A few days passed.
With no immediate need for more Frustration Points, Luo Qing had returned to his leisurely routine—fishing every day, and occasionally using the toilet portal to visit the Plane of Euthymia, where he'd deliver updated light novels and freshly baked desserts to Ei.
To his surprise, Rosalyne seemed to be a secret homebody.
Usually busy with her duties of collecting Gnosis, she rarely had any free time. But Luo Qing's time restriction had forced her to delay her plans, giving her a whole month of unexpected downtime.
With no tasks to occupy her, she had stayed at Luo Qing's safe house, turning into a version of the homebody Raiden Shogun—spending her days enjoying tea and reading light novels, letting time pass by without concern.
Luo Qing had once subtly asked if she had any other ambitions aside from serving the Tsaritsa, but her response had been blunt:
"If not for serving Her Majesty, I'd have no reason to live. So don't ask such foolish questions."
This only made Luo Qing label Rosalyne with new tags: Potential Yandere and Tsundere.
One day, Luo Qing calculated that Ei's supply of light novels and desserts must be running low.
As her regular delivery person, he figured it was about time for the next round of provisions. So, he decided to visit Yae Publishing House to check if there were any new female-oriented light novels to bring to Ei.
Thinking about his deliveries always annoyed him slightly.
Even if he were feeding a kitten or a puppy, they'd let him pet them after a while. But despite the massive bags of light novels and sweets he brought to Ei, she'd always chase him around the Plane of Euthymia with her blade if he so much as patted her head.
Who's ever heard of a cat being this fierce?!
As Luo Qing reached the entrance of Yae Publishing House, he suddenly heard a soft yet firm voice.
"Luo Qing, stop right there!"
He turned to see Lumine and Paimon standing not far away, hands on their hips.
"Well, well, what a coincidence, you two."
Luo Qing smiled lightly, waiting for them to walk up to him.
"Finally caught you, Luo Qing! Didn't you say you were heading back to Snezhnaya?!"
Paimon scolded, stomping her tiny feet.
"We're just employees, after all."
Luo Qing spread his hands, feigning helplessness.
"Employees have to do what the boss tells them. If the boss tells me to come to Inazuma, do you think I have a choice?"
"..."
Paimon was at a loss. "Uh... he has a point."
Lumine nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I can't argue with that."
"So, what do you two want with me?"
Luo Qing crossed his arms. "I'm a very busy man."
"Well..."
Lumine took off her backpack, rummaged through it for a moment, and pulled out a delicate little box, handing it to Luo Qing.
"Here. This is from Ganyu. She asked me to deliver it to you."
"Yeah, yeah! We thought we'd have to wait until we went to Snezhnaya to give it to you, but you snuck off to Inazuma!"
Paimon added, still pouting.
"Ganyu gave me this?"
Luo Qing was puzzled as he took the box.
Opening it, he found a bracelet woven with delicate sky-blue and crimson threads.
"The blue thread is from Ganyu, and the red one is from Shenhe."
Lumine explained calmly, "Ganyu wanted me to tell you that she's sorry for what happened before. If you ever return to Liyue, she'll make it up to you for her past mistakes."
"And Shenhe!"
Paimon chimed in enthusiastically, "She said that once her worldly training is complete, she'll come to Snezhnaya to find you!"
"..."
The sheer amount of information left Luo Qing stunned.
Paimon, however, kept pressing. "Luo Qing, tell us the truth! When did you start two-timing?!"
"Huh?"
Luo Qing was baffled, then gave Paimon a serious look.
"Paimon, you can't just say things like that! Careful, I might sue you for slander!"
"..."
[+1 Frustration Value from Paimon]
"Then why did Ganyu look like she was about to cry when she mentioned you to us?!"
"..."
"And Shenhe said if she doesn't find you, she'll stay in Snezhnaya and never return!"
"..."
"You scumbag!"
"..."
Luo Qing looked down at the crimson bracelet in his hand, momentarily at a loss for words.
Then, recalling Lumine's explanation about the bracelet, he realized something was off.
He looked up at Lumine.
"You said they made this bracelet together?"
"Yes. Is there a problem?"
"..."
Hiss... Ha...
Luo Qing leaned back, rubbing his temples.
Did I just somehow end up with both the senior and junior disciple?
I didn't even do anything! All I did was save them and hold them around the waist...
"Did they say anything else...?" Luo Qing asked cautiously.
Paimon thought for a moment. "Oh yeah! They wanted us to make sure you wear it at all times. They said it's been blessed by an Adeptus to keep you safe."
"..."
"Uh, okay..."
Luo Qing was taken aback.
After some thought, he tied the bracelet around his left wrist.
Immediately, a cool sensation spread from his wrist, accompanied by a faint, familiar scent.
Isn't this... Ganyu and Shenhe's scent?
"Uh, did they mention what this bracelet is made of?"
Luo Qing inquired.
"Well... Shenhe mentioned it was made from a piece of the red string she always wears. As for Ganyu... she blushed when we asked her and didn't tell us..."
"The sky-blue... silk-like texture... and she blushed..."
Hiss...
Luo Qing felt like he'd pieced together the answer.
"Anyway, thank you both for bringing this to me."
Luo Qing smiled, showing them the bracelet tied around his wrist. "How about I treat you to some desserts?"
"Really?!"
Paimon's eyes sparkled, seemingly forgetting her earlier accusations of Luo Qing being a scumbag.
"Let's go. I know a small stand nearby that makes great Dango with three colors. You might find it useful in the future."
"Yay! Desserts!"
Paimon danced in excitement.
Since there was no rush to visit Ei, Luo Qing led them toward the Dango stand.
As they walked, a troubling thought crossed Luo Qing's mind, and he asked tentatively,
"Does anyone else know about this bracelet?"
"No, why?"
Lumine replied.
"Nothing... just checking..."
---
Rest in peace Sunday updates... 😔
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
If you wish to support me or read ahead here's a link! [patreon.com/WiseTL]