video; un: freelancer

[lapislazily]

WHO: Zhongli and you
WHERE: The network
WHEN: Second half of March
WHAT: The Black Order's newest member has arrived. The time of judgment has come.
WARNINGS: None yet, but will update as needed.

[video;]

[Unlike certain other boomers on the network, at least Zhongli has had time enough to figure out how to use a phone. He'd prefer to write letters to communicate but that's hardly convenient, and he's on a bit of a time crunch right now.

He's set up in a small room of a local hotel. Not a single hair looks out of place, swept back into a long ponytail as it is; he wears a version of the Black Order uniform that has been given extra panels in the style of a more modern coat and less of a churchy vibe, with a brown scaly print as accents instead of plain white trim. A gold brooch secures his spotless white tie. To top it off, he wears black gloves, which can be seen as he steps back from the camera and folds his arms behind his back.

Something about him seems... odd. Is it the weird ombre hair? The even weirder eyes? Who the fuck knows. They aren't a normal person color, that's for sure—more draconic in nature than anything else.]

Greetings, people of Libra, and other associates. My name is Zhongli. You're likely already familiar with my colleagues who also hail from the Black Order. Much like them, my intent is to aid as much as I am able in addition to carrying out my normal duties. [Whatever the fuck those are. He chews his words like they're peanut butter.]

I can't divulge many details of my mission due to the stipulations imposed in my contract. However, I can say that word of recent events in Kaisou has reached the ears of those in charge, and has not gone unnoticed. As for my colleagues: I will brief you shortly.

As is customary of those staying in the city long-term, I will also be taking a position at the university as a history professor. Take care not to be late if you are on the roster. Those who fail to show up will suffer the consequences.

[He folds his arms.]

Now... if it isn't too much trouble, I have some questions for those who are familiar with the area.

Firstly: where is the best tea sold? Where can I find the most skilled tailor? And finally, what is your favorite restaurant and why?

I think that should suffice for now. I look forward to working with you.

Comments

un: silverrose

[fionnuisce]

[...this explained a few things.]

First off, this is America so all the tea is garbage. There's a couple of places that sell something decent, but I spent at least a week here before I found even that much. I can give you the locations and save you the trouble. Secondly, get in touch with August Villareal, he runs a shop for that kind of thing. Third

Okay, well, I can't help you with restaurants but that's still 2/3.

Waver Velvet, currently teaching chemistry at Kaisou University. Pleasure.

voice;

[lapislazily]

[Please don't make him use text. We will be here all day.]

That is... unfortunate, but I am grateful for the help regardless. Perhaps I'll have something imported when I have the time. I've also made a note of that name, and will be sure to peruse his services when I have need of them.

[2/3 isn't bad!]

The pleasure is mine. [He pauses.] I would appreciate it if you used discretion about my status as a Black Order associate while I am at the university... at least when it concerns those who are unaware of Libra. I have the education necessary to perform my duties as well as the experience, though I admit the timing seems suspect. Naturally I would extend the same courtesy to you in turn.

[This is not a man who operates on unspoken rules.]

voice;

[fionnuisce]

[Conceding the conversation medium, a tired voice with an English accent came through after a moment.]

Naturally. I prefer to remain neutral in the matter of factions in this world--well, except the standing common sentiment of 'fuck Zodiac'--but I have nothing against or in favor of the Black Order or POKEGO. There's no reason to put ourselves on each other's bad side, and I certainly understand discretion in particularly troublesome matters like this.

...Besides, I'm only qualified to teach ordinary chemistry on a technicality. So I can't really talk.

un: violetsmoke; video

[infezione]

[This is video, so Zhongli gets to see how Fugo visibly perks up.]

It's good to see you again, sir.

[Anyway, the briefing will happen shortly and he will wait for that.]

I'm not much help with the first two, but I think one of the better places around here is Trattoria Trussardi, if you're ever in the mood for authentic Italian food. [Of course that's Fugo's pick...] The atmosphere's nice, and the quality of the food is amazing! Ah, but it's pretty small and you don't get to actually pick what to order... The chef comes out to talk to customers shortly after they come in and he tailors each one's meal to what'd do the most good for their health.

[lapislazily]

[Zhongli's face relaxes ever so slightly in a way that makes him almost seem... smiling? It's hard to say definitively, but for those who know him at least a little bit, it's close enough.]

Ah, Patrizio. I heard that you had been assigned here. How have you fared since we last saw one another? As it so happens, I've brought a list of books you might enjoy.

[As is only polite.]

It sounds delightful. Such personal attention is unheard of in this era. I'll tell the chef that his restaurant comes highly recommended.

[infezione]

I've been doing well! I've been enjoying my assignment here... particular recent events aside.

[Not that he needs to get into that here, that is Business Mode Talk.]

I'm excited to see that list, I do always enjoy your book recommendations.

[Some of those recommendations have even gone on to become favorites!]

He'll be delighted to hear it, he takes great pride in his work.

text; un: kissmyash

[switchaxe]

man they would send you

voice; un: freelancer

[lapislazily]

[Without a single trace of irony:]

I had no idea my reputation preceded me in this case.

Ash, was it? I'm pleased to meet you.

>voice

[switchaxe]

Yeah, yeah. Some of the guys in Florida mentioned you.

[He did not like what he heard, but given the usual people who get shipped to Florida he may be biased.]

UN: hikari-vi | Video

[whiteshroud]

[....This must be the senior black order member that Jusis told him about. But he's not going to say that out loud. Instead, he'll just be polite.]

I see. So you're the person who is going to replace my previous history professor. [Where did he go in the middle of the semester? Who knows] I'm Jun Nightroad, I'll be one of your students. Pleased to meet you, Professor Zhongli.

["Suffer the consequences", huh? So he's strict. Got it]

As for your questions... I'm not a tea expert, but I always liked my father's tea, so I'll send you where he gets his tea from. My friend August is the best tailor in Kaisou. Finally for restaurants, you should try Nuestra Casita if you're interested in Colombian food. I wouldn't be surprised if it's the best Colombian food you'll find outside of Colombia.

[lapislazily]

The pleasure is mine. I look forward to seeing you in my class. Is there any era of history that you are particularly interested in?

[He seems nice and polite. That's a good sign. With their history professor having been suddenly... shuffled off somewhere else for whatever reason, Zhongli is expecting something of an uphill battle with the students. There's always loyalty to the old commander when a new one takes his place.]

Is that so? Thank you for the recommendations. I had looked for proper loose leaf tea when I first arrived, but I was... unsuccessful. [It could be that he had no money.]

I did enjoy Colombian food the last time I had the opportunity. I believe it was called ajiaco—I look forward to eating it again.

[whiteshroud]

Well, I've always found the middle ages pretty interesting! I like hearing about the different legends that originated in that time.

[Okay he admits he's mostly there because it's required for generals, but it's not like he DISLIKED history class. Good stories can come from it]

I see...well if I remember correctly, Dad usually uses loose leaf tea- so you should be in luck! [He'll text him the address, unaware Zhongli's real problems come from being broke ass]

Ajiaco! I've had that, it's very comforting. I hope what they serve will be to your liking.

text | un: blackbirdtarot

[drewthetower]

Waver and Jun have already mentioned me but

hi August Villareal, owner of Blackbird Tarot and Tailoring nice to meet you

voice; un: freelancer

[lapislazily]

Oh, so you're on the app as well. That's very convenient. It's nice to meet you as well, August.

It's been some time since I was last on a field assignment... One must always know a good tailor if he is expecting his clothes to be worn. [Very practical. Zhongli's issue is that he's practical and he likes to look Proper.] If my uniform is damaged, I'll request your services.

I may have a commission for you at some point as well. I suspect that won't be for several months, however, and it's not a priority of mine at the moment.

>voice

[drewthetower]

Thank you, fucking hells do you know how many people don't get the point of a tailor? Too fucking many.

[Bless this guy.]

A few months'd be about as quick as I could get back to you on anything other than repairs. We're in con season and I have cosplay commissions coming out my ears.

video; un: rschwarzer

[motiv8]

[Responding via video isn't Rean's favorite method, but he likes to respond like with like.

Time to try to make a good impression...!]

Ah, hello there. I'm Rean Schwarzer, and I've been taking a good number of history courses at the university lately, so it's likely we'll run into each other in that capacity. It's nice to meet you!

[He... really has no idea how to handle the whole Black Order thing, even though he's close-ish with two of them, so he's just. Going to skip over that.]

As for your questions... I probably don't have the best tastes in tea, but there's an Asian market in Brick Alley that has a good variety and I've really enjoyed some of them. Might be worth checking that out?

I know other people have already referred you to August for a tailor, so I'll skip past that...

And as for restaurants, I've been really liking Wanmin Restaurant lately! I don't know when they opened up, exactly, but the food's really good and not that expensive. I, ah, really like Asian food in general, though, so I might be biased there.

I hope some of that helps! Like I said, it's nice to meet you, and I hope we get along moving forward!

[lapislazily]

[So far he's making a very good impression!]

It's nice to meet you as well. Are you pursuing a history degree? [Maybe he's familiar with whatever Rean is interested in. It's possible.]

An Asian market would be perfect, as it happens. I asked one of the workers at the local grocery about pu-erh and was met with confusion. I was convinced that I would have to import something if I wanted a taste of home; going to the market would greatly simplify that process for me.

[When Rean mentions Wanmin Restaurant, though, something makes his brow furrow. Then it's gone.] Wanmin Restaurant? I've heard that name before. The notable chef was—Xiangling, wasn't it? [He pauses, then shakes his head.] ... My apologies. Another old memory from that old world, and hardly relevant to this conversation. To think that one of Liyue's restaurants would find its way here...

[It makes him all the more curious about the food and who exactly is cooking it, though.]

Thank you for your help, Rean. I'm curious to see what insights you will bring to my class as a fellow scholar of history.

[motiv8]

I don't know if I'm going to pursue it as my major, but I'm definitely at least getting a minor. I need to talk with my advisor still about how the credits are going to shake out. It would be interesting to do a double major, but we'll see!

There are a few Asian markets in the area, but the one in Brick Alley is my favorite. It's probably worth checking all of them out and seeing what most appeals to you, though!

[Look, if even Rean's player's small city has like 5 Asian markets, Kaisou almost certainly does, too. That's just logic for you.

That said, Zhongli's memory actually does pique Rean's interest.]

Oh, is that restaurant from your past life? I had no idea! It's really cool that it wound up here... I'm actually not sure who the chef is in this world, but now I'm interested in finding out.

Any time, Professor! I'll do my best from here on out.

voice; un: kesitakame

[hoshikiri]

[This Senior Member of the Black Order is... asking for recommendations. Well, he's within his right to do so. His strange appearance gave Takame pause, but it wasn't as though he had any right to say.]

... There is a place in the city that has fine green and oolong tea to purchase. And if it is within your standards they have the option to purchase them on the line as well. [you mean online, takame] If you prefer to brew your own, I would advise seeking them out.

I see you've been referred to the tailor. Ah, though as for restaurants... [He's quiet for a while, save for the occasional "hm." Getting this man to find a preference is like pulling teeth.]

... The Last Stand originally came from my home realm and is quite good.

voice; un: freelancer

[lapislazily]

[The guy in the profile pic looks like he might have horns, but Zhongli isn't about to call out people who have animal features. It reminds him of the adepti, who have been sadly absent for most of his life here.]

Green or oolong tea would be better than what I was offered in the hotel lobby. I drank it to avoid looking like an ungrateful guest, but I think my stay could be improved considerably with a proper kettle and tea at hand. [On the line. It's one of those things that makes Zhongli blink for a second, but then he gets it, because he'd said something similar when first dealing with the technology.] I may end up doing just that, if they're able to assist.

[Though he's not writing any of this down. He must have a good memory.]

The Last Stand? I'll be sure to visit, then.

[hoshikiri]

[He does, in fact, have horns. And then some. Something he will learn later down the line. But for now, just voice.]

Mm. I understand. I will gladly drink what tea is offered to me, as it is only polite. However, to say I will not notice a difference in quality would be false. [Takame was not a picky man. He just had a sense of taste.]

It was well appreciated in my realm, and it has proven popular with the people here as well. 'Tis your decision what to make of it, ultimately, but it has my approval. [A pause.]

My name is Takame Kesi. It is a pleasure, Zhongli.

Video: UN: hotgoss

[bebest]

[Hi Zhongli, enjoy the zebratuar on your screen right now. He's going to ignore almost all of this post bar the last part. The rest was delicious, juicy gossip, but also sounded like super dangerous and he's not about that!]

Okay, so you might wanna take notes so get ready, these are gonna come fast.

[He starts counting off on his fingers.]

Best tea is just before you get to the Undertown. If you get into the Undertown, you've gone too far. It's in this niche little alley. Got a little china teaset in the window. The best tailor WAS Raymondo but he freaked out on me recently so I'm looking for a new one that isn't some prissy little weirdo who can't handle a challenge- let me know if you find a good one. Restaurant? Trattoria Trussardi in Midtown- the chef decides what you eat instead of you- tres niche!

video; un: freelancer

[lapislazily]

[He is... completely unfazed. He's seen weirder shit even before the Black Order, to be fucking honest.]

An alley with a tea set in the window... I see. [He is not taking notes.] August Villareal has been mentioned to me several times, and he appears to be on Libra, too. I think I will start there myself. [And lastly...] Trattoria Trussardi has also been suggested by a friend of mine. I look forward to tasting the results and sharing them with the others.

[He nods after a moment.]

Yes... I think that will do for now. You have my thanks. [He brings his hand to his chin.] There is no better way to get to know a city than to ask its locals about their favorite places. Some are guarded secrets, of course, but for the most part I have found they're eager to share.

It's been several years since I last set foot in the United States. Tell me, do chefs still encase everything in gelatin?

[... He's talking about the seventies. Dear god.]

UN: Thorn | video

[poisontippedcure]

[The best tea? That's...an unfortunately loaded question.]

I cannot claim to love tea overmuch, but even then, I've found many of the offerings here lacking.

There is certainly less of a variety here than in the Far East. Though, if you are okay with coffee, there is quite a selection.

[lapislazily]

[Strangely enough he feels at home when people around him have cat ears.]

Hmm... I'll have to keep searching. If my stay is devoid of good tea, it will be very unpleasant. Such things are hard to come by in every time, it seems.

[Showing his age here.]

Coffee is... tolerable. I much prefer a strong tea, however. Even when the leaves have been steeped overlong, it isn't nearly as bitter or acidic as coffee.

[He touches his chin.]

Although... brewing coffee can also be considered an art form. If the beans have been raised with the utmost care, dried, roasted evenly, and then ground fresh... it may have some of the same complexity as a cup of tea. Tea has always suited my sensibilities best, though.