The moment Kael saw the mix of confusion and sorrow on Xiangling's face, he knew—she must have been affected by an emotional projection from the Life Simulation too.
So it wasn't just love that carried over. Family bonds could project as well.
He'd already prepared himself for this. He knew he would eventually run into people in reality who had shared emotional ties with him in the simulations.
But he hadn't expected the second person to be Xiangling—
the girl who, in the simulation, had been his little sister.
Drawn toward him like a moth to flame, Xiangling slowly walked inside.
"Have we… met before? Why do you feel so familiar to me…?"
The line was so familiar it instantly caught Amber's attention. Her eyes went wide as she glanced over.
Kael looked at Xiangling, the sister he had once lived alongside, and gave her a fond, gentle smile.
"Mm. I feel the same way. You seem familiar too."
At his words, Xiangling's eyes lit up with the joy of something lost and found again. Her chest warmed, as if she'd been reunited with family after a long time apart.
Her tears spilled over in an instant.
"Thank the Archons… thank the Archons…" She didn't even know why those words came out. She only knew she wanted to let out the joy swelling inside her. "This is really… so good…"
Kael waved her toward the table. "Weren't you curious about my cooking? Sit down and eat with us."
Right on cue, Xiangling's stomach growled loudly.
The somber atmosphere shattered.
She quickly wiped her tears and stuck out her tongue. "I came all the way to Mondstadt today and haven't eaten a thing."
Kael chuckled, indulgent. "Then sit down and eat with us."
At the table, Amber kept sneaking glances at Xiangling.
Why had this girl cried when she saw Kael?
From their conversation, the two shouldn't have known each other at all.
Could it be—this girl also fell for him at first sight?
And Kael's attitude… it was much warmer than when they'd first met.
Did he… like this girl too?
Amber's head was a mess. The food that had tasted heavenly moments ago now felt flat in her mouth. She couldn't stop thinking about the relationship between the two.
"This is amazing!!!"
Xiangling exclaimed after taking a bite of the honey-glazed carrot roast.
"As expected of—"
She froze.
As expected of what…? What had she almost said just now?
Everyone finished the meal with thoughts they kept to themselves.
Xiangling stood, ready to say goodbye.
"This was really delicious. Can I come by again to trade cooking tips? I feel like I could learn a lot from you."
Kael smiled and nodded. "Of course. You're welcome anytime."
"Then I'll head out. I need to find a good spot to camp before it gets too late."
"Wait!"
He quickly stopped her.
"If you don't mind, you can stay here while you're in Mondstadt. I don't have a spare room, but the living room floor is still better than roughing it outside."
"Really?!"
Xiangling's face lit up with delight. "Then I won't hold back!"
Seeing her accept so easily, Kael teased, "You're not worried I might be a bad guy? Agreeing that fast?"
"Impossible," Xiangling replied without hesitation.
It was her first time meeting this version of him, yet the moment she saw him, she'd felt nothing but warmth.
Around him, she felt completely at ease, with no trace of awkwardness.
And for reasons she couldn't explain, she trusted him completely.
So when he invited her, she didn't think twice before saying yes.
Kael brought both Amber and Xiangling upstairs. After settling Xiangling in the living room, Amber followed him into the bedroom, her face troubled.
"Hm? What's with that look?"
Amber's voice was low, tinged with unease.
"Do you… like that girl?"
Kael couldn't help but laugh. "What are you thinking? I only see her as a little sister."
At his answer, Amber instantly relaxed, her face breaking into a smile.
"I think Xiangling's really cute too. If that's the case, then I'll treat her like a cousin and take care of her with you."
So that was why she'd been so quiet at dinner, so downcast—she'd been worried about this.
After experiencing that Life Simulation, Kael truly did hold Xiangling and her father Mao close in his heart.
If they really carried the same feelings from the simulation into reality, then he wouldn't mind gaining two more family members here in Teyvat.
It would even make up for the regrets he'd carried from the simulation.
Kael tapped Amber's small, round nose. "What a jealous little thing you are."
Her cheeks flushed pink. She realized how silly her doubts must have seemed.
Kael leaned closer, deliberately teasing. "Instead of overthinking about others, why not think more about us tonight…? You staying over? I'm worried you'll end up sore again—"
"Ahhh!" Amber slapped both hands over her ears. "Stop saying embarrassing stuff like that!"
But when she caught the mischievous gleam in his eyes, she realized he was messing with her.
Her tiny fist thumped against his chest—light as a feather, nothing like the strength of a Knight of Favonius. More like a playful touch.
Her gaze dropped, face red, and she whispered, "Besides… I'm already… not sore anymore…"
Kael raised a brow, his hand catching Amber's waist with intent.