Chapter 41: Chapter of Water and Sky (Part 1)

"It's been a while since we last saw Rea. Let's check on her in Liyue!"

After unlocking Themis' Story Quest, Paimon's voice chimed in.

Axue didn't immediately pull for Themis. Instead, she decided to play through the Story Quest first. Though she was determined to get Themis no matter what, experiencing the quest might add to the excitement of pulling later.

So, as soon as the update went live, she started the quest.

"Since Themis is another personality of Rea, I wonder how miHoYo will handle her Story Quest," Axue mused, teleporting to Liyue and following the quest marker to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

At the end of Version 1.1, players could ask Zhongli about Astrea's situation. He mentioned that he'd requested the Director of Wangsheng Parlor to hire Astrea as a consultant, ensuring she had a place to stay and a steady income. Naturally, visiting Rea meant heading to the parlor.

Upon arriving, they found Astrea standing at the entrance with a lively young woman. Approaching them triggered a cutscene.

"D-Director, I really can't do this… It's impossible for me!"

"This is no good, that's no good—Rea, are you trying to become a bigger leech than Zhongli? At least he's knowledgeable and can teach the parlor's staff! But you?!"

The girl Astrea called "Director" sighed in exasperation:

"Sure, I'll give you credit for not sending me bizarre bills to reimburse. But you can't just coast like this! Don't compare yourself to Zhongli's bad habits—you should aim higher! Even I hustle to promote our business! How hard is it to hand out flyers with that adorable face of yours?!"

"But… I… I don't want to hurt anyone…"

"Who said anything about hurting anyone?!"

"Th-This flyer says 'Buy One, Get One Free'… Doesn't that mean… killing people?"

"Buy One, Get One Free is just a marketing tactic! Everyone does it!"

Astrea stared wide-eyed. "But… we're a funeral parlor…?"

"What's wrong with that? Funerals can't have promotions?!"

As the two argued, Lumine and Paimon approached from behind. Lumine glanced curiously at the girl, but it was Paimon who barged in:

"Rea! What's going on? Who's this?"

"Ah! Big Sister! And Paimon!"

Astrea turned around, her face lighting up.

Paimon waved. "We heard something about 'Buy One, Get One'! Is there free food?"

"Nope!" The girl's eyes sparkled as she focused on Lumine. "You're the Traveler, right? Perfect! I've heard all about you—always getting into trouble! How about booking a funeral package in advance? I'll give you 20% off! And it's Buy One, Get One Free! Two for the price of one! Don't worry—I, Hu Tao, promise not to cram you both into one coffin. You'll each get a proper send-off!"

"Wait… What?!"

Paimon recoiled mid-air. "You're talking about funerals?!"

"Yep…" Astrea muttered. "Director Hu wanted me to hand out flyers… I almost agreed since she's been so kind, but this 'Buy One, Get One' idea…"

Paimon cut in, horrified: "How is that a promotion?!"

"Why not? Everyone dies eventually!" Hu Tao declared, hands on her hips. "If your dad kicks the bucket now, you'll croak someday too! Pay once, and your kids won't have to foot the bill later! Isn't that a deal?!"

"You… you…!"

Paimon sputtered before crossing her arms. "Okay, fine. From a universal rational perspective, it is a good discount…"

Astrea gasped. "Why do you sound just like Mr. Zhongli?!"

"Because I knew Zhongli would say that!" Paimon huffed.

"See, Rea? Even others agree! Now get to work!" Hu Tao nudged her.

"But… I'll get beaten up! I… I hate pain…"

"If you refuse everything, what can you do? I can't have freeloaders here! The other consultants will complain!"

Hu Tao's "persuasion" continued—Rea's innocent looks would surely attract customers! (In truth, everyone at the parlor adored Rea. No one minded her staying.) But Rea, unlike the eccentric Director, had common sense. Still, Hu Tao had a point—she couldn't just leech forever.

Reluctantly, Rea accepted the flyers. "O-Okay…"

"Great! I trust you!" Hu Tao patted her shoulder and skipped away, humming.

Rea stared bleakly at the stack of flyers in her hands.

The game's attention to detail was immaculate—every flyer was visible on-screen, clutched in Rea's small, trembling hands.

"...How many beatings am I going to get?" she whispered despairingly.