The sea breeze blew gently through Ningguang's snowy-white hair.
Her golden brocade qipao swayed in the wind like a blooming golden peony.
"That night I visited you, you said you were deeply devoted to the Yuheng Qixing and wouldn't trade her for the world. Today, if we marry the Yuheng Qixing to you, would you be unwilling?"
Ningguang stroked her red lips and smiled gracefully.
Her crimson eyes fixed on Ken's face, trying to read him.
Unfortunately, the young man's eyes were deep and dark like an abyss, betraying no ripple.
"Is the Yuheng Qixing willing?"
That night's words were a jest; Ken and Keqing both knew it. He didn't answer Ningguang but asked Keqing instead.
Keqing's slender body holding her sword trembled slightly. Though she felt a ripple within, being asked this in front of everyone made it impossible for her to speak.
Under Ken's and Ningguang's gazes, Keqing turned away in shy anger. Her cute cat-eared twin tails swayed in the wind with her steps.
"Huh? Does that mean Klee is getting a, a new mommy?"
Staring at Keqing's back, Klee suddenly exclaimed.
She'd felt the atmosphere was strange from before. Now, hearing Ningguang's words—it meant Daddy was marrying a second wife?
The little girl's eyes went wide in surprise.
Hearing that, Keqing flushed even deeper. Her slender figure stumbled slightly as she fled back into the Jade Chamber.
"Ningguang, isn't this inappropriate? What terms do you want to exchange?"
Ken's smile faded. He looked calmly at Ningguang.
By now, it was obvious.
To strengthen her hand in negotiations with the Adepti, Ningguang had sent them a misleading signal.
The Adepti of Jueyun Karst believed he was Keqing's man—naturally they weren't as overbearing toward the Qixing. This was one reason the negotiations succeeded.
Though Ken didn't dislike the cat-eared girl—
In this situation, the Qixing needed to give an explanation.
"How about the Jade Chamber?"
Ningguang stood before Ken, eyes shining. "Both the Tianquan Qixing and the Jade Chamber, as compensation to you—how about it?"
As the current leader of the Qixing and the face of Liyue's commerce—the richest lady of Liyue—Ningguang had seen all sorts of people and suitors.
But in all respects, someone who made her feel satisfied and well-matched—she had yet to find.
Yet at this moment, looking at the man before her, countless calculations brought her clarity.
If she could marry Ken, she would profit.
Greatly.
Not only would she gain business channels to Blue Star, but also a formidable backing. Just these two points were enough to make the lofty Tianquan's heart stir.
Staring into Ken's eyes, Ningguang did not yield.
She wasn't the type to grow flustered like Keqing.
The rosy evening glow fell upon the two of them with the breeze; all around, silence.
Lumine stared at Ningguang's steadfast gaze—she hadn't expected Ningguang to confess to Ken. It made Lumine anxious; she hadn't confessed yet—how could Ningguang cut in line?
Lumine's sense of crisis surged. She gripped Klee's hand to steady herself.
Paimon's eyes bulged as she began counting on her fingers—Lumine's rivals seemed to be multiplying.
Only Klee pondered how many new mommies she might have.
If she had more mommies, maybe when she got punished for blasting fish, they would help her out?
And if Liyue's Tianquan Qixing became her new mommy, she could go blast fish in Liyue… The more she thought about it, the more excited she got—though she wasn't sure if her real mom would be excited.
Far away, Alice suddenly sneezed thanks to her filial daughter's thoughts.
Compared to everyone's surprise, Ken felt no waves inside.
He gazed quietly at Ningguang and spoke calmly: "I'll leave this compensation in the Tianquan Qixing's care for now. If, one day, the Tianquan's heart is free of schemes and weighing of interests—and it's purely for love—I'll gladly accept."
Not that Ken was some paragon—he was certainly tempted by both Keqing and Ningguang.
But temptation is one thing; principles are another.
He didn't lack for women now, and he wouldn't drag himself into a marriage built on mutual utility for two women. No need.
Besides—
Confident as he was, he felt it was only a matter of time to win Ningguang and Keqing through his personal charm.
Feelings need to flow naturally. He preferred to enjoy the process—no need to rush.
Also, Ningguang likely sent the Adepti the wrong signal because she was misled by what he said that night. Since she'd already given an explanation, Ken wouldn't press.
"As expected, a gentleman."
Ningguang fell silent for a while, growing even more impressed with Ken.
Another man, hearing this, would likely accept happily. Even if the marriage was full of calculations, being with the Tianquan Qixing came with obvious benefits.
But Ken refused cleanly.
Because of that, Ningguang's favorability toward him grew. Seeing too many schemes, she appreciated straightforward purity.
"In any case, we owe you for borrowing your name today. If you ever need anything, the Qixing will do their utmost."
Ningguang added sincerely: "But… that night, you clearly said with Keqing…"
If not for what Ken said that night, she wouldn't have brought up Ken and Keqing in front of the Adepti.
But judging by Ken's and Keqing's reactions now, it didn't seem like she imagined.
"No rush on that," Ken said instead. "We're almost at the harbor."
Seeing he wouldn't explain, Ningguang didn't push—but as clever as she is, she'd already guessed:
Since the Yuheng is shyly denying it and Ken didn't confirm, their relationship isn't as deep as she'd imagined. Perhaps Ken said that back then just as a pretext to refuse.
If so… she'd have time to calculate carefully. Even if she made moves later, it wouldn't necessarily be "competing" with the Yuheng—after all, Keqing hadn't acknowledged anything.
With that, Ningguang turned toward the harbor, her graceful figure tinged with worry.
Though the negotiation with the Adepti succeeded, Ken's manifested avatar had certainly been seen by the people.
So at this moment… the people's gratitude and trust would naturally go to Ken, and their distrust toward the Qixing might grow.
After all—
In the people's eyes, the Archon's incident happened during the Rite of Descension held by the Qixing; the demon god was resolved by an outlander; and in these major events, the Qixing seemed to have done little.
While she pondered—
The Jade Chamber drifted over the harbor, and the cheers of the crowd pierced the sky.
"Mr. Ken, thank you for saving the people of Liyue!"
"Your manifested avatar was awe-inspiring! I'll write of your heroism to pass down for generations!"
"Be it the Archon or Mr. Ken—we owe them eternal gratitude!"
"What are the Qixing doing? Without the Archon… do they truly have the power to protect Liyue?"
"The Archon fell during the Rite of Descension—the Qixing did nothing. A demon god ravaged Liyue—the Qixing were helpless… Without the Archon, does Liyue really have a future?"
"…"
The boiling voices rose on the wind to the Jade Chamber.
Ningguang's face darkened—this was exactly what she feared.
Without the people's trust, the Qixing's methods become difficult to employ.
But just as she considered how to respond, Ken suddenly spoke:
"People of Liyue—slaying the demon god Osial was not my achievement alone. Without the Qixing, I could not have done it myself. I believe that under their leadership, Liyue will move toward a brighter future."
His voice cracked like thunder through the crowd.
The noisy harbor fell silent.
Ken wasn't just being modest—indeed, even without his help, Ningguang would have sacrificed the Jade Chamber to win the battle.
This was Zhongli's test, and the Qixing passed it well.
If, because he stole the spotlight, the people began doubting the Qixing's abilities, it would run counter to Zhongli's intentions and defeat the point of the test.
He merely wanted to test his strength—not steal the Qixing's thunder.
Besides, even if he didn't explain and the Qixing lost the people's trust—what then, should he govern Liyue?
Zhongli wants to retire—Ken doesn't want to toil here either.
Moreover—
The Qixing did pass the test and contribute against Osial. Saying this was also the truth.
"Thank you…"
Ningguang looked at the man beside her, a strange affection sprouting within her.
Like a seed breaking soil and budding.
Keqing, watching from the Jade Chamber, gazed at Ken's figure. Her pink eyes wavered with gratitude.
She hadn't expected Ken to credit the Qixing at such a moment.
That magnanimity commanded respect.
"No need to thank me; it's simply the truth. Even without me, you had your methods. Since it's settled, I'll take my leave—you must have much to handle."
Harbor facilities and ships destroyed by the gale—loss reports needed tallying.
Ken didn't want to disturb Ningguang further; he was eager to visit the Northland Bank for the show.
Zhongli should be on his way there to hand over the Gnosis to Signora—Ken wanted to see Childe's expression upon learning the truth.
"Mr. Ken…"
Ningguang called to him gently. "When it's all over, please come to the Jade Chamber for a chat."
Ken nodded, then left with Lumine, Klee, and Paimon.
Once Ken was out of sight, Keqing stepped out and asked Ningguang, "What you said just now… how much was true?"
"Hmm?" Ningguang turned and smiled. "Is the Yuheng jealous?"
Keqing huffed. "I just want to say—don't treat marriage as a bargaining chip. That's unfair to Mr. Ken."
With that—
Keqing turned to leave. There was much to handle; she couldn't linger.
"How do you know I wasn't sincere?"
Ningguang's voice drifted from behind, making Keqing pause.
She stopped and turned, but before she could ask, Ningguang's figure had already vanished from view.
Keqing gripped her sword, lips pursed.
…
Liyue Specialty Store.
It was Klee's first time here. In the pretty courtyard, she stuck out her little butt, watching the fish swim.
"If you want to go to Blue Star, go ahead. If not, play here. This is Klee's first time—if there's anything you want to eat or play with, have Lumine take you. Daddy has something to do."
Thinking of the show to come, Ken was impatient.
Drama between Morax and the poor wallet bearer… delightful.
"Mm-hm! Klee will be good!"
Klee promised seriously, cheeks puffed.
"Don't worry, I'll look after Klee," Lumine said, deciding to bond with Klee. With so many rivals, she had to start with Klee—winning her support was vital.
After making arrangements, Ken headed for the Northland Bank.
…
At that moment—
The Northland Bank was tense and oppressive.
"Fool. Your unauthorized operation nearly ruined this deal!"
Signora looked at Childe, her bewitching face icy with fury.
Releasing a demon god already made her seethe.
Seeing who resolved the demon god made her even angrier.
That avatar in the sky reminded her of her humiliation in Mondstadt.
Ken…
Her lifelong enemy!
"And you dare call this 'cooperation between Harbingers'? You didn't even share basic intel with me—how is that cooperation?!"
Childe was livid as well.
Seeing the Vortex Demon God get trounced by Ken gave him lingering fear—he was both relieved he hadn't offended Ken and frustrated he'd failed to get the Gnosis.
He returned only to see Zhongli arrive slowly, finalizing the "transaction" with Signora.
Learning that Zhongli was Morax turned Childe's handsome face green—his mouth twitched as he wanted to bash his head into a wall.
All this time, the Geo Archon he sought was right beside him—Childe felt like a clown.
Most absurdly, this Geo Archon had a thick skin—
Posing as a "consultant" of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to work with him, play-acting daily, and even sending massive bills to the Northland Bank every day.
Thinking of those outrageous bills, Childe's mentality collapsed.
Morax, are you okay?!
Does such a mighty god really go out without a single Mora?!
…