"Help me comb my hair, please."
Keqing sat down at her vanity, and Qin Yu casually agreed, picking up the comb.
As she stroked Keqing's smooth, purple hair, Qin Yu felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her. She remembered how she used to comb Keqing's hair like this when they were children.
Yet, an inexplicable frustration stirred within her.
It always felt like so much of their time together was spent reminiscing about the past.
Well, at least it makes me think about the old days, Qin Yu thought.
"Should I tie your hair up for you?" she asked.
Keqing smiled faintly. "Of course, but my hairstyle is quite unique. Do you know how to do it?"
She's talking about those two styles that look like bamboo shoots or cat ears, right?
"I've never tried it before, but I've studied how to do it," Qin Yu replied.
"Then let's give it a shot."
After a few attempts, Qin Yu managed to recreate Keqing's hairstyle, though not perfectly. Seeing Keqing's reflection in the mirror, she let out a soft sigh of relief. Good enough.
But as expected, a simple ponytail or letting her hair down was the most convenient.
Keqing turned her head from side to side, then said with satisfaction, "Not bad at all. This will do. I'll change clothes, and then we can get to work. Let's pick up the pace today and aim for even greater efficiency."
Ha? Pick up the pace even more?
Qin Yu forced a smile. "Mm, leave it to me."
"Thank you. It's such a relief to have you here. To be honest, the recent work has been... tricky," Keqing said with a rare sigh.
"Tricky? But wasn't everything progressing smoothly?" Qin Yu asked, surprised.
Keqing shook her head. "They're all just minor issues, nothing significant. The truly important thing is the overall picture... Anyway, you can leave now."
The overall picture? Qin Yu couldn't help but ponder as she left Keqing's room.
As the Yuheng, Keqing was responsible for land management and construction, prioritizing land infrastructure above all else.
When Rex Lapis still reigned, the Archon himself would determine the general direction of development.
Rex Lapis issued orders, and the Qixing and Eight Gates executed them—that had been the established system.
But now that the Liyue Qixing were solely responsible for decision-making and execution, a glaring problem had surfaced: a lack of experience.
Qin Yu believed that simply maintaining Liyue's smooth development under the current circumstances was already a commendable achievement. However, Keqing, unlike her, was undoubtedly far from satisfied with such modest progress.
What Keqing likely sought wasn't just success in minor projects, but a shining achievement in the nation's infrastructure as a whole.
As she pondered this, Keqing had already changed her clothes and opened the door.
"Alright, there's no time to waste. Let's go."
"Mhm..."
Qin Yu desperately wanted to tell Keqing, "Haste makes waste," but she knew saying that now would only agitate her further.
What a worrywart, Qin Yu thought, sighing inwardly.
Helpless, Qin Yu grasped Keqing's hand and said, "If there's anything I can help with, Keqing, just say the word!"
"Eh? What's with the sudden change of heart...?" Keqing asked, surprised and slightly puzzled.
Yet hearing Qin Yu's words brought a momentary calm to her restless heart. An invisible strength surged through her, lifting her spirits.
Keqing smiled faintly. "Then I won't hold back."
No, you really should hold back a little, Qin Yu muttered inwardly.
Evaluation: B
"With you by my side, Qin Yu, I feel like I can accomplish anything," Keqing declared confidently.
Some time passed.
Keqing pressed her forehead with a sigh. "I'm sorry to disappoint you."
I never expected much in the first place.
"Not at all. I don't mind. As long as I can be of assistance to you, Keqing, I'm already very happy," Qin Yu said, brewing tea.
Evaluation: A-
Keqing's cheeks flushed, and she said awkwardly, "Well, that's easy for you to say..."
She was caught between shyness and awkwardness. Qin Yu's frank words made her shy, while her own underwhelming results made her feel awkward.
She had hoped to make significant headway on the crucial land infrastructure projects today, finalize many pending matters, and showcase her capable and decisive side to Qin Yu.
But the reality was—progress remained slow, with a massive backlog of tasks piling up endlessly, one after another.
This is no good at all! Keqing patted her cheeks, trying to force herself to stay focused.
"Let's take a break," Qin Yu said, setting down her teacup with a smile.
But Qin Yu's gentle demeanor seemed to smother the flame Keqing had forced alight, gradually extinguishing it.
The desire for encouragement and comfort overwhelmed her. Keqing sighed, "Logically, I should be able to do so much better..."
"I think you're already amazing, Keqing," Qin Yu said.
Just lacking experience compared to Rex Lapis.
Keqing shook her head. "No, I'm nowhere near meeting the standards I've set for myself. No matter how hard I work, I'm only accomplishing what the Geo Archon could do effortlessly..."
"Have I overestimated my abilities?" she asked herself doubtfully.
The saying goes, "A newborn calf fears no tiger." That's probably what's happening here, Qin Yu thought.
What should I say now?
While Qin Yu was still pondering the right words, Keqing continued, "Qin Yu, you know I organized last year's Rite of Descension, right?"
"Yes, though I didn't attend..."
But I heard you said some outrageous things about Rex Lapis at the Rite of Descension—things some would consider treasonous.
Keqing said earnestly, "You've always known my ideals. Ever since I was a child, I've felt there was something strange about Liyue. People blindly follow the Geo Archon's every word and action. While this is Liyue's tradition and a reflection of divine authority..."
"What if the day comes when the Geo Archon no longer acts in Liyue's interests, no longer fulfills his duties? What would we do then?"
"Liyue's future being built upon the will of the Archon... I find that very dangerous. It's like a child who's been constantly coddled, becoming overly dependent on their parents. I believe Liyue's fate should be determined by its people."
Perhaps because Keqing was a noblewoman from a prestigious family who received an excellent education, she was different from other children from a young age. She carried herself with the maturity of a little adult.
She also developed vague ideals early on.
When Qin Yu was younger, she didn't find this strange at all. On the contrary, it gave her a sense of security.
But looking back today, she couldn't help but marvel at Keqing's extraordinary capabilities once again.
Yet even this extraordinary Keqing now lowered her gaze, her voice lacking its usual vigor as she said:
"During the Rite of Descension, I asked, 'The Geo Archon has protected Liyue for a millennium. But will it be the same for the next millennium, the next ten millennia, the next hundred millennia?' He merely smiled and brushed it off, offering no answer."
"Before he relinquished his position and vanished, I once thought: Even the Geo Archon doesn't know everything! We humans can do better than him..."
Keqing sighed, her emotions conflicted. "After the Geo Archon departed, I thought my time to shine had finally come. But you already know how things turned out."
"Do you think I was too immature?" Keqing asked, her voice tinged with confusion.
"Hmm... yes," Qin Yu replied.
Keqing wasn't surprised by the answer, but a wave of embarrassment washed over her. If even Qin Yu said so, it must be undeniable.
Just as her thoughts were spiraling into chaos, Qin Yu added:
"But I think that's perfectly normal!"
"Eh? Really?" Keqing asked, startled.
Qin Yu pulled up a chair beside Keqing and smiled warmly. "Of course! You're still so young, aren't you?"
"That doesn't exactly make me feel any better," Keqing protested weakly. "There's no direct connection between being young and being immature, right?"
Ugh, still stubborn.
Regrettably, they are, Qin Yu thought helplessly. "It's an objective fact."
"Ugh... though I suppose you're right."
Keqing's pride made it difficult to accept this explanation.
Isn't this just making excuses?Because I'm young, I'm immature, so it's okay if I can't do it?I don't buy that! It's just an excuse to give up.
Just as Keqing was about to share her thoughts with Qin Yu, Qin Yu smiled.
"'Isn't this just making excuses?' Is that what you wanted to say?"
Keqing startled. "How did you know?"
It wasn't hard to guess.
"Because you're so easy to read."
"I just speak my mind directly," Keqing retorted, turning her face away.
Why are you looking away? I'm trying to comfort you!
Annoyed, Qin Yu gently turned Keqing's face back toward her.
Just as Keqing was flustered by this sudden gesture, Qin Yu rubbed the space between her eyebrows with her thumb.
"I'm not much more mature myself... But I believe you can handle this. I'll always support you! You don't have to catch up to Rex Lapis all at once. Slow down a bit, and you might see more along the way," Qin Yu said softly.
Evaluation: A+
Encouraged by Qin Yu's words, all of Keqing's negative emotions vanished.
She chewed on Qin Yu's words, nodding slightly.
"Slow down... you're right. I was so focused on proving that humans could surpass the Geo Archon that I overestimated my abilities. I'd already vaguely realized that myself."
Keqing grasped Qin Yu's hand, which was gently massaging her temples, and smiled faintly. "You've given me clarity. Thank you."
"Nonsense. I just said what was on my mind."
"But it helped me immensely. Don't worry, I've rallied myself. I want to review all the knowledge I've mastered and then continue learning even more."
Keqing's energy grew as she spoke, but she then fell silent for a moment.
"What's wrong?" Qin Yu asked.
"Nothing," Keqing said, "I was just thinking... maybe there's no need to keep opposing the Geo Archon. After all, like us in the Qixing, he's only ever acted for Liyue's sake."
Qin Yu teased, "Rebellious phase over, huh?"
Keqing's face flushed crimson. "That's not it! I just had a sudden realization!"
Isn't that exactly what happens when your rebellious phase ends?
Qin Yu brushed off Keqing's denial, playfully fiddling with her bracelet as she chuckled. "Feeling better now?"
"Mm, all better. But... was I looking kind of... not cool when I was moping earlier?" Keqing kept glancing nervously at Qin Yu, her voice anxious.
This is exactly what I should say right now!
"Even when you're uncool, I still think you're wonderful," Qin Yu replied.
Perfect.
Evaluation: S
The more Qin Yu said such things, the more a certain feeling festered within Keqing. She wanted to suppress it, but at such close proximity, she couldn't.
Gratitude, affection, longing... a multitude of emotions swirled within her, melting and spreading through her body. Accompanied by the frantic pounding of her heart and a surge of heat, Keqing leaned closer to Qin Yu.
"May I?" she whispered, gently gripping Qin Yu's arm.
Evaluation: SS-
Again?! Why is she suddenly like this? Qin Yu's mind plunged into chaos, utterly bewildered.
If I'd known it would turn out like this, I wouldn't have accepted Keqing's invitation.
Can't she restrain herself even a little?
Qin Yu grumbled inwardly, her face burning.
Memories of Ningguang flashed through her mind—that strange touch had left her uneasy, but she couldn't deny the possibility that Keqing might do the same.
And she couldn't bring herself to refuse.
When Keqing revealed her own longing, Qin Yu felt as if a switch had been flipped within her, igniting similar desires.
"Y-yes... you may."
Having obtained Qin Yu's permission, Keqing relaxed and closed her eyes, pressing her lips against Qin Yu's. Qin Yu reflexively squeezed her eyes shut as well, savoring Keqing's warmth and softness.
Evaluation: SS+
After a brief moment, Keqing pulled away.
"Ahem, our break time ends here," she said, clearing her throat. "Let's finish up these minor tasks first. Then I want to delve deeper into all the knowledge I need to master. Will you join me?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation.
But Qin Yu couldn't answer.
Because she hadn't gotten her fill.
Qin Yu stepped closer to Keqing, leaned down, and, unable to restrain herself, pressed her own warmth against the very spot she desired, silencing Keqing's remaining words.
Evaluation: SSS-
When they finally parted again, Keqing's face was flushed crimson, unable to meet Qin Yu's gaze. Qin Yu, however, was even more flustered.
She wanted to bury herself in the earth.
What have I done? I'm not supposed to be that kind of woman, and I certainly shouldn't become one. But acting like this is just slapping myself in the face!
"...I was just thinking," Keqing suddenly murmured.
"Eh? Ah, um, what?"
Though shy, Keqing spoke earnestly, "If the New Liyue of my dreams were truly built, and you could witness it, that would be wonderful. But now I'm also thinking... living in such an era with you would be even better."
Qin Yu's heart gradually returned to its normal rhythm, but Keqing's words left a lingering warmth in her chest.
With me?
Remembering that she was still playing a role, still facing Keqing through her persona, Qin Yu found herself breathless at Keqing's sincere confession.
"But... I'm not that good of a person," Qin Yu said, lowering her head.
"What nonsense! I don't think so at all!" Keqing retorted vehemently.
Feeling as if Keqing were about to pierce through her facade, Qin Yu reflexively doubled down, "That's just because you haven't seen it. Where you can't see, I'm far from good."
Where I can't see? Keqing mused thoughtfully.
Their relationship had indeed been repaired, and it even seemed to have deepened somewhat. But there were still things they didn't know about each other.
They lacked a thorough understanding of each other's current selves.
Is Qin Yu worried that her flaws might make me dislike her? Keqing thought she understood.
But this realization also made her angry. "You think I would care about such trivial things? You—you used to wet the bed while we slept together as kids!"
Ha?!
Qin Yu's face flushed crimson. "W-why are you bringing that up? It has nothing to do with our current conversation!"
"It does. It's an example."
"We're not children anymore..." Qin Yu mumbled.
Don't make it sound like our memories are all we have to talk about.
Qin Yu grew increasingly frustrated. Keqing's voice hardened:
"Then show me."
"Show you?"
"The flaws you think I'll dislike. If you don't show me, how am I supposed to know if I'll dislike them? How can you possibly guess what I'm thinking? Letting your imagination run wild will only waste your energy!"
"If you want to know, then take action—take action towards me."
Keqing stood up, startling Qin Yu. She seized Qin Yu's hand and declared:
"Then I'll prove you're wrong! There's no way I could ever hate you. Absolutely not. Otherwise, why would we have re-shackled ourselves together?"
The faint clinking of the bracelets echoed in Qin Yu's ears, sweeping away all her negative emotions with Keqing's resolute and unwavering words, leaving only pure surprise and embarrassment.
Qin Yu pursed her lips and turned her face away.
"Keqing."
"Hmm?"
"You're such an idiot," Qin Yu said mercilessly.
"No, I'm not," Keqing retorted.
"I understand what you're saying, but—"
Hearing this shift in tone, Keqing's heart skipped a beat.
But Qin Yu only shyly brushed aside her bangs and murmured, "I need time."
I was already planning to test her.
Keqing's words made Qin Yu undeniably happy, but she resolved to stick to her original plan: to proceed cautiously, advancing little by little, and retreat if she detected any signs of trouble, using other explanations to deceive Keqing.
"Ah ha ha, the worst thing about me is that I like to bite and scratch people!" —or something like that...
No, that's stupid. I'm not a cat.
"Whew, you scared me there! I thought you were going to say something else. It's okay, we have plenty of time! Let's take it slow... Of course, work can't wait. Let's go, or we'll never get it done."
"Ugh..."
Tsk, all work, work, work all day long...
You might as well handcuff yourself to your work! Qin Yu thought resentfully.