After bringing Ayaka from Inazuma to Liyue and personally entrusting her to Makoto, Luo Qing immediately set off for Sumeru to bring Bu'er home as well.
Since Luo Qing had suggested maintaining and reforming the Akasha system, Bu'er had taken it upon herself to oversee the process. This was why she had been commuting to the Akademiya every morning and returning late at night.
When Luo Qing found her at the Akademiya, she was deep in discussion with Nahida about appointing a temporary Grand Sage.
Luo Qing casually suggested Alhaitham, noting that he seemed highly capable. Without waiting for debate, he sent the appointment letter through the Akasha System under Nahida's name.
Then, hand in hand, he brought both mother and daughter back to Liyue.
By the time all preparations were complete, the sun was dipping below Mt. Tianheng, and the moon had begun its ascent over the coastline. The streets of Liyue Harbor were adorned with lanterns, the warm glow illuminating the city even before the last rays of sunlight faded.
Luo Qing's house was situated just below Yujing Terrace. While its view couldn't compare to the panoramic vistas of the Jade Chamber or the Ministry of Civil Affairs, it still offered a splendid look at much of Liyue Harbor and the distant coastline.
Especially now, with the Lantern Rite decorations in full display, the view was breathtaking.
Inside Luo Qing's home:
Ei and Theresa, dressed in casual loungewear, sat on the sofa with the petite Nahida nestled between them. The three were engrossed in a light novel, Nahida's eyes wide with curiosity as she absorbed the story.
At the door, Ganyu and Shenhe were busy decorating for the Lantern Rite. Together, they carefully hung warm red lanterns under the eaves and pasted couplets inscribed by Zhongli himself on the doorway.
In the kitchen, Bu'er and Makoto were engaged in a culinary showdown, their animated chatter audible throughout the house. Even with Ayaka and Rosalyne helping, the two still seemed overwhelmed.
As for Luo Qing...
He was sprawled out on the balcony off the living room, a blade of wild grass between his lips as he idly hummed a tune, gazing down at the bustling harbor below.
The last Lantern Rite, he had been in Inazuma, locked in a battle of wits with the Raiden Shogun. The year before that, he had been in Snezhnaya, drinking heavily with Belov. And before that, he'd been collecting intelligence in remote wildernesses or bustling capitals.
It had been a long time since he'd had such a gathering, reminiscent of the family dinners back at the House of Hearth.
Back then, their "father," Arlecchino, would always make time to return and dine with them at night. She remembered every child's preferences and often brought small gifts tailored to each of them.
Looking back now, Luo Qing understood it had been more of an investment. A little care from Arlecchino had ensured her orphans grew into fiercely loyal subordinates.
But to the orphans they had been, those small gifts had meant the world. If Arlecchino had ever asked them to rebel against the Tsaritsa, they wouldn't have hesitated to grab their weapons and follow her lead.
"So much time has passed," Luo Qing murmured, lost in thought.
Suddenly, a loud noise snapped him back to the present. Turning around, he saw smoke billowing from the kitchen—Makoto's cooking had caught fire and caused a small explosion.
Just as he was about to intervene, Ganyu formed a hand seal at the door, conjuring a sigil that instantly froze the pot Makoto had been using. With a wave of her hand, she dissipated the thick smoke.
"Makoto, what kind of dish were you making? Why did it explode?"
"It's from the Teyvat Travel Guide! I followed the instructions exactly; it shouldn't have gone wrong..."
"Hah! If you can't finish that dish, even if I make nine and you make eight, you lose!" Bu'er teased.
"Hmph, so what if I only made eight? I'll just make one more!"
"Well, then I'll make another, too!"
Their banter filled the kitchen as Luo Qing watched with mild exasperation.
Normally, he'd step in, flick both of their foreheads, and tell them to knock it off. Despite his repeated calls for harmony, Bu'er and Makoto still found ways to compete over everything.
But today was a festival. He couldn't be bothered to mediate, knowing their bickering was harmless and would die down on its own.
However, one thing did weigh on his mind.
There were nine women in the house tonight. Even discounting Rosalyne and Nahida, there were still seven.
Where was he supposed to sleep tonight?
Would he have to return to Mondstadt and use the massive bed there?
As he wrestled with the dilemma, he suddenly felt someone's gaze.
Looking down from the balcony, he spotted a figure standing on the roof of a nearby house, cloaked in shadow, silently observing him.
"Hm?"
Luo Qing frowned in confusion. He called into the house, "I'll be back in a bit; I'm stepping out."
He was about to leap off the balcony when Makoto called out, "Dinner's almost ready. Where are you going now?"
Bu'er chimed in, "Yeah, we're nearly done!"
Only Bu'er and Makoto dared talk back to Luo Qing; the others, like Ayaka and Ganyu, doted on him to the point of agreeing with everything he said.
"I think I spotted someone I know. I'll just confirm and be back in a few minutes."
"Someone you know?" Makoto asked suspiciously. "Male or female?"
"..."
"I'll know when I see them."
"Fine."
Makoto shrugged, unwilling to press further. Luo Qing's list of acquaintances wasn't long. Besides Zhongli, how many men could it possibly include?
"Don't be late. And pick up a bottle of soy sauce on your way back!"
"Got it."
With that, Luo Qing vaulted off the balcony and made his way toward the figure.
A few quick leaps brought him behind the cloaked individual.
They had striking white hair streaked with black and a commanding presence cloaked in a large mantle.
"Arlecchino...?" Luo Qing murmured in surprise.
The figure turned, and his pupils dilated. As he had guessed—it was none other than his former superior, Arlecchino herself.
"Long time no see, Brighella."
"Lady Arlecchino... what brings you here?" Luo Qing asked cautiously, his eyes darting toward his house.
He couldn't help but wonder—did she know about the group of women inside?
"I was passing through on business. And also..."
Arlecchino shook her head, her tone calm but firm. "Brighella, we're equals now. You don't need to call me 'Lady.'"
"Habit, I guess..." Luo Qing replied with a sheepish smile. "So, what can I do for you?"
"..."
Arlecchino's gaze shifted to the faintly visible icy-blue crystal on Luo Qing's chest. Her tone turned cold, her eyes sharp.
"After this, you're planning to go to Fontaine?"
"That's correct." Luo Qing nodded slowly, though his mind raced.
The Doctor despised Arlecchino. He wouldn't have told her about his trip to Fontaine. The man preferred scheming from the shadows.
Could it have been the Tsaritsa herself who tipped her off?
"A word of advice."
Arlecchino's eyes glinted with lethal intent, her voice dripping with menace.
"Stay away from Fontaine."