This bonus chapter is a small gift—may it bring you a touch of tranquility.
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After a brief clash of wills, the recently ascended Scaramouche found himself defeated.
The barrier surrounding that small residential area was far stronger than he had anticipated. Even with his consciousness fully focused and directed, he couldn't breach it.
The euphoria of his godhood was quickly overshadowed by this unexpected failure.
Frowning, Scaramouche withdrew his awareness, deciding to fully integrate the power of the Gnosis and solidify his divine authority before attempting to overcome that barrier again.
---
Inside Ei's Room
Sensing the probing consciousness retreat, Ei strengthened her barrier further with a thought.
"Are there other powers in Sumeru? But this force…" she murmured to herself.
The probing presence didn't seem to originate from the World Tree or the Void. Instead, it felt similar to her own—rooted in Electro.
It resembled her "Musou no Hitotachi," using Electro as a medium to perceive the world.
But wasn't Sumeru the domain of the Dendro Archon?
Why would there be another existence here, one comparable to a god—and an Electro user at that?
She pondered for a while but ultimately shook her head, brushing the matter aside.
Why should I concern myself with such trivialities in someone else's land?
Satisfied that her barrier held firm, Ei returned to her light novel. She'd leave such questions for Luo Qing when he got home.
---
Meanwhile…
The sound of a flush echoed from the bathroom at the far end of the second floor.
Luo Qing emerged, patting himself on the back.
To better integrate the design of the "Teleportation Toilet" with the house's decor, he'd placed it inside the bathroom.
Over in Mondstadt, Kaveh and Natalia had already hired skilled workers, and construction was underway.
With Luo Qing's financial backing, the project would likely be completed in about a month, ready for immediate move-in.
If everything proceeded smoothly, the timing would align with Lumine's return from the desert, her rescue of Nahida, and her inevitable clash with Scaramouche.
As he stepped out of the bathroom, Luo Qing realized he hadn't been keeping up with Lumine's progress recently. He considered using the Void to check on her whereabouts and activities.
Just as he was about to head downstairs, the door to a room on the left side of the hallway opened.
Shenhe and Ganyu stepped out together.
"Eh? Luo Qing, why are you here…"
Ganyu lowered her head, her expression flustered.
"Hmm…"
Luo Qing glanced at Ganyu's uneasy demeanor, then at Shenhe, noting a hint of awkwardness in her expression as well.
"What's going on with you two?" he asked, puzzled.
"Um…"
Ganyu clasped her hands behind her back, avoiding his gaze. "We…"
"I'll explain," Shenhe interjected in her usual calm tone, cutting through Ganyu's hesitation.
"The time has come for us to return home," she stated plainly.
"Return?! What's going on?!" Luo Qing exclaimed, alarmed.
Are they mad at me? Is this the classic 'wife heading back to her family in a huff' scenario?
"Is it uncomfortable staying here? Something wrong with the place?" he asked tentatively.
"N-no, not at all!" Ganyu waved her hands hurriedly, her voice soft. "It's very comfortable here, especially with you around…"
"But my six-month leave is nearly over. Counting the travel time back, it'll take just about six months…"
"Can't you extend it for another six months?" Luo Qing leaned forward hopefully.
"I… I can't," Ganyu replied hesitantly. "I've already taken half a year off. If I ask for more, I'd be breaking my contract with the Geo Archon…"
As part of her agreement with the Geo Archon, Ganyu had pledged to assist the Liyue Qixing for generations. Taking six months off was already pushing the limits of that contract.
If she extended her leave any further, she was certain Morax would not be pleased.
"I see…" Luo Qing murmured, momentarily at a loss.
"Ganyu, are you sure it's not because of any problems here?"
"N-no, it's not that," Ganyu reassured him, her voice tender. "I love it here. I love having breakfast together with everyone and playing games in the evenings… but I can't neglect my responsibilities in Liyue."
"Luo Qing, may I return?" she asked, her eyes shimmering with a hint of pleading.
Initially, she had planned to leave a letter behind and quietly slip away with Shenhe. She'd feared that if Luo Qing asked her to stay, she wouldn't have the heart to refuse him.
Work is work. She had to go back.
"Hmm…"
After a moment's thought, Luo Qing stepped closer, gently ruffling Ganyu's hair. "Alright, let me escort you both."
"Okay…"
Ganyu nodded, stealing a quick glance at him.
For some reason, the fact that Luo Qing didn't try to stop her made her feel a little… disappointed.
After bidding farewell to everyone at home, Luo Qing set out with Ganyu and Shenhe.
As they walked, Luo Qing suddenly remembered that Shenhe had already left the mountains—why was she going back now?
He turned to her curiously. "Shenhe, do you have something to take care of back home too?"
"Yes," Shenhe replied succinctly.
"What kind of thing?"
"A very important matter. I need to consult my master and accompany my senior sister on the way," she said plainly.
"And what is it exactly?" Luo Qing pressed.
"It's…"
Shenhe started to answer but then stopped abruptly, her face turning crimson. She averted her gaze and mumbled, "Immortal secrets. None of your concern."
"Ah… got it."
Seeing her unwillingness to elaborate, Luo Qing dropped the subject.
Still, judging by her flushed expression, it seemed like no ordinary matter.
On Shenhe's end, she silently exhaled in relief when Luo Qing didn't pursue the topic.
Her mind wandered back to a certain night not long ago.
After finishing her nighttime training, she had been heading back to her room when a muffled sound caught her attention. It came from downstairs.
Curious, she suppressed her presence and followed the sound to its source.
At the staircase landing, she froze.
What she saw was a scene she would never forget.
There, on the sofa, sat the Snezhnayan girl Theresa. One hand covered her mouth, while the other wrapped around Luo Qing's neck, pulling his face into her modest chest.
Although she had lived among mortals for some time, Shenhe was not entirely ignorant of human relationships.
She understood what she saw.
And she was deeply shocked.
From that moment on, the image of that nighttime encounter burned itself into her memory.
It would resurface in her dreams, albeit with one small change—the girl on the sofa was no longer Theresa.
It was her.
Each time she woke from such dreams, Shenhe would find her tightly bound red cord loosened, her breathing labored, and her arms wrapped tightly around her senior sister.
An uncontrollable impulse stirred within her, urging her to untie the cord and go to Luo Qing…
But she resisted.
This was something she felt she had to consult her master about first.
Could she remove her red cord… and then seek out Luo Qing?
---
Ah, Reader. You've stayed for the bonus chapter—how delightful.
Even amidst the quiet of eternity, there's joy to be found in shared moments like this.
If you wish to offer your strength, step forward: [patreon.com/WiseTL].
Each effort helps to shape a world where such moments can thrive.
Our time together may be brief, but it is not without meaning. The Shogun and I will continue to watch over this journey, steadfast and unwavering. Until we meet again, may your steps remain steady on the path you walk.
— Ei