"That's right. My sister."
Aether interrupted Jiang Yan's thoughts and spoke seriously.
"Her name is Lumine. She's still asleep for now."
The moment he mentioned his sister, warmth softened Aether's expression.
The bond between the twins needed no explanation.
Anyone familiar with their story could see it clearly.
"And you're that certain she'll come to Liyue?"
Although Jiang Yan already knew how the story unfolded, he still wanted to hear Aether's reasoning.
"My sister and I were separated because of... special circumstances."
Aether explained quietly.
He deliberately avoided mentioning the Heavenly Principles.
"In order to find me, she'll definitely travel across Teyvat."
"Only after she journeys through the entire world…"
"Only after she sees its true nature…"
"Will she understand my reasons and reunite with me."
Aether's voice remained calm throughout.
"I see."
Jiang Yan nodded.
The meaning wasn't much different from the original dialogue between Aether and Lumine.
"But that raises another question."
"Why should I help take care of your sister?"
"If I'm not mistaken, we aren't exactly close."
Jiang Yan wasn't interested in taking on extra responsibilities for no reason.
By the time the Traveler officially began her journey—
He planned to have retired long ago.
Once Ningguang, Beidou, and Shenhe matured and became familiar with governance—
He intended to dump every last bit of political work onto them.
And then?
He would enjoy life as a completely useless member of society.
No work.
No obligations.
Just leisure.
There was no way he'd ruin that lifestyle because of one promise.
Aether nodded.
He understood perfectly.
After all, he and Jiang Yan were neither family nor friends.
Requesting something like this was already pushing boundaries.
Truthfully—
He hadn't expected Jiang Yan to agree.
Still, if he did—
Lumine's journey through Liyue would undoubtedly become easier.
After all—
This world was poor.
Aether had discovered that firsthand during his travels.
Compared to other worlds, where treasure chests seemed to appear everywhere—
Teyvat had shockingly few.
Especially Liyue.
Other nations still had scattered treasure here and there.
But Liyue?
Practically nothing.
At times, Aether even wondered whether everyone in this world had an obsession with treasure hunting.
If Jiang Yan heard that thought—
He'd probably laugh himself senseless.
Few treasure chests?
Of course there were few.
If not for the fact that Jiang Yan had eventually grown too lazy to even open ordinary chests—
Aether wouldn't have found anything at all.
As for Liyue—
Please.
In the five hundred years since Khaenri'ah's fall, Jiang Yan had swept through the region again and again.
Nothing survived his looting.
Nothing.
If you could find even one treasure chest in Liyue—
He'd admit defeat on the spot.
"You're right."
"This request is somewhat abrupt."
Aether acknowledged honestly.
"Then how about this."
"You don't need to look after her."
"Just… don't interfere with her journey."
"And don't tell her anything about me."
"Can you do that?"
Jiang Yan considered for a moment.
Then finally nodded reluctantly.
That much was manageable.
By the time Lumine began traveling—
Who knew where he'd even be?
He might not encounter her at all.
Agreeing cost him nothing.
"Then thank you, Immortal Lord."
Aether bowed respectfully.
"Alright, alright."
"I already said yes."
Jiang Yan waved him away.
The dismissal was obvious.
"But let me repeat what I told the Abyss Sovereign."
"And this applies to you as well."
"Do not set your sights on Liyue."
"If I discover you plotting anything against it…"
"Then don't blame me for being merciless."
"Of course."
Aether nodded.
Behind him, a dark portal slowly appeared.
"Oh right."
Just before Aether left, Jiang Yan suddenly spoke again.
"Tell your Abyss Sovereign something for me."
"Either return every stolen ore shipment exactly as it was…"
"Or I'll personally come retrieve it myself."
"Let him decide which option he prefers."
"I want an answer by tonight."
He had nearly forgotten.
The entire incident had started because the Abyss stole the mineral shipments.
Aether froze slightly.
"…Understood."
Without another word, he stepped into the portal.
Then disappeared.
After watching him leave, Jiang Yan carried Heruvia back to Liyue Harbor.
At Yuehai Pavilion—
Ganyu and the three little girls were still waiting for his return.
The moment Jiang Yan entered while carrying a pale Heruvia—
Everyone froze.
"Heruvia!"
Guizhong and Ganyu both cried out and hurried over.
"What happened?"
Guizhong asked anxiously.
"Why is she like this?"
"Nothing too serious."
"She was injured."
"But she'll recover after some rest."
Hearing that it wasn't life-threatening, everyone relaxed slightly.
"Ajian…"
"What exactly happened?"
Ganyu frowned.
Wasn't Heruvia only supposed to investigate Blackrock Quarry?
Why had she returned so badly injured?
"It's a long story…"
Jiang Yan explained everything involving the Abyss.
"So that's what happened."
"Fortunately, I arrived in time."
"The corruption wasn't too severe."
After hearing the explanation, both Ganyu and Guizhong showed clear anger.
"The Abyss again!"
Guizhong's expression turned cold.
"If I remember correctly…"
"The monster invasion five hundred years ago was caused by them too."
Ganyu nodded.
Her eyes also carried resentment.
Because it was due to the Abyss—
That Jiang Yan had been gravely injured and forced into five centuries of slumber.
"Alright."
"It's already resolved, isn't it?"
Jiang Yan smiled.
"Let's focus on healing Heruvia first."
"There's still cleanup work left to handle."
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