(The plot doesn't completely follow the original; for instance, in the source it was Childe who introduced the Traveler to Zhongli—not the case here.)
The group sat around a wooden table inside Wangsheng Funeral Parlor (Genshin Impact).
"So the adepts are on their way to Liyue, and you're here to learn the whereabouts of the Exuvia?"
Hu Tao pinched her chin, lost in thought.
The moment the adepts heard Rex Lapis had been slain, their first reaction was disbelief; coming to Liyue Harbor to verify the truth was inevitable.
But… once they discovered Rex Lapis truly had fallen…
—and learned the Qixing had suppressed the news—there would be hell to pay. Even the ever-cheerful Hu Tao felt a headache brewing.
"Indeed. Cloud Retainer and Mountain Shaper refused to believe it and came to see for themselves, but…"
Lumine paused, then continued,
"Cloud Retainer seems unhappy with Liyue's current stance… as if she's come to demand answers."
"That sounds bad."
Workhorse Na clutched her head, panic written across her face.
She's not about to die young because the adepts want someone to blame, right?
"Boss, I want the employee death-benefits package!"
"Oh, scram. You're acting like you're already doomed."
Hu Tao rolled her eyes at Workhorse Na and waved her off.
"The adept's quarrel is the Qixing's headache, but as for the Exuvia… I happen to know a little."
Zhongli took a sip of tea, then spoke slowly.
"Really?"
Hu Tao's eyes widened; she couldn't believe it.
She, the parlor director, hadn't been told where the Exuvia was, yet their consultant already knew?
"Before that, however, we must prepare the rites to send Rex Lapis off. Traveler, could you help gather the necessary items?"
Zhongli's tone remained calm.
"Exactly. We can't bury Rex Lapis with proper ceremony until the Farewell Rite is complete."
Hu Tao nodded.
Though she had no idea how Zhongli knew where the body was hidden, she chose to trust her consultant.
Besides, some generous soul had already bankrolled the ceremony—courtesy of said consultant.
"Fine…"
To see Rex Lapis's remains, Lumine reluctantly agreed.
"So what exactly do we need?"
Paimon tapped her lip, puzzled.
Zhongli inclined his head and listed every item required for the Farewell Rite.
"First, the finest Noctilucous Jade."
Humm—clink-clink—
The moment he finished, a blue data-light flickered across the tabletop.
The glow faded, and several pieces of flawless, lustrous Noctilucous Jade clattered onto the wood.
…
Bianca tilted her head, watching Kiana's fading blue gleam, and said nothing.
Zhongli folded his arms, likewise giving Kiana a silent sidelong glance.
"consultant… could you be an adept?"
Hu Tao stared, stunned.
Only an adept could speak and make things appear at will.
"I am not," Zhongli answered flatly.
"Must've been my bestie," Workhorse Na muttered, eyeing the blue light fading from Kiana's eyes.
Kiana merely gave her a mysterious smile.
"That saves us a lot of trouble…"
Though surprised, Lumine was glad they could cross one item off the list.
At least she and Paimon wouldn't have to run around town.
After a pause Zhongli continued, listing the next items.
"The second item: perfume made from Silk Flowers…"
Hum—plop—
As soon as he spoke, the requested ointment landed on the table.
This time everyone looked straight at Kiana.
"He-he… these are nature's gifts…"
Kiana scratched her cheek, chuckling.
"Sis, your power is so handy—you must be some kind of immortal!"
Hu Tao's eyes sparkled as if she'd found a priceless treasure.
"I'm just your average, run-of-the-mill general, that's all…"
Kiana rubbed the back of her head, embarrassed.
Hu Tao seized Kiana's hands and gazed earnestly at her.
"You're Nana's bestie, so you're my bestie too. Why not become a consultant at Wangsheng? Salary's negotiable!"
"Huh?"
"All your food, lodging, and expenses in Liyue go on the parlor's tab."
But…
I don't need any of that in Wangshu, Kiana thought.
"If that won't work…"
Hu Tao's eyes flashed as she made a wild offer:
"Then I'll throw in my consultant for free!"
Even Zhongli's eyes widened; he hadn't expected the boss to go that far.
Kiana shook her head frantically, eyes full of refusal.
"No-no-no—This Young Lady likes girls!"
"Then I'll throw myself in too!"
Hu Tao patted her modest chest without hesitation.
Workhorse Na gasped, staring at her boss in shock.
"Boss, you…"
"Forget it."
Kiana glanced at Workhorse Na and shook her head.
She knew exactly how Hu Tao felt about her.
"What a pity…"
Hu Tao sighed, spreading her hands.
Kiana looked just like Nana; double the fun, she'd thought.
"A-hem, back to the rite…"
Lumine coughed, steering the conversation back on track.
"The next two items are the Dust-Cleansing Bell and the Everlasting Incense."
Zhongli listed the final pair, then glanced at Kiana.
This time Kiana didn't conjure them instantly; she rolled her eyes in thought.
With a snap of her fingers the last two items landed on the table.
"Well… looks like we have everything we need?"
Paimon tilted her head, big eyes full of doubt.
"By conventional reasoning, all required items are present."
Zhongli nodded, then turned to Lumine.
"Since preparations are complete, I'll tell you where the Exuvia is hidden."
He informed Lumine and Paimon that the remains were stored in the Golden House.
"So it was in the Golden House!"
Paimon beamed with sudden understanding.
As if you'd known all along, Lumine thought, giving Paimon a sidelong glare.
"The Golden House is heavily guarded; best go after nightfall."
"You're not planning anything illegal by sneaking in to see the Exuvia, are you?"
The more Hu Tao heard, the more suspicious she became.
"Shouldn't count as illegal… right?"
Under Lumine's grateful gaze, Kiana explained to Hu Tao,
"Rex Lapis's fall is too strange; we only want the truth—and to clear our names."
After a moment's thought Hu Tao had to agree.
The Traveler had been framed upon arriving in Liyue; proving innocence was only fair.
And Rex Lapis's death did reek of conspiracy—perhaps there were secrets yet uncovered.
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