Chapter Text
Zhongli let out a gentle sigh, feeling the heat radiating from his drink as he sat at his usual spot at the Third-Round Knockout. He closed his eyes and let the sounds of the new Liyue wash over him.
"Order up! Jade Parcels, Jueyun Chili Chicken, and two sides of Crystal Shrimp!".
"Of course, all the jade that passes through here is of the utmost quality.".
"Daddy! Daddy! Lookit the kites! They're so pretty!".
A small smile cracked onto his face. The people of Liyue had truly made the city their own. He could feel his body relax as he brought his cup to his lips once more. His thoughts were interrupted as the storyteller made his way to Zhongli's table.
"Are you enjoying the atmosphere Mr. Zhongli?" He asked. Zhongli opened his eyes and smiled gently at the man as he put his drink down.
"It is exquisite. Thank you once again." Zhongli replied. The story teller beamed, chuckling in embarrassment.
"That is high praise from someone as cultured as you. Will you be getting anything else?". Zhongli took a moment to think before shaking his head.
"No, this is enough." Zhongli stood and begin reaching into his coat in order to pay his bill. His heart tightened and he let out a disappointed sigh.
"However there seems to be an issue. I have seem to have forgotten my mora pouch." Zhongli bowed his head and started to apologize when he heard a very familiar laugh ring out behind him.
He already knew who was there without looking but turned to greet him anyways. He was standing face to face with the Fatui's Harbinger Tartaglia.
"Ah, Tartaglia. It seems we meet again. And in a situation that is not uncommon to either of us.". Tartaglia flashed his trademark grin as he reached into his coat and pulled out his pouch swelled with Mora. He quickly undid the pouch strings with a practiced grace that came with the many times he had to bail Zhongli out of his money woes.
"I believe this will be all?" Tartaglia asked as he handed the story teller a pile of Mora. The story teller stared at it for a moment in shock before sputtering a reply.
"This is far too much! I-I can't take this much for-" Tartaglia waved his hand, cutting off the man before he could even finish his protests.
"Consider it a tip. For putting up with the confusion." he said as he put away his pouch and started to leave. He stopped halfway down the steps before turning towards Zhongli, flashing him a smile. "Well? Care to walk with me?".
Zhongli sighed, amusement lingering on his lips, as he turned and thanked the story teller for his services.
"I suppose that is only fair recompense for paying my debts." Zhongli said as he followed Tartaglia down the main street.
The pair walked in silence together for a short while taking the opportunity to size each other out. Zhongli stole sideways glances at the red head trying his best to figure out what was going on. He never approached him without some kind of ulterior motive and the archon knew well enough to be on guard. As he was deliberating with himself on how to open, the harbinger beat him to the punch.
"You know it's funny. Time and time again I have to bail you out but now that La Signora has your Gnosis I'm not gaining anything out of our arrangement anymore.". Zhongli took a moment to contemplate Tartaglia's words and ascertain their true meaning. Finally he spoke
"If Mora were an issue for you I would be more then happy to end our arrangement, however." Zhongli paused as he took the time to stop walking and stare into Tartaglia's eyes.
"I have seen the Harbinger's ingenuity first hand and I know you would rather try and gain an advantage from a disadvantageous position then just give up the opportunity.". Tartaglia could feel his legs freeze. The gaze of the former Geo Archon made him feel the same thrill and fear he had when fighting a dangerous foe. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. His previous encounter with Zhongli taught him that the man was as clever as he was powerful. Tartaglia narrowed his eyes and flashed a toothy grin as he pulled a card from his sleeve, holding it in front of Zhongli's face. The former archon was stumped, he had never seen this before. His normal stoic expression broke, if only for a moment. A twitch in his lips, a furrowing of his brow, almost unperceivable but Tartaglia was able to recognize this weakness and pounced before his friend could recompose himself.
"I'm not surprised you don't know what this is. Only the higher ups at the Northland Bank would recognize it. You see Harbingers are expected to let some of their less important duties fall to the members below them. This card here lets the bank know that you're on official business with me and take out any amount of Mora that you need." Tartaglia stood there, his body relaxed as he stared down Zhongli. He was certain he was winning this battle. Zhongli however simply let out a soft chuckle and shook his head, starting to walk away.
Tartaglia stood dumbfounded for a moment, he was sure he had baited Zhongli just enough to make him curious. It took a minute for his legs to stop shaking, allowing him to run and catch up to Zhongli.
"H-Hey now! Why so hasty? Aren't you the little bit curious about my proposal?" Tartaglia walked beside Zhongli trying to meet his gaze but the other man stared forward not breaking his gait as he replied.
"That card would allow me to have complete control over your finances. Whatever you are planning it must be quite something if you are willing to put that up as your part of the bargain. I do not want to be on the hook for the Fatui. At least not to that degree." The sound of Tartaglia's heart beating pounded in his ears. Had he made a misstep? Was he mistaken in his assessment of Zhongli? No, he knew he could hook the former archon he just need to raise the stakes. The Harbinger grabbed Zhongli's shoulder to stop him. In response the the former Archon slowly turned his head until he was face to face with Tartaglia. The icy cold stare betrayed no emotion on his face but Tartaglia could feel his insides catch on fire. That was the glare of a dangerous man and he knew he had to act quickly. He swallowed hard doing his best to ignore the pit in his stomach.
"Well, then think of it as a gesture of good will. This card, free of charge as a reminder of how generous the Fatui really are." Tartaglia could feel sweat forming at his hairline. He was taking a large gamble that may very well not pay off but electricity still flowed through his body. He lived for moments like this.
"Enjoy yourself, have fun. And just try to remember how accommodating we are the next time we come to make a deal." Tartaglia held the card out, a wide grin on his face, certain he had won. Zhongli smiled gently as he took the card and slide it into the pocket of his coat.
"I will be sure to remember this in all future dealings with you." With a courteous bow Zhongli turned and entered a building and Tartaglia had an unsettling realization. The building Zhongli just entered. The building they had stopped in front of without him knowing. It was the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Had Zhongli lead him here without him even knowing? He had a sinking feeling deep inside that he was now on the backfoot.