Behold, a gift from the Hydro Archon herself—bonus Chapters, born of your devotion and my boundless generosity! Bask in this rare blessing!
---
"This..."
Faced with Nahida's straightforward question, Luo Qing was montarily at a loss.
He didn't know the full truth about what had happened 500 years ago. All he had were fragnts of information gleaned from Bu'er's vague recollections.
If he were to tell Nahida outright that she was created by him and Bu'er, it would feel far too reckless and irresponsible.
After a long pause, Luo Qing raised his hand and gently patted Nahida on the head.
"I'm sorry, Nahida," he said softly. "There are still things I haven't fully figured out myself, so I can't give you a clear answer yet."
"Mm..."
Nahida's voice was tinged with disappointnt.
It was obvious that this wasn't the answer she wanted to hear.
"But..."
Luo Qing crouched down to et her eyes, his voice gentle and filled with warmth.
"Nahida, we're family, aren't we?"
"Family..."
Nahida gazed into his eyes.
In that mont, the inexplicable feeling of closeness she had always felt toward him surged within her.
She had the sudden urge to throw herself into his arms.
"I understand..."
Nahida stepped forward, wrapping her small arms around Luo Qing's neck and hugging him tightly.
Her silvery-white hair brushed against Luo Qing's cheek, montarily giving him the illusion that he was embracing Bu'er.
After a few monts, she released him and took a step back, placing her hands behind her back. A gentle smile spread across her face, sweet and endearing.
"Luo Qing, I'll seriously consider your suggestion."
"Thank you, Nahida."
"No need to thank ..."
Nahida shook her head, her smile as soft as a spring breeze.
"Because we're family, aren't we?"
"Mm..."
---
After seeing Nahida off, Luo Qing returned ho. By the ti he arrived, it was already late at night.
Pushing open the door, he was greeted by the sight of Bu'er sitting alone in the living room. She held a book in one hand, resting her head on the other, quietly reading.
"You're back?"
Bu'er put down her book and walked over to him, helping him remove his coat and handing him a pair of house slippers.
Her actions were identical to the way Makoto had treated him earlier.
"Did Nahida ask you anything else?"
"She did," Luo Qing said, recalling the young Archon's probing questions.
"She seems to have picked up on the inconsistencies in what you told her. She knows that there's a deeper connection between us."
"And you..."
Bu'er's expression grew tense.
Though she hoped deep down that Luo Qing would be honest with Nahida—so they could openly act as a family of three—she hadn't expected things to escalate so quickly.
"I told her," Luo Qing said.
"You... really?!"
"But not everything."
"..."
"Sorry, Bu'er," Luo Qing sighed. "Until I fully understand the events of the past, I can't say anything that might be irresponsible."
"That's... fine," Bu'er replied after a mont, offering a faint smile. "Whatever decision you make, Luo Qing, I'll support it."
"Mm..."
Luo Qing nodded. Glancing around the living room, he realized that the others were nowhere to be seen.
"Where's everyone else?"
"They... they've all gone to bed," Bu'er said, her cheeks flushing slightly as she avoided his gaze.
"My room is the one that was left empty..."
Bu'er wrapped her arms around his waist, tilting her head up to look at him. Her voice was soft, almost shy.
"Luo Qing... would you like to... rest with tonight?"
"..."
Luo Qing blinked, caught off guard.
So that's why Makoto didn't wait for in the living room.
She's actually giving Bu'er and ti to be alone?
Wait... isn't she supposed to be fighting for the main wife position? Why is she being so... generous?!
"Uh... well..."
Luo Qing hesitated.
It wasn't that he didn't want to share a bed with Bu'er.
But the room she referred to as "empty" was the one that had previously belonged to Ganyu and Shenhe.
And in that room's nightstand drawer lay the ice-blue crystal given to him by the Tsaritsa.
If we're just sleeping and the Tsaritsa's projection suddenly pops out of the crystal...
Shudder.
I don't even want to imagine that.
"Luo Qing... you don't want to?"
Bu'er's voice trembled with disappointnt, her expression growing downcast.
She had negotiated with Makoto for so long to secure this night alone with Luo Qing. If he turned her down now, all her efforts would be for nothing. Worse, Makoto would never let her live it down.
"It's not that..."
Luo Qing sighed as he looked at Bu'er's pitiful expression. His heart softened.
He had already checked the crystal thoroughly with both his divine sense and the Akasha. It shouldn't contain any trace of the Tsaritsa's projection or consciousness.
Just one night. I'll move it tomorrow... It should be fine... right?
"I was just distracted by so thoughts," Luo Qing said gently, brushing his hand over her shoulder. Her off-shoulder gown shifted slightly, revealing her smooth, delicate skin.
"It's late. You should head up first. I'll join you after I clean up."
"Do you need help?" Bu'er offered, peeking up at him.
"No need. Just wait for upstairs."
"Alright..."
Bu'er nodded, the soft sound of her slippers pattering against the floor as she made her way upstairs.
After freshening up, Luo Qing walked toward Ganyu and Shenhe's forr room.
Sharing a bed with Bu'er in their old room...
Feels a bit strange.
Pushing the door open, Luo Qing glanced inside.
Bu'er was already tucked into bed, leaving a corner of the blanket turned down for him.
On the nearby clothes rack hung her sleepwear—and even her undergarnts.
If her clothes were there, then under the blanket...
Shudder.
"Luo Qing, co here," Bu'er called softly. "I've ward up the bed for you."
"..."
Luo Qing tilted his head back, exhaling deeply. His eyes darted to the nightstand drawer.
Alright.
With a determined sigh, he removed his outerwear and slid under the covers.
The mont he got into bed, he felt Bu'er's soft, smooth skin pressing against him.
Shudder.
This... is going to be tough.
"It's late, Bu'er. Let's just sleep," Luo Qing said, pulling her into his arms and closing his eyes.
Though he'd checked the crystal, the lingering thought of the Tsaritsa's projection appearing still unnerved him.
"Luo Qing..."
But Bu'er wasn't ready to sleep.
She'd fought hard for this opportunity, and if she didn't take action now, Makoto would surely mock her endlessly tomorrow.
Sliding out of his embrace, she turned and climbed atop him, her head poking out from under the blanket as she straddled him.
Her figure, only half-hidden by the covers, was breathtaking, her snow-white skin glowing faintly in the dim light.
Her cheeks flushed a deep red, and her voice was shy but resolute.
"Luo Qing..."
"Aren't there so things we haven't done yet?"
---
T/N: hope Tsarista sees this
Ah-ha! So you mortals truly have outdone yourselves this ti, haven't you? To think your offerings could summon forth these bonus Chapters—what a feat worthy of my recognition! You've brought glory to Fontaine, and naturally, to .
But do not think for a mont that your work is complete! This is but a single step on the journey to greatness, and there are still many more Chapters, many more stages, and of course, many more opportunities to bask in my brilliance.
However... even the most brilliant performances must reach their curtain call. Fear not, for though I may bid you farewell today, my radiance shall linger in your thoughts, inspiring you to strive for ever greater heights.
And so, my esteed audience, let us part ways for now. Continue to champion this endeavor, and perhaps, in another ti, another place, you shall once again be graced by my presence. Until then—farewell, and may your days be brightened by the thought of !
With admiration and just a dash of benevolence,
Furina ✨
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