hydrangeabloom | (no subject)

[ The crisp and pristine letter arrives at the Northland Bank just shortly after Tartaglia arrives in Liyue, the seal of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor boldly identifying the sender as well as ensuring that its contents would not be tampered with. Who in Liyue after all (law abiding citizen or not) would dare mess with such an organization or its eccentric director.

The letter itself is painfully formal - welcoming the Harbinger to the Land of Contracts with appropriate cordiality before specifying a location and time for a business luncheon at Xinyue Kiosk. It advises said Harbinger to not be late as the Kiosk is one of Liyue's top two illustrious restaurants that pride themselves on punctuality and an extremely long waiting list. It also goes on to explain that attending the lunch will be none other than one of the most knowledgeable consultants Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has to offer as the director is otherwise... occupied.

With what the letter does not say.

But regardless, welcome to Liyue, Master Tartaglia. ]

[ It's not an unusual letter for a Harbinger to receive; particularly not when setting up under a peaceful banner. Tartaglia has never been the most diplomatic of his colleagues, but there are still certain niceties expected of him and he's more than capable of fulfilling them. Some might have dressed more formally to match the tone of that letter, but Tartaglia isn't the type to play with such pretenses. He'll be showing up in his standard Harbinger attire, his hair a casual mess and his Vision hanging prominently at his side.

He does show up exactly on time for the reservation, though— not a moment too early or late. There's a polite exchange at the door before he's led over to his table. His stride is easy and relaxed as he looks to see this consultant he'll be meeting on this day.

After all, with an establishment like Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.... well, it's not unlikely they'll have plenty of dealings with each other. ]

[ Zhongli rises to his feet upon his guest's arrival - the hostess slipping in to pull out his chair for him. While not a private room (as that was something Wangsheng was not willing to expense), the table is somewhat secluded near the far side of the restaurant overlooking the noon activity of the docks. Even with the window clocks the call of the workers and the haggling of the merchants can be mutedly heard through the glass. ]

Welcome to Liyue, Master Tartaglia. I am Zhongli from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Director Hu sends her regards on not being able to make it this afternoon, but I'm sure you find the time to make your acquaintance.

Please---

[ And zhongli inclines his head in a polite greeting, gesturing that Tartaglia should take a seat. ]

Make yourself comfortable.

I hope that the ride from Snezhnaya was pleasant.

[ Tartaglia's smile is natural and so are the words as he nods his own acknowledgement and sits down. ]

It's a pleasure to visit your lovely country, and also to make your acquaintance.

[ He, of course, has no idea how literally this country is the domain of the gentleman who sits before him. ]

It's a pity I don't have the opportunity to meet your director at this time, but I will look forward to it in the future. In the meantime, I'm very interested in trying out your local cuisine— as well as getting down to business, of course.

[ Such as it is. ]

As for the trip... Admittedly, I found it quite enjoyable. It's always fun to see the scenery change as I head to exotic new locales.

[ It's hard to not form a small smile at Tartaglia's genuine eagerness. Zhongli had researched thoroughly who the Tsarista had sent as her agent of chaos, after all. And while his precise motions hints at what must certainly lie beneath despite his more casual demeanor - Zhongli could not help but think how young this Harbinger was in comparison to the one he had met prior. ]

Of course.

Though I hope you will savor the former before we delve into the latter. Some topics are best not suited for such a meal and first meeting, wouldn't you agree?

[ Zhongli inclines his head before reaching over to politely pour a cup of tea for his guest. ]

I do hope you are hungry. I've taken the initiative to order before you arrived.