Edited by: Priapus

– Lisa –

Although she knew this was necessary, she still felt very guilty for what she was doing to Jean. The poor woman had been struggling in her position even before Crimson had shown up, having to live up to Varka's expectation when she took his place as the Grandmaster until he returned to Mondstadt.

And for the most part, Jean had been doing an excellent job. Even though she'd needed the Traveler's help in dealing with Stormterror, it was only natural, seeing how thinly spread out the knights were. Everything else was taken care of skillfully.

That incident seemed to have made her significantly more paranoid and anxious because her handling of Crimson was anything but competent. Lisa understood why; she truly did. Even she'd been fooled and toyed with by that devil.

But that didn't help Jean's case at all. She was so irrationally terrified of Crimson that she wouldn't even entertain the idea of having any sort of dialogue with him until she knew what he was here for in fear of somehow provoking him, thinking that, like most the dragons of this world, he too was a monster controlled by rage.

Even though, by that same logic, he should've already been angered by Eula's constant demands and the stupid amount of soldiers following him nearly everywhere he went. Jean ignored what should've been evidence of the contrary to fuel her delusions instead of admitting that she was wrong.

It may be for a good cause, wanting to protect the home she loved with all her heart, but this was not healthy for her or Mondstadt. They were fortunate that Crimson was as amiable as he was.

Lisa glanced up from her book at the unconscious and bedridden Jean, saw a worried Klee sitting next to her on the verge of crying, and then sighed to herself. And now, the woman had finally collapsed from exhaustion. No thanks to her, of course, but honestly? It was for the best.

She was suffering from a minor fever, but that was to be expected. After so many sleepless nights of paranoia, seeing how she refused to rest out of dreading night terrors and delusionally thinking Crimson was waiting for her to drop her guard to strike, it was only a matter of time before her body failed her. Lisa only accelerated the process last night, going along with Crimson's 'idea' at the same time.

She couldn't see his vision. Or rather, she didn't think it would work, as confident as he was. A dragon who was looking for 'wives'? Would Jean really believe something that simple? But the way he put it, with how desperate she was for an answer…

It could maybe work, but Lisa still wasn't convinced. However, he was so adamant about having Jean 'figure it out' herself instead of any of them telling her. Which made sense— Jean didn't trust anyone in that state. Only herself. Thinking she was the only one capable of stopping Crimson.

Although she mostly worried for her dear friend as Lisa stared at her sleeping form, she couldn't help but feel a modicum of resentment. A lot of their problems could've been solved if Jean wasn't an idiot. Had she actually talked to Crimson and come to understand him a little more personally, then none of these current problems would've existed. Lisa wouldn't have been pregnant with a child she had never wanted.

But it wasn't fair to blame her for this. None of them had known that would happen, and had Lisa been a little more careful, she might've been able to avoid a lot of these problems herself.

Though, that didn't account for Jean losing her mind.

Lisa admittedly felt a little surprised by herself. She was having a child, and the most she was feeling at the moment was mere frustration when she was supposed to be the one losing her mind right now. Sure, she was horrified when she first learned of it, but now? Well, it was still a problem, but it felt more like an annoyance than anything life-changing.

…Was she looking forward to it? Had she wanted a child? Was it because it was the offspring of a literal dragon god? Or was it Crimson's promise of getting rid of her curse that overshadowed the hysteria she should be experiencing? She didn't understand. Nor did she care, honestly. She knew she was lucky that she wasn't going insane from terror at the moment. Lisa wasn't going to question it.

She had never heard of a pregnancy that required her magic for sustenance. It was becoming harder and harder to use said magic for anything else. Maybe that was why she only felt mild annoyance.

And from what she could tell, it was speeding up the pregnancy. A nine-month endeavor would last half as long at this rate. At least she had that going for her.

Lisa still hated the fact that it drained her magic. It made her feel lightheaded.

Speaking of lightheadedness…

As she heard a knock on the door of Jean's room, Lisa winced, the noise feeling much louder than it was supposed to be. This also caught Klee's attention as she got off Jean's bed and rushed to the door before either of them knew who was outside.

She opened the door, revealing Crimson holding a bouquet of dandelions. Klee gasped in surprise and joy as she saw her 'bestest friend' walk in, giving her a friendly smile. The little girl leaped at him excitedly, clearly feeling much better in his presence than hers.

Lisa's eyes twitched as she spotted the bouquet. This son of a bitch…

"Crim-Crim!" She giggled. "Klee missed you soooooo much!"

Lisa, however, didn't share the Spark Knight's excitement, already feeling the incoming headache as she sighed deeply. Now, why was he here? To mock them? It was too early for his bullshit. And didn't he have some kind of date with Eula right now?

He's lucky that Jean was still out cold. If she was awake and saw him visiting, she'd probably lose her mind for real. Unless he visited knowing she was asleep? That was perhaps the case. Whatever it was, he was likely here to be annoying.

Lisa wasn't happy that she was getting used to it.

Nonetheless, she observed them silently, wanting to know why Klee liked him so much. To become her friend was easy enough, but her bestest friend? The only person she called bestest beside Crimson was Varka himself.

"I missed Klee too." He said in a soft tone Lisa had never heard before, giving the older woman a quick glance. "Has my favorite friend been good?"

"Mhm…" Klee's smile dropped. "Even though Klee was mad at her, she listened to Jean. She ate her veggies and did her homework and–and she didn't make any trouble. Klee was being a very good girl."

"Was she?"

"Mhm."

"Is Klee worried about Jean?"

Klee nodded as tears began gathering in the corner of her eyes.

"K-Klee said mean things to Jean when she told her that she couldn't play with Crimson anymore," Klee responded with a shaking voice. "Is this Klee's fault? M-maybe if Klee didn't yell…"

The Spark Knight's tiny hands trembled as she quietly wept. The scene broke Lisa's heart, knowing how hard it was for the girl. While the illness wasn't anything life-threatening and didn't warrant such a strong reaction, the regret Klee felt was palpable.

Obviously, the girl had no hand in Jean collapsing, but she didn't know that.

"Oh, Klee. There's no reason to cry." Crimson got on one knee to address the girl properly, gently patting her head and wiping her tears. "Of course, it's not your fault."

"It's not?" Klee blinked.

"You were hurt because Jean forbade you from seeing your friend. It's only natural to feel frustrated. I'm sure she understands." He explained, soothing the girl. "Poor Jean was just working too hard to keep her loved ones safe. That's all."

"Really?"

"Yes." He said. "So how about when she wakes up, you give her this to show how much you love her? I'm sure she'll feel much better when she sees it."

He handed the bouquet of flowers to Klee, who accepted it with a big smile before she embraced him tightly. Crimson returned the hug and ruffled her hair, making the girl giggle. All the while, Lisa watched the exchange in silence, not sure what to make of it. For an all-powerful, arrogant, and hedonistic asshole, he was surprisingly good with children.

Lisa found this to be strangely attractive.

She shook that thought out of her head, feeling a little red on the face that she'd even think that way at all, then got up from her seat.

"Crimson," Lisa said, prompting him to look at her. "May I have a word with you outside?"

"Of course." He nodded before addressing Klee. "And here's a little gift for my favorite person. Be good and listen to your seniors, alright?"

Crimson handed her a fistful of wrapped candy, all caramel-flavored, which was her favorite, prompting her big grin to widen even more.

"Klee promises to be the best girl ever!" She giggled. "Thank you, Crim-Crim! Klee loves you lots!"

With that, Crimson stood back up and exited the room with Lisa, closing the door behind them and leaving Klee alone with the sleeping Jean. Lisa glared at the asshole dragon god, who blinked in confusion.

"What's wrong? I didn't upset you, did I?"

This bastard. The audacity to ask that with a straight face. Was he ridiculing her? She was so tempted to tell him about the pregnancy to see his reaction, but Lisa still wasn't sure if that was the right move. She didn't know he'd react, and that scared her.

"Is there no limit to your mockery?" She asked.

"While the answer to that would be a resounding 'yes', I'm not sure I understand." He said.

"Coming in here with a bouquet of dandelions to gift the 'Dandelion Knight'?" Lisa's eyes narrowed. "Hilarious."

"That's what this is about?" Crimson looked surprised and amused. "Well, that wasn't my intention. I remember Klee telling me dandelions were Jean's favorite flowers."

She knew he was lying. He was just acting ignorant to annoy her further.

Dick.

"To be honest, I didn't even know that was one of her titles." He added. "Though, it would've been funny if that were the purpose of my visit. But no, I came here for a real reason."

Lisa was about to ask him what he meant before he pulled a small vial filled with a light green liquid from his pocket and gave it to her.

"What's this?" She asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Medicine for Jean." He replied. "It can cure minor ailments a few hours after it's consumed. Give it to her when she wakes up."

"I've never seen anything like this before," Lisa stated, giving him a strange look. "Where did you find this?"

"I made it." He answered

That made her pause.

"You know how to make medicine?" She was surprised.

"I did not learn voluntarily, I can assure you." He snorted. "My twin sister drilled the knowledge into my head, saying something about it being an essential survival skill even though I can use my magic to cure any disease anyway. Though, I suppose it ended up being useful after all."

Lisa stared at the vial of medicine, then looked at him suspiciously.

"I don't trust you." She said. "What did you put in it? Is it really medicine?"

"What else would it be?" He raised an eyebrow. "I don't know what kind of impression you have of me, but I'm not going to have sex with someone who's ill."

…That was very fair.

"Fine." She sighed. "I'm glad you're taking responsibility for once."

"You're starting to sound like my mother." He remarked with a light chuckle. "I'll be off now. Eula seemed so very excited to show me something, and I've kept her waiting long enough. Tell Jean I said hi."

"I won't." She scowled. "Just leave already."

"Alright, alright. I was only teasing you." Crimson chuckled. "I'll see you soon."

With a wave, the bastard dragon walked away, exiting the Knight's HQ and leaving Lisa, almost regretting missing a second opportunity to tell him about their child, but she was still unsure. How he could react scared her, and she wasn't going to risk her or the baby's life.

But seeing how he treated Klee, maybe he wasn't as bad as Lisa thought. He didn't seem… 'fake' when he was interacting with the Spark Knight.

Maybe he did have a heart.

– Crimson –

"You're late," Eula says with a glare as I glide down. "Again."

"My apologies," I respond, landing on the snowy ground at the foot of the great mountain. "I thought I'd visit the Grandmaster and wish her well, seeing the state she was in. It's unfortunate how she was still asleep when I came in."

Not. If she was awake and she saw me coming in, she would lose her mind completely. I visited knowing she was unconscious. Otherwise, I would've just given Lisa the medicine in secret. I have no intention of ruining all the effort I've put in, as funny as that would be as it would also drive Lisa insane, but I'm a man of my word.

I imagine that by tomorrow morning, if Lisa doesn't mess up, Jean will be mine. Seeing how I've mostly interacted with women, the idea of a dragon looking for wives, concubines, or whatever else doesn't sound as far-fetched as one might think.

Women of power or prestige convey the idea that a dragon would want a powerful wife, which is true even in my case. True, I have 'married' before, but I've never taken it seriously. It was more me playing pretend. Once I got bored, I'd just erase any trace of my existence and leave.

Certainly not something that would impress my mother, but if she never intervened. Besides, If I were to marry someone for real, I wouldn't want an easy catch. I want someone who's worthy to stand by my side.

Although that is primarily instinctual. If she's endearing, attractive, and can handle me at my most annoying, then she is a worthy wife in my eyes.

…Huh, isn't it funny that Lisa fulfills all three prerequisites? Granted, it's under the threat of her friend going insane and/or her kingdom being wiped off the map, but she has potential.

"And you think she'd be grateful for you?" The blue-haired captain scoffs. "She'd have an aneurysm if she knew you were anywhere near her."

Her as well. I love her feistiness.

"True." I chuckle. "Though let's be fair, it's not entirely my fault."

Eula doesn't deny it, huffing and picking up the supply backpack that is next to her.

"Please, let me," I say, offering to carry the backpack for her.

"I'm fine, thanks." She denies. "I can carry it myself."

"Of that, I'm sure," I respond. "But I assume it'll take us a while to arrive wherever we're going, yes?"

Eula's nods.

"Then I insist. It's my duty as a gentleman."

She hesitates for a moment, but with a sigh, she relents, handing me the backpack.

"Fine." She huffs before taking the lead.

I'm still not sure where we're going, but with all this, I assume we might be spending the whole day in the mountains. She seemed excited about showing me whatever we were going to do.

We continue our trek on Dragonspine in silence, and for the most part, nothing interesting happens. I've already wiped out most monsters in this area, so there are no distractions on the road, and Eula seems to avoid conversations.

For what reason, I'm unsure. Though, I can guess. I imagine she's embarrassed remembering our first date and is too awkward to hold even a casual conversation. We're not in a duel that could distract her, so she's stuck alone with her thoughts.

And although the silence for her is unbearably awkward, I personally find it the opposite. While there isn't anything to do, I like the cold weather, and the view looks nice. Taking a nap here would be nice, I think.

"So then—" I start, wanting to break the ice. For her sake. "Care to tell me where you're taking us?"

"Stop being so impatient." She scolds in an attempt to shut me down. "You'll see soon enough. It's a surprise."

"Is it? I love surprises." I say, showing a little excitement. "Though, a date in the mountains, hmm? I never thought you were so adventurous."

"It's not a date." She denies it with a growl. "And stop making it sound so weird. My code of honor demands that I must repay you for defending me that night. If not for that, I would've kicked you out of Mondstadt."

"And I must say that I'm grateful you haven't." I nod in gratitude. "I would've missed you dearly."

My heartfelt attempt at flirting makes Eula's face grow redder than a tomato as she struggles to respond, stammering a few words out before clamping her mouth shut. Hearing my laughter, she grounds out a reply.

"Stop teasing me." She mutters softly. "It's embarrassing…"

She's so adorable it's not good for my heart.

Unfortunately for her, the teasing will not stop.

"Heh, I'm sorry. I can't help it when your reactions are so precious." I respond, noticing how comfortable she's becoming. "Though, I do mean it. I enjoy your company very much."

"…You mean you never found me annoying?" She suddenly asks.

"Of course not," I say. "I've already told you; I don't care if you're a Lawrence."

"That's not what I mean." She shakes her head. "It's just… I know how pushy I can be. You can't tell me you've never felt irked whenever I demanded a duel."

I've dealt with much worse.

"On the contrary—" I wink at her. "I love it when a woman is assertive."

"You're so annoying." Still not used to my flirting, Eula scoffs and quickens her pace, trying to hide her smile behind a fake expression of irritation. "How can you say all of that with a straight face?"

"It's a skill," I answer, noticing that we're entering a cave on the side of the mountain instead of climbing higher. "Is this where you wanted to take me?"

That didn't take as long as I expected. It was only a little over an hour, though it only felt like a few minutes.

"Yes." She confirms, leading me through the tight, stony corridors of the cavern. "It's deeper inside."

Although it is dark, Eula seems to know this place like the back of her hand, easily navigating the narrow, confusing passageways as light shines deeper within. Eventually, we stop at the edge of the path, where an enormous, open space glows and glitters with colorful crystals on every surface. Below us, next to a small wooden shack, is a large crystal-clear pond surrounded by smaller ones, steam coming off them.

How come I've never found this while exploring? This is amazing.

"A healing spring," I comment, feeling very pleased. "You were right— this is a surprise."

"You know what this is?" Eula looks at me in surprise.

"Of course." I nod as the memories rush in. "They exist in many other worlds. In fact, my homeworld has a few."

I will never forget the first time I've been in one. They were scarce in the world I grew up in, and even when the clan found one, they were exclusive for higher-ups only. That did not include me until I climbed up the ranks and proved myself as my mother's general.

Nepotism is not in her vocabulary. Either you worked well and hard for what you wanted, or you got nothing.

"Good. Then I don't have to explain what it is." She says. "Amber and I found this during an expedition last year. We decided to keep it a secret between us."

"And you're sharing that secret with me?" I glance at her in surprise. "I'm deeply touched."

"Don't get ahead of yourself." Eula scoffs adorably, twirling a lock of her hair. "As I already told you, I'm only paying my debt. Also, if you tell anyone about this place, I'll destroy you."

"I'll carry that secret to my grave," I say with a smile.

I get to enjoy quality time with a beautiful woman in a healing spring? The only things that need to be added are a good drink and some snacks, and no pleasure in this mortal coil could ever top this.

Today is going to be a fantastic day for sure.

– Eula –

She had no idea what she was doing.

As she held her wrapped towel closely to her chest, her face burned red while she stared at her neatly folded clothes on one of the beds inside the wooden shack, realization slowly dawning on her before she silently cursed herself.

Ever since yesterday, when she had finally defeated that aggravating rascal, she had been asking herself why she hadn't just told him to leave Mondstadt and never come back. Crimson had seemed utterly surprised that she had decided to change her demand abruptly. As Eula herself was.

The opportunity to ensure Mondstadt's safety and to get this bastard dragon out of here was right there within her very grasp. Solely for her to let go. What was she thinking? Even Eula didn't know. She only knew that the thought of possibly not seeing him again made her feel awful.

It made her stomach twist and turn, and she didn't understand why. Wasn't that what she wanted? Why did she hesitate even though she had the perfect chance to rid themselves of a possible threat? She knew Crimson was going to comply because he was ready to leave despite looking sad and gloomy.

But that was when she felt terrible. When Eula saw how dejected he looked about leaving, it made her feel genuine remorse. For Crimson. Why and how? Sure, he might not be as bad as she'd expected when they had their first duel, but he was still a thug who needed to be kicked out of their kingdom.

To make matters even worse, she didn't just spare him from exile, but she also decided to show him one of her greatest secrets as well. What the hell was Eula thinking? Crimson of all people? Seriously? She hadn't even spoken about this place to Jean.

Did Eula like him now? Even that idea didn't sound so terrible anymore. Was she going insane? This was his fault. He was making her feel this way with his gross dragon magic. He was doing something to her that made her view him in a better light day by day.

She would have vengeance one day. That was a promise.

Eula shook her head, working up the courage to exit the shack. She saw Crimson already enjoying himself inside the healing spring, drinking some of the wine she had brought with her. Like a child in a candy store, once they got down, he set the backpack aside, grabbed a towel, took his clothes off, and jumped in almost immediately.

He didn't even bother properly folding his clothes or taking them off inside the shack as if he had been looking for this ever since he'd shown up in Teyvat. Did he have no shame? Was he seriously that excited about this?

Eula didn't know why, but that made her feel a little pleased.

After a moment of hesitation, she took a deep breath, masked her immense embarrassment, and then addressed him.

"Already helping yourself, I see?" She scoffed. "Couldn't even wait for me. How boorish."

And now here she was, alone with him in a secret healing spring chasm within Dragonspine that nobody knew about. All because she felt a little bad for him. Everything that led up to this moment was because she'd lost to him in a duel, and her extreme stubbornness and pride made her refuse total defeat.

It came as a shock to her that she didn't seem to be feeling any regret.

"You were taking too long, I'm afraid." He answered, turning his head to look at her. "I have to say, though, you know how to relax. I see myself falling in love more and more."

"Don't be ridiculous." Eula slowly approached, dipping her foot in the warm water before submerging herself in the magical spring, prompting a sigh of relief and comfort. "Gods, you're so annoying."

"Am I?" Crimson asked with a chuckle. "Is that why you're sitting so far away from me?"

Indeed, the distance Eula made between them was large enough to fit five other people, but where else was she supposed to sit? Next to him? With towels being the only thing preventing total skin-to-skin contact, it was too embarrassing.

"T-that's right." She nodded with a stutter. "You should be thankful I'm entertaining this idea at all. I'm certain someone as vulgar as you would be excited seeing my exposed shoulders."

Even though this had been her idea, to begin with, that was beside the point. She knew his secrets and how… obscene he could be. He could hide it behind that gentlemanly facade all he wanted, but Eula knew better. She knew what he was up to, what he'd been doing with other women—Lisa, the bard chick, and even Amber. He was a womanizing bastard who only thought with his private parts.

Though, for some inexplicable reason, Eula didn't find that trait of his that bad.

To be fair, it's not like he owed her his loyalty, right? Poking her nose in his love life sounded too far even for her.

"Ouch. And here I am, trying to be as well-mannered as possible." He responded, taking a sip of wine from his wooden cup. "Though seeing that I'm so vulgar, then you'll have to pour a cup for yourself. You wouldn't want me sullying your drink, no?"

Eula paused, seeing him grab the expensive bottle sitting on the surface behind him.

"Speaking of, you've got yourself a great catch here." He adds with a smirk, waving the bottle in front of her. "Too bad I'll have to enjoy it by myself."

Her jaws clenched as she saw him pour himself another cup, realizing her mistake. That bottle was rare and highly expensive. Fontaine wine that was aged for over sixty years and only sold to noble families and royalty.

She'd even 'borrowed' it from her parent's estate because nobody wanted to 'waste' it, which she used to find endlessly frustrating. It was a drink! You're supposed to drink it and not save it for some stupid party that was never going to happen because the entire world hates you!

Those idiots would probably never notice it was gone.

With a silent groan, Eula scooted closer, growing more embarrassed until she was within arm's length.

"Oh, I didn't expect you to fold so quickly." He commented, making her fists clench. "Don't tell me alcohol is your weakness too?"

"Just shut up and pour me a cup." She snapped.

Crimson simply laughed and did as she told him, grabbing the other cup and filling it before handing it to her. Eula snatched the cup off his hand and took a big gulp. It tasted much better than she expected, and she felt almost all her worries and awkwardness wash away.

"It's so good~" She sighed in satisfaction. "Fontaine wine is so different from Mondstadt's. I can't get enough of it."

"It's great quality for sure." Crimson agreed. "You should see the alcohol where I come from. One of the most advanced and diverse industries, spearheaded by yours truly."

"You know how to make alcohol?" Eula raised a brow at him.

"It's one of my greatest talents." He boasted. "Why, if I genuinely wanted to, I could build the largest empire in Teyvat and subsequently conquer the world with the use of alcohol alone."

"Yeah, sure." She scoffed. "You're all talk."

"I've done it before, you know." He grinned.

"I'm sure you have." Eula rolled her eyes before pausing. "…What's it like there?"

"Hm?"

"You never talk about your home." She clarified. "And I'm curious. You come from an entirely different world."

"Ahh. Well, if I compare it to Teyvat, the first thing that comes to mind is the difference in technological advancements." He said. "Flying vehicles, space travel, teleportation— anything you could think of, we've already created."

"Such a snobbish claim to be making." Eula frowned, taking a sip of her wine. "Are you really telling the truth?"

"Are you saying I'm only trying to impress you?" Crimson tilted his head at her. "Yes, I am speaking the truth. There are countless talented engineers with even more years of experience working for the clan's benefit."

"Hmm…" She hummed. "And what about everything else? People, cultures, laws…"

"Our laws are fair, and the people are as happy as they could be." He said. "Though, when it comes to culture, I think it's safe to assume that it's somewhat similar to Inazuma. A little different in how some things are managed, though."

"How so?"

"Well, unlike them— or rather, unlike Teyvat as a whole, we're not separated by regions with different rulers. All are controlled by the Ama Clan, whose high court of powerful and influential figures operates everything. Before her retirement, only one person had absolute power over our world."

"And that is?"

"My mother," Crimson said cheekily. "So technically speaking, you're in the company of a prince. How does that make you feel?"

"You could've fooled me." Eula was unfazed as she smiled at him. "You don't act like one at all."

"Haha, fair enough. I've been told that many times." Crimson laughed, pouring her more wine. "I never concern myself with politics or rule anyway. I leave all the complicated and boring things to my siblings."

She could imagine that for sure. With how he only seemed to care about his own pleasure, a responsible Crimson never crossed her mind. Eula began to find value in that, strangely enough. Not that she thought being lazy was any good, but to be so free and unburdened?

She felt envious.

That only became more true as their conversation continued. She wanted to know what it was like to live for herself, to stop caring about who her family might be and what others might think of her, and actually have a life for once—free of guilt.

A few more minutes of Crimson talking about his strange homeworld and stranger family passed as Eula grew more comfortable in his presence. It made her realize that this was the first time they had a normal conversation about ultimately trivial things to enjoy themselves.

Slowly, Eula's frustrated facade began to wear down. She gave back to the conversation, smiled more frequently, and even laughed at some of his jokes and claims about his siblings, unconsciously scooting closer to him.

She didn't know if it was the alcohol that made her more amiable, but this wasn't so bad. She was only a little tipsy, and the confusing feelings that always made her mad weren't present anymore. This was an opportunity to enjoy herself without a care in the world.

Eventually, the conversation died down, which was when she noticed his arm resting over her shoulder and how close she had gotten to him, prompting her to blush deeply. Although she expected herself to push him away and scold him to watch where he was touching, Eula felt strangely relaxed at the contact. Even the silence wasn't so tense and awkward.

Though, she still felt the need to say something. So, after a moment of hesitation, she spoke.

"Were you serious back then?" She asked before quickly clarifying, putting her wooden cup away. "When you said you wanted me to travel with you."

"To Liyue, you mean?" He said. At her nod, he continued. "Of course, I was. Why would I joke about such a thing?"

"Even though you know about my responsibilities here?"

"It's ultimately to your benefit." He argued. "Besides distancing yourself from this family you hate so much, It'll help you grow in strength, experience, and character. What else could you ask for?"

Eula took a moment to process his words.

"Tell me the truth." She said, not believing him entirely.

"That is the truth."

"No, it's not." She opposed. "Or at least, it's not the whole truth. There's another reason, isn't there?"

Crimson blinked, put his cup aside, then smiled.

"I suppose I couldn't hide this forever. You're sharp enough to figure it out eventually," He responded, leaning closer. "You're right, there is another reason."

She tensed as he got closer to her.

"I want you."

"M-me?" Eula's face became redder as she tried to look away. "What do you mean?"

"I think I'm being very clear." He said, lifting her chin to stare at him properly. "I want all of you. Your heart, body, and soul."

Hearing someone telling her that so bluntly made her feel a little lightheaded from how much blood rushed to her head. And to be stared at with so much desire and want by Crimson prompted her to shiver, feeling an emotion she'd never experienced before.

"I want you to have eyes only for me. I want you to love me with your whole being," Crimson added with a whisper. "I want Eula Lawrence to be mine."

She couldn't look away from his deep red eyes even as he confessed everything. Eula didn't know if it was some spell, the way he looked at her, or those words, but she was enchanted by him. She couldn't— didn't want to push him away or tell him off for being a creep.

It was almost as if he knew exactly what to say and do to bewitch her. And Eula was utterly helpless before him. She didn't try to stop him from stealing another kiss. On the contrary, she returned the favor, passionately kissing him back as she felt their tongues intertwine.

The difference in experience was evident and vast, but Eula didn't care anymore. Her heart was pounding, and her head was spinning, drunk off this odd high as she got on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck while they continued their fervent embrace.

Eula didn't even bother fixing her towel as it dropped, pressing her soft breasts on his hard chest before breaking a line of saliva as she backed away, immediately missing the sensation on her lips.

"I-I knew it…" She said, regaining some of her composure to speak. "You were a vulgar, crass beast all along. I shouldn't have trusted you."

"Strange. Aren't you enjoying this as much as I am?"

"Shut up. This is your fault." Eula scowled, her loins burning with desire as she felt his rigid member trace over her entrance. "You made me feel this way. You better take responsibility, or else."

"Of course." Crimson chuckled. "Allow me."

With that, they continued their kissing, and this time, she felt his hardened cock spreading her insides, making her moan in pleasure and surprise. She expected it to be at least a little painful as it was her first time.

However, it was nothing but bliss as she felt him gently thrusting into her. Eula quickly matched his rhythm, loving the feeling of Crimson ravaging her insides as she panted and groaned in ecstasy.

The heavenly sensations elevated as he toyed with her breasts and butt, squeezing and kneading them to elicit more sounds of her. She inhaled sharply as she felt him gently kiss and bite her neck, demanding to make her feel better.

"More!" She panted. "Don't slow down!"

Crimson listened, standing up and carrying her outside of the warm pond, then pinning her to the wooden wall of the shack as he hastened his pace. Eula gasped and cried, feeling him spreading her apart and prompting her first orgasm as she sprayed her fluids all over the floor.

Thankfully, her partner was kind enough to give her a moment to breathe before he began pounding her again. Crimson muted her moans by kissing her again, making her eyes roll into her skull as she lost herself in the pleasure.

She had never felt anything like this before. No amount of masturbation could rival the fulfillment provided by a real partner. Emotionally and physically. Was this what she'd been missing out on?

Before long, Eula started shouting her true feelings.

"I love you!" She confessed, surprising herself. "I love you, Crimson!"

She felt him speed up as soon as she said that, eliciting a second orgasm from her. This time, it was she who initiated a kiss, trying to mimic him as he went rougher and harder until, finally, he came inside her, filling her most sacred place with his warm seed, rope after rope.

She didn't know what possessed her to let him inseminate her, but admittedly, that made her third orgasm feel much better. Clearheaded Eula would probably despair if she got herself pregnant, but mistakes happen in the heat of passion, and Aroused Eula couldn't give a fuck.

Eula trembled, still euphoric, as Crimson slowly pulled out his twitching member and pressed it on her stomach as she huffed in exhaustion, letting her stand on her own. Realizing what she had just said after recomposing herself, he lifted her chin and made her look at him, showing the tears in the corners of her eyes.

"My, oh my." He smirked. "I didn't know you reciprocated my feelings."

Instead of her usual 'Shut up. Vengeance will be mine' comment; Eula only continued staring at his eyes with a mixture of embarrassment, longing, and primal hunger. Given enough time to rest, Eula turned around and offered him her rear, not quite satisfied just yet.

"I suppose now's not the time for teasing." He said, lining up his cock before thrusting into her once again.

The moans began anew as she felt him push into her, toying with her bouncing breasts and nibbling on her nape. With what little sense she still had as Crimson pounded her into oblivion, Eula could see that there were going to be many more similar escapades if she decided to go with him on this journey.

And considering her pitiful desperation to feel someone's love — and now her newfound lust for Crimson's touch — Eula didn't stand a chance.

Maybe being his didn't sound so terrible after all.