Your Impact (Genshin Impact Males x Fem! Reader) [HIATUS]

[15] Lantern Rite, Scarlet Leaves

"And it just so happens our ship to Inazuma departs the same time as the lanterns."

Upon returning to Liyue Harbor, you and your friends stride through the streets. It has been a while since you set foot on the Nation of Contracts.

"So Zhongli, you mentioned Liyue's Lantern Rite. Since you know a lot about Liyue, do you have any fun knowledge about it?" You ask.

Zhongli smiles at your curiosity. "Well, you've asked the correct person. On the first full moon of each year, Liyue celebrates the Lantern Rite. It is a festival to pay tribute to the heroes of the past. In the evening, people release the Xiao and Mingxiao lanterns into the night sky..."

Paimon gasps. "Wow... it sounds like a grand festival. And when there's a grand festival, there's always special seasonal snacks!" she smiles at you. "Heh, you catch Paimon's drift?"

You nod. "Yeah, I do. I can already imagine the plethora of food stands you'll fly to. I'll pay for our food. After all, it'd be nice to rest and enjoy a festival for a while."

"You want to get involved in the Lantern Rite? Interesting.. Perhaps I should invite you to the Windblume festival if you're that festive. The celebrations are always more fun with a friend." Venti hums, his initial drunkness gone.

Kaeya smiles. "Indeed, Mondstadt's festivals are always a wonder, let's see if Liyue can hold a candle to our festivals."

You place your hands on your hips, playfully. "This isn't a festival competition, you know."

Kaeya chuckles. "You're right. Alright, I'll try to talk more about the Lantern Rite. During this time, the people pray to bring peace and ward off bad luck. Liyue locals call it 'bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new.'."

Venti faces the older man. "Well Mr. Zhongli, it's time to say farewell."

You let out a wheeze, and cough as Zhongli's face scrunches up in confusion.

"Anyways," you turn to Diluc. "you mentioned the Liyue Qixing said that they needed our urgent presence?"

Diluc nods, "Yeah, because our ship will sail at the same time as the lanterns."

"Interesting, hopefully we'll be able to admire the lanterns on the ship."

"They also mentioned that this year's Lantern Rite would be special, since this is the first time they've celebrated without Rex Lapis."

"Oh... I see. That makes a lot of sense. It'd be special because their God is no longer there." You send Zhongli a knowing look, and he simply gives you a smile.

"By the way, (Y/n)..." Zhongli starts, "If you are able to, could you try to persuade Adeptus Xiao to come with you? I am no longer in a position to order him, and I'm not sure how he feels after the Rite of Descension. However, it seems like you've grown familiar with him."

'Adeptus Xiao, I haven't heard from him for a while. It's noteworthy to see Zhongli concerned for him. He acts somewhat parental towards him.'

"It depends on his mood, though.." You contemplate, thinking of the Yaksha.

Paimon looks down. "Yeah, Paimon thinks it might be best to leave him alone for a few days..."

"Is that so..." Zhongli sighs. "Still fulfilling his duty to this very day. Well, it wouldn't hurt to try to persuade the young adeptus. When you have the time, please give these painkillers to him on my behalf."

You take the medicine given by Zhongli. "Alright, I'll bring these to him. And I'll make sure Paimon won't eat it."

"Please do, nothing in this world can withstand the power of this medicine."