Night had just fallen, and the silver moon began its ascent into the sky. Fireflies danced among the flowers and trees, lighting up the garden.
The joyful atmosphere emanated from the manor's lawn, where people came and went, carrying a variety of delicacies to place on the long table set on the grass.
A chorus of laughter echoed from the garden nearby, where a group of little ones cuddled and played with several fluffy pandas.
A white cloud drifted across the sky, and in an instant, Hiroshi, Riku, and Lumine appeared on the lawn.
"You're back?"
Kazuma Satou looked up at the trio returning and waved them over. He shifted to make space, saying, "Hurry up, you three were the only ones missing. Why'd it take you so long?"
With a tired sigh, Hiroshi plopped down next to Kazuma and took the water cup passed to him by Kuroneko, downing it in one go. "Who knew those Hilichurls would put up such a fight? We ended up wasting a lot of time. Riku had to kite them from high up, and I couldn't use my domain here in Teyvat."
Grabbing two apples from the table, Hiroshi handed one to Riku and asked, "You heading back afterward?"
Riku shook his head, smiling as he took a bite. "No, time is short. I need to get stronger as quickly as I can. I just need to check in during the set times."
"Alright then, do your best," Hiroshi nodded.
The festive night continued, everyone having gathered together tonight for Riku.
After dinner, as the lawn was tidied up, Riku and Hiroshi waited for Riku's magic teacher to arrive. The rest of the group dispersed, each going off to do their own thing.
"So, you're the cute little newcomer Hiroshi asked me to teach?"
Lisa, in her signature purple witch's hat, approached Riku like a lazy but elegant cat. She leaned against Hiroshi's back, closely examining Riku's eyes.
After a while, Lisa gave a mysterious smile and waved at Riku. "Not bad at all, I like your eyes, dear."
Hiroshi pushed her away, and Lisa stretched lazily. "Seems like we're in for some busy times ahead." She winked at Hiroshi, smiling. "Alright, Hiroshi dear, I'll consider this favor repaid once this is over. Just make sure you add me to that chat group soon."
Turning, Lisa's eyes sparkled as she saw Vanir approach. "I never imagined I'd find something so interesting, an archduke of devils who knows all the world's secrets."
Vanir gave a courteous bow, smiling behind his mask. "Oh, beautiful lady, your knowledge pleases me as well." He then turned to Riku, a glimmer of joy and fascination in his eyes.
"Let me salute you once more, young hero who will end the War of Gods. Meeting you is truly an honor."
Riku hurried to help Vanir up, looking a little embarrassed. "Please, there's no need for that. My idea of ending the war isn't all that noble. I don't have some grand desire to save the world—I just want my people to live happily, without the fear of dying senselessly from sudden attacks."
Clenching his fist, Riku continued with a smile, "And I don't want my wife to live in such a dark world either."
"Well said, what a wonderful dream!" Vanir clasped Riku's hands, gazing at his passionate soul as he spoke, "You've shown me stories I never imagined, a light I never witnessed. It's all worth my devotion!"
"I will teach you all I know, and when fate calls, I will give everything to fulfill your wish. This, I vow!"
Seeing Vanir's increasingly excited state, his face flushed as if in ecstasy, Riku subtly tried to pull his hands free, sending a pleading look to Hiroshi, who was eating an apple nearby.
**Riku:** Vanir is too intense, Hiroshi! Help me—my hands are going numb!
**Hiroshi:** *Shrugs* Can't be helped. Vanir was an archduke of devils in his world—he knew everything there was to know.
**Hiroshi:** Back when we were on a mission in Kazuma's world, I fought him. He couldn't see through me and wanted into the chat group, so he held back. Otherwise, he would've pulverized me.
**Riku:** An archduke who knows everything… Sounds amazing but also very lonely.
**Hiroshi:** He sees you as a miracle. To him, you're the most precious treasure in the world.
**Hiroshi:** He'll give you everything. He'd even stake his life for you.
**Riku:** Heavy expectations, but I'll accept it. I have to win.
**Hiroshi:** Everyone's here to help. You'll get there.
**Riku:** Honestly, I still feel like I'm dreaming—you've all done so much for me.
**Hiroshi:** Everyone's good people, and you've shown you deserve it. Believe in yourself.
**Riku:** Alright… I'll pay back this kindness someday.
Throwing his apple core into the trash, Hiroshi watched as Lisa, Vanir, and Riku disappeared into a shimmering portal.
Riku had a busy time ahead—sweeping through Mondstadt's lands with Hiroshi by day, then learning under Vanir and Lisa at the library by night. Truly, every day would be fulfilling.
Lying down on the lawn, Hiroshi turned over, the brief respite of laziness over. It was time to get back to work.
Fast footsteps approached. Kuroneko, with her long black hair cascading down her back, sat beside him.
Hiroshi sat up slightly, wrapping an arm around Kuroneko. He closed his eyes, savoring the warmth. "Kuroneko, I think I finally understand how Riku feels," he said softly.
"Mhm," she murmured, holding him.
"So, for this next mission… Could you and Klee stay home and wait for me to come back?"
A small smile spread across her lips as she nestled against him, shaking her head firmly. "No way."
With a sigh, Hiroshi lay back down on the lawn, pulling her close.
Kuroneko leaned up, gazing into his eyes. She smiled. "I believe in you. The eyes of the Fallen Saint Black Cat will never be wrong."
Seeing her confidence, Hiroshi couldn't help but smile back. "Looks like I'll need to work even harder."
"You will, and I'll be with you, no matter where in the world that may be."