Shao Yun staggered back through the biting blizzard, returning to the frigid entrance of Albedo's laboratory.
Standing outside, Dainsleif saw the hollow, defeated look on Shao Yun's face and could already guess what had happened, but still asked softly, "So… it failed?"
Shao Yun let out a long, relieved sigh, as if finally shedding a thousand-pound burden.
"I saw him. But I couldn't agree to his terms."
He then told Dainsleif the condition the demon had proposed—that he massacre every person in Mondstadt and Liyue in exchange for help.
Dainsleif nodded silently after hearing it. "I don't doubt you could do it. But if you did… you'd be no different from those Abyss Order bastards."
Shao Yun sighed again, this time with resignation. "These past seven days were like a dream… In the end, I couldn't change a thing."
Dainsleif's gaze turned toward the interior of the lab. "And what about Aether? What now?"
Shao Yun shook his head; his voice tinged with helplessness.
"Let it all go. Let's forget everything that's happened over this past week."
"I can't accept the demon's terms. Taking Aether with us would only make us a target for the Abyss Order. Outside of Dragonspine, there's nowhere to hide. Lumine said she wants to continue traveling. So the only choice is…"
He took a deep breath and continued, somewhat reluctantly, "Let Aether return."
Dainsleif was silent for a moment, weighing the pros and cons.
Finally, he nodded in understanding. "Alright. Maybe that really is the best choice for now."
Shao Yun covered his face, guilt-ridden. "I'm sorry. I know I dragged you into all this for nothing. I owe you."
But Dainsleif waved it off without a second thought. "Don't say that. The world's unpredictable—no one can foresee the outcome. At the very least, this wasn't all for nothing. I got valuable intel about the Seven Archons Project. In a way, you helped me."
Shao Yun gave a small nod, then stepped into Albedo's lab.
Inside, Aether sat quietly in a chair, saying nothing, while Lumine cast a soft, tender gaze toward Shao Yun.
Shao Yun's eyes shifted between the two before finally settling on Lumine. He spoke gently.
"Lumine, no matter what you decide, I'll support you without hesitation. Just as you once stood by me—I'll go with you, wherever this journey leads."
Then he turned to Aether and continued, "Tonight, let's rest here. Tomorrow, you'll return to being the Abyss Prince. But for tonight, you're still Lumine's brother. And I have something I want to say."
Aether looked at the relieved expression on Shao Yun's face and nodded in understanding.
"I know. A few days ago, Lumine told me she wanted to talk about you and her once she found me. Over these past seven days, I've seen your resilience and devotion firsthand. I believe you'll be her strongest support."
Then, Aether's voice lightened with a touch of warmth and trust, easing the heavy atmosphere.
"Shao Yun, don't look so tense. You should be happy. As you said, tomorrow I return to the Abyss. But before that, as her brother—I want to witness your confession to her, face-to-face. Only then can I hand her over to you with peace of mind."
Shao Yun never imagined Aether would agree so easily. He had braced himself for tests, trials, and resistance—maybe even a metaphorical trial by fire.
He was so stunned that he almost didn't trust his ears. His voice trembled slightly. "What? You mean… you agree?"
Aether gave a slow nod, his eyes calm and thoughtful. "But first, I want to see your sincerity."
Those words were like a shot of adrenaline—Shao Yun was instantly revitalized.
Without hesitation, he turned to Lumine, dropped to one knee, his posture solemn and steady.
Seeing him kneel, a flush crept over Lumine's cheeks, her eyes sparkling with emotion. She stood gently, gaze brimming with expectation.
Shao Yun looked into her eyes, his own filled with love and resolve. He spoke slowly, every word drawn from the depths of his heart.
"I'm a hopeless fool—but I love you. With a love that's deep and true. Wherever our path leads, I will use all my strength to protect you, to cherish you. I swear it."
A blush lit up Lumine's cheeks, her eyes glistening with tears—tears of joy and emotion. She whispered, "I love you too."
Aether's voice came again, soft but filled with reassurance.
"I entrust my sister to you. In the days I cannot be by her side… please take care of her."
Shao Yun stood and wrapped Lumine tightly in his arms.
They smiled at each other, their eyes full of devotion and affection.
Then they kissed, deeply and completely, their love overflowing like a radiant tide, saturating the air around them.
In a quiet corner, a small figure wrapped tightly in a hunter's cloak peeked out from under her hood.
It was Paimon. Though she covered her eyes with her hands, the gaps between her fingers betrayed her curiosity and excitement.
She secretly watched the scene, heart fluttering with a strange mixture of giddiness and envy.
Aether, meanwhile, stood to the side, watching the couple with a complex expression. A twinge of bitterness passed through him—like a cabbage he'd grown was being devoured by a wild boar.
But more than anything, he felt joy and relief at his sister's happiness. He reminded himself—this was the growth every person must go through. It was time to let go.
He took a deep breath, willing his emotions to settle.
…
As the tender kiss ended, Lumine gently pressed her lips together, her tone playful and bold.
"By the way, Shao Yun—if you ever snore at night and wake me or Paimon up, I'm gonna make you sleep with your eyes open watching how we rest."
Shao Yun chuckled, a loving smile on his lips. He gently tapped her nose and replied, "Then just kick me off the bed."
At that, Aether couldn't hold back any longer. He hadn't expected the two of them to start openly discussing sharing a bed—and right in front of him, their future brother-in-law!
Aether blurted, "Absolutely not! You two are not sleeping together! I refuse! I'm not ready to be an uncle!"
Lumine stuck out her tongue at him mischievously and made a funny face.
"Brother, that's not up to you! Nyeh~!"
Aether looked at her, utterly incredulous.
"I just handed you over to Shao Yun, and this is how you treat me? I'm your brother!"
Shao Yun laughed and said to Aether, "Don't worry, big bro. I'll take good care of Lumine. You won't be an uncle just yet. But still, gotta follow the process, right?"
Aether's face went red. "Hey! I regret it now! Lumine, can I take it back? I'm not leaving—I'll stay and run away with you both instead!"
But Lumine shook her head with a smug little hum.
"Nope. You said you'd leave me in Shao Yun's care. Besides, you've got your Abyss Order and your big mission. You said it yourself—before the Abyss floods the throne, you're going to fight Celestia. I can't hold you back."
Aether looked ready to cry. He sighed at her helplessly.
"My dear sister… how can you do this to me? Look at him! He's tall and built! What if he bullies you?"
Shao Yun quickly pulled Lumine close, beaming with confidence. "Relax, big bro. Lumine's the boss. I'd never bully her—I'll be under her rule forever!"
Aether's eyes went wide with fury. He leapt up and shouted, "That's it! I'm gonna bite you!"
Shao Yun reacted instantly, scooping Lumine into a graceful princess carry.
Dodging with agility, he wore a mischievous grin as he called out playfully, "Oh no! Big bro's turned into a zombie! We gotta run!"
Lumine, safe in his arms, chuckled at the antics and called out softly to Aether, "Careful, bro! Don't hurt yourself!"
Aether, restricted by his gear, hopped and bounded after Shao Yun, yelling the whole time.
"You scoundrel! Give me back my sister!"
And so, the three of them launched into a chaotic little chase through Albedo's lab, the air filled with laughter and teasing.
From her cloaked spot, Paimon watched the whole scene like a child in the audience, occasionally letting out a quiet "pfft" as she giggled.
Outside the lab, Dainsleif stared in through the window, watching this utterly unruly family… plus one giggling Paimon.
He muttered under his breath, "This whole family… so damn childish."