"So... that's how it is?" Ganyu murmured, lost in thought as she gazed at Akio.
"We are long-lived beings, witnesses to the rise and fall of human nations, watching the clouds roll by," Akio said softly, extending his hand slightly. "We are observers, but also their spiritual support."
Having lived for thousands of years himself, Akio had seen countless humans grow old and pass away. They were indeed witnesses to history.
"I understand now." Ganyu's eyes shone with newfound determination. "I believe in the people of Liyue. Even if the contract I made with Rex Lapis is no longer binding, I will forge a new one—to walk forward with Liyue."
"Hahaha, I'm glad you think that way." Akio chuckled. "Honestly, if you had insisted on seclusion, I was considering keeping you in Inazuma to keep Yae Miko company. At least you'd have a companion."
"..." Ganyu seemed to think of something, her cheeks flushing as she lowered her head and whispered, "Thank you, Lord Akio~"
"What's there to thank me for?" Akio grinned. "Though, if I really did keep you in Inazuma, the resentment from your secretaries back at the Ministry of Civil Affairs would probably reach all the way here."
"Even I wouldn't dare face a horde of disgruntled secretaries."
"Lord Akio~ Please stop teasing me." Ganyu pouted seriously.
"Alright, alright~" Akio nodded, sitting beside her as they admired the misty scenery of Tsurumi Island. Despite the eerie atmosphere, to Ganyu, it now seemed strangely beautiful.
After a while, Akio noticed that Ganyu had dozed off, her head tilting until it rested against his shoulder.
Gazing at her black-and-red horns, Akio felt a sudden urge. I've wanted to touch those horns for so long... Now that she's in a good mood, she probably won't get mad, right?
Just as he was scheming, Ganyu suddenly jerked forward—BONK!—a full-force headbutt in her sleep.
Well, that just solidified his resolve.
His hand slowly crept upward.
The moment his fingers brushed against her horns, he was surprised by how soft they were—warm to the touch, with an incredibly pleasant texture.
"They say qilins are gentle creatures, averse to conflict. Even their horns are soft. How fitting," Akio mused.
"Mmm..." For a qilin, horns were an extremely sensitive area. Even in deep sleep, Ganyu immediately stirred as soon as she felt the touch.
Her eyes flew open, and when she saw Akio happily fondling her horns, she froze for a second before instinctively covering her head.
"P-Please don't touch my horns..." she whispered.
"Ahaha..." Akio laughed awkwardly. "They just feel too good... I couldn't help myself."
"Uuu..." Ganyu's face burned at his shameless admission, her usually composed expression crumbling as even the little tuft of hair on her head stood on end.
"Lord Akio..." Too embarrassed to speak, the little qilin buried her face, imitating an ostrich.
The awkward silence stretched on, with Ganyu refusing to look up while Akio simply watched her, breathing in the faint, sweet fragrance unique to qilins.
After what felt like an eternity, Akio's mischievous hands found their way to Ganyu's slender waist.
"Eh?" Ganyu jolted at the contact, lifting her flushed face to stare at him.
With a roguish grin, Akio tightened his grip—squeak!—and the little qilin tumbled straight into his arms.
"L-Lord Akio..." Ganyu looked up at him with pitiful eyes, too flustered to resist. After all, she was just a helpless little qilin.
"Ganyu~" Akio leaned down, his breath brushing against her ear as he whispered, "Let me taste the legendary flavor of an illuminated beast, won't you?"
"Uuu..." Her face burned crimson, her thoughts growing hazy as she stared at his handsome features. There was something about him—an irresistible allure.
As if under a spell, she nodded slightly, closing her eyes and puckering her lips.
With her consent given, Akio wasted no time, capturing those soft lips in a kiss.
Truly a divine beast—even her kiss carries an otherworldly sweetness.
"Mmm~" Ganyu trembled the moment their lips met, an unfamiliar warmth flooding her body.
Their passion deepened, and soon, Ganyu wrapped her slender arms around his neck, returning his ardor with equal fervor.
When they finally parted, Ganyu's eyes were glazed with affection, her face in his chest, too shy to meet his gaze.
"Ganyu~ Ganyu~" Akio gently patted her, but she only squirmed, refusing to respond.
To snap her out of her embarrassment, Akio reached for her horns again.
"No~" Her voice was laced with a sweetness he'd never heard before. Finally, she lifted her head, nuzzling against him tenderly.
"So... does this mean we're official?" Akio asked, stroking her flawless cheek.
"Mm~ Lord Akio, I... I don't have much experience, so please guide me," she whispered shyly.
"If... if I ever do something that upsets you, please tell me. Don't just ignore me..."
"Of course not." Akio smiled warmly.
"How could anyone stay mad at such an adorable little qilin?"
"Lord Akio~" she whined softly.
"Still calling me 'Lord'? Call me husband," he teased. "Ningguang and Keqing do."
"H-Husband..." Ganyu corrected herself, her voice barely audible. Having decided to bind her fate to his, she naturally deferred to him.
"Good. Now, my little wife, let's head back." Akio stood, pulling her up. "By now, Kokomi and Ningguang's negotiations should be wrapping up. If we don't return soon, they'll worry."
"Okay~" Ganyu nodded. As a non-human, she didn't mind how many women Akio had—as long as he never abandoned her...
"Let's go~" Akio took her hand, stepping through a spatial rift back to Inazuma.
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