Keqing led Kael out to the streets of Liyue.
A faintly lost expression crossed her face.
She'd said she would show him around, but her mind was blank now.
People always catered to her.
But now that she stood beside Kael… she didn't know what to do.
For the first time, she felt genuinely at a loss.
If only she were as eloquent as Ningguang…
Kael noticed she'd stopped walking, head down, completely silent.
He turned to her. "Hmm? What's wrong?"
Keqing slowly looked up at him, blinking.
She stared into his clear eyes. "Do you… think being with me is boring…"
Before she could finish, a voice interrupted.
"Lady Keqing!"
A Liyue resident hurried over, greeting her warmly. "What brings you to Chihu Rock today? Thank you so much for helping with our construction accident last time."
Keqing nodded. "It was nothing. Just my duty."
Once the first person approached, more people recognized her and came over to greet her.
Keqing was one of the Liyue Qixing. To ordinary citizens, she was someone high above.
But she was rarely seen in public due to work.
Now that she appeared, everyone wanted to say hello—though none dared overstep due to her serious demeanor.
"Lady Keqing, thank you for your hard work."
"Lady Keqing, would you like to try a bowl of our soup?"
"Lady Keqing…"
Seeing the kind smiles around her, Keqing couldn't help but smile.
Her normally stern face eased into something gentle.
When the crowd finally dispersed, Kael walked back to her side.
He smiled. "Looks like you've been doing good work. It's obvious the people trust you."
Keqing's ears turned red. She replied stiffly, "I only did what I should."
"No. You did great."
Kael saw straight through her attempt to act calm but didn't call her out. He simply continued, "Humans survive through hard work. Liyue is lucky to have a leader like you."
Keqing's eyes widened.
Those were her exact thoughts.
She never expected someone else to share them so perfectly.
She spoke with a spark of excitement. "Yes, that's what I believe too. Liyue has to be governed by its people in order to truly grow. Those lofty gods… hmph."
"Oh right, Kael. You've just come from Mondstadt, haven't you? What's it like over there?"
"It's a free place. Even without a god ruling them, the Knights of Favonius do a great job."
"Really…" Keqing slipped into deep thought. "I've studied the governing styles of other gods. But… I still wonder if the Anemo Archon's approach can really sustain Mondstadt long-term."
Once she started talking about work, her passion kicked in. She couldn't stop.
"Liyue is vast and resource-rich, but without proper planning, short-term thinking can lead to disaster…"
"The Liyue Qixing are improving welfare systems…"
As they talked, they walked all the way to Yujing Terrace.
Kael noticed the workers were already setting up structures.
Keqing smiled. "The Moonchase Festival is coming soon."
"Yeah."
Kael looked up at Yujing Terrace, feeling nostalgic.
The first Moonchase Festival he ever experienced was in Sensory Mode… with Keqing.
"Kael…" Keqing turned toward him, eyes soft and filled with longing.
"This year… will you spend the festival with me?"
"And every year after… will you stay by my side?"
Kael froze for a moment.
She had said the exact same words in the life simulation.
Reality and memory overlapped, blurring into one.
Scenes from the simulation flashed through his mind like fragmented film reels.
Until they stopped on Keqing's tearful smile from the end.
Kael, I'm back…
Emotion crashed over him.
He stepped forward and pulled her tightly into his arms.
"Okay. We'll spend every Moonchase Festival together. I'm back… Keqing, I'm back…"
In his embrace, Keqing's composure shattered. Tears streamed down her face.
This was the moment she had waited for—maybe for a lifetime.
And finally, she'd heard the words she longed for.
Grief, joy, longing, pain… everything surged through her.
Keqing broke down crying, tears soaking into Kael's chest.
Feeling her trembling against him, Kael held her even tighter, trying to ease her pain.
"Don't cry… I'm right here… I won't leave again…"
Keqing lifted her head, cupped his cheek, and rose onto her toes.
With her lashes still wet, she pressed her lips gently to his.
At last… he'd returned to her.
[Keqing Pain Value -60. Current Pain Value: 40.]
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Next Target 1200 :)