Shao Yun pressed his lips together, speaking in a tone that was half self-mockery, half admonishment.
"How should I put it? Brother-in-law, you understand—if things could succeed that easily, I'd have already taken you, Lumine, and Paimon far away."
"And more importantly—are you really certain this plan of yours will work? That those cursed people of Khaenri'ah can truly be turned human again?"
Shao Yun didn't care about the lives of Hilichurls, but he knew this would never work. There was no point wasting the effort.
But from Aether's perspective, even a one percent chance was worth his all—that was something he'd learned from Shao Yun himself.
Aether lowered his head slightly, a trace of undisguisable gloom in his eyes, but still spoke with firm resolve.
"Just as you once said—no matter what, we should at least try."
"This is a rare opportunity! A chance for Khaenri'ah to return to the world."
"First, we find those who once belonged to Khaenri'ah. Then, we rebuild that beautiful, prosperous land—Khaenri'ah."
Listening to Aether's grand vision for the revival of Khaenri'ah, and his yearning for a hopeful future, Shao Yun drew in a deep breath and murmured,
'It's not shameful to seek a better world…'
Then he shook his head slightly, turning his gaze back to Aether, and changed the subject.
"However… I'm sorry. I can't agree to this. Everything I do must be for Lumine's sake."
"As for today, I won't tell Lumine, Paimon, or Dainsleif a word. You have my word on that."
Truthfully, Aether hadn't expected much from the start.
Hearing Shao Yun's refusal didn't bring disappointment—just a faintly bitter smile at the corner of his lips.
"It's alright. I understand."
Shao Yun wanted to comfort him, but Aether beat him to it, smiling and waving a hand to show it wasn't necessary.
"It's fine. As long as you take good care of my sister—that's all I ask, and I trust you completely in that."
Hearing Shao Yun put Lumine's interests first assured him that she would be well cared for.
…
Soon after, Enjou brought in the food Aether had ordered.
Shao Yun and Aether enjoyed the hearty Inazuman meal together, chatting pleasantly.
During their conversation, Aether curiously asked about his sister's relationship with Shao Yun.
When he learned they had already had an intimate moment, Aether nearly choked on his food. He quickly pounded his chest with his fist until he could swallow, then stared in shock.
"Cough—cough! You two actually…"
Shao Yun gave a small nod, confirming it, and explained further.
"That's right, but rest assured—it's only happened once so far. Lumine told me, 'What I give you is yours. If I don't give, you can't take.'"
Hearing this, Aether slowly set down his chopsticks, an expression of helplessness crossing his face as he sighed.
"Ah… I don't know why, but I feel a bit strange about this."
Shao Yun also set down his rice bowl, replying with a touch of teasing.
"Haha, I understand. As a brother, watching your sister grow up—such a big change is hard to get used to all at once."
Aether still wore a bitter expression, clearly not yet recovered from the shock of his sister being claimed by Shao Yun.
Shao Yun couldn't help but laugh aloud.
"Haha! You and your sister really are alike—both caught off guard by sudden changes."
"Well, it makes sense. You're siblings, after all—resemblance is normal."
Aether recalled the moment he entrusted Lumine to Shao Yun.
Rubbing the bridge of his nose, he sighed.
"Ah, well… As long as you treat her well."
"But let me repeat this—don't make me an uncle too soon."
Shao Yun didn't take the warning too seriously, replying casually, "Mm, I understand."
Seeing his relaxed attitude made Aether anxious, so he tried again to persuade him earnestly.
"Can you take this seriously? It's for your own good. You still have a long journey ahead, and who knows how many dangers you'll face."
"If some reckless fool tried to threaten you with your child, what then?"
He stressed again, "I know you and my sister are skilled, but less trouble is always better."
"When you reach the end of your journey, no matter how many children you have, I won't interfere."
"But for now, I hope you can put your whole hearts into the journey."
Shao Yun smiled faintly and suggested, "In that case, why not have you look after our child? That'd be safest."
Aether froze, then glared in displeasure.
"What kind of brother-in-law orders around his wife's brother like that?"
Shao Yun took a leisurely sip of water, muttering, 'Oh, you talk tough now, but I bet once you see our child, you'll spoil them endlessly—hold them like glass for fear of breaking, or sugar for fear of melting.'
At those words, a vivid image formed in Aether's mind.
In a sea of flowers, Lumine's child—whether nephew or niece—looked up at him with innocent eyes, sweetly calling, 'Uncle!'
Tiny hands clung to his clothing, pleading for him to play.
The scene was like a warm spring breeze brushing his heart, making him yearn for it without realizing.
Softly, he murmured, "You know… that does sound nice…"
But then he snapped out of it, cheeks flushing red. "No—wait! How did you lead me into this? Absolutely not! Don't make me an uncle too soon!"
Seeing his brother-in-law's flustered expression, Shao Yun covered his mouth, laughter echoing through the room.
"Hahaha…"
Just then, a gentle knock on the door broke the cheerful mood.
Lumine's soft, graceful voice drifted in from outside.
"Shao Yun, are you in there? I heard you were eating here—I missed you…"
These were her true feelings. While adventuring on Seirai Island with Paimon, she had thought of it as an ordinary trip, just like Shao Yun.
In the daytime she kept busy, but at night she would think back to that moment in Tenshukaku.
Gradually, her confusion turned into longing for him.
Especially after speaking with Neko, the acting head priestess of Asase Shrine, Lumine couldn't hold back anymore.
She had planned to explore Tsurumi Island before returning, but after Seirai, she came straight back to find Shao Yun.
Hearing her familiar, gentle voice hit Aether like a bolt of lightning.
His whole body trembled; his chopsticks fell to the table with a clatter.
He sprang up in shock, mouth agape, stammering, "Ah?! What should I do?!"
Behind him, Enjou was equally startled, recalling the terrifying moment in Enkanomiya when Lumine nearly killed him.
In his panic, he forgot he could open an Abyss portal—proof of just how deep her shadow loomed over him.
Pointing a trembling finger at the window, he urged urgently, "Your Highness, we should jump out and escape now!"
Shao Yun, watching the scene, felt something odd.
Aether, you just said we're family—so why are you so afraid of your sister now?
He stood and walked toward the door, muttering,
"This is nothing—just let her in. She's your sister, for Archon's sake. What's to fear?"
"Wait—!"
But before Aether could stop him, Shao Yun had reached for the closed door.
Seeing this, Enjou abandoned all thought—he ran to the window, shoved it open, and leapt from the second floor without hesitation.
Aether glanced at the open window, then at the door, torn with indecision.
After a moment, he gave up on fleeing and sat back down.
Just then, Shao Yun opened the door.
Outside, Lumine stood quietly, Paimon floating at her side.
She twirled a lock of golden hair around her finger, cheeks flushed, speaking shyly.
"Shao Yun, I—"
But her eyes wandered into the room, and she froze upon seeing her brother seated inside.
Her eyes widened in shock. "Brother!"
Clearly, she hadn't expected such a sudden reunion.
Aether's heart gave a jolt at her voice.
But when he chose not to flee with Enjou, he'd already felt the desire to see his sister again.
Now, turning to face her, he met her gaze and said softly, with a trace of hesitation, "Sister…"