In the study.
At sunset, the white window gauze danced in the breeze like white doves.
Ken sat by the window, looking out at the garden made gorgeous by the evening glow. In good spirits, he plugged the surveillance memory stick into his computer and pulled up the Golden House footage.
Seeing Tartaglia's wilted look after his confident transformation was interrupted, Ken couldn't help but be amused.
Chances are every time Tartaglia transforms in the future, he'll be haunted by the shadow of this interruption.
He clipped the segment into a meme video, looped and zoomed it several times, added music, then uploaded it to the official account.
Although the official account wasn't managed by the boss personally, because Ken's sources were rather special, the high-view videos at the moment were all from him.
"I, Tartaglia, Have Something to Say"
After picking that title and confirming there were no issues, Ken uploaded it.
…
Night fell and the city lights came on. The summer air in the Magic City was hot, unlike Liyue Harbor's agreeable temperature. Thankfully the villa had climate control, so it wasn't too uncomfortable.
"We're doing takeout tonight. Anything you want to eat?"
Standing on the terrace, Ken looked at the girls busy in the garden and called out.
Fireflies flitted among the flowerbeds under the night sky. The girls in their dresses busied about like a scene from Oz.
"Takeout? Is it tasty?" Yaoyao was curious. She patted her little tummy, dropped her small trowel, washed her hands, and ran upstairs.
Unlike Klee and Eula who were often on Blue Star, she had only just arrived and was keen to explore. She wanted to know what this "takeout" had to offer.
Hopping upstairs, Yaoyao sat obediently by Ken, browsing on the phone. The idea that such a small device could summon so much food made the little loli deeply curious.
After a while, she finally picked what she wanted to try from the dazzling spread.
"I'll get you a phone later so you can explore at your own pace."
Ken patted Yaoyao's head and, per her choices, ordered crab roe noodles and fried pork cutlet. Crab ramen were a local specialty of the Magic City, very umami; fried pork cutlet was common but deliciously crisp.
Eula and Klee were happy to try new foods too, burgers and Hot pot.
Paimon picked fried chicken, cola, and barbecue. The little one wanted to order more, but one look at her big belly and Ken mercilessly refused.
Other people had big bellies because they were pregnant; only Paimon had one from constant snacking.
Ken worried that if she kept eating, she'd never be able to fly again.
"What about Lumine?"
Everyone was cheerfully choosing food, but there was no sign of Lumine, which surprised Ken.
Eula folded her arms. "She went out being all mysterious after we got back. Probably went to buy something. I asked but she wouldn't say. I'll remember this grudge."
"I'll just order her a few things, then." Ken picked some items for Lumine and got ice cream for everyone.
Girls liked pretty things, and ice cream in summer cleared the heart and cooled the fire.
…
An hour later, the takeout finally arrived.
Sitting by the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking at the garden glittering with fireflies, they enjoyed a peaceful night with laughter as they ate dinner.
At Yaoyao's urging, Ken took out the camera and recorded a keepsake video. Yaoyao, holding a pork cutlet in her mouth, waved at the lens.
Such a tranquil, leisurely atmosphere was a rare treasure in a city of steel like the Magic City, and Eula, who was often out tracking monsters, cherished it all the more.
But even after they finished eating, there was still no sign of Lumine.
"Strange."
Staring into the deep, dark night, Ken grew a little worried. Lumine was strong, true, but this was Blue Star; the girls didn't fully grasp all the rules here.
He opened Messenger on his phone—no reply to his message from half an hour ago.
"I'll go look for Lumine."
Elemental power was weak on Blue Star and it was hot and airless outside. Ken didn't use his power, but knowing Lumine, she couldn't have gone far.
Just then, they saw Lumine appear outside the garden's iron gate, a slender girl carrying a black bag.
"Where did you go?"
Seeing Lumine come back with a bag, Paimon clutched her belly and asked first.
They hadn't seen Lumine since returning, and she was worried. But the bag was even more interesting to Paimon.
Lumine was acting super secretive—was it filled with something tasty?
Eula and the others looked over too, finding Lumine odd tonight.
"I went out to buy a few things. My phone died so I couldn't check Messenger. Sorry for worrying you all."
Lumine stuck out her tongue, embarrassed, and shifted the bag behind her, as if not wanting it seen.
Seeing this, Ken didn't pry. "Have you eaten dinner?"
"I'm not hungry!" Lumine quickly said. "You guys have fun. I'm going back to my room."
Lumine's room was on the third floor of the villa. In addition to a living room and bedroom, there was a gym and a kitchen to meet her needs. She hurried upstairs with her things, looking stranger by the moment.
"What's up with her tonight?" Eula looked at Ken, amber eyes probing.
Ken shrugged. "No idea. Let her be."
Lumine wasn't like a little girl; she knew her boundaries. Since she didn't want others to know, they didn't need to ask.
Who didn't have a few little secrets?
Next, Ken taught them Shogi. The girls were spending more time on Blue Star; having no entertainment wasn't realistic.
It was their first time, and Eula and the others were very interested. After a few rounds, they played until eleven before heading off to bed.
Since it was Yaoyao's first time on Blue Star, she shared a first-floor room with little Klee.
Paimon wanted to stay with Lumine, but when she flew to the third floor, Lumine shooed her away. She ended up squeezing in with Klee and Yaoyao.
Luckily the bed was big enough for the three little ones.
…
Night deepened; the villa grew quiet.
It was already past midnight. Fresh from washing up, Ken lay in bed and idly opened Facebook.
The video uploaded two hours ago had around 800,000 views.
The barrage and comments were lively.
["Hahahaha Childe really is a three-second real man. Who's with me?"]
["Good lord, a Childe meme? That bastard cut me three times in the Golden House."]
["Everyone knows Childe won't lose in three moves, but that interruption was outrageous."]
["Childe: I was just about to confidently pop Foul Legacy and you cut me off? How is that different from going limp at the critical moment?"]
["Childe: I can't afford to lose face like this!"]
["Star Dome really kills me. Every fan edit is flashy and utterly cursed. The Hilichurl dance is still vivid in my mind, and now we've got a Childe meme."]
"…"
Reading the comments, Ken couldn't help but laugh.
He had to admit… making meme videos was more fun than other videos. He even chuckled during editing.
As for tonight's dinner keepsake, he'd post it in a couple days to make them all good and sour.
Thump thump—
A Messenger ping popped up from Lumine.
"Still awake this late?" Ken was surprised, opening to see: "I made a midnight snack. Want to come eat with me? I also have something to tell you."
What was so urgent it couldn't wait till tomorrow?
Thinking of Lumine's odd behavior today, Ken pondered briefly, got dressed, and headed for her room.
Lumine's room was on the east side of the third floor, separated from Ken's by a living room and a gym. He knocked on her door.
Since she'd invited him for a late snack, maybe he could ask what was going on.
What had happened to make her so strange?
"Come in."
A gentle, clear voice floated from inside, tinged with nervousness.
Ken felt all the more something was off. He opened the door and, before stepping in, was stunned by the scene within.
In the low-lit, tastefully luxurious 80-square-meter room, the air was scented.
Rose petals lay scattered on the white carpet, trailing all the way to the soft big bed, where a heart shape was spelled out in rose petals.
On the marble table were steak and red wine, flanked by two candles whose flickering flames added a dreamy haze to the night.
If Lumine hadn't been standing there, Ken might have thought he had the wrong room.
The mood in here was worlds apart from the usual understated, simple decor.
Lumine stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, her slender figure no longer in her usual battle attire but in a black maid outfit.
A waist so slim it fit a hand, cinched with a pretty bow corset; layered frills barely covered her hips; white garter stockings wrapped her long, shapely legs, shimmering in the dim candlelight.
In high heels by the window, with moonlight and swaying tree shadows behind her, and the fragrance of rose petals around, she was nothing like her usual self.
"Lumine?"
Ken frowned slightly, shaken by the sight. It was hard to imagine the gentle, brave Lumine in such an outfit.
No wonder she'd been secretive today—she must have been preparing all this.
"Mm…"
Lumine answered softly, hands awkwardly folded before her tummy, and walked lightly toward him.
Up close, Ken noticed cat-ear headband hidden in her blonde hair, a collar on her fair neck, and a playful cat tail peeking from her skirt, swaying as she moved.
"K-Ken… are you hungry?"
Lumine reached him, face apple-red in the night.
If not for the dimmed lights, she wouldn't have dared dress like this in front of him.
"Mm. Isn't this a bit much just for a midnight snack?"
Ken's Adam's apple bobbed. Looking at Lumine, his voice was a little hoarse. He knew this setup was her way of inviting him to share an intimate night—to gently take her innocence in this romantic, candlelit haven.
"This is how I show my sincerity." Lumine's eyes shone with anticipation.
Ken smiled. "Then I won't be shy. I'll see how your body feels when we become one."
He stepped closer, his hands gently cupping her flushed cheeks as he leaned in for a deep, lingering kiss. Lumine's lips parted shyly, her breath hitching in surprise, her expression a mix of nervous excitement and wide-eyed vulnerability—her golden eyes sparkling with a blend of fear and desire.
She trembled slightly under his touch, her body pressing instinctively against his, the frills of her maid outfit rustling softly.
Ken's fingers trailed down her neck, hooking under the collar of her outfit, and he began to undress her with deliberate slowness, savoring the moment.
He untied the bow at her waist, loosening the corset, which fell away to reveal her bare torso.
Her small, perky breasts were exposed—pale and flawless, with soft pink nipples that hardened instantly in the cool air, standing erect like delicate peaks begging for attention.
Lumine's face burned with embarrassment, her lips parting in a soft gasp, eyes squeezing shut as she bit her lower lip, her expression one of shy mortification mixed with growing arousal.
"K-Ken... don't stare," she whispered, her voice quivering, but she didn't pull away.
He continued, sliding the frilly skirt down her hips, exposing her smooth, hairless mound—her vulva flushed and glistening slightly with early arousal, the outer lips plump and inviting, parted just enough to reveal the inner folds and the small, untouched clit peeking out like a hidden pearl. Her thighs were toned and silky, framed by the white garter stockings that he left on for now, adding to the erotic contrast.
Lumine shivered, her body reacting with a visible tremor, her expression shifting to one of overwhelmed anticipation—her cheeks flushed deeper, mouth open in a silent moan as she felt the air on her most intimate areas.
Now it was her turn.
With trembling hands, Lumine reached for Ken's shirt, her fingers fumbling with the buttons, her face a picture of determined innocence—brows furrowed in concentration, lips pursed in focus.
She peeled it off, revealing his muscular chest and defined abs, then moved to his pants, unzipping them slowly.
His erection sprang free, thick and veined, the shaft rigid and curving slightly upward, the head swollen and glistening with precum, throbbing with need.
Lumine's eyes widened in a mix of awe and apprehension, her expression one of curious fascination tinged with nervousness—she licked her lips unconsciously, her breath quickening as she tentatively wrapped her small hand around it, feeling its warmth and hardness.
"It's... so big," she murmured, her voice breathless, face heating up as she stroked it lightly, eliciting a low groan from Ken.
He guided her to the bed, laying her down amid the rose petals, the heart shape crumpling slightly under their weight.
Ken positioned himself above her, his hands exploring her body—caressing her breasts, pinching her nipples gently until she arched her back with a whimper, her expression melting into one of blissful surrender, eyes half-lidded and mouth forming soft "oh"s of pleasure.
He trailed kisses down her stomach to her thighs, parting her legs to reveal her virgin pussy up close: the tight entrance slick with her arousal, the hymen visible as a thin, pink membrane guarding her depths.
Lumine's reaction was immediate—her body tensed, a soft cry escaping her lips, her face contorting in a mix of anxiety and eagerness, cheeks flushed and eyes glistening with unshed tears of anticipation.
He'd shared intimacy with many before, but not Lumine.
Tonight he could finally hold her close and explore her depths—and maybe turn it into a tender competition of passion to see how deeply their hearts could connect.
As Ken expected, Lumine's body was inexperienced and a bit raw, but her warm, welcoming embrace felt delicious as he caressed her, carrying a uniquely girlish sweetness unlike any he'd known before.
Of course, the best part was Lumine's reactions. As he touched her tenderly, she sighed softly, her body quivering with waves of bliss that made her arch against him. Her face glowed with warmth, eyes sparkling with joy as gentle ripples of ecstasy coursed through her, her untouched core responding with eager, loving contractions.
In their romantic dance, she was shy yet brave, and she knew how to use her advantages—like pressing her soft curves against him or guiding his hand to her most sensitive places to deepen their bond.
Given time, with her natural talent for intimacy, she'd be a formidable partner in love.
She even wove her elemental powers into their caresses, so that if he wasn't careful while exploring her, he'd fall into her gentle trap—like when she used a subtle Geo infusion to draw him closer, her body holding him with a loving firmness.
The Geo embrace held him tenderly, her virgin barrier acting like a sacred threshold inviting him forward.
This fusion of Geo and her body's natural purity was rare to Ken.
To cross that threshold and unite with her fully, he had to move with care, aligning himself at her entrance and entering her with slow, loving thrusts that cherished her innocence.
Ken positioned the head of his cock at her slick entrance, rubbing it gently against her folds to coat it in her wetness.
Lumine's expression was one of tense anticipation—her eyes locked on his, wide and pleading, her lower lip trembling as she nodded faintly.
"Be gentle... please," she whispered, her voice breaking. He pushed forward slowly, the tip parting her tight lips, stretching her virgin pussy inch by inch.
She gasped sharply, her face twisting in a brief flash of pain as his cock met her hymen, the thin barrier resisting for a moment before giving way with a soft, wet pop.
A trickle of blood mixed with her arousal, staining the sheets, and Lumine cried out—a mix of sharp discomfort and emerging pleasure, her eyes squeezing shut, tears slipping down her cheeks, but her hands clutched his back, pulling him closer in encouragement.
"It hurts... but... don't stop," she panted, her body clenching around him instinctively, the walls of her pussy gripping his shaft like a velvet vice, warm and impossibly tight from her defloration.
As he sank deeper, burying himself fully inside her—his cock filling her completely, the base pressing against her clit—Lumine's expression shifted from pain to overwhelming ecstasy.
Her mouth fell open in a silent scream of bliss, eyes rolling back slightly as waves of pleasure radiated from her core, her hips bucking involuntarily.
"Ahh... Ken... it's so full... so good," she moaned, her voice husky and breathless, face radiant with a glow of fulfillment, her body shuddering with each slow thrust as he began to move, her deflowered pussy adapting with slick, rhythmic contractions that milked him eagerly.
But with her two elements now, even as he moved deeper into her warmth, she could use a gentle Anemo to swirl around them, trying to overcome his strength with softness—enveloping him with her soft, heaving breasts in a loving caress, her skin flushing as she held him close, sliding with wind-infused tenderness that made every moment feel like a whispered promise.
Inexperienced as she was, that pure essence lingered as he moved within her, her soft gasps of mingled wonder and delight filling the air.
As night deepened, Ken quickened his loving rhythm, occasionally offering whispers of encouragement and guidance—like murmuring for her to hold him tighter or move with him in harmony to heighten their shared ecstasy.
Lumine breathed deeply with each gentle union, her body trembling in overwhelming joy, waves of climax building as her most intimate places pulsed with love, drawing him closer until she cried out in pure, heartfelt release—her pussy spasming around his cock in powerful waves, her face contorted in ecstasy, eyes fluttering shut, mouth agape in a long, shuddering moan as her orgasm crashed over her, leaving her limp and glowing.
In the end, Lumine surrendered to this intimate encounter, which she refused to accept fully.
All dressed up and having set the mood, yielding her innocence so completely and reaching such heights of pleasure stung her pride. She smiled through her blush and initiated another embrace, drawing him near and guiding their bodies together with renewed tenderness, her heart seeking even deeper connection.
The passionate lovemaking lasted until two in the morning.
...
A clear breeze passed under a dim, moonless sky.
Lumine sat opposite Ken, a trace of complaint in her voice. "Why would you even use elemental power then? You even used Electro."
The tingly warmth of Electro made her body shiver and respond with even greater sensitivity, heightening her bliss to the point of sweet surrender.
But that was precisely what made her whisper for mercy.
"I lost control for a moment." Ken calmly picked up knife and fork and started on the actual steak.
"Tastes good."
"How about the feel of my body earlier?" Lumine asked hopefully.
She'd prepared a lot for tonight. Though things went roughly as she imagined, her heart was still nervous, afraid she hadn't done well.
"Great. Lumine with a collar is even cuter." Ken smiled at her. In the candlelight, the girl's shy eyes lowered, golden hair shimmering—adorable.
"Hmph…" Lumine gave a tiny huff. "I learned it here on Blue Star. Didn't think it would actually work."
"Hm?" Ken was surprised.
Lumine sounded a bit proud. "As long as you find my body delightful, it's fine. Are you heading back after we share this moment?"
Ken didn't answer. After finishing the real late-night snack, the two decided to embrace again.
With her special constitution, Lumine's body was strong, and they continued until daybreak before stopping. Lumine fully admitted she'd lost completely.
During the session, Ken sensed Eula had come upstairs, but before he thought more, she left again.
He figured it was best to play dumb—if Eula discovered they were playing an adult game, things would be awkward.
…