The next morning.
The rosy sun rose from the horizon, turning the endless sea to glitter.
The Crux Fleet, which had docked previously, now hoisted sails and lined up across the blue waters, awaiting the Alcor's signal to depart for far-off Inazuma.
"See you in a month."
Lumine waved from the Alcor's deck to Ken and Shenhe.
Shenhe stood quietly by Ken, her pale-blue eyes showing reluctance.
During her time in Liyue Harbor, she'd gotten along best with Lumine.
Compared to the boisterous Hu Tao, the slightly cool Lumine suited her better.
Now that Lumine was heading for Inazuma, even Shenhe's muted emotions stirred.
"We'll meet again."
Ken patted her shoulder, comforting her.
The more suppressed Shenhe's emotions were, the deeper she felt when she did feel.
"Mm…" Shenhe answered softly.
"Don't worry, I'll look after the Traveler," Beidou said, delighted. "When I'm back, I'll host you aboard the Alcor for a drink."
"I'll await your triumphant return," Ken smiled.
Beidou might get entangled with the Inazuma resistance. As a pirates, who knew when they'd return to Liyue Harbor—though there was a chance of meeting in Inazuma.
Beidou didn't know the future—and didn't want to. Not everyone wanted foresight; many loved carving out the unknown for themselves.
"Count on it!"
She nodded, turned toward the deck, and as the Alcor set sail, hundreds of ships surged toward Inazuma.
As an armed fleet, the grand spectacle felt like a dream of Pirates of the Caribbean.
Ken and Shenhe watched them go far, then turned away.
On the Alcor, Lumine still stood on deck. The salty sea breeze brushed her face; her skirt swayed like waves, and her clear eyes lingered on the shore.
"Lumine, you can't even see Ken anymore. Still staring? You'll turn into a hopeless wife!"
Paimon munched on a roast chicken, grease on her lips.
She loved the Alcor—eating meat and drinking felt perfect for a foodie.
But Lumine had been absent-minded since boarding; Paimon was a bit helpless.
"Don't talk nonsense. I'm just thinking."
Blushing, Lumine glared and headed toward the cabins—her gait slightly odd, legs a touch shaky.
Paimon chomped and gasped. "Lumine, what's wrong? Are you hurt?"
She'd noticed something off that morning.
Lumine looked well, but not as spirited as usual—sometimes supporting her waist as she walked—which worried Paimon.
She hadn't found Lumine last night.
Did Lumine get hurt?
"What's wrong with the Traveler?"
Beidou rushed over at Paimon's exclamation.
This was someone Ken had specifically entrusted to her. An accident on the Alcor would be unacceptable.
"I-I'm fine."
Lumine's face burned; she wished she could kick Paimon into the sea.
She knew Paimon cared, but the concern was far too loud—mortifying.
Seeing Lumine's reddening face, Beidou roughly grasped the truth.
She hadn't personally experienced such things, but she was old enough to understand.
Watching Lumine's slight tremble, Beidou sighed inwardly.
The young are wild…
"Lumine's fine—must've gotten worn out fighting Beisht yesterday. Paimon, stop asking."
Beidou smiled, covering for her.
"Mm… I'll just go rest…" Lumine said, covering her face.
Beidou's cover meant she'd guessed the reason, which made Lumine even shyer—she almost regretted last night.
If she hadn't been so greedy, it wouldn't be this awkward.
Beidou didn't mind.
Romance between men and women was human nature—nothing to be shy about.
…
Liyue Specialty Shop.
After seeing Lumine off, Ken and Shenhe returned home. Seeing Shenhe a bit absent-minded, Ken asked, "Want to rest?"
"I'm fine." Shenhe remained laconic, moving behind the counter—already growing accustomed to her role among mortals.
Compared to the aloofness of Jueyun Karst, the sea of people in Liyue was interesting.
But it would take time to truly fit in.
Ken didn't press. He walked into the back garden.
The second preview stream was that evening; he couldn't stay long before returning to Blue Star.
Before his seat warmed, Baiwen came running.
"Something up?"
Seeing her urgency, Ken asked.
She nodded. "Lady Ningguang is hosting a victory banquet on the Jade Chamber and would like to invite you. The smooth resolution of Beisht and the Northland Bank was thanks in part to you."
Even so, Baiwen sighed inwardly.
As Ningguang's secretary, she knew her master had mentioned Ken more and more lately.
Any spare moment, she wanted to invite him.
Calling it a banquet—yet how many of yesterday's key contributors were invited?
Lumine and Beidou had gone to Inazuma.
Shenhe was here, but her lady hadn't invited her.
This celebration was just a pretext.
Baiwen even wondered… was Lady Ningguang at the age where she missed having a man around?
Why else bring up Ken so often?
Though Ken was indeed irresistibly charming, the Ningguang she knew was always composed and poised. She'd never seen her this thirsty.
Must be age.
Baiwen didn't know Ningguang's exact age, but if not for that, would she crave a man?
Still, she was happy to see Ningguang change.
In the past, Ningguang faced all situations with serene smiles—like the distant moon: visible, untouchable, unfathomable.
Now, at least she showed more outward emotion—like the unreal moon had approached, becoming vivid.
Good for both secretary and master.
"If nothing urgent, I'll pass," Ken said. He was too lazy to spar words with Ningguang. He'd be heading back this afternoon anyway; otherwise he wouldn't mind seeing her.
"Mr. Ken…" Baiwen smiled wryly. "Please go see Lady Ningguang. She was injured dealing with Beisht and hasn't cared for it—kept working nonstop. Now that she has a moment, she invited you. Please persuade her—work matters, but health matters more."
She spoke earnestly, eyes full of concern.
Having served Ningguang so long, she truly wanted her to be happy.
Seeing Baiwen's sincerity, Ken considered it. "All right."
He hadn't planned to go—Ningguang was too smooth, and he didn't always want to talk in circles.
But hearing this, he softened.
Though the Liyue Qixing divided duties, Ningguang's workload rivaled Jean's.
Workaholism needed correction.
"Thank you, Mr. Ken!"
Baiwen bowed.
…
Jade Chamber.
Fine wine and delicacies scented the breeze; floral fragrance drifted light.
In a white qipao embroidered with Glaze Lilies, Ningguang reclined on a plush chaise.
Her usually half-loose white hair was casually wound with a plain wooden pin. Compared to her usual grandeur, today she carried a pure mature charm.
"Baishi, how do I look?"
She lounged lazily and asked her confidante.
"More approachable beauty," Baishi said honestly, then asked, "My lady, do you like Mr. Ken that much?"
Given Ken's allure, he could attract countless maidens in Liyue Harbor.
But Ningguang's status was exalted.
Even Keqing seemed to have thoughts about Ken.
Two high-ranking women vying for one man felt… odd.
"Like or love is hard to define. But undeniably, he's the first man I've been interested in in my life. I can't swear it's heart-flutter, but from any angle, if this marriage happens, it's all gain for Liyue."
She swirled her cup, red eyes half-closed, a trace of fatigue crossing them.
Unlike Keqing, she disdained pretense. Rather than tsundere denial, she preferred following her heart.
Though Ms. Alice wasn't to be trifled with, Ken had said… she was very kind.
So—strike first.
These days of high tension had exhausted her.
A rare idle moment to chat with Ken was also relaxing.
"You'd use marriage as a bargaining chip?" Baishi was more confused.
With Ningguang's status, why need that?
Ningguang smiled helplessly. "At my station, marriage must be well-matched. But with Ken, I was moved first—then weighed pros and cons. Order matters."
She'd met many suitable men over the years. If marriage were purely a chip, she'd have wed already.
Ken was different.
A union that moves her heart and benefits all—that's the greatest victory in business.
"All right… but the Yuheng…"
Baishi hesitated. Keqing wasn't the only one—many Liyue girls wanted to marry Ken.
The hero who slew the god Osial could topple hearts.
"Relax—this kind of thing is fair competition."
Ningguang had thought it through. Given Ken's star power—like a top celebrity on Blue Star—countless girls would flock to him.
But that didn't matter.
She had timing, terrain, and people. Given time, she would win him over.
That was enough.
Baishi still didn't quite get it, but didn't ask further, as footsteps sounded outside.
"My lady, Mr. Ken has arrived."
With Baiwen's announcement, the Jade Chamber doors opened. Ken walked in against the light, elegant and refined.
Reclining on the chaise, Ningguang's eyes trembled as she looked at him.
Seeing this, Baishi tactfully withdrew and closed the door.
"I hear you were injured?"
Ken glanced at her. Today, she exuded a full, unadorned charm.
"Mm?" Ningguang froze briefly, then nodded. "Yes… I've heard your power can heal anything. Would you mind healing a friend?"
Ken stepped to the chaise and spoke softly. "Your wrist."
"Oh…"
Ningguang obediently extended her hand, every bit a demure lady.
If Liyue's people saw this, their jaws would drop.
The lofty, noble Tianquan—though kind to the people—ruled with iron thunder. When had she shown such a girlish expression?
Ken set fingers to her pulse—strong and steady, no weakness.
He looked at her alabaster cheeks, the faint smile there, and formed a guess.
"Where are you hurt?" he asked, holding her wrist.
"Can't you tell?" she replied with a smile.
He released her wrist and suddenly smiled. "Found it—an issue at the heart. Take off your clothes and I'll have a look."
Ningguang: "…"