"Apologies, I'm really sorry. Shinx caused trouble for you all. Shinx, apologize quickly."
In Yuehai Pavilion's plaza, Keqing bowed apologetically to the Millelith soldiers who had hurried over, shooting a stern glare at Shinx beside her.
**Meow↗ah~**
Shinx lowered its head dejectedly, letting out a soft cry as it looked apologetically at the gathered Millelith soldiers.
"Haha, Lady Keqing, no need to apologize. It's not that big of a deal, though your pet is certainly something extraordinary," said Yan Bang, the Millelith squad captain, with a polite smile. Despite his words, he couldn't help but glance nervously at the seemingly well-behaved Shinx trailing behind Keqing.
When the soldiers had been called over earlier, they initially dismissed the situation. After all, it was just a small cat no taller than their knees—how strong could it possibly be? They were Millelith soldiers, trained and seasoned.
But very quickly, they realized they were gravely mistaken.
The cat's speed was terrifying, its strength alarming.
During their pursuit, one soldier had been knocked squarely in the chest by Shinx and was immediately sent sprawling, unconscious.
Upon inspection, the unfortunate soldier's chest had turned a deep purple from the impact. The sight made everyone's scalps tingle.
This small creature's speed and power rivaled that of many Vision wielders, and if that wasn't enough, it could discharge electricity—manipulating elemental energy as if it had its own Vision!
As the Millelith racked their brains for a way to subdue the little menace, Keqing had appeared, drawn by the commotion outside. One glance was enough for her to take control of the situation.
Now, Keqing handed Yan Bang a pouch of Mora, her expression full of regret.
"I'll cover the medical expenses for the injured soldier. Take him to Bubu Pharmacy and have Doctor Baizhu examine him. Make sure he recovers fully without any lasting issues."
Keqing's tone was both apologetic and commanding. She cast another fierce glare at Shinx, the kind of look a mother gives a misbehaving child after cleaning up their mess.
"You're far too kind, Lady Keqing," Yan Bang said, reluctantly accepting the pouch of Mora. But curiosity lingered in his gaze as he looked at Shinx. After a moment, he couldn't resist asking, "If I may, where did you get this remarkable little companion?"
Keqing paused, then chuckled lightly. "This little one? It's my starter Pokémon. I bought it from *Pokémon House* in Chihu Rock for 530,000 Mora."
"530,000 Mora…"
Yan Bang rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Based on what Shinx had demonstrated earlier, it might not quite match a Vision wielder in raw power, but it was still a formidable creature. A beast capable of wielding elemental energy and following commands was a rare find.
At 530,000 Mora, it was an expensive purchase, but for something with abilities like this, it might actually be worth it.
The thought stirred Yan Bang's interest. If these creatures, called Pokémon, could be integrated into the Millelith, their overall strength would skyrocket. Dangerous tasks that once required Adepti assistance might finally become manageable by humans alone. It could mark a significant step toward Liyue's independence from the Adepti.
Keqing had considered this herself, which is why she didn't hesitate to share where she had obtained Shinx.
---
"Alright then, Lady Keqing. Since the misunderstanding is cleared up, we'll take our leave. That soldier is waiting for Doctor Baizhu's help," Yan Bang said after a moment of thought. Offering Keqing a polite smile, he ordered the injured soldier to be carried off toward Bubu Pharmacy.
"Back to work, everyone. There's nothing more to see," Keqing declared, dispersing the crowd that had gathered to watch. Once everyone had left, she picked up Shinx by the scruff of its neck and headed back to her office.
"You almost got me into real trouble this time," Keqing muttered as she walked, her stern tone directed at Shinx.
Shinx's ears drooped as it hung limply in her grasp, looking utterly dejected. Seeing that it was genuinely remorseful, Keqing sighed and said nothing more. She was strict, but she believed in rewarding repentance.
---
Once Keqing was out of sight, the remaining bystanders began whispering among themselves.
"Did you see that? That little thing can use electricity!" Baiwen said in awe.
"Yeah, and it seems really intelligent—like it understands human speech," Baixiao added, still amazed.
"Not to mention its speed and strength. It's just a kitten, but it's already this strong. I wonder how much potential it has," Baishi mused.
The three secretaries—Baiwen, Baixiao, and Baishi—gathered together, chattering excitedly. But halfway through their discussion, all three burst into laughter.
If what they said was true—that this creature could use elemental energy, understand commands, and grow even stronger—then it wasn't much different from having a Vision wielder. Spending 530,000 Mora on such a companion seemed almost too good to be true.
---
"Did you catch the name of the shop Lady Keqing mentioned?" Baishi suddenly asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Of course. Pokémon House, in Chihu Rock. Why? Are you thinking of getting one?" Baixiao teased, grinning.
To her surprise, Baishi nodded firmly.
"Based on what that Shinx just showed us, even if it doesn't have much more potential, it's still worth it. Plus, its small size makes it easy to keep around for both work and safety. It's a practical choice."
Baixiao and Baiwen fell silent, realizing the logic in her reasoning. After a moment, both nodded in agreement.
"Shift's almost over. Want to check it out together?" Baishi asked, seeing the interest growing in her sisters' eyes.
With that, the three secretaries of Yuehai Pavilion decided to visit *Pokémon House* after their work was done.