The sky gradually darkened. Lights illuminated every corner of Liyue, chasing away the shadows.
Nighttime was when the city came alive, and Wanmin Restaurant was a perfect example. The popular eatery was packed to the brim.
The aroma of food filled the air. Both foreigners and locals loved the cuisine here.
...
Wanmin Restaurant
Inside a Private Room
Bonanus, Xiao, and Menogias sat quietly, waiting for two latecomers.
The three were almost completely silent. The silence was unnerving.
Why weren't they talking? It was because of Bonanus's unpleasant expression.
Menogias and Xiao were both observant. They could tell that Bonanus wasn't in a good mood.
Both could sense that she seemed conflicted, with a hint of guilt.
"Sister Bonanus, what's wrong?"
Xiao, sitting beside her, finally broke the silence. He had noticed her mood ever since they left her territory.
His expression was filled with concern. He didn't like seeing his sister like this. He wanted her to smile—a happy smile.
"Ah... nothing." Bonanus said quietly, her voice low and full of confusion.
"Little sister, if something's bothering you, tell us. We're your family. We can help with anything." Menogias frowned slightly.
It was the first time he had seen Bonanus like this since her return. What happened?
"It's nothing. Really..." Bonanus shook her head gently. If only it were that simple. But it wasn't. She couldn't share her secret with anyone.
She had to bear it alone.
She bit her lip and forced herself to perk up. What was she thinking? Frowning at a time like this—how unbecoming.
She took a deep breath and put on a smile, explaining further.
"I was just stuck on something, but I'm fine now."
"Good." Menogias nodded. Since his sister said so, he wouldn't press further.
He believed that as long as he and Bosacius were around, they could prevent any accidents. They would all help Bonanus, no matter what.
Menogias was satisfied, but the other person wasn't. Still, now wasn't the time to press further.
He would wait until after the gathering.
With that thought, Xiao crossed his arms, closed his eyes, and frowned slightly, as if deep in thought.
Before long, Bosacius and Indarias arrived.
Bosacius's territory was the most prone to monster attacks. They were bold there, so he was probably late because of that.
But what was annoying was that the moment he walked in, everyone saw that each of his hands carried a large jug of wine.
He really hadn't taken the "Indarias shouldn't drink" rule to heart.
And with Indarias's personality, she wouldn't listen to advice. Tonight, she would definitely get drunk. So unreliable.
As for Indarias, she was late because she had gotten distracted by beautiful goods. Her shopping instincts had taken over, and she had gone on a crazy spending spree.
It was only after a long while that she remembered there was a gathering tonight and rushed over.
Once everyone was together, they ate and laughed. Bonanus pushed her worries aside and joined in.
Bosacius chugged his wine like it was water. Bonanus felt like he was a walking wine barrel.
Everyone except Bonanus drank heavily. Even Menogias, slightly tipsy, forgot his earlier stance against Indarias drinking.
Alcohol numbed the body and lifted spirits. Everyone became more talkative, saying whatever came to mind. Bonanus heard plenty of interesting gossip.
As they drank, tears streamed down Bosacius's face. He swallowed and said with a smile,
"Back then, when I fought alongside the Millelith against the enemy, I wondered if I would ever see the people I cherished again."
"We witnessed death. We fought alongside Rex Lapis, killed countless enemies. We nearly died from karmic debt."
"They say Yakshas have no home to return to, but that's just because we have too many lingering attachments. I'm glad we all survived."
"Being controlled, enduring hunger, dying on the battlefield, honing combat skills, fighting to survive—that was the life of the Yaksha clan."
"We've witnessed a world of peace, free from war and bloodshed. But we still know our duty. For the fallen, and for our Yaksha brethren."
"We'll always be family. No matter what. As your big brother, I'll bear everything with you. Even death."
"To us, who still uphold the contract! And to the comrades who fought beside us!"
Drunk and emotional, Bosacius couldn't hold back. He wanted to say everything on his mind.
His words were slurred, his head spinning.
Everyone present was deeply moved. They nodded solemnly, raised their glasses, and drank.
As for Bonanus, hearing those words only made her more conflicted. Still, she raised her tea cup with the rest.
As the tea went down, she sighed inwardly. Forever family... would they still consider her family if they knew the truth?
...
"Haha, that reminds me of a young Millelith soldier I once knew. I still remember the song he wrote." Menogias sat back down, took a bite of his appetizer, his face flushed.
"Let's hear it!" Indarias slumped over the table, clearly feeling the effects of the alcohol.
"I used to hear soldiers compose songs and poems on the battlefield." Bosacius laughed heartily, then fell silent, ready to listen.
Bonanus and Xiao did the same. Sometimes, listening to a song after a drink was a fine way to enjoy life.
Menogias cleared his throat and began softly:
The soldier leaves home, to protect his land.
The war drums sound, he charges into battle.
On the field of war, only sacrifice remains.
Why? Because every inch of soil is soaked in blood!
Eagles soar high, horses thunder across the plains!
With mortal bodies, they rival the gods!
They will not yield an inch of borderland!
Are there none? A million armored soldiers lie in the mountain stone!
With the blood of our forebears, we give peace to the next generation!
When they return, they come wrapped in horsehide.
"The song is called 'The Battle Hymn of the Millelith Border Guard.'"
...
Soon after...
Bonanus supported the unconscious, swaying Indarias with one hand, while looking at Menogias and Bosacius with concern.
"Second Brother, are you sure you're okay? Your legs seem a bit unsteady."
"I'm fine, little sister. Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." Menogias used all his strength to hoist Bosacius onto his shoulder, flashing his signature smile.
Menogias wasn't short, but compared to Bosacius's massive frame, he looked like a fragile maiden.
"Alright, be careful." Bonanus reminded him.
"Don't worry." Menogias nodded, then left with Bosacius.
Watching them go, Bonanus turned to Xiao. "Alatus, let's go."
Xiao nodded. His face was slightly flushed, and he swayed a little, but he could still walk.
"So heavy. Drunk people really are the heaviest." Bonanus muttered. She had told Indarias to drink less, but she had gotten wasted anyway.
"I'll help." Xiao came to Indarias's other side and supported her, easing the weight on Bonanus.
"Hehe, you're reliable as always, Alatus." Feeling the weight lighten, Bonanus mentally gave her little brother a thumbs up.
"Mm." Xiao didn't say much, just grunted in acknowledgment.
Late at night, most people had already gone to sleep. Only the patrolling Millelith and the Yakshas returning home remained.
Back at the house, Bonanus laid Indarias on the sofa and wiped the sweat from her brow.
Letting out a soft breath, she turned to Xiao with a gentle smile.
"Anything else, Alatus?"