For someone who'd been busy all day, soaking quietly in a bath was the greatest luxury imaginable.
Even though Xia Zhi rarely felt physically tired anymore thanks to his own sky-high stats, he still found a nightly bath incredibly relaxing.
He picked up a bottle placed nearby — a product that Xia Ci had made with her alchemy tools, infused with fragrant flower extracts and a bit of Slime Condensate, making it exceptionally smooth and gentle.
He squeezed some of it out and worked it into his damp hair, and with just a light rub, it formed a foamy lather.
Xia Lin's eyes went wide as she watched the bubbles appear on his head with curiosity.
Xia Zhi explained, "This is shampoo."
"Shampoo!"
"It's used to wash your hair clean. There's a bottle right there for you too, go ahead and try it."
"Okay!"
Xia Lin happily picked up the bottle at her side and began playing with the bubbles, absolutely delighted.
In terms of pure innocence, she was probably the most naïve one in the family right now. Even if she looked like a teenage girl on the outside, inside she was no different from a newborn discovering the world for the first time.
As Xia Zhi massaged his scalp, he couldn't help but think of Cloud Retainer.
When it came to raising children, Cloud Retainer was probably the most experienced of them all. After all, she'd raised both Ganyu and Shenhe from a young age.
Maybe he could go ask her for some parenting advice later on.
When the bath was done, Xia Zhi brought Xia Lin out of the bathhouse and found Xia Ci standing outside, playing on her phone.
She looked up, put the phone away, and smiled as she walked over.
"Cousin, you two are done?"
"Mm."
"I just built a new treehouse over there, for Xia Lin."
"I was about to ask you for help — thanks."
"Oh, come on, let's go, little one. I'll take you to see it."
She reached out her hand, trying to hold Xia Lin's.
Xia Lin shrank back a bit on reflex, casting a timid glance at Xia Zhi. "Daddy…"
It seemed she was still a bit afraid of this "big sister" who had a giant tree behind her back.
Xia Zhi sighed slightly at her look and took her hand himself. "She's still shy. I'll take her over."
Xia Ci froze for a moment, then naturally withdrew her hand and chuckled. "Shy? I think she's just clinging to you."
"She just doesn't feel very secure yet… Anyway, the two of you are about the same size, so can you lend her a couple of your clothes for now?"
"Sure, I'll grab some later."
As she watched her cousin lead the girl away, Xia Ci's expression grew thoughtful.
As the incarnation of the Irminsul with her [Natural Affinity] trait, all living creatures in this world should have felt a natural sense of goodwill toward her.
Like the Crystalflies in the vineyard, for instance.
But Xia Lin had reacted in a completely opposite way just now, clearly unaffected by [Natural Affinity].
Could it be… she wasn't truly a creature of this world?
Interesting.
A faint smile tugged at Xia Ci's lips as she turned and headed for her own treehouse.
On the other side, Xia Zhi brought Xia Lin into the new treehouse. "From now on, this will be your place."
Xia Lin looked around the clean, warm space and asked, "Nest?"
Xia Zhi walked over, patted the bed, and smiled. "You could think of it that way. Xia Ci already made the bed for you, so you can sleep here tonight."
Xia Lin shifted her gaze from the bed to him, asking in confusion, "Can't I sleep with Daddy?"
Sleep together?
This kid was definitely pretty clingy.
It was probably because of the hidden effect of [Radiant Wings]. She counted as a Sky species, plus he'd revived her, and with the [Golden Circlet] suppressing her powers…
Xia Zhi shook his head. "No."
"Why not?"
"You'll understand in time."
"…Oh."
Xia Lin's face clearly fell with disappointment.
At that moment, the door opened.
Xia Ci had come in, carrying a few pieces of clothing.
"These are new, I haven't worn them yet, so make do with these for now."
Xia Lin cautiously accepted them, glancing at her. "Okay."
Xia Zhi patted her head. "When someone helps you, you should say thank you."
Xia Lin softly said, "Thank you, Sister Xia Ci."
Xia Ci laughed brightly. "No need to be so polite! In a few days, when we go to Mondstadt, I'll take you shopping, buy you lots of pretty things, show you fun places, and feed you all sorts of tasty food…"
A bit of anticipation sparkled in Xia Lin's eyes. "Mm!"
Xia Zhi rubbed his forehead. "Don't go spoiling her."
Xia Ci looked offended. "Spoiling? Cousin, how could you slander me like that!"
"Oh please, remember how Xia Zhen was when she first arrived? And look how you've twisted her now."
"That wasn't my fault! You're the one who raised her all spoiled to begin with — besides, she was never some pure innocent to start with…"
Xia Zhi tugged her along. "All right, enough. We're leaving now. Xia Lin, go to bed early, and don't forget breakfast tomorrow."
Xia Lin nodded obediently. "Okay, Daddy!"
"Good night."
"Good night, Daddy!"
Out in the corridor, after closing the door, the two of them headed back.
Xia Ci lowered her voice. "Cousin, where exactly did you pick her up?"
Xia Zhi didn't hide it. "Dragonspine."
"You went to Dragonspine?"
"Yeah."
"So she is…?"
"The evil dragon Durin."
"Oh, so that's why she wasn't affected by my presence…"
Xia Ci nodded in realization.
"Cousin, what made you think of reviving her?"
"Well, actually it was because of Azhdaha."
Xia Ci tilted her head. "What does he have to do with it?"
Xia Zhi spoke with a perfectly serious face. "Look, the Geo Archon has a dragon. The Anemo Archon has a dragon. Among the original Seven, they're the only two still doing well, so I figured maybe having a dragon gives you some sort of luck bonus."
"…So?"
"So, I went and got myself a dragon too."
"You know… that kind of makes sense."
Xia Ci fell into thought.
Xia Zhi laughed. "Wait, you actually believe me?"
Xia Ci looked at him. "You never know with fate. After all, Teyvat was originally a world belonging to the elemental dragons, so it's normal if they bring a blessing of fortune to those around them."
"Except Xia Lin isn't an elemental dragon. She's an abyssal dragon."
"Well, true… but why didn't I sense any abyssal aura on her?"
"I signed a contract with her and sealed away all her power. Right now she's basically just a normal little girl."
"I see."
"So don't bully her."
"Got it, I'm not that awful."
"And don't let anyone else bully her either."
"Relax, she's part of the Xia family now."
"That's good, then. Good night."
"Good night, my foot — get online for a co-op match!"
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