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Chapter 23: The Law, the Spook, the Pirate

Liyue Harbor had blossomed through the years. I would say that Inazuma's newfound openness had expanded business and allowed for migration to create a stronger merchantile business in the harbor. That and the fact that new resources once thought unavailable from the Land of Eternity were providing new life to the state of affairs.

I have to admit that allowing little Lumi to go on a solo exploration run in the harbor with her cute buddies may be seen as irresponsible, but if there is one thing most would agree about Liyue was how safe it was for kids living in the harbor. Not as much for those living beyond it, but this place was safe from the worst issues of the world. And as I told the trio to not do anything silly while they were on their own, I took off to actually do the most important thing in this visit: I had to check out on a few people before they found out I was back and thought I was trying to slip past their attention.

First on the list was the safest bet I had, and the one that could, in theory, cover my ass in case things got awfully silly: a certain pirate lady that I knew was still around and thriving.

With Ningguang's rise to prominence as part of the Qixing, I knew that Dou Dou had gotten her 'keep out of jail' card which prevented her to land in any legal issues... but I could tell that also meant less smuggling and acting more like a navy commander due to her experience, skills, and ship. So, I had a few curious places to check on where she may be. I doubted it was the same old pub for it had relocated. Maybe the new location? I decided to slip by and just keep appearing as 'normal' as possible. I didn't know if I had been put on trial in absentia, I doubted NingNing would have not told me by the last letter a year ago, and I could tell that they weren't actively looking for me so...

Maybe I was really scot free. But it was best to not risk it. First, find Dou Dou and then get a clear understanding on how to get to Tao Tao and Fei Fei. I could tell where the first one may be as her family had a business and it was a rather grim one, and the latter-

"HALT!"

I froze up as I felt something like the sharp edge of a book poking at my back.

"Sampo Koski, you are under arrest! Turn around slowly so I can see you properly."

The voice felt familiar, so much familiar I almost realized who had found me before I turned around and got hit by a bone-breaking hug. Adepti strength on a very human girl.

"Fei Fei! You almost gave me a stroke."

"If I did, I wouldn't be liable for that since you are not within the medical age to suffer one," Yangfei smugly remarked, then pulled back to show her vibrant green eyes and... from a smile, her lips morphed into a scowl. "Also, you are guilty of leaving without personally telling me, you jerk."

"Stuff came up. Legal and supernatural ones."

"Oh, I am familiar with that which is why I am not too mad about it," She admitted, her smile soon back to full power. "Madam Ping told me of how you did something so unexpected that you got a lot of Adepti against you but she knows you didn't mean it."

"Well, I didn't," I argued. "In fact, I would love to tell you why I got to square up with one of Cloud Retainer's students."

That had her perking up in curiosity. "Oh? So that's why Lady Ganyu was so upset too. I guess it was like attacking family. I would be mad if you attacked Yaoyao."

"I don't know her, so I think she is... a child?"

At her nod I shrugged.

"I don't hurt normal kids. In fact, I am back because I am helping little ones too as of now."

"Hm? And what do you mean with tha-" Before Yangfei could have finished that question, we both turned to see a big ruckus exploding in front of us.

"SAMPOOOOO!" Paimon screamed in a panic as she floated as fast as Lumine was running and Mini-Durin was flying towards me. I was confused, then uneasy, and then panicking as they all impacted upon me at mach speed. I felt my spine almost breaking at their intensity- nah, being accustomed to high-paced chases made my body adaptive to kinetic energy, so I could handle it.

Yanfei, however, jumped back in surprise, wide eyes aimed at me.

"The- The little ones?"

I nodded, but I was a bit puzzled at their sudden terrified moods, especially I couldn't think of anyone that would be able to handle this sort of terror on kids-

And then... I heard something behind me. No, not something. Someone.

"Silly-churl, billy-churl," The voice creepily hummed, a tune so ghostly that I felt myself quaking in my boots. And then I felt a hand by my shoulder as the trio trembled more as I knew now the source of their despair. "Silly billy hilichurl~."

"...Hello Tao Tao."

"Only hello, Sampo-bro?" Hu Tao asked, her head tilting to the side as a murderous glint flashed from her unique pupils. "Are you not going to ask 'how are you, Tao Tao?' or 'is the weather just lovely today, Tao Tao?'"

She leaned closer, those intense eyes causing me to frown.

"Or maybe, just maybe... how about 'I am sorry I forgot to tell you I was leaving in a hurry, Tao Tao?'. I don't know, Sampo-bro, sounds like you owe me an explanation or more."

I allowed myself to gulp nervously in a faux style, slowly reaching for my pouch and fetching... two small books from Inazuma.

"How about two rare books about Inazuman Exorcism straight out of Narukami Shrine?"

Her eyes lowered to stare at the books, then back to my eyes.

"Bribing me?"

"More like bringing back some souvenirs, Tao Tao. Sweeteners for a most humble and serious conversation."

...

"Do you have something for me too?" Yanfei asked, her antlers twitching with hope.

"Obviously. I have a few books on Inazuman Laws I no longer need. You know, stuff I needed to avoid getting pulled in more political messes."

As history taught me, that didn't help me at all back then.

"Well... I accept your bribery."

"It's a sou-"

"Bribery," Hu Tao hummed, snatching the books from my hold, turning back and... walking away. "I will expect you to check the Funeral Parlour tomorrow morning. We have a lot to discuss."

...

And she was gone, ominous and all.

"She usually is not that creepy," Yanfei pointed out, and Lumine nodded as her and the rest of her little gang detached from me.

"Yeah, she was a nice big sis until we mentioned Sampo's name," The blonde pointed out, then she pouted at me. "Sampo, what did you do?"

"I did very little. Let's just say I had to leave in a hurry, and that's all I can say for now."

"Suuuure," Paimon said, eyes narrowing at me with suspicions.

Well, that's awkward. But not as awkward as feeling something wet suddenly fall over my head. A beverage, from the smell... Wine?

"Heh?! Who did that?" Yanfei gasped, looking above us and seeing just a single individual's arms hanging by the edge, an emptied glass slowly flipping back to stare up.

I reached to check the taste of the wine and... I frowned.

"Apologies, I have someone to catch up with."

Yanfei opened her mouth to ask what I meant, but she paused as I just started to climb the building itself, intending to make my way to that balcony through that method. It was an absurd way to handle a reunion, but it was also true that I had gotten struck by bad luck twice by getting found by the girls I had last in my list. I didn't intend to miss my chance with the 'safe bet' who had just poured booze over me.

Soon I was grasping at the edge of the balcony itself and-

"Took you long enough, Po Po."

I stared back at my pirate buddy, now taller, more mature, and-

"Dou Dou!" I gasped and then pounced at her, surprising her just this once as I pushed her onto the ground.

"W-What was that fo-"

"Your eye! What happened to it? Do I need to kill someone? Let me have at them! Lemme have 'em!"

Her shock turned in annoyance as I was pointing out the fact she had a cloth over left eye.

"I didn't lose any eye, you idiot. I just wanted to adapt it to darker settings when we sail at night!"

I pouted. "Also, to try be cool."

...

"Yes, and?"

"And it makes you look dumb, Dou Dou. I feel the pain many have in knowing you lost your primary source of fashion sense when I left."

"Fuck off," She shot back but... then she grinned. "That being said, I like the outfit."

"Yours isn't too shabby."

...

That's when we both exploded in chuckles.

Ah yes, the banter! I MISSED THIS!

And I didn't know that Dou Dou and NingNing were missing more than just that.

AN

Arlecchino: My step-brother and I shall claim each other.

Dou Dou: Yarrr, I am coming for that smugglin' booty~!

This message is sponsored by NingNing's Throuple Endeavors.