Bu'er froze momentarily, her mind struggling to process what Luo Qing meant by "I want to stay by your side."
What did that even mean?
"Luo Qing, are you saying…"
"Bu'er…" Luo Qing interrupted her softly, his expression suddenly filled with sorrow.
"I can't return to my homeland. So… could you take me in, at least for a little while? Please, if only because I saved you."
"I can fight for you—take care of that Boutis guy."
"And don't worry, I'm not a god. I won't get involved in your disputes with the other Archons."
"Please, Lady Bu'er…"
Luo Qing felt like a full-fledged actor at this moment. His melancholic gaze practically screamed for pity.
Though he mentioned staying temporarily, he figured that as their relationship deepened, staying indefinitely would be much easier to arrange.
"This…"
Bu'er hesitated.
Luo Qing's offer was undeniably tempting.
Among the three gods of Sumeru, she wielded the most powerful authority, but her combat strength was the weakest. Were it not for her alliance with the Scarlet King and the Goddess of Flowers, she would have been an easy target for the other Archons in the region.
Luo Qing's strength, however, was comparable to a high-ranking Archon's, and he wasn't bound by Celestia's restrictions.
To Bu'er, he was a golden opportunity—a protector who could guard against future ambushes. And all he asked for in return was a place to stay.
"Luo Qing…" Bu'er finally spoke, her thoughtful gaze meeting his.
"Are you proposing an alliance?"
"Yes," Luo Qing nodded earnestly.
"If you don't trust me, we can swear an oath by the Liyuean contract. If I betray you, I'll face the punishment of the Geo Lord."
Bu'er studied his face, searching for deceit.
Her instincts told her that Luo Qing wasn't lying—he genuinely wanted to stay with her.
Strangely, she also sensed a deep and inexplicable affection radiating from him, as though they had known each other for years.
But how could that be? This was the first time they had met.
"…Very well."
Bu'er finally gave in, unable to resist his pitiful gaze. She nodded slightly.
"If you have nowhere else to go, you may stay in this palace."
Luo Qing leaned forward eagerly. "Will we… be staying together?"
"No."
Bu'er shook her head gently, glancing at the night sky outside. Stars sparkled against the deep blue, and the soft rustling of the wind added to the tranquil ambiance.
"It's already late. You can rest here for now. I'll come find you tomorrow."
With that, Bu'er stood and gave him a small nod before heading toward the door.
"Wait, Bu'er, you're not staying in the palace?"
"No."
She turned back with a faint smile.
"I don't enjoy staying indoors. Goodnight, Luo Qing."
With those words, she transformed into a verdant streak of light and vanished.
"Huh?"
Luo Qing blinked, momentarily stunned.
Does she have another place she likes better? All that excitement… for nothing.
---
Meanwhile.
A gentle breeze swept through a lush green clearing as Bu'er's figure materialized.
The rustling of leaves followed her arrival, and in the moonlit shadows of the forest, small, garlic-shaped creatures peeked out from behind trees, watching her curiously.
Bu'er glanced around and smiled warmly.
"Goodnight, everyone."
---
Weeks had passed since Luo Qing disappeared.
Under Neuvillette's leadership, Furina had been reinstated as the Hydro Archon. However, due to her efforts in combating the prophecy, she had expended all her divine power and had become fully human.
The doubts surrounding her authority gradually faded, and Furina's mood also began to recover.
No longer a god, she was free from the burdens of governance and could now live as she pleased. She followed her whims, doing whatever she desired—a liberty she relished.
Even her worries about mundane matters, like food and shelter after leaving the Palais Mermonia, were resolved when she moved into Luo Qing's home.
She had always enjoyed the occasional meal there, but now, as a permanent member of the household, Furina discovered just how extraordinary the place was.
Two current gods, two former gods, a full-time maid who was once a Harbinger, and—according to Theresa—several other powerful figures still residing in Liyue and Inazuma.
Counting the members of this household required more than ten fingers.
But none of this discouraged Furina.
After the battle at the opera house, she had resolved to give herself entirely to Luo Qing.
Since she had chosen to be with him, no obstacle—no matter how daunting—would stand in her way.
Silently, she swore to herself: as Fontaine's brightest star, she would secure her place in this family and aim for the position of his main wife.
Even if that goal felt distant.
"Furina, where have you been today?"
Makoto's voice came from the sofa as she knitted, her tone calm but laced with familiarity. The sound of the door opening was enough for her to know Furina had returned.
"I… um…" Furina scratched her head sheepishly. "Makoto, I didn't go anywhere…"
"Didn't go anywhere?"
Makoto turned to see Furina standing awkwardly in the doorway, her face slightly swollen.
"Then why does your face look like that? Tell me—who did you spar with this time?"
"Just some insignificant nobodies…"
"Insignificant nobodies?" Makoto's voice rose slightly. "How does an 'insignificant nobody' beat a Vision holder like you with brute strength alone?"
Her frustration was evident.
Since acquiring a Hydro Vision recently, Furina had been itching for challenges. Her antics ranged from summoning floods in the dead of night—nearly flooding the house—to seeking out Fontaine's local legends for sparring matches.
Each time, she returned bruised and battered, having underestimated her opponents.
If not for Makoto's foresight in having Rosalyne secretly follow and protect her, Furina might have ended up in serious danger.
"How many times have I told you…" Makoto sighed, softening her tone.
"Don't make us worry about you. If something were to happen, how would I explain it to Luo Qing?"
"I…" Furina lowered her head, her defiance fading.
She wasn't fond of Makoto's scolding tone, but she couldn't deny that her sisters cared deeply for her.
"…But…" Furina glanced up hesitantly.
"Makoto, when will Luo Qing be back?"
---
T/N: cyberpunk flashbacks
...
If you're reading this, then you've wandered all the way to the end. I'm impressed. Stories are like wine—meant to be savored, not rushed. So if you took your time? Thank you.
Of course, the real thanks goes to WiseTL—the one who turned tangled words into something beautiful. I just got asked to wrap things up with a ribbon. Hopefully this counts!
If you enjoyed the journey and want to support the person who made it possible, you can find them here:
👉 [patreon.com/WiseTL]
Go on. Be generous. They've earned it.
Until next time—read well, rest often, and maybe come visit me at the Hostess of Fertility sometime.
– Syr ✨