The next morning.
Unlike last night's hot stillness, the morning breeze carried floral scents into the spacious room.
White curtains swayed gently; outside, trees were lush and green.
Breakfast was ready—Eula had taken the two little ones out to buy it. She hadn't brought Paimon because the little floater was hard to conceal.
"Don't pout. Next time you disguise yourself as a doll, I'll take you out."
Ken flicked Paimon with a grin.
She flipped midair at the touch and looked even more aggrieved.
"How did you sleep last night?"
Eula brought breakfast to Ken and suddenly asked, clear eyes meaningful.
They'd played Shogi late. Eula couldn't sleep, so she stood on the balcony, admiring the starry night, breathing the garden's fragrance, and thinking about her future.
Then a faint sound came from above.
Eula's room was on the second floor; Lumine's was directly above. Though the house had good soundproofing, the windows weren't tightly shut due to ventilation needs.
With the room positions aligned—and Lumine making a lot of noise—Eula picked up on the odd sounds.
Thinking of Lumine's strange behavior, Eula worried and decided to check upstairs.
The closer she got, the clearer the sounds, with Ken's voice mixed in.
Though inexperienced in such matters, she wasn't stupid. Hearing from such a short distance, she naturally understood.
Her face flushed red at once. She hurried back to her room and calmed herself for a good while before recovering from the shyness.
Gazing into the dark night, Eula felt complicated, a certain bitterness spreading.
Closing the balcony door muffled the sounds, but images still wove in her heart and mind, keeping her tossing and turning.
Seeing Ken come down now, she blurted the question almost without thinking.
"Mm… not bad."
Ken ate his breakfast coolly, though inside he felt awkward.
So he hadn't sensed wrong last night—Eula had indeed come to the third floor.
But this was something to play dumb about, or it would be worse.
"Good." Eula exhaled lightly. "I'm heading back to Mondstadt today."
"So soon?" Ken was surprised.
"The Knights have a lot for me to handle. I've stayed too long here."
She'd planned to stay a few more days.
But after last night, her heart felt in turmoil.
Perhaps only the wind and snow of Dragonspine could calm her, so she could think clearly.
"All right. Come by anytime you want; I'll keep your room for you." Ken popped a dumpling, eyes narrowing. "If you need help, just ask."
Eula looked at him and said softly, "This is too comfortable—so comfortable one forgets to return. I'll remember this grudge against Blue Star."
Ken: "…"
Hearing Miss Vengeance say that, he couldn't help but laugh.
Still, since she wanted to go back, he supported it. A girl like Eula was meant to realize her value in a wider world, not live as a pampered canary.
The Spindrift Knight was always in pursuit—that was part of her charm.
After a pleasant breakfast, Eula left with Klee.
Yaoyao and Paimon remained at the table, still wrestling with dumplings. Yaoyao had nothing pressing back home, so staying on Blue Star to experience the local flavor wouldn't interfere with her spear practice.
Paimon stayed because of Lumine.
"Strange. Lumine didn't eat last night. Is she skipping breakfast too?"
Paimon looked toward the third floor, puzzled.
She'd never seen Lumine so odd. Even when they were camping in the wind and dew searching for her brother, Lumine had been steadfast and brave—never like this, as if avoiding something.
"Don't worry about her. You two have been busy with Liyue's affairs. Rest here for a couple of days."
Ken picked a nice breakfast selection and set it by Lumine's door.
Lumine peeked out, face flushed and lips a little swollen. Shyly she asked, "Paimon didn't notice anything strange, right?"
"No." Ken eyed the hickeys. "Sure you don't want me to heal those?"
"No." Lumine took the breakfast and shut the door.
Last night felt like a dream. She still felt like she was floating on clouds, unreal.
Only the marks and the tearing ache gave her a sense of reality.
She didn't want them healed until she fully calmed down.
"Then I'll head to Liyue."
Ken could guess her thoughts and didn't insist. He called out a goodbye and left.
…
Liyue Harbor.
Today was the Rite of Parting for the Geo Archon. The Qixing and the people performed the ceremony together.
Strangely, the Qixing—who'd insisted on finding the Archon's killer—said nothing about it during the ceremony, only giving stirring speeches and stoking hopes for the future.
"Looks like Zhongli already told the Qixing in a dream."
Ken headed back to Feiyun Slope, planning to catch the funeral rock show.
Just as he reached the front of the Specialty Shop, he saw a graceful woman pacing there, hesitating.
"Miss Yun Jin?"
He approached, recognizing her.
It was none other than Yun Jin, director of the Yun-Han Opera Troupe, a rising star of Liyue Harbor.
Famed for her sweet vocals, pretty looks, and lively, emotive performances—whether a gentle refined lady or a righteous heroine—she nailed every role.
She was currently based at Heyu Tea House; the occasional appearance was enough to win droves of fans.
Ken remembered Yun Jin vividly because of the in-game "Divine Damsel of Devastation," an unforgettable display of opera and cultural heritage.
He hadn't gone to Heyu Tea House to listen since arriving in Liyue.
He hadn't expected to meet her at his own doorstep today.
He thought that when free, he'd definitely go hear Yun Jin at Heyu Tea House.
"Mr. Ken?"
Yun Jin snapped back, a bit at a loss as she saw the handsome man behind her.
He wore a white montsuki, the hem embroidered with delicate Glaze Lily patterns in black silk. Standing in the street, his robe stirred in the breeze—gentle as jade, strikingly handsome.
"Do you need something, Miss Yun?" Ken asked.
Yun Jin smiled slightly. "They say reputation pales before meeting in person. I've heard of you for a long time. It's an honor to meet you today. But coming uninvited is presumptuous—I hope you don't mind."
Because a sudden visit felt too forward, she'd hesitated here.
Luckily it was early and Feiyun Slope wasn't crowded; otherwise opera fans would have recognized her and come over.
"Your name is famous too. Let's talk inside." Seeing she had something to say, Ken invited her into the courtyard and brewed tea.
With floral scents and fresh greenery, Yun Jin sat gracefully and sipped. The tea aroma drew a smile. "Good tea—bitter at first, yet lingering, like a life weathered by storms."
In a moment,
She finished the cup, set it down, and smiled. "Mr. Ken, I'm here to ask a favor."
"Go ahead." Ken was well-disposed toward her. She had a scholarly air and was easy to be around.
"Yesterday your divine might swept the seas, helping Liyue purge the gods' remnants. Such a deed inspires awe. I want to adapt it into an opera. I came to ask you to recount the events in detail." Yun Jin still felt the shock of Ken's avatar—unparalleled majesty.
It would be a pity not to turn such a scene into an opera to be sung across Liyue.
Ken hadn't expected this motive and smiled. "Of course. Having you adapt it is an honor."
"Yun Jin wouldn't dare claim it an honor…" She shook her head, flustered.
Ken smiled. "You rose to fame young, and your roles are all vivid. Why wouldn't you deserve it? As for the details… it went like this…"
He recounted the day's events.
He deliberately omitted Zhongli and focused on Ningguang's willingness to sacrifice the Jade Chamber to save Liyue.
He claimed he was "moved" by Ningguang's resolve and lent a hand.
But even if he hadn't, Ningguang would have found a way to avert the disaster.
Opera moves hearts and subtly influences many. If this wasn't made clear, no one would know Ningguang's choice, nor the Qixing's efforts.
Ken wouldn't erase his own credit, nor that of the Qixing—facts were facts.
Yun Jin took careful notes, feeling exhilarated.
Although Ken had said at the harbor yesterday that he and the Qixing worked together to defeat Osial, because he hadn't gone into detail and the people only saw his avatar—not the Qixing's might—doubts remained.
Even Yun Jin hadn't been sure what the Qixing had decided in that battle.
Hearing the details now, she was stirred to the core.
To think Lady Tianquan would sacrifice the Jade Chamber to protect Liyue. Almost no Liyuean didn't grasp what the Chamber meant—nearly the very meaning of Tianquan's existence.
To abandon her own "meaning" for Liyue was admirable.
Yun Jin also grasped Ken's intent.
He was merely stating facts, without lauding himself, and constantly highlighting the Qixing and adepti. His humility impressed her, and she understood his care.
The Chamber wasn't destroyed, but that didn't mean the Qixing lacked the will or the ability to protect Liyue.
His words nudged her to praise the Qixing more, so the people wouldn't lose faith. Only then could Liyue's future be bright.
Precisely because she understood, she admired Ken even more.
In the face of such merit, he disdained hogging credit or chasing empty fame. Such breadth defies simple praise.
A gentleman like the wind, a heart as vast as lakes and seas.
"Thank you for telling me the story. I'll write the opera carefully and let it be sung across Liyue."
Yun Jin put away her notes and thanked him sincerely.
It was her honor to pen this play.
"Thank you for the effort." Ken nodded slightly. He had always respected those with talent and virtue.
Yun Jin felt a bit embarrassed, but before she could speak again, a lively voice cut in: "Ken, the funeral rock show is about to start. Aren't you coming?"
With that,
A mischievous girl popped in with a grin.
Yun Jin blinked. "Hu Tao?"
"Why are you here too, Miss Yun Jin?" Hu Tao did things on a whim, her whereabouts hard to grasp. She knew many around Liyue Harbor, Yun Jin included.
Yun Jin smiled. "I came to ask Mr. Ken for help. Hu Tao, you said 'funeral rock'—is that a new style of rock music?"
She liked Hu Tao—expressive, witty, quick-thinking. A fun friend.
"If you're interested, why not come see?" Ken knew Yun Jin liked rock and was a fan of Xinyan, so he invited her.
Yun Jin stood, excited. "Didn't know you liked rock too. Since you insist, I shall accept."