"Not bad—I thought it might be her true body coming here to kill me."
Gu Sanqiu sighed, then said, "I'll be clear: the demon's power is gone. Whatever you're hoping to accomplish, I can't help you."
"Aww, how disappointing," Yae Miko said, still wearing her serene smile. Even though her words carried a tinge of regret, her composed demeanor remained intact.
"This was within your expectations too, wasn't it, Lady Yae?" Gu Sanqiu took a deep breath, steadying himself. "If my power had been stronger—or more plentiful—I wouldn't have fled so miserably that day."
"What is your true purpose for coming to Liyue?"
"My, what a perceptive young man you are. If you ever visit Inazuma, do drop by the Grand Narukami Shrine. If time permits, I might even personally accompany you."
Yae Miko added a playful wink and a blown kiss.
"You're quite something, little one. Just recently, you claimed to love my dear friend, yet today, you showed no mercy at all. Is this typical male behavior? It's truly heartless."
"As for my plans… hehe, that's a secret~."
With that, Yae Miko's projection faded. Gu Sanqiu and Ningguang instinctively activated their elemental energy, scanning the surroundings.
"They're gone."
"Mm."
Gu Sanqiu nodded and let Ningguang help him to the stone table, where he sat down.
"Does it hurt?"
Ningguang gently touched Gu Sanqiu's forehead. "Channeling power of that level must have taken a heavy toll, even for you."
"I'm fine. It doesn't hurt anymore. It's just that the massive energy drain left me feeling a bit off," Gu Sanqiu admitted, looking at Ningguang apologetically. "Sorry, sis. I didn't think she'd be so bold as to attack right in our own courtyard."
"Hmph. You should be glad she did attack here. Otherwise, where would we have found the countermeasures? If it had happened outside, considering her power as an Archon, our only hope might have been Rex Lapis descending in person."
Come to think of it, if it had been outside, maybe I wouldn't have suffered as much.
If worse came to worst, I could've just shouted to the heavens for Grandpa, Boss, or Xiao to intervene. Sure, it'd be a bit rough on the vocal cords, but it'd still be better than this.
Ningguang poked Gu Sanqiu's forehead lightly with her finger. "You… why do you keep giving me more to worry about as you grow older?"
"Fights of this caliber aren't something we little mortals should be involved in. Not getting crushed outright is already a blessing."
"I didn't expect the aftereffects of that thing to be so ridiculous."
When the demon had appeared, her proclamation about being the ruler of explosive flames had been so loud. Yet in the end, she was still cut down by the "chef lady," leaving only remnants of her power behind to annoy her opponent.
Then again, I suppose it's not fair to say that. The demon's appearance was likely just a projection or avatar. The fact that she could spar briefly with the "chef lady" was impressive enough.
"I still have to oversee some affairs. If there's anything else here, you can handle it yourself," Ningguang said, ruffling Gu Sanqiu's hair. "Don't overthink it. Just take things one step at a time."
"Hehe, got it. You're the best, Sis."
Gu Sanqiu grabbed Ningguang's hand and nuzzled it affectionately.
"Ugh, you clueless kid. Don't use your rough skin to ruin my careful skincare regimen."
Ningguang curled her fingers and flicked his forehead lightly.
"By the way, that Yae Miko said you once told the Shogun that you loved her?" Ningguang's gaze turned scrutinizing.
"Uh… it could be interpreted as heat-of-the-moment enthusiasm… maybe?"
"Just answer me. Did you say it or not?"
"I did. If I remember right, I even shouted it loud enough for everyone nearby to hear."
If that golden-haired traveler ever resolves Inazuma's eternal crisis and I visit for fun later, would I socially combust on the spot? Or get jumped by the Shogun's diehard fans?
Yeah, that's probably how it'd go.
"Whether you like her or not is your business," Ningguang said with a sigh. "But let me remind you: the age gap between the two of you is… significant. Even if she's a god, it's still a major divide."
"And as you saw earlier, her temper is… volatile. I doubt you'd be able to keep her in line."
With that, Ningguang left to resume her duties, leaving Gu Sanqiu sitting alone by the stone table, feeling slightly dazed.
Sis's train of thought really jumped way ahead, didn't it?
Me and the Shogun? Impossible. Just thinking about it is ridiculous.
---
In an uncharted, vast expanse, Yae Miko appeared with her signature smile. Examining the weathered marks on the surrounding rocks, her expression briefly betrayed a hint of emotion.
"Even beings as mighty as you cannot withstand the erosion of time," she murmured.
From the swirling yellow clouds above, a massive dragon's head emerged, gazing down at Yae Miko with a mix of respect and curiosity.
"What brings you here?"
"Greetings, Rex Lapis," Yae Miko said with a polite smile. "I've come to discuss a deal with you. Would you be interested?"
"What kind of deal?"
"Your young protégé—would you consider lending him to me at some point in the future?"
Yae Miko's expression turned serious. "If I'm to change her, your disciple may not be indispensable, but he'd certainly be an excellent choice."
"That boy is already entangled in this matter. And the payment?"
"Payment?" Yae Miko tilted her head playfully, a sly grin spreading across her face.
"How about an Archon-level daughter-in-law?"
The clouds churned violently, and a faint look of exasperation appeared in Rex Lapis's golden eyes.
"Hmph. Kitsune truly live up to their nature," he muttered.
Yae Miko covered her mouth with a chuckle. "In that case, how about sharing a portion of Inazuma's leyline energy? Your Dragon King could use it to grow stronger, no?"
Zhongli shook his head. "Power that is too strong is not a blessing. When erosion comes, everything you hold dear will be claimed by its grasp."
"This matter is settled. I'll agree to your request, but how it unfolds will no longer be within my purview."
He gave Yae Miko one last glance. "Ensure the boy survives. Whether he loses an arm or a leg is his own concern."
With that, the dragon's head retreated into the clouds. "The contract is sealed. Our transaction is complete. Now leave."
"Wait," Yae Miko called out, stepping forward hesitantly.
"I want to know about the plan you all discussed back then. The secretive scheming that involved her. I want the details."
The dragon's head descended slightly. "Little fox, not even she—sealed within her own Pure Land—knows the full truth. Why do you seek it?"
"For my companions. For all of Inazuma," Yae Miko replied, her tone shedding its usual playfulness for sincerity.
"For the chance to sip sake over good food while reading my favorite books. And perhaps, if possible, to nap on his lap."
"I want to chase after that fleeting beauty. Even if it lasts but a moment, I'd consider it eternity."
---
T/N: NAP ON HIS LAP? WHOS?
...
Huh. You really stuck it out all the way to the end.
Didn't think you had the patience. Guess I was wrong.
WiseTL's the one who actually made all this come together. I'm just here putting a bow on it... or, well, shoving it in a backpack and calling it a day. Same thing.
If you had fun, you know what to do:
👉 [patreon.com/WiseTL]
And if you're the social type, there's a Discord too. Pretty decent spot to hang out—no battles required.
👉 [discord.gg/wisetl]
Alright. That's enough standing around. Go on—before you make it weird.
—Leaf