Hearing Akio's words, a joyful smile finally bloomed on Ningguang's face.
She stepped forward, gently took Akio's hand, and gazed at him with eyes as calm and deep as water.
"Not bad, not bad! Ningguang, I have to say—you're incredibly brave," Keqing clapped her hands in approval nearby.
"When it's someone you care about, bottling everything up inside won't get you anywhere," Ningguang replied with a serene smile.
"Hmph, just remember what you said. That makes me your older sister now," Keqing grinned wickedly.
She was practically bubbling over with joy at the thought of bossing Ningguang around under the guise of seniority. They'd always had a bit of a rivalry, after all.
"Heh…" Ningguang chuckled, nodding. Just this little sparrow? Please. She had plenty of ways to keep her in check.
"Ningguang, welcome to the family," Raiden Makoto smiled and pulled her into a light conversation. "We're all one big household now."
"Eh?" Ganyu suddenly let out a small yelp from the side where she'd been fiddling with her bracelet.
"What is it?" Akio turned toward her, noticing her cheeks flushing red.
"Uh… it's just…" Ganyu mumbled, utterly embarrassed.
Glancing at her screen, Akio saw what had her so flustered—Ganyu was in the "Akio's Harem Group Chat."
No wonder she looked like she was about to faint. That chat was exclusively for his wives. Ganyu wasn't even in that kind of relationship with him—how had she ended up there?
"Yae… she pulled me in…" Ganyu's voice shrank to a whisper as she buried her face in her hands, clearly mortified. Why would Miko do that?! She wasn't one of Akio's women, not officially! Being dragged into a harem group chat? How was she supposed to survive the embarrassment?!
Ganyu snuck a glance at Akio, who was now staring at the ever-growing list of women in that group… and then quickly looked away, her face burning.
What was Miko thinking?! This is beyond awkward! she cried internally.
Akio was caught a bit off guard himself. But when he remembered how much Yae Miko loved stirring up mischief, it all made sense.
Not that he had any problem with it. This gentle qilin girl… he'd always found her utterly adorable. He'd been wanting to "taste some cocogoat milk" for a while now, after all.
Smiling softly, Akio said, "You know how Miko is. Don't worry about it—you're all girls anyway. It's good to have a place where you can chat."
Ganyu nodded, face still downcast. He didn't remove me from the group… what does that mean? Did he actually see her as one of his…?
Akio didn't use his mind-reading skill, so he was completely unaware of Ganyu's spiraling thoughts.
"Akio, Shogun," Keqing cut in, "shall we discuss the formal diplomatic agreement between Liyue and Inazuma?"
Akio and Raiden Makoto shared a glance and nodded, their expressions shifting to seriousness. This was official state business—no room for personal matters when the future of their nations was at stake.
The discussion began—terms, policies, proposed collaborations, and shared benefits.
---
Back in Mondstadt's inn, Jean stirred on the bed, letting out a faint groan as her eyelids fluttered open.
"Where am I…" she murmured, scanning the room and spotting Lisa dozing off in a chair beside her.
"I… fainted in the Tenshukaku, didn't I?" she whispered. "How terribly disrespectful… I hope the Divine Sovereign and the Shogun won't take offense."
She sat up, but then paused, eyes going wide. "Strange… why does my body feel so light? I don't feel tired at all…"
Lisa was jolted awake by Jean's movements. She rubbed her eyes and then smiled in relief. "You're awake?"
"Thank you for looking after me, Lisa," Jean said sincerely.
"No need for that between us," Lisa waved it off with a warm smile.
"I… collapsed in the Tenshukaku like that," Jean said worriedly. "The Raiden Shogun and the Divine Sovereign… they weren't angry, were they?"
"Not at all," Lisa reassured her. "In fact, the Divine Sovereign is really gentle. He didn't blame you—he even healed you."
"Healed me?" Jean blinked.
"He used divine power—Life Energy—to restore your body," Lisa explained, a trace of envy in her tone. "You're at your physical peak right now, no more exhaustion."
"I see… then the Divine Sovereign is truly a kind god," Jean murmured, bringing her hands together in a prayer of thanks.
"He really is," Lisa agreed. "Ahh~ I wouldn't mind a dose of that divine healing myself… I'd finally stop worrying every day."
Jean turned to her, a shadow of concern darkening her expression. She didn't know all the details of Lisa's condition, but she did know one thing—Lisa had been hiding something serious.
She'd seen it before. During the dragon crisis, Lisa had pushed herself to the limit helping clear monsters. Jean still remembered how pale and drained she looked afterward—utterly devoid of strength.
"Lisa…" Jean's gaze softened. "I know your condition. If a god could help ease your pain, even a little… shouldn't we at least ask?"
"Ah ah ah—" Lisa held up a hand, misreading Jean's expression. "Don't give me that look. I'm just a humble librarian. I wouldn't dare make any demands in front of the Divine Sovereign."
"No, Lisa." Jean shook her head. "I was serious. I want to find a way to ask him for help. You may not say it, but I know how much you suffer. If a god could spare you some pain…"
"…Don't," Lisa said softly after a pause. "Don't push for that, Jean."
She looked away, her smile now faint and wistful.
"The power gods grant always comes with a price. He healed you because he admires you. But me…? I doubt I'm someone who's earned that sort of attention."
"Don't seek divine intervention lightly," Lisa added. "The price might be something neither of us can afford."
Jean frowned. Her own issue was just fatigue—rest would've fixed it in time. But Lisa's condition… it could take her life.
"If I could, I'd rather give up my healing and pass it to you," Jean murmured. "Your problem is far more serious than mine."
"Let fate decide. I'm honestly okay," Lisa said with a casual wave. "Mondstadt is peaceful now. The dragon crisis is over. My job's light. I can live like this."
"…I see." Jean let out a quiet sigh. She knew what Lisa was really saying. But she also knew—in her heart—she couldn't stop worrying. Not for a second.
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