The crisp morning air filled the Jade Chamber, carrying with it the subtle scent of jasmine tea. Today, Ningguang was in her office, surrounded by stacks of documents, all neatly organized in piles according to their priority. As usual, Rotom was floating around, occasionally buzzing over a scroll and scanning it with keen interest. Ever since Ningguang acquired Rotom, she had found her work efficiency drastically improved—although sometimes, Rotom's fascination with her devices had led to a few unexpected disruptions.
"Rotom, please be careful with that," Ningguang said, her voice calm yet firm. Rotom had taken an interest in the intricate lantern mechanism she kept on her desk, its sparks occasionally lighting the lantern when Ningguang wasn't paying attention. Rotom buzzed in acknowledgment and floated away, its eyes landing on a nearby gadget instead.
"Today, we have a slightly different task," Ningguang mused, standing up from her desk and adjusting her robe. She looked over at her Pokémon partner. "I want to see how far we can push the potential of Pokémon integration in our operations, particularly in terms of communication."
Rotom's eyes lit up, crackling with excitement. It floated closer, as if waiting for more instructions.
Ningguang gestured towards a small, sophisticated-looking device sitting on her desk—a prototype communication orb she had been working on for a while. It was meant to allow instant and clearer communication between Liyue's merchants and the Qixing officials, especially during busy times. However, the efficiency of the orb depended heavily on the strength of the signals it could pick up.
"I believe with your electric abilities, you could amplify this device's effectiveness," Ningguang explained. "Imagine if we could use your power to boost communication in Liyue, making it more seamless and effective. We could respond to emergencies faster, coordinate with merchants better, and improve overall productivity." She paused, looking at Rotom's inquisitive expression. "What do you think? Shall we give it a try?"
Rotom buzzed eagerly, its body sparking with energy. Ningguang smiled. "Very well. Let us proceed, then."
Ningguang set the orb on the table and took a step back. Rotom floated closer, its eyes narrowing as it studied the device. After a moment, it emitted a soft electrical pulse, sending small, controlled sparks into the orb. The orb glowed faintly, its inner mechanisms whirring to life. Ningguang observed intently, noting how the signals seemed to strengthen as Rotom's electricity interacted with the device.
After a few moments, a clear voice came through the orb—one of the Millelith stationed near the northern wharf. "Jade Chamber, this is Northern Wharf. Reporting in, everything is clear here."
Ningguang's eyes widened slightly, impressed by the clarity of the transmission. She leaned towards the orb, speaking into it. "This is Ningguang. Testing a new enhancement. Please confirm clarity of my voice."
"Clear as crystal, Lady Ningguang," the Millelith's voice replied, his tone respectful but clearly curious. "May I ask how this improvement was made?"
Ningguang glanced at Rotom, who was buzzing proudly, small sparks dancing around its body. "Just a little assistance from our new Pokémon friends," she replied, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Thank you for the confirmation. Ningguang out."
She ended the transmission, turning her attention fully back to Rotom. "Excellent work, Rotom. With this, we can improve communication throughout Liyue, especially during festivals and important events."
Rotom buzzed happily, clearly pleased with itself. Ningguang allowed herself a small smile. Pokémon truly had a unique potential that she was only beginning to understand.
---
Later that day, Ningguang decided to take Rotom for a walk through Liyue Harbor. It wasn't often that she had the time to stroll through the bustling streets, but today she wanted to observe firsthand how the people were interacting with Pokémon. The harbor was lively, with vendors calling out their wares and children running around, many accompanied by their Pokémon partners.
As she walked, she spotted Xiangling near her food stall, Charmander and Lotad busy helping her prepare for the lunchtime rush. Charmander was roasting skewers with precise bursts of flame, while Lotad was washing vegetables in a basin. Xiangling was clearly in her element, her face bright with enthusiasm as she worked.
"Lady Ningguang!" Xiangling called out, noticing her approach. "Would you like to try today's special? Charmander and Lotad have been a huge help in the kitchen!"
Ningguang smiled, stepping closer to the stall. "I would be delighted, Xiangling. It's good to see how well you've integrated your Pokémon partners into your work."
Xiangling grinned, handing her a freshly roasted skewer. "They've made everything so much easier—and more fun too! I never imagined cooking could be such a team effort until I got Charmander and Lotad. It's like having extra hands... or paws, I guess."
Ningguang took a bite of the skewer, savoring the flavor. "Delicious, as always," she complimented, her gaze shifting to Charmander, who looked up at her with bright eyes. "You've done well, Charmander."
Charmander let out a happy chirp, its tail flame flickering with pride. Lotad gave an enthusiastic splash from the basin, as if wanting to be included in the praise.
Ningguang chuckled softly. "And you too, Lotad. Your contributions do not go unnoticed."
Xiangling beamed, clearly pleased. "Thank you, Lady Ningguang! It's been amazing seeing how Pokémon can fit into our lives. They really do make everything more lively."
Ningguang nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. They have a unique way of enhancing our daily activities. I've even been experimenting with using Rotom's abilities to improve communication between the Qixing and the Millelith." She gestured to Rotom, who was currently inspecting a small lantern hanging from the stall, its curiosity getting the better of it.
Xiangling's eyes widened with interest. "Wow, that sounds incredible! I knew Rotom was good with gadgets, but I didn't realize it could help with something like that. Pokémon really are amazing, aren't they?"
"They are," Ningguang agreed, her gaze softening as she watched Rotom. "Their potential is vast, and I believe we are only beginning to scratch the surface of what they are capable of."
---
As Ningguang continued her walk through the harbor, she came across Ganyu, who was carrying a large stack of documents. Beside her was Snorunt, doing its best to help by carrying a smaller bundle in its tiny arms. Ganyu looked slightly flustered, her usual calm demeanor replaced with a hint of exhaustion from the workload.
"Lady Ningguang," Ganyu greeted, her voice slightly strained as she adjusted the stack of papers. "It's good to see you."
Ningguang raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting between Ganyu and the stack of documents. "Ganyu, are you managing all of this on your own?"
Ganyu nodded, though her expression was weary. "There were some last-minute adjustments to the contracts for the upcoming trade agreements. I didn't want to burden anyone else, so Snorunt and I decided to handle it ourselves."
Ningguang's eyes softened. "You are dedicated as always, Ganyu, but you must remember not to overwork yourself." She looked at Rotom, then back at Ganyu. "Rotom and I can assist you. Rotom, would you mind helping Ganyu with those documents?"
Rotom buzzed in agreement, floating over to Ganyu and using its electric abilities to lift some of the heavier scrolls, reducing the load significantly. Ganyu looked visibly relieved, her shoulders relaxing slightly.
"Thank you, Lady Ningguang. And thank you, Rotom," Ganyu said, giving a small smile. "Snorunt and I appreciate the help."
Snorunt chirped in agreement, its tiny body shivering slightly as it looked up at Rotom with admiration. Rotom responded with a cheerful spark, and the two Pokémon seemed to share a moment of understanding.
"It's important to remember that we have help available," Ningguang said gently. "The Pokémon are here to support us, just as we support each other."
Ganyu nodded, her expression softening. "You're right, Lady Ningguang. I will try to rely on others more."
Ningguang smiled. "Good. Now, let us get these documents to their destination."
---
The day continued with Ningguang, Ganyu, and their Pokémon making their way through Liyue Harbor, delivering documents and assisting with various tasks. As they worked, more and more people began to take notice of the Pokémon, their curiosity growing. Children ran up to ask questions about Rotom and Snorunt, while merchants watched in awe as Rotom helped amplify communication devices and Snorunt created small bursts of cold air to keep produce fresh.
By the time the sun began to set, the harbor was alive with chatter about the incredible abilities of the Pokémon. Ningguang could hear people discussing how they might be able to integrate Pokémon into their own work—whether it was using a fire-type to help with cooking, an electric-type to boost machinery, or even an ice-type to preserve goods.
Ningguang stood at the edge of the harbor, looking out over the water as the sky turned shades of orange and pink. Rotom floated beside her, its eyes reflecting the colors of the sunset. Ganyu and Snorunt were a few steps away, finishing up their last delivery of the day.
"It's amazing, isn't it?" Ganyu said as she approached Ningguang, her voice filled with quiet wonder. "How quickly everyone has embraced Pokémon. They bring so much joy and utility to our daily lives."
Ningguang nodded, her gaze never leaving the horizon. "Indeed. Pokémon have a way of connecting with people that is truly unique. They remind us of the importance of companionship, of working together to achieve something greater."
Rotom buzzed softly, as if agreeing with her words. Ningguang looked at her partner, a rare warmth in her eyes. "And I am grateful to have you by my side, Rotom. Together, we will continue to make Liyue prosper."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its final glow over Liyue Harbor, Ningguang knew that this was only the beginning. The journey to integrate Pokémon into the daily lives of the people of Teyvat was far from over, but with each passing day, they were one step closer to a future where Pokémon and humans worked together in harmony.
And that, Ningguang thought, was a future worth striving for.