Disclaimer: I do not own Genshin Impact nor the front cover (Source artist by Csyday [(https):(/)twitter(.)com/csyday829?s=20] and posted by Genshin Impact Official)

Kinda late but Belated Happy Birthday to the true Fair Lady, Ningguang, the 5* in the guise of a 4*.

-Opus Aequilibrium/Viator Story-

~The Value of Sentimentality~

Friendship level: 10

"I hope I'm not imposing on your busy schedule, Traveler."

Smiling, she then gestured for the blond and his small companion to the lavish table reserved just for them.

"O-Oh it's fine Ningguang! Paimon and Aether can't deny free fo- err, hospitable gifts from someone uh, as p-prestine? L-Like yourself!" the small fairy like companion shakily mumbled, her face contorting a bit at her slip up.

The Tianquan couldn't help but chuckle at that.

The elaborate interior of the Xinyue Kiosk appeared to have a cozy feel, she chalked it up to the presence of the traveler and his friend for making it feel that way.

Nodding to herself, Ningguang took a small puff from her pipe before dismissing it.

"I see, well then, enjoy."

Walking gracefully towards her own table and sat down, she saw from the corner of her eyes as the traveler took a seat near her, he seemed to be uncharacteristically nervous with how fidgety he was currently acting.

She noticed it right away too when she spotted him at the adventurer's guild an hour ago, when she personally came to invite him for a feast to celebrate her birthday, but during then she didn't want to prod him because it might've been too personal, but now she couldn't help but be worried.

"Hm? Is something the matter?" she asked, concerned.

Like a caught frightened deer, his eyes widened to huge proportions as he frantically shook his head, right before he offered her a forced reassuring smile.

Seeing his rather strange behavior, she quirked an eyebrow.

She also noticed that his left hand was bandaged, which he attempted to hide once she took notice.

And as she studied him, he seemed to be trying, in vain, to not look into her direction.

It was right there that she grew suspicious, as if he was hiding something from her, what it was, she intended to find out.

The Tianquan decided to interrogate him for a bit.

"Did you perhaps burn your hand while cooking?" She inquired rhetorically, her gaze stern.

She saw his shoulders tense up, and even his small partner began to look panicked as she began to flail her small arms.

"U-Um P-Paimon j-just ate a funky slime i-is all!"

"...Yeah, what she said."

"A-Aether! Y-You're not convincing enough!"

Ningguang's expression then turned soft at seeing their flustered interaction, sighing, she relented.

"It's okay if you don't want to tell me, just know that I'm always willing to lend an ear."

She knew that it was unlike her to be lenient, but at this point since they've known each other for quite a while, she already let her guard down around him, so she really didn't mind if he confided his problems to her.

Though to her pleasant surprise, their reactions seemed to border on embarrassment instead, contrary to the somberness she was expecting based on their previous actions.

The traveler seemed to be reaching for something in his pocket.

With the most adorable expression she had ever seen on his face, he shyly spoke.

"...I really didn't want to give you this, but since it's already too late, I don't want to delay it any further, but here Ningguang, Happy Birthday."

"Umm... Although this isn't a valuable treasure, it's handmade by us. We hope you like it!" his small partner chimed in, garnering a deadpan stare from the traveler.

In his hand was a light green stone leaf, it had a small house in the center as it stood in a circular shaped platform, and by the looks of it and based on how it was made, it was supposed to be a replica of her recently retired Jade Chamber.

Of course, it was a far cry to the luxurious construct that she had painstakingly built for years, but the fact that it was handmade, and his attempt at detailing it despite his clear inexperience, and also taking into consideration his hectic schedule, it was surprising he had time to make something for her.

Ningguang felt her heart flutter at the sheer effort he had exerted just for her.

He really didn't have to, in fact, he could've just bought her anything and she would gladly accept them, but going as far that he accidentally injured himself due to that inexperience in the process, it touched her that he wanted to gift her something that came from his hands.

She also took note to herself that she would have to scold him later for being so reckless.

"Hmm, it's very intricate, thank you, I will gladly accept it," she began, trailing a finger across the smooth surface.

"I have been gifted with countless rare and valuable treasures, but few people have given me such a heartfelt gift. Its value is immeasurable, I feel your sincerity, and I will keep it well."

Smiling brightly at him, she offered.

"The dishes should be arriving right about now, so why don't you stay for a little longer?"

-Opus Aequilibrium/Viator Story End-