"Osial…"
On the shore, Ningguang and her group stared in disbelief, their pupils dilating as they took in the scene before them.
It was their first time being so close to the Vortex God.
The oppressive aura emanating from him sent chills down their spines, and they couldn't help but swallow nervously.
"He's really…"
In Luo Qing's arms, Ganyu was growing increasingly anxious, wriggling to break free and rush to help.
Without the Guizhong Ballista, and with the Jade Chamber yet to arrive, how could Ningguang and the others possibly stand a chance against Osial?
"Relax, Ganyu. Just wait a little longer," Luo Qing said gently, pulling her back into his embrace. His strength was enough to hold her securely unless she put up a serious struggle.
"Didn't I say I'd step in if things got dangerous? Just watch for now. Haven't you noticed something odd about Osial?"
"…Odd?"
Ganyu hesitated, calming down slightly as she looked at the giant serpent in the distance.
For some reason, Osial, despite having just emerged from his seal, wasn't saying a word.
That was entirely out of character.
The last time Osial had appeared, he'd been ranting from the moment he broke free, demanding Rex Lapis come out for a duel. The memory of that battle was still vivid in Ganyu's mind—if it hadn't been for Luo Qing, she would've been severely injured, or worse.
Now, though, he was just… staring.
"He's not moving…"
Keqing, too, had noticed the peculiar behavior. For a creature like Osial to simply remain still and watch them was… unsettling.
"Husband…?"
Beisht, hovering nearby, was equally puzzled. Was her husband attempting a new approach? Going for the stoic, aloof type?
But before anyone could voice their confusion, Osial's massive head slowly turned. Under the stunned gazes of everyone present, he looked directly toward Luo Qing and spoke:
"Boss…"
"?!"
"What the…"
"He's… talking to Luo Qing?"
The collective shock rippled through Beisht, Ningguang, Keqing, and Ganyu.
Beisht's mind reeled. Wasn't this the same man who had cut off two of my husband's heads last time?! Why is my husband calling him 'boss'?!
Keqing and Ganyu, too, were utterly baffled. Both had been bracing themselves for a fight to the death, yet it now seemed that Osial had become Luo Qing's subordinate.
Ningguang, however, began to connect the dots. Her gaze turned toward the rocky peak where Luo Qing stood with Ganyu, her expression unreadable.
"Husband, have you lost your mind?!"
Beisht's furious voice broke the silence.
"That man is our enemy!"
"Silence!"
Osial snarled, his massive tail swiping through the air to send Beisht flying. The force of the blow created a tremendous wave as she tumbled into the distance.
"Boss…" Osial rumbled, bowing his enormous head toward Luo Qing. "What are your orders?"
Despite his monstrous form, the respect in his tone was unmistakable, sending a chill through the onlookers.
Even Keqing, who had always prided herself on her composure, was at a loss.
"Well, Ganyu?" Luo Qing teased, lightly ruffling her hair as he tapped her soft, blushing cheek. "Still think you need to go save them?"
"I…"
Ganyu looked down, her cheeks tinged pink with embarrassment. It was only now that she understood why Luo Qing had been so unconcerned all along.
"Osial," Luo Qing said, his gaze sweeping over Ningguang and her group below. His voice was calm, yet commanding.
"From today onward, this young lady here—Miss Ganyu—is your mistress. Her word is my word. Understand?"
"Yes, Boss…" Osial replied without hesitation.
From the moment the Master Ball had bound him, defiance against Luo Qing had become an impossibility. If Luo Qing willed it, Osial had no choice but to follow—even if it meant taking orders from another.
"Well then, Mistress Ganyu," Luo Qing said playfully, giving her a gentle nudge forward. "Care to give your new servant some orders?"
"M-me?" Ganyu stammered, glancing nervously at Osial, then back at Luo Qing.
"Anything at all," Luo Qing said with a reassuring smile.
"…"
Ganyu hesitated, her mind racing. After a moment, she took a deep breath, gathering her courage.
"From now on, you're not allowed to invade Liyue again. Understood?"
"Yes, Mistress," Osial rumbled, lowering his heads in submission.
Just then, a drenched and fuming Beisht reappeared, thrashing through the waves.
"Husband, are you insane?! They're from Liyue! How could you—"
"Silence!" Osial snapped, his voice reverberating with finality. "One more outburst, and I won't spare you just because we're married."
"You…"
Beisht's voice cracked with rage, her body trembling.
"Hah! I shouldn't have bothered bringing you back in the first place!" she spat, diving beneath the waves and retreating toward the deep sea.
Family, who could understand this? I've been betrayed by my own husband today!
For a moment, silence reigned.
The Fatui soldiers stared in utter disbelief, their carefully crafted plan unraveling before their eyes. The ancient god they had worked so hard to free had become someone else's lackey.
Even Ningguang's group was struck speechless.
What they had anticipated as a catastrophic battle with Osial had ended as… a farce.
How deeply was this monster under Luo Qing's thumb? He'd even struck his wife for him!
"Anything else you want to say?" Luo Qing asked Ganyu softly.
"No… nothing."
Overwhelmed by the attention of so many eyes, Ganyu shook her head and quickly stepped back to Luo Qing's side.
"Alright then." Luo Qing nodded, turning his attention to Osial.
"Osial, stay alert for further orders. For now, go make up with your wife."
"Yes, Boss," Osial rumbled, dipping his heads low before diving into the ocean. He swam quickly after the retreating Beisht, disappearing beneath the waves.
"Well, that's that."
Luo Qing stretched lazily, then turned to Ganyu with a mischievous glint in his eye. He reached out to flick one of her delicate horns.
"It's late, Ganyu. Let's head back and get some rest."
"But there's still cleanup to do…"
Ganyu cast a glance toward Ningguang and the others below. Though Osial and Beisht were gone, the Fatui soldiers remained, and she felt guilty for leaving all the work to her comrades.
"Leave the small stuff to Ningguang and the rest," Luo Qing said, slipping an arm around her waist. Leaning in close, he whispered, "If you're not with me, I might get scared and have trouble sleeping tonight~."
"…" Ganyu's cheeks burned as she averted her gaze.
---
Liyue Harbor – Late Night
Meanwhile, the commotion at Guyun Stone Forest hadn't reached Liyue Harbor. The streets were mostly quiet, the shops closed save for a few late-night food stalls.
Shenhe wandered aimlessly through the streets, her long spear strapped to her back. Her usually confident demeanor seemed uncertain as she gazed around, lost.
"…Where should I start looking for Luo Qing?"
She paused, considering her next steps.
"Maybe I should ask Senior Sister first…"