Regret is related to perceived opportunity. Its intensity varies over time after the decision, in regard to action versus inaction, and in regard to self-control at a particular age. The self-recrimination which comes with regret is thought to spur corrective action and adaptation.

Albedo tensed up for the fifth time that day as Miss Alexie slipped her hand into his while the group was all out walking around Liyue Harbor. He was much of a fan of all the contact that the other was giving but after lunch, he had asked Viox about it, she merely stated that it was how some courted people express that they are together. Though he didn't understand why the feeling of regret as he looked it up this morning, was flooding over his whole body. Did he regret courting Miss Alexie?

He looked over at the other as she was talking to Klee about the different types of flowers that bloomed around the harbor at this time. Viox had been trailing behind the group with Rei as the two were in a deep conversation about Rei's wedding details. So far the two had agreed to cooler foods and drinks.

"Hey Albedo? Can we go on a date? On the night of the Lantern Rite?" Miss Alexie asked gently

Albedo paused for a moment, "I would need to talk with Klee. I planned on spending it with her and Viox because we leave for Mondstadt the next morning." He explained

Miss Alexie frowned a little as she squeezed his hand, "I was hoping you would stay after the Lantern Rite."

Albedo could see where the other was coming from though he couldn't stay, he had a mission to discover all the emotions he could before his life energy ran out. He only had three short months left, and courting Miss Alexie after this week and a half, seemed wrong on all levels. He didn't want to lead the poor woman on as Rei explained before, during dinner last night when she decided to eat with Albedo. Viox and Klee had taken the time to get to know Zhongli so they went and ate dinner with the other.

"I sadly can not stay in Liyue after the Lantern Rite. I do have to get home and so does Klee and Viox. We came here for a research project so we must go back and record our findings to our Acting Grandmaster. I do apologize, but perhaps we can make the most of this week?" He tried to make it seem he was sorry, but he knew that his tone never once changed from the dead sounding one he had gotten so used to at this point.

"I suppose you are right, besides, we can court even if you live in Mondstadt." Miss Alexie chuckled as they walked

Albedo nodded as they went on their way through the harbor looking at the different booths. He still had that feeling of regret bubbling under his skin, what for he couldn't tell yet.

"Regretting saying you were alright with him courting her?" Rei asked

Viox rolled her eyes as the two were standing in line for some snack food and some cold drinks. The day was hitting its hottest point of the day as Viox was starting to feel the effects of a hot flash cover her form.

"No, I'm merely happy for them." She gritted out behind her teeth. In all truth she was regretting it. All day Miss Alexie had been all over Albedo. Even Klee was getting upset at the fact her brother's attention was tending to Miss Alexie. The good news while Rei and Viox stood in line, was that Mister Zhongli had taken Klee over to the bridge so she could see the fish that swam around and all the pretty lily pads as well.

Albedo and Miss Alexie on the other hand had gone to find some shade and get to know each other a little more. Viox wasn't bothered by it, she was upset that they would be leaving in ten days and the two would be broken up. Leaving a broken heart behind was never a fun feeling. She thought about how Kaeya didn't even see her off before she had left to come here. So being on the end of that wasn't the greatest, but Albedo could keep courting Miss Alexie if he wished to do so. At least one of them would find happiness. Viox sighed as they moved a little in the line. Perhaps the heat was getting to her too much today. She wiped some sweat from her forehead as her green eyes looked at her oldest friend. How could Rei handle this heat year after year?

"Heat getting to you?" Rei asked as she looked back at Viox

"A little, I'll be fine once we get into some shade." Viox smiled

As the line slowly moved, Viox was finally in the shade of the umbrella as she relaxed to get out of the heat for now.

"Are you sure you're not regretting it, even a little Viox? Albedo is an attractive man, I would be a little upset that someone that cute got taken before I had the chance." Rei asked again

"Look, I'm not regretting it at all. Albedo seems as happy as he can be for a Golem, and Miss Alexie is really nice. Maybe they need each other. Besides, not like I really wanted to be here in the first place, and sure Albedo is my friend now, but he has his own life outside of this crazy attempt to find Rhindedottir and save his life. I mean what happens if he ends up going back to normal? He'd still court her even if I didn't have a say. They're happy together." Viox sighed

"Yet deep down, I know the real Viox may be regretting her actions. She adores her friend, more than she realizes." Rei spoke so gently, taking Viox's hand in hers

"Do you honestly think you still feel nothing for him? Kaeya may never return your feelings. Are you sure you even still like Kaeya anymore now that you've spent almost every day with Albedo?"

Viox swallowed a little. How did she truly feel at this point? Did she still love Kaeya? Or did her feelings change towards the Chief Alchemist? She lowered her gaze as she gripped her friend's hand tightly.

"I don't know any more."

Going to bed that night was harder than Viox wanted to admit. She laid in the same bed as Klee as the younger was already fast asleep. Her little form was curled up around her plushie. Viox smiled as she slowly sat up. She needed to go for a walk and think over everything Rei had asked of her today. Especially that of Viox's emotions towards the Golem man. She carefully made her way out of the bed and looked towards the other bed. Albedo seemed to be in a sleeping state, but Viox was never too sure since the other was hardly asleep for more than a few short hours.

She made her way over to his bed and nudged him gently, "Albedo?" She whispered

Albedo cracked his eyes as he looked the other over, "Yes?" he answered back quietly

"I'm going for a walk, I'll be back and I have the room key." She explained quickly before moving away

Albedo was fast to grab Viox's hand as he sat up, "Do you want me to go with you?"

"No, I just have some thinking to do, so I was going to go to the patio near the Inn's check in office, just a small walk around. I want to be alone for a moment." Viox said as she felt his grip loosen before Albedo removed his hand

"Alright, be safe." He replied

Viox nodded as she carefully left the room.

She needed to do a lot of thinking.