Here we go with the continuation of these consecutive chapters!

This is the second episode of three. There will be a lot of talking here, like much of the last few chapters. We are slowly approaching the end of this first arc and with this we will conclude the presentation of the majority of important characters who will be present at the moment of truth (if we talk about allies, of course). But without going that far, I first aim to formalize this relationship before the arc ends. For that same reason we will work on Ei's feelings "lightly" in the remaining chapters.

I don't want to bore you any more.

Let's move on to what everyone is waiting for.

Enjoy!

It was incredible.

What was happening was simply incredible.

Aether was walking in the middle of the city under construction with Ei in his arms, no one seeming to pay attention to them. In fact no one even seemed to notice them until they physically passed by them.

That simple astonishing event was due to the fact that all the passers-by were seemingly hypnotized by the beautiful pleasant and relaxing harmony that emerged from the tavern, where a great crowd of people had gathered to enter.

Ei and Aether took the time to glance at each other for a few short seconds. They both seemed a little impressed, but suddenly a big smile graced their features. The Goddess didn't even need to tell him to come over as quickly as possible to see what was happening.

Once he made his way through the entire crowd, he was finally able to make his way and enter the tavern, to see something that left them both speechless.

Venti was there with his famous harp. He was barely humming, and that humming was perfectly synchronized with the melodious sound his harp produced. Around him were many people applauding and drinking with joy.

Incredibly, a completely empty and depressing place had turned into a huge party.

All thanks to one man.

All thanks to that one God.

Aether and Ei finally came out of their perplexity and approached at a slow pace. Once Venti met their gaze, he just shook the harp with his fingers one last time to finish the song.

"I was waiting for you."

_ CHAPTER 9: JEALOUS _

Once Venti put the harp aside, the whole atmosphere around the tavern relaxed. Now everyone was chatting at their respective tables very calmly, but the main event loomed over only one of them.

"Haah!" Venti exclaimed with great pleasure when he placed his empty glass on the table.

Dinner was already served. The funny thing was that Aether and Ei had already eaten everything, but the only thing the bard had finished was the large bottle of wine.

That's right, he drank a 2-litre bottle by himself, and not even Aether or Ei could gather when he did it.

"Do you want me to order another one?" Venti asked with a toothy smile.

"No, thanks. Neither of us are big fans of alcohol." Ei answered simply.

"That's not what he seemed to demonstrate a few hours ago." The drunken bard commented with a sly look, making Aether nervous.

"Were you drinking?" Ei asked with genuine surprise.

"It was my first time. You know, that's why I did it…" Aether's voice trailed off slowly, receiving a sympathetic look in response.

"I understand." The Goddess responded with a cute gesture as she took his hand to comfort him.

"Does she really know?" Venti asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, that is saying no."

"Don't know?"

"Of course you do!"

"Did the alcohol go to your head?"

"Hmmm…" Venti hummed in amusement as he watched the interaction between the two. "I see…" He concluded with a slight smile as he focused his gaze on Aether.

The look they both shared was more than enough to let her know that he understood the situation.

"Anyway, I'm glad to see you again." Ei spoke again, showing her typical calm expression as she focused her gaze on Venti.

"How long was it?" the bard asked.

"A millennium, at least." Aether couldn't help but roll his eyes at the amount of time, although what surprised him most was undoubtedly that Ei said that figure as if it were nothing. "Apparently, time does not cure bad habits. I mean, wow, you drink a lot."

"And you are still as strict and cold as ever." Venti commented while laughing cheerfully. "But I prefer that to you being someone very boring. You know, I'm talking about that person…"

"You mean Morax? At least he is a respectable man." Ei argued with a raised eyebrow.

"Now they know him by another name as boring as his hobby." The bard commented with slight disdain as he looked away, pretending to be offended.

"At least he has changed his name only once, not like a certain someone who kept changing names in the past to have various affairs with women." Ei's piercing gaze made it clear that she did not appreciate those aspects about Venti, who pretended to be oblivious about the topic.

Right now the only thing Aether could do was watch everything from afar, wondering if these Gods were really friends.

"Venti, huh? It's a cute name. I like it." That supposedly hostile atmosphere disappeared immediately after Ei uttered those words.

"You never changed your name, you know. But Raiden is perfect, because….you know, the storm and everything." Venti commented with a relaxed smile that turned a little deep because of what he was about to say: "Hey, I'm really glad to see that you're okay. I thought you would be devastated. Not for just what happened now, I'm talking about everything." He concluded.

"Well…I guess I have been. Maybe I still am…" Ei's hands gripped the bottom of her dress tightly. "But now I am able to understand that there are still many people who expect things from me, and, above all, people who want to help me. To be honest, I don't know how to return the favor." The Goddess focused her gaze on Aether unintentionally, flashing him a smile covered in affection she had for him.

Venti watched the interaction between the two in silence once again. Apparently, he was grateful that an old friend was so supported and helped by his new friend.

"We will all be here to help you if you need. And when you recover, I am sure you will be able to return everything they have given you, and even more." Aether commented with a big smile that conveyed a great amount of confidence and security in Ei.

The Goddess involuntarily brought her hand to Aether's chest. It was a typical affectionate gesture that had occurred between them after all the time they had spent together.

But it was the first time that someone outside of them observed him.

And Venti was even more cunning than a certain Yokai witch for these situations.

"That's why I'm here. It is true that I came to see you, but I also want you to know that you have my full support for what is going to happen in the future. Not only for you, but I also worry about my people." Venti commented seriously, drawing the attention of the two lovers. "Soon all regions will have to take a side, and I am sure that this is the right side." Both Ei and Aether had to be surprised by such forceful and militaristic words from the Archon.

"Thank you very much for your support, it is really important to us." Ei commented with a slight smile.

"Well, with that out of the way…" Venti cleared his throat, and at that moment a rather peculiar expression graced his face. "You are very lucky to be next to a man like Aether. If I were you, I would never miss the opportunity to thank him and be, ah… to enjoy every moment, even once you finish your rehabilitation. Sweet mortal world…." That raised some alarm bells as Aether raised a questioning brow at him asking for what he was implying.

"I know, he is someone incredible. I truly am lucky to have him and I hope our friendship and company lasts forever." Ei commented with an innocent smile on her face, and Aether couldn't help but look at her with a slight blush.

"With what friendship?" Venti commented in a suspicious tone, something that caught the attention of his two friends. "Guess what?! I just had an amazing idea!" The archon slammed his fist into his hand to emphasize his words. "It would be amazing if Aether and I could further deepen our friendship with my old habits!" The small man focused his gaze on Aether, flashing a big innocent and extravagant smile.

"What do you say if in a couple of hours we have fun with several women?!"

The first's reaction was natural: Aether simply blushed to death.

But the second reaction...

"NO! Because….because?" As soon as she heard the last sentence, Ei's brow furrowed in absolute bewilderment and she answered instantly.

She didn't know the reason, but a strong puncture cornered her over her heart and spread across a large part of her abdomen, so much so that she could only put her hands to her sore chest as she felt so overwhelmed by those sudden emotions, and, above all, covered in regret.

"First she denies it and then she asks." Venti supposedly thought it was very funny after witnessing Ei's reaction. "It's a joke! It's a joke!" In the end, Venti lowered the growing tension with his words and his characteristic giggle.

Ei let out a big breath that she didn't know she was holding.

"Please don't joke about that. We already have our hands full with a drunk womanizer…"

_ LINE FREAK _

Relax teapot

The next day…

"Did you have fun yesterday?" Asked Yae, who was reading some papers, as was usual these days.

"That's how it is. I thought Ei would feel a little uncomfortable going to a tavern, but she seemed completely calm." Aether responded, who just watched what the Yokai was doing.

"Do you think there is anything that could make someone who lived for so many centuries uncomfortable?" Yae stopped her work to ask that question.

"Every person has their own problems, no matter how long you have lived." Aether declared with a slight tilt of his shoulders, eliciting a small laugh from the Yokai.

"I see that I have taught you well." Yae commented with a bit of grace. "By the way, how was that little reunion?"

"To be honest, at one point I thought they were going to start fighting in the middle of the tavern." Aether commented, a little nervous at the memories. "Do all Archons relate that way?"

"Of course not. What's happening is that Ei has a very different temperament and way of seeing things than most. Although, controversially, I also think she is one of the most immature Archons ever seen." Yae commented, making Aether roll her eyes.

"I think if she heard you she'd probably want to punch you."

"And I would understand her. But it's the truth, and I'm not trying to bother you with that either." Yae answered naturally. "Her experiences have made her who she is today. In fact, I think you are the only person she has completely given her trust to at this point atleast. That's why you find it weird seeing her act with others, since she's only completely genuine when she's alone with you." Yae stopped for a few seconds, then looked at him with some intensity. "If you want to know about her past so much, why don't you ask her?" Aether just stared at her in silence after listening to her.

"I guess you didn't call me just to talk about this." The blonde diverted the topic, something that didn't bother Yae.

"You're right." The Yokai responded with a smile. "In one hour we will send a group to Liyue to collect more novels and technical books. Considering the good step you've left over that city, I was thinking it would be a good idea to send you as an intermediary. That way, the procedure would be much simpler and less expensive. Besides that you will be able to relax a little outside of this environment." The woman declared, then placed both hands on her cheeks. "It's a win-win, what do you say?"

"I think it's a good idea." Aether didn't even need to ponder the answer. "Also, I need to talk to an acquaintance in Liyue. I am sure it will be of great help for the future." Aether's comment made Yae narrow her eyes.

"You're not talking about Morax are you? From what I understand, he died." The Yokai commented with some severe suspicions.

"And who told you he had died?" Aether finished off with another question, turning Yae's suspicions into laughter.

"You are definitely full of surprises, dear."

_ LINE BREAK _

Liyue

One hour later…

Aether stopped at the entrance to the city. Several memories came back to his mind at that same moment. Crossing the bridge that led to Liyue made him remember the first time he traveled to these parts with Paimon as his only companion.

Now he was also with her, but various people had accompanied him.

"INCREDIBLEEE!" One of them made himself noticed when he shouted that word from the rooftops and ran across the bridge.

Aether and Paimon looked at each other to laugh at Itto, who was clearly the most excited person in the group, along with his minions who soon followed him.

Once they crossed the bridge and parked at the city's famous port, the excitement of Itto and his friends seemed to be more controlled, who were observing every corner of the wooden planks, as if every foundation of Liyue had been created by an alien

"Shinobu was right about this city! Their infrastructure is amazing!" Itto exclaimed with great excitement, receiving stern nods from his friends.

"How do we tell them that the building materials are exactly the same, they just use different colors and shapes?" Paimon whispered in Aether's ear, who simply shook his head at the man's antics.

"By the way, who are we supposed to wait for, my friend?" Asked the Oni, who approached the traveler to snag him by the neck.

"He is someone who will help us with this little job." Aether commented, then focused his gaze on a large ship approaching the dock. "Speaking of them…"

Itto and his friends approached it with some curiosity to know who it was, while Aether and Paimon showed up with smiles to welcome them.

Beidou and Kazuha got off the ship, who smiled instantly when they saw them.

After a long presentation, the now larger group was visiting different parts of Liyue so that Itto and the others could be introduced to the culture of this new region that was completely unknown to them. Aether also had the opportunity to greet old friends, such as Xianging, Xingqiu, and Chongyun, who were hanging around or working in the city. The blonde also earned several waves and glances from passersby and shop owners, as they knew him very well due to his high reputation in Liyue. That also made many pay attention to the people who were accompanying him.

"Whew! I think it's time to work. "Paimon is so tired of floating around everywhere." She commented with an exhausted look on her face.

"Paimon is right. It's time to get to work." Kazuha commented, receiving a nod from everyone present.

"If you want, I can accompany this great friend to make his job easier. "I know several stores that sell books." Beidou commented with a confident smile as she elbowed Itto. "And regarding technical books… It's a little difficult to get that kind of knowledge at an affordable price, especially if we're talking about something en masse. But don't worry, I know the perfect woman who can help us with that." Her confident smile transformed into a very friendly one as she finished.

"In that case, I will help these gentlemen." Kazuha commented with a smile as he joined Akira, Genta and Mamoru.

"You go with them, Paimon. I need to talk to someone first." The traveler commented, earning an annoyed look from Paimon.

"But…!" She wanted to complain, but seeing Aether's completely serious face she decided to remain silent. "Hmm, okay." She concluded, somewhat reluctant to part with her friend.

Aether responded in his own way as he smiled at her, then looked at everyone.

"See you right here before sunset."

_ LINE BREAK _

Liyue

A few minutes later…

Aether stopped in front of the large sign that had the ostentatious home. It seems that what was recorded on him made him stop:

"Wangsheng Funeral Parlor"

Aether turned his gaze to the structure. His face becoming completely serious, but when he was about to take a step, something, or rather, someone, stopped him.

"Now now?"

Aether turned his gaze after hearing something strange.

"Now, now, now?"

Aether turned his gaze forward and had to admit that he was scared when a girl appeared in front of him out of nowhere.

"Look who we have here!" She exclaimed, seemingly very happy to see him. "Are you coming to deliver a corpse?" The girl's apparent happiness transformed into a somewhat morbid smile.

"Good afternoon, Miss Hu Tao. I'm just visiting, I want to talk to the advisor." The blonde commented with a nervous drop of sweat at the funeral director's extravagant attitude.

"Do you want to talk to Zhongli?" Hu Tao asked very curiously. "Now he is not around here. You'll have to wait a bit."

"Don't worry. I have a lot of free time." Aether commented with a smile, entering the funeral home while being accompanied by an expectant Hu Tao.

"If you have so much free time, then that means you'll be able to tell me everything you've been doing since you left Liyue!" The young woman exclaimed with her typical radiant energy.

_ LINE BREAK _

Liyue

A few minutes later…

The tea was carefully placed on the table under the watchful eye of Aether, who watched the man carefully.

"Did you wish for my presence?" asked Zhongli, who observed the traveler with his typical calm but hardened expression.

"I'm sorry I came unannounced, but it's urgent." Those words made Zhongli sip his tea, indicating that he had his full attention. "Are you aware of everything that happened in Inazuma?"

"It's a shame." Zhongli replied as he placed the cup on the table again. "I believe that at this time there is no region that has not found out about what happened, but no one knows the exact details. There are only rumors." That comment made Aether look at his teacup carefully.

"The story is long, I can summarize it for you." His gaze rose after saying those words. "Everyone already knows about the war that was in that region, but that was not why Inazuma was destroyed. The Fatui got deep between both sides and when the thing was about to explode, the Cryo Archon appeared to make sure the explosion was even bigger. She destroyed the entire city and killed more than half of the population, just for this." Aether extended his hand, and Zhongli watched silently as the Electro Gnosis materialized.

"We already knew that she was in search of the Gnosis. They simply should have given it to her to avoid that major conflict. After all, they are useless in the current era." Zhongli commented as if it were nothing when he resumed drinking his tea.

"Do you think she would have been able to defeat Shogun Raiden without using her power?" Zhongli opened both eyes and his action stopped dead after hearing that question. "It is obvious that your calculations did not work as you had predicted." The God observed him in silence after hearing his words.

"How is Raiden Ei doing? I don't think she has…" After a few seconds, Zhongli decided to ask.

"Don't worry, she's fine. Recovering, but fine. I was able to save her, as was the other half of the population who was lucky enough to survive the massive explosion. Although, to be honest, if it hadn't been for Ei, no one would have survived." Aether responded, making Zhongli place a hand on his chin.

"I see…" He whispered, then looked at him with some uncertainty. "Where are the survivors? "Everyone thought it was an absolute annihilation."

"They are living in my teapot." Aether commented as he summoned the Serenity Pot in front of him. "I also took care of Ei, even though we both wished each other more of being dead than alive."

"And your mental state?" Zhongli asked, making Aether look at him carefully.

"It worries you?"

"Of course. I was never able to understand the Eternity for which she fights so much, but I have known it since I was a Kagemusha. At that time I was someone who was completely obsessed with combat. Maybe that's why we ended up getting along." Zhongli commented with a small smile at the memories, far, far away. "It's natural to worry about your friends." He concluded, returning to his usual expression, earning a slight smile from Aether.

"I perfectly understand." The traveler carefully grabbed the cup. "You shouldn't worry about her. It's true that she was destroyed, but I was able to contain her and help her enough. Now she looks much better, and everything indicates that she will not isolate herself in that sword again." Aether described with a smile, completely ignoring Zhongli's completely surprised face.

"Did you help her that much by yourself?" Zhongli asked, his eyes were a little wider than normal, something that confused Aether.

"That? It's true that Ei is very stubborn, but who wouldn't understand the situation when the results are right in front of your eyes? Only a blind man would not realize that she must change her ways." Aether declared as if it were nothing, but that did not lessen Zhongli's surprise.

"Ei was blind for centuries, until you came along. It doesn't seem like a coincidence to me." The man commented with a slight smile. "It shows that you have a gift for uniting and helping people."

"I only do what feels right to me." The blonde answered simply. "Also, I think you're exaggerating. Ei can be very sweet and friendly when you know her well. Just… I think everyone can make bad decisions…" Aether commented with a frown.

"Bad people can make good decisions. Good people can make bad decisions. No one will ever be white or black, there are only grays…" Zhongli commented wisely, and then took a taste of his tea.

Even if just for a moment, that was what was eternal in this conversation.

"Back to the main topic…" Zhongli resumed the conversation. "What is urgent about this issue?" Aether became serious after hearing that question.

"Now you know." It was the blonde's simple comment, making Zhongli frown.

"Whether or not she can control the Gnosis means nothing. I understand that it may cause a lot of problems, but you know my position on this matter."

"I understand that you want to remain anonymous, and I understand that you want mortals themselves to deal with problems. But this is not a normal problem." Aether stood up after his words. "We are talking about a massive upcoming battle. Nobody knows what Zarina wants. She might even be planning to attack Liyue at some point."

"She already has my Gnosis." Zhongli stated simply.

"And that really ensures that she won't attack? Do you even know what she wants to do with the Gnosis? If so, then enlighten me with your knowledge." Zhongli did nothing but look away after Aether's words, who couldn't help but sigh. "Listen, you and I both know that the pursuit of power usually brings nothing good with it. Maybe Zarina really is planning something good, but we don't know, and she doesn't even want to say it. Knowing this, I would like to know if you really want to risk the possibility of your people facing an Archon with all the damn Gnosis in her possession." Aether stopped his speech when he noticed that Zhongli was meditating on his words.

It was a really long few seconds, but the retired Archon finally gave him an answer:

"I'll think about it."

_ LINE BREAK _

Liyue

Three hours later…

Aether watched the dark sky in silence. Only half of the group had gathered, and the silence between them made it clear what was happening. But, if that wasn't enough, Paimon decided to complain, as was usual for her:

"How much longer are they going to make us wait?!" The floating girl exclaimed with utmost irritation.

"Do you know anything? I have a slight suspicion of what may have happened." Kazuha commented as he looked at the huge floating luxurious structure hovering over the city.

"Are you thinking the same as me?" Aether glanced at him, receiving a slight nod from Kazuha.

"Hey…?" Paimon just looked between the two, not understanding anything they were implying, and Itto's friends looked just as confused.

"I think we'll go pay Ningguang a visit." Aether commented with a half smile.

In the end, they had no problems going up to that place, since Aether was especially welcome for all the help he had given not only to Liyue, but also to Ningguang.

Itto's friends seemed very impressed by the floating palace, and who wouldn't be? Every corner screamed loudly that this woman was one of the richest entities in the world.

Finally, everyone found the people they were looking for, although the situation was somewhat bizarre, since Beidou had one foot on the desk while looking very frustrated, accompanied by Itto who looked quite uncomfortable, and sitting behind the desk. There was a Ninguang with her arms crossed and her typical smile had been replaced by a frown. There were also two other women, but both seemed quite removed from the discussion.

"Come on! How much does it cost you to give us that bargain?! "You are the richest woman in the world!" Beidou exclaimed in annoyance.

"First of all, I am not the richest woman in the world. Secondly, my wealth is not precisely due to giving away blackberries. And thirdly…" Ninguang's eyes narrowed in slight disgust. "Can you get your foot off my desk?"

"It's just a small bargain! I promise that I will pay you until the last arrears!" The woman exclaimed with a smile, squeezing her foot down the desk, something that Ningguang obviously did not like very much.

"Just like you paid me for all the other 'bargains'? I'm still waiting for you to pay me that half a million blackberries." That comment made Beidou very nervous as she took her foot off the desk.

"But this isn't about me, it's about my friends!" Ninguang just looked at her, indicating that she didn't care too much about that either.

But it was just at that moment when she could see that Aether was behind the pirate, so a smile shot across her face.

"Wow, what brings you here?" Ninguang asked as she stood up, causing everyone to look back.

"We came to find out why Beidou and Itto were taking so long." Aether commented, then smiled. "How have you been, Ningguang?"

"Everything went perfectly thanks to your help." She commented with a sweet smile. "If they had told me they came with it, then I wouldn't have had a problem making several copies for them." He concluded, focusing his gaze on Beidou and Itto.

"Hey? Do you change your mind that quickly?" The Oni asked in surprise, who had been incredibly quiet since he arrived.

"Of course. The last great favor that Aether did before leaving for Inazuma was to provide vital help to the construction of this Jade Chamber that watches over the entire region. One of his many favors, by the way." The woman commented, then focused her gaze on Aether. "I have many books about the architecture of Inazuma, but I don't want to lose those documents. I can make those hundreds of copies that they proposed, but it will be very expensive." The comment made Aether cross his arms with a smile.

"What do you want in exchange?" He asked, making Ninguang give a small smile.

"I want you to tell me what happened on Narukami Island in detail." The woman commented, receiving a nod in response.

"It will be a bit of a long story." He commented as he walked over with the others to take a seat.

Once he took his seat, Aether fixed his gaze on the two women sitting next to him.

"Shenhe, Ganyu." Aether gave a slight nod in greeting, and the two mentioned responded in the same way.

"I think I should order blackberries." Itto whispered to Beidou, making her look at him.

"Ningguang always says that mora is just another means to achieve knowledge."

_ LINE BREAK _

Relax teapot

Some time later…

"Don't you think they're taking too long?" Sara asked, receiving a sideways glance from Yae.

"Maybe they had trouble negotiating. I think we exaggerated a bit by having the 'traveler' variant on our side." The Yokai commented, but her doubts were dispelled when the door suddenly opened.

"We're back!" Itto exclaimed with a triumphant smile, and behind him were all the participants in this assignment, who were carrying a large number of books and documents.

"Welcome." Sara responded with her typical neutrality. "Did they get everything?"

"The architecture and foundry books will be ready in a few days. There are many copies." Clarified Aether, who took several steps forward.

And it was at that moment that they realized something very interesting, as an unknown silhouette landed next to Aether.

_LINE BREAK_

Relax teapot

A few minutes later…

Once everyone had left, Yae and Sara were now sitting in front of a table, and at the other end was Shenhe, who looked as calm and stoic as ever.

The silence between the three was more than palpable, but that moment was broken when Aether made an appearance along with a certain Goddess, who, as always, seemed to be enjoying being carried by him. Although that moment was left in the background when she observed the new guest.

Aether walked all the way without saying a word, placing Ei in her respective seat, and then sitting next to Shenhe.

"So…" Yae was the one to break the silence. "Does this young lady named Shenhe want to work as a diplomatic advisor between Liyue and Inazuma?"

"More like an advisor, I will just pass on the messages." Shenhe clarified, making the three women at the other end of the table look at each other.

"Why do you want to take this job?" Ei asked with great curiosity.

"To be honest, I recently entered the mortal world and my communication is not my strong suit. I have been looking for a job, but there are many things I don't understand, so I think this is an easier first step that I can take advantage of to gain experience." Shenhe's statement earned a strong silence from everyone, who seemed to be debating whether to accept it or not.

Both Ei, Sara and Yae were engaged in a silent conversation while they drank their drinks.

"It's fine with me." Aether broke the silence, earning everyone's gaze. "Ningguang is a very intelligent woman, and having her up to date on everything can be a great help. Having her as an ally is having Liyue on our side." The blonde stated, then looked at the white-haired woman with a smile. "Besides, Shenhe is much more capable than she looks." He concluded, patting her head several times, to which she looked at him with some confusion.

The curious thing was to see how she made the same gesture over Aether, leaving everyone in silence. It wasn't because of that simple action, but because she had gotten too close to do it, so Aether's face was buried between her breasts.

"¡CRACK!"

Everyone watched with great surprise as Ei's glass had broken.

"Oh I'm sorry." The Goddess felt a little embarrassed as she silently picked up the glass pieces.

Yae and Sara looked at each other, perfectly understanding what had happened, while Shenhe and Aether just looked at her in confusion.

"In that case, there is nothing more to discuss." Yae's comment broke that somewhat awkward moment. "We accept you as our mediator. If you want you can live in the mansion."

"I accept the offer, and thank you very much." Shenhe thanked them with her typical expressionlessness.

_ LINE BREAK _

Relax teapot

A few minutes later…

"You could have hurt yourself there. Luckily you have skin tougher than iron." Aether commented as he inspected Ei's hand carefully.

She seemed very absorbed in the sensation of being carefully touched by him, since the bandages always prevented that moment.

"I don't know what happened to me, I felt strange and suddenly…" Ei commented, lowering her head a little at the memory.

"Don't worry. It wasn't a big deal." Aether stopped his inspection to give her a cute smile, something that made the Goddess blush a little. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to see the meat." He commented and then headed to the oven, or that's what he had planned.

"Wait!" Ei grabbed his arm to prevent his movements, earning a curious look from Aether.

"What's going on?"

"I want…I want you to know something." Ei seemed really shy, something that was certainly not very typical for her. "I…I appreciate you, I appreciate you very much." She blushed a little after those words, earning a slight smile from Aether.

" You know? Everyone tells me that you are a very complicated woman to deal with. But I don't believe that." Those words caught the interest of Ei, who was not expecting that response. "It is true that we started off on the wrong foot, but without a doubt you are the sweetest and most honest woman I have ever met." Ei couldn't hide her surprise or avoid cutting eye contact at such a sweet gesture.

"I guess they're right. I was always someone who didn't focus on anything other than being a great martial artist and having great fights. I never interacted much with people and that's why I didn't have many friends, and the few I found at the beginning of my path…" Ei stopped after remembering a part of the past, her face reflecting how hurt she felt. "…Maybe Makoto was the last one with whom I expressed myself as I really am. But, after everything you and I have been through together…" Ei focused his gaze on Aether again, and a great amount of love and trust was reflected in her beautiful purple eyes. "After you saved my nation, my desires, and myself…I just…" Ei felt her heart race at what she was about to say: "I just don't want to be distant. I don't wish to lose you to the tricks played by time. I want to show you how grateful I am, and, above all, I want to show you how much you matter to me. Because you…" Ei brought a hand to her chest as she felt her body's temperature increase.

It was a feeling, full of hope that she hadn't felt in a long time, and he was the only reason why she felt so alive.

"Because I care a lot about you."

Aether was stunned.

Her face, her expression, her eyes, the slight tremor in her body...

Everything said that she said it from the bottom of her heart.

Finally, Aether snapped out of his small daze and responded with a warm smile, something that lit up Ei's face and made her blush.

"I care a lot about you too." It was a really simple answer, but Ei felt her world flush out with hope and life, lighting up even more after hearing it.

Aether stared at her in silence as he watched her open her mouth. She seemed to want to say something, but in the end she closed it and all she did was look at him in silence. He never noticed that their faces were only inches away and how she had her gaze focused evidently on his lips.

"The meat." Aether said again, and this time Ei didn't stop him.

She was quite curious to see how she felt extremely confused the moment Aether left her side.

"What is happening to me?" The Goddess thought with great uncertainty as she felt that her body and soul were longing to be with Aether with all her being.

Unfortunately, her mind was not on par with her instincts.

"Ta-da!" The blonde sang with a melodious voice as he presented a wooden board with a large amount of meat. "These are the famous Liyue beef strips!"

Ei just watched as Aether placed the large amount of well-seasoned and shiny meat on the table. Ei's eyes shone as the smell and golden color of the meat became present. She let out a sigh of pleasure as the aroma settled completely into her nostrils.

Ei took the cutlery and Aether only deigned to place the napkin on her, watching the Goddess's reactions to the food with complete amusement.

"Wait! Don't leave Paimon out!" The floating fairy exclaimed as she appeared through the door along with Yae, Sara and Shenhe, who watched the saucer with great interest.

"What is it? It smells so good?" Shenhe asked, clearly confused.

"Believe me, he makes the best meals in all of Teyvat." Yae commented as she sat next to Ei. "Are you not interested in becoming my slave? I promise to pay you very, V-E-R-Y well as long as you serve me these things." The Yokai commented with a mischievous tone, something Ei clearly didn't like.

"Do not be rude." The Goddess commented with slight disdain.

"Rude? When?" Yae asked, feigning innocence.

Aether and Paimon looked at each other at the strange interaction, and then bowed their shoulders.

_ END OF THE CHAPTER! _

(is the end?)

I hope you enjoyed it!

I already introduced all the important characters I wanted to introduce before the crucial moment. Now there will surely be a short time-skip at some point before this arc ends.

Remember to follow me on Patre-on to stay up to date with all the news, you can search for me as "Jyanzein". You can also become a paid member to order an extra chapter of any story in development, all for the price of one dollar.

Without much more to say, I say goodbye.

Thanks so much for reading!

Zhongli remained completely silent. He was still in the funeral's apartment, and his gaze was completely focused on the nearest window. Apparently, the darkness of the night and the stars were sending him into deep thought.

"Hey, Zhongli, I'm going to close." Hu Tao commented as she peeked her face through the small opening in the door.

"I'm going to stay a few more minutes. Don't worry, I'll close." The God clarified, receiving a nod in response.

Hu Tao stared at him in silence for a few seconds. Her raised eyebrow said it all, but in the end she decided to stay out of his business.

Once he heard the front door close, Zhongli turned his gaze to the stars.

"Xiao."

A man appeared next to him through a whirlwind as soon as his name was mentioned.

"Gather all the Adepti. Tell them it's urgent." Zhongli didn't even look at him, but he knew that the aforementioned was looking at him with complete seriousness after what he heard.

"As you say." Just as he appeared, Xiao disappeared, leaving Zhongli alone once again.

His gaze was still focused on the stars, but there was now a frown on his face.