Chapter 22 - The City of Contracts (1)

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cw !  ✧  this chapter contains suggestive/vulgar language !!

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"Madam! We've arrived in Liyue!"

I set down my teacup, a small smile forming on my face.

"I'll be there in a moment," I replied.

As I opened the door, I rushed past a group of sailors who were raising the sails, leaning over the stern excitedly.

Liyue Harbor unfolded out before my eyes, the city sprawling along the mountainous terrain, the streets bustling with hollering merchants and clusters of Millelith on their morning patrols.

My eyes lit up as I caught sight of the Alcor, and I cupped my hands around my mouth, waving to get the attention of the crew.

"CAPTAIN BEIDOU!" I yelled, unfolding my parasol to shield myself from the sun. "WO HUI LAI LE!"

(English Translation: "I'M BACK!")

"EHHH?!" Beidou called, putting down her jug with a clang. "YUNXI?!"

(Note: Yunxi is the pseudonym Rin used during her time in Liyue.)

I beamed, leaping onto the docks as Beidou clambered down from the bow of the Alcor, crushing her in a tight hug.

"You've grown a full six inches!" the captain laughed, patting my back. "But just look at you! You're a total bombshell! They'd better come up with something better than 'Celestial Pearl' if they're gonna keep you cooped up on that fancy ship! The Pearl Galley, was it? Aptly named, aptly named."

Brushing away the compliment, I pulled away, curtsying politely. "It's just the high heels that make me look a bit mature, I'm nothing special, fufu. I'll be staying for quite some time, Captain Beidou, and I'm sure that we'll meet again."

She poked me in the ribs playfully. "You'd better not go MIA on me again. Well, I've got a bit of work to take care of, but you're always welcome for a drink or two while I'm on board. Welcome back!"

"It's wonderful to be home," I giggled. "I'll see you some other time, Captain Beidou."

Waving goodbye, I was left with a warm feeling in my chest, and I couldn't help but chuckle to no one in particular.

The frigid, unyielding wilderness of Snezhnaya simply didn't suit me. It was refreshing to be back in the city, to be back in a place that had a bit of resemblance to home.

Ah yes, the prospect of home . . .

A Fatui agent saluted me with a curt bow, and, returning the gesture, I noticed a small brooch in the shape of a narwhal pinned to the lapel of his coat.

Childe.

"Your Grace, my lord has requested that you rendezvous with him at Yanshang Teahouse as soon as possible."

I smoothed out my skirt. "Very well. Take me to him."

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Arriving in front of Yanshang Teahouse, I pulled back my hood, eyeing the hostess sternly.

She made haste in shooing me away. "Shouldn't a pretty face like you be at some broth--"

The Fatui agents behind me pointed their rifles at the hostess, and she crawled under her desk, squeaking.

"W-welcome to Yanshang Teahouse! M-my name is Chuyi! If you require anything, please let me know!"

𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜'𝙨 𝙜𝙡𝙤𝙬 // scaramouche x ocWhere stories live. Discover now