Bosacius stared wide-eyed at Elliot, countless questions swirling through his mind.
Was he really not angry?
Why wasn't he angry?
It was their very first day in Liyue, and they hadn't even managed to complete their task on time—was the Sovereign truly unfazed?
He even cared whether we liked the fish?
Why would he think about something like that for our sake?
These questions weren't only on Bosacius's mind; the other four Yaksha were just as confused.
"Your Majesty."
"Hmm?" Elliot turned to look at him.
"Are you... not angry?" Bosacius asked carefully.
"Why would I be angry?" Elliot replied evenly.
"We failed to follow your instructions and didn't return on time," Bosacius admitted.
"I'm aware. But you already realize your mistake—so what is there to be angry about? Do I really seem like someone who loses his temper so easily?"
"No, no, not at all..." Bosacius quickly waved all four of his hands, denying it. "It's just... it feels hard to believe."
"What's so unbelievable about it? It's not a big deal—you were just a little late. Don't shackle yourselves with unnecessary guilt, and don't assume I'm that harsh."
"You're not children anymore. The importance of an issue depends on its consequences—I don't think I need to explain that to you, do I?"
"You coming back late only made me wait a little longer to eat grilled fish. Why would that make me angry?"
"If your delay had led to demons invading Liyue and people getting hurt, then I'd be angry. But for small things like this, don't dwell on it. Stop giving yourselves so much pressure. Learn to relax—and enjoy life."
Elliot finished speaking, picked up the fish that was almost done, sprinkled on some seasoning, and began to eat calmly.
The Yaksha stood frozen, stunned into silence.
Watching Elliot eat so peacefully, they were overwhelmed by a mix of awe and shame.
Moments ago, they'd been comforting Alatus, telling him that the darkness was gone and light had come. Yet when faced with their own mistake, they'd instinctively retreated back into their own darkness.
Elliot's words brought them back, making them realize that the age of fear and oppression truly was behind them.
Here, they didn't need to stay constantly on guard.
Here, they didn't need to live in fear of punishment.
Here, they didn't need to tremble over every "task."
Here—they could finally breathe.
"Your Majesty, may I also have some of that grilled fish...?" Bosacius asked hesitantly.
"Huh...? Didn't you say you didn't like fish?" Elliot teased.
Bosacius scratched the back of his head with his rear right hand and laughed. "Actually, I do. I was just a little too nervous earlier."
"Then eat. Everyone can. Here—these are freshly grilled." Elliot handed them four pieces of fish.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Bosacius accepted them, holding one in each of his four hands, his face glowing with childlike joy.
Seeing that, the other four Yaksha let out deep sighs of relief. The weight on their hearts finally lifted. They set up their own catches over the fire, beginning to roast them as well.
"Who caught the most today?" Elliot asked casually as he ate.
"Hehe, Your Majesty, that would be me," Bosacius said proudly, pointing at himself.
"How many?"
"Thirty-two."
"With your bare hands!?" Elliot looked genuinely surprised.
"Of course. I've got four hands, after all," Bosacius said, emphasizing it once again.
"Actually, Alatus caught the first one," Indarias chimed in, clearly enjoying herself as she exposed him.
"I was just letting him have it! Didn't you see how heroic I was afterward? One fish in each hand! Give me a little more time and none of you together could've caught more than me!" Bosacius declared confidently, gesturing with all four hands—each still holding fish.
"Right, right, you're the best," Indarias replied playfully. "But the first catch still goes to Alatus."
"Alatus! Let's compete again! This time I won't hold back!" Bosacius challenged.
"No," Alatus said simply.
"Rejected," Bonanus giggled softly, covering her mouth.
Bosacius's forehead twitched. He pointed at Alatus again. "Since you're the youngest, how about I give you a one-minute head start?"
"No."
"One and a half minutes!" Bosacius shouted, his veins bulging. "That's my final offer! You won't even take that?"
"What do I get if I win?"
The question caught Bosacius off guard. He thought for a moment, then proudly raised his thumb toward himself. "You'll earn my approval!"
Alatus blinked, turned his head aside, and said nothing.
"Pfft—"
"Hahahahahahahaha!"
"Look at that—you've left Alatus speechless," Indarias said between fits of laughter.
"Alatus! What's wrong with you!? Isn't my recognition something to be proud of? Unbelievable!" Bosacius fumed.
By the campfire, Bosacius waved his four hands animatedly, arguing with the others—thumbs up to himself one moment, pointing at them the next.
Indarias loved teasing her elder brother, always finding ways to provoke his competitive streak.
Bonanus occasionally interjected with light, melodic laughter.
Menogias tried to mediate between them, but with Indarias and Bosacius both refusing to back down, he could only scratch his head awkwardly.
Meanwhile, Alatus watched it all quietly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
The sight drew a soft smile from Elliot as well, who continued eating his grilled fish at a leisurely pace.
In that moment, laughter and warmth filled the air—playful banter echoing around the fire.
A scene so peaceful, so full of life and harmony—beautiful as a painting.