At the White Horse Inn, the attendant's expression was full of helplessness.
Zhongli had reserved an upper room for Taro, leaving behind only a light remark:
"Charge this traveler's expenses for the next ten days to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's account."
The rest was left for the inn's staff to interpret.
Zhongli himself led the unfamiliar Taro up Feiyun Slope, straight to the top floor of Heyu Teahouse, into a private room reserved for him.
"Brother Taro doesn't seem surprised at all by the current situation?"
Zhongli poured tea, a faint smile in his voice.
"Not surprised," Taro said plainly, taking the cup.
"The moment I saw the Statue of the Seven, I expected this."
"Only, it came faster than I thought."
To walk the land of Liyue was to walk under this man's eyes.
The earth itself was his ears.
Unless he hid completely, discovery was inevitable.
The only question was whether Zhongli chose to care.
A harmless traveler could be ignored.
A threat to Liyue, never.
Just like Alice, the wandering witch—on her first step into Liyue she was shadowed closely, lest she blow something sky-high.
"…Indeed." Zhongli nodded, solemn. "Might I ask, what is Brother Taro's purpose in Liyue?"
Such a strong and unusual presence could not arrive without concern.
"Don't overthink it."
Taro shook his head. "Since we're here, why not be direct?"
He hated riddles. Hated playing them, hated others playing them at him.
Annoying.
"Very well!" Zhongli agreed at once, as if afraid delay might change his mind.
Transparency was best.
"These days, troubles abound. Best to reduce them."
"Then I'll be blunt."
Taro smiled. "You want to retire, don't you?"
"…Brother Taro sees clearly." Zhongli was caught off guard, then smiled faintly. "Even stone, after long erosion, feels weary."
"Tired, then say tired," Taro replied. "I'm in a similar state. All I want is a retirement life."
"Liyue feels suitable. First impressions matter. So I'll rest here for a while."
It was the truth.
Dreams and passion had long burned out.
He had endured his wage-slave life. Now he deserved to enjoy himself.
Later plans could wait for later.
"Retirement, that simple?" Zhongli turned the cup in his hands, studying Taro.
The man's aura burned like flame, yet his face was tired.
Not false words, but something still felt off.
"Just that simple."
Taro clapped his hands. "Tell me. You know Liyue better than anyone. Where should I buy a place? A manor, a house, or even a patch of sky to anchor my own palace. I've got the money."
"…Already thinking of real estate?" Zhongli blinked. Still, he answered.
"A floating palace is too symbolic. Inadvisable."
"As for houses… Yujing Terrace has two small buildings for auction. Ordinary folk lack qualification, but with me as guarantor, if you have the funds, you could own them tomorrow."
"Otherwise, Feiyun Slope or Chihu Rock also have houses for sale. Procedures are simple. With the documents, the Ministry of Civil Affairs will process them quickly."
"…Property by Yujing Terrace?"
Taro believed him without hesitation.
Even setting aside his true identity, Zhongli's name as Consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor carried immense weight.
Wangsheng's history stretched back 2,700 years, to the Archon War.
Generation after generation, they buried Adepti, buried the Qixing, buried countless great clans.
Its network was immense.
Its influence, boundless.
"As for manors… hard to find within the harbor. Land is full. One would need to look outside or build anew."
Zhongli paused. "If you prefer solitude, I could humble myself to request an old friend gift you a domain—a private realm."
A portable world?
"No need."
Taro shook his head. "I prefer the presence of people. Smoke, fire, life. A private realm would be too lonely."
He had similar things already.
But with no friends to fill them, the emptiness grew heavy.
"Then so be it."
He smiled. "One house in Feiyun Slope, one in Chihu Rock. Chihu Rock for living, Feiyun Slope for opening a shop.
"Though… I lack mora. I'll need your connections."
"No problem," Zhongli nodded. "If you have treasures, I will accept them as payment. Rarities should not be wasted."
"…Does Hu Tao know you spend like this?"
Liyue real estate was worth its weight in gold.
Two houses in central districts were not cheap.
Hopefully the Parlor's master wouldn't faint when the bills arrived.
(End of Chapter)
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