"Exclusive, my ass. There's no way this kind of thing exists here~"
Aether rolled his eyes and replied with mild annoyance.
He'd seen something like this on Teyvat—specifically from the Pyro Archon, Mavuika—but in the world of Douluo Dalu? This was unheard of.
"Exactly! That's why it's exclusive! I had it specially made just now when we were out shopping~"
Paimon grinned mischievously as she floated over to Aether, eyes gleaming.
"Traveler, can I borrow your Kamera? I want to take a picture of everyone."
"…Here."
Aether casually pulled the Kamera out of his Serenitea Pot and handed it over.
The moment Paimon got her hands on it, she zipped over and began snapping photos of Yu Keke and Zhu Zhuqing striking all sorts of dramatic poses.
When the photos developed, everyone marveled at how magical the Kamera was, gushing over the clarity and detail.
"Qinghe, come here too."
Paimon noticed Qian Renxue was still missing from the group photos and flew over to pull her into the crowd.
Qian Renxue, holding the photo of herself among the others, shot a nearly imperceptible glance at Aether.
"Paimon, why don't we all take a photo together? You're not in any of them."
"Eh? Oh, you're right!"
Paimon instinctively handed the Kamera back to Aether—then paused. Of course Aether should be in the photo too!
She looked around and spotted Dugu Bo, leisurely stroking his beard like nothing in the world concerned him.
"Gramps, let me teach you how to use it—can you take a photo of us?"
With a quick tutorial from Paimon, Dugu Bo mastered the Kamera in seconds. Soon, a fresh group photo of the six of them—all sporting their cool sunglasses—was in hand.
Oh, and Fire Meow Meow was in it too~
First, everyone was amazed by the sunglasses. Then, their curiosity quickly shifted to the Kamera itself.
Paimon was absolutely ecstatic, snapping photos here and there. Zhu Zhuqing, bolder than most, asked Aether for a two-person shot. Not to be outdone, Yu Keke and Qian Renxue also requested solo photos with Aether, all under the noble pretense of "commemoration."
"Alright, alright, let's not forget we've got business to handle."
Aether gave a small cough, seeing even Qian Renxue caught up with the rest, deeply immersed in comparing and analyzing their photos.
"Oh right! Milord, you said you had something for me?"
Only now did Dugu Bo speak up respectfully.
"Renxue, go ahead and explain to Elder Dugu."
Aether motioned toward the stone table, inviting Dugu Bo to sit. Qian Renxue immediately shed her playful expression and entered work mode.
"Your Excellency, here's the situation…"
She laid out her plan clearly.
First, she needed Dugu Bo's cooperation to smoothly re-enter the Heaven Dou Imperial City. Secondly, she explained her political maneuvering and the stakes involved—hoping he would remain neutral or at least not obstruct her in front of Prince Xue Xing, which might jeopardize the entire scheme.
"Milord… I have a humble request…"
After hearing her out, Dugu Bo fell silent for a while. His gaze lingered on Qian Renxue, though his words were directed at Aether.
"Please, speak freely, Elder."
Aether gestured for him to continue.
"I have no interest in the infighting of nobles. But… Prince Xue Xing once showed me great kindness. I'll explain everything to him myself.
No matter what comes of it, I only ask that milord ensures the prince and his lineage remain safe… that he may live out his final years in peace."
After learning of Qian Renxue's ambitions, Dugu Bo knew—Heaven Dou Empire had already been targeted by the behemoth that was Spirit Hall. They were like fish laid bare on the cutting board.
He had no desire to get involved in political conflict. But Prince Xue Xing had been good to him, and in times like these, who could survive unscathed?
Even if he tried to shield the prince and support him, it would ultimately amount to no more than a mantis trying to stop a chariot.
So instead, he decided to help Qian Renxue return, explain everything to the prince, and—if nothing else—do his best to protect his life and family when the dust settled.
"If Elder Dugu is willing to help, I naturally have no objections to your request."
Qian Renxue smiled faintly. This result pleased her immensely.
Having Dugu Bo's aid would save her considerable time and effort in planning and maneuvering.
"Mhm."
Seeing her quick and clean response, Dugu Bo felt relieved at last.
Xue Xing… if only you knew what's coming… then you'd understand—I truly did all I could for you…
"When does Her Highness plan to depart?" Dugu Bo asked.
Since the decision had been made, and he'd heard about strange disturbances in the capital, he was growing concerned for Xue Xing's safety. After all, he'd left in a rush and hadn't passed on any information.
"The sooner, the better."
Qian Renxue furrowed her brow slightly.
"But… my grandfather still hasn't returned from the mission the honored guest gave him. We can't afford to wait for him. Let's leave tomorrow. What do you think?"
"That's fine."
Dugu Bo nodded, then seemed to recall something.
"Your Highness… how many Spirit Hall elders or consecrated protectors will accompany you?"
Qian Renxue shook her head. "I don't intend to trouble my uncles and elders this time."
"But Your Highness' safety…"
Dugu Bo was stunned. Now that he knew her true identity, and having seen firsthand the Spirit Hall's terrifying depth during the battle with the Clear Sky Clan, he couldn't help but feel nervous.
Surely she needed at least three or four Title Douluo by her side for protection?
He'd seen what happened when they lacked firepower…
"Your Excellency… I also have a humble request…"
Qian Renxue turned to Aether, bit her lip slightly, and finally spoke her request.
She had to return to the empire as Xue Qinghe—not just for a legitimate claim to power, but also to win over the noble class.
After their previous conversation, she'd thought long and hard. The empire's noble-centric power structure couldn't be dismantled overnight.
More than 99% of the empire's power still lay in noble hands. Without participating under this identity, taking control would become far more difficult.
Even if she seized the throne with overwhelming force—she was still just one person.
The vast machinery of an empire couldn't be run by a single operator. Those nobles might look subdued on the surface, but given the chance, they'd trip her up from the shadows.
"Fire Meow Meow."
Aether called out to the flaming feline, currently striking all sorts of adorable poses in Dugu Yan's arms.
"Milord!"
With a bow and a leap, Fire Meow Meow landed on the table, its expression serious and spirit burning.
"How about letting Fire Meow Meow go with you?"
Aether turned to Qian Renxue. Since she didn't want Spirit Hall's backup, he figured Fire Meow Meow could cover her safety.
"Thank you, Your Excellency!"
Truthfully, this was exactly what Qian Renxue had hoped for.
Fire Meow Meow's strength was beyond question—your average Title Douluo couldn't even get this thing to glance at them.
And if anyone tried to trace its background, they'd only find their way back to Aether.
And Aether? Everyone with eyes could see what kind of figure he was. Just having Fire Meow Meow as a follower might be enough to cloak her in his aura of invincibility~
_
(CAUGHT UP WITH THE RAWS IN MY PATREON)
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