So dark… so cold…
My chest feels so stuffy…
I feel like I'm about to suffocate…
Help… No, it'd be too embarrassing for a great adventurer like me to call for help!
Wait, is my life less important than my pride?
At that very moment, light shone upon his eyes, illuminating the earth…
That is…
An angel—little Hu Tao, still deep in sleep under the blessing of sunlight!
Cid instinctively reached out and grabbed little Hu Tao, lifting her high into the air.
Ah… I knew it. This world is beautiful after all…
I really shouldn't have thought about horror movie topics in the middle of the night.
Wait, the sensation in my hands feels off.
It feels kind of hard?
Cid turned his head and looked at the elderly Hall Master Hu, who was currently holding little Hu Tao in his arms. For a moment, he actually didn't know what to do.
The elderly Hall Master Hu said nothing—or rather, for a moment he didn't know what he should say either.
His own granddaughter hadn't slept properly and had come to disturb this young man's sleep. He had originally planned to quietly carry her away and pretend nothing happened.
But now the young man was awake… What should this old uncle say?
While Cid wore a completely bewildered expression, the elderly Hall Master Hu exercised the privilege of the elderly.
"Isn't my granddaughter cute?"
"Super cute!"
"Then go find yourself a wife and have your own."
With that, the elderly Hall Master Hu carried little Hu Tao away without looking back, leaving behind a thoroughly bewildered Cid.
Aiya… Who would have thought that at my age, I'd still have to play dumb to fool this young man? I've lost all face. Good thing this kid is honest and easy to trick…
Then…
The elderly Hall Master Hu's eyes met those of the elderly Zhongli.
Oh no~
The embarrassing scene had been witnessed by another young person—and of all people, the guest consultant who never carries money.
Then… the elderly Zhongli continued eating his breakfast as if nothing had happened.
The elderly Hall Master Hu slipped away with his beloved granddaughter.
…
"Sorry, little Hu Tao. In the end, Uncle is still a man like the wind…" Cid said with a slight regret as he pinched little Hu Tao's cheek, only for his hand to be instantly swatted away by her.
No matter how you looked at it, a proper guardian would never allow a man with no carriage, no house, and no savings to take their adorable daughter out adventuring.
Cid understood the elderly Hall Master Hu's thinking. After trying a few times and confirming that his stance was extremely firm, Cid could only give up on the idea of taking Hu Tao to Mondstadt to play.
"Uncle Cid! Confess honestly! Do you have someone in Mondstadt?!" Little Hu Tao grabbed the sleeve of Uncle Cid, who was preparing to leave, and interrogated him.
Oh, this bizarre way of asking made Uncle Cid feel strangely uncomfortable.
As if he were some heartless Scumbag who had abandoned his wife and child.
But the problem was…
How old was this little Hu Tao?
At an age where her voice was still babyish, she already knew to ask an adult if they had someone on the side?
"What do you mean 'someone on the side'?" Uncle Cid thought of little Barbara in Mondstadt, who aspired to become an idol. "But I do know a very well-behaved child in Mondstadt."
Even though the little Hu Tao in front of him was a child, Cid ultimately decided to tell the truth.
Though it did feel a bit strange.
But hiding one friend from another friend…
Alright, he couldn't make up any more excuses.
Actually, Cid himself felt a strangely odd sensation.
Could it be that I've really started a little kids' harem?
That kind of thing is better left to fantasy.
Just like how doujin plots can't happen in real life.
Whoever takes it seriously ends up in jail.
"Her name is Barbara. She's small, but she aspires to become an idol who wants to heal everyone's hearts."
Cid thought for a moment and added, "If you ever met her, I don't think you'd dislike her."
However, seeing the unhappy expression on little Hu Tao's face…
A child whose favorite toy had been taken away by someone else…
I really am bad at handling parting scenes.
Cid looked toward the widely experienced Elder Zhongli.
Elder Zhongli looked at Cid and said, "Since little Hall Master Hu is so reluctant to part with friend Cid, then friend Cid should stay a few more days."
Cid fell silent.
Elder Zhongli had already prepared to enter retirement life ahead of schedule…
At this moment, his greatest trouble was being unable to deal with the rowdy little Hu Tao.
He really couldn't handle this child.
It's good that children are energetic, but when they're too energetic, even Elder Zhongli couldn't quite take it.
At this time, the nanny-dad adventurer friend Cid had appeared like a beam of light…
For the sake of a peaceful life, Elder Zhongli sincerely hoped Cid would stay a few more days.
Best if he stayed a few more days, and then a few more after that.
After all, friend Cid was soft-hearted and broad-minded. As long as he stayed this time, he could definitely be persuaded to stay the next time as well.