Chapter Text
“I assume you’re wondering why I’ve called you all here”, the Tianquan, Ningguang, said as Keqing opened the door.
She was right, Keqing was curious. It wasn’t that abnormal for the Qixing to all gather for a meeting. It was quite common, in fact, the purpose of which usually being to discuss recent changes in Liyue’s stock market prices and the like.
No, what really seemed abnormal was the presence of additional guests.
There at least seemed to be some sort of pattern among them. Xiao, the conqueror of demons, Yanfei, the half-adeptus legal consultant, Ganyu, the Qixing’s resident Qilin (no surprise that she was there, she’d rather be buried alive than miss an important announcement), Shenhe, disciple of Cloud Retainer, and… Zhongli? Despite his rather aged and outdated line of thinking that rather resembled that of Rex Lapis, he was an intelligent individual who Keqing respected, but since when did Wangsheng’s consultant have any ties to the adepti? It must just be due to his inexplicably extensive knowledge on Liyuean history.
“Yes, actually”, Yelan replied. “Why are the adepti here?”. This rather blunt question earned her a glare from Shenhe and some annoyed mumbling from Xiao.
Ningguang laughed politely. “Well, recently a matter has come to my attention that I believe we may need assistance from some higher powers to deal with”, she looked at Keqing with a smug expression, “save your outrage for the end, Keqing”
Keqing felt her face redden at being called out like that. One of Ningguang’s secretaries whispered something to her, most likely reminding her that the topic at hand was more important than teasing Keqing, because Ningguang’s demeanor grew more serious, and she cleared her throat.
“Recently there have been strange occurrences that have been growing more and more frequent. At first, I thought nothing of it. However, after conversing with a few individuals more experienced with this sort of thing, we have come to the agreement that this is likely an omen of bad things to come”, she eyed the crowd carefully before continuing. “A threat from Celestia, to be exact”. She paused to let the information sink in.
Ganyu looked absolutely distraught. Yelan’s face seemed grim, and Zhongli wore an unreadable expression.
“Normally, the best course of action would have been to reach out to Rex Lapis for help, as, after all, his duty is that of protecting the nation. However, as you know…well, that isn’t exactly a viable option for us now. That is precisely the reason that I have gathered his most reliable servants” (Xiao scowled at being referred to as a servant) “to discuss this matter”. The room was silent.
“Well…”, Yanfei finally spoke up, looking around shyly, “I may not be the most experienced in this, as I was born during an era of peace for Liyue Harbor, but I think it might be a good idea to get a read on exactly what type of threat we could be dealing with here.
“I believe a client of mine, Hu Tao, would be fit for the job. She has much experience dealing with the paranormal”
Zhongli chuckled. “Ah, Master Hu. That child may be troublesome, but her intuition is not to be underestimated”
“My nephew, Chongyun, is highly skilled in the profession of exorcism and such. He may also be able to provide some information for us”, Shenhe added in her signature monotone voice.
“But they’re so young”, Ganyu insisted, “should we really be exposing them to this? Maybe we sh-“
“I will personally see to it that they remain completely safe. As long as they are under my watch, no harm will come to them”. Something intense, and protective slipped into Shenhe’s promise. “You have my word”
“Besides”, Keqing added, “we need not tell them everything, just that we need their assistance with something important. I am hard-pressed to believe that they would deny government officials”.
Ganyu sighed defeatedly. “If you insist. Ningguang, what are your directives?”
“Shenhe, Yanfei, and Zhongli, please begin recruiting those that you believe can be of assistance to our cause. You clearly have connections. Make sure that they know what they need to know. Nothing more, nothing less. The last thing we need is the injuries or death of civilians being pinned on the Qixing.
“Conqueror of demons, you were the most trusted retainer of Rex Lapis. I believe if anyone were to know of any history between him and celestia, it would be you. Perhaps some of the other archons may know something as well. Liyue has the best trade relationship with Monstadt, so the history of the anemo archon could be a place to start. Yelan, you’ve dealt with much official business regarding other regions. Most would be loath to question you.
“Ganyu and Keqing, I want you two to investigate areas of interest and report back to me. I will take your findings, and, with the help of professionals, attempt to interpret anything of intrigue.”
Keqing was taken aback. Why would Ningguang pair her up with Ganyu? Ganyu obviously didn’t like her, and Keqing shared the sentiment. Ningguang knew of their very obvious difference in perspectives.
Whatever, who was Keqing to go against what the almighty Tianquan thought was best? Besides, Keqing wasn’t heartless. She wasn't about to humiliate Ganyu by complaining about the adeptus’s blind devotion to the geo archon. And Ningguang always had a reason for everything she did.
“Uhm, Lady Ningguang?”, a voice questioned from outside the door, pulling Keqing from her thoughts, “Captain Beidou is requesting to see you. Uhh, I believe she was saying something about…how you owe her ‘big time’?”
Ningguang rolled her eyes. “Ugh, that woman. No regard for authority”. She turned to face the door that the disembodied voice had alerted her from. “Call her in shortly, tell her that her compensation shall be waiting”
There was seemingly an unspoken agreement among everyone else, because they all began to gather their things and take their leave. They all knew better than to question theTianquan’s orders, even when unspoken.
“Oh, one last thing. Unless you are told otherwise-”, Ningguang said, not even looking up from the golden encrusted pipe that she twirled between her fingers, “Not a single word spoken here leaves this room. Do I make myself clear?”
Keqing nodded, feeling tense knots between her shoulder blades, and looked over to her new partner. The blue-haired girl seemed similarly stressed, seemingly taking deep breaths with her eyes closed and muttering assurances to herself.
Well, these upcoming weeks sure will prove to be interesting.