An Unexpected Encounter with a Liyue Adeptus

Morning sunlight streamed through the lattice windows of Tenshukaku, falling softly across the floor like a golden veil.

Baichen sat quietly at a table, facing an ancient bronze mirror. He held an exquisite porcelain cup, preparing to pour the purple powder Miko had given him into his tea.

This was the third day in a row, and the action had become his daily morning ritual.

As time passed, he could feel the antidote gradually taking effect, and the strange fragrance from the earring was slowly losing its influence over him.

What struck him as strange, however, was that every time he used the antidote, the Electro around the bite mark on his right ear became unusually active, as if awakened by some force.

The Electro surged through his body, seemingly locked in a fierce struggle with some unknown power.

Baichen frowned as he gazed at his reflection in the bronze mirror, wondering what lay behind it.

What was going on with this bite mark? Why was the Electro behaving so strangely? The questions had lingered in his mind, but he could make no sense of them.

[System notification]

["Camellia Love" antidote progress: 2/3]

[Side effect: Raiden Shogun mark sensitivity +30%]

After draining the last of the medicinal tea, Baichen put on the token Ei had specially authorized for him to go out. Today was his first official outing since gaining his "half-free" status.

Though he still needed two members of the Okuzumeshuu to accompany him, at least he could leave Tenshukaku.

"Lord Baichen, the carriage is ready," Kujou Sara called from outside the door. "The Shogun has ordered that you may go wherever you wish, but you must return before sunset."

When he opened the door, Kujou was dressed not in her usual military attire but in casual clothes suited for movement, with her wings folded away behind her.

Seeing Baichen's puzzled look, she explained, "I will personally accompany you."

The main thoroughfare of Inazuma City was even livelier than Baichen had imagined.

Shops stood packed together along both sides of the street, stretching as far as the eye could see.

Pedestrians threaded their way between them, some hurrying along and others strolling at leisure, forming a busy yet harmonious scene.

Vendors' calls rose and fell all around them, some clear and pleasant, others rough and boisterous, drawing glances from passersby.

The sounds intertwined like a unique symphony, playing out the bustle and vitality of Inazuma City.

Kujou walked beside Baichen. She was clearly familiar with the area and pointed out the shops along the way.

"This dango shop has been open for a hundred years. Its dango is one of Inazuma's finest."

She pointed to a quaint little shop as she spoke. Then she indicated another storefront. "That's the best lacquerware workshop in Inazuma. The pieces inside are exquisite, all masterworks."

As Baichen listened intently to Kujou's introductions, they passed a Yae Publishing House bookstore.

Suddenly, a familiar figure stepped out. It was Miko.

She wore a splendid kimono and walked with light steps, like a fairy descended to earth.

Her eyes lit up when she saw them. "Oh my, isn't this our little darling? Finally been let out for some fresh air?"

Today, Miko looked as though she had stepped out of a painting. She wore a cherry-pink furisode kimono, its vibrant color like cherry blossoms in spring, giving off a delicate fragrance.

The fabric was soft and smooth, embroidered with exquisite patterns. Every stitch seemed to tell an ancient story.

Her lovely hair cascaded over her shoulders, held in place by a delicate fox ornament.

The fox ornament was so lifelike that it looked ready to leap into motion at any moment.

Its eyes gleamed with a sly light, complementing her lively gaze and making her look all the more playful and charming.

Compared with her usual appearance, she was even more dazzling and alluring today, like the brightest star in the night sky, drawing everyone's attention.

Before Baichen could answer, she naturally slipped her arm through his. "I was just going to Uyuu Restaurant to try some new dishes. Want to come along?"

Kujou was just about to stop them when Miko thrust an oilpaper parcel into her hands. "A fresh-off-the-press light novel manuscript. The Shogun asked for it by name~"

The excuse was so clever that Kujou was momentarily at a loss for words.

Miko took the opportunity to pull Baichen away at a brisk pace, not forgetting to call back, "Don't worry, I'll return him safe and sound before dinner~"

[Yae Miko affection +2%, current: 22%]

Uyuu Restaurant was the finest dining establishment in Inazuma City, tucked away in a quiet part of Hanamizaka.

Miko was clearly a regular, as the proprietress led them straight to a private room beside the water.

"We have an honored guest from Liyue today," the proprietress said quietly. "So we've prepared a special 'Delicacies from Land and Sea.'"

Miko's eyes lit up. "Then we simply have to try it~" She turned to Baichen. "Did you know? Liyue cuisine emphasizes a balance between delicacies from the mountains and the sea. It's completely different from Inazuma's."

As she spoke, the private room's paper door slid gently open.

A blue-haired girl entered carrying a tea set-or no, not a girl. The pair of crystalline qilin horns on her head and the bell around her neck marked her as someone extraordinary.

"Miss Ganyu?" Baichen blurted out in surprise.

Why would the secretary of the Liyue Qixing be in Inazuma?

Ganyu froze as well, the teapot in her hands nearly slipping from her grasp. "You know me?"

Realizing he had misspoken, Baichen hurriedly explained, "I... I saw your portrait in a book."

The clumsy lie made Miko cover her mouth and chuckle.

Ganyu, however, believed him and shyly touched her horns. "So books in Liyue have pictures of those..."

She knelt and poured tea for them, her movements graceful and fluid.

Seen up close, the half-adeptus girl was even more beautiful than in the game. Her long, ice-blue hair fell like a waterfall, her golden eyes seemed to hold a thousand years of wisdom, and her fair skin was almost translucent.

"Miss Ganyu is here for a cultural exchange," Miko explained. "Perhaps she can tell us some interesting things about Liyue~"

Ganyu nodded bashfully. "Actually... I'm here to learn about Inazuma's tax administration." She took a notebook from her sleeve. "The Liyue Qixing said there's much to learn from the Raiden Shogun's approach to governing."

As they talked, the first dish arrived: the famous Liyue dish Adeptus' Temptation.

Ganyu's eyes lit up. She immediately became a culinary expert, explaining in detail the origins of each ingredient and the cooking techniques involved.

Speaking about her area of expertise, she lost all her initial shyness and instead revealed an intellectual charm.

"The most important thing with this soup is controlling the heat..." She gestured earnestly. "It has to simmer over a low flame for six hours before..."

Miko suddenly picked up a piece of abalone and held it to Baichen's lips. "Ah~ Open wide~"

The intimate gesture brought Ganyu's words to an abrupt halt.

Baichen awkwardly took the food into his mouth, only to see Ganyu's face suddenly turn red. Her gaze darted away, and she dared not look at them.

"Miss Miko and Mr. Baichen... are you in that kind of relationship?"

"What kind of relationship?" Miko asked with a mischievous smile.

"I mean... lovers..." Ganyu's voice grew quieter and quieter.

Miko smiled without answering and asked Baichen instead, "What do you think?"

With two pairs of beautiful eyes fixed on him at once, Baichen felt his ears burn.

Fortunately, the second dish arrived just then-an Inazuman specialty called "The Electro Archon's Delight"-temporarily changing the subject.

[Ganyu's first appearance]

[Current affection: 8% (curiosity stage)]

Lunch continued in a pleasant atmosphere.

Ganyu gradually relaxed and began talking about Liyue's customs and people.

When she grew excited, her qilin horns even glowed faintly.

Miko cracked jokes from time to time and deliberately fed Baichen, making Ganyu blush every time.

"Come to think of it," Ganyu suddenly asked, "are you from Inazuma, Mr. Baichen? There's something rather unusual about your demeanor..."

"He's the Shogun's 'special adviser'~" Miko answered before he could, deliberately stressing those words.

Ganyu came to a sudden realization. "No wonder I sensed Electro on you..." A smell?"

The perceptive observation made Baichen's heart tighten.

Miko seemed to notice his tension and changed the subject at just the right moment:

"Would you like to try some of Inazuma's specialty sweets, Ganyu? I know a shop with incredibly delicious dango~"

It was already afternoon when they left Uyuu Restaurant.

Sure enough, Miko took them to the dango shop she had mentioned and specifically ordered tricolor dango. Ganyu's eyes narrowed with pleasure as she ate, and she looked nothing like the serious secretary famous throughout Liyue.

"It's delicious!" she exclaimed from the heart. "Even better than Liyue's almond tofu..."

Before she could finish, her expression suddenly froze. Across the street, a familiar figure was watching them coldly.

The Raiden Shogun had appeared there at some point, her purple kimono standing out in the crowd.

"Looks like our walk is over~" Miko said lightly, quietly squeezing Baichen's hand. "Don't forget to keep taking your medicine tonight."

Ganyu sprang to her feet nervously, nearly knocking over her teacup. "Y-Your Excellency, Raiden Shogun! I..."

Ei ignored her greeting, her gaze fixed directly on Baichen and Miko's joined hands.

The Electro in the air began to stir, and pedestrians hurried out of the way.

"Come here." She held out a hand to Baichen, her voice frighteningly calm.

Baichen steeled himself and walked over. Kujou had appeared behind Ei at some point, wearing an expression that said, "I warned you."

"Did you have fun?" Ei asked softly, her fingers brushing his earring. He had kept it on all day because he was going out.

"I-it was all right..."

Ei's gaze swept over Ganyu behind Baichen. "What did the Liyue Qixing send you here for?"

Ganyu was so nervous that even her horns began to glow. "Just cultural exchange! I brought a personal letter from Lady Ningguang..."

"Come to Tenshukaku tomorrow to discuss it." Ei cut her off coldly, then seized Baichen's wrist and turned to leave.

[Raiden Shogun affection -1%, current: 55%]

[e.g: displeasure at unauthorized contact with an outsider]

Ei said nothing on the way back to Tenshukaku.

Her fingers remained tightly wrapped around Baichen's wrist, gripping hard enough to nearly leave a bruise.

Kujou tactfully kept her distance, giving them space.

"Ei..." Baichen called softly.

"Silence." She did not look back.

Only after they entered the gates of Tenshukaku did Ei release him.

Baichen thought he was about to be scolded, but she merely took a deep breath. "Go rest. After dinner... come to my room."

The suggestive instruction made Baichen's heart race.

Kujou patted his shoulder sympathetically and whispered, "The Shogun was originally going to accompany you herself today, but Miss Ganyu suddenly arrived..."

So that was it.

Was Ei angry because he'd left her behind to go out with someone else?

The realization brought a strange hint of sweetness to Baichen's heart.

[Raiden Shogun affection +2%, current: 57%]

[e.g: jealousy reaction]

He ate dinner alone in his room.

When the maid brought his meal, she also brought a small package: a Liyue dessert called "almond tofu," sent by Ganyu, along with a neatly written note:

"Thank you for your hospitality today. If you ever have the time to visit Liyue, please allow me to be your guide. -Ganyu"

Beside the dessert lay an exquisite little bell, much like the one around Ganyu's neck.

The maid explained that it was a Liyue "peace bell" that could ward off evil and avert misfortune.

[Item obtained: Ganyu's peace bell]

[Effect: slight increase in luck]

[Ganyu affection +3%, current: 11%]

[e.g: affinity toward a stranger in a foreign land]

After dinner, Baichen went to Ei's room with an uneasy heart.

He pushed open the door, and the sight that greeted him stopped him in his tracks. Ei had changed into a loose yukata, her long purple hair hanging loose as she polished her tachi.

A small tea table stood in the center of the room, holding two cups of sake and a plate of snacks to accompany it.

"Sit," she said without looking up.

Baichen carefully sat down across from her.

Ei finally set down her tachi and pushed one of the cups toward him. "Drink."

The sake burned as it went down, leaving a sweet aftertaste.

Ei stared at his face for a long time before suddenly asking, "Do you like the Guuji?"

"No! It's just..."

"Do you like that Liyue adeptus?"

"We only met for the first time today..."

Ei poured him another cup of sake. "Then why would you rather go out with them than wait for me?"

The question struck at the heart of the matter.

Baichen lowered his head and looked at his reflection in the sake. "I thought... you had official business to attend to."

Silence spread through the room.

Ei suddenly rose and walked around behind him, placing both hands on his shoulders. "Turn around."

He obediently turned his head, and her lips pressed against his without warning.

The taste of sake passed between their lips, and the faint tingling of Electro spread from the point of contact through his whole body.

The kiss was brief but powerful, and when they parted, Baichen's mind went blank.

"Remember," Ei said, her fingers brushing the bite mark on his right ear, "this is the scent you should have."

[Raiden Shogun affection +5%, current: 62%]

By the time Baichen returned to his room, his lips were still tingling.

Miko's antidote powder sat on the table, and he mechanically mixed it into his tea and drank it.

As the medicine settled in his stomach, the earring's fragrance seemed to fade a little more, while the bite mark on his right ear grew increasingly sensitive.

["Camellia Love" antidote progress: 3/3]

[Side effect: Raiden Shogun mark sensitivity +50%]

Outside the window, moonlight fell on Tenshukaku's upturned eaves.

Baichen rubbed the bell Ganyu had given him, recalling the day's unexpected encounters-Miko's pranks, Ganyu's surprise appearance, and Ei's possessive kiss... The system panel flickered before his eyes, displaying the changes in the various affection levels:

[Current romance progress]:

Raiden Shogun: 62% (deep possessiveness)

Yae Miko: 22% (strong interest)

Ganyu: 11% (initial fondness)

Just as he was getting ready for bed, someone suddenly tapped lightly on the window.

He drew back the curtain, and a paper crane shikigami fluttered in. It landed and turned into a line of writing:

"Meet me at the Ritou docks tomorrow morning, during the hour of the dragon. There is an important matter to discuss. -Kokomi"

The writing quickly faded, leaving no trace.

Baichen looked out the window. Inazuma City was quiet and mysterious beneath the moonlight.

This world ruled by powerful women was drawing him into its vortex in all sorts of ways...