10 more powerstones to reach 100
.....
"Take Keke with us, just like you took me!"
Paimon rested her tiny hands under her chin, declaring her decision.
There were too many bad people in this world, and they were all vicious. How was a little girl like her supposed to survive alone?
Although following her and the Traveler might mean a tougher life, at least they wouldn't go hungry.
The Traveler was someone reliable—she had always known that.
"Alright, we'll do as you say."
Aether looked at Paimon with interest. This little one… it seemed like ever since arriving in this world, she'd grown a little more mature.
"Wuwu~ that's wonderful! Brother and Paimon are willing to take me with you! Thank you, Brother, thank you, Paimon… wuwu~"
Yu Keke's lips quivered with the urge to cry when she heard their decision. Paimon quickly flew over and covered her mouth, giving her ears a sneaky pat as the two broke into giggles and playful banter.
"To be able to travel with him and Paimon… just what kind of blessing did this little fox girl earn in her past life…"
Xue Qinghe watched the joyful scene from the side, an indescribable envy rising in his chest.
If only he had met them earlier… would he have had a chance too?
...
Since they had promised Dugu Bo, the trio didn't rush to leave. Xue Qinghe used this time to ask Paimon to continue recounting their adventures.
Two or three hours passed. During that time, Xue Qinghe had someone bring more snacks, and in exchange, Paimon spoke even more animatedly about their travels.
"Paimon, you and your companion's experiences are truly enviable…"
When the story finally paused, Xue Qinghe rested his face in his hands at the table, completely immersed in the tales, his heart unable to settle.
"Hehe, we only told the fun parts. The Traveler and I had plenty of boring moments too—not to mention all the danger we ran into."
Paimon scratched her head with a grin. Seeing the two 'students' listening with glowing eyes, she felt—for the first time—that she might actually have a gift for storytelling.
"It's a shame you're leaving so soon… I didn't even get to hear all the stories from Mondstadt."
Xue Qinghe sighed with reluctance at the thought of their imminent departure.
Once Dugu Bo returned, whether they helped him or not, the Traveler and his companions would be heading off again—toward the unknown.
"Mm~ Qinghe did treat us to lots of tasty food… it feels kind of bad to just leave like this…"
Paimon glanced at Xue Qinghe's forlorn expression, lowering her little head in thought. They didn't really have any gifts on them to repay him.
"Qinghe, do you have any requests?"
After a moment's thought, inspiration struck her. Had she forgotten her roots since arriving here?
She and the Traveler could help him fulfill a wish. Wouldn't that be a good way to repay him for all the hospitality?
That's what friends were for—helping each other out!
"Eh? What kind of request?"
Xue Qinghe had heard her speak for so long that he unconsciously mimicked her tone.
"Well, something you really need to do, but it's super troublesome for you. The Traveler and I can help get it done!"
…
Aether hadn't said much during the conversation, but he had been listening the whole time.
Just earlier, he'd thought Paimon had grown more mature—yet here she was taking on new quests already?
Could she not resist her 'mission-triggering' instincts even after arriving in a new world?
Fine, little Paimon, the commissions are for me to do, but the gratitude is all for you?
Still, Aether didn't interrupt.
Thinking back, Xue Qinghe had offered them nothing but kindness ever since they entered Heaven Dou City.
If they simply left without doing anything in return, it would feel a little unfair.
So maybe, like Paimon suggested, they could hear him out. If it was something within their ability, they could lend a hand—just to repay the favor.
"Huh? Really, you'd help me with anything?"
Xue Qinghe's eyes lit up, his voice rising in pitch with excitement.
Others might not understand the weight behind Paimon's offer, but he probably knew these two better than anyone in this world.
He was also likely the second person who knew Aether's true identity.
To receive a promise from them… it was like receiving a divine vow.
"Umm~ just tell us first, hehe~ We can't promise we'll definitely be able to do it. Depends on how difficult it is!"
Paimon didn't speak too boldly. If it turned out they couldn't help, she didn't want them to be seen as liars.
"Mm-hmm!" Xue Qinghe nodded vigorously.
A commission they could complete…
To them, weren't all his troubles easily solvable?
But—
"Brother… will you two ever come back?"
After thinking for a while, he suddenly looked at Aether and asked.
"I don't know…" Aether shook his head. He wasn't even sure where he'd be tomorrow.
Right now, his plan was to roam the continent with Paimon and Yu Keke, seeking a way to break his seal. Once he regained his full strength, he'd return to Teyvat to continue the search for his sister.
Before arriving in this world, he had already begun to sense that his sister was secretly planning something.
If he could recover his power here, then perhaps he could face the coming challenges alongside her.
"…I see."
Hearing his answer, Xue Qinghe's uncertain expression finally turned resolute.
He looked Aether straight in the eyes and quietly said:
"Then before you leave… I want to ask you to come back here once more."
"Ehh? That's your commission, Qinghe? That's way too easy."
Paimon blinked. It didn't even sound like a real request.
Normally, they always said goodbye to their friends before leaving. Why make it an official 'commission'?
"Yep! That's my request."
Xue Qinghe nodded firmly, his eyes fixed on Aether. He was waiting—for a reply that might ultimately mean nothing… and yet meant everything.
"Alright. We promise."
Though he didn't fully understand Xue Qinghe's reasons, Aether saw the deep longing in his eyes.
Before they left this place…
Of course, by 'this place,' Aether didn't just mean this city.
Xue Qinghe had likely begun to suspect something.
From the very beginning, neither he nor Paimon had tried to hide who they were. They hadn't mimicked the world's soul power, martial spirits, or soul skills.
Anyone with a high enough status and a bit of curiosity could start making connections.
And Xue Qinghe, by virtue of his identity, had the means to learn things the average citizen couldn't. Coupled with Paimon's stories, it wouldn't be hard for him to guess—they weren't from this world.
When he said "before you leave," he likely meant before they left this continent entirely.
And Aether's promise… was a promise to return before that.
_
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