When Keyn tried to slip out of Liyue Harbor, he happened to run into Keqing, who had just finished breakfast at the Wanmin Restaurant.
"Good morning, Keyn," Keqing greeted, adjusting her sleeves neatly. "I just finished my meal and am about to begin my duties for the day. It's fortunate I met you here — now I don't need to send anyone to look for you. Come, let's head to the docks first."
The moment Keyn saw her, his fear eased slightly. Keqing had always been steady and meticulous in her work. If there was anyone he could safely confide in about Ganyu, it was her.
Panting from his hurried run, Keyn caught up and called, "Keqing, wait! Let's put work aside for a moment. Please — listen to me about Ganyu."
Keqing calmly handed him a napkin she'd carried from Wanmin to wipe his sweat. "What happened with Ganyu?"
So Keyn told her everything — about how Ganyu had tied him up the night before, how she had insisted he stay in her room, and how her behavior that morning felt disturbingly off.
Keqing rested her chin lightly against her fingers, considering. At last, she said evenly, "From what you've described, there isn't necessarily anything wrong. If you and Ganyu had already agreed to spend Lantern Rite together, then it was indeed inconsiderate of me to suddenly request your assistance on patrols. What she said about adjusting your schedule so you could accompany her isn't unreasonable."
Keyn frowned in disbelief. "But she asked me to… accompany her to rest. Isn't that strange?"
Keqing's expression remained thoughtful. "Ganyu has devoted herself to the governance of Liyue for over a thousand years. After centuries of unrelenting diligence, it's only natural that she feels weary. You've been at her side for some time now, assisting during her long nights at Yuehai Pavilion. It isn't surprising she finds comfort in your presence — even when she rests."
Keyn pictured Ganyu's gentle face, then hurriedly protested, "But she's a girl. Asking me, a man, to sleep in her room — isn't that too easy to cause… misunderstandings?"
Keqing touched the tip of one of her twin ponytails and spoke firmly. "Perhaps Ganyu already considers you a close friend. Friendship isn't bound by gender. If Ganyu herself doesn't find the matter improper, then you shouldn't overthink it either. You should both continue working together as usual."
Keyn inhaled deeply. "That… makes sense. Maybe I misjudged her. But then how do you explain her kidnapping me?"
Even Keqing hesitated at that. She found it difficult to believe Ganyu would do such a thing. After a pause, she produced the blueprints for Liyue's current construction projects and spread them before him.
"Perhaps Ganyu has her own reasons. But since you didn't actually witness her intentions directly, it wouldn't be wise to jump to conclusions. For now, let's focus on today's duties. Come — we'll inspect the docks first and make sure the workers are carrying out their tasks properly."
Without giving him a chance to argue further, Keqing firmly took him by the arm and guided him toward the harbor.
Keyn still mumbled uneasily, "But… she smiled too much today. I can't shake the feeling something's off…"
Keqing turned back, her lips curved in a polite smile — though it carried a faint edge of displeasure. "Enough. If you want to know what Ganyu thinks, you should ask her yourself. For now, your task is to accompany me on patrol. Please set aside Ganyu's affairs until later, understood?"
Keyn swallowed hard and nodded. Keqing always smiles politely… but this one feels different somehow.
The two walked together, the morning sea breeze brushing against them. Keqing inhaled deeply, her eyes softening at the view of the sunlit waves. "Keyn, you've been a tremendous help to me in recent months. I've even mentioned your contributions to Lady Ningguang. I wonder… have you ever spoken of me to others as well?"
Her hand unconsciously tightened its grip on his. Keyn noticed, but couldn't quite discern what was different about her today.
When he had first arrived in Teyvat, he'd relied on his foreknowledge of events to assist Keqing with several of Liyue's construction projects. Thanks to that, he had gradually earned her trust. After nearly a year together, Keqing had come to see him as more than just an assistant — as a companion she could depend on.
But this morning, something in her expression suggested she wasn't entirely pleased to hear him speak so much about someone else.
By the time they reached the docks, Beidou was already directing her crew as they unloaded goods from the Alcor. Spotting them, she strode over with her usual energy.
"Hey, Keyn, Keqing — morning! Still as diligent as ever, I see. Always working hard for Liyue's prosperity."
Keyn had grown rather well-known around Liyue Harbor. By day, he patrolled with Keqing; by night, he assisted Ganyu. He often shared tea with Zhongli, endured Hu Tao's persistent attempts to involve him in the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's promotions, and sometimes even carried out tasks for Ningguang — including business trips as far as Inazuma. Over time, his face had become familiar to many.
Keqing nodded politely. "The same can be said of you and your Crux Fleet, Captain Beidou. Foreign trade prospers because of your efforts. Your contribution is no less than ours."
Beidou laughed heartily. "Hah! Keqing, you always know how to put things nicely. I'm not as good with words." She gave Keyn a playful nudge with her elbow. "Keyn, heading to Inazuma again anytime soon? If so, I'll give you a ride. Kokomi still complains she hasn't had a proper chess match with you in ages. And one of the Yae Publishing House editors asked if you've written any new stories lately."
At this, Keqing's gaze flicked toward Keyn, studying his reaction.
Scratching his head sheepishly, Keyn replied, "Not today. Lady Ningguang hasn't assigned me any trips recently. After Lantern Rite, I think I'll just stay in Liyue a while longer… and try more of the local delicacies."
Hearing this, Keqing nodded in quiet satisfaction. "Good. Everything seems in order here at the docks. Let's proceed to the next checkpoint."
Beidou waved after them with a grin. "Keyn, the Alcor's always open to you! Don't forget — we're ready whenever you want to travel abroad again!"
Keyn forced a smile, though his legs trembled faintly. Memories of his last journey on the Alcor — and the fierce battle alongside Lumine during Inazuma's liberation — were still vivid in his mind. He could only answer weakly, "I'll… come back when I can."
After bidding Beidou farewell, he remarked to Keqing, "The people of Liyue are so warm and welcoming. This is the Liyue I was hoping for when I first arrived."
But Keqing, glancing back at Beidou, quickly pushed him along with a hint of urgency. For some reason, Beidou's casual invitation had made her heart tighten uncomfortably. She was genuinely afraid that Keyn might agree.
With a soft sigh, she said, "Keyn… you know that without the Geo Archon's guidance, Liyue's governance has grown more difficult. If not for your help, I don't know how many projects would remain piled up on my desk. So… I hope you'll continue to work with me. Stay by my side in this."
Her grip on him grew firmer.
Keyn blinked in confusion. "Huh? Why are you suddenly saying this? Don't I accompany you every day already? I'm happy to work with you."
Keqing's lips curved into a small, genuine smile. The morning sun rose higher behind her, its light casting her in a warm glow, and the sea breeze lifted her twin ponytails so they danced in the wind.
At that moment, Keyn found himself struck by how… cute she looked.
Tilting her head slightly, Keqing's voice softened. "Then… will you always work with me from now on?"