in her commands. I should never let my emotions blind me during any mission, yet somehow this mission was different
Maybe it was because Liyue had warmed me
Maybe it was because Liyue had softened me
Or maybe it because of you
To be completely honest, honest down to earth, I’ve forgiven you, Zhongli
Somewhere along the time between your second and third letter, I’ve forgiven you. Knowing you reached Her Majesty before sending me a letter even if it didn’t matter much if you sent it without her permission (since you’re the strongest Archon and all that), my anger slowly faded. Anything after that was just a bluff, for I still need to convince myself that you’re being genuine
I’m sorry for the super long and unnecessary letters of my stubborn nonsenses
Your dragon scales speak more than enough. Thank you so much for them
I was being childish. Really, really childish. Now you might understand why Her Majesty bestowed me this name. Childe. It fits me so well, doesn’t it?
And no, you don’t have to send me or my family anything else. Those scales are something we will treasure for long. Again, thank you, Zhongli
Sincerely,
Childe
Dear Childe,
If you see me right now, perhaps you’d quirk that charming grin of yours, for I’ve been paralyzed on my seat from your letter. There are so many words to muse over, and I apologize in advance if I end up writing too much as well.
First of all, I once more apologize of my incompetency in understanding my own swirl of emotions, more so yours. I was so focused on my goal and contract to test my people, that I forgot I have another person of another land to think about. The first month after that ordeal, I rejoiced over my people’s strength to hold themselves together and rebuild Liyue back into its iridescent glory, and yet I couldn’t dismiss the feeling that there was something missing.
It took me four days to realize that I was missing you. What a number, really.
I was so used to your presence that I often found myself ordering two sets of meal when I ate in Wanmin Restaurant, or calling out your name when I wished to buy something, or tilting my head to my side when I recalled an intriguing fact of Liyue you’d like, or leaving a vacant seat for you to sit on when I attended a performance of any kind.
It was so easy to bask in your presence, Childe, that even Director Hu pointed out of how lonely I looked without you on my side. Teasingly, if I had to note.
The second month, I sought consolations to ease this nagging feeling in me. I no longer had my gnosis, but then I wondered, why did my chest ache at the mere thoughts of you leaving, uncontented? With this stone heart of mine, am I still capable of feeling such strong emotions? I read books, I donned researches, I asked my people and my Yaksha, before I met the traveller once again.
So I asked again.
“Why am I feeling this way?”
The traveller might look young, but don’t let appearances fool you, Childe. Looks could always deceive, both of us are aware of that, for the answer I earned seemed to bring me to light of what I have been truly missing.
“Because you care for Childe. Everything you’ve done for him, from guiding him through Liyue, teaching him on how to use chopsticks, reminding him to not overwork himself, calming his absurd bloodlust, and else, shows that you care.”
I needed no further explanation. Everything was now clear to me.
I care for you, Childe.
Therefore, I miss you.
I have learnt, that when people miss someone, they’d come to see that person if they were in their adjacency or still in the nation. If they were in a faraway place, then they’d write a letter, pouring down everything they feel into heartfelt strokes of ink and words on a piece of paper and allowing it to carry their emotions as the letter was delivered.
As per the traveller’s suggestion, I did exactly that.
Alas, I have no idea where do you live, and I still do to this very day, as surprising as that might sound. I know for a fact that you’re from Snezhnaya, but where exactly, that is what I lack knowledge in. The only way I could think of to find you is through your Archon, and so despite the bereavement of my gnosis, I tried to reach her in the realm of dreams.
With my connection lost to Celestia, my efforts could be considered as futile, but I was once an Archon, so eventually Celestia welcomed me in the same court as your Tsaritsa. She spoke to me in the same manner she had months ago, the manner one could expect the Cryo Archon to have. Frigid, devoid of lilt, disinterested, and straight to the point. Even so, I noticed a change of tone when she spoke of you. You are really fancied by her, Childe.
Blessed by her permission, I then passed my letter to her palace where she ensured it’d be directed to your home. I had no doubts in your Tsaritsa’s words, but apprehension had yet to cease from my bones when I waited for your response. When it did come, I didn’t expect such a crass starter, but I couldn’t say I was surprised. You do have a rather unfathomable disposition, after all.
And so, our letters continued to chirp.
I could understand your anger. I could understand your disbelief. I could understand your suspicion. I could understand your shock. The blame was solely on me for wronging you, and I truthfully regretted it. To this day, I wish things happen a little differently, but then I realized I had to go through all of those travails in order to be here, exchanging letters with you and understanding strings of emotions from both myself and you.
You feel so much, and I lament on why I couldn’t feel as much as you do. I want to know more of these emotions, and that keeps me from giving up from sending more letters to you. What would ease you, what would please you, what would make you happy, please inform me, Childe.
I’ve regretted of what I have done to you, and I apologize for tricking you into my plans. Yet, I am more than thankful of the times we spent together, and I’m utterly grateful to be able to receive your forgiveness.
So if there is something else I could do to maintain this novel inurement of us, I’d be more than willing to grant it to you. Don’t ever hesitate to tell me your heart’s wishes, Childe, for other than being selfish creatures, dragons also aim to sate the ones they favour.
With respect and understanding,
Zhongli
Why are your letters never good for my heart My face is all red
My face is all red, and it’s all on you
You said I might grin at the sight of you stunned on your seat, but I’m sure you’d laugh at the sight of me flushing! Even my sibling told me that my ears are also red!! Where should I put my face now, Zhongli?!
But let’s go back to the matter in hand
I’ve always been fond of you, since the first time I met you to bail you out from an impending debt of that antique, and even after that whole ordeal though it was blurred by my rage and displeasure
But please, Zhongli, you can’t write something like that last sentence and expect me to keep a cool head. I’m merely a mortal who hasn’t reached my thirties yet! Do you know how bad your sentence was for my hormones me?!
I have business in Fontaine next week, but I’ll take a detour to Liyue before I come home. Make sure to wait for me, okay? I believe we have so much to talk about that couldn’t be expressed through letters
You said you want to be amended to be like a mortal, right? You have so much to learn, then! Allow this humble Childe of Her Majesty the Tsaritsa to teach you, o’ the honourable Zhongli-xiansheng of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour!
Sincerely,
Childe
Dear Childe,
Of course, I shall be waiting for you, Childe. I always will.
If you have the fortune to arrive by nigh afternoon, there is an opera scheduled by the time of your arrival which I’m eager to show you. A fresh, ingenious beauty on stage, also an expert in yielding polearm as she sways it with grace and experience. I believe you’d love the way she brings her tales alive.
Though, allow me to remind you beforehand that you are by no means to challenge her into a fight. It is not because I belittle your strength or hers, but please keep your battle tendency in check, yes?
I’m looking forward in your teachings of the way of mortals, Childe.
With respect and understanding,
Zhongli
Bonus:
Xingqiu, you won’t believe what did I just witness today.
Okay, so you know that I’ve been training with the Vigilant Yaksha for the past several months, right? The traveller should be accompanying us today, but it seemed something happened so I was left alone with Xiao. We did nothing much though, he just taught me how to control my energy better, and in exchange, I got to watch him obliterating some abyss mages while I fixed my stances, so you don’t have to worry if I exerted too much strength today.
As afternoon struck, we decided to have a short break near Jueyun Karst since it’s the best place to envelop me with pure energy, as Xiao had said. I gave him the almond tofu we cooked this morning since the traveller said he loves it, and I must thank you for your help in the kitchen, Xingqiu. Xiao was positively beaming when he ate it even if he only smiled a bit.
Still, it’s victory for me.
Then, after our break was over and my training was about to start again, I was preparing my claymore and talismans when Xiao suddenly summoned his spear and whoosh! He disappeared!
He almost gave me a heart attack, Xingqiu! Seriously!
So I did the sensible thing. I traced his elemental traces and ran after him. I wasn’t sure how long I’ve been running, nor to which direction I even ran, but then I managed to find Xiao peeking from behind a tree trunk, his spear on one hand and his mask on the other. I was thinking, maybe he sensed a dire threat that caused him to dash with no warning like that?
Turned out I was half wrong.
There was indeed a dire threat before us. A dire threat in form of a young man with unruly ginger hair and lightless blue eyes who had a red mask by the side of his head, walking nonchalantly beneath Liyue’s lush forests.
I know, I know. I also never expected to see Mister Childe again after “that incident”. How did he even pass the Qixing, I don’t think I want to know.
But Mister Childe wasn’t alone! He was with Mister Zhongli! I know for a fact that they are inseparable! Do you remember that rumour, Xingqiu, when people said that Mister Childe’s relationship with Mister Zhongli was broken after “that incident” even if they didn’t know what happened?
Well, they should see Mister Childe and Mister Zhongli a few moments ago before I write this. They’re wrong.
Mister Childe and Mister Zhongli were chattering together with smiles on their faces, the air around them felt so warm too, for some reason. I even noted that their strides were in same length, and their shoulders were almost gluing to each other’s. Mister Childe also wore a different earing this time. It was a beautiful, deep brown scale that reflected the sun’s gleam, I almost thought it was gold at first! I then distantly hear Mister Zhongli talking about the ores and minerals native to this area, always so knowledgeable as we’ve known, and Mister Childe’s smile grew wider at that, his eyes almost glittering.
Xingqiu, you’re an expert in romance, aren’t you? That’s a sign of someone deep in love, right? Right???
Anyway, Xiao looked as if he wanted to smite Childe on spot. His aura spoke none but danger. It made me begin to feel sorry for Mister Childe. Xiao must hate him so much after what he did to Liyue. I don’t know what was holding him back though, but I think I heard him muttering something about not wanting to disturb his lord or somewhere along the lines of that…
But the reason why I write this letter to you, Xingqiu, is because Mister Childe suddenly laced his fingers with Mister Zhongli’s!! And Mister Zhongli looked caught off guard before he accepted it with his smile going brighter than the sun itself!! I was blinded!! I didn’t even know they’re dating!! And both of them aren’t the most subtle people in Liyue!!
And then Xiao finally snapped and lunged on Mister Childe. He managed to parry it though, and I shuffled out of the way of their fight.
They’re built different, Xingqiu, I’ll tell you that.
At least Mister Zhongli offered to buy me ice cream as a “compensation” for disturbing my training with Xiao. Using Mister Childe’s mora, of course. We both know how poor Mister Zhongli is when it comes to mora.
Yunyun, I demand pictures. Please tell me you managed to get their pictures.
Come to my room now, my dear. I need pictures. And details. Tell me more.
And yes, I’m an expert in romance. That’s the sign of someone deep in love.
Very deep in love .