"Ayaka? Why are there so many people!"
The sheer scale of the gathering gave Ye Xi quite a start.
Hearing his voice, Kamisato Ayaka's face flushed a delicate red as she explained, "Everyone is so reluctant to part with you, so they all wanted to come and see you off."
"Xi, did I make you unhappy?"
"How could you?"
Ye Xi gave a faint smile. He had originally planned to leave quietly, but he hadn't expected things to turn out like this.
[It looks like this was probably Kamisato Ayato's idea,] he thought. [That fellow wants me to stay and help, so he's playing the gracious host. He's likely right nearby...]
Hearing Ye Xi's inner thoughts, Ayaka couldn't help but silently marvel at his wisdom.
Meanwhile, Yae Miko was practically gnashing her teeth.
That brat from the Yashiro Commission had been restless since he was a child. No matter how warm and spring-like his outward smile was, there was no telling what he was plotting in the shadows. How annoying!
She had originally planned to see Ye Xi off by herself, but her plans had been spoiled!
Ye Xi smiled faintly. "My departure from Inazuma won't be for too long. I'm just going to have a look around Liyue and Mondstadt before I return."
"Then" Yae Miko began, her voice filled with reluctance.
However, before she could finish, Ayaka cut in ahead of her. "Then I will wait for your return in Inazuma."
Yae Miko's brow furrowed slightly; she could sense a distinct air of hostility.
Ye Xi nodded. "Then, I'm off."
"Please wait a moment, Xi."
Ayaka caught the corner of his sleeve and pulled a double-sided gold-flecked folding fan from her own.
Ye Xi recognized it; it was a treasure left behind by Ayaka's late mother.
"This folding fan is my dance fan. I hope you will accept it, Xi."
"When you return to Inazuma, I will use this fan to perform a dance for you, and you alone."
These words were almost like a veiled confession, leaving Ye Xi quite surprised. He hadn't expected Ayaka to use this dance fan as a parting gift!
How could he possibly refuse?
He took the folding fan from her hands and examined it closely. There were characters freshly carved into the fan's frame; the ink still looked new.
A night of clear clouds and hazy moon; obsessions like mist, the heart's wild landscape lost in a sorrowful love for the traveler.
[As expected of Ayaka, even her dance fan is full of elegant charm. But the meaning of this poem...]
A clear night sky where clouds blurred the moon, an obsession as difficult to disperse as a thick fog, a heart filled with desolate bitterness, longing for the traveler once met...
Ye Xi looked at the young woman before him. Ayaka had already lowered her head, her face and ears burning red.
Nearby, the servants and members of the Yashiro Commission stood agape, utterly dumbfounded.
"Good heavens, isn't that the dance fan left behind by the late Madam?"
"The Eldest Miss actually gave that fan to Lord Ye Xi!"
"Heavens, does this mean her heart belongs to him?"
"Come to think of it, the Eldest Miss is at a marriageable age. Could Lord Ye Xi be her beloved?"
"A match made in heaven, a perfect pair!"
"That fan was originally a token of love given to the Madam by the Master. To think the Eldest Miss would give it away as a token herself!"
"What a beautiful story!"
"Congratulations, congratulations!"
"..."
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Ye Xi seemed to vaguely understand something.
Since Ayaka had reached the age to marry, there would surely be many people seeking to propose to the Kamisato Clan. She was likely using this display to avoid harassment and secure some peace for herself.
However, he could also feel the sincerity of her heart. Though the date of his return was uncertain, he didn't mind being her guardian.
"It's a pity we won't be able to stroll through the Realm Within and recite poetry together for a while."
He reached into his pocket and produced a Jade Flute.
"When this Jade Flute glows, it means I am thinking of you. If you play a melody, I will receive your response."
"Eh?"
Ayaka's eyes filled with a mix of shyness and wonder as she hurriedly accepted the Jade Flute, which seemed to capture all of her attention. It felt cool to the touch, much like the ice and snow she loved.
In that instant, she felt a strange, mystical connection form between herself and the instrument.
"I will cherish this Jade Flute for the rest of my life," she said, her voice trembling slightly.
Beside them, even Yae Miko's gaze had turned sour with envy.
She wanted that flute too!
This gift was a thousand, no, ten thousand times better than the one she had received last night! It could sense thoughts and even allow for a response!
She was truly dying of jealousy. However, as the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine, she couldn't let it show, so she could only stand there and suffer in silence.
Meanwhile, at the highest point of Inazuma, within Tenshukaku...
In the Plane of Euthymia, a strike carrying the intent of lightning slashed through empty air. Raiden Ei watched the scene before her, feeling both embarrassed and infuriated.
"That girl from the Yashiro Commission!"
"How dare she be so brazen!"
"That Jade Flute must be mine!"
Raiden Ei spoke in a fit of pique, though it was merely talk. If she actually did anything, Ye Xi would certainly punish her.
But this time, the Raiden Shogun was truly jealous! She hadn't paid much attention to Ayaka before, but she never expected the girl to be so close to Ye Xi!
...
"Ayaka, Editor-in-Chief, I'm off."
With that, Ye Xi pushed off the ground and landed lightly on the ship.
"What incredible skill!"
Those on the ship who knew a thing or two about martial arts felt their pupils shrink. Just that single step was something no ordinary mortal could achieve!
On deck, Beidou walked forward. "You've got a lot of nerve, kid, making us wait so long!"
Ye Xi smiled faintly. "Big Sis, I got held up by a few things."
"Hmph, no matter. It's a fine, sunny day."
Beidou turned around and immediately barked an order, "Raise the sails! We're setting sail!"
🚨 Note: Consider supporting this story on Patreon.com/Flokixy to access 400+ advance chapters and 2 new chapters daily! (Full story bundles also available without a subscription).