The two of them stayed wrapped in each other's arms atop Yujing Terrace for a long time before Keqing suddenly remembered where they were.
She was one of the Liyue Qixing. Countless people recognized her.
And Yujing Terrace was always busy. Several passersby were already glancing over with curiosity.
She didn't know if anyone had seen her kiss him just now…
Keqing's entire face flushed scarlet. She pushed Kael away in a panic.
"What's wrong?"
Kael didn't understand at first, but when he saw her expression, a tender smile tugged at his lips.
She was just too cute.
Keqing had always been adorable. Her slightly upturned cat-like eyes alone made her look delicate. But her stern personality and blunt way of speaking often made people forget it.
Now, with her cheeks bright red, the tips of her eyes flushed, and her cat-like gaze wide with embarrassment, she looked exactly like a startled kitten.
Kael couldn't help lifting a hand to ruffle her hair.
"Are you shy?"
Keqing quickly pulled his hand away. She took his hand instead, speaking softly. "L-let's go… somewhere else."
"Alright."
"What a lovely couple."
A voice interrupted from the side.
They both turned.
Keqing instantly drew her sword, posture sharp.
La Signora stepped toward them at a leisurely pace.
She glanced at the sword in Keqing's hand and flicked her wrist dismissively.
"What is this? Is this how the Liyue Qixing greet foreign envoys? By drawing weapons?"
Keqing's voice turned cold. "You know exactly what you've done."
"Heh. I don't understand what the esteemed Yuheng is referring to. I only came to say hello."
La Signora looked Kael up and down, her lips smiling, but her eyes dripping with murderous intent.
"It was dark that day. I didn't get a good look at you."
She looked amused, but hatred burned beneath.
"I remember you now, Kael."
Kael remained unruffled.
Their fight in the cave had given him a clear idea of her strength.
He was nothing like the weak version of himself from his life simulation.
"What is it? Have you fallen for me? Unfortunately, you're not my type."
He deliberately provoked her, mimicking the way she scrutinized people, sweeping his gaze over her slowly.
"Scheming, venomous, ruthless."
Ever since she became a Fatui Harbinger, no one had dared speak to her like that.
La Signora's face twisted with rage. She pulled out her whip and gripped it so tightly her knuckles bulged.
But sanity held her back.
She represented Snezhnaya. She couldn't lash out at the Liyue Qixing in broad daylight. That would escalate into something far more severe.
She shot Kael a murderous glare before turning to leave.
"Let's head to the next place."
Kael turned to Keqing—and froze.
She was trembling.
"Keqing, are you okay?"
The moment Kael had confronted La Signora, a crushing wave of terror swept through her.
She felt like she was about to lose him.
The Fatui would hurt him.
No.
She couldn't allow that. She wouldn't.
All reason vanished. Only one instinct remained.
Protect Kael.
Keqing raised her sword and lunged forward, but Kael caught her mid-step, arms locking around her.
"Keqing, stop!"
Even someone as unhinged as La Signora could restrain herself for the sake of her nation.
And Keqing, rational and brilliant as she was, understood that too.
Kael lowered his head to her. "What are you—"
Then he saw it.
The despair. The hatred. The same expression she had worn in his life simulation after losing him.
His breath caught.
He understood immediately.
He tightened his hold, whispering against her ear, "Don't worry about me. I can protect myself. La Signora isn't my match."
At those words, Keqing's tears spilled instantly.
"But the Fatui have so many people… they're everywhere… they're cunning… they'll hurt you… I can't… I can't let that happen…"
Her voice grew louder and more broken. She'd completely fallen apart.
She shouldn't have come close to him…
If not for her, Kael wouldn't be on the Fatui's radar…
It was her fault…
She had to end this threat. Now.
"It's alright. Did you forget I have an Adepti Artifact? If anything happens, I'll teleport to your side immediately."
"Nothing will happen. Absolutely nothing."
"Keqing, don't act recklessly. You still have so much ahead of you. Liyue needs you. Don't let the Fatui pull you off course. Don't let them anger you."
"You're not going to lose me. I'm right here."
Kael held her close, steady and warm, soothing her trembling breath.
Slowly, the wildness in Keqing's eyes receded.
She stared at him intensely. "Swear to Rex Lapis. Swear you'll never let yourself be in danger."
Keqing had always resented the adepti, believing they looked down from too high to understand mortal suffering.
Even Rex Lapis.
The world trusted the God of Contracts to build unshakable prosperity, but in her heart, Liyue's peace was just a sandcastle—grand but fragile.
She had always held criticism toward the Geo Archon.
But right now, she was desperate.
Someone who never believed in gods was turning to one for help.
Rex Lapis was the God of Contracts.
She wanted to bind Kael with a god's vow.
Kael blinked in surprise. She'd always complained about Rex Lapis.
But if this calmed her, he would do anything.
"I swear. I'll swear to Rex Lapis."
Keqing's entire body relaxed, the crushing dread finally loosening.
[Keqing Pain Value -20. Current Pain Value: 20.]