When night descended and the stars dotted the skies, Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon finished their dinner at Lambad Tavern, after which Shahzaman led them to the residence he had prepared.
The house was located slightly northeast of the center of Sumeru City, a fairly advantageous position.
Standing in front of the house, Shahzaman enthusiastically described its virtues.
"Take a look at this place! It's close to both the bustling Grand Bazaar and the lively Treasure Street. The surroundings are scenic, and the security is excellent!"
Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon gazed at the uniquely 凸-shaped structure, its design rich with Sumeru's regional flavor.
Paimon was the first to comment.
"From the outside, it really looks full of Sumerian style."
The group entered.
Inside, they were greeted by a balanced sense of space. Neither cramped nor excessively spacious, it was a modest yet comfortable home.
Right by the entrance lay a space that served as both a living room and bedroom, bright and cozy. To the right was the kitchen; to the left, a bathing room.
A staircase led to a small loft above.
Though not a mansion by any means, the house was complete in all essentials. For the three of them, who weren't picky to begin with, it was more than suitable.
Just then, Muruwa and Hamasa descended the loft stairs, carrying cleaning tools.
Muruwa bowed respectfully to Shahzaman. "Master, the cleaning is all done."
Turning back to Shao Yun and the others, Shahzaman asked, "What do you think? Does this place suit you?"
Paimon looked around. The overall condition was acceptable—she wasn't the sort to be fussy.
But one thing made her uneasy: the baby crib placed beside the double bed.
She muttered with slight disappointment, "Ugh… I wanted to sleep on the big bed, not in a baby crib…"
Hearing this, Shahzaman looked embarrassed.
"My apologies. I assumed you were a child… I even went out of my way to have them prepare a fine crib."
Shao Yun noticed Paimon's unhappy expression and remembered how she usually slept with Lumine.
After a moment's thought, he made a decision. He turned to Shahzaman.
"Shahzaman, could you have a single bed brought tomorrow? Put it up in the loft."
There really wasn't space for another bed on the ground floor.
Shahzaman agreed immediately.
"Of course, no problem."
Then Shao Yun turned to Paimon, gently stroking her hair and saying with an apologetic tone, "Sorry, Paimon. Tonight you'll have to put up with it a little."
Seeing that Shao Yun planned to sleep in the loft to give her space, Paimon hurriedly shook her head.
"No, no need for that. Actually, this bed looks… pretty nice!"
She forced a bright smile and ran her hands along the crib's railing as though she were perfectly satisfied.
Shao Yun sighed, half-joking and half-serious.
"Come on now. If the child wants to sleep with her mother, how could the father not grant her wish?"
"Ugh! Shao Yun, you're doing it again! Taking advantage of me—it's infuriating!"
Her face flushed red with anger. She puffed her cheeks, trying to come up with a harsh retort, but instead crossed her arms, pouted, and said in a tiny voice, "If you keep taking advantage of me, I'll eat every last Mora in your wallet!"
Her childish threat had no bite, and both Shao Yun and Lumine burst out laughing.
Watching their exchange, Shahzaman wisely excused himself.
"Then I'll leave you three to rest. If you need anything, just let me know."
As he left with his attendants, Shao Yun reminded him again.
"Don't forget to have that single bed delivered tomorrow. I mean it."
…
Once Shahzaman had departed, Lumine took the still-pouting Paimon, her cheeks puffed like two balloons, and guided her toward the bath.
At the bathroom door, she stopped and turned to Shao Yun, her eyes gentle yet firm.
"I'll wash up with Paimon first. You come in only after we're done, alright? I'm serious."
Shao Yun nodded casually. "Got it, no problem."
As the two disappeared into the bathroom, Shao Yun summoned that useless system.
With a crooked smile, he teased, "Heh, now's your turn to prove your pitiful worth."
A notification appeared at once.
[You have received: Horse Flute]
Shao Yun blinked. "A… horse whistle? What the hell am I supposed to do with that? Where's this even from? Am I supposed to be in Red Dead Online now?"
As though reading his thoughts, the system followed up with details.
[Horse Flute: When blown, emits a special sound that summons your horse to your side. Requirement: you must already have a horse.]
Pulling the whistle from his Legend of the East satchel, Shao Yun examined it, running a finger over the carved patterns.
"So, I just blow it? Honestly, this isn't even a flute—it's a whistle."
[Don't sweat the details. Just answer: does it meet your needs or not?]
Shao Yun smirked, conceding.
"Fair enough. Thanks for what little you can actually do."
…
Later, after bathing, Paimon lay in the crib while Shao Yun and Lumine shared the double bed.
Before sleeping, Shao Yun explained the flute's function to Lumine.
She was impressed by how quickly he had solved their transportation issue.
He stored it away, and they began to discuss tomorrow's plans.
When he heard Lumine still intended to go to Vimara Village, Shao Yun asked, "So you're heading there tomorrow. What about me?"
Lumine smiled, looping an arm through his.
"Ehe, I'll go find Rana in Vimara Village. As for figuring out how to meet the Dendro Archon—could you handle that?"
Shao Yun was surprised. He had assumed he'd be pushing the main quest, not her.
"Really? You're sure?"
She nodded firmly. "I'm sure."
Shao Yun frowned slightly. "I won't object. But… is Vimara's situation that urgent? Shouldn't meeting the Archon take priority?"
Lumine thought for a moment, then explained earnestly.
"It's simple. I'm worried about the missing children in Vimara Village. And if it were you, wouldn't you also care deeply?"
She held his gaze, her voice steady.
"Think back to that time… If instead of Paimon, it had been little Klee who was kidnapped, I know you'd have helped the Knights without hesitation."
She was referring to the Wine Festival incident in Mondstadt, when the Lawrence clan abducted Paimon.
Shao Yun understood, nodding with a smile.
"I see. Alright then."
He asked gently, "Need me to come along? One more set of hands never hurts."
But Lumine rested her cheek against his shoulder, shaking her head.
"No need. With me and Paimon, it's enough. Don't forget—I'm a renowned adventurer! I've survived countless trials. My strength isn't to be underestimated."
Shao Yun chuckled. "Fair enough. Those pure little Aranara will probably enjoy your company more anyway. I'll take care of the Dendro Archon business."
With their plans settled, Shao Yun stroked her cheek and asked in a half-teasing, half-expectant tone, "So… what now?"
Remembering her promise back in Port Ormos, Lumine flushed, shyly undoing the buttons of her cowgirl outfit.
"Alright… consider this your little reward."
Shao Yun grew serious.
"I'm not doing any of this for a reward. Even if you refused and just wanted to rest, I'd still handle the Archon business. Don't misunderstand me."
Lumine blinked at his sudden earnestness.
"Huh? Why so serious all of a sudden?"
But then his mischievous grin returned.
"Because now… I'm about to be anything but serious."
With that, he yanked the blanket up, wrapping them both tightly inside.
Inside the cocoon of covers, Lumine wriggled in protest.
"Hey! You ruined the mood, you big liar!"
Meanwhile, Paimon, staring at the squirming lump of blankets, covered her ears and shut her eyes tight.
…
No one knew how much time passed.
Lumine, like a weary kitten, nestled close to Shao Yun, utterly exhausted.
"Mmph… you awful trickster. Can't you be a little gentler…"
Shao Yun chuckled softly, tweaking her nose.
"I swear I was as careful and restrained as possible."
Blushing, she pushed his hand away with a pout.
"Hmph, whatever. I'm trapped in your clutches anyway—I guess I'll just accept my fate."
He teased her.
"Listen to you. You make it sound like I kidnapped you."
Lumine nuzzled into his arm with a smile.
"Mm… isn't that exactly what happened? Kidnapped by a big bad man…"
She yawned deeply, eyelids drooping.
"Ah… too tired. I'm going to sleep…"
Her voice trailed into silence as her breathing slowed.
Shao Yun gazed at her with tender affection, gently smoothing her tousled hair.
In a whisper, he murmured, "Sleep well, darling. Sweet dreams."