"Aether! Look! It's Liyue Harbour!" Paimon pointed excitedly.
Aether didn't seem as excited as Paimon about returning to Liyue. He simply replied to Paimon with a 'mhm' without looking where Paimon pointed, he just continued to stare at the floor.
"Aether? Are you okay?" Paimon asked the traveler worriedly.
"There is no need to worry, Paimon. Aether may be tired from the long journey back." Kazuha informed calmly.
"Ah! I guess you're right. Thank you, Kazuha!" Paimon beamed.
The boat eventually reached Liyue's docks after 20 minutes and everyone on board happily left the boat, well, all expect one person. Aether's expression was dull, the shine that was once in his eyes was gone. His bubbly energy and bright smile had left.
"Traveler! Paimon!" Someone called out excitedly as the two got off the boat.
"Xiangling! Hiiii!" Paimon exclaimed happily at seeing one of her friends after so long.
"How was your journey to Inazuma? I heard about the vision hunt decree! That must've been a lot of pressure but I'm so happy for you!" Xiangling excitedly asked.
"It was great! We met so many new people and made friends! It was a great journey and experience!" Paimon answered for the traveler.
"Oh, yes. It so great!" Aether sarcastically said.
"Traveler? Are you okay? You look tired." Xiangling asked concerned at how he acted.
"Aha...he's fine! He's just tired from the boat ride back!" Paimom dismissed her worries.
"Ahh! I'm starving!" Paimon exclaimed changing the subject hoping the brighten the mood.
"Oh! Of course! After such a long journey I'm not surprised. How about I make you two something?" Xiangling beamed.
"Yes please! I love your cooking! Come on Aether!" Paimon squealed excitedly.
Aether rolled his eyes in annoyance but still agreed to his companion. They both followed behind Xiangling who was walking them to Wanmin Restaurant. Once they reached the restaurant, Xiangling immediately sat them down and cooked many of her best dishes for her friends.
"Here you go! And of course if you are still hungry just let me know! I'll make more!" Xiangling smiled as she placed down the final dish for the two.
"Thanks Xiangling!" Paimon giggled at the amount of food.
Paimon immediately dug into the food, filling her face with everything that was on the table while Aether, on the other hand, did not. He sat staring at the food and often playing with it. Paimon noticed how the traveler was acting and stopped eating to ask.
"Aether? Are you not hungry? Are you feeling okay?" She asked worriedly.
"We can wait until tomorrow to travel to Wangshu Inn if you are too tired!" She suggested.
"God, Paimon! I'm fine! We are going to Wangshu Inn today so hurry up!" Aether snapped.
Paimon was left shocked at how her friend yelled at her. She eventually woke herself up and nodded quickly at Aether's demand. She ate a few more things and packed the rest away for their travels. Aether and Paimon soon left Wanmin Restaurant and made way to Wangshu Inn.