Baizhu didn't need the thermometer to know a fever when he saw it, and Aether lying on the bed most certainly had one. The boy was practically melting. Sweat caked his head. His nose ran like a faucet. Baizhu pressed his forehand to the sweaty forehead and found his patient hot to the touch.
Nearby, Tubby and Paimon floated about nervously. The pharmacist adjusted his glasses and turned to them. Baizhu listed his suggestions for treatment. Tubby wrote down his every word on a clipboard while Paimon flittered about in concern.
"The fever is contagious so try to minimize contact with him. He'll have to stay in bed for at least a week."
"A whole week?" said Paimon with wide eyes. "Oh boy, that puts a dent in our plans…"
"It's for the best," he replied. The pharmacist opened his medical kit and commenced his more thorough examination. Unable to do much else, Tubby and Paimon floated away so he could do his work.
Paimon opened the traveler's adventurer's manual. They had commissions from the guild, a new Spiral Abyss to conquer, and a whole load of quests. If they fell behind, it wouldn't leave them broke, but Aether wouldn't accept it. The man saved all his Mora for his girls—and he needed every last coin.
"We have to do something," said Tubby.
"Well, we're not doctors, so not a lot we can do."
"No, not that. We need to do something about his jobs! If he wakes up and realizes he might not have enough Mora to treat the girls, what do you think he'll do?"
Paimon only needed a second to guess. "He probably would try to get out and do his jobs, even with the fever."
"And when Aether's motivated, nothing can stop him."
"Then it's no use. We have to do the commissions ourselves. Oh, but Paimon can't do any fighting which means we can't do most of the jobs. Maybe we could hire some help?"
Some help. Tubby bolted upright.
"Yes, of course! We have all the help we need!"
The adeptus took out a dispatch and sent out the summon.
"Now Paimon, do your best to keep them under control. We can't have them making a mess of Teyvat."
"Hold on! Paimon never agreed to anything!"
Too late. They were already here.
Ella Musk fell to her knees, horror stricken by the devastation before her. Where there once had been a Hilichurl camp, there was only an icy crater littered with mangled corpses.
From the wreckage emerged a white-haired woman, lugging along a poor Hilichurl by its ankle. It shivered like a baby kitten.
Even though it could not speak human, it understood the language of nature: the strong devoured the weak. It was nothing more than prey now.
Shenhe dumped the creature before Ella.
"There. I procured a Hilichurl as per your request."
Ella Musk gaped at the sheer devastation behind her. Shenhe followed her gaze.
"You said you only needed one, right?"
Draff facepalmed.
"Kirara," he said tersely. "Where are my messenger birds?"
She responded, with conspicuous feathers lining her chin, "Darn monsters got them, sorry. But if you'd like a letter delivered, Komani Express is happy to help! We're running a special offer today."
Neuvillette had been sorting through court records when he heard the knock.
"Enter."
A breathless officer rushed inside, utterly spent and in a panic.
"They're all gone!"
The chief justice frowned.
"Pardon?"
"W-well, I went to the aquebus on my rounds and Aeval wasn't there."
"Miss Aeval has taken a leave of absence."
"Oh, and the others too?"
"Are you asking me whether the other aquebus conductors have taken leave of absence?"
"No, the melusines. They're gone. There isn't a single one left in Fontaine."
Neuvillette needed a moment before the words sunk in. All the Melusines? Gone? It couldn't be… how? He rose up so quickly the chair fell over.
"Do we have any idea where they've gone?"
At that moment another guard rushed inside.
"Sir, we have a problem!"
"Apologies but could this wait?" he asked. "We're dealing with an emergency."
"I know! The melusines went into hiding. Siegwinne said they won't return until she's gone!"
"Who?!"
"The chef from Liyue. She still wants to eat a melusine."
Fontaine experienced a torrential downpour. In that storm, the chief justice drafted a restraining order that would effectively ban that menace from setting foot in his nation again.
Sumeru was nice but Viktor kind of missed Mondstadt, especially that sweet little kid Lilly. Hopefully she was okay. He whittled the wood into a puppy, feeling rather lonely.
"Hello, comrade," said a voice. A mirror maiden strolled up to him. He raised a hand in greeting. She handed him a receipt. "I talked to the clerk, he says the shipment arrived safely."
"Thanks, comrade. I'd go myself but people always think the worst of me."
She chuckled. "Boy, I know the feeling."
"Yeah, I guess you can't blame them. Some Fatui are crazy. My old boss could be a real nasty witch. Um… don't tell anyone I said that."
"What? Afraid Signora will return from the dead to smite you?" She smirked in an almost ironic way he found unnerving. "Don't worry. Your old boss is dead and gone. Take care, comrade."
The mirror maiden bowed and then departed. Viktor busied himself whittling his dog's muzzle.
A thought stopped him.
Odd.
How did that Mirror Maiden know he once worked for Signora? He never mentioned it.
The Hilichurls readied themselves to ambush the cargo balloon. Crouched behind the bushes, they readied their bows and torches. This time, they'd get that stinking traveler who always got in their way.
Around the edge of the trees emerged that familiar balloon. The traveler wasn't guarding it. This time, it was just one lady. Easy prey.
They got two steps before a bolt of lightning reduced them to cinders. The balloon and its protector continued their journey to the drop off point.
Lisa did her best not to yawn. This work was so droll. How ever did Aether manage this every day?
Reckless Pallad let out a sigh of relief as he turned gratefully to his savior.
"Thanks. If you hadn't come along, those Hilichurls would've killed me for sure."
"Don't mention it."
He couldn't help ogling this strange lady. Nice long hair, gorgeous complexion, and one hell of a nice body. She had this exotic air about her that he found so alluring, especially with those blue eyes.
"Oh, one more thing," she said, "are you Pallad?"
"The one and only. How can I help you, my pretty lady?"
Dehya sucker punched him in the gut so hard it left him wheezing on the ground with his butt stuck in the air.
"That's for pushing Sucrose." She paused. "Sorry, maybe that was too harsh."
"Nah, don't worry about it," he choked. "It's an honor to be your punching bag, ma'am."
Wolfey considered himself a reasonable stuffed animal but this was just ridiculous. These ladies weren't following the rules.
"Miss Arlecchino, Furina, Charlotte, Yelan," he said, "you can't do the entire challenge on your own. You're supposed to swap out fighters between rounds."
"Sorry, we're in a rush," said Furina. "Soon as we get the treasure we're out of your hair."
"But there are rules to his," said Wolfey insistently.
"You'd be wise to swallow your complaints," said Arlecchino. "Believe me, the Raiden Shogun is far less patient than us. She destroyed the entire Spiral Abyss because it took too long."
Wolfey blinked. "What do you mean?"
Charlotte produced a photograph from her pocket. It showed a ghastly sight. Where once there had been a gate leading to the Abyss, there was only rubble. Where once there had been an island, there was a single stone left atop the waves.
"Um, you know what? How about today you just take the treasure and go? You basically finished the hardest parts anyways," said Wolfey in a very pitchy squeak.
"Are you sure?"
"I insist."
Countless warriors were scattered at her feet. Timaeus, Wagner, Marjorie, Cyno, and hundreds more fell to the general.
Brandishing her deck, Kokomi glared around challengingly at the others. All cowered. None dared oppose her. Satisfied, she sheathed her deck and marched out the Cat's Tail.
"Let this be a warning," she growled. "To all you filthy Raiden Shogun troglodytes: from this moment on, your burst spamming days are over. Come up with an original strategy for once."
Arouet had to admit that Xiangling girl sure could cook. She proved herself a veritable genius in the kitchen. Customers were going crazy for her lattes.
Of course, the endless rain put a dent in his mood. Oh well.
As she finished up the last order, the chef packed up for the day.
"Thanks for the help," he told her. "I don't suppose I could convince you to stay?"
"Sorry, I have a job already."
"Alright, alright. Take care."
The chef headed out for a bounty hunting mission. Later on, Arouet would learn that the Hydro Eidolons had been added to the endangered species list.
"I don't believe this," muttered Chiori. She stared at the commission paper in disbelief. Some crazy weirdo was seriously paying for this?!
She lowered the paper and got a good look at her job. Five giant green mushrooms ready for bouncing.
She sighed. So this was how the wealthy spent their Mora. Hiring adventurers to jump on mushrooms.
Glad to know those tax cuts were creating new jobs.
Tartaglia looked forward to his weekly sparring sessions with the traveler. He was a real challenge, unlike the usual mob he handled. The guy always kept him in top shape.
That morning, it was not traveler who entered the House but a white-haired maid/knight. He needed a moment to remember her name.
"Noelle? Right?" He glanced behind her. "Where's Aether?"
"He's sick so I'm subbing in for him today."
"Sick? Is it serious?"
"He just has a flu. Dr. Baizhu thinks he'll be better soon."
"That's good."
Noelle readied her great sword for a duel. Her resolve deeply impressed him. Not everyone faced a harbinger so fearlessly.
Any other day he'd love to spar. But he couldn't put his heart into it knowing his comrade was unwell.
"You've probably got stuff to do, right?" he said. "How about we call it a day for now?"
"Are you sure? I know my strength is lacking compared to Aether, but I promise that I'm prepared to give my all for this fight."
He waved a hand dismissively.
"You're subbing in for him? Knowing Aether, you've got one busy schedule. I wouldn't feel right taking up your time."
He reached into his pocket and tossed her the weekly rewards.
"Mr. Tartaglia? This is twice the usual amount."
"Keep it. It's an advance on next week. Tell Aether to get well soon!"
Noelle gave another bow before departing the house. He just chuckled. Aether was one lucky man to have so many people watching out for him.
Tartaglia scratched his chin thoughtfully. Perhaps he could send the traveler some of his family's home cooked chicken soup.
Yanfei reeled in the golden Khoi with much excitement. The long serpentine fish dangled from her line, scales glistening in the sunlight. Now this was a rare catch. She felt so proud.
She checked the fishing goals. Only twenty more pufferfish and nineteen more golden Khoi to go.
Suddenly, she felt an unexpected kinship with that Sisyphus fellow forever rolling a boulder uphill.
Oh well. She put bait on the line and threw it out.
The pond was empty. With a sigh, she picked up her fishing gear and headed to the next pond. This was going to be a steep hill indeed.
Amber and Collei had finished clearing out the monster camp with Eula when the ground rumbled. Up from the ground emerged a giant stone lawlichurl, bellowing a savage war cry.
"Collei you go left, I'll…"
Before she could utter another word, Eula sprung up and drove her blade through the monster's skull. It collapsed. She kept stabbing and stabbing and stabbing. Blood sprayed her cheeks. A deranged look on her face, the woman shish kebabed the dead monster.
"Um Eula? I think you got it."
She ignored Amber's meek little words. Coated head to toe in the monster's blood, Eula put more and more holes into the clearly dead creature.
Eula roared. "You see me now?! You sickos who keep fabricating videos of me sleeping with this thing?! This is what I think of you!"
Amber had never seen Eula like this. Normally, her friend got vengeful, but she never went berserk. Seriously, what did this woman have against lawlichurls?
She stabbed the beast until her body was coated head to toe in blood. Then she stabbed some more and more.
Collei glanced at Amber. "Is she going to be okay?"
"Probably. Let's just… let her vent a while. Hey, Mona? We…"
She found the astrologist busy tearing apart a hydro slime with her bare hands and teeth. It was not unlike a wolf devouring a deer, ripping off chunks of flesh with savage ferocity.
"I didn't know Mona hated slimes so much," said Collei. "Should we help?"
"I don't think Mona needs help."
"I meant help the slime."
Amber considered a moment. Mona eviscerated the helpless monster, her eyes deranged and wild as she growled like a beast. She chomped down where the jugular would've been on any ordinary creature. As bits of slime rolled back into her throat, she let out a savage howl.
"I. Don't. Sleep. With. SLIMES!"
Amber decided she valued her life a little too much to intervene.
The pair found comfortable seats on the grass and prepared themselves for the long, long wait.
"Wow, dad. I had no idea Aether helped around the store this much!"
Yoimiya's dad grinned as they lugged the crate into the storage. Once they put it down, he spoke in that booming voice.
"Oh yeah! That guy's always asking if he can help me! Between the two of us, I think he's got a crush on you."
"No," she gasped mockingly. "You're kidding!"
They shared a good laugh. Her dad knew all too well how much Aether liked her. The man couldn't be more approving of the match.
"Yeah," he continued. "Last month, he was asking all about your favorite fireworks and how to run the shop! I think he's looking to replace me!"
"Oh, you better watch out then! Aether can do anything he sets his mind to."
They shared another laugh. Then they got back to work. The work of fireworks shop owners was never done until everyone was smiling.
The frostflake arrow froze the hydro abyss mages solid. Ganyu whittled down those annoying pests until they died. At last she went to claim the weapon ascension materials.
It was disappointing to say the least. Oh well. She had enough condensed resin for three more rounds. She reset the challenge.
That day, every creature born of hydro learned true terror under the merciless bow of the grand secretary of Liyue.
Beidou had no idea Aether's work was this maddening. She lost count of how many ore deposits they'd farmed. Even with her whole crew, mining the chasm was taking forever.
At least they got the northern area done. She opened the list. Mining the chasm ores was only step one. They were mining everything—absolutely everything—in Teyvat.
Beidou had slain Haissan. All feared and respected her for her courage. Right now, though, her willpower was breaking.
Albert always hung around the cathedral, hoping to get a chance to see his favorite idol. Barbara sure was cute. He'd do anything to show her how much he adored her.
He arrived that morning only to find a severe purple haired woman with an eyepatch on the steps. In a single stride, she cornered him against the wall.
"Hello, Al. Care to tell me what you're doing here?"
"Oh, um… I just thought I'd see if Barbara was… I didn't mean any harm."
"Son, you're in deep trouble."
"What?! But I haven't done anything wrong!"
"The sisters say you're bothering everyone with your loitering. Rosaria tells me you've been stalking poor Barbara every day. So, let's see: loitering, stalking, harassment, anything else I missed?"
She glared levelly at the quivering man. He dared not speak.
"The sentencing would be a fine of 300,000 Mora and three months in jail. You get what I'm saying? Leave. And never show your face here again."
Albert dared not move until the officer stepped aside. He scurried away, vowing he'd never come back.
On the bright side, they didn't have to cut down any trees to actually get the wood. On the downside, they needed wood from every tree in Teyvat.
The Arataki gang had their work cut out for them. Of course, once she told them about Aether's flu, Itto and the guys swore they'd get all the wood in Teyvat.
They took wood set aside for the Yashiro Commission. Which meant she had to bail them out of prison. Again.
Whatever Aether planned to build with this stuff, it better be worth this headache.
Keqing had her subordinates harvest the qingxin, core lapis, and other items on the list. Even with all of them cooperating, it was slow going.
Why did Aether even need this much qingxin? Or core lapis? She had no idea. She let out a tiny sigh.
"Everything alright ma'am?"
She turned to a cheery Gaming who marched up the slope overlooking the transport carts.
"Ah, it's nothing. I just wish I could do more for him, that's all."
"I gotcha. But don't sweat it too much. Knowing Aether, he'll be glad for anything we can do for him."
"Yes, I suppose so. Anyways, how's the transport going?"
"Without a hiccup. We'll have it all in by noon."
"Excellent. Good work."
Gaming grinned. "No prob. So is Lady Ningguang going to sign off on this one or…"
"Miss Ningguang is… occupied with another matter. Top secret. I'll be signing the paperwork."
Sayu just wanted a nap. Why did Ayaka have to boss her around like this? She and all the other ninjas collected Sakura blossoms, Onikabuto, Lavender Melons, Ores, and everything else from a long list. As she lugged her load to the mansion, Ayaka looked up from her clipboard.
"Excellent. We're a quarter of the way to our goal."
Sayu stiffened. Only a quarter? All that work and they were barely even done? She wanted to cry.
Thoma cheerfully walked to the mansion and deposited his haul. Then with a cheerful whistle, he went back to the fields. She cursed him, cursed him and all tall people like him who had to act all happy about work.
Ayaka snapped her fingers. "Come on, we've got work to do!"
"That's the last of the specters," said Clorinde with a slight yawn. Her companions Aloy and Fischl scooped up the plunder and put it into their already stuffed knapsacks.
"Cool," said Aloy. "What next?"
"Next we must vanquish the foul ronin that doth plague this nation."
"Miss Fischl is correct," said Clorinde. "The kairagi have hand guards that we must collect."
Fischl blinked in amazement. "Wait, you… understood me?"
"Of course. Your manner of speech is quite familiar to me. I've dabbled in roleplaying games."
"R-roleplaying?! How dare ye besmirch mine honor."
"My condolences. I meant no offense, milady. Pray, forgive my lapse of etiquette."
"Hmph. Perhaps, I shall once you properly demonstrate thy remorse."
"Hey, Shakespeare, we're burning daylight here," said Aloy. "These beasts ain't gonna hunt themselves."
Nilou and Raiden Ei were on their way to destroy their bounty when Nilou asked how the Spiral Abyss run went. The Raiden Shogun meekly admitted she destroyed the gate.
"You destroyed the Abyss?" said Nilou slack jawed.
Raiden Ei conceded an embarrassed nod.
"I grew impatient. It was difficult to concentrate when I thought of Aether unwell…"
Nilou nodded, totally understanding her point.
"I understand that. Still, the entire Abyss? Did you at least get the rewards before…?"
"The… rewards?"
"For beating the Abyss."
Dread filled her expression. Ei broke into a sprint so powerful it created a sonic boom. Several trees flew from the soil and rained upon the forest creatures. Wind buffeted her, hurling up legions of leaves and shroomboars. Nilou held her headpiece down until the wind abated.
Her ears were ringing. Her legs trembled. She needed a minute to collect her breath. Even then, she couldn't stop knocking her knees. Geeze. Ei always seemed so cute when she fawned over cakes and dango. After all their tea parties together, Nilou kind of forgot the woman was literally a god.
With her companion gone, it seemed she'd be alone on this mission. Only a minute of walking and she found their bounty. The Ruin Drake lied immobile on the ground, flattened one of the many trees that Ei hurled into the air.
One way to skin a cat. Now, how the heck was she going to get proof of the bounty? Nilou rummaged the site for some trophy she could show the contractor.
Troubled Liane asked for three apples. She explained that she'd been searching all day but hadn't found any.
Katarina marched exactly ten steps to a conspicuous apple tree.
She glanced pointedly at Liane. The woman's expression didn't shift one inch. She whacked the tree, catching exactly three falling apples. Once again, she looked rather pointedly at Liane. Nothing.
She went back and handed over the apples. After counting them, Liane nodded in satisfaction, handed her the Mora, and sprinted away.
This time, Katarina got a whole thirty steps away when she found the woman glancing through the trees.
"Hello. I'm looking for three sweet flowers but I'm not having any luck. Would you help me?"
About twenty paces south, a field of sweet flowers billowed in the wind. Liane continued searching the forest.
Katarina pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed.
"Why?" she cried. The Cryo Cincin Mage hugged her knees to her chest, sobbing.
Her companions Jean, Lynnette, and Navia were equally despondent. The Acting Grandmaster had a hollowed expression. Lynette openly cried. Poor Navia could not steady her breathing. Madame President could not feign optimism. Not this time.
They'd been at this for hours and hadn't had a single stroke of luck. Each woman had reached the end of her mental sanity.
Cryo Cincin Mage raised her fist at the crystalline tree and shrieked.
"Damn you! You and your Defense Artifact drops!"
"Traveler," growled Andrius, "Are you ready to test your skills…"
His voice trailed off when he got a good look at his opponent. Instead of Aether, it was a brown-haired girl with a flower hat, sparkling eyes, and a polearm. Andrius stared.
"Can I help you?"
"Aether's not well, so I'm subbing in for him today!"
"Is he coming later or…?"
"Nope. Just me."
The wolf blinked. He took a good look at this lady. Despite her slight build, he sensed remarkable fortitude. Judging by the Pyro Vision on her hip and the polearm she twirled around, she knew how to handle herself in a fight. Even so, he didn't feel right beating up a girl.
"Go home, kid."
The girl didn't budge. He flashed his fangs, aiming to scare her away. No reaction.
"Look, if I give you the daily rewards, will you please leave?"
Hu Tao let out a chuckle, one that sent a chill down Andrius. Her flowery eyes leveled on his mercilessly as a villainous smile crossed her cheeks. She began walking ever so slowly towards him.
"Oh no, no, you misunderstand," she said. "I'm not just here for my boyfriend. I'm here for work."
"For…work?"
"Nobody overstays their time in the land of the living. I help them to their final resting place. Of course, some people don't get that. They go and decide, 'ooo, I'll defy the laws of nature and live on as a spirit.' Now, that just butters my biscuits. Everyone has to go when it's their time. Even the gods."
Her polearm erupted into flames. With a broad, cheerful smile and a spear billowing crimson cinders, the girl charged.
"Time to cross over, Old Yeller!"
Andrius yelped in alarm. The wolf took off running, with Hu Tao in close pursuit.
Rosaria would've preferred any other job over this one. Seriously? They couldn't have chosen a worse person. Yoimiya should be doing this, not her.
Before her lay a building: The Pervases Orphanage.
"I can't do this," she said.
Her companion, one Barbara Pegg, ignored her completely and dragged her to the entrance. A matron greeted them and invited them inside.
Countless rugrats scurried about, playing with toys and coloring books. They got one look of Barbara's smile and flocked to her like puppies.
The pop star had no problem playing around with the kids. They adored her and she them. Rosaria stood at a distance, feeling uneasy.
While Barbara gave the kids horsey rides, Rosaria stewed in silence. This must be what an ordinary childhood was like.
"Miss Rosaria?"
She turned to the homely matron who shuffled up to her side. The saccharine smile made her nauseous. Still, she politely acknowledged the woman as per decorum.
"Something I can do for you?"
The matron smiled. "I was just wondering if you'd like to meet some of the kids."
"I don't think that's a good idea."
"Oh don't worry. Kids can be very open minded."
The matron nodded across the room. "They're always so happy when Aether comes to visit."
"He visits often?"
"Every week."
Rosaria chuckled. That sure sounded like him.
"Between you and me," said the matron, "I think he'd be a wonderful father. He's always asking about adoption and the like. Sweet man."
Rosaria paused. "How long has he been visiting?"
"Ever since five months ago."
Five months ago… that was when they had their date, when she told him about her problem. He said that he didn't care, and that they could always adopt.
A warm sensation billowed in her chest.
Mustering up her confidence, she crossed the threshold and went to play with the kids.
Jeht had visited Gurabad countless times by now, both as a mercenary and as Aether's friend. Solemnly, she crossed the ruins, holding a bouquet laced with a falcon's feather and laid the flowers before the tomb.
The desert sun weighed heavy on her shoulders. She felt obligated to say something, anything for Aether's lost love. Tadhla deserved that much.
"Hey," she said. "Aether couldn't make it today so I came. You probably remember me by now, I guess."
Off to a great start. A desert bum like her had no business making eulogies.
Still, she had to try.
"We never really talked much. Did we? Um, your old man tried having me killed a while ago. So…"
This wasn't working.
With a sigh, Jeht turned her eyes to the sky. The deep blue curtain hung over the sands, forever beyond reach.
"I hope you can see him from wherever you are now. I hope you know he'll be okay. May your soul be at peace in the Eternal Oasis."
She clasped her hands, offering a solemn prayer to her Tannit tribe mate.
Sucrose enjoyed her visit to the Fontaine Research Institute. Learning about the sciences of Fontaine proved truly. She got to spend a whole day with the scientists, discussing technology, bioalchemy, and all manner of scientific inquiry. By the end of it, she half considered relocating her lab here.
That being said, they gave her a ton of basic tasks. Cleaning up a study, bringing them boxes of materials, and filing reports. But the weirdest thing to her: these people were obsessed with using science to improve their Fonta.
More than half the projects involved that stinking fizzy drink. Not to improving the guardameks or to fixing the disrupted gravity that created suspended water cubes, but to a subpar fizzling drink. Why? Why did they decide that this should be their priority? The nation clearly had urgent issues worth addressing. The budget would be better spent on a number of projects.
One look at the accounting records told her everything. The Institute had several sponsors, and a certain beverage producing company just so happened to be their most generous sponsor.
Of course, she sighed. Before the sciences, the money.
Dori had been going through the ledger books when she noticed Aether missed one of his payments. He had a semiannual payment due last week.
If it were anyone else, she'd be furious. But Aether was a different story. He was after all, her little apprentice. The poor man worked himself half to death. That work ethic she deeply admired.
Dori searched the balance books, trying to remember what Aether owed her for. At last, she found the journal entry. He asked her for several wedding rings, each customized for his ladies.
Ah, she remembered that little request fondly. To think, her little apprentice had become a man. Dori's first love would always be the mighty Mora, but she took immense pride knowing he trusted her with something this important.
She'd given him a discount naturally, on the condition that she be a guest of honor at his wedding. He offered an advance down payment on the condition she keep his secret. That only sweetened the deal for her.
Well, she could delay the payment a little bit longer. Aether never missed his payments. No sense in pressing a reliable client yet. As she adjusted the cash to revenues balance, she scarcely paid attention to the rain pelting her window. If she had glanced even once, perhaps, she would've seen the fortress flying straight towards the palace.
By the time its shadow stretched across her home, Dori was deep in balance sheets. Thunder rumbled outside, but she scarcely noticed. Her subordinate ran and screamed in a panic, as kitsune lightning scorched the palace. Dori couldn't be bothered.
The thing that finally broke her trance?
The doors flew open. In marched the Tianquan and the Lady Guji, straight to her desk. Ningguang and Yae Miko leered down, pure contempt in their eyes.
The merchant had a good sense for danger. When you worked in business, you had to recognize a dangerous investment whenever you saw it. And this was dangerous. She had to mind her step.
"Um, hello. Can I help you?"
Yae Miko chuckled in a way that didn't sound even slightly amused. Sharp, mirthless, with a slight shake of her head. Ningguang smiled an unfriendly, cold smile.
"We took a look at Aether's finances," said the Tianquan.
"Tubby keeps detailed records of his financial transactions," added Yae Miko. "Very detailed."
Ningguang slammed papers onto the merchant's desk.
"Care to explain," she said icily, "why Aether will be making you semiannual annuity payments for the next five years?"
"Oh, well you see, he paid me for something. That's all."
Ningguang picked up the records and slowly paced the room.
"Let's see, first installment of one million as a down payment along with payments to the amount of two hundred thousand twice a year. What, pray tell, could be so expensive?"
Dori hesitated. On one hand, she did not want to piss off these women. On the other hand, if she spilled the beans that would ruin the surprise, and she'd forfeit her down payment. Curses. She didn't want to lose that down payment.
"Sorry, we signed a nondisclosure agreement so um… I can't tell you."
With a tightlipped smile, Miko drummed her fingers on the desk. Her eyes scanned the little merchant like a police officer waiting for their suspect to surrender a full confession. Ningguang twisted her mouth into a sneer.
Dori glanced between the two of them, trying to comprehend their hostility. Why were they getting so worked up over this? It didn't make sense. Unless…
Oh gods. They thought she was extorting Aether.
"H-hold on," she said, "this is a perfectly legitimate deal! If you don't believe me, just ask Aether!"
"Aether's a good man," said Ningguang. "But he doesn't speak the language of business like we do. All those loopholes, all those hidden back payments, and unreasonable secret charges."
"True," added Miko. "As I understand, you can be quite the schemer, little one."
"Come on! I'm a merchant, but that doesn't mean I'm heartless! I don't scam people."
Miko responded, "Kaveh begs to differ."
"Okay, I don't scam most people," said Dori. "But I didn't scam Aether, I swear!"
"Oh? Then enlighten us," said Ningguang holding out the financial records.
"I can't."
The Tianquan clicked her tongue in disapproval. Outside, the Jade Chamber's canons activated. A bolt struck the nearby cliffside, hurling up dirt and gravel. Dori took in that smoldering crater with a horrible sinking sensation in her stomach.
"Please," she said. "I really can't tell you. Aether would be so upset if you found out."
"Because he doesn't want to involve us in his problems, we know," said Miko. "Unfortunately, neither he nor you have any say in the matter now."
"No, he'd be upset because it would ruin the surprise!"
"What? The surprise of how you're robbing him blind, you heartless midget?"
Dori flinched. Heartless midget? Is that what they thought of her? Incensed, she puffed out her chest just a hair.
"Listen you! I'm a merchant, and I protect my clients' privacy! So, raze my palace to the ground—I don't care! The Great Dori will never betray the trust of her little apprentice."
Ningguang and Yae Miko went silent. Nobody moved.
Gradually, the horror of her situation fell upon Dori. These women were more than capable and more than willing to bring her down. They had control of Liyue's entire army. Ningguang's invisible hand affected all markets across Teyvat. And she just told them to go to hell.
"P-please, I'm sorry… I didn't…"
The women studied her in silence. Her whole life flashed before her eyes.
At last, Yae Miko surrendered an ever so slight smile. An unspoken message passed between the mighty women. Ningguang regarded Dori with something almost akin to respect.
Then their eyes hardened.
"One week," said Miko. "If Aether doesn't tell us about this so-called secret by then…we'll return. And not even the General Mahamatra will save you."
Ningguang and Yae Miko departed on the Jade Chamber, which flew back to Liyue. Little Dori sat in her desk, shivering and afraid. Sumeru's richest merchant did not sleep for many, many nights.
A week later, Dori would receive a letter from Ningguang and Miko. In it, they apologized for their impropriety the previous week. Having learned of this secret from Aether, they understood Dori's insistence on confidentiality. Ningguang generously offered financial compensation to pay for damages they had caused.
This time, Dori didn't say no.
The girls lied about the Serenitea Pot, utterly defeated and exhausted. Even the indomitable Ei reclined wearily on the couch. One day—just one day in Aether's shoes and they were beyond exhausted.
Paimon floated nearby, taking stock of their work for the day.
"Well, you got everything done. Good job."
Navia glanced up. Her eyes blurry with fatigue.
"If I see another decent Artifact ruined by the Defense stat, I'm going to lose my mind."
Katarina snorted. "At least you didn't put up with an oaf who can't see an apple tree three inches from her stinking face."
"So… much… ore…" groaned Beidou.
Amber massaged her forehead. "Seriously Paimon, does Aether do this every day?"
"More or less."
Jean shook her head. "And he thinks I work too hard."
"How does he do this?" asked Lisa. "Day after day after day?"
"Paimon asked him that once. He said, 'Whenever I get tired, I just think of all the girls smiling. Their love keeps me going through anything. I want them all to know just how much I love them.'"
Silence.
One by one, the girls got back up. All that exhaustion just poofed, vanished.
Their eyes burned with passionate fire, ready to take on another hard day's work for their man. Paimon could only roll her eyes. These girls could do anything when it came to Aether.
They all left to get a good night's rest so they could tackle tomorrow's workload. Meanwhile, Paimon had to deal with the fallout of their actions. They got everything done, sure. But they also got restraining orders from Ella Musk, Draff, and Neuvillette. Paimon sensed she'd be writing many more apology letters over the coming days.
Sure enough, Paimon penned many such letters, including a rather lengthy apology to a certain wolf god who had been chased around Teyvat by what he described as, "a wicked exorcist bent on my destruction." He would never lift the restraining order.