Bonus Chapter!
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A group of five, burdened with luggage, exited Northland Bank.As their leader, Luo Qing didn't need to carry any of it himself. He walked ahead, hands behind his back, while his four subordinates trailed behind like loyal servants, making him look like the young master of a wealthy family.
Ever since Inazuma closed its borders, there were very few ships that could navigate the thunderstorms to reach the nation. Most merchants traveling between Liyue and Inazuma relied on Beidou's Crux Fleet.
But for the Fatui, a group with influence spreading across all of Teyvat, they had their own secret routes that could pass through the stormy seas and navigate the lightning-filled waters.
Now, Luo Qing and his party were heading to board a supply ship from Snezhnaya, bound for Inazuma.
They were on their way to the docks when suddenly, a group of familiar figures approached, nearly colliding with them.
It was the Traveler from Mondstadt, her floating companion, and with them, the Yuehai Pavilion secretary, Ganyu.
The last time Luo Qing had seen Ganyu, he had saved her from Osial's clutches.
A month had passed since then, and seeing her again felt almost like a reunion after a long absence.
As for the Traveler and Paimon, he often saw them running errands around Liyue's streets, carrying their backpacks everywhere.
On the other side, since learning that it was Luo Qing who had driven away Osial, Ganyu had felt a mix of guilt and gratitude over her previous cold attitude toward him. Yet, she didn't know if she should seek him out again.
Now, running into him suddenly, Ganyu's eyes darted nervously, unsure of what to say.
"Hey, Ganyu, what's wrong?"
Seeing Ganyu's odd expression, Paimon asked with concern, "Are you feeling unwell?"
"No... I'm fine..."
Ganyu shook her head, glancing at Luo Qing before lowering her gaze.
"Well, that's good. Good morning, Luo Qing! Huh? Why are you guys carrying so much luggage? Are you heading out on an adventure?"
Paimon flew around the group, curiously eyeing their bags.
"No adventure, I'm going home."
Luo Qing replied with a smile.
"Home? You're going back to Snezhnaya?"
The Traveler asked, puzzled. "But aren't you Liyue's emissary?"
"You of all people should understand the real reason," Luo Qing hinted.
"Oh, that's right."
The Traveler nodded. With Luo Qing's reminder, she quickly grasped that the Fatui's goal was always the Gnosis. Now that the Geo Archon's Gnosis was in their possession, there was no longer a reason to remain in Liyue.
"Hey! What are you two hinting at? Can you just explain it clearly? I don't get it at all!"
Paimon stomped her little feet in frustration as her adventure partner and Luo Qing continued their cryptic conversation.
"Just some minor matters. Anyway, we have to go—the ship's waiting for us."
Luo Qing smiled, then turned his gaze toward Ganyu, his tone soft. "Well then, Miss Ganyu, I guess this is goodbye for now~"
"Ah... yes..."
Ganyu quickly nodded, lowering her head again, her expression conflicted.
Seeing Ganyu avoid his gaze, Luo Qing assumed she still blamed him as the one responsible for the Osial incident. So, after waving goodbye to the group, he and his subordinates continued toward the port.
After Luo Qing's group vanished amidst the ships at the dock, Paimon couldn't help but ask again.
"Ganyu, didn't you and Luo Qing get along well before? You even went to Qingce Village together for fun. Did you two have a fight?"
With Ganyu's shy behavior just now, even Paimon could sense there was an untold story between them.
"No... nothing like that... It's just that I..."
Ganyu looked in the direction where Luo Qing had disappeared, feeling a swirl of emotions.
On a personal level, Luo Qing had accompanied her to Qingce Village for relaxation, saved her when she was on the brink of death, and even healed her injuries—he was nothing short of her savior.
If Luo Qing were a Liyue native, Ganyu would have had no hesitation in giving him a proper farewell, blessing him with parting gifts.
But he was with the Fatui. The conflict between mortals and Adepti, the disaster brought by Osial, were all orchestrated by the Fatui. From her standpoint, she knew she couldn't have any further interactions with him.
This inner conflict left her at a loss, unsure of how to face Luo Qing.
And while she hesitated, Luo Qing's party had already boarded the ship to Inazuma.
...
Liyue, Dusk
On Liyue's great bridge stood a silver-haired girl with a long spear in hand. Shenhe's gaze stretched far into the distance, taking in the city's vibrant evening lights.
Her master had never wanted her to live a life of isolation in the mountains like an Adeptus. As a human, she deserved a complete and fulfilling life, just like everyone else.
All she had done was mention her desire to go down to the human world and experience Liyue life to her master.
Her master had immediately agreed, even helping her pack her things—clearly, she couldn't have been more supportive.
As Shenhe wandered through the streets of Liyue, she found herself unconsciously arriving at the entrance of Northland Bank.
Since it was Luo Qing's wager that had led her to Liyue in the first place, it seemed only reasonable to inform him that she had come.
Glancing at the guards standing warily by the door, Shenhe pushed it open and stepped inside.
The hall was bustling, filled with Fatui agents with Snezhnaya features, making her feel slightly uneasy.
Just as she was considering asking for Luo Qing's whereabouts, a blond man approached her.
"I am Felix, manager of Northland Bank. Miss Shenhe, what brings you here?"
Felix asked politely. Luo Qing had informed him before leaving that if Miss Shenhe ever came to the bank, he was to assist her with anything within his power, even covering expenses if needed—it would all be charged to Luo Qing's account as mission expenses.
Shenhe glanced at Felix, her tone cool. "I'm here to see Luo Qing. Where is he?"
"Luo Qing? Ah..."
Felix hesitated, then replied politely, "You've just missed him. He left earlier this morning."
"Left? Where did he go?" Shenhe asked, puzzled.
"I heard his assignment ended, and he was recalled to Snezhnaya."
"Recalled to Snezhnaya..."
Shenhe's brows furrowed slightly.
"When will he be back?"
"That, I'm not sure about."
Felix shook his head, feeling a shiver down his spine under Shenhe's icy stare. His survival instincts kicked in, and he hurriedly added,
"Luo Qing originally worked at the Snezhnaya headquarters. He was only temporarily assigned to Liyue for this mission. I think... probably, if nothing major happens... he won't be coming back?"
As soon as Felix said this, he felt a heavy wave of killing intent envelop him, as if he were standing before a vengeful spirit.
But a few seconds later, the intensity faded, and by the time Felix regained his composure, Shenhe had already turned and left.
Only when Shenhe had exited did Felix let out a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"Phew... Looks like Luo Qing really got himself into a love debt..."
After leaving Northland Bank, Shenhe walked aimlessly through the streets, her mind a tangled mess.
...
Wasn't it for his own benefit that Luo Qing had made her stay in Liyue?
Why did he suddenly leave...
Was he really not coming back...
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T/N: ...
If there are any mistakes let me know!
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