Check out my new translated fanfic,
Genshin Impact: The Gambler of Teyvat
Also let's reach 100 powerstones before it resets for an extra chapter
...
The four of them strolled down the bustling street, drawing plenty of attention from passersby.
Especially Paimon and Yu Keke—one a tiny fox-girl, the other a flying violet-pumpkin-like creature. Such a strange pairing naturally drew curious glances wherever they went.
Still, no one dared to cause trouble. After all, walking beside them was Xue Qinghe, who was cheerfully introducing them to all sorts of interesting sights.
One look at his attire was enough to tell he was a noble of the highest rank, and those with sharper eyes even recognized him as the Crown Prince himself.
No ordinary citizen would dream of provoking such a figure—they'd rather avoid him entirely.
"Ehehe~ Grandpa, what's this? It looks so yummy!"
Paimon flitted around curiously, her eyes catching on an old man carrying a wooden stick lined with glistening, sugary fruit skewers. Her craving was instantly triggered.
"Uh… Milady, this is called candied hawthorn," the old man replied, stunned for a moment by her unusual appearance. When he noticed Xue Qinghe beside her, he quickly bowed in respect.
"Paimon, do you want one of these?" Xue Qinghe pointed at the skewers.
"Hehe, I kinda do…" Paimon scratched her head sheepishly, then said,
"Qinghe, could you lend me a bit of Mora—ah, I mean, Soul Coins? Once the Traveler earns some, we'll pay you back."
"We're friends. I'll treat you! Shopkeeper, give me… oh right, how many do you want?"
"Hmm~ One each, maybe?" Paimon wanted one badly, but didn't feel right eating alone. The best snacks were meant to be shared.
"Sounds good."
Xue Qinghe pulled out a gold Soul Coin and handed it to the old man.
The old man was stunned. A gold Soul Coin? Even if he sold every skewer on the stick, it wouldn't be worth more than a hundred copper Soul Coins.
"Milord, this…"
He didn't know whether to accept it or not.
"What's the matter?" Xue Qinghe looked puzzled. Was he refusing to sell?
"S-small one such as I doesn't have the change to return, milord. Why don't you just take them as a humble gift from me…"
"…Just keep the extra, uncle. No need for change."
Xue Qinghe waved his hand dismissively. For a moment, he thought the vendor didn't want to sell to him—turns out, it was just that.
But then, a thought crossed his mind. Whether it was this old vendor or other passersby, they all seemed to carry a natural fear of him. Was it because of his noble status?
Ever since he saw Aether dissolve the slave contract, a strange thought had been lingering in his heart—unclear and unformed, but tugging at him all the same.
Xue Qinghe plucked four skewers from the stick and handed them all to Paimon.
"Hehe, thanks, Qinghe!" Paimon took three and passed one to Yu Keke, then flew over to Aether and waved the remaining skewer in front of him with a teasing smile.
"Traveler, this is really good—sweet and a bit sour. Want one?"
"…I'll try it."
Aether took the skewer, bit into one of the fruits, and to his surprise, it tasted just right—crispy, tangy, and sweet.
"Hehe, since you ate one, you owe me money now! I borrowed from Qinghe to buy these, remember?" Paimon said, a mischievous grin on her face.
"Then here. Take it back."
Aether blinked, then coolly offered the skewer back.
She was just loudly saying Qinghe was treating them a moment ago. Now she was trying to trick him into paying? Trying to build her own little stash again, huh?
Aether had clearly dealt with too many of her "tactics" before.
"Hmph! You already ate one! No take-backs!"
Paimon put her hands on her hips, smug and triumphant.
"…It's way too sour. I'll pay half. You cover the rest."
"Hmm~ Okay, fine. I am your best partner, after all~"
Paimon thought for a moment. If she really owed money, then splitting it with her partner was fair.
Watching Aether and Paimon squabbling while nibbling on candied hawthorn, Xue Qinghe and Yu Keke exchanged glances—both of them seeing the same disbelief mirrored in the other's eyes.
In Xue Qinghe's mind, someone like Aether—so powerful, so untouchable—should have been the type who was cold, aloof, and solemn. The kind of figure who stood above all others, commanding awe and fear.
But this boy… this peerless powerhouse wasn't like that at all.
He bickered playfully with his companion, munching on street snacks like it was nothing. He didn't act like a mighty expert at all—more like a dependable, carefree older brother…
Maybe this side of him was something only Paimon got to see?
As Paimon snuck a bite off the skewer in Aether's hand when he wasn't looking, her face lit up with a victorious grin. And Aether, rather than getting mad, pretended to try and snatch her skewer in return.
Xue Qinghe watched it all, unable to stop a pang of envy rising in his heart.
If only… Aether could treat him the way he treated Paimon…
The thought made his chest feel strange.
He quickly suppressed the odd flutter in his heart—an emotion that belonged not to the prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, but to Qian Renxue, the future heir of Spirit Hall.
Neither identity allowed him to indulge in such feelings.
Yu Keke, on the other hand, had her own worries. Watching Paimon and "Brother" get along so well made her wonder: Would they let me come along too?
She really wanted to travel with them…
They not only rescued her, but also avenged her father. She had to find a way to repay them somehow.
"Yuelai Restaurant—Qinghe, is this the place?"
After passing through several streets, they finally arrived in front of the grand establishment. Paimon looked at the luxuriously decorated restaurant and asked uncertainly.
Even if Qinghe was treating them, she still had her doubts.
The place looked as fancy as the taverns back in Mondstadt. The prices must be outrageous.
What if Qinghe didn't bring enough money and they had to wash dishes to pay off the bill?
"Yes, this is the place. I've been here a few times—it's great. Especially their Golden Crispy Chicken, Tomahawk Steak, Cheesecake, and Strawberry Milkshake…"
Xue Qinghe nodded and started listing dishes with detail and relish.
This restaurant was secretly run by Spirit Hall. He often came here when handling internal affairs, and over time, became familiar with the menu.
Most importantly, the food was really good. So he brought them here without a second thought.
Slurp~
Gulp~
As Xue Qinghe went on, Paimon and Yu Keke stared wide-eyed, practically drooling as their imaginations ran wild with images of delicious food.
"…"
Aether looked at the two gluttons beside him and was about to scold them for their lack of self-control—only to realize his own throat had just involuntarily swallowed as well.
_
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