The atmosphere grew awkward.
Bu'er stared at Luo Qing, her hands frozen mid-motion as she continued to heal him.
She had lived among the forest creatures long enough to understand that the term "wife" was exclusively used between partners.
After a long pause, and feeling indebted to him for saving her, Bu'er spoke gently.
"Thank you for your help earlier. May I know your na?"
"Luo Qing."
"Luo Qing..."
Bu'er repeated the na under her breath.
It sounded like a na from Liyue, a place she had heard of—a land with many powerful beings said to rival the gods.
Could he be one of their immortals?
"Luo Qing, are you an immortal from Liyue?" she asked, her voice curious but cautious.
Luo Qing shook his head. "No, I'm from Snezhnaya."
"Snezhnaya..."
Bu'er's thoughts turned to the land of the Tsaritsa, the God of Ice. What could soone from Snezhnaya be doing in Suru, so far from ho?
She hesitated before offering softly, "Luo Qing, your injuries are healed now. Thank you again for saving . If you don't mind, perhaps..."
Before she could finish, Luo Qing nodded enthusiastically.
"Sure, I'll go ho with you."
"..."
Bu'er's smile froze, and a hint of embarrassnt crept onto her face.
She couldn't shake the feeling that this Luo Qing seed oddly familiar with her, as though he knew her well. Still, she owed him courtesy. Strange or not, she had to invite him back as a gesture of gratitude.
"Please, follow ," she said with a small bow before descending toward the forest floor.
Luo Qing watched her for a mont, then trailed after her, unable to help but admire the view.
The lush rainforest of Suru had not yet been fully developed. Unlike the intricate pathways of the future, there was only unspoiled greenery between the towering trees.
Following behind Bu'er, Luo Qing noticed her delicate feet, bare against the soft grass. Her light green gown swayed gently with her movents, her graceful strides leaving a faint fragrance of life in the air.
"..."
Luo Qing swallowed hard. He couldn't deny it—this version of Bu'er was utterly enchanting.
It seed Bu'er had noticed his gaze. Though she felt slightly uncomfortable, she chose not to comnt and continued forward in silence.
After so ti, the two arrived at the base of a towering sacred tree. Its imnse roots ford a network of wooden huts, while a grand palace sat high above, supported by the tree's thick vines. A single vine staircase provided access to the palace.
They walked through the network of huts beneath the sacred tree. Everywhere they passed, humans stopped to greet Bu'er with reverence and enthusiasm, many even acknowledging Luo Qing with warm smiles.
To Luo Qing's surprise, Bu'er seed to know everyone personally. She asked about their families and recent struggles with genuine care, offering guidance or comforting words where needed.
Only now did Luo Qing fully understand why the people of Suru revered the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata so deeply.
To rember and care for every citizen... That truly deserves respect.
Despite their warmth, Bu'er politely declined any gifts offered along the way. Eventually, she led Luo Qing into the palace.
The palace, grand and imposing from the outside, was unexpectedly sparse within. Its vast halls were nearly empty, save for a sense of solitude.
"Luo Qing, please make yourself comfortable. I'll prepare so fruits and vegetables for you," Bu'er said, bowing slightly before padding away.
Her bare feet made soft tapping sounds against the floor, echoing in the spacious room.
So that's why she likes walking barefoot, Luo Qing mused, swallowing nervously.
He glanced around the palace. Despite its grandeur, the lack of furnishings or personal touches made it feel as though it had been built rely for appearances rather than for living.
Has she always been alone here...?
Before long, Bu'er returned, carrying a platter of fruits and vegetables, which she placed gently before Luo Qing.
"I wasn't sure what you'd like, so please forgive if it's not to your taste," she said, bowing again before sitting across from him. She poured water into a wooden cup entwined with vines and placed it in front of him with a simple elegance.
"Um..."
Luo Qing hesitated before speaking.
"Bu'er, does this palace only have you living in it?"
Bu'er nodded softly.
"Yes..."
"Why not have attendants or guards? The people outside seed eager to serve you," Luo Qing pressed, curiosity piqued.
"I don't need attendants or guards," Bu'er replied gently.
"They are a special kind of life—intelligent and beautiful. They shouldn't be bound to or burdened by servitude."
"Then this palace..." Luo Qing began, trailing off.
"I built it for their sake," Bu'er explained. "In this land ruled by gods, they need my protection. This palace symbolizes my presence, giving them peace of mind."
She smiled faintly, adding, "Personally, I prefer sleeping on the grass, gazing at the stars through the trees."
"I see..."
Luo Qing sipped the water she had poured for him, falling silent.
He debated whether to tell her the truth.
But if I say I'm her husband from a thousand years in the future, she'd never believe ...
"Um..."
Bu'er broke the silence after a while.
"Luo Qing, may I ask why you've co to Suru? If it's sothing I can help with, I'd be glad to assist."
"Well..." Luo Qing paused, mulling it over. Finally, he t her gaze.
"If I tell you, Bu'er, do you think you can truly help ?"
"Of course," Bu'er replied with a soft smile. "If it's within my power, I'll do my best to assist you."
To her, a visitor from Snezhnaya appearing in Suru could only an one of two things: he had co with a purpose, or he had been forced to flee his holand.
Both possibilities seed equally likely in the chaotic era of the Archon War.
Luo Qing hesitated, then smirked.
"All right, I'll say it..."
He took a breath, locking eyes with her.
"I want to stay by your side."
"..."
"?"
---
...
If you're reading this, then you've wandered all the way to the end. I'm impressed. Stories are like wine—ant to be savored, not rushed. So if you took your ti? Thank you.
Of course, the real thanks goes to WiseTL—the one who turned tangled words into sothing beautiful. I just got asked to wrap things up with a ribbon. Hopefully this counts!
If you enjoyed the journey and want to support the person who made it possible, you can find them here:
👉 [patreon/WiseTL]
Go on. Be generous. They've earned it.
Until next ti—read well, rest often, and maybe co visit at the Hostess of Fertility soti.
– Syr ✨
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