"I—I'm sorry…"
Bronya lowered her head, frustration churning inside her.
What am I even doing…
How did the first time end up being this awkward?
"It's fine."
What else could be done?
At this point, it was obvious there was no real way to keep strolling around.
Valerius's mind raced, searching for somewhere—anywhere—they could still go.
Then, a place name surfaced.
Liyue.
Compared to Belobog, Liyue was lively and bustling. And at night, no less—if they went now, they could still see the sea of lanterns and lights.
The more he thought about it, the more promising it sounded.
After all, they'd waited so long that neither of them had even eaten yet.
"I'll take you somewhere," Valerius said.
Bronya looked up, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
"Where to?"
"Just follow me."
He pulled out the Any-Door and opened it.
The moment Bronya saw it, she knew they weren't staying in Belobog. Anticipation stirred in her chest.
Last time was Mondstadt…
So where this time?
Stepping through the door, a dazzling sight unfolded before her.
Bustling streets. Endless crowds. A city alive with motion.
"So… lively."
Bronya's eyes widened. Belobog had never known streets like these.
Night had fallen, lanterns glowed warmly, and rows upon rows of shops stretched into the distance. Everything was unfamiliar—overwhelming, even.
"This is Liyue Harbor. Not bad, right?"
Bronya nodded immediately.
"Not bad" didn't even begin to describe it.
"We haven't eaten yet, have we? I'll take you to Chihu Rock—there's lots of good food there. We'll walk, enjoy the scenery along the way."
Valerius strode ahead confidently, waving his hand as if he knew exactly where he was going.
"Okay."
In an unfamiliar place, Bronya felt a little uneasy. She quickened her pace and walked beside him, eyes darting toward the shops with open admiration.
Half an hour later.
"Valerius… are we there yet?"
"…Uh, almost. It's just up ahead."
Bronya had figured it out by now.
This man had no idea where he was going.
That line—"just ahead"—she'd heard it three times already. And there was still no sign of Chihu Rock.
"…How about we just walk around here?"
Valerius turned, meeting her unmistakable you're-lost look.
"That was an accident just now. Trust me—this time, we're really close."
He marched forward again, stubbornly leading the way.
There was only one main road anyway. As long as they followed it, he'd find it eventually.
"…Alright."
What else could she say?
Walking a bit more wouldn't hurt. Honestly, just wandering through the night scenery was pleasant enough.
Another half hour passed.
"…Bronya, how about we just stroll around here?"
"Pfft—sure."
Bronya laughed softly.
So he finally admitted it.
"I—Bronya?"
A surprised female voice rang out from nearby.
They both turned.
"…Miss Keqing?"
"It really is you. I spotted you from afar—what are you two doing here?"
Bronya smiled, amused.
"Oh, Valerius's showing me around Liyue. What about you, Miss Keqing?"
"I just finished work for the day. I'm heading to Wanmin Restaurant for dinner."
Bronya blinked.
It was already night—and she was just getting off work?
"Miss Keqing, you're only clocking out now?"
"Yes. There was quite a lot today, and I don't like leaving things for tomorrow. So I stayed late."
"I know that feeling."
Bronya nodded in deep agreement. Her own workload had been overwhelming lately. Keqing's principle of never postponing work earned her instant respect.
Only Valerius, standing to the side, silently pursed his lips.
With workloads like theirs, even the King of the Underworld would shake his head.
Good thing one was a Liyue Qixing, and the other the Supreme Guardian. Put them anywhere else, and they'd work everyone around them into the ground.
He didn't comment—but one thing clicked instantly.
Keqing was going to Wanmin Restaurant.
Which meant—
"Miss Keqing, you're heading to Wanmin Restaurant too? What a coincidence—we were just about to go there. Mind if we join you?"
Keqing glanced between Valerius and Bronya, hesitating slightly.
"Would that be inconvenient for you?"
"Not at all, not at all."
Absolutely not—if she didn't lead the way, he might wander until dawn.
"…Alright then. I'll treat tonight."
As guests from another world, Keqing felt it was only proper for her, as one of the Qixing, to host.
"Then we'll take you up on that. Let's go."
Valerius waved casually and strode off in high spirits.
Only then did he suddenly realize something very important.
He had no Mora.
If they finished eating and he couldn't pay, that'd be beyond embarrassing.
Seeing him march off so confidently, Keqing quickly called out.
"Mr. Valerius."
"Hm?"
"…Wanmin Restaurant is this way."
Bronya:
"Pfft—"
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