The sight of Liyue Harbor's familiar, bustling wharves and golden-roofed pavilions was a deeply comforting one. The caravan rolled through the city gates, no longer a grand diplomatic procession, but a weary, triumphant group of travelers coming home.
Their first and only stop before they could truly rest was, predictably, a final debriefing with the Tianquan. They gathered once more in the now-familiar meeting room at the Yuehai Pavilion. Ningguang was there, a calm, expectant look on her face, eager to hear the results of her carefully orchestrated diplomatic mission.
This time, Ren was content to be a silent observer. He had played his part. This was a report for the leaders of Liyue, by the leaders of Liyue.
Keqing spoke first, her report as crisp and efficient as ever. She detailed the successful delivery of the goods, the positive reception of their technology, and the final, favorable terms of the trade agreement. She presented the signed documents, a tangible symbol of a successful mission. It was a masterclass in diplomatic and logistical reporting.
Next was Yelan. She spoke in low, measured tones, her report focusing on the undercurrents of their visit. She detailed the Fatui's established presence in Mondstadt and the pre-booking of the Goth Grand Hotel by the Fatui. Her report culminated in the most critical piece of intelligence: La Signora's confirmed arrival, coinciding with the peak of the Stormterror crisis. She painted a clear, chilling picture of a carefully planned Fatui interference during Mondstadt's crisis.
Finally, it was Ganyu's turn. She was not a strategist or a diplomat in this setting; she was a witness. She spoke of the dragon's terrifying assault on the city and the Liyue delegation's role in the defense. Her voice swelled with an undeniable, fierce pride as she described Ren's actions—how he had used his Cryo shields not to fight, but to protect the citizens of Mondstadt, his small form a beacon of safety in the heart of the storm. She described his friendships, the way he had effortlessly charmed everyone from the Knights to the reclusive alchemists, becoming an unlikely, unofficial ambassador of goodwill.
Keqing concluded the briefing, bringing the focus back to the most significant development. "And then there is the Traveler," she said, her tone full of a new, profound respect. She described Lumine's sudden appearance, her impossible power, and her pivotal role in driving back Stormterror. "She is a new, powerful, and unpredictable element on the world stage," Keqing finished. "And thanks to Ren, she now has a formal invitation to Liyue for the Rite of Descension."
Ningguang listened to it all, her face a mask of calm, thoughtful contemplation. She absorbed every piece of information, her brilliant mind connecting the dots, analyzing the new political landscape that had emerged.
When they had finished, she gave a slow, satisfied nod. "You have all done an exemplary job," she said, her voice full of a sincere, profound approval. "You have not only fulfilled the mission's objectives but have exceeded them in every conceivable way. You have forged new alliances, gathered critical intelligence, and demonstrated the strength and compassion of Liyue to a neighboring nation."
Her gaze softened as it rested on Ren for a moment. "And you have all returned safely. That is the most important part." She stood, signaling the end of the meeting. "Go. Rest. You have more than earned it."
With the final debriefing complete, the weight of their long journey finally lifted. Ganyu and Ren walked home through the familiar, lantern-lit streets of Feiyun Slope, a comfortable, weary silence between them.
The house was a sanctuary of warmth and peace. The heater hummed its gentle tune, and the refrigerator stood as a silent, cool sentinel. They ate a simple, quiet meal, the grand adventures and political intrigues of the past weeks fading into the background, replaced by the simple, profound comfort of being home.
That night, as Ren was getting into his bed, Ganyu appeared in his doorway, a soft, hesitant look on her face. "Ren," she began, her voice a little shy, "after everything that has happened… the battle and all… I would… I would feel better if I knew you were close by tonight."
Ren understood. The fear and worry of the past weeks had taken their toll. She just needed the reassurance that he was here, that he was safe. He simply smiled and patted the empty space on the bed beside him.
A look of profound, grateful relief washed over Ganyu's face. She changed into her comfortable sleeping clothes and slipped into the bed, her movements quiet and gentle.
The moment she lay down, she gathered him into her arms, pulling him close until his head was resting on her shoulder, his small body nestled against the comforting warmth of hers. It was not a restrictive, overprotective hug, but a deep, reassuring, and profoundly loving embrace.
Ren closed his eyes, the familiar, gentle scent of Qingxin flowers filling his senses, the steady, rhythmic beat of his sister's heart a soothing lullaby against his ear. He had traveled across nations, stood against dragons, and spoken with gods and harbingers. But in that moment, cuddled safely in his big sister's arms, he knew, with an absolute, unshakeable certainty, that he was finally, truly, and completely home.