"My mother is the great adventurer Alice."
Little Klee puffed out her chest and declared proudly.
"It's actually her?" Madame Ping showed a look of surprise.
Cloud Retainer raised a brow. "Hm? Is there a problem?"
The name Alice sounded familiar, but for the Adepti, many memories from bygone days had long since faded with time. If someone wasn't directly related to them, they wouldn't remember very clearly.
Madame Ping was taken aback, then smiled helplessly and shook her head. "You've lived in Jueyun Karst too long. You've likely forgotten much of the mortal world. This Miss Alice—her reputation among mortals is anything but ordinary."
Unlike the Adepti of Jueyun Karst, Madame Ping has lived in Liyue Harbor for a very long time.
So she knows far more about the mortal world than the Adepti in Jueyun Karst do.
That famous great adventurer, Lady Alice, made her name known a thousand years ago and still pops up now and then to put on displays of "explosive art." It's truly hard to forget her.
"That… rather uniquely-behaved adventurer? I've heard of her as well."
Though Ningguang doesn't live in Mondstadt, she still has eyes and ears there. That lady who turned the Stormterror's Lair into the Stormterror's Ruins sits squarely on her "danger list."
There's a rumor in Liyue that years ago that lady came to Liyue Harbor and was personally accompanied around by the Geo Archon himself.
It seems even the Archon feared her mischievous whims might lead to some incredible explosive "art" in Liyue Harbor.
But who would've thought…
Ken actually had a connection with that lady—and even fathered such a pretty daughter like Klee.
"Wow… Mommy really is a famous traveler across the whole continent. Looks like everyone knows Klee's mom! Mommy's 'Teyvat Travel Guide'—I bet everyone's read it."
Klee pulled out a book like a treasured offering—it was Alice's signature work.
But as she pulled out the book, the Jumpy Dumpty in her backpack made Ningguang's brow twitch hard.
She almost didn't react just now: Ken brought Klee over to let her experience the joy of blasting fish. That means this little girl, like her mother, also loves bombs.
Looks like Klee also needs to go on the danger list.
A child raised by that kind of lady is bound to be… unconventional.
If she dropped a few bombs in Liyue Harbor, it would certainly cause no small amount of trouble.
"I've read this book."
Madame Ping clasped her hands behind her, smiling. "Lady Alice isn't just an excellent adventurer—she has very unique insights into bombs. I chatted with her a bit in the old days—still remember it clearly. Didn't expect to meet her descendant these days—that's fate."
Then Madame Ping cheerfully shared what she knew about Alice. The Adepti listening all winced and frowned.
Especially Cloud Retainer.
No wonder the name felt so familiar; she'd heard it centuries ago.
Thinking of that witch's power and her mastery of bombs—Cloud Retainer's own abode might not withstand her "attentions." Then recalling Klee's zeal for blasting fish, Cloud Retainer silently decided:
Never, ever bring little Klee to the abode.
Even if Klee's father saved Liyue Harbor… absolutely not!
The other Adepti were twitching at the lips as well. This Lady Alice is practically a Demon King incarnate. No wonder Klee likes bombs—turns out she's the little Demon King, daughter of the great Demon King.
"Why is everyone making that weird face?"
Klee stared blankly at the crowd, confused.
"It's nothing, nothing…" Lumine quickly changed the subject: "This is finally over. What's Ken still doing up in the clouds?"
At those words, everyone remembered the real protagonist.
High in the sky, the man's robes billowed in the breeze. After retracting the chain that spanned the sea, he didn't descend right away.
…
High above.
"I think it'd be best to sign the contract regarding Klee now."
Once things ended, Zhongli set down his teacup, and this was the first thing on his mind. He originally wanted to ask Ken about Planet Befall, but on second thought… if Ken wanted to talk about it, he would have already.
Since the other party hadn't brought it up and bore no ill will toward Liyue, there was no need to press.
But that little Klee…
Thinking of her madly bombing fish gave Zhongli a bit of a jolt. In the future, if no one is accompanying her, this little girl must never enter Liyue Harbor on her own… or the sea might regularly face the risk of bomb pollution.
Not that he thinks Klee is misbehaved—she's just too young. It's not about being "ill-behaved"—she simply doesn't grasp the harm. For safety's sake, Zhongli felt this contract should be signed.
"Isn't that a bit much?" Ken said helplessly.
Zhongli gave him a light glance. "You don't feel a pang of guilt saying that?"
Ken: "…"
He did feel a bit guilty.
Liyue Harbor sits by the sea—if we're talking fish-blasting, it's even more suitable than Mondstadt.
If no one accompanies Klee to Liyue, Ken can practically foresee what the harbor's waters would become.
Likely a mess from Klee's Jumpy Dumpties.
But Zhongli's expression made Ken chuckle. In the past they guarded against Alice; now they have to guard against her daughter.
Alice, Alice—this one's on you.
Ken could even imagine the blonde witch's reaction upon hearing this—
Alice: Guarding against me is one thing, but now you're guarding against my daughter too?
"Fine, I'll sign the contract. But my daughter did a lot today—shouldn't you show some appreciation?"
Ken eyed the contract that appeared in a blink and raised a brow.
He took care of Osial to test his strength. Klee may have been blasting fish… but she also did Liyue a great favor. Asking for some benefits is only right.
Zhongli considered briefly. "By common reason, your request isn't excessive. Let me see what might suit the child."
The millennia-old Morax was single to this day, but his collection of treasures was far from ordinary.
Searching the unique space of the Gnosis for a while, Zhongli's gaze lit up.
"Perhaps she'll like this."
A delicate catalyst shimmering with golden light floated in his hand.
A stone lock containing an ancient memory. it radiated infinite power and could freely change its appearance.
"Deal."
At a glance, Ken recognized it as the five-star catalyst Memory of Dust—perfect for Klee.
Five-star weapons are rare in Teyvat. Zhongli handing one over immediately—well worth Klee's enthusiastic blasting of Osial.
"So long as you like it." Zhongli chuckled. "It's of no use to me."
After Ken signed the contract, he raised a brow and smiled. "Don't worry, I'll have Klee thank Uncle Zhongli for his generosity. Contract's set: without an escort, Klee won't come to Liyue on her own."
Of course… with an escort, she can come and go as she pleases.
Ken has plenty of girls around him—escorts for Klee are never in short supply.
Though… not Hu Tao.
If Hu Tao goes out with Klee, they'll turn Liyue Harbor upside down.
"The contract is sealed. I'll take my leave." Zhongli put away the contract and swept his sleeve, departing.
Only then did Ken retract his manifested avatar and head toward the Jade Chamber.
…
"Ken, thank you."
Just as Ken landed on the Jade Chamber, Ningguang spoke sincerely.
Being willing to sacrifice the Jade Chamber for Liyue didn't mean she liked it. The Jade Chamber meant a great deal to her; being able to keep it made her truly happy.
"Hm?"
Seeing the always elegant and composed Ningguang showing a hint of excitement, Ken approached with a faint smile.
"Thank you for preserving the Jade Chamber," Ningguang said from the heart.
"Miss Ningguang put a great deal of effort into building the Jade Chamber. Such a grand structure would be a shame to sink into the sea—best to keep it. If nothing else, it'll make a fine dowry." Ken smiled.
The word "dowry" stirred ripples in Ningguang's usually placid heart.
Not love at first sight.
But Ningguang suddenly realized: if she could keep Ken through marriage, it would be a profitable deal.
Moreover, given Ken's strength, he more than matched.
Though there was Keqing…
Ningguang felt some important things are more reliable in her own hands.
Besides, Keqing's personality lacks smoothness. In the past, whenever Ningguang brought it up, Keqing would tsundere-deny it. Even just now when Ningguang asked, Keqing was silent. Being too tsundere isn't always good.
But before Ningguang could ponder more, Moon Carver spoke in a deep voice: "Mr. Ken, I am Moon Carver of Jueyun Karst. Thank you for acting to protect Liyue Harbor."
"Indeed, without your intervention, the consequences might have been dire," said Cloud Retainer with a smile. "Ganyu, in Liyue Harbor, take good care of our guest Mr. Ken. You're quite the connoisseur of food—I'm sure you can host him well."
"I understand." Ganyu snapped out of her thoughts, her jade-white cheeks flushing. She wished she could find a hole to hide in.
Uh… Master, could you be a little more subtle?
Why bring up my gluttony again?
Ganyu lowered her head, agreed, and turned decisively to instruct the Millelith to start the Jade Chamber's return voyage.
Watching Ganyu's back, Ken glanced at Cloud Retainer.
Truly a great conversationalist Adeptus—just a few words and Ganyu fled in embarrassment.
Mountain Shaper smiled. "If possible, we'd like to invite you to Jueyun Karst for tea. We'll treat you well."
At that, Cloud Retainer's mouth twitched.
She welcomed inviting Ken to Jueyun Karst—but when it came to the little girl, she felt a chill.
If the child drops a bomb in Jueyun Karst, they might lose their abodes.
"Thank you all for your kindness. I also have business in Liyue Harbor—I wouldn't sit idly by. But even without my hand, the Jade Chamber alone could have smashed Osial back into its seal."
Ken spoke truthfully.
He'd passed the trials of the Qixing and the Adepti; the Jade Chamber was preserved, but one mustn't ignore Ningguang's resolve and the Jade Chamber's power.
Ningguang and Keqing looked at Ken with newfound respect.
Humble, low-profile.
And at a critical moment, he even spoke on behalf of the Qixing. That magnanimity moved them.
Especially Keqing.
Unlike Ningguang's strategic calculus, Keqing, teased so many times, truly felt ripples in her heart.
Looking at Ken's eyes, she couldn't help but waver slightly.
"There's no need to be modest. Your intervention minimized all losses."
Moon Carver spoke sincerely, then looked at Keqing: "We have agreed with the Qixing—Liyue will still be managed by the Qixing. You are the man of the Yuheng Qxing. With you in Liyue, we are reassured. If you ever need our help, come to Jueyun Karst—we will assist with all our strength."
Ken: "???"
He heard everything clearly up to that point.
But what was that last line?
Since when did he become Keqing's man?
Before Ken could react, Ningguang said: "Honored Adepti, Liyue Harbor is not just the Liyue of mortals, but also the Liyue of Adepti."
"The Adepti's contract with the Archon to protect Liyue—this favor will never be forgotten by the people. Though Liyue is now in our hands, you must still supervise us Qixing on behalf of the Archon."
"I believe that with the joint efforts of the Adepti and the Qixing, Liyue will move toward a brighter future."
"When Ken and Keqing marry, we must invite the honored Adepti for a cup of wedding wine."
Truly the first sister of Liyue Harbor—her words are pleasing to the ear.
Madame Ping glanced meaningfully at Cloud Retainer and smiled. "Ningguang speaks well. Liyue is treading a new path; we are fortunate to witness this turning point. I believe even without us, the people of Liyue will supervise the Qixing and lead Liyue to a better future."
"Tch… very well." Cloud Retainer flapped her wings. "In that case, this immortal will watch and see."
With the least tactful Adeptus gone, Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, and Madame Ping also departed on the clouds.
Only Xiao stepped up before Ken. His calm eyes seemed to conceal countless questions, but in the end, they reduced to two words: "Thank you."
Then—
Xiao vanished.
The lively Jade Chamber fell briefly quiet.
Ken turned to Ningguang and Keqing. "Care to explain? Since when did I become the Yuheng Qixing's man?"
…