Random COTE One-shots

Memories and Fireworks

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka had always been a man of introspection and calculation. As a student at the Advanced Nurturing High School, he was accustomed to navigating the complex web of human interactions and his peers. However, an encounter that resulted in his presence in the land of Teyvat was about to throw him off balance.

Kiyotaka had been drawn to Liyue, the city of contracts, by whispers of its rich history and culture. He had come to observe and learn from the intricacies of another world, a place where the rules were as different as the land itself.

One cool evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Kiyotaka found himself wandering through Liyue Harbor. The lanterns that adorned the streets cast a warm, inviting glow, and the scent of Osmanthus flowers filled the air. It was a city that seemed to hum with life and history.

His wanderings led him to a teahouse nestled in the heart of the city, where the soft melodies of traditional Liyue music greeted him. The teahouse, named "The Osmanthus Sanctuary," was known for serving a special vintage of Osmanthus wine. As a connoisseur of experiences, Kiyotaka decided to indulge in this local delicacy.

Inside the teahouse, the atmosphere was serene, and the gentle plucking of strings created a soothing backdrop to the evening. Kiyotaka took a seat by a window, his gaze wandering over the intricately designed furniture and the people engaged in quiet conversations.

As he sipped the fragrant Osmanthus wine, Kiyotaka couldn't help but appreciate the delicate balance of flavors. It was a taste that seemed to encapsulate the essence of Liyue—subtle, refined, and doused in tradition.

Unbeknownst to him, his presence had attracted the attention of another person—the enigmatic Zhongli, a man known as the former Geo Archon. Zhongli had been observing Kiyotaka with a quiet curiosity, intrigued by the air of introspection that surrounded him.

It was Zhongli who, with a polite nod, took a seat across from Kiyotaka, his eyes as deep and unfathomable as the earth itself. "I hope you don't mind my company. Your appreciation for the Osmanthus wine caught my attention."

Kiyotaka regarded the newcomer with his usual composure. "Not at all. Please, have a seat. I'm Ayanokouji Kiyotaka."

Zhongli inclined his head respectfully. "I am Zhongli. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

As they exchanged pleasantries, Kiyotaka couldn't help but sense that there was more to Zhongli than met the eye. The former Geo Archon exuded an air of wisdom and experience that intrigued him. 

Well he is old. 

(AHEM!!)

[AH! Sorry!]

Their conversation flowed effortlessly as they discussed topics ranging from the history of Liyue to the intricacies of the Osmanthus wine they were savoring. Kiyotaka, with his penchant for observation, soon realized that Zhongli had a unique perspective on life and its mysteries. Knowing that the Geo Archon has already found out about his circumstances, he decided to simply let go of any lingering thoughts about hiding that fact.

"I've always been fascinated by the idea of contracts and the balance of power," Kiyotaka mused, his gaze fixed on the Osmanthus flowers that adorned the teahouse. "In my world, contracts often involve academic achievements and social alliances."

Zhongli nodded in understanding. "Contracts, in all their forms, are a reflection of the human desire for order and security. They provide a framework for understanding the complexities of existence."

As the evening continued on, and the lanterns outside the window cast long shadows, Kiyotaka felt a sense of connection with Zhongli that he had rarely experienced with others. It was as if they were two souls sharing a moment of reflection over Osmanthus wine, bound by the unspoken understanding of the weight of their respective worlds with their perspective experiences and wisdom.