"…"
Kael looked at the little golden dragon staring up at him with wide, innocent eyes from Xiao's hand. He answered calmly, "Sorry, not for sale."
Xiao's brows tightened. "Are you sure? I can pay you however much Mora you want."
Kael didn't doubt it. Even if he quoted an impossible number, Xiao could still afford it.
After all, Xiao served Zhongli.
And every last Mora in all of Teyvat came from Rex Lapis' own hands. If the Geo Archon wanted to create more, he could do it with a twitch of his fingers.
But this was an SSS-rank reward from the System.
Even if Kael still wasn't sure what Little Gold truly was…
Anything the System awarded wasn't something money could measure.
This was the kind of treasure even a centuries-old Adeptus like Xiao would covet.
Kael didn't hesitate. He kept his palm open.
"I'm sure. Not for sale. No amount of money."
Seeing the firm look in Kael's eyes, Xiao could only loosen his grip in disappointment.
Freed, Little Gold darted straight into Kael's hand.
Up close, Kael noticed the dragon's scales looked glossier than before, faintly shimmering with gold.
Looked like it'd enjoyed a full meal off Xiao.
And whatever energy it absorbed was far richer than anything from ordinary food Kael had fed it in Liyue.
Kael took out the Serenitea Pot and returned Little Gold inside.
The moment Xiao saw the object in Kael's hand, he recognized it immediately.
"The Serenitea Pot?"
He'd seen this Adeptus artifact before…
Xiao studied Kael closely.
Just who was this man?
Why did he possess so many extraordinary things…
He couldn't help asking, "That pot, did you also bring it from another world?"
"Yes."
Kael didn't even blink.
He'd already decided: whenever the System gave him something, he wouldn't bother explaining. All he had to say was that it came from another world.
He was a Traveler from another world anyway.
Might as well use that identity properly.
As expected, after hearing his answer, Xiao didn't press further.
Xiao then asked casually, "You're a Traveler from another world? Why appear at Wangshu Inn?"
Kael heard the probing in his tone, so he answered openly, "Yeah. I'm here to tour Liyue."
"Is that so…"
Xiao looked thoughtful.
A mysterious man suddenly appearing in Liyue… what kind of impact would that cause?
He would need to inform the Archon.
And that little creature that could consume karmic debt…
If possible, he truly wanted to borrow it…
Xiao grit his teeth and asked, "If you won't sell it, then can you lend it to me? I have use for it. I can pay rental fees."
Kael blinked, surprised by how desperate Xiao sounded.
But he understood.
To Xiao, Little Gold was like a patient dying of an incurable disease suddenly seeing a miracle cure.
This was his only hope.
Kael thought for a moment. "It's not impossible… but I can only lend it to you for two short periods each day."
Hearing Kael's agreement, Xiao's eyes brightened. "Alright."
"As for the fee… ten thousand Mora per day."
Xiao agreed immediately. "Fine."
Then his expression stiffened a little.
"But… I don't have any Mora on me. Can I pay later?"
"No problem."
Kael knew his identity. This was the famous Conqueror of Demons, with Rex Lapis himself as his backing.
He wasn't worried Xiao would skip out on payment.
Plus, Kael had just found Little Gold a steady supply of premium food for free.
A win-win situation…
Although, thinking about it… the Geo Archon should still be rich at this point, right?
---
Once everything was settled, Xiao looked visibly relieved, even showing a rare hint of ease.
He nodded to Kael. "Then I'll wait for you here tomorrow. All you need to do is call my name, Xiao, and I'll appear immediately."
"Alright."
In the blink of an eye, Xiao vanished into the night air.
After that talk, the sunset had long faded.
Night covered Liyue in a calm veil.
Kael stood on the rooftop for a moment, enjoying the moonlight, then headed back to his room to rest.
The moment he stepped inside, he heard faint snoring.
Kael narrowed his eyes and followed the sound.
A lump was curled under his blanket on the bed.
He already knew who it was…
He sighed and pulled the blanket back.
As expected, Mona was curled up with his pillow between her legs, fast asleep.
Her clothes were similar to what she usually wore, but without stockings, and made of thinner fabric, showing much more skin.
Her pale legs were smooth and soft in the lamplight, pressed around the pillow.
Her usual twin tails were undone, her long purple hair spilling across the bed.
She slept deeply, a tiny droplet at the corner of her lips, looking adorably content.
The night air in Liyue carried a faint chill.
When the blanket lifted, Mona felt the cold and slowly opened her eyes.
She rubbed her eyes, still half asleep, and looked at him through a haze.
Her voice was rough from just waking up.
"You're back…?"
Kael's gaze darkened. His voice lowered.
"Why are you in my room?"
Mona snapped awake instantly.
A blush spread across her face. She gave him a playful glare.
Her eyes hooked into his like she was reeling him in.
She rose slightly, crawling toward the edge of the bed. From Kael's angle, the thin fabric revealed even more of her curves.
She crawled right up to him, leaned close to his ear, and whispered softly,
"You dummy… isn't it obvious…? I'm seducing you."