It was silent, the sound of pen dancing along paper being the only exception. Her hand flicked, paper to the side as the other hand moved it away. One motion. Keeping her gaze stuck to the table, she reached for another, swiftly pulling it down. Again, her hand moved, ink seeping into the paper. Her hand flicked, another one signed. She moved it away. One motion. Her hand, moving to reach for one more atop the pile of documents, stopped short of the paper.

The door creaked open.

"Who is it?"

"Lady Yuheng, you've yet to decide on the person to accompany you. It'll be too late if you put it off now."

It didn't matter, honestly. She could take care of things herself, as she had done so always. However, this woman wouldn't go away unless Keqing chose. The girl cleared her throat.

"Pick anyone."

"What was his name again?"

Such a question rarely popped up in Liyue – if ever. Who wouldn't know of the Honorary Knight, the one who slew the mighty dragon of the skies?

"Like, bro, you had to be living under a freaking rock if you hadn't even heard of him," one would say.

A man, his fist slamming the table, snarled in anger, his teeth gritting ferociously. The tension, so thick a knife could barely slice through it, suffocated spectators, eyes unblinking. It was impossible to look away.

"Of course he'd win! Didn't you hear? The recent horde of hilichurls that were approaching our gates was obliterated by him!"

At Third-Round Knockout, it was a day just like always. Sunny and hot. And salty. Annoyingly salty. Hell, even the longshoremen debating were pretty salty. The argument concerning the famous adventurer and the captain of the Millelith had been going on for as long as an hour so of course, people were getting curious. Some were even betting who'd be the first to fold.

With a thick, blistered finger, a man facing opposite roughly tapped on the wood. "Like. I. Said. Between any other element or anemo, what would you choose? The obvious answer would be–"

"Hello, sir!" A cheery voice chirped, waving at the waiter. Behind her, a boy stood, hands in his pockets and gaze wandering. At that, they grew silent. "We'd like to order!" It was none other than Aether the rookie adventurer and Paimon the mascot – also emergency food, as stated by the former.

Sauntering over, he took a seat and stretched his arms. To any unsuspecting person, he was a harmless kid – a cute one, at that. Aether inhaled, nose twitching once he caught the scent of salt. Well, that was one of the downsides to Liyue Harbour, what with all the people working at the docks. He turned behind, taking a second to catch the gazes of the people, and called out to Paimon, "You done?"

"Yep."

Just like that, everything returned to normal. The two who were arguing continued yet at a lower voice. Aether smiled, reaching behind to pull his braid towards him. He looked like a person admiring his weapon. Whenever there was nothing to do, it was a way of passing time. Aether's gaze landed on the white cloth tying the end of his hair, his hand smoothly going over it.

There was a sudden orchestra of noise, several plates laid on the table one by one followed by the clatter of utensils. Roused back to reality, he jumped. That was quick. Mouth drooling, eyes sparkling just like Xiangling's, Paimon dug in. A moment later, he took his chopsticks and ate. Too immersed in her food, she spoke whilst chewing. "Haf wu haw oh ha hyu cohishon?"

Aether, who actually took a moment to swallow his food, didn't bother on figuring her 'words' out and replied, "Sorry, what?"

She wiped her mouth with a napkin, removing the orange sauce from the edge of her lips. "Have you heard of the new commission? It's about one of the Qixing, they say."

His head perked up, curiosity piqued, and the boy put his chopsticks down to give his full attention. "I'm listening."

But she already went back to eating, letting out an occasional 'ooh' or 'yummy'. Aether noticed that whatever food she ate, the majority who gawked at her ordered. Paimon had an innate ability for advertising food. Drinking the contents of his glass, Aether hummed a content tune. He didn't know what it was, but it tasted amazing. It reminded him of that grape juice he had with Sir Diluc.

Being the quick eaters that they were, he and Paimon finished their food, walked for 10 seconds and arrived at the guild reception where Katheryne No.2 (Katheryne No.1 was from Mondstadt) was outside of her booth, engaging in small talk with Miss Unseen Razor. Strange. Going up the stairs, Aether waved to them, leaning on the wooden railing whilst fiddling with a toothpick in his teeth. What with the heat from his "exotic" clothes and the boiling temperature, the shade from the tree was to die for.

"Hello, Aether, Paimon." Lan rested her hands by her hips, "Have you heard of the commission posted a few days ago? Someone's gotta accompany the Yuheng to Fontaine. Initially she'd just choose someone who applied but," she chuckled, "I guess you're just that much of a hotshot."

"So that's what it is..." Aether needed to do something – literally anything – since he hadn't managed to talk to one of the Qixing yet. The game plan was to talk to the god in this place, so it would be common sense to try and be connected to one of the people who organise the Rite of Descension. As for how to do that, well... He'd cross that bridge when he got to it – if he ever crosses it that is.

"She chose you."

Turns out he will.

"She's got purple hair and some really fancy clothes. You'll know when you get there; you can't not notice her."

That was two days ago. He signed his name on the paper and only waited for the preparations to be done. In the meantime, he became a 5 star-rated yoyo teacher. Now, enjoying the pleasant breeze and the fresh smell of the air – that's right, not salt – Aether felt like lying down on the small patch of grass over there with the Glaze Lillies.

They were at Yuehai Pavilion, searching for the Yuheng. But it only took, like, a second. But it'd be weird if he just barged in front of all those men surrounding her and said "Hi, I'm your guy" or something, right? And so Aether waited. Then waited. Then... Seriously, were they fans of hers or something? The men were large, to say the least, with clothes different from the average person's wear and with the typical bodyguard glasses– ...Oh. They were bodyguards.

The person in question, whatever her name was (he'd just stick to Miss Yuheng), glanced at her watch for the umpteenth time, her stilettos clacking against the stone ground. She also looked annoyed, lips tightly pressed together. Oh no.

Though his mind panicked for him to run, Aether needed to make a good impression – not that being late ever was, but he needed to look calm. And cool? And collected. Before, he'd simply leave all the formalities with Lumine, but if ever he lost rock paper scissors and had to be the one to talk with the queen or whatever, he'd do this thing called a 'wave'. To demonstrate, he raised a hand, using his motor capabilities to make the upper arm go left and right like an upside-down grandfather clock, the other hand snug in his pocket.

"Greetings, Miss Yuheng," Aether cracked a relaxed smile, "My apologies for being unpunctual; I had a prior engagement." Said engagement being throwing Paimon like a ball. Keqing looked at him up and down – glancing for only a second at Paimon – eyes keening slightly before nodding.

"You'll do just fine. Now," she gestured for the bodyguards to shoo like dogs, using that same hand to flutter her hair, "shall we?"

Aether met her eyes, sharp and penetrative, still like an immovable tree. Attractively piercing. Another refreshing breeze went past, his braid flying like the flag he used to devote himself to. The sun beamed down on his body, the warmth incomparable to the heat of her touch. But he chuckled to himself, excited for the journey he was to have.

This girl sure looked interesting.

"Yeah."

With horses, they rode along the main pathway which led straight to Wangshu Inn. Aether felt a few gusts rush past his face, his braid blowing in the wind. It really did feel nice, just like those times he'd soar the skies along with Lumine. However, the Yuheng didn't let him frolic for long as she rode with a faster, fiercer pace as if she was ready for battle.

They were on the main road; there weren't going to be any monsters. Dude.

"Hey, uh, miss? Miss Yuheng? Don't you think you're going a bit too fast?" As Aether said this, he tried to drink from a sack of water, carefully unscrewing the cap whilst trying to also keep his eye on the path. She turned, unfazed as the wind messed with her hair to incredible degrees it was like Dvalin sneezed at her. He suppressed a laugh.

"I see no problem. On the contrary, we might be a bit slow."

"What's the rush, late for a date?" The boy laughed at his 'cool' joke, but that look she sent him caused the lighthearted laughter to gradually decrease in volume. "Well. They're not gonna last if we keep at it, miss. Long-distance runs are supposed to be slow and steady, y'know?" Just before the water touched his lips, the horse jostled, causing the water to splash on his face.

Wordlessly agreeing, the Yuheng slowed her pace to a moderate trot beside Aether, who had used the water to wet his face. It was beginning to get hot now as spring had begun to rear its head. She sighed and put the reins down, her shoulders relaxing as her eyes closed shut. With only the chirping of birds and the rhythmic sound of the horses' hooves, the tranquillity of–

"So!" Aether broke the silence, "It's gonna take a while before we reach our destination so–"

"Just when I was beginning to relax..."

"–I'm going to entertain us a bit. It's a road trip after all." Ignoring the unconcealed glare the girl was generously offering, he smirked. "Y'know that song they've been humming all around the docks?"

"Oh, my–" the Yuheng only looked the other way, unprepared yet knowing full that she'd be tortured.

"Theeeere once was a ship that was put to sea, the name of the ship was the Billy of Tea." She slumped. "The winds blew up, her bow dipped down, oh blow, my bully boys, blow. Huh!" He sniggered to himself before – for whatever reason – he continued. "Soon may the Wellerman–"

"I ask you to stop." Her cheeks were tinted slightly red, embarrassed. But there were barely any people. "Please."

"Ohh, c'mon. What else do you want to do?"

"I didn't want to do anything."

"Let's talk."

"We are." She quietly sighed. "I didn't expect to be paired with such an incompatible man."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I didn't pick you, 'Honorary Knight of Mondstadt.' Therefore, I hope that we can continue this with you only following me by my side quietly. Quietly. I hope you take no offence to this but I hope you don't intend on getting in my way, sir, as you will only be hindering my work. And yes, that includes even if we run into monsters."

"Doesn't that just mean... it was destiny?"

"I'm not getting through to you, am I?"

"I'm afraid I can't follow those rules, miss. I'm a knight, after all; I can't abandon my chivalric duties just like that." He laughed, but it didn't feel so light. "Fighting's the only way I'm useful – and I'm beginning to doubt that."

"That doesn't concern me."

"Doesn't matter."

"I am not some maiden you have to protect," she scowled.

"But I am your escort."

"You don't need to be."

"Then let's say I do."

"For what reason?"

"Just because," Aether replied just as quick, just as strong. Put simply, it was an immovable object facing against an unstoppable force. He'd be viewed as worthless if he only stood back and let her do everything. Besides, she looked fun to mess with. Probably not something he should say to a government figure. "Let's put that away for now. We probably have an hour or two left before we arrive so let's just chat if you don't wanna sing."

The Yuheng put her fingers to her temples, sighing once more.

"Are you a child?"

"We've arrived." Illuminated by a bright, yellow light, Wangshu Inn sparkled like a gem in the midst of the wilderness. The lake surrounding them glistened yellow. It overpowered the light of the moon, the allure of the stars – not that there were many, to begin with. Late-night drinkers laughed, more than several empty drinks gathered in a small table. Some were even couples, sitting far away from others and quietly chatting to one another.

"Wangshu sure is nice," Paimon cooed, stretching and admiring.

"Expensive though," Aether chuckled. Then he looked left, then right. Once he finished tying the horses, the boy searched for the Yuheng only to realise she was nowhere to be seen – just like that golden sword of his. Then in the far corner of his eye, he saw something purple on an elevator.

"...Really?"

The elevator dinged and out they walked. She was chatting to Verr Goldet but noticing him, she waved politely to the receptionist and approached. "Do you still intend on getting in my way?" Her hands rested on her hips, one eyebrow lifted, waiting as she expected an answer. "Well?"

"I'm just doing what I was meant to be doing."

"Then you're going to have to pay for your own room."

Oh crap. With that, she walked off. But Aether just happened to see what room she had. After all, the key was dangling from her finger. He approached the woman, a pleasant smile on his face. "Hello there. Is room 16 occupied?"

"I've never heard of anyone asking to be in a specific room."

Sweat formed on his forehead. "Yeah, well, there's always a first." She folded her arms, looking at him for a good few seconds. His smile was on the verge of breaking. Then she moved to reach something from under the desk. Oh no. Was it some red button? She took out a clipboard with a form to fill out.

"I'll just need your details, please."

"Room service." Just when she was in the middle of organising her papers, someone knocked on her door. She sighed. There was more than enough for her to deal with, especially that boy. Thinking about it, if she was going to spend two weeks with him going from Fontaine then back, it might be the death of her. The Yuheng walked over, opening the door.

"I did not ask for–"

"Hi!" He waved enthusiastically, a grin on his face. The guy was like some door-to-door salesman. It took all of her willpower to stop screaming right then. It was such a close call that she didn't manage to crumble the pile of papers in her hand. Actually, she should've done that so people would mistake him for some perverted attacker. Then he'd be removed from her sight and she could go to Fontaine alone.

"How did you–!"

"Saw your key. Hello, miss."

Her eye twitched. "What do you want?" He said nothing, looking down at the papers. Then he squinted, attempting to read backwards.

"How do you say that? Kekwi–?"

"Don't. Ever. Say that."

"Uh... got it. So what is it?"

"It's Keqing."

"I'm Aether." He put his hand out, grinning. "Nice to meet you."

Bam

She shut the door on him.

Yeah, I know, Aether's personality did a complete 180. But I think it makes more sense for him to be this way and it also works well for the plot in the future. It also solves the problem of my last story where none of them wanted to interact with each other, so I tried to use Paimon to bring them together but I failed at doing that. And I needed to have a situation where they couldn't push the other away, hence the escort.

I don't own Genshin Impact or any of its characters. I don't own the sea shanty 'Wellerman'. I don't own the story picture.

Artwork by 空 on Pixiv: /en/artworks/87680136