"I'm back!\~"
Klee pushed open the large door and cheerfully called out into the empty house. Then, she quickly turned around, her gaze full of expectation as she watched Hiroshi and Qiqi walking in.
Bending down, Hiroshi pinched Klee's chubby cheeks with a smile. "I'm back, Klee."
Standing beside Hiroshi, Qiqi softly said, "I'm… back too, Klee… sister."
"Welcome back, Brother Hiroshi, Sister Qiqi!" Klee exclaimed, nodding excitedly.
Turning around, she ran to Kuroneko, who was smiling nearby. Hugging Kuroneko's leg, Klee looked up happily and asked, "Sister Kuroneko, did I do a good job?"
"You did very well," Kuroneko said, patting Klee's head with a smile. "I'm back, Klee."
"Welcome back, Sister Kuroneko!" Klee shouted, holding Kuroneko tightly.
The previously empty room was now filled with laughter, transforming it into a warm home once again.
Sitting on the sofa, Hiroshi glanced at Klee and Qiqi, who were happily watching an animal documentary on TV, and opened the group chat on his device.
Earlier on the way back, he had received a message from Keqing.
Keqing: Will Kazuma attend the funeral ceremony for the Geo Archon's remains tomorrow?
Kazuma: I have to help my in-laws build a new house in Crimson Demon Village tomorrow. I'm too busy, so I won't go.
Keqing: ...
Keqing: Do you have anyone in mind for next month's invitation slot?
Keqing: Ningguang has been pestering me so much that I can't focus on work.
Shirou Emiya: Kazuma's slot has already been reserved for Miyu. Sorry.
Keqing: No need to apologize. It's my own issue.
Hiroshi: Is Zhongli's—I mean, the Geo Archon's—remains being buried tomorrow?
Hiroshi: Hu Tao sure works quickly.
Zhongli: Hiroshi, Hu Tao has also prepared a perfect burial site for you.
Hiroshi: !!!
Hiroshi: Can I hit her on the head?
Zhongli: ...
Rika Takinomiya: Why is everyone discussing burial plots?!
Hiroshi: Because of a very enthusiastic funeral parlor director.
Hiroshi: Do you remember the girl who had a drinking contest with Kazuma at the banquet in Liyue?
Hiroshi: She runs the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—a very enthusiastic airhead.
Rika Takinomiya: ...
Keqing: Hiroshi, are you attending the ceremony tomorrow?
Hiroshi: If Zhongli goes, I'll go. (￣▽￣)
Keqing: ...
Kazuma: Sounds fun!
Kazuma: I want to go too!!!
Megumin: ???
Megumin: Say that again, Kazuma.
Kazuma: Helping you and my in-laws comes first! Everything else is secondary!!!
Luo Xiaohai: Kazuma has become so obedient.
Hiroshi: After going through hell, it's no surprise Kazuma has learned his lesson.
Rika Takinomiya: Agreed. It scared me too, though.
Rika Takinomiya: Those half-beasts were terrifying, o(╥﹏╥)o.
Lumine: With your skills, Rika, they probably wouldn't bother you. Your affinity for animals is astonishing.
Keqing: Can we stay on topic?
Hiroshi: Heh\~
Venti: Heh\~
Venti: I want to join the Geo Archon's burial ceremony. I'll bring some fine wine to commemorate the occasion. Right, Hiroshi?
Hiroshi: ...
Zhongli: I'll attend as a consultant for Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Hiroshi: This is getting interesting.
Kazuma: This is getting interesting.
Riku: This is getting interesting.
Touma Kamijou: This is getting interesting.
Keqing: Hiroshi, is Kuroneko's invitation already reserved for Qiqi?
Hiroshi: Yes.
Hiroshi: Maybe you can ask Xiaohai.
Luo Xiaohai: My invitation isn't decided yet. Do you want it, Sister Keqing?
Keqing: Yes! Ever since Ningguang met everyone, she has constantly 'accidentally' run into me. It's interfering with my work!
Luo Xiaohai: Okay, Sister Keqing. I'll reserve my invitation for you next month.
Keqing: Thank you. I'll make sure Ningguang pays for this.
Luo Xiaohai: That's unnecessary; you can just have it.
Keqing: No!
Keqing: She's disrupted my work. This cannot go unpunished!
Lumine: ...
Lumine: Goodbye. I need to work overtime.
Hiroshi: Wait, Lumine!
Hiroshi: Can you investigate the underground nation of Khaenri'ah, which was destroyed 500 years ago?
Hiroshi: It might be related to your brother.
Venti: Khaenri'ah...
Hiroshi: Venti, can you share what happened to this god-destroyed nation?
Zhongli: I cannot.
Zhongli: According to the contract, we cannot reveal anything.
Zhongli: But when your journey reaches its end, you will understand everything.
Lumine: Understood. I'll continue my journey and do my best in my own way.
Borsalino: Oh my, how passionate\~
Hiroshi: Are you coming to tomorrow's ceremony, Admiral?
Hiroshi: I got some fine wine from Venti. Want to try it?
Aqua: Fine wine!!!
Kazuma: Aqua, focus on your job and stop slacking off!
Aqua: Hmph\~
[Kazuma (admin) muted Aqua for 12 hours.]
Kazuma: Hah, you can't oppose your boss.
Borsalino: Scary\~
Borsalino: I'm busy lately, so I won't be attending.
Borsalino: I do miss slacking off, though.
Hiroshi: Have you decided?
Borsalino: Yes, it's quite busy. Why did I even consider this? Slacking off is much better.
Hiroshi: Well done, Admiral!
Hiroshi: Let us know when you're ready.
Borsalino: Of course. I couldn't imagine doing this without you all.
Kazuma: What are you talking about?
Hiroshi: You'll find out soon enough.
Riku: Admiral, don't worry. We'll help you achieve your wish.
Infinity: I'll help too.
Borsalino: Haha, so passionate. I'll count on you. It'll be soon.
Hiroshi: Okay.
Hiroshi: @Keqing, I'll join Venti tomorrow.
Keqing: Understood.
Hiroshi: See you tomorrow.
Venti: Zhongli, I'll visit for some drinks again.
Zhongli: If you're coming, I'll prepare tea as well.
Stretching, Hiroshi looked up and smiled.
"Tomorrow looks like it's going to be an interesting day."
Rubbing his chin mischievously, Hiroshi chuckled. "Should I give Hu Tao a surprise tomorrow\~?"
"Hehehe."