Kael drifted off to sleep with his mind full of curiosity—wondering just what was going on behind Ningguang's composed facade.
The next morning, before the sun had fully risen and while everyone else was still asleep, he quietly used the map to teleport himself to Wangshu Inn.
As always, he summoned Xiao.
While Little Gold ate, Xiao glanced over with mild curiosity. "Why are you here so early today?"
"I snuck out," Kael said with a helpless smile. "Ningguang locked me in the Jade Chamber."
"Locked you in the Jade Chamber? What happened?"
Even someone as detached from mortal affairs as Xiao knew the Jade Chamber was Ningguang's private palace, a place filled with priceless treasures.
Since when had it become a prison?
Kael sighed. "It's a long story. For the next while, I'm gonna have to come this early every day."
Seeing the troubled look on his face, Xiao offered, "Do you need my help to resolve this?"
"No, it's just a misunderstanding. I can handle it myself."
"Alright."
Xiao was never one to pry, and since Kael said he had it under control, he didn't ask further.
Once Little Gold finished eating, Xiao gave Kael a small nod and disappeared.
Kael teleported back to the Jade Chamber.
As soon as he opened the door, he saw Baishi walking toward him.
"Mr. Kael, you're up early. I was just about to knock on your door."
Kael glanced outside. Even though he'd just made a quick trip to Wangshu Inn and back, it was still very early—maybe six or seven in the morning, the sky barely bright.
"Is something going on?"
"Yes. Lady Ningguang invited you to join her for breakfast."
---
Even though it was only breakfast, Ningguang's table was still extravagantly lavish.
A stunning spread made with luxurious ingredients from all over the world.
The chefs couldn't compete with Kael's cooking, not by a long shot, but even he had to admit the variety alone was impressive.
Did Ningguang really eat this extravagantly every morning?
She had a small appetite—she only tasted a few bites from each dish before setting her chopsticks down.
Once she finished, Baishi approached with today's schedule.
"Lady Ningguang, from eight to ten you have a meeting with Master Zhang regarding Liyue's wood export business. From ten to twelve…"
Ningguang nodded. "Alright."
Then she glanced at Kael. "There are many books in the Library. If you get bored, feel free to read some travel journals. Or take a look inside my Treasure Room."
After she left, a servant guided Kael to the Library. He lounged on a chaise, flipping through travel notes. A platter of freshly cut fruit sat beside him.
Whenever he felt thirsty, someone immediately brought tea and a plate of assorted biscuits.
Kael was… extremely comfortable.
So this was what it felt like to be spoiled by a rich woman?
---
"Liyue has abundant natural resources. In my opinion, expanding into export trade is quite promising. Master Zhang, your instincts are good. But regarding the profit split…"
Ningguang paused when she noticed Baishi entering the room, giving her a meaningful look.
"My apologies, Master Zhang. Please wait a moment."
She walked over and asked in a low voice, "What's wrong?"
"Lady Ningguang, Lady Keqing has arrived at the Jade Chamber. She wishes to discuss something important with you immediately."
Keqing was always polite—she would never show up unannounced without an appointment.
If she'd come this urgently, something serious must've happened.
Ningguang's heart tightened.
But her first reaction wasn't that something had happened to Liyue.
Her first thought was that she needed to hide Kael—Keqing absolutely could not see him!
Ningguang whispered instructions. "Take Keqing to the study. Then go to the Library and stay with Kael. No matter what happens, don't let him come out."
---
"Keqing. It's been a while."
Keqing never beat around the bush, and with something weighing heavily on her mind, she didn't bother with pleasantries.
She went straight to the point. "The Northland Bank has raised its interest rates. More and more Liyue citizens are depositing their Mora there. Are you aware of this?"
As one of the Liyue Qixing, Ningguang naturally already knew.
"I know."
"I believe we should intervene. Every deposit in the Northland Bank becomes operating funds for the Fatui. I refuse to let Snezhnaya use our people's money to support the Fatui—and ultimately endanger Liyue and even all of Teyvat."
Ningguang frowned. "It's only a slight increase in interest. I don't think it's a serious issue."
Keqing's voice sharpened. "You really don't see it? This is boiling a frog alive! Next they'll expand their influence throughout Liyue—we can't allow the Fatui to grow any bolder!"
"We've been monitoring the Fatui and the Northland Bank. Things aren't as bad as you're imagining," Ningguang said, confused. "What's gotten into you lately? You've been investing far too much energy into the Fatui. This is already beyond your authority."
Keqing couldn't explain why she'd been feeling this way.
Every time she thought of the Fatui, an overwhelming hatred surged up inside her—clouding her judgment. She knew something was wrong, but she couldn't control it.
It felt like only destroying the Fatui could ease the pain in her chest.
Realizing further discussion was pointless, she exhaled sharply. "Since you disagree, I'll speak with the other Liyue Qixing."
Ningguang lifted a brow.
Keqing was completely losing her head. None of the Qixing would support such a move.
She was only wasting her time.
Still, Ningguang couldn't resist offering one last reminder.
"You don't look well. Don't bury yourself in work all day—rest properly."
Keqing gave a distracted nod. "Thanks."
Once she left, the tension in Ningguang's chest finally loosened.
She felt a wave of relief.
Thank goodness—Keqing didn't see Kael.
Good. Kael was still hers alone…
Ningguang felt increasingly unlike herself these days.
She'd actually been worried Keqing might steal Kael away.
The old her would've scoffed at such trivial feelings.
She'd always aimed for bigger, more distant dreams.
Her emotions toward Kael were complicated—she couldn't bear to let go, yet she hated how easily he influenced her mood.
"Ah…"
Even someone like Ningguang couldn't stop a quiet sigh when facing matters of the heart.
She headed toward the Library and glanced at Baishi, who was still standing guard by the door.
"He's still inside?"
"Yes. He hasn't come out once."
"Good."
Ningguang pushed the door open.
And there he was—Kael sprawled on the chaise, a book covering his face, sound asleep.
Kael had already woken the moment the door opened. The footsteps were unmistakably hers, so he stayed still, too lazy to get up.
Suddenly, the book was lifted gently from his face.
Warm light touched his skin…
And with the sunlight came something soft and warm pressing against his lips.
Kael's eyes flew open.
Ningguang's red eyes gazed down at him, filled with gentle, affectionate laughter.