Summoning her courage, Emilie crossed up the aisle and took her place at the podium. The House of Representatives and the Senate watched her, much like they had on the day she joined their ranks.
She had been practicing her speech for weeks. These girls accepted her into the UHA, but would they entertain her wild idea? She was the freshman here. Her opinion probably wouldn't go far in this place.
Still, she wanted to prove herself. That much, she could do at least.
With a deep breath, she began, "My fellow House members and honorable UHA Senate. I'd like to start by thanking you for giving me this time to speak. I have a proposal for you all."
They all politely listened.
"As you all know, my date with Aether is approaching. Now, I've been thinking about what to do with him, and I have an idea that would involve everyone here. He's fond of us all. I don't think anyone here would argue that."
A few polite chuckles from the galley. So far so good.
"So, I propose we put on a show for him. Not just any show, but one that lets him see us in all our glory. My fellow House members, I propose the UHA hosts its first ever Beauty Pageant."
She gauged their reactions. Yoimiya, Navia, Nilou, Lisa, and Yae Miko seemed open to the idea, grinning or giggling in approval. Barbara had dreamy stars in her eyes. Others were clearly more reluctant. Sucrose and Arlecchino seemed reticent. A pageant, them? Emilie would have to win them over.
"This won't be your typical pageant," she said. "Chiori and I will select programs that enable everyone to demonstrate their unique charms. Naturally, nobody has to participate if they don't want to. Given the scale of this operation, we'll need plenty of stagehands and technical expertise. Putting on a show this big is going to require everyone's help."
The shyer girls let out sighs of relief. Layla and Lynette seemed more open to the idea now. As long as they got to help behind the scene, they didn't really mind letting someone else take the lead.
Well, she made the pitch. Time to bring it home.
"Let me assure you: everyone here is beautiful. I know that for a fact. If you can find it in your hearts to trust me, I promise I will bring out that beauty inside each of you. Together, we can make this date an unforgettable experience. Thank you."
She returned to her seat. Keqing directed the senate to a separate chamber where they could make the vote. Meanwhile, Ganyu took up the gavel. She addressed the whole House.
"Proposal 8,561,346: Operation UHA Beauty Pageant. All those in favor?"
Memo: Operation Beauty Pageant
Hello, everyone. Chiori and I have been discussing the logistics of this operation. Several girls came forward to volunteer for the show and for stage crew, which we're both grateful for. We have some jobs for those who have agreed to work as stagehands. These people will need to work closely with us.
Catering: Xiangling
Director: Furina
Stage Manager: Shinobu
Stagehands: Noelle, Aloy, Layla, Jeht
Choreographer: Yun Jin
Conductor: Xinyan
Lighting Designer: Faruzan
Special Effects: Lynette
Makeup: Emilie
Photographer and Filmer: Charlotte
We will need a panel of judges for the Q&A section. We have selected:
Kokomi, Yelan, Rosaria, Chevreuse
Also, we have received exciting talent show numbers from beyond Teyvat thanks to Aloy and Mirror Maiden. Those of you wishing to sing for the talent portion may enjoy sampling one such song.
We will find jobs for everyone else not participating in the show. If you decide you can't go through with this, please tell us at least a week in advance. Let's work together and make this day one to remember.
He knew the girls had been busy, but he didn't know how until Emilie showed him the Serenitea Pot. They'd set up a stage the size of his mansion. It was elegant, with long spiraling arches along the proscenium. He whistled, trying to take it all in.
Emilie directed him to his seat. She and a few other gals filled the aisle. The perfumiest took her seat and the house lights dimmed. A drum roll boomed from the orchestra pit. The stage lights flickered on.
All the girls marched out wearing elegant long dresses. Some wore the colors of their nation; others chose dresses that complimented their eyes.
Ei had a black, short-skirted halter dress kept together with an elegant bow. Beside her, Ningguang had a one-shoulder dress and Dehya had a dark red maxi.
Several had done up their hair. Others like Collei had laced pink orchards into their hair. They paraded in a multicolored fashion, their cheeks colored up in makeup.
Aether soaked them all in, his gorgeous, wonderful girlfriends strutting their stuff. His heart hammered. Seeing them like this was incredible—like he was seeing them all for the first time all over again.
A tear fell from his eye. Gratitude—that's what he felt, gratitude that he was so blessed to witness this.
Their MC Emilie clapped her hands. Everything went dark.
On came the spotlights centerstage. Hu Tao and Yoimiya struck a pose back-to-back, microphones in hand. As one, they raised the microphones and burst into a duet:
"It's been one week since you looked at me
"Cocked your head to the side and said, 'I'm angry'
"Five days since you laughed at me
"Saying, 'Get that together, come back and see me'
"Three days since the living room
"I realized it's all my fault, but couldn't tell you
"Yesterday, you'd forgiven me
"But it'll still be two days 'til I say I'm sorry!"
Hu Tao did a rapid step-tap and took over the first verse, moving through a cluster of words with ease. Then they harmonized in the chorus:
"How can I help it if I think you're funny when you're mad?
"Trying hard not to smile, though I feel bad
"I'm the kind of gal who laughs at a funeral
"Can't understand what I mean? Well, you soon will
"I have a tendency to wear my mind on my sleeve
"I have a history of taking off my shirt
"It's been one week since you looked at me
"Threw your arms in the air and said, 'You're crazy'
"Five days since you tackled me
"I've still got the rug burns on both my knees
"It's been three days since the afternoon
"You realized it's not my fault not a moment too soon
"Yesterday, you'd forgiven me
"And now I sit back and wait 'til you say you're sorry."
In the musical interlude, the girls did a cute spin dance. Yoimiya jumped forward, leaping into the next verse.
The girls came together for one final, harmonized tongue-twisting chorus. As they reached the end, Yoimiya busted out a tube that shot fireworks into the air. They spelled out UHA within a giant red fireball heart. Hu Tao and Yoimiya struck their end poses.
Aether burst from his seat applauding like crazy. These girls were so talented it made his brain spin. Hu Tao and Yoimiya joined hands and gave a joint bow. The lights went off.
The spotlights came on highlighting on opposite sides of the stage two girls: Amber and Collei. He noticed they both had their bows at the ready. Moving as one, the girls drew their arrows, faced one another, and fired.
Their arrows converged in midair.
They shot again. The arrows collided.
Again, the arrows struck each other.
Amber and Collei picked up their pace, unleashing a hail of elemental infused arrows that collided into verdant and crimson sparks. They went so fast Aether couldn't trace their movements. It was breathtaking.
They shot their final arrows, and this time, the bolts did not intercept. They flew past, towards the girls. He panicked.
Amber and Collei, without missing a step, caught the incoming arrow in their hand. They shot again, and again they both caught. Again and again, until his heart was in his chest.
They shot upwards. Their arrows exploded in a flurry of green and reds that sparkled down like stardust.
He was on his feet clapping before they even bowed.
The lights went off.
When they came back on, this time, they highlighted Barbara centerstage, holding a microphone. The orchestra began an upbeat number, and Barbara stepped in rhythm with the beat, grinning cheerfully.
She sang:
"Listen baby, ain't no mountain high
"Ain't no valley low, ain't no river wide enough, baby."
A second spotlight flickered on as a gorgeous blonde girl stepped on stage. Jean dance stepped towards her sister, picking up the verse.
"If you need me call me, no matter where you are
"No matter how far, don't worry, baby
"Just call my name, I'll be there in a hurry
"You don't have to worry."
The sisters joined in the chorus:
"'Cause, baby, there ain't no mountain high enough
"Ain't no valley low enough
"Ain't no river wide enough
"To keep me from getting to you, babe."
Barbara took the lead on the next verse. The sisters rejoined in chorus, singing to one another while doing an adorable dance step that made his heart skip. They were so cute he could cry.
As they reached the final verse, the sisters struck their ending pose and ended on a harmonizing high note. Once again, Aether was applauding long before the pair could bow.
Next, Eula and Nilou took the stage with a dance routine. They were beautiful, elegant, and he was smitten the whole number.
Then Dehya and Candace did a weapons demonstration. As always, their battle prowess left him speechless. Hydro and Pyro clashed, hurling up droplets that refracted the rainbow. Their weapons clashed, not loud and gratingly, but with a ringing almost sweet sound. To him, every strike was beautiful, painting the history of both women across the stage.
Once they bowed, the stage went dark.
When the lights came on, Ganyu at an ivory key piano. She played out a little melody, while Keqing hummed on the microphone.
The Yuheng sang, "Sometimes, in our lives we all have pains, we all have sorrows. But if we're all wise, we know that there's always tomorrow."
Ganyu took up the chorus, "Lean on me. When you're not strong, and I'll be your friend. I'll help you carry on."
Their duet was beautiful, tender. They sang it, knowing they could always trust each other. To them, the song was more than a fun little number; it was a promise not only to Aether but to each other. Maybe they'd disagree, but they'd always look after each other. That's what friends did.
Backstage, the girls quietly cheered. They were all excited and proud, seeing all their hard work come together. Arlecchino, however, couldn't stifle her nerves. She'd been far too impulsive volunteering for this. Her talents were in murder and deception, not this.
She paced by the exit, frustrated beyond belief. What was she even doing here? A Fatui Harbinger participating in a goddamned talent show?! Had she really fallen so far? The Knave wasn't a performer. She couldn't do this.
As someone approached, Arlecchino adjusted her dress and assumed an unaffected expression.
"Nervous?"
Glancing sideways, she realized it was Furina herself. Normally, the former archon was petrified of her. How curious for her to be so bold.
Arlecchino puffed out her chest and snorted.
"I'm fine."
Furina smiled patiently. Arlecchino stopped pacing and bit at her lip. Glancing sidelong at the former Hydro Archon, she murmured.
"But what would you say if I was nervous?"
"Let's see," she said. "I'd say, 'When we go out there, don't think about the audience. Think about the song, just what it means to you.'"
Arlecchino still couldn't calm down.
"I can't do this."
"If you can play Pale Moon for Fischl's larp, you can do this too. You've been practicing hard for weeks. Just treat it like one of our rehearsals. Don't forget, I'll be right by you."
Furina put her hand on her shoulder. For just a moment, Arlecchino managed to smile right back.
A gospel disco song began playing. Aether sensed exactly what was coming before the lights came on. Yae Miko, Mirror Maiden, and Lisa began a clap step. They brought their microphones to their lips and sang in the sultriest voices imaginable.
"It's raining men! Hallelujah!
"It's raining men! Amen!
"I'm gonna go out to run and let myself get
"Absolutely soaking wet!
"It's raining men! Hallelujah!
"It's raining men! Every specimen!
"Tall, blonde, dark and lean
"Rough and tough and strong and mean
"God bless Mother Nature, she's a single woman too
"She took off to heaven and she did what she had to do
"She bought every angel
"And rearranged the sky
"So that each and every woman could find her perfect guy."
The women had impeccable harmony and addictive harmony. Aether couldn't stop his wide grin seeing them rock it. Holy cow. His girlfriends were the most talented people in Teyavat!
Lisa took up the lead with the other girls in harmony. Her long brown curls bobbed with every step. Behind her, Yae Miko and Mirror Maiden took on the belting harmonies with incredible gusto. They were so beautiful and wonderful and Aether could've died happy.
The song ended.
From the wings, one miss Sucrose stepped out on the stage. She wore a smock and carried a paint easel. She set it all up, took a deep breath, and painted just like Mr. Albedo taught her.
In moments, she had twelve paintings of glorious Mondstadt, each so brilliantly rendered they looked better than photographs. It took everyone's breath away. The applause she received was just as loud as the applause the previous act received, and it was more than earned.
Next came a melodic piano intro. Clorinde played out an intro while Navia, in her high heels, and short skirt, walked to the microphone. In each step, she radiated pure confidence and beauty. Her bell bottom pants were glossy silver, and her sleeveless top showed off her shoulders. Grabbing the mike, Navia proclaimed:
"At first I was afraid, I was petrified
"Thinking I could live without you by my side
"And after spending nights
"Thinking how you did me wrong
"I grew strong
"And I learned how to get along!"
"Think I'd crumble?
"You think I'd lay down and die?"
"No, not I, I will survive
"Long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive
"I've got my life to live
"And all my love to give and
"I will survive
"I, I, I will survive!"
Navia utterly owned the stage. Her authority, her strength, her resilience—they were all on full display for the world. Aether teared up. She'd been through so much—family and friends lost, her father's honor tainted, and still none of it broke her. His Navia remained radiant, brilliant, and undaunted.
Best of all, she had her best friend Clorinde by her side now.
Once the number ended, Cryo Cincin Mage and Katarina let their Cincins lose. They commanded the creatures to circle around into a funnel of Cryo and Electro. Their gorgeous display truly delighted them all.
The next performance was a real surprise. Xianyun stepped onto the stage in a tuxedo going all out on a saxophone. Her disciple Shenhe sang, "Just the two of us. We can make it if we try. Just the two of us."
They performed in perfect sync with each other, knowing how the other would move long before the other made their move. At the climax, Shenhe lifted her master onto her shoulder and sang the final verse. No one could mistake the pride in Xianyun's eyes as she delighted in her disciple's talents.
Xinyan came out hard on the guitar, hammering out riffs like a pro. Alongside her, Yanfei came out with a microphone. Aether's jaw dropped. The lawyer had traded her professional attire for something he never imagined she'd wear: blue jeans, a t-shirt, and a backwards baseball cap. The lawyer sang:
"He was a boy
"She was a girl
"Can I make it any more obvious?
She and Xinyan alternated between the verses, until they came together on the chorus:
"He was a skater boy
"She said, 'See you later, boy'
"He wasn't good enough for her
"She had a pretty face
"But her head was up in space
"She needed to come back down to earth."
Yanfei had an incredible rocking voice. She and Xinyan went ham on the on the song, bobbing their heads and killing the solos. Aether's heart swelled with pride. Yanfei was always a closeted rockstar. Seeing her let it all out like this—well, he knew she always had it in her, but it still amazed him.
Fireworks exploded from the aisle and the song ended. He applauded like crazy.
Arlecchino wasn't the only one with jitters. Ei had stage fright. She'd witnessed countless battles—literally countless—she'd fought gods for crying out loud. This might be the scariest thing she ever did.
On stage, Ningguang and Beidou took their turn. Those two were a power couple, practically owning the stage in anything they did. It filled her with some envy. Next, Xiangling and Shinobu demonstrated their cooking prowess effortlessly producing a masterpiece dish. Fischl and Mona followed with their talent.
With each act, her own drew closer.
"Everything alright, dear?"
Yae Miko, wiping sweat of her forehead with a towel, approached the archon.
"I suppose I'm… a little nervous."
"Why? You've been practicing nonstop. Just, treat it like another practice."
"I can't believe you talked me into this," grumbled the archon. "I should've just summoned a thunderstorm—that's a talent."
"I can do that and so can Lisa. This is your talent." Miko took her friend's hands in her own. "Listen, you chose your song. Think about why you chose it. Think about what it means to you."
"I suppose," Ei said, "I want to show him how I feel."
"Good. Hold onto that. Forget everything else, just think about the lyrics."
"I… shall try."
Ayaka and Chiori performed an elegant fan dance. Every move radiated grace. Ayaka's hands moved in slow, broad circles, leaving snowflakes in her wake. Occasionally, her eyes sought out his. Each time, he met hers, she permitted herself a smile.
Their number drew to a close.
The stage remained dark a moment too long. He grew a little nervous, wondering if something went wrong backstage, when a sound broke the silence.
It was a ukulele.
From the wings, Furina emerged playing the instrument. Her sundress imprinted with flowers swaying with every step. She hummed in an ethereal voice. Opposite her, came Arlecchino with a matching sundress and ukulele. Together, they harmonized their hums.
Furina sang, "Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high. There's a land I've heard of once in a lullaby."
The ladies crossed at the center. Arlecchino took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and Aether saw her change. Arlecchino had always kept her emotions under lock and key. Nothing made her admit any weakness. Now, her crimson eyes became vulnerable.
"Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high. Skies are blue. And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true."
Arlecchino's voice wasn't trained like Furina's, but it possessed a dulcet softness laced with a twinge of sorrow. It sounded like a lullaby.
A meaningful glance passed between the two as they took up the next verse.
Their song spoke of sorrows. For Furina, those sorrows were her centuries of solitude; for Arlecchino, her torturous childhood. They'd both suffered so much.
And yet, the song was one of hope. Despite all those troubles, there was a place for them. They had found their somewhere over the rainbow. As they both smiled at him, his heart panged.
Those bad times were over now; they'd found their family.
When the number ended, nobody made a move. They all sat spellbound. Aether broke the silence.
"Thank you," he said. "That was beautiful."
Furina and Arlecchino bowed. They departed the stage hand-in-hand.
Yun Jin performed a number from one of her operas. Kirara showed off her climbing skills by scaling a wall in a matter of seconds. With each act, Aether only fell more and more in love with them.
Finally, they arrived at the last talent show performance. A piano began playing in the orchestra pit. Ei stepped out onto the stage, pale-faced and shivering, and crossed to the center stage mike. More instruments joined in with the piano. A chorus sang "To you, yes my love to you~"
Ei took a breath.
Nothing came out. The orchestra went through the intro again, waiting for her to pick it up. She didn't know what to do. Her violet eyes landed on his, calm, patient, and loving.
Miko's words returned to her. Looking directly at the man she loved, Ei sang:
"Watashi wa watashi, anata wa anata to
"Yuube itteta sonna ki mo suru wa."
In her mind, she recalled her lover of old Sasayuri and all their unfulfilled dreams dashed by cruel fate. She sang now to her new lover, the man she desired for all eternity. Eyes glistening, Ei stared right at him singing the chorus like a prayer.
"Stay with me...
"Mayonaka no doa o tataki
"Kaeranaide to naita ano kisetsu ga ima me no mae
"Stay with me...
"Kuchiguse wo ii nagara
"Futari no toki wo daite mada wasurezu
"Daiji ni shiteita."
The instrumentation took over. Ei hoped he could sense her fervent wish for their future together. She hoped he understood just how much she needed him. Drawing on those desires, Ei slipped into the next verse.
"Koi to ai to wa chigau mono dayo to
"Yuube iwareta sonna ki mo suru wa."
Her angelic voice carried to every corner of the theater.
"Hanarete itta anata no kokoro (Ooh)
Furi kaereba itsumo
Soko ni anata wo kanjite ita no (Ooh)
He had brought her so much joy. He'd become such an important part of her life she couldn't imagine her world without him. She wanted to hold him and never let go. Thinking of all those feelings, Ei sang the chorus.
Each "Stay with me," came from the depths of her heart, as did her promise to never forget their little moment. It went beyond the physical. She begged him "Stay with me" in body and memory, for as long as I live.
Her number approached the final high note. She put all her being into that "Stay with me." This time, she meant the words as a promise: even if you leave Teyvat, you shall stay with me forever in my heart.
Ei opened her eyes. Aether was crying.
"I will," he whispered. "I will."
With a bow, Ei shuffled offstage, harboring a warm smile.
He needed a moment to collect himself. Ei's song got to him.
He did want to stay with them all, it went beyond a want: he needed them.
Funny, he thought. When he first arrived in Teyvat, he just wanted to reunite with Lumine. Now, he had dreams that went beyond their fated reunion. He'd always miss his sister, but he was so grateful he ended up in this world.
Emilie passed him a handkerchief. He took it, dabbing his eyes.
"Thanks," he said, "thanks for everything."
"Show's not over just yet."
As she spoke, the lights came back on. Aether's jaw dropped. The girls were back on-stage, marching around in bathing suits.
Leading the pack, Lisa flaunted her microkini. In place of her sorcerer's hat, she had a broad straw hat with a purple ribbon. Not far off, Furina had a broad blue sun hat and a white skirted bikini with a slight train around her thighs.
Barbara and Jean had their summer swimsuits back out. Shenhe opted for a monokini that exposed her navel and muscular stomach. Keqing preferred a violet tie-sides, with little tassels on the sides. She shot him a tender smile as she traded places with Ganyu who flaunted her figure in a fringe one-piece with a translucent blue skirt.
Ayaka marched out, fan in hand. Like Keqing, she wore a tie-sides bikini, only hers was a mixture of light and dark blues. In lieu of tassels, her bathing suit had semi-transparent scarfs enwrapping her waist.
Navia stepped, one foot crossing the other, while she twirled her umbrella. The president a golden v-neck, with a single ribbon around her hips. Speaking of which, those hips were on full display. She cut the lower half so short it basically rode up her butt. Her friend Clorinde had a ruffle-sleeved, slightly formal portrait neckline.
Yoimiya followed in orange board shorts and a top with some frills. The suit showed off her playfulness. Every grin pulled him in deeper to her charms.
Then came Amber in crimson hot shorts, Hu Tao in a high neck, and Xiangling rocking a long line. Their legs long, smooth, and athletic moved in perfect sync. Each step sent a sway up their figures that made him salivate.
Nilou twirled about in her one-piece cutout halter, the skirt framing her legs like a flower. She shot him a flirty wink.
Candace showed off her tanned body beneath a one-shoulder dark blue bikini. Sucrose had a dainty soft green swim dress. Yanfei came out in a key-hole bikini that flaunted just an inch or two of the space beneath her breasts. Katarina and Cryo Cincin Mage had matching strapless tops.
A gray and black furred coat with sleeves came onstage. The coat hung a bit low, showing off Arlecchino's bare shoulders. In a triangle bikini, her long legs had a majestic poise. The cups held up her breasts but showed off basically all her cleavage. Her white choker had a single red jewel in its center.
Dehya's bikini top was black on the left cup, red on the right, and had golden trimming. She wore a triangle bikini and golden armbands, looking like a desert goddess.
Speaking of goddess, Ei made her debut in a rather skimpy cut off. The violet top had a v-shaped strap connecting to the bottom on her right hip. From there, the bikini's violet color swirled with darker purples and blacks until it wound up on her left side into a single tassel that trailed down her thigh.
Ningguang came out in a slit bikini. The cups slanted diagonally across her breasts, putting the underboobs on full display. Following her came Beidou in a triangle top and shorts, looking every bit like the queen of the ocean.
Mirror Maiden marched out wearing a shell bikini. With every step she bounced her breasts and pulled her bottom slightly off her skin. He'd be lying if he said he didn't love it.
Bringing up the rear, Yae Miko who somehow managed to dress even more lewdly. Her bikini was nothing more that red wires that just barely covered her nipples and her crotch. Honestly, they were little more than nipple covers and a fig leaf. Miko pulled it off without flaw.
The parade went offstage and returned in their dresses. They formed two lines and directed their attention to the judges' table. There, Kokomi, Yelan, Rosaria, and Chevreuse sat. They'd been appreciating all their friends' hard work. Now though, it came time for their part.
They'd been arguing over what they should ask the contestants. Chevreuse thought they should ask about the participants' future plans or dreams. Rosaria believed they should ask them about their hobbies or interests. In the end though, Kokomi came up with the best possible question they could ask.
"Tell us in one sentence: what do you love most about Aether?"
Xianyun adjusted her glasses. "He is an excellent positive influence on Shuyu and One's disciples."
Amber grinned, "He always pushes me to do my best in everything I do."
"I love how he doesn't just accept things unquestioningly," said Keqing, "and he constantly pursues his own goals, regardless of what the gods say."
"He cares for me and the people of Aaru Village," said Candace.
"He's a genius in the kitchen!" Xiangling beamed.
Sucrose averted her gaze. "Oh, um…it's a little silly but I love how easy it is to get along with him. Usually, I'm nervous around new people but he's different."
Katarina said, "He told me my life matters even if when I didn't believe it."
"He helps me find my muse and stay in character," said Yun Jin.
"For me, I love him," Mirror Maiden paused as her voice broke. Collecting herself, she said, "I love him because he's guiding me on the path of redemption."
Lisa smiled, "My cutie is so thoughtful he's always asking if there's anything he can do for me. He's just the sweetest!"
"He stayed by my side as I made masterpieces," said Chiori, "he truly embodies my brand's slogan: 'Never admit defeat.'"
Nilou said, "I really like being with him. I don't know why, but it feels like a butterfly is trying to burst out of my chest."
Ayaka hesitated. She had so much to say about her betrothed. How could it all fit into a single sentence? Impossible.
Still, the challenge was one sentence and one alone. She tried finding some way to condense her adoration into a single phrase. After some mental struggle, Ayaka settled on her answer.
"I can always rest my head on his shoulder."
An oversimplified statement, perhaps, but it conveyed her sincere appreciation. Judging by his smile, he understood just how much this admission truly meant.
Jean said, "He always gives me peace of mind."
Beidou grinned, "He's a reliable guy."
Shenhe said, "I once thought I was cursed to be alone. But now, thanks to him I know where my home is: by his side."
She casted him a warm expression.
"He works so hard for everyone," said Barbara, "it makes me want to work just as hard!"
"He likes me and all my weirdness," said Hu Tao, "and I like him a lot too!"
"Oh um," Ganyu needed a moment to gather confidence. "I love how he thinks I'm beautiful even with my horns and hips. He makes me feel special."
When her turn came, Navia folded her hands.
"He did so much for Fontaine and for me," she said, "clearing my father's name, saving my nation, being my friend when I lost my dearest companions that I…I couldn't begin to say just how much I appreciate him."
"He's so much fun to be around," chimed Yoimiya, "I love how he makes everyone around him happy!"
Yanfei said, "He's sweet, kind, and he helps me take my mind off of the harder parts of my job."
"His heart is one of gold, and his value cannot be estimated by any measure of Mora," said Ningguang.
Eula blushed. "I appreciate that he does not treat me with the same hostility that others in Mondstadt often do."
Arlecchino had prewritten several responses in advance for this moment. This question she had anticipated along with others. Her response should touch upon her gratitude for him saving her nation, his prowess in combat, his way with children, and his open-minded and gentle heart.
That's not what she said.
"Aether showed me that even I, someone trained to keep herself detached, could open my heart to love."
The Knave closed her eyes and raised her nose in a scoff, hoping to mask her embarrassment. She sensed one very annoying Kitsune staring amusedly at her. Blasted Miko, always laughing at her.
Collei said, "I used to think I'd never have a friend, but then I met master, and I met him."
Mona said, "He taught me that fate is not absolute."
"He's got overflowing passion," chimed Xinyan, "and he don't follow the rules none!"
Furina took a moment to compose herself. When she thought about how much he meant to her, the feelings became so overwhelming she nearly shed tears. Aether… her Aether. There was so much to say. And yet, she had no doubt what she must say.
"I thought my story came to an end," she began, "now, I know our story has only begun, and I can't wait to act out my final journey together with him."
She smiled gratefully at him.
Cryo Cincin Mage said, "He makes me feel warm and toasty!"
"Well," said Shinobu, "his work ethic is incredible."
"He demonstrates proper respect to the Prinzessin, comprehending mine speech with ease."
Yae Miko touched her forefinger to her chin. To Arlecchino, the shrine maiden took on a rather thoughtful expression, no doubt pondering what debauchery she'd utter. What did she love best about Aether? Maybe the sex, or the way he squirmed in bed, or his exceptional sexual performances.
"Meeting him introduced me to so many wonderful people," said Miko, "Thanks to him, my soul feels complete in a way I never knew it could feel. What I love most about him: he's changed my life for the better."
Everyone gaped disbelievingly. Not one mention of sex or anything lewd? They assumed she'd talk about his cock, not warm, fuzzy feelings.
Mona opened her scryglass. To her amazement, she couldn't detect a trace of dishonesty. Not even a little. The shrine maiden genuinely meant it.
In the audience, Aether smiled at her. She returned his smile with a wink, laden with flirty mischief. He blushed, and she let out a low chuckle that made Arlecchino shiver.
"He always shows me such amazing, new places," said Kirara.
"We fought in so many battles together, we're comrades in arms," Dehya smiled.
"Thanks to him, Miss Navia and I have rekindled our friendship," said Clorinde.
At last, it came time for Ei to speak. The Electro Archon had so much to say. An eternity of praise and thanks would be insufficient to convey everything in her heart. In the end though, one thing mattered above all else.
"Aether," she said addressing him directly, "you taught me that despite all grief, life goes on and it is more than worthwhile. I know that now, because I am fortunate enough to have your love."
Pressing her palm over her chest, she bowed solemnly.
"Thank you, Aether. Thank you for giving me reason to live."
"Thanks for being my rival," said Amber.
"Thanks for helping my people," said Dehya.
"And for helping my village," added Candace.
"Thanks for trying out all my weird cooking," said Xiangling. "And sorry about that one time it got you sick."
"Thanks for being my little cutie~"
"Thank you for being my family," said Shenhe.
"Thanks fer diggin' my music!"
"And thank you for saving my shop," said Chiori.
"On behalf of the Knights of Favonius, thank you for being my honorary knight."
"I am most grateful that you continue to support the glory of the Prinzessin der Verurteilung."
"Thank you for treating me as a normal person," said Yun Jin.
"I suppose I might offer my thanks," said Eula, "though we are enemies."
"Thanks for helping me get over my past," said Collei.
Hu Tao grinned. "Thanks for our date," she said with a smirk.
"Thanks for being my partner, partner," said Navia.
"Thank you for being with me all this time," said Barbara in her singsong voice. "I can feel that I'm getting closer to my dream of making everyone smile!"
"Thank you for seeing me not as the Kamisato heiress, but simply me for who I am."
Ningguang said, "On behalf of Liyue, I extend my thanks for everything you have done for my homeland. Furthermore, I extend my personal thanks to you for rebuilding the Jade Chamber."
"Thanks for investing so much time and energy into me," said Shinobu.
"Thanks for all your help with my experiments," added Sucrose.
"Thanks for all your help at the shop," said Yoimiya. "Pops and I really appreciate ya!"
"Thank you for being a part of my new life's act," said Furina.
"One extends her thanks for your continued affections."
"Thanks for choosing Komani Express!"
"Thanks for saving me," said Katarina.
"Thanks for accepting me," said Cryo Cincin Mage.
"Thank you for standing by my side as I right my wrongs," said Mirror Maiden.
"Thank you, Aether," said Arlecchino, "for teaching me so much."
"Thanks for being my first mate," said Beidou.
"Thank you for showing me that fate can be thwarted," said Mona. "And um… for letting me stay in your mansion rent-free."
Ganyu said, "Thanks for seeing something beautiful in me, even when I couldn't."
"Thanks for our crazy fishing trip," said Yanfei.
"And thanks for making my life much more entertaining," said Yae Miko with a chuckle.
All at once the girls said in different ways, "WE LOVE YOU, AETHER!"
"AND I LOVE YOU!" he replied. "Thank you so much for everything!"
Aether began rapidly listing the things he loved about each one of them, going on and on in a single breath. His praises were absolutely endless—absolutely. Five minutes passed and he still had praise for each girl.
Emilie had a feeling this might go on a while unless someone did something. So, she crossed over to his side and kissed his lips to silence him.
Seeing this, the other girls came piling in creating one giant kiss fest. Next thing Emilie knew, they all ended up in a bedroom completely naked.
For her first sexual experience, Emilie had to admit she had a lot of fun. The girls treated her with the generosity of gods. Miko insisted Emilie should ride him first, seeing as she organized this whole event. The girls teased her nipples the entire time, gently guiding her through her first time.
The climax was wonderful. She never knew sex could be so incredible.
Then, to her amazement, Aether made love to every single one of them. The man took woman after woman with indefatigable enthusiasm. He kept going and going, like he had no limit. And he didn't—Emilie grasped that much when Aether got through all the girls and asked Emilie if she'd like to go again.
She eagerly accepted.
Now, they all lied around the gigantic bed, snoring, giggling, and basking in the afterglow. Keqing and Ayaka, normally so possessive of Aether's chest, allowed Emilie to sleep in their preferred spot. In fact, the girls had insisted. They ended up napping in each other's arms with their lips locked. Those two clearly cared for each other.
The shyer girls like Collei, Rosaria, Sucrose, Lynnette, and Arlecchino departed soon after they had their fun. Each one wished her well and thanked her for a lovely day. So, Emilie now rested in Aether's embrace.
He peeked open an eye and smiled at her. "You're amazing, Emilie."
"How so?"
"Putting on this pageant," he explained. "I'm so proud of my girls. Thank you for letting me see them in a whole new light."
His hand caressed her cheek, brushing through her hair.
"I see you in a new light too," he said. "You put so much effort into this. That just tells me how much you love me. Thanks for today. I'll remember it as long as I live."
They made out some more. Then, they both drifted to a blissful, restful sleep.