Keqing caught Shenhe staring at her husband and shot her a vicious glare.
What kind of look is that, Shenhe?!
The more she thought about it, the more annoyed she got. She tightened her grip around Ryou's arm.
"Cloud Retainer!" Ganyu looked surprised to see her too.
Cloud Retainer and Shenhe hadn't gone back recently, so Ganyu had no idea what they'd been doing—or what they were investigating. And after what Yanfei mentioned, Ganyu had been meaning to bring it up to Cloud Retainer anyway. If anyone would notice something strange in the city, it would be an adeptus.
"I've been looking into a few things lately," Cloud Retainer said. "You don't need to worry about Guyun Stone Forest. I saw Xiao go over and suppress the area for a bit."
Her tone stayed calm. "That god's aura is stirring, but with him involved, it shouldn't turn into a disaster."
After a short pause, she asked, "Have any of you run into something… odd in the city? For example—an eye, an ear, a hand suddenly appearing. Not attached to anyone. Just a single eye, a single hand, moving on its own."
"Ah… Cloud Retainer, I heard something like that from Yanfei," Ganyu said quickly. "She said a pair of eyes was spying on her. I was actually about to tell you."
Her eyes widened so much it was almost comical—wider than the "eyes" she was talking about.
"I just came from Madame Ping's," Cloud Retainer replied. "I saw her as well. And I also spotted a pair of eyes roaming around Liyue Harbor."
Her gaze sharpened. "I'm investigating it now. If you learn anything, report it to me."
Cloud Retainer glanced at Ryou and Keqing. For some reason, Ryou's expression felt… off. Like he was hiding something.
"Ryou," she asked directly, "do you know anything about this?"
"How would I know?" Ryou shook his head.
Inside, though, he was panicking.
What the hell was [Eyes] doing spying on people bathing?!
Now it wasn't just Yanfei paying attention—Cloud Retainer and the others were investigating too. He'd been planning to send [Eyes] and [Hand] out again to learn more, but that was probably impossible now.
He was honestly worried that if he sent them out, they wouldn't come back.
"Cloud Retainer… doesn't this sound a little creepy?" Keqing frowned. "An eye that's not attached to a face can still move around?"
Yanfei mentioning it before had already sounded bizarre. Hearing Cloud Retainer say it made it even harder to believe.
"It's strange," Cloud Retainer admitted, "but I saw it with my own eyes."
She continued, matter-of-fact, "The hand had the eye keeping watch, and an ear nearby assisting. Otherwise, there's no way I wouldn't have caught them. Believe it or not, that's the truth."
"Ahem." Ryou coughed. "I'm sure you'll catch them, Cloud Retainer. We won't take up more of your time."
He really didn't want to linger. Cloud Retainer was beautiful, sure, but the way she was looking at him felt dangerous—like she'd already started suspecting him.
Cloud Retainer's brows knit. She stepped closer. "Why do you look tense? Do you know something?"
"What could I possibly know?" Ryou forced a laugh.
"Fair enough." Cloud Retainer's eyes narrowed, then she waved them off. "If anything comes up, you can find me at Ganyu's place."
Then she added, "You two go. Ganyu stays."
"Alright." Ryou didn't argue. He turned and left with Keqing.
Ganyu watched them go, then looked back. "Cloud Retainer… what is it?"
"Ganyu," Cloud Retainer said sharply, "haven't you and Keqing been acting… oddly lately?"
She stared straight at her. "I sensed an aura on you. And that aura… belongs to Ryou. Explain."
"Ganyu!" Shenhe looked at Ganyu too.
"W-Wait—don't look at me like that," Ganyu said, flustered.
She lowered her voice and tried to explain. "Yesterday, Ryou and Keqing invited me over for dinner, so I didn't go home. Keqing and I slept there for the night. I didn't have any contact with Ryou."
The further she spoke, the hotter her face got.
What happened later had been so embarrassing she'd almost convinced herself something happened with Ryou… only to realize Keqing had taken advantage of her instead.
And thinking about Keqing made another detail click.
This morning, Ganyu had noticed Keqing was only a little… bigger than her. Not by much—maybe one size.
But just now, Ganyu could swear Keqing had gotten fuller again, and it was obvious.
"So that's what it was," Cloud Retainer said, letting out a long sigh. "You and Keqing… trying to distract me while the real issue slips past."
She looked genuinely exhausted. "Ganyu, I'm not trying to stop you, but… Ryou is already married. Why are you still so obsessed?"
Her voice turned even more exasperated. "Madame Ping just told me her disciple is the same way. Honestly… what is going on with you youngsters?"
Then she paused—because Ganyu wasn't listening anymore.
"Ganyu!" Cloud Retainer snapped. "Are you spacing out while I'm talking to you? Who are you thinking about?!"
"I-I was thinking about Keqing!" Ganyu blurted out, terrified by Cloud Retainer's glare.
Cloud Retainer looked like she might actually explode.
"You're going to give me a heart attack," she said, staring at her in disbelief. "If you like Ryou, I'll bite my tongue. But Keqing is like a sister to you. And now you're thinking about her too? What are you trying to do to her?"
"Master, don't be mad." Shenhe stepped forward and hugged Cloud Retainer's arm. "Maybe Ganyu just fell for Keqing instead."
She said it like it was the most reasonable thing in the world. "That's not bad, actually. Then Keqing belongs to Ganyu, Ryou belongs to me, and we won't have to fight over one man."
Cloud Retainer froze.
Ganyu froze.
Both of them stared at Shenhe, completely speechless.
What kind of logic is that?!
"Shenhe, what are you even saying…" Ganyu stammered. "I… I just remembered something, that's all. I mean—"
She leaned in and whispered something into Cloud Retainer's ear.
Cloud Retainer's eyes flicked toward the direction Ryou had left. "Now that you mention it… Keqing is definitely off."
Her expression grew more serious. "Her figure looks better than before, she's taller—noticeably taller. And that part of her is… much more filled out."
She paused, then added, casually cruel, "Not comparable to me, of course. But compared to you, Ganyu? She's miles ahead."
She glanced at Ganyu again. "Ganyu, you've fallen into the same trap as everyone else."
"Mm." Shenhe nodded solemnly, as if this was a profound truth.
Ganyu rolled her eyes.
I've lived for thousands of years and you're calling me small?
But when she looked at Cloud Retainer and Shenhe—both of them towering in their own ways—she felt oddly defeated.
Sometimes it really did feel like Cloud Retainer and Shenhe were the real family… and she was the outsider.
"Why are you so worked up?" Cloud Retainer said, tugging her along. "I was telling the truth. Stop spiraling."
She grabbed Ganyu's hand. "Come with me. I need you for something."
"…Alright," Ganyu said, forced to agree.
But the thought of Yujing Terrace made her head ache.
These past few days, because she'd been arriving late and leaving early, Ningguang had already come looking for her twice. If she didn't go back again today…
Ningguang was going to lose it.
…
Ryou didn't rush to the Jade Chamber. He brought Keqing straight home first.
The moment they stepped into the courtyard, they saw Albedo, Klee, and Lumine sitting together chatting. They greeted them as soon as they came in.
"I'm going to my room to change," Keqing said, shifting uncomfortably. "I'll be back in a bit, alright?"
She glanced up at the sky and frowned. The blazing sun felt fake—like it should've been drizzle instead, the kind that soaks into your clothes and makes everything cling.
Just thinking about it made her skin crawl.
She said no more and hurried inside.
Ryou walked over, lifted a hand, and poured chilled juice for everyone.
Then he looked at Albedo. "Albedo, if you need anything, just tell the servants. They'll buy whatever you need."
"I've already sent them out," Albedo said, rubbing his chin. "Give me three days and I'll have it handled."
"Good." Ryou nodded.
"This is so tasty!" Klee hugged her cup and took a big sip. Then she looked up at Ryou with bright eyes. "Ryou-nii, I want more!"
"Alright, alright." Ryou poured her another cup.
But as he did, more empty cups appeared beside him, one after another, like a silent demand.
He sighed and poured those too.
"Venti, Tabibito, Paimon—feeling better?" Ryou asked.
"Much better," Venti said. "Yesterday… was embarrassing. I swear my tolerance is great."
She waved it off quickly. "I was just too excited. Ryou, Keqing said she'd talk to you about it—about helping me 'process' that wine. So, you see…"
As she spoke, she leaned closer and closer, gesturing with her hand until her fingers were practically brushing Ryou's lips.
"Ahem." Ryou stiffened. "Sit down first."
Venti was way too close.
And remembering how she'd looked yesterday—drunk out of her mind—made Ryou's arms break out in goosebumps.
"…Fine." Venti sat back down.
Albedo watched the whole thing and smiled. It reminded him of yesterday, when he'd gone with Ryou to Bubu Pharmacy—Ryou had worn the exact same expression.
Ryou cleared his throat. "That can wait. We'll talk tonight."
He glanced around. "Keqing and I are only back for a moment. We wanted to check on you. We'll be heading out again soon."
"Alright." Venti relaxed a bit. As long as she could wait until tonight, she'd get what she wanted.
In a better mood now, she drained her juice in one go, looking thoroughly satisfied.
Ryou glanced at her, shook his head, then turned to Lumine.
"Anything you need to handle at the Adventurers' Guild today?"
"N-No," Lumine said, her cheeks turning red. "I haven't gone yet."
Her face was still burning because she'd accidentally had a few cups last night and gotten drunk. She'd only woken up about half an hour ago. The tea she was drinking now was basically just her trying to sober up.
And if you got close enough, you could still smell the alcohol on her.
Ryou leaned in slightly. Yeah—there it was. That lingering booze scent.
"Then later, I'll take you to soak in the hot springs," Ryou said. "After that, I want you to help me check Guyun Stone Forest."
His tone turned serious. "Something happened out there. It's dangerous. Be careful."
"H-Hot springs…?" Lumine went scarlet.
In her head, the courtyard vanished. All she could see was thick steam, blurred silhouettes, and a string of frantic, breathless sounds that absolutely did not belong in polite conversation.
The more she imagined it, the hotter her face got.
T-This is way too embarrassing!
Ryou stared at her.
Steam was practically rising off her head.
What is going on in that brain of yours?!
So you're that kind of Tabibito, huh?
Even if I had thoughts, there's no way I'd say something like that in front of Albedo and Klee!
"…Ahem." Ryou coughed hard.
"Hot springs! Klee wants to go too!" Klee threw her hand up excitedly.
"Sure." Ryou nodded without thinking.
"Huh?" Lumine froze.
Klee wanted to go, and Ryou just agreed like that.
Her eyes widened in shock.
So he really is a beast! Klee is still a kid—how can you—
Ryou saw the "you animal" look on her face and his expression went dark. He raised a hand and flicked her forehead.
"Stop thinking nonsense," he snapped. "I'm letting you go soak. I'm not saying I'm soaking with you."
"O-Oh…" Lumine clutched her forehead and mumbled.
Seriously… does he have to be so rough?
Ryou took a sip of juice and continued, "About Guyun Stone Forest—stay sharp."
"Childe might be there," he said, voice lowering. "And probably not alone."
"La Signora!" Lumine's fists clenched.
Her eyes blazed. "I'll help you. I'm getting revenge for Venti. That woman stole the Gnosis, and she even slapped me!"
"I'm going to kill her!"
"Cough—cough!" Venti nearly choked on her juice.
Tabibito, I appreciate the sentiment, but can you not shout that out loud?
Do you have any idea how humiliating this is for me?
"Anyway," Ryou said, pretending he heard nothing, "I'll be relying on you. Come on—Lumine, Klee. With me."
He stood up.
Venti immediately rubbed her hands together. "Can I come too? I'm not fully sober yet, and I want to soak as well."
"No." Ryou glared at her and took a step back on instinct. "Two girls are going to soak—what are you joining for?"
"Hey!" Venti got mad the moment she saw him retreat. "That's rude."
She puffed up her cheeks. "I'm a girl too! It's not like I'm going to take advantage of them!"
"Still no." Ryou turned and left with the two of them.
"You…!" Venti fumed and dropped back into her seat, sulking.
Albedo glanced at her and coughed lightly. "Anemo Archon… even if you are a woman, your current appearance doesn't exactly read that way."
He added, politely, "And I've noticed he seems uncomfortable when men get too close."
"So it's just that he's obsessed with pretty faces and forgets his friends," Venti muttered.
She picked up her juice, took a few loud gulps, and smacked her lips.
"This really is good," she admitted. "It's infused with strong energy. The taste changes completely."
Then she sighed dramatically. "Still… it's no match for wine."
…
By the time they left the house and headed for the Jade Chamber, eight hours had already passed since morning.
"Keqing, don't be mad," Ryou said, holding her close as he explained.
Keqing's mood soured the second she heard he was taking Lumine and Klee to the hot springs.
"Hmph. I won't say anything about Klee," Keqing said. "But Tabibito is not allowed. This time I'm letting it go… but don't do it again."
She thought of the way Lumine dressed and got even angrier.
Outside, Lumine wrapped herself up like she was hiding from the world. But in Keqing's house, she'd be wearing barely anything.
What was that supposed to mean?
That Tabibito really is a fox.
When they arrived at the Jade Chamber, Ryou noticed Ningguang was already there—along with Beidou and even Yelan.
Ningguang looked at Ryou and immediately got irritated. She shot them a glare.
"You still have the nerve to show up here? Didn't I tell you to go out and not drag Ganyu along?"
"Ningguang, I haven't even started on you yet," Keqing snapped, instantly furious.
"You dumped your Yujing Terrace work onto my Ministry of Civil Affairs. What are you playing at?"
Her eyes narrowed. "And as for Ganyu—she's not with us anymore. If she didn't go back to Yujing Terrace, what does that have to do with us?"
"Well said!" Beidou's eyes lit up. She couldn't stand Ningguang's attitude either, and Keqing saying it out loud was satisfying.
TL Note: The author is using she/her for Venti. Earlier, there was a line from Albedo that made me think it meant Venti isn't "a man" in the sense of being a spirit not tied to gender, but I was wrong, this chapter makes it clear the author is treating Venti as she/her. I'm going to keep that in the translation. No idea where it's going, but it is what it is.
[End of chapter]
[200 Power Stones = Extra Chapter]
[Check out my Patreon to read 20+ chapters ahead]
[[email protected]/BellAshelia]
[Thanks for your support!]