A week had passed since the Geovishap incident. In that time, my routine in Liyue had taken shape in an almost unexpected way.
During the first few days, I took the opportunity to explore every corner of the harbor from the bustling markets filled with the scent of spices to the narrow alleyways where reserved merchants peddled "ancient" artifacts that were probably just traps for people like Zhongli. I also visited several food stalls, some on Xiangling's direct recommendation. She greeted me every morning at Wanmin Restaurant with a smile and a new culinary experiment, sometimes involving ingredients I'd honestly rather not know the origin of.
"Dan Heng, have you ever tried smoked squid tentacles with Qingxin flowers?" she once asked, with Guoba nodding enthusiastically beside her.
"…No, but I'll save that privilege for when I lose my sense of taste," I replied bluntly. She laughed, as if she had expected that answer.
I also ran into Ganyu several times. At first, they were brief encounters—when she was leaving Yuehai Pavilion carrying documents or inspecting shipments with the Millelith. But over time, those quick chats turned into walks along the harbor. She told me about her duties, how difficult it was to balance her adeptal nature with her human side, and sometimes—just sometimes—she admitted that walking without thinking about responsibilities felt… "pleasant."
I listened. And though I didn't say it out loud, I found it pleasant too.
Sometimes, I'd meet Zhongli at a tea house, always composed and measured in his words.
"Liyue is a place that grows with you, if you allow it," he once said as we drank tea near the Golden House. "But remember to grow with it as well, young one."
"Sounds like advice from someone who's lived here for centuries," I replied, tilting my head.
He only smiled.
Between walks and conversations, I also spent time training.
Though I had already mastered many of my abilities, I needed to get used to using them in combination. I often went out alone beyond the mountains of Lisha, hunting groups of hilichurls or slimes, controlling the strength of my attacks.
Sometimes, after finishing my training, I'd lie back in the tall grass, staring at the sky. I felt strangely at ease there.
(Now that I think about it, it's already been a week—I should go check if Mitsuha has exchanged those coins for money.)
*****
*Ganyu's Perspective*
The sun was beginning to set as I returned to Yuehai Pavilion. The last rays of light streamed through the stained-glass windows of the meeting hall, casting a warm glow over the papers on my desk—a stark contrast to the constant hum of administrative work. A stack of reports awaited me, as always. I sighed.
(But I finished early today… thanks to taking fewer breaks…)
Though I wouldn't admit it aloud, part of me had grown accustomed to running into Dan Heng at certain spots around the harbor. He didn't force it, and I… well, I didn't avoid it either.
"Ganyu." A firm, elegant voice interrupted my thoughts.
I looked up. Ningguang strode across the room with the same precision her reputation demanded. Her golden eyes studied me with subtle scrutiny.
"Ah, Lady Ningguang… do you need something from the latest harbor report?"
"I've already reviewed it," she said, her lips curving into the faintest smile. "But that's not why I'm here."
I froze, unsure how to interpret her words.
"I heard a little rumor," she added, her calm tone making me feel exposed. She took a seat in a nearby chair, crossing her legs gracefully. "They say you've been seen walking around the harbor with a certain stranger. Tall, long hair, exotic clothing."
"Huh?!" I choked on my own saliva. "It's not what it looks like! We just happened to cross paths a few times… and it's not like we were walking together per se, I mean—!"
"Ganyu," another voice cut in, this time more direct. "You don't have to justify anything."
It was Keqing, who had just entered behind Ningguang with a stack of documents under her arm. She looked at me with a mix of genuine curiosity and a slightly raised eyebrow.
"Actually," she continued, "several Millelith mentioned that he was the one who helped in a battle against a Geovishap. He defeated it alone. And shortly after, they saw him talking to you near the docks."
"It was just a coincidence," I said quickly, lowering my gaze. "He's… different. He's not from here, that much is obvious. But he's a… kind person."
Keqing watched me with a raised eyebrow, her tone now laced with barely concealed mischief.
"Kind? That's not an adjective you use often... Ganyu, have you fallen for him?"
"W-what?! How can you just say something like that?!" I nearly choked on my own breath, feeling my ears turn as red as a Jueyun Chili.
"T-that's not it at all! I just find him… calming. That's all. And besides, I've only known him for a week!"
"Oh, Ganyu," Keqing smiled. "No one said you have to figure everything out. The heart doesn't follow things like time or place."
"But... I have work! And responsibilities... and no time for—for that kind of thing."
"No one's asking you to invite him to Yuehai Pavilion tomorrow," Ningguang teased, her smile softer than usual. "We're just glad to see you relaxed. There's nothing wrong with someone new pulling you out of your routine. Even if it's… just a little."
I felt the pressure in my chest tighten. This wasn't the conversation I expected to have this afternoon. Was it really that obvious from the outside…? And here I was, not even knowing exactly what I was feeling.
"It's just... strange," I murmured, lowering my gaze. "But it's not what you think."
Keqing narrowed her eyes, but before she could retort, Ningguang cut in with a sharper look than usual.
"That's not entirely true, is it, Ganyu? You received a letter... from Cloud Retainer."
A chill ran down my spine. Ningguang had always been perceptive, but I hadn't expected her to know.
Keqing frowned. "A letter? From the adeptus Cloud Retainer?"
"Yes," I replied quietly, nodding. "When I first met him… she asked me to look after him. She said he's… someone important. That he doesn't seem like it yet, but one day, he'll be vital to Liyue's balance… and perhaps all of Teyvat."
"Vital?" Keqing blinked. "What exactly are we talking about here? A future strategist, a diplomat...?"
"I don't know for certain. But the letter was very clear: his existence is an exception. And his power…" I hesitated, careful not to reveal more than necessary. "It's... different. Even by adepti standards."
Ningguang crossed her arms, her expression now far more serious.
"And that's why they'll officially name him an adeptus, correct?"
I nodded slowly.
Keqing let out a low whistle, a mix of surprise and bewilderment in her tone.
"So you've been guiding him around the city like some ordinary newcomer because Cloud Retainer asked you to keep an eye on a new adeptus."
"I'm not doing it just because she asked," I replied quickly, my voice firmer this time. "I do it because… when I'm near him, I feel something I can't explain. Like my soul can finally breathe. Like… even the most restless parts of me grow calm."
The silence that followed was heavier than before.
Ningguang was the first to speak again, her voice softer now.
"Ganyu… that doesn't sound like duty. It sounds like your heart has found a familiar melody—even if you don't yet know its name."
"...It's not that simple," I whispered, lowering my gaze as my cheeks burned.
"Of course it isn't," Keqing said with a warmer smile. "But that doesn't make it any less real."
Silence settled between the three of us once more.
Keqing was the first to sigh, shaking her head slightly.
"You know it's not wrong to let someone get close, Ganyu. Not everyone wants to depend on you… some just want to walk beside you."
"It's not that…" I murmured, staring at my hands. "It's just… hard. I don't know how I'm supposed to act around someone like him. Dan Heng isn't like others. When I'm with him, everything feels… different. Like things are where they're meant to be."
Ningguang leaned forward slightly, fingers interlaced beneath her chin.
"Have you considered that this 'order' you feel might be spiritual affinity? Beings like you—qilin—are deeply tied to nature's balance. If his presence soothes even the energy of your soul… then what's happening goes beyond the physical."
I swallowed hard.
(That… was also mentioned in Cloud Retainer's letter. That he possesses the power to purify even the erosion's corruption, so I don't doubt his aura might have a purifying effect as well.)
"I... know I should feel at peace," I finally said. "But every time I say goodbye to him... something inside me wants to stay."
They said nothing more. Keqing placed a hand on my shoulder before walking away with her report in hand. Ningguang gave one final nod before disappearing down the hallway of the pavilion.
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Author's Note:
In the next few chapters, we'll be seeing more time jumps as we align with the game's main timeline. Here's what's coming:
In one month: The Adeptus naming ceremony will take place
In three months: The Traveler (Lumine) will awaken
For Liyue's events: These occur roughly 3-4 months after Mondstadt's events
I also took the opportunity to show some of Ganyu's thoughts about the protagonist. Given that Ganyu supposedly has a good relationship with Ningguang, I imagine they could have a proper conversation about this...