Shenhe: "He's not in danger."
Eula looked her straight in the eyes.
Eula: "I never said otherwise."
A tense but controlled silence fell.
Then Eula looked away slightly.
Eula: "As long as you're okay..."
She paused, then added in a softer tone:
Eula: "...that's all that matters."
Aether felt a strange warmth wash over her, a mixture of embarrassment and relief.
Aether: "Thank you for coming this far."
Eula nodded.
Eula: "Of course."
She then looked at Shenhe.
Eula: "I imagine you're the one I've been told about."
Shenhe: "Shenhe."
Eula: "Eula Lawrence."
The two women sized each other up calmly.
Two warriors.
Two opposing temperaments.
A shared interest.
Shenhe: "We're going back to Liyue."
Eula: "Perfect."
She stood beside them.
Eula: "This time... I'll come with you." »
Ether: " ...… "
Caught in the arms of one, watched over by the other,
the hero had only one thought:
Today… I truly have no control over my situation.
And, strangely…, he didn't mind.
Tap tap tap tap tap tap
The three of them walked along the mountain path, bathed in the golden light of late afternoon.
The wind rippled through the tall grass, and the rocks cast long shadows on the narrow path leading to Liyue.
The scene was… peculiar.
Shenhe was still carrying Aether in his arms, without the slightest sign of fatigue; his step was steady, even, almost too calm.
Beside them, Eula Lawrence walked alone, straight, arms crossed, her gaze fixed straight ahead.
Eula: "Doesn't your arm hurt?"
"You should lend it to me."
Shenhe turned his head slightly toward her, without slowing down.
Shenhe: "It's not necessary."
"I'm used to carrying rocks."
Aether: "…"
Eula raised an eyebrow.
Eula: "I wouldn't want the human adept to get tired."
At that precise moment, a vein slowly swelled on Shenhe's neck.
Shenhe: "Don't worry, I'm stronger than you."
This time, it was the vein on Eula's neck that began to throb dangerously.
Eula: "Oh?"
"How confident."
She offered a polite smile. Far too polite.
Eula: "It's true that lifting Aether must be... quite an interesting exercise."
Shenhe: "It's light."
"Compared to some swords."
Author's Note: "Many people don't know this, but Shenhe is skilled not only with the spear but also with other weapons."
Eula: "I imagine so."
"But you still have to know how to wield a claymore properly."
Shenhe: "Brute force is enough, sometimes."
Eula: "Technique too."
Aether: "...…"
He could feel the atmosphere growing dangerously cold.
And yet, not a single word was overtly hostile.
If a traveler had passed by at that moment, they would have quickly understood one thing:
This was not the right time to approach.
The two women continued to exchange what, on the surface, resembled compliments… but each sentence was a perfectly honed blade.
Eula: "You seem very… close."
Shenhe: "I'm learning to better understand his emotions."
Eula: "That's commendable; very few people manage it."
Shenhe: "He's not difficult to understand."
"He's honest."
Eula: "Too honest, sometimes."
Their eyes met briefly.
Just for a moment.
Then they looked away at the same time, as if nothing had happened.
Aether, meanwhile, held his breath.
Meanwhile, on Mount Aocang:
An ancient tree grew on this rock, its branches spreading out as if to protect the place from the outside world.
Beneath this tree stood a stone table, surrounded by several chairs carved from the rock.
The place exuded serenity.
Seated at the table, an elegant and calm woman with dark hair held a steaming cup of tea in her hands.
This was Xianyun, in her human form.
Xianyun: One of the Mighty and Illuminated Adepti of Jueyun, known as "Cloud Retainer." Expert in all kinds of mechanical contraptions, her heart now turns towards the affairs of the mortal world, through which she walks under the name "Xianyun."
Opposite her, equally serene, sat Madame Ping.
The two sipped their tea peacefully, enjoying the silence.
Xianyun: "The Lantern Festival went off without a hitch this year."
Ping: "Yes."
"Humans have truly progressed."
Xianyun: "And the blond traveler contributed greatly to that."
Ping offered a warm smile.
Ping: "Actually, I ran into him not long ago."
Xianyun: "Are you talking about the traveler with the blond hair?"
Ping: "Yes."
She took a sip of tea before calmly adding:
Ping: "He's also friends with my granddaughter."
"And honestly... I'm proud of that, as a grandmother."
Xianyun: "..."
She blinked in surprise.
Ping gently set down her cup.
Ping: "You should be proud too."
Xianyun: "...What are you talking about?"
Ping looked her straight in the eyes, a knowing smile on her lips.
Ping: "I'm talking about Shenhe, of course."
Xianyun brought her cup to her lips...
Xianyun : " ...... "
Then she immediately spat out the tea.
Xianyun: "Wh...What?!"
Ping remained perfectly calm.
Ping: "Shenhe's been feeling strange lately."
Xianyun: "That's impossible."
"She's following her talismans, her training, her emotional balance, and other things the red cords dictate."
Ping: "And yet."
She lightly tapped the table with her fingertips.
Ping: "She's in love."
Silence fell abruptly over Mount Aocang.
Xianyun stared at Ping, completely bewildered.
Xianyun: "...In love?"
Ping: "Yes."
Xianyun: "With..."
Ping: "You already know."
Xianyun slowly turned her gaze toward the lake.
Xianyun: "...The traveler."
Ping smiled.
Ping: "Exactly."
Xianyun remained silent for a long moment.
Xianyun: "...And you understood that quickly?"
Ping: "Very quickly."
She stood up slowly.
Ping: "Shenhe has never sought human closeness before; she doesn't get attached without reason."
Xianyun closed her eyes.
Xianyun: "Then... that's why she's acting this way."
Ping: "She's learning to feel."
She placed a gentle hand on Xianyun's shoulder.
Ping: "And that's not a bad thing."
Xianyun took a deep breath.
Xianyun: "...I see."
Then, after a short silence:
Xianyun: "In that case... I hope he'll know how to protect her."
Ping smiled.
Ping: "I think he already is."
Meanwhile in Liyue:
Night had already settled over Liyue, bathing the port in a warm glow from the lanterns hanging from the buildings.
The air smelled of salt, spices, and freshly cooked food.
The distant cries of the merchants were becoming less frequent, replaced by the murmur of the sea and the soft clinking of the masts of the moored ships.
In front of a well-known port restaurant, its red lanterns delicately decorated with gold patterns,
Paimon swayed nervously from side to side, while Ganyu stood straight, her hands clasped in front of her.
Ganyu: "I wonder how things are going over there..."
Paimon: "Don't worry, if anyone tries to attack Aether, Shenhe will protect them."
Ganyu looked away slightly, clearly uneasy.
Ganyu: "That's exactly what scares me."
Paimon: "Huh?"
Ganyu: "Shenhe doesn't really know how to hold back. When she protects someone, she goes all in."
Paimon: "Ah... put that way..."
Paimon rubbed the back of his head before trying to lighten the mood.
Paimon: "Well, at least they're together. Besides, Aether is used to complicated situations."
Ganyu: "That's true..."
To change the subject, Paimon pointed to the menu hanging by the restaurant's entrance.
Paimon: "So, what's for dinner?"
"Paimon's hungry!"
Ganyu smiled slightly.
Ganyu: "The food here is excellent. They make a very famous meat stew, and also rice and shrimp dishes."
Paimon: "Oh, shrimp! Paimon votes for shrimp!"
Ganyu: "We could also order several dishes and share."
Paimon: "Excellent idea!"
"That way, Paimon can try everything!"
They continued chatting quietly, talking about food, local specialties, and even recipes that Xiangling would surely have loved.
Time passed without them even noticing.
Then suddenly, Ganyu looked up.
Ganyu: "Ah... there they are..."
Paimon: "What?"
Paimon turned around immediately.
And froze.
Her mouth opened slowly, her eyes widened, and it took her brain several seconds to process the information.
Ahead of them stood Shenhe, Aether... and Eula.
But it wasn't Eula's presence that shocked Paimon.
It was her position.
Shenhe was carrying Aether in his arms, exactly as a knight would carry a princess.
Aether, on the other hand, seemed as stiff as a statue, clearly aware of every glance directed at them.
Paimon: "...…"
Ganyu: "...…"
Paimon blinked several times.
Paimon: "Paimon… dreaming?"
Ganyu: "No."
Paimon: "Aether is really being carried…"
Ganyu: "Yes."
Paimon: "In someone's arms…"
Ganyu: "Exactly."
Paimon: "By Shenhe…"
Ganyu: "Unfortunately… yes."
Aether, still being carried, turned his head slightly when he saw Paimon.
Aether: "Hi Paimon, I'm back."
He tried to smile naturally, as if the situation were perfectly normal.
Paimon: "...… Hi."
Even at night, there were still a few passersby.
Some slowed down, others stopped completely, whispering amongst themselves.
Passerby #1: "That's the traveler…"
Passerby #2: "And that woman with the white hair…"
Passerby #3: "Do you think they're dating?"
Aether could hear the whispers, but for once, they didn't really bother him.
He was too focused on Paimon… and the delicate situation he was in.
Nearby, Eula walked straight ahead, arms crossed, staring at Paimon with an icy glare.
A look that said very clearly:
You'd better not say anything to her.
Paimon felt a shiver run down his spine.
Paimon: "Hehe… what a coincidence…"
Ganyu watched the scene, torn between concern and a certain embarrassment.
Ganyu: "You... you had a good trip?"
Shenhe: "Yes."
Simple answer.
Calm.
Direct.
Shenhe tightened her grip on Aether slightly, as if she feared he might slip away.
Aether: "We... took a little while."
Paimon: "A little... while..."
Paimon slowly circled them, taking in the situation from all angles.
Paimon: "So... Aether..."
Aether: "Yes?"
Paimon: "Why are you being carried?"
Aether hesitated for a split second.
Aether: "It's... a long story."
Paimon: "Paimon has all the time in the world."
Eula coughed slightly.
Eula: "Perhaps we should go inside the restaurant."
"People are starting to look."
Shenhe: "I don't care."
Eula: "I do."
Their eyes met for a second.
Ganyu quickly intervened.
Ganyu: "Yes, let's go in. We can talk more quietly inside."
They entered the restaurant.
The interior was warm, lit by hanging lanterns, with large polished wooden tables.
A few customers were already seated, but the atmosphere remained calm.
The owner greeted them enthusiastically, immediately recognizing Aether.
Owner: "Oh!"
"The hero of Liyue!"
"Welcome!"
Aether: "Good evening..."
He tried to greet them, but still in Shenhe's arms, the gesture seemed... awkward.
They were seated in a room a little apart from the others.
Once out of sight of the outside world, Shenhe stopped.
Aether: "Shenhe... you can put me down now."
Shenhe: "Why?"
Aether: "Because... we're here."
Shenhe looked around the room, then nodded gently.
She carefully helped him back onto his feet.
Aether took a deep breath, relieved.
Paimon: "Finally!"
"Paimon was starting to wonder if you were going to spend the evening like this."
Aether: "Sorry..."
Paimon: "Okay, tell me!"
"How was your day?"
Aether sat down, clasping his hands in front of him.
Aether: "Well..."
He began to tell his story.
He talked about their walk out of Liyue, the mountains, the silence, the lake.
He mentioned fishing, the fish, the peace and quiet that had allowed him to breathe a little, away from prying eyes.
He mentioned Shenhe, her behavior, the way she stayed close to him.
While he spoke, Shenhe listened attentively, without interrupting, while Eula remained silent, her gaze occasionally averted.
Aether: "I think... I needed to get away for a bit. In Liyue, I feel like I'm constantly being watched."
Ganyu nodded understandingly.
Ganyu: "I understand, your reputation is immense here."
Paimon: "But Paimon is here to protect you too!"
Aether smiled.
Aether: "I know and thank you."
He looked at Shenhe.
Aether: "Shenhe helped me a lot today. She... reassured me."
Shenhe: "It's nothing."
A brief silence fell.
Eula looked away, lightly clenching her fists.
Paimon, however, perfectly understood what was happening beneath the surface. She knew how Eula felt, and she also knew that Shenhe, without really realizing it, held a very special place in Aether's heart.
But she remained silent.
For now.
The waiter arrived to take the order, breaking the tension.
Waiter: "What would you like?"
Paimon: "Meat dishes, rice, and shrimp!"
"Lots of shrimp!"
Aether smiled slightly.
Aether: "Yes… lots of shrimp."
The Xinyue Kiosk stood proudly in the heart of Liyue Harbor, illuminated by the warm glow of lanterns that swayed gently in the night breeze.
The multi-level building elegantly combined dark red lacquered wood and light stone, with curved roofs adorned with jade-green tiles. Walkways connected parts of the restaurant, giving the impression that the structure almost floated above the void, supported by the bold architecture typical of Liyue.
Large windows decorated with geometric patterns let in golden light, revealing the lively interior of the restaurant. At the entrance, a carved sign depicted a stylized fish surrounded by clouds, a symbol of prosperity and abundance.
A sweet aroma of hot dishes, a mixture of rice, spices, seafood, and grilled meat, wafted through the air. The air, irresistibly drawing in passersby.
Inside, the atmosphere was both warm and refined. The walls were decorated with paintings depicting the mountains of Liyue, the Adepts, and seascapes, while hanging lanterns cast a soft glow.
The polished stone floor gently reflected the orangey light, and large round tables of solid wood occupied the room, each surrounded by intricately carved chairs. Elegant blue and white porcelain tableware was meticulously arranged, and steaming teapots rested on small warmers built into the tables.
The five friends had settled around one of the large tables.
The dishes were already piling up: stir-fried shrimp, fragrant rice, crisp vegetables, and delicately seasoned fish. The atmosphere was peaceful, almost comforting, a stark contrast to the hectic day they had just experienced.
Paimon sat opposite Aether, her cheeks slightly puffed out as she enthusiastically chewed a perfectly golden shrimp.
Paimon: "Mmmh~!"
"They're so good!"
Aether smiled gently at her, holding his chopsticks with a bit more restraint, savoring the dish himself.
Aether: "Paimon, you're going to eat even more than me..."
Paimon: "Hey! It's important to eat well!"
Next to them, Shenhe ate calmly, her expression as composed as ever, almost detached.
She seemed perfectly at ease, even surrounded by people, concentrating on each bite as if it were a serious task. Ganyu, sitting nearby, savored her meal gently, appreciating the tranquility of the moment.
However, Paimon's gaze kept drifting, almost involuntarily, to Eula.
Eula sat upright, elegant as always, but her posture betrayed a certain tension. She held her chopsticks precisely, eating slowly, as if each movement were calculated. Her gaze would sometimes wander, before returning to Aether, then immediately looking away again.
Intrigued, Paimon finally swallowed her bite and tilted her head slightly.
Paimon: "Hey... Eula?"
Eula looked up, a little surprised, but remained calm.
Eula: "Yes?"
Paimon hesitated for a moment.
She knew Eula was from Mondstadt, and her presence here was no coincidence. But she also remembered the murderous look Eula had given her earlier.
Paimon: "What exactly are you doing in Liyue?"
A brief silence fell around the table. Even Aether stopped eating, looking up at Eula.
Ganyu and Shenhe also turned their heads slightly, attentive.
Eula felt a bead of sweat trickle down her temple. She paused to think.
Eula : "Telling the truth was out of the question."
She inhaled discreetly, then offered a controlled smile.
Eula: "Jean sent me to buy fish."
The silence continued.
Paimon: "........"
Aether: "........"
Ganyu: "........"
Shenhe: "........"
Paimon blinked several times.
Paimon: "Fish?"
Eula: "Uh… yes."
Aether tilted his head slightly, visibly confused.
Aether: "From Mondstadt… to Liyue… for fish?"
Eula crossed her arms, trying to appear dignified.
Eula: "It's an important mission."
"Jean is very particular about the freshness of the ingredients."
Chapter 12: Return to Liyue
The End