They spent the whole day exploring Stone Gate.
The next morning, they decided to walk across the border.
They followed the trade route, enjoying the scenery, snapping photos, and encountering passing caravans and travelers.
When they reached the boundary marker, they rested on a patch of grass.
A warm breeze blew in from the east, brushing softly across their faces.
The wind—from Mondstadt.
Unlike the girls, who simply felt its warmth, Xia Zhi, Xia Ci, and Xia Zhen sensed a faint trace of Anemo divine power carried on the breeze.
Seeing Xia Zhi deep in thought, Xia Ci leaned over and whispered, "That's Barbatos' power. Mondstadt used to be a frozen wasteland. Barbatos summoned these everlasting winds and transformed its climate."
For gods, altering weather or terrain was no great feat.
Liyue's Guyun Stone Forest was formed by one of Morax's stone spears.
In Inazuma, the Musoujin Gorge was cleaved open by a single slash from the Raiden Shogun.
But those were momentary displays of divine power. Mondstadt's constant, gentle breeze was a different story.
One day of wind was simple. Even a year wasn't hard.
But to maintain it for hundreds or even thousands of years—that was extraordinary.
It must have consumed an immense amount of divine energy…
Xia Zhi suddenly recalled a scene from Durin's dream: Barbatos and Dvalin fighting side by side, clashing evenly with Durin…
At the time, he thought the Anemo Archon seemed a bit underpowered—but now, he realized it was likely because most of Barbatos' strength was spent maintaining Mondstadt's climate.
During the break, Xiangling took out some pre-made pastries to replenish everyone's energy.
Just then, another caravan passed by.
The leading man looked over and called out, "Hey there! You all resting too?"
Charlotte smiled. "Yep! What about you?"
"Oh, we're merchants—just finished business in Liyue Harbor, heading back to Mondstadt," the man said cheerfully. "You folks look tired. Our carriage has space—want a lift?"
But Mona frowned and snapped, "No need. Move along."
The man grinned, undeterred. "Miss, is there a problem?"
Mona sneered, "Drop the act, bandit. You target people who look like easy prey, lure them into your carriage, then drive them to some remote area to rob them—right?"
The man's face darkened. "W-What?! I was being nice, and you slander me like this?!"
Mona stared him down. "Shall I list the stolen items you're carrying?"
His face fell—only now noticing that several of the "naive girls" wore Visions.
What the hell?
He dared not say another word and quickly retreated with his group.
Charlotte watched them go and asked, "Were they really bandits?"
Mona nodded. "I'm an astrologer. I saw through them ages ago—they're repeat offenders."
As a journalist with a strong sense of justice, Charlotte couldn't let that slide. "Then we can't just let them go! Let's teach them a lesson and turn them in!"
Xia Ci was already on her feet. "You're right! Let's go! Cousin, what do you think?"
Found a new hobby, huh?
Xia Zhi glanced at his cousin with a god's-eye look and nodded. "Be careful."
Cloud Retainer, seeing a chance to repay her debt, added, "Daring to commit crimes within Liyue's borders… This Adeptus cannot turn a blind eye!"
And so—justice descended from the heavens.
The bandits were swiftly subdued and handed over to Millelith soldiers stationed at the border.
---
"My first time fighting for justice! Feels amazing!"
"Right?"
"Those bandits seemed so weak."
"It's because we're strong!"
"See? This is why we should travel more—there's so much fun out here!"
"Let's keep walking this afternoon too!"
"Yeah! Campfire dinner tonight!"
After a full day of walking, Zhu Zi and Ying'er had blisters on their feet.
Xia Zhi healed them.
The other girls were also sore and tired.
So, massage time.
Xia Zhi went around, massaging each one to ease their muscle aches.
Outside, Cloud Retainer stood silently, listening to the strange, muffled, occasionally high-pitched sounds coming from the room. Her expression grew more and more baffled.
So this was the "massage" Madame Ping had talked about?
Why… did it sound so… improper?
Especially since every girl who came out had flushed cheeks and unsteady steps… all looking suspiciously…
Just then, Shenhe stepped out and spotted Cloud Retainer.
"Master, are you going in for a massage too?"
"Hm? No need. I'm not that fragile… A bit of walking's nothing."
"Even if you're not tired, a massage helps with sleep."
"Really?"
"Boss's massage can also treat hidden injuries. I had a lot from training before—he healed them."
"Hmm? What hidden injuries?"
"Old ones. Nothing serious, so I never mentioned them to you."
"You child…"
Cloud Retainer looked half-scolding.
Shenhe smiled. "I'm fine. But Master, your last injury was severe. You might have lingering damage too. You should let Boss check—better to catch it early."
Cloud Retainer paused, then nodded. "You're right."
She didn't care about the experience itself—just wanted to make sure her health was okay.
Shenhe asked, "Shall I tell Boss?"
"No need. I'll go find Mr. Xia myself."
"Alright. Just Senior Sister left. Once she's out, you can go in. I'm off to bathe."
Cloud Retainer nodded. "Go ahead."
Shenhe turned to leave.
Cloud Retainer kept listening to the sounds inside.
…Why did Ganyu's voice sound different from the others? ( bcz ;-; )
---
About ten minutes later.
Ganyu stepped out of the room, her eyes hazy with relaxation. She blinked when she saw Cloud Retainer waiting outside. "Master?"
"Mm, finished with your massage?"
"Yes… it's done."
Cloud Retainer walked over and naturally reached out to straighten the slightly rumpled collar of Ganyu's clothes.
Her fingers brushed against Ganyu's long, fair neck, and she noticed a subtle, warm slickness to the skin—residue from the essential oil.
Now that they were close, she could catch a strong, sweet scent wafting from Ganyu—something like coconut milk.
The scent was lovely, but more than that, it seemed to carry some strange, magical quality.
Even someone like Cloud Retainer, who had already transcended worldly desires and reached a state of serene detachment, felt a faint stir in her heart.
Her eyes narrowed slightly. She knew this wasn't just the scent of coconut milk.
She'd taken care of Ganyu for years, even slept beside her when she was young, and never once had she smelled anything like this from her.
Which could only mean one thing—Ganyu had finally grown up…
Cloud Retainer withdrew her hand and said softly, "Alright, go take your bath."
"Okay. Master, are you…?"
"I'm going to ask Mr. Xia for a massage as well."
"Then go on in!"
"I know."
Cloud Retainer nodded and stepped through the door with her usual calm and composed demeanor.
Ganyu watched the door slowly close, and for some reason, her face suddenly flushed crimson.
She quickly patted her cheeks to cool down, then turned and hurried off toward the bathhouse.
----
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