Time went by as Keqing and Aether were in Ningguang's office. Ganyu took notes as Aether was reporting the current situation regarding the Abyss Order. Aether trembled as he said his last word on his report. Ningguang tried to remain calm, learning that Aether's sister was pulling the strings behind the Abyss Order meanwhile Ganyu was horrified.

"I-I'm sorry, Aether. I-I didn't know. I'm so sorry..." Ganyu said, tears falling from her face.

"It's okay, Ganyu. Nobody ever knew. At least we don't need those missing person posters anymore. Hahahaha…...ha." Aether tried to lighten the mood, trying to comfort Ganyu.

Ganyu kept her gaze low. Ningguang on the other hand started to formulate any plans to be ready for the threats the Abyss Order had in store. As the Tianquan, it is her duty to protect Liyue Harbor along with the Liyue Qixing as the Geo Archon has fallen. There was a moment of silence until Ningguang cleared her throat and discussed her plans with the group.

"The matter at hand is clear. The Abyss Order's plans to build a mechanized god must be stopped. However, this must not get out to the public yet as this would cause an uproar. I request you, Aether, to head out for Mondstadt and report this to the Acting Grand Master. I believe that Liyue and Mondstadt can work together to prevent this threat from ever getting any worse." Ningguang commanded.

"Leave it to me, Lady Ningguang." Aether said.

"Good. You will leave tomorrow at the dawn of the day. Ganyu, I expect you to take note of everything that has been discussed here but do not share it with the others. This must remain confidential." Ningguang said.

"Understood, Lady Ningguang." Ganyu said.

"You are all dismissed." Ningguang said. As the group was about to leave, Keqing suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Keqing, I'd like for you to stay for a bit." Ningguang added, with a small smirk on her face.

"Aether, please wait for me outside, okay?" Keqing said.

Aether nodded. When Ganyu and Aether left Ningguang's office, Keqing and Ningguang remained inside.

The tension in Ningguang's office was heavy. Keqing was getting impatient as time went by. Keqing wanted to get out of the office but she fully knows that she can not since Ningguang did not discuss anything yet. Ningguang grinned and enjoyed how Keqing was getting impatient. She broke the silence just to spare the poor girl.

"The Traveler and the Yuheng, being together for the day. Huh. That's not something you see every day."

"H-How did you know?"

"Simple, really. I just looked down from my window." Ningguang said, winking at Keqing.

Keqing just stared aimlessly at Ningguang. After a few seconds went by, her face was now red, resembling a tomato. Ningguang chuckled seeing Keqing's reaction. It was something worthy to remember.

"D-do not mention this to anyone or else..." Keqing said, shaking from embarrassment.

"Or else what?"

"Ningguang!" The Geo vision holder was now laughing.

"Alright, alright. Settle down. This is not the reason why I told you to stay here for a while." Ningguang said, smiling.

"In fact, I have a request for you." Ningguang added.

"W-what kind of request is it?" Keqing said.

"I want you to accompany Aether during his trip to Mondstadt. Keep him safe at all times. While you're gone, Ganyu and the other secretaries can fill in for you. You surely can do that, can you?" Ningguang asked.

"Of course. But… what's with this specific request?" Keqing asked.

"Let's just say that I want to see where this goes." Ningguang smirked. "I believe that you two have something for each other, correct? Well, there's no need to rush. Even the busy Keqing deserves happiness, you know?" Ningguang added.

Ningguang constantly plays matchmaker with Keqing whenever she sees her with a guy. Keqing has always been all work, so seeing her coworker being flustered regarding romance was something Ningguang enjoyed. Keqing usually brushes off her snarky remarks involving other men, but right now, she was not having any of it and wanted to get out of the office immediately before dying from further embarrassment.

"I'm requesting this so that you can take a break from work, Keqing. You've done so much for Liyue Qixing. You deserve that much." Ningguang said.

"I- thank you, Ningguang." Keqing said, trying to hold back a tear.

"You're welcome." Ningguang said, smiling. "You may go now.." Ningguang added.

Keqing waved at Ningguang and left the office. The sun is finally beginning to set after the meeting with the Tianquan.

Another working day has passed and the night lights and night markets are lighting up again. Liyue has always been bustling with life and trade, day and night, not being the center of commerce in all of Teyvat for nothing. People would go out and enjoy themselves after a day's worth of hard work, and Keqing would not be an exception for this evening lifestyle tonight, given her situation with her current companion.

Waiting beside the door was Aether. Aether smiled at Keqing and Keqing smiled back, forming a bit of blush on her face. She felt relieved when she saw Aether. His presence has always been comforting for the Electro vision holder, not that she would tell him outright.

"Hey." Keqing said.

"Hey." Aether said. "What did you and Ningguang talk about?" Aether asked.

"She asked me to accompany you to your trip to Mondstadt tomorrow." Keqing said. "I hope you don't mind me coming along." Keqing said, in a low voice.

"Of course I won't mind! It's you after all, I did want you to accompany me on my travels back then but you were too busy with work." Aether chuckled.

Keqing fluttered at the Traveller's wish. The two of them would have so much fun if they actually did travel back then. Keqing was secretly thankful for Ningguang's request that she could have this opportunity to travel with him.

Suddenly, Aether's stomach grumbled loudly. Keqing heard it and she laughed out loud. That was the first time he had heard her laugh that loud. Normally, Keqing was more of an elegant type of lady that you would want to cross paths with but it feels more natural that she expresses herself freely. Aether liked this side of Keqing and wanted her to express herself more that way. That doesn't save him from feeling flustered though.

"What do you say we grab a bite? My treat again." Keqing said, smiling.

"Nuh-uh. It's my turn this time." Aether said sternly.

"No. Let me treat you!" Keqing insisted.

"How about this then? First one to go to Wanmin Restaurant gets to treat the other. Does that sound okay to you, Lady Yuheng ?" Aether asked playfully.

"Alright then. Whatever you say, dear Traveler." Keqing said, taking on Aether's deal.

In a moment's notice, the two of them raced against each other to go to Wanmin Restaurant. Both used their powers in order to gain advantage and never felt this much fun before. They soon arrived at Wanmin Restaurant panting and gasping for breath. The first one to arrive was Aether, the last one being Keqing.

"Looks like… I won….Heh." Aether said, panting.

"I'll… beat you… next time… hmph. Vengeance… will… be… mine." Keqing said, also panting.

Xiangling and Paimon were shocked to see these two being tired and gasping for breath. Paimon shrugged and the pair were glad to see them. They guided the pair to their usual spot near the entrance and took their orders. Keqing, once again, ordered Golden Shrimp Balls while Aether ordered Tianshu Meat.

The pair enjoyed their meals and chatted for a bit about what happened today. Aether also told Keqing about his past adventures in Mondstadt and Dragonspine. He recalled his adventure with Jean, Diluc, and Venti in the Stormterror incident, his ascent to Dragonspine's summit, observing the Festering Desire with the help of Albedo and Sucrose, and celebrating the Windblume Festival with the Knights of Favonius.

Keqing listened to every story with great interest, wishing that she was there with him in those times. She also shared stories with the Traveler regarding the strenuous yet worthwhile preparations back in Lantern Rite. She ranted on how it was a pain procuring the materials needed for the Mingxiao Lantern, given the current situation with the Chasm. Overseeing the management for the many booths during the festival wasn't a walk in the park either. Aether thought that it was a shame that he wasn't able to see nor spend time with the Yuheng during the festival.

The pair kept on enjoying the night with great food and stories. As the night was getting late, Paimon, Keqing and Aether waved goodbye to Xiangling and left the restaurant. While they were walking to Aether's apartment, they discussed their plans for tomorrow. Paimon was surprised yet delighted to know that the Electro vision holder would be accompanying them to the Land of Wine and Song.

After a while, the group found themselves in front of the apartment. Paimon is now sleeping soundly on Aether's shoulder, tired from helping Xiangling for the whole day. They stood in front of the apartment for a few minutes in silence, not wanting to say goodbye to the other. Although they will join together again towards Mondstadt tomorrow, today just has been a very memorable day for the two of them.

"So… yeah. I guess this is it for now."

"Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow morning then... Good night, Aether. It has been really fun hanging out with you today."

"Same goes for me as well. Good night, Keqing. Get some good rest tonight, we have a long journey ahead of us!"

Keqing said her goodbyes to the golden-haired boy and petted the sleeping fairy before leaving. The traveller returned the gesture and finally went inside their apartment. He prepared supplies for the trip tomorrow to Mondstadt after putting Paimon to bed.

Aether thought of the future ahead. With Keqing around, it would be a lot of fun adventuring with her in the following days. Sleeping soundly for the first time since that day, he was able to forget about Lumine, albeit temporarily.

Keqing arrived at her home. She was left standing in the doorway for quite some time, blushing and her heart pounding, sinking in that she would be together with Aether for a couple of days. Composing herself, she went to her bedroom and changed into her purple pajamas. She then readied supplies for tomorrow's trip.

After she was done with everything, she took a box underneath her bed, and inside it was a picture of the golden-haired boy she likes. Little did Aether know that Keqing took a snapshot of him in the background while enjoying the Grilled Tiger Fish in one of the nearby food stalls. She just happened to be there, with a Kamera on hand, is all.

She took it out of the box and placed the box beside her nightstand. She laid down on her head while hugging the picture on her chest. She then fell asleep after some moments of calm.

Sunlight peeked through the curtains of Aether and Paimon's apartment. Aether woke up first and went to the bathroom to take a shower in order to get ready for the trip. After he was done showering, he put on his usual outfit and woke up Paimon. The two then had breakfast and headed to the large gate near the entrance of Liyue Harbor.

Keqing could be seen standing under the gate. When she saw Aether and Paimon, she waved to them. The pair caught up to Keqing and chatted for a bit. Now that they are all together, they have started their long journey to Mondstadt. They have decided to go for the scenic route since it has been a while since Keqing has travelled outside Liyue Harbor for reasons other than diplomacy and paperwork.