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[leaveofabsence]

[ The tales of one Harbinger and one funeral parlor consultant ]

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[leaveofabsence]

[ 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.

[childecoded]

[ 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.

[leaveofabsence]

[ 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.