"Uh…" Lisa blinked in surprise, glancing at Akio. How did he know so much about Mondstadt's internal affairs? Could the situation over there already be spreading as far as Inazuma?
Honestly, there were times Lisa couldn't stand the way certain Mondstadters behaved either. Even the tiniest things—like finding a missing pet—ended up getting escalated to the Knights of Favonius. And with a lack of manpower, Jean, being the ever-dutiful one, insisted on personally handling everything.
"Divine Sovereign, Shogun, forgive the sudden situation. I'll take Jean to rest now," Lisa sighed. Now wasn't the time to dwell on Mondstadt's problems—Jean's wellbeing came first.
"Wait."
Before she could react, Akio was suddenly in front of her.
Lisa's eyes widened. That speed—it was like he had crossed space in a blink. So this was the power of a god?
Akio extended his hand, and a gentle glow of pure Life Energy bloomed from his palm. It drifted into Jean's body, soothing her strained spirit.
To be honest, Jean's health had never been good. Constant late nights, irregular meals, and an overloaded schedule had kept her body in a state of chronic fatigue. But with Akio's divine energy, her physical condition was restored—back to its prime.
"Let her rest. One good sleep and she'll be back in top shape," Akio said. "I really admire Jean. She's an outstanding leader and warrior. But even the best need a strong body to keep going."
Lisa could feel it—that potent surge of life force. He had healed Jean. Completely. She nodded, eyes shimmering. "Thank you, Divine Sovereign."
"Go. Let her rest." Akio stepped back to his seat.
As Lisa carried Jean away, Raiden Makoto let out a soft sigh. "She's such a responsible leader. Mondstadt's lucky to have her."
"True." Akio let out a quiet snort, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Those oversized Mondstadt toddlers sure are lucky… pity they're going to work her into the grave."
"Humans will always be humans…" Makoto sighed. Laziness was just part of the species' nature.
"You really healed her just now?" she asked, curious.
"I did," Akio nodded. "Just brought her body back to peak condition. But if she keeps pushing herself like this, it'll still wear her down eventually. She's still mortal, after all."
Makoto nodded slowly. Jean's dedication had clearly left an impression.
—
Outside the Tenshukaku, Ningguang spotted Lisa carrying the sleeping Jean and rushed over. "Miss Lisa, what happened to Jean?"
"No need to worry, Miss Ningguang," Lisa replied. "She just collapsed from fatigue. It was nothing serious. The Divine Sovereign already treated her. A good rest and she'll be fine."
"That's a relief," Ningguang said gently. "You two should go rest."
Lisa nodded, said goodbye to the three Liyue women, and headed back to the inn.
"Kamisato Ayato called out, "Miss Ningguang, Miss Keqing, Miss Ganyu—this way, please."
The trio followed Ayato into the Tenshukaku, where Akio and the three Shoguns awaited them.
"Come, have a seat," Akio said with a smile. Since these three were old acquaintances, there was no need for formality like with the other nations.
After presenting their congratulatory gifts, Raiden Makoto pulled Keqing aside for a chat. She had long heard of this sister—and they'd already added each other as friends through their wristbands. Now was the perfect time to talk in person.
Meanwhile, Ningguang looked down at the golden bracelet around her wrist.
It was etched with the insignia of the Jade Chamber, with floating cloud patterns that shimmered and shifted across its surface. Clearly, Akio had put a lot of thought into her gift—not just beautiful, but practical, and capable of keeping her in contact with him at any time.
Ganyu hadn't originally received a bracelet, but Yae Miko had strongly pushed Akio to make one for her. Today was the day he planned to give it to her.
"Ganyu," Akio called softly. The adeptus had drifted into one of her usual dazes again, feeling out of place in the human world, unsure where she belonged.
"Huh? Akio?" Ganyu snapped back to attention.
Akio held out a crystal-blue bracelet. The surface shimmered faintly, revealing an intricate qilin design.
"What's this?" she asked, taking it with curiosity.
Akio explained the bracelet's functions and features.
"This… this is too precious," Ganyu said, trying to return it.
Akio shook his head. "Miko wanted me to give it to you. She misses you a lot, you know. Said she'd like to talk more if you had a way to stay in touch."
Ganyu fell silent for a moment before nodding. "Then thank you—both you and Miko."
Ningguang watched quietly, her gaze unreadable. She didn't say anything, but then looked toward Akio and took a small breath.
"Akio…" she said softly.
"Yes?" he replied with a smile. Even Keqing and Makoto looked over, clearly expecting something.
They already knew how Ningguang felt about Akio—and they also knew Akio wouldn't ignore someone like her. She was too brilliant, too graceful, too… right.
Being watched made Ningguang feel slightly flustered, but she wasn't about to let this chance slip by.
"Akio, I'd like to propose a trade."
"Oh?" he smiled. "Let's hear it."
"I want to make a lifelong trade with you," Ningguang said steadily. "Or perhaps… an investment."
"I want to be by your side for the rest of my life. That's the offer."
Akio raised a brow. "But what if this trade brings you no return?"
"No." Ningguang shook her head and looked him directly in the eye. "I'm a merchant. I know how to measure value."
"In this deal, time with you is the return. And no amount of Mora could ever match it."
"I've spent half my life in trade and in pursuit of wealth… but you—" she smiled faintly, "you're the one deal I'll make without ever asking for Mora in return."
"So, Akio… will you accept my trade?" Her voice was soft but firm. "A trade that lasts a lifetime."
Akio met her eyes, then nodded slowly.
"Then I accept your offer—till the end of our days."
A/N: Enjoying the story? Read 60+ chapters ahead on Patreon! Your support helps: Patreon.com/nneol