Afterward, Lord Gongqu of Entara led the delegation from the Knights of Favonius to tour sugarcane plantations, cattle ranches, and other agricultural hubs.
The two sides exchanged comprehensive views and signed a strategic cooperation agreement regarding future agricultural and livestock product trade between Mondstadt and Entara.
Lord Gongqu of Entara spoke warmly:
"Our country boasts a wide variety of agricultural products, fruits, and meats. Once cooked, they retain the purest flavors of nature itself. It is a great honor for us to establish a grain supply partnership with your nation… This project marks the first collaboration between our two countries, laying a foundation of mutual trust. In the future, we shall work hand in hand to support each other in ever broader fields, for we both have bright futures ahead."
...
"You see? Doesn't it read much better this way?"
Gongqu passed the notebook to Jean.
Jean looked it over carefully, then blinked in confusion:
"I understand each word in the Common Tongue of Teyvat, but when they're strung together like this, it's strangely unfamiliar."
"Well, it's a formal diplomatic document between two countries, it has to sound a little more… ceremonial."
"Alright, Jean," Lisa chimed in, her spirits lifted now that she'd left Teyvat and the ever-watchful gaze of the Vision was gone, "just have Kaeya give it a once-over when we get back. He's quite skilled at these things."
"Oh, and dear," she added teasingly, "do you still have empty rooms in your grand villa?"
"There are plenty," Gongqu replied, curious. "Why do you ask?"
Lisa gave him a sultry wink, her eyes gleaming with mischief:
"You already know the answer. Just don't come sneaking into my room at night. Of course, if you do, I certainly wouldn't refuse."
You think I'd back down?
Gongqu wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer:
"Why settle for a midnight tryst when daytime pleasures are even better~"
He leaned in for a kiss.
Lisa's expression shifted into panic, and she hastily wriggled free. Her fair cheeks turned rosy pink.
Amber and Eula exchanged a glance, shivering slightly.
Even Lisa, who had such formidable 'attack power,' had been bested by this man, it was hard to imagine how easily he'd toy with them if they stepped up.
"Alright, ladies, now that the tour's done and you've seen the situation here… My world is still in a state of rebuilding. Do you want to head back to the Knights for tonight, or are you staying over with me?"
The mention of staying over…
Gongqu spread his arms wide, almost as if he were inviting them all to share one big bed.
"Ahem, I think I'll head back," Jean said quickly, her face flushing. "There's still plenty of work at the Knights of Favonius."
The chaste Acting Grand Master clearly couldn't handle such… group activities, and she found an excuse to escape on the spot.
"M-me too… I haven't finished my patrol route," Amber stammered, quickly latching on to Jean's excuse. "Captain, I'll go back with you!"
Eula, ever proud, refused to admit she was also fleeing. She simply gave Amber a nod:
"Fine, Amber. I'll join you for the walk back."
Gongqu's gaze finally fell on Lisa.
"I'd like to stay," Lisa said softly. "There's so much in this world that fascinates me, and I no longer feel that oppressive sense of my knowledge being 'tainted.'"
"Wonderful!" Gongqu beamed. "But seeing how shy you all are, I suppose a farewell kiss would be too much. How about just a parting hug instead?"
He stepped forward and embraced each of them, Jean, Eula, and Amber, in turn.
His innocent, sincere eyes held no ulterior motives, only genuine care and affection.
...
Soon enough, the Teyvat delegation bid reluctant farewells and returned to Mondstadt, save for Lisa and Klee, who chose to stay in Gongqu's world.
"I suppose I underestimated you a little," Lisa murmured, snuggling into his chest, greedily soaking up the warmth she'd yearned for day and night. "Winning the favor of four lovely ladies and yet remaining so… composed. It seems I made the right choice."
Gongqu chuckled, his gaze resting on the Teyvat portal shimmering in the distance.
"Physical pleasure is fleeting. Human mating, at most, lasts minutes. Even love at its core is just a self-induced delusion, a biological urge dressed up as poetry."
He brushed a stray lock of hair from Lisa's cheek, his voice gentle:
"But humans are thinking reeds. Spiritual fulfillment, true connection, lingers far longer and leaves a richer aftertaste."
"Oh?" Lisa teased, her lips curling in a playful smirk. "So you're one of those sages who values the 'union of minds' above all else?"
Gongqu just laughed softly, planting a tender kiss on her forehead.
"I want both."
...
"Lumine, did you hear that sound?"
"Mm, like a beast's roar. A dragon, maybe? But it's deeper than the ones we're used to at home."
"Indeed," Keqing said with a frown. "I think we've stumbled on something… big."
They exchanged a wary glance, both on high alert.
"Huh? What sound? I didn't hear anything!" Paimon flitted about nervously.
"Two of us hearing it is enough," Lumine replied. "Paimon, get down here. If a dragon does attack, we might not be able to protect you."
"What? no, no way! Lumine, you have to keep me safe!"
Paimon quickly dropped altitude, tugging at Lumine's hair, scanning the forest with wide, anxious eyes.
Lumine gave her a gentle swat on the hand.
"Stop pulling, or you'll make me bald! Relax, the roar's still distant. Once we're there, just find a safe spot to hide."
"And besides, we're not necessarily going to fight a dragon. Remember what A'qu said, until he's gathered enough marble and aquamarine to develop Starlight Magic, we should avoid dragons whenever possible. Even diamond armor only guarantees one thing when facing a dragon: that we can run away."
"Tch! I don't like that at all," Lumine said, crossing her arms defiantly. "I've traveled across four nations, faced Stormterror, Fatui Harbingers, Osial, the Raiden Shogun, even bits of Apep the Dendro Dragon. What's one more dragon to me?"
Keqing didn't argue. She simply prepared herself to fish Lumine out of the fire if needed.
After a brief discussion, Lumine gave Paimon a reassuring pat on the head.
Then she and Keqing carefully moved toward the source of the roar.
They walked for about ten minutes.
Eventually, the growl echoed from high above.
"What a tall mountain," Lumine murmured. "Is that the dragon's lair?"
"Seems like it. Do you want to climb it?" Keqing asked.
Lumine's eyes shone with excitement.
"I'd love to!"
"Let's not rush," Keqing said calmly. "I'll set up a teleport anchor first. If things go wrong, we'll need an escape route."
Keqing was always more cautious, unlike Lumine's headstrong streak.
Lumine nodded, willing to listen this time.
They circled the mountain, finally choosing a sheltered spot on the far side to place the anchor.
"Alright then! Today, let's see what this so-called dragon is really made of!"
Lumine's voice was full of resolve, her sword glinting as she pointed it toward the lair.
One hour later.
She still felt confident.
Two hours later.
She was near collapse.
Two hours and ten minutes later.
This damned raid is unwinnable without a healer!
...
"Hubby, save me! Your adorable wife is being bullied by a giant lizard!"
Lumine flung herself into Gongqu's arms as soon as she returned to the forest cabin, her fake tears brimming with mischief as she snuggled closer, her voice full of playful coquettishness.