[can't stop thinking of the words premium white boy childe and im losing my mind
anyway where are we IG WE'RE IN LIYUE unless there's like a Korea-equivalent country in Genshin?? either way, Seonho's just in Liyue on Business, and that business is probably his job as an inspector tasked with ferreting out corrupt officials with... probably secrecy and spies and sabotage or whatever, which is difficult to do when one is New In Town. fortunately, he received an invitation to a party held at the house of exact official he's currently secretly investigating, so like fate really lines up? who knew?
It's too bad this party is the affluent, rich people flaunting to be Seen and Heard and to Spend Money kind, and not a get-together that has people Seonho can actually stand mingling about. But Seonho can paste a smile on his face like the rest as he moves about under the guise of mingling, tracking Mister Official as the man moves across the floor. A sudden swarm of people cuts in front of him, no doubt attracted by an arrival or hankering for a dance, and when they part Seonho realizes, to his dismay, that he can no longer see Mister Official. Anywhere.
GOD HE HATES THIS!!! He takes a brief look around once more, before heading to the nearest person who doesn't look stupidly and annoyingly bougie rich, which is probably Childe!! yay!!!]
Excuse me -- [Seonho asks, his voice loud enough to be heard over the mumble of other voices, but soft enough not to be too distracting,] Would you happen to know where Mr. Chen has gone?
[he's the host of the party so!!! hopefully childe of all people will know where random mr. chen npc has gone]
LIYUE IT IS THOUGH because there is tragically no fake Korea. It's also tragically hilarious that Seonho looks at Childe and thinks "haha he must not be bougie rich" considering the Fatui are almost certainly the sponsors of this party and he drops 3 million mora on incense like it's nothing,
it also means that he most likely knows something about everyone in attendance right now (those who aren't Fatui plants, anyway), considering how ridiculously vast their information network is. Whether that extends to Seonho really depends on how many days he's been here and how well he's covered his tracks, honestly...
Whether Childe's here as an ally for their Mr. Chen or not is really up in the air too?? HAS MR. CHEN PAID HIS DEBTS we just don't know. For now, though, he's just doing his duty as an envoy, mingling and networking and mentally ranking everyone here based on how many seconds it would take to beat them in a fight. Schmoozing is one of his least favorite parts of being a Harbinger, but duty demands it, so here he is. NEEDS MUST AND ALL...
He'd be a pretty shitty warrior if he couldn't tell when someone was headed for him, but he waits until he's spoken to before he turns, a politely curious look on his face.]
Mr. Chen? Can't say that I do. [This is a lie, mr. npc is upstairs probably doing shady deals as they speak, but information ain't free!! He smiles, tipping his head to the side. There's a drink in his hand, but it's probably wine that's like 10% alcohol and might as well be juice...] Was there something you needed?
[If his previous conversation partner is offended by his withdrawn attention, they don't get a chance to do anything about it, smoothly drawn into a different chat by someone else's approach. How not-at-all suspiciously convenient!!]
i hope aki made childe suffer in the five days it took me to tag u back
[STOP CHILDE JUST SEEMS MORE APPROACHABLE??? like, he's not a complete Pharisee (maybe)??? anyway ill give u the seonho lore, because a.) he's been here for maybe half a month already and b.) he's covered his tracks well enough but not enough to withstand the scrutiny of an ENTIRE INFORMATION NETWORK because lbr he doesn't think anyone, other than the head honchos back home, would be that interested in what he's doing here which is
1.) the npc Mr. Chen who is running a very legal operation in Li Yue (a business for, heh, toys of all things) 2.) who is clearly doing some kind of off-the-books business where he's embezzling straight from businessmen of Seonho's country or something (maybe he's like pocketing profits and turning his toy business into a FRONT for.... DRUGS.... or something that's equally skeevy in genshin world) 3.) and Seonho, for all intents and purposes, having disguised himself as a mere traveler/merchant looking to find a contact to expand the business on behalf of his bosses, has probably been spotted around the Sketchy Areas where the GENSHIN DRUGS are being passed around (and might have been also spotted u know, fcking beating up a few dudes?? and maybe Childe's information network is good enough to note somewhere that Seonho's a bit too heavy-handed and trigger-happy for someone who's so uptight about Justice) 4.) also seonho has made 0 friends in liyue, except for like a nice old couple that lets him board with them
NOW THAT I'VE GIVEN U MORE LORE, back to Seonho, who has the grace not to look either annoyed or disappointed, instead opting for an 'oh is that so? well that's fine' expression that he's probably mastered while speaking to all these rich fools,]
No -- nothing urgent, anyway. I only wish to convey my gratitude to the host of the party.
[His gaze momentarily flickers to the side, then returns to Childe, taking his measure a second time. because lbr, that quick impulse decision to approach him was 90% impulse and 10% purposeful, so there are details about him that Seonho probably missed beforehand.
in that this dude is truly a sugar fatui huh... im joking.... the fact that Childe is a foreigner doesn't escape Seonho's notice, does he have an accent that would connect him to Snezhnaya??? either way,]
I have been to a few events, but nothing so grand -- or as crowded as this one.
[he can't recall if he's seen Childe at any of the prior events he'd been given access to... which probably would make sense, considering Seonho's not the type to be invited to all the LUSH PARTIES OF LIYUE,]
yeah it's going great it took 11 whole tags for mahito to murder
[Aki exhausts me as much as you do BUT THANK YOU FOR THIS LORE DUMP I hope Mr. Chen appreciates it.
ANYWAY, it's not like Seonho is wrong in his assessment. The mere sight of him on the battlefield might incite terror and chaos, but Childe isn't the type of Harbinger who, say, expects subordinates to kneel in his presence (cough Scaramouche cough). His demeanor is relaxed, confident but not condescending.
As far as Seonho goes, while Childe's likely gotten briefed on his existence, and anyone who's fight-happy always lands somewhere on his personal radar--but unless Seonho's caused a great deal of trouble for the Fatui specifically then Childe isn't going to know his face. The name will likely ring a bell, but for now, he just nods, understanding.]
I'm sure he'll rejoin us before the night ends. These things can last for quite a while--well, if you can hold your drink, that is. [He grins, his tone playful. AND LET'S SAY that yes he does have an accent--he's been stationed here for a while and done his best to learn the language and customs, but it's clear he's still working on it.] How are you finding Liyue's hospitality?
[Liyue's people can certainly be quite welcoming, something that had surprised him in his first weeks here. Of course, it's to be expected, given the high level of market competition around here; a shop would have to be irreplaceable to survive having impolite staff. The capital city, the heart of commerce in a rich nation, created by the god of contracts himself--it's only natural that aspects of customer service would seep into their daily lives. Is it really an ulterior motive if everyone shares the same one?]
[I GUESS THEY'RE ALSO IN LIYUE??? pixi im losing it but this time Okuni, who is like................. maybe she randomly worldhopped here after trying to get to LWJ's world in order to pester LWJ specifically, and she finds the town interesting enough to stick around for a couple of days, ANYWAY!!
Whatever Childe's doing, whether he's about to head off to kill someone or he's picking out gifts for his 50000 siblings, he'll suddenly See Okuni, and her Giant Head of Hair, poke into his line of vision]
-- Romeo!
[Okuni suddenly shouts, with her big ole eyes staring, and her whole arm pointing like she's the Spiderman Meme Gesture,]
You're Romeo, aren't you? From that play they performed last week! I remember you because you killed all the Capulets in your version!
[Okuni is dressed strangely, but probably not that strangely in Liyue? Like, other people have huge hair and also wild kimonos on too? It's not that weird]
[IT'S FINE WE ONLY HAVE TWO REVEALED COUNTRIES ANYWAY someday we'll let them go to fake Japan. STOP WHY IS OKUNI BOTHERING LAN WANGJI THOUGH LET HIM REST!!!
Also he works with Scaramouche and he knows Ningguang so yeah her attire might stand out but not that much tbh. He's been stationed in Liyue long enough (and draws enough attention, both because of his position at the bank and his wallet) that he's used to people calling out to him, though they usually aren't so aggressive about it in the middle of the street OKUNI THE STALL OWNERS ARE STARING
Not that Childe cares--he just laughs, turning to face her and putting an easy hand on his hip. They're blocking the stall he was at? It's fine.]
Ahaha, it was an interesting rendition, wasn't it? ["INTERESTING"....... he looks pleased, though, like she praised him?! Childe please] Your patronage is much appreciated, miss...?
[SHE'S BOTHERING HIM BECAUSE SHE WUVS HIM, HE'S HER BROTHER-IN-LAW MAYBE
okuni and childe are the sort of people u want to murder bc they stand in the middle of the fcking road and never move ever, honestly... Okuni takes his Pleased Laughter as an invitation to?? move closer?? why, okuni?? but only close enough so she can lean forward and peer into his eyes, perhaps trying to memorize his face long enough so she pester LWJ about the actor she ran into who's almost as sexy as (heh) WWX,]
Okuni Kumou!
[okuni having enough knowledge to understand that she should introduce herself first name last name first... anyway, now that she's fcking GOT HIM, she whips a notebook from the stall he was perusing and produces a marker??? from her big ole sleeve, then presents the book to him with big expectant eyes]
It's spelled O-k-u-n-i K-u-m-o-u! Here, sign this for me! And can you add a little message too? That line when you said you love Juliet, but you're still willing to duel her to the death! And please make it out to Lan Wang Ji! That's spelled -- [okuni SPELLS OUT LWJ'S NAME, the fact that Okuni spelled out her name for no fcking reason bc she wants Childe to dedicate this stupid autograph to LWJ!!
Anyway, Okuni -- all 5'2'' of her -- sure is persistent, but she surely means well!!]
It's for my brother, you see! He doesn't have a romantic bone in his body, so holding an autograph by someone who knows how to fake it that well will surely bring him some amount of luck!
[THIS TAG ALSO EXHAUSTS ME FOR SO MANY REASONS also Liyue is fake China so she could've been fine introducing herself last name first but Childe's a white boy so it's fine.
MORE IMPORTANTLY IS THIS A MODERN MARKER or a ye olde marker... either way, Childe looks surprised for a minute, before he laughs again.]
What, from me? I'm flattered. It's not every day I get such a request from a lovely young lady. ["stop" I say to my own character
He isn't going to say no, though!! Maybe if he ever quits being a.......... toy salesman........... he can become an actor... his parents will be delighted
Anyway, listen. LISTEN. Childe is a kind and doting older brother who would never resort to pulling such pranks on his darling youngest siblings.
However, he also has two older siblings, so he takes the book, opening the cover.]
Would you like your name in here somewhere as well? Should I sign it as "Romeo"?
the way okuni and childe met for .5 seconds and then immediately parted ways but now Okuni's back like the chaos pigeon she is, flitting around liyue like a bat from hell.... it's an interesting place, she should never have been given a worldhop power. still, when she sees Childe's lanky extremely tall self, she makes an immediate beeline towards him,]
Romeo!
[SHE KNOWS HIS NAME BY NOW AND YET]
How come I never seen you on stage anymore?
[he could have performed yesterday, maybe she missed it]
AND PROBABLY SO DID CHILDE, except for the fact that she is a very distinct-looking person and he remembers her as being an extremely chaotic individual. It's been too long and they met too briefly for him to remember her name, but he laughs like they're old friends, putting a hand on his hip as he turns to face her.]
Ahaha, that's because I've been traveling! I'm no longer stationed here, unfortunately--I've been overseas for some time.
[Why is he even here when he's supposed to be tracking down Scaramouche, who knows... a mystery]
But also--well, firstly, the doubt doesn't really faze him, since he's Snezhnayan and Fatui and that's what everyone does. But secondly, why does she have this look in her eyes... why is his Danger instinct kicking in...]
I'm not sure I'd go that far... [technically he like never has free time] Why? Did you need something?
Okuni hops a little on the tips of her feetsies as if she's full to bursting with dangerous, gremlin energy]
I want a tour! Since I didn't get to explore as much the last time. [why does childe have to do this...] And you look pretty interesting, so I probably won't get bored if you show me around.
[It really says a lot about the power of the Fatui that Childe can even be here in the harbor without getting immediately arrested, despite the fact that the Qixing immediately blamed the entire Osial debacle on him specifically. (And listen, okay, maybe? It kinda was? BUT LISTEN.)
He cuts too distinctive of a figure to hide, and he isn't much for skulking through the shadows as it is--it had seemed pointless to do anything but remain brazenly out in the open. But passing through for a few days is one thing. Pissing off Ningguang by gallivanting around her city like he still belongs here, on the other hand, probably isn't wise. Perhaps under other circumstances, he'd take the risk, but he's got leads to follow and a job to do, and the Millileth are boring to fight anyway.]
Ahaha, I'm flattered, comrade. But you know, I don't live here! You'd be better off seeking out--[a proper consultant, he almost says, but it's still a little bitter on his tongue, so]--a local.
[okuni senses UST between Childe and a Local..... just kidding she's not itsuki,
unfortunately, the rejection only makes her more interested? she will insist now. she does pull a little face at the word 'local', like it's somehow a crime to be one.]
A local...
[childe: bitter on my tongue okuni: derogatory...]
I'll ask them things like 'how much can I get away with before your local enforcement shows up' or 'where's the best place to start a fight' and 'who should I blame said fight on when I start it' and 'where should I go if want to purchase a goat' and all they'll do is tell me to get lost! How annoying.
[that's the sensible reaction but Okuni takes it personally,]
[Okuni sticks her hand in one of her secret kimono sleeves and pulls out a piece of paper,
and then offers the piece of paper to childe.
it has the words 'please help okuni get whatever she wants, in return we'll give you some nice turnips' signed wei wuxian. but if he flips it around it'll say 'disregard this' in smooth clean handwriting, but who listens to lan wang ji in this day and age??? no one]
[I'M IN TEARS WHY IS THIS FRAC OKUNI HELP I should've given you lwj
But he looks at her for a moment--the he throws his head back and laughs.]
Ahaha, you're right about that! But you never know, maybe this is just what I wanted. [It's obviously not... but he tucks it into his pocket anyway, and tilts his head.]
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no subject
anyway where are we IG WE'RE IN LIYUE unless there's like a Korea-equivalent country in Genshin?? either way, Seonho's just in Liyue on Business, and that business is probably his job as an inspector tasked with ferreting out corrupt officials with... probably secrecy and spies and sabotage or whatever, which is difficult to do when one is New In Town. fortunately, he received an invitation to a party held at the house of exact official he's currently secretly investigating, so like fate really lines up? who knew?
It's too bad this party is the affluent, rich people flaunting to be Seen and Heard and to Spend Money kind, and not a get-together that has people Seonho can actually stand mingling about. But Seonho can paste a smile on his face like the rest as he moves about under the guise of mingling, tracking Mister Official as the man moves across the floor. A sudden swarm of people cuts in front of him, no doubt attracted by an arrival or hankering for a dance, and when they part Seonho realizes, to his dismay, that he can no longer see Mister Official. Anywhere.
GOD HE HATES THIS!!! He takes a brief look around once more, before heading to the nearest person who doesn't look stupidly and annoyingly bougie rich, which is probably Childe!! yay!!!]
Excuse me -- [Seonho asks, his voice loud enough to be heard over the mumble of other voices, but soft enough not to be too distracting,] Would you happen to know where Mr. Chen has gone?
[he's the host of the party so!!! hopefully childe of all people will know where random mr. chen npc has gone]
dem voicetesting jitters,
LIYUE IT IS THOUGH because there is tragically no fake Korea. It's also tragically hilarious that Seonho looks at Childe and thinks "haha he must not be bougie rich" considering the Fatui are almost certainly the sponsors of this party and he drops 3 million mora on incense like it's nothing,
it also means that he most likely knows something about everyone in attendance right now (those who aren't Fatui plants, anyway), considering how ridiculously vast their information network is. Whether that extends to Seonho really depends on how many days he's been here and how well he's covered his tracks, honestly...
Whether Childe's here as an ally for their Mr. Chen or not is really up in the air too?? HAS MR. CHEN PAID HIS DEBTS we just don't know. For now, though, he's just doing his duty as an envoy, mingling and networking and mentally ranking everyone here based on how many seconds it would take to beat them in a fight. Schmoozing is one of his least favorite parts of being a Harbinger, but duty demands it, so here he is. NEEDS MUST AND ALL...
He'd be a pretty shitty warrior if he couldn't tell when someone was headed for him, but he waits until he's spoken to before he turns, a politely curious look on his face.]
Mr. Chen? Can't say that I do. [This is a lie, mr. npc is upstairs probably doing shady deals as they speak, but information ain't free!! He smiles, tipping his head to the side. There's a drink in his hand, but it's probably wine that's like 10% alcohol and might as well be juice...] Was there something you needed?
[If his previous conversation partner is offended by his withdrawn attention, they don't get a chance to do anything about it, smoothly drawn into a different chat by someone else's approach. How not-at-all suspiciously convenient!!]
i hope aki made childe suffer in the five days it took me to tag u back
1.) the npc Mr. Chen who is running a very legal operation in Li Yue (a business for, heh, toys of all things)
2.) who is clearly doing some kind of off-the-books business where he's embezzling straight from businessmen of Seonho's country or something (maybe he's like pocketing profits and turning his toy business into a FRONT for.... DRUGS.... or something that's equally skeevy in genshin world)
3.) and Seonho, for all intents and purposes, having disguised himself as a mere traveler/merchant looking to find a contact to expand the business on behalf of his bosses, has probably been spotted around the Sketchy Areas where the GENSHIN DRUGS are being passed around (and might have been also spotted u know, fcking beating up a few dudes?? and maybe Childe's information network is good enough to note somewhere that Seonho's a bit too heavy-handed and trigger-happy for someone who's so uptight about Justice)
4.) also seonho has made 0 friends in liyue, except for like a nice old couple that lets him board with them
NOW THAT I'VE GIVEN U MORE LORE, back to Seonho, who has the grace not to look either annoyed or disappointed, instead opting for an 'oh is that so? well that's fine' expression that he's probably mastered while speaking to all these rich fools,]
No -- nothing urgent, anyway. I only wish to convey my gratitude to the host of the party.
[His gaze momentarily flickers to the side, then returns to Childe, taking his measure a second time. because lbr, that quick impulse decision to approach him was 90% impulse and 10% purposeful, so there are details about him that Seonho probably missed beforehand.
in that this dude is truly a sugar fatui huh... im joking.... the fact that Childe is a foreigner doesn't escape Seonho's notice, does he have an accent that would connect him to Snezhnaya??? either way,]
I have been to a few events, but nothing so grand -- or as crowded as this one.
[he can't recall if he's seen Childe at any of the prior events he'd been given access to... which probably would make sense, considering Seonho's not the type to be invited to all the LUSH PARTIES OF LIYUE,]
yeah it's going great it took 11 whole tags for mahito to murder
ANYWAY, it's not like Seonho is wrong in his assessment. The mere sight of him on the battlefield might incite terror and chaos, but Childe isn't the type of Harbinger who, say, expects subordinates to kneel in his presence (cough Scaramouche cough). His demeanor is relaxed, confident but not condescending.
As far as Seonho goes, while Childe's likely gotten briefed on his existence, and anyone who's fight-happy always lands somewhere on his personal radar--but unless Seonho's caused a great deal of trouble for the Fatui specifically then Childe isn't going to know his face. The name will likely ring a bell, but for now, he just nods, understanding.]
I'm sure he'll rejoin us before the night ends. These things can last for quite a while--well, if you can hold your drink, that is. [He grins, his tone playful. AND LET'S SAY that yes he does have an accent--he's been stationed here for a while and done his best to learn the language and customs, but it's clear he's still working on it.] How are you finding Liyue's hospitality?
[Liyue's people can certainly be quite welcoming, something that had surprised him in his first weeks here. Of course, it's to be expected, given the high level of market competition around here; a shop would have to be irreplaceable to survive having impolite staff. The capital city, the heart of commerce in a rich nation, created by the god of contracts himself--it's only natural that aspects of customer service would seep into their daily lives. Is it really an ulterior motive if everyone shares the same one?]
no subject
Whatever Childe's doing, whether he's about to head off to kill someone or he's picking out gifts for his 50000 siblings, he'll suddenly See Okuni, and her Giant Head of Hair, poke into his line of vision]
-- Romeo!
[Okuni suddenly shouts, with her big ole eyes staring, and her whole arm pointing like she's the Spiderman Meme Gesture,]
You're Romeo, aren't you? From that play they performed last week! I remember you because you killed all the Capulets in your version!
[Okuni is dressed strangely, but probably not that strangely in Liyue? Like, other people have huge hair and also wild kimonos on too? It's not that weird]
no subject
Also he works with Scaramouche and he knows Ningguang so yeah her attire might stand out but not that much tbh. He's been stationed in Liyue long enough (and draws enough attention, both because of his position at the bank and his wallet) that he's used to people calling out to him, though they usually aren't so aggressive about it in the middle of the street OKUNI THE STALL OWNERS ARE STARING
Not that Childe cares--he just laughs, turning to face her and putting an easy hand on his hip. They're blocking the stall he was at? It's fine.]
Ahaha, it was an interesting rendition, wasn't it? ["INTERESTING"....... he looks pleased, though, like she praised him?! Childe please] Your patronage is much appreciated, miss...?
no subject
okuni and childe are the sort of people u want to murder bc they stand in the middle of the fcking road and never move ever, honestly... Okuni takes his Pleased Laughter as an invitation to?? move closer?? why, okuni?? but only close enough so she can lean forward and peer into his eyes, perhaps trying to memorize his face long enough so she pester LWJ about the actor she ran into who's almost as sexy as (heh) WWX,]
Okuni Kumou!
[okuni having enough knowledge to understand that she should introduce herself first name last name first... anyway, now that she's fcking GOT HIM, she whips a notebook from the stall he was perusing and produces a marker??? from her big ole sleeve, then presents the book to him with big expectant eyes]
It's spelled O-k-u-n-i K-u-m-o-u! Here, sign this for me! And can you add a little message too? That line when you said you love Juliet, but you're still willing to duel her to the death! And please make it out to Lan Wang Ji! That's spelled -- [okuni SPELLS OUT LWJ'S NAME, the fact that Okuni spelled out her name for no fcking reason bc she wants Childe to dedicate this stupid autograph to LWJ!!
Anyway, Okuni -- all 5'2'' of her -- sure is persistent, but she surely means well!!]
It's for my brother, you see! He doesn't have a romantic bone in his body, so holding an autograph by someone who knows how to fake it that well will surely bring him some amount of luck!
[hm]
no subject
MORE IMPORTANTLY IS THIS A MODERN MARKER or a ye olde marker... either way, Childe looks surprised for a minute, before he laughs again.]
What, from me? I'm flattered. It's not every day I get such a request from a lovely young lady. ["stop" I say to my own character
He isn't going to say no, though!! Maybe if he ever quits being a.......... toy salesman........... he can become an actor... his parents will be delighted
Anyway, listen. LISTEN. Childe is a kind and doting older brother who would never resort to pulling such pranks on his darling youngest siblings.
However, he also has two older siblings, so he takes the book, opening the cover.]
Would you like your name in here somewhere as well? Should I sign it as "Romeo"?
no subject
the way okuni and childe met for .5 seconds and then immediately parted ways but now Okuni's back like the chaos pigeon she is, flitting around liyue like a bat from hell.... it's an interesting place, she should never have been given a worldhop power. still, when she sees Childe's lanky extremely tall self, she makes an immediate beeline towards him,]
Romeo!
[SHE KNOWS HIS NAME BY NOW AND YET]
How come I never seen you on stage anymore?
[he could have performed yesterday, maybe she missed it]
no subject
AND PROBABLY SO DID CHILDE, except for the fact that she is a very distinct-looking person and he remembers her as being an extremely chaotic individual. It's been too long and they met too briefly for him to remember her name, but he laughs like they're old friends, putting a hand on his hip as he turns to face her.]
Ahaha, that's because I've been traveling! I'm no longer stationed here, unfortunately--I've been overseas for some time.
[Why is he even here when he's supposed to be tracking down Scaramouche, who knows... a mystery]
no subject
Hmmm....
[Okuni says, so doubtfully despite having no reason to? childe's not lying to her? she's just being a little shit for free,]
But you're back now. That means you have some free time, right?
[her eyes are getting a Glint in them,]
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But also--well, firstly, the doubt doesn't really faze him, since he's Snezhnayan and Fatui and that's what everyone does. But secondly, why does she have this look in her eyes... why is his Danger instinct kicking in...]
I'm not sure I'd go that far... [technically he like never has free time] Why? Did you need something?
no subject
Okuni hops a little on the tips of her feetsies as if she's full to bursting with dangerous, gremlin energy]
I want a tour! Since I didn't get to explore as much the last time. [why does childe have to do this...] And you look pretty interesting, so I probably won't get bored if you show me around.
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He cuts too distinctive of a figure to hide, and he isn't much for skulking through the shadows as it is--it had seemed pointless to do anything but remain brazenly out in the open. But passing through for a few days is one thing. Pissing off Ningguang by gallivanting around her city like he still belongs here, on the other hand, probably isn't wise. Perhaps under other circumstances, he'd take the risk, but he's got leads to follow and a job to do, and the Millileth are boring to fight anyway.]
Ahaha, I'm flattered, comrade. But you know, I don't live here! You'd be better off seeking out--[a proper consultant, he almost says, but it's still a little bitter on his tongue, so]--a local.
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unfortunately, the rejection only makes her more interested? she will insist now. she does pull a little face at the word 'local', like it's somehow a crime to be one.]
A local...
[childe: bitter on my tongue
okuni: derogatory...]
A local would never answer my questions.
[WHY WOULDN'T THEY]
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Why do you say that?
[Childe does not saltily think something like "did you ask rude questions about their god or something lol" but it's a near thing]
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[WHAT]
I'll ask them things like 'how much can I get away with before your local enforcement shows up' or 'where's the best place to start a fight' and 'who should I blame said fight on when I start it' and 'where should I go if want to purchase a goat' and all they'll do is tell me to get lost! How annoying.
[that's the sensible reaction but Okuni takes it personally,]
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he was with her until the "goat" part]
Well, this is a city of merchants, after all. It's unlikely you'll get what you want for free.
[Sometimes your advice is "bribe them"]
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she immediately perks up,]
So I should pay you first then? [okuni release childe from this tour guide hell]
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Sure, if you'd like!
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[Okuni sticks her hand in one of her secret kimono sleeves and pulls out a piece of paper,
and then offers the piece of paper to childe.
it has the words 'please help okuni get whatever she wants, in return we'll give you some nice turnips' signed wei wuxian. but if he flips it around it'll say 'disregard this' in smooth clean handwriting, but who listens to lan wang ji in this day and age??? no one]
You can have this, since you didn't specify.
no subject
But he looks at her for a moment--the he throws his head back and laughs.]
Ahaha, you're right about that! But you never know, maybe this is just what I wanted. [It's obviously not... but he tucks it into his pocket anyway, and tilts his head.]
Alright, follow me.