Ganyu realized two things when she woke up. First, she had fallen asleep at her desk again, drafting ordinance documents and balance sheets. She rebuked herself for being so careless. If she slacked off, they'd never get the income statements finished before the next quarter.

The second thing she realized: this was not her desk. She lay in bed that most certainly did not belong in her office, inside a room that most certainly wasn't hers. Where was she?

The answer became clear when she spotted photographs mounted on the wall. Most of the people in it she didn't recognize, aside from Captain Beidou, Yun Jin, and that icy boy who liked popsicles. But there was one constant across the photographs: Aether. Every picture featured the yellow haired man in some way. So, this must be his teapot. How had she ended up here?

Her head throbbed. She felt woozy.

Just then, the door opened. Aether peeked in and seeing her awake entered, carrying a breakfast tray. Ganyu realized how hungry she was when he placed the bowl of raddish veggie soup on her lap. She dug in.

He touched her forehead. "You don't feel feverish anymore, that's good. Ningguang told me you fell asleep at work and that you came down with a fever."

"How long have I been out?"

"About two days."

Two days?! Oh no. Those quarterly statements were still not finished. Perhaps, if she worked through the next three days she could finish in time. It would be cutting it close. Ganyu scarfed down the rest of her soup.

"Thank you," she said, "I must return to work now."

Aether held her down by the shoulder. "About that…Ningguang wants you to take a break. At least one week."

She winced. "A whole week?! But there's still so much to do! I'll fall behind and then—"

"Your work's being taken care of by others," he assured her. That made her more anxious. How would she know if her work was done correctly if someone else did it? She absolutely had to return.

"You can't go to work even if you wanted to. Ningguang's hired Shenhe to stand guard and bring you back here if you try working."

They'd really gone that far?! Why was everyone so against her being productive? She had to do her part for Liyue! Was that truly so hard for them to understand?!

"Hey, this could be a good thing," he said. "You could spend some time on a hobby or take a nap."

"My work is my hobby! And I've been napping long enough!"

"Then maybe you could spend time with someone… a boyfriend or—"

"You know very well I don't have one!"

Aether blinked, totally bewildered. "Really? That's surprising."

Ganyu flinched. That's surprising… She slapped away his hand and buried her face into the pillow.

"Just leave me alone," she said bitterly. Aether lingered a second too long. Ganyu considered Aether a friend, but she was beyond frustrated. In that moment, the secretary snapped. "Leave me alone! I don't want a boyfriend and I certainly don't want you!"

Aether started. Quietly, he picked up the tray. She heard his footsteps down the hall. Two minutes later, he peaked back in and told her he'd be out for adventurer commissions and to make herself at home. Then he left.

Ganyu wished she hadn't yelled. Aether was looking after her, there was no reason to get angry with him. A sense of guilt crept up over her. Amidst all that though, his words seemed to echo in her ears; That's surprising.

She was over 3000 and she never cared about having a relationship before. All her life, she had sought only to serve Liyue and she had done so proudly. A partner would only get in the way. She didn't need a boyfriend to feel complete, she just needed her work. Her work…

Ganyu spent the next half-hour moping on the bed. What was she supposed to do? Come to think of it, what did she normally do on her days off?

When she became restless, Ganyu got up.

There were many pictures. A photograph of an old man speaking to an Oceanid, the traveler surrounded by hopping raven statues. But most of all, Aether had pictures of other people. In one photograph Aether shared a drink with Beidou. while in another he and the popsicle boy played with some children. Even Yun Jin and Ninnguang were on the wall having fun.

She checked out the other photos. In one, he and a dark-haired eyepatched fellow were fishing. Beside that, the traveler and a scarlet-haired man stood amicably beside a white-haired, crimson-horned giant. Another showed the traveler beside a blonde man in the middle of the desert, admiring a breathtaking pyramid.

The traveler sure made a lot of friends. She couldn't begin to imagine all the things he'd seen on his travels. Aether's home had grown since she'd visited. Now it had decorations from Inazuma, Sumeru, and Fontaine. A samurai's armor on display, a wooden figure with a leaf hat, a display with a fish that seemed to be entirely mechanical…it was hard to believe so many incredible things existed in the world.

That thought had scarcely crossed her mind when the front door flew open. A yellow haired girl in a red kimono entered, carrying a crate of purple peaches. Seeing Ganyu, the girl let out a grin.

"Hey! Are you one of Aether's friends? Well, you must be since you're here. My name's Yomiya. I run Naginohara fireworks, best fireworks in Inazuma." Yomiya heaved the crate onto a table. "Well, I'd love to stay and chat but Liyue's put out a big order for Lantern Rite and I got to get on that pronto! See you around!"

With that, the girl disappeared. Ganyu stifled a chuckle. Every year, Liyue contracted Inazuma fireworks for the Lantern Rite. To think, this was the person behind them, and Ganyu had never met them until now.

As the morning passed, a few other guests came by. A green-cloaked bard from Monstadt who she remembered from the previous Lantern Rite. He entertained her a bit with ballads of faraway lands and heroes. The way he told them, it almost sounded like he'd been there himself.

Soon after he left, there came an eloquent blue robed man who introduced himself as a Chief Justice of Fontaine. Her talk with him was brief but she thought him the wisest man she'd met since Rex Lapis.

Then, a short white-haired girl carrying a tray of candied nuts came along. Despite her youthful looks, she was quite wise. Ganyu sat there, considering all those people.

The Traveler had friends around the world. Each shared stories of their homeland, of their adventures alongside the Traveler. Their love for him was all too clear. In his few years in Teyvat, he'd clearly touched many lives.

Her social life was nowhere near as thriving. She had a paper trail of financing statements, government orders, and commerce reports proving her lifelong commitment. Centuries of loyalty, and through it all, she remained proud to serve her nation. Doing her job was satisfying. Seeing the treasury grow made her heart swell with pride. She never needed anything more than that.

Yes, Liyue was objectively a stronger nation thanks to her. But still…3000 years and no hobbies. 3000 years and while her coworkers started families, she kept herself busy. 3000 years and she never stepped foot outside Liyue. 3000 years, and the moment she couldn't do her work, she floundered around aimlessly.

3000 years…had she misspent them?

Ganyu started as Aether walked through the front door. He nodded in her direction before he went upstairs. Soon, she could smell warm radish soup. They shared a dinner in silence. When they finished, Aether went to wash their plates.

Immediately, she got up, crossed to his side, and bowed.

"Aether, I'm sorry for my conduct this morning," she said. "Is there any way I can make it up to you?"

He paused a moment. "You could…help me wash the dishes and we'll call it even."

Ganyu dried the bowls and pots he handed her. Domestic work was a bit awkward for her. Yet another thing she never really spared a thought for.

They had been washing for five minutes when Aether, scrubbing a cutting board, asked, "Hey Ganyu? You're awfully quiet. Are you still upset with me?"

"No, of course not," she replied.

Aether studied her a moment. He passed her the cutting board, which she dried up and returned to the cupboard.

"Well, did you have a good day?"

"Mostly. I met some of your friends today." She detailed the various guests and what they had left. All the while, Aether smiled. Ganyu could tell he loved them as they loved him. All those people and he knew them all.

She paused, resting her hands on the counter.

"Aether? Who am I?" He cocked his head, confused. She bit her lip, suddenly nervous. "Sorry, it's just…I'm not sure anymore."

Aether offered her his hand. "Come on, let's go for a walk."

He brought her outside. The mansion, she noticed, had changed. He chose a building with orange-tiled roofs of Monstadt, framed by twin windmills. Similar houses lined the island. In the center lay a beautiful fountain with benches. It was lovely. Perhaps the traveler could have a secret gift for city development.

They walked around a tiled road, taking in the evening air. He showed her around the other islands, each based around a nation he had visited. It was rather nice. When was the last time she had a leisurely outing like this?

They passed by a remarkable recreation of a Yuhei Pavilion. Aether had placed pagoda roofed houses around a square. In the center, stood a statue of Rex Lapis. Ganyu paused.

"I dedicated my life to serving him," she said without thinking. "Now he's gone, and I stay to carry on his work for Liyue. I never want to give up my job. It's too important to me. It's who I am."

Ganyu touched her heart.

"I have served Liyue proudly," she said. "I have so much to show for all my time as general secretary. And yet…I'm not sure what I have to show for myself.

"I mean, look at me. This is my first day off in a long time, and I have no clue how to spend it. Who am I if I'm not helping Liyue prosper? What if… What if all this time that I've buried my head in work I've let life pass me by?"

Silence. Ganyu faked a laugh, trying to pass off her speech as mere drivel. "Sorry, this is probably boring to you."

"No, not at all," he said. "You're wondering why you're here. Everybody does that at some point."

"Yes," she replied. "It's hard not to wonder if I've squandered my life."

Aether laid a hand on her shoulder. "I don't think so. But even if you have, well, that's the nice thing about life. It's never too late to start living it."

Ganyu found herself lost in thought. She stared at the statue. What would he have her do? Cloud Retainer told her that Rex Lapis had faked his death and chose to live as a human. She never understood why he abandoned his post. Honestly, she still disagreed with his decision. But now, it made sense. Maybe, this was why.

"Where should I start?" she asked.

"You can travel with me a bit. I'll show you the other nations. Getting a new perspective could help you figure things out."

Travel…Ganyu never liked the idea of leaving home. But maybe, it would help her. One could only grow so much if they stayed in the same place forever. All those interesting people she'd met today showed her new sides of Teyvat she never even considered. Just seeing his treasure trove of furnishings from the other nations proved mind opening. Sumeru, Fontaine, Inazuma…yes, a visit to those lands was long overdue.

At the very least, seeing how other nations operated could offer valuable insight. She could use those insights to better serve Liyue. Who knows? Maybe she'd pick up a hobby or two along the way. Besides, traveling with Aether could be enjoyable.

Actually, travel with Aether could be very enjoyable.

"Okay," she said. "Let's do it."

He grinned. They stood there, gazing at Morax. Privately, Ganyu hoped her archon approved her decision. Liyue would always be her home and she would always be the general secretary. Now though, she would be a different kind of person. Feeling resolved, she suggested they make their preparations and turn in.

She walked alongside him back to the mansion, when he suddenly spoke.

"Hey Ganyu," he said, "what brought on all this?"

"Oh…well, it's a little embarrassing but…this morning you mentioned it's surprising I'm single. It got me thinking about who I am."

He frowned. "I don't follow."

"You were right to call it surprising. Most humans find someone sooner or later and after 3000 years, you'd think I'd have found someone."

"No, no, that's not why I said it was surprising! I wasn't trying to insult you or say you should have someone by now."

She cocked her head. "Then, why did you find it surprising?"

"Because I can't believe nobody's ever asked you out when you're so…well…" he became oddly shy. He swallowed. "When you're so pretty."

Ganyu needed five seconds to realize what he said. Pretty. Her cheeks exploded crimson. Pretty. Her brain short-circuited. Pretty. Ganyu's jaw dropped—quite literally dropped—like a sinking stone. Pretty…because you're so pretty.

"You really think I'm pretty?"

Aether scratched the back of his neck. He nodded awkwardly. Ganyu was speechless. The traveler thought she was pretty. Her, with her fat hips and horns…Oh. Wow. So that was what he meant all this time.

Ganyu had never seen him so shy. It was kind of cute. She fidgeted, brushing a strand of blue hair off her face. Pretty. The word echoed in her head as she walked by his side. Pretty. A smile crossed her lips.

As they entered the mansion, Ganyu found her hand on Aether's wrist. She was never one for impulsive decisions. Everything had its place and time. But now, her mouth rattled off before her brain could make it stop.

"Um, Aether? May I ask what about me you find pretty?"

He blushed. "Your eyes are lovely. Your hair is so neat and smells nice. You dress nice and you have a wonderful body. You have this adorable way of hiding your embarrassment by nibbling your lip."

Ganyu realized right then she was indeed biting her lip. To think, he paid that much attention to her.

Ganyu never thought of herself as attractive. That word was better for a lady like Ningguang. Hearing Aether identify so many things he found attractive made her happy.

He glanced down at her hand still clenching his wrist. She knew she ought to release him. But her mouth had other plans.

"Um, Aether…would you like to kiss me?" His jaw dropped senselessly. Her finger played around with a lock of hair. "I've never kissed a man, but if you were my first, I would be happy. It would be a valuable new experience for me."

Dear Rex Lapis, was she actually trying to justify such debauchery? Aether had simply been polite. He never meant to offer himself to—oh, now he brought a hand to her cheek. Slowly, Aether guided her lips to his.

Then she closed the distance. Aether's lips were soft, tender, pressing hers with a gentle tenderness. Their kiss barely lasted a moment, but in that single moment Ganyu experienced a world she never imagined before. A world of fireworks, the warmth of another body, and a world of uncertainty, where one had to make themselves completely vulnerable.

So, this was kissing.

Without thinking, her arms wrapped around Aether's neck. His found their place on her hips. He held her reverentially, like she was the most beautiful thing in the world. One hand traced down her face. The gleam in his eyes was hungry, but tempered with a question. He wanted her permission to continue.

Ganyu offered it by pulling her body into his and closing her eyes. His hot breaths mingled with hers as their lips locked. Ganyu felt light as a bird, like a stray wind could abduct her at any second. He was everything she knew. His muscular chest, warm and comforting against hers. His hand running around her hip. His husky moans filling her ears. The softness of his golden hair slipping through her fingers.

His mouth opened and his tongue worked its way into her mouth. The taste startled her: sweet like a sunsettia lathered with honey. Intoxicating, wild, and yet so tender. She stuck her own tongue out and touched his in swirling, circular motions. Their tongues caressed one another, relishing every sensation.

His pants bulged. She could feel his excitement protruding into her own. Heat rose up from her crotch, slick and pleasant, working its mysteries upon her head. Unconsciously, she grinded her arousal against his. Aether let out a delighted moan that she found absolutely delicious. She grinded against him once more, prizing out another delicious moan.

His fingers seeped beneath her clothing, grabbing a handful of her butt. She squeaked. Aether just grinned, kneading her plump buttocks. Emboldened, Ganyu slipped her hands beneath his shirt. Fingers flicked his nipples, traced circles down his chest towards his belly button. She playfully fingered his navel, eliciting a chuckle from the blonde man.

"You know, that's just tickling me."

"Then how about this?"

Her hand went down, palming over the erection in his pants. Kissing him all the while, her fingers found the zipper fly and pulled it down. She stroked the hot head of his cock behind his underwear. Her efforts were rewarded with Aether's moans as he bucked his hips.

His fingers abandoned her butt, drifting further down to her inner thighs. His touch across her damp skin left her shivering.

Without breaking from their steamy make out, they maneuvered down the hall to Aether's room. Somehow, they managed to lock the door behind them as Ganyu pulled Aether's shirt over his head. She ogled his magnificent body. Muscular and firm, yet so smooth. Wherever her fingers went they left goosebumps across his skin.

They kicked off their shoes and fell upon the bed. Aether let her be on top. It was a little frightening being given so much control over him. But it also excited her. He trusted her with himself. He willingly made himself vulnerable to her. He wanted her to enjoy him.

Ganyu threw off her arm sleeves, and lifted her arms over her head so he could pull off her shirt. Unable to contain herself, she unhooked the clasp on her bra. Aether stared at her breasts. Ganyu got worried. Did they look weird? Maybe he thought she was too fat? Her worries vanished as an awed smile spread across his face.

"You're beautiful," he said. "May I touch you?"

She nodded. His thumbs brushed the tips, eliciting her moans. This should've been lewd and embarrassing. Yet, she found his attention wonderful. He went slowly and delicately across her skin. At so many moments when he could've gotten rough, he became even gentler. He wasn't fondling her for his own satisfaction. No, every motion he made was to bring her pleasure.

Staring into those perfect eyes, she lowered herself until not an inch remained between them. Once more their tongues found each other and resumed their dance.

Kissing him like this, with her chest against his, her belly button against his, their legs interlocked brought her so much ecstasy. He was everything. Everything she ever wanted. Everything she ever needed. She kissed him deeper, doing everything to show him how good he made her feel.

"Aether," she purred. "Aether~"

She planted kisses along his neck, sucking at his skin. He had this delectable, salty taste she found invigorating. All the while, he worked her pants down. She helped, stepping out of the leggings, which he tossed aside. Then she grabbed his pants. Those, she tossed to the pile.

Ganyu took in the traveler's form. Oh gods, he was perfect. But what really turned her on wasn't his bare body or the sizable tent he was pitching. No, what really turned her on was the look on his face. He looked at her like she was his everything, like all his life had been for this single moment.

"Aether," she said, reaching for the hem of his boxers. "May I?"

"Do you want to?"

"Yes."

With that, Ganyu freed him.

Ningguang shuffled through her correspondence letters when one in particular caught her eyes. The envelope was blue, addressed from Ganyu. She could only hope the secretary wasn't writing to demand she be allowed back to work. With more than a little apprehension, she opened the letter.

Dear Ningguang,

Hello, this is Ganyu. I'm writing to request more time off. Aether has offered to show me around Teyvat. He believes travel could prove beneficial to my mental health and productivity. Seeing how the other nations operate could prove useful to my work as grand secretary. Additionally, Aether has promised to introduce me to the heads of the nations. This will strengthen our alliances, facilitate diplomatic relationships with the other nations, and open valuable trading opportunities.

We intend to journey to Inazuma, then Sumeru, and finally Fontaine. As of now, we have not set a date for the end of our tour. I believe we would visit all the nations within half a year from today.

My hope is to grow as a person and discover who I am beyond my duties with the Qixing. Travel will help me understand who I am, especially if I travel beside Aether. Having him by my side will be enriching and beneficial.

I hope you will approve as by the time this letter reaches you, Aether and I will have begun our journey to the nation of eternity.

Regards,

Ganyu

Ningguang let out a laugh, startling her assistants. Ganyu, asking for a vacation, truly hell had frozen over.

Oh, this was too perfect. She had hoped Aether would lend Ganyu some perspective and it seemed he lent her a lot more than that. The Tianquan gazed at the ceiling lost in her own amusement. Truly, Liyue was changing as a nation.

Ningguang got out stationary and inked her response.

Ganyu,

I think traveling would be a wonderful idea. Take as much time as you need. You have my full blessing.

Regards,

Ningguang

P.S. Send me postcards of the wedding