As dusk fell, the golden glow of the setting sun bathed Mondstadt in a soft, radiant light, cloaking the free city in a veil of evening tranquility.
Shadows stretched across the cobbled streets, and a light haze settled over the town. Lumine and Paimon, having concluded a day of adventure, returned to Amber's cozy three-story home.
Shao Yun, meanwhile, lingered in the streets, leisurely walking the lanes and alleys of Mondstadt. He wasn't quite ready to head back yet—he wanted to savor the charm of this city a little longer.
Inside Amber's warm home, Paimon sat at the dinner table like a delighted child, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she devoured the meal Lumine had prepared for her.
Lumine sat on the couch in the living room, her body leaning slightly back, eyes gently closed, relishing the rare moment of calm.
Just then, the front door opened. Amber stepped in and, seeing Lumine on the couch, smiled in surprise.
"I'm back."
Lumine opened her eyes, smiled, and patted the seat beside her. "You've been getting home early lately, Amber."
Amber walked over, flopped down beside her, and stretched with a yawn. "Yeah, there haven't been many special assignments lately, so I can wrap up earlier."
As they sat on the couch, Amber suddenly remembered something. Her eyes lit up as she turned to Lumine.
"I heard Godwin's back. Did you know?"
Lumine nodded. "Yeah, I heard."
Amber let out a soft sigh, a tinge of emotion crossing her face. "I heard Shao Yun brought him back. I wonder how the rest of the expedition is doing... they should be returning soon, right?"
"Don't worry. I'm sure everything's going smoothly. Varka seems like a very capable leader. He'll bring them back safely," Lumine said with a reassuring thumbs-up.
Amber's worries eased a little after hearing that.
"You're right. The Grand Master really is someone you can trust. I hope they return soon—we'll have a lot to celebrate."
After chatting for a while, Amber unbuckled her belt pouch and tossed it onto the coffee table. Her conversation with Lumine drifted into a more casual rhythm.
"By the way, how's adventuring been lately? Ever since Shao Yun took out that horde of hilichurls, they've pretty much vanished from the wilds."
Lumine recalled their recent outings and nodded. "Yeah, it's been really smooth—almost boring, actually. Not just hilichurls, even the Treasure Hoarders seem to have disappeared."
Amber patted Lumine's arm cheerfully.
"All thanks to Mr. Shao Yun. The work for outriders has gotten way easier. I never used to have this much time to come home."
Lumine crossed her legs on the sofa, and the two chatted like close friends, swapping stories from the past few days.
After a while, Amber suddenly looked around in mild confusion.
"Hey, where's Shao Yun? He's not home?"
Lumine pointed out the window. "Oh, he said he wanted to walk around town. He'll be back later."
Amber glanced at the door, frowning slightly. "You don't think he's ended up like the other drunks of Mondstadt and gone to drink himself silly at the tavern, do you?"
Lumine thought for a second, then shook her head. "Hmm… I've never seen him drunk. Even if he went drinking, I think he knows his limits."
Amber's brow furrowed again as she turned to Lumine with a curious expression. "You know, I've always wondered—how did you meet Shao Yun? Back in Whispering Woods when you said you were looking for your brother, I thought Shao Yun was your brother."
Lumine lowered her head, as if reaching into distant memories.
Her voice was soft and calm, as though telling a long-ago tale.
"Actually, we haven't known each other for long. Barely even two weeks."
Amber's eyes widened in disbelief.
"That short? And you still chose to travel with him? Isn't that kind of risky?"
Lumine gently shook her head. She looked toward Paimon, who was still happily eating, a tender smile playing at her lips. She pointed at Paimon.
"I've only known Paimon for a few months too, and it's been fine."
"Besides, Shao Yun told me all about his past and who he is. Traveling with someone honest like that doesn't feel dangerous."
Amber stroked her chin, eyeing Lumine and recalling Shao Yun.
"Honestly? Aside from the height difference, you two look kinda well-matched."
Lumine missed the underlying tease and replied plainly, "Well, he's good to me and Paimon—and listens too. Oh, and today he gave me a flower."
Amber gasped, covering her mouth. "He's that romantic?"
"Not exactly. It was just a Windwheel Aster. Miss Glory gave it to him, and he passed it on to me—said I might enjoy it."
Amber's eyes glinted with gossip. She clearly saw more in the gesture.
"Wait, isn't that the same flower Godwin used to confess to Miss Glory?"
Lumine hesitantly took out the flower, examining it.
"Ah! No way it's that exact flower… right?"
Amber took a deep breath—several, in fact—to calm herself.
"That's it! I'll never forget! Godwin bought it at Marjorie's shop With Wind Comes Glory. He was so excited to confess back then—kept showing off that exact flower!"
Her words sent ripples through Lumine's thoughts.
She stared at the flower in her hand, recalling the image of Shao Yun calmly handing it to her, his expression natural, as if everything had gone exactly as planned.
That memory sparked growing doubt in her mind—perhaps this wasn't as simple as it seemed.
Amber watched Lumine's stunned expression, her own curiosity flaring.
"Hard to imagine Shao Yun pulling something so romantic, especially after he wiped out all those Fatui that night."
Lumine continued to gaze at the flower, memories of their time together flooding back.
"Amber… you know what he told me the next day?"
Her voice was soft and thoughtful. "He was afraid the Fatui would retaliate, and I might get caught up in it. He told me… if it came to that, I should abandon him without hesitation."
Amber's eyes widened. "No way! What did you say to that?"
Lumine smiled and shook her head. Her voice was firm, her gaze steady.
"I would never abandon a companion. I was so angry, I stomped on him!"
Amber burst out laughing. "What? I thought you'd punch him!"
Lumine grinned mischievously. "Didn't want to hurt myself. He's like a rock!"
Amber shuddered, remembering her first meeting with Shao Yun. "Yeah, seriously. That guy's body is hard."
Lumine put away the flower, a tinge of emotion in her eyes.
"You know what really moved me? When we went to steal the Holy Lyre—I didn't even think to ask him to come."
Amber nodded. "Oh, that first night you arrived in Mondstadt. I remember him rushing out to find you and Paimon."
Lumine brushed her hair behind her ear and continued, "I thought he'd drag me back and stop me from taking risks. But he joined me. Took the lead, even. I was shocked."
Amber fell silent, thinking it over. "The Holy Lyre's sacred to us Mondstadters. If I were Shao Yun, I'd have stopped you for sure."
Lumine smiled. "Exactly. But he didn't. He stood by me. That courage, that loyalty—it really touched me."
She paused, eyes reflecting a deep memory.
"He said something then. I'll never forget it."
Amber leaned in, curious. "What'd he say?"
Lumine took a deep breath.
"He said, 'The bond between you, me, and Paimon—it's as real as it gets. For that bond, I'd kill, and I'd gladly die.'"
Closing her eyes, Lumine savored the memory.
"It really moved me. Shao Yun's always taken care of us. I'm lucky to travel with him."
At that moment, Paimon zipped over, her meal finished.
"Shao Yun's the best! He's always paying for our food. For that alone, Paimon's willing to protect him!"
That got a laugh from both girls.
Lumine ruffled Paimon's cheeks affectionately. "Pretty sure Shao Yun would say the same—maybe he's the one protecting you."
Just then, Shao Yun walked through the door with four bottles of apple cider in hand. He spotted the trio on the couch and grinned.
"Well, look at that. Everyone's here. What a coincidence."
Paimon's eyes locked onto the cider. She zipped over, circling him excitedly.
"Shao Yun brought something good!"
He laughed and handed her a bottle.
"Learned my lesson from last time. This one's apple cider. I'll bring something new next time."
Paimon took it eagerly and zoomed upstairs to enjoy it.
Shao Yun passed the remaining bottles to Lumine and Amber.
"Here—one for each of you. No need to be shy."
Amber accepted hers, though she looked a little concerned. "Shao Yun, this from Angel's Share? Are you sure your travel funds are okay?"
Shao Yun chuckled. "Money's for spending. Lumine handles savings, I handle food. We've got a system. And if you feel guilty, think of it as partial rent."
Amber feigned outrage. "Shao Yun! After everything you two did for Mondstadt, how could I ever charge rent? If Jean heard that, she'd scold me to death!"
…
The three of them sat around the couch, sipping cider. The room was calm and cozy, bathed in silver moonlight.
Lumine broke the silence, eyes shining with quiet resolve. "Amber, I need to talk to Shao Yun."
Amber blinked, then smiled slyly.
"Ah, I get it. Good luck, Lumine."
She stood and headed upstairs, leaving the two alone.
Shao Yun looked after her, then turned to Lumine, puzzled.
"Lumine, what is it?"
She nodded and handed him her cider.
Shao Yun got the message, clinked his bottle against hers.
"Thanks for the flower, Shao Yun," she said softly, her gaze expectant.
He scratched his head, sheepishly. "Ah, that? Don't mention it."
She pouted. "Don't play dumb. That Windwheel Aster was the one Godwin used to confess to Glory. Why'd you give it to me?"
Shao Yun froze. So that's the "special effect" the system mentioned?!
Caught off guard, he stammered, "I… I mean… that night—"
Lumine blushed. Her voice dropped. "That was just a hug between friends. Don't overthink it."
Shao Yun, more confused than ever, asked, "Uh… the flower?"
Lumine looked him in the eye, took a deep breath.
"I'm keeping it. Thanks, Shao Yun."
He blinked, warmth blooming in his chest. "So… does that mean—"
She stood, drained her cider, and wiped her lips with a sly grin.
"Guess for yourself. I'm going to bed. Goodnight."
She turned and headed upstairs.
Shao Yun watched her go, hesitated, then shouted, "Lumine!"
She stopped and looked back, as if waiting for this very moment.
"What is it?"
He met her gaze with solemn intensity.
"I swear on my weapon—I'll protect you and Paimon."
Lumine smiled.
"I believe you."