After a few seconds of silence, Shenhe asked in a quiet voice:
Shenhe: "So, what do you want to do today?"
Aether lightly rubbed the back of his neck.
He had been thinking since he woke up.
He finally decided to be honest.
Aether: "I'm going to try to use this day to figure out what's wrong with you."
Shenhe inclined his head slightly.
Shenhe: "What's wrong with me?"
Aether nodded.
Ganyu: "Ganyu sent us a letter."
He crossed his arms in turn.
Aether: "It said you had a problem... and that you were acting strangely."
Shenhe remained silent.
Aether continued:
Aether: "But since I arrived... you seem perfectly normal."
He looked at her intently.
Aether: "Do you really feel well?"
Shenhe thought for a few seconds.
Then simply replied:
Shenhe: "Yes."
She didn't seem to be lying.
On the contrary.
She seemed genuinely convinced by her answer.
Paimon turned slightly towards Eula.
She could see perfectly well what was happening.
And honestly...
The situation was incredibly funny.
Paimon: "The situation is way too funny."
"Hehe"
She looked at Shenhe.
Then at Eula.
Then at Aether.
Paimon: "Two women in love with the same man…
And he didn't notice a thing.
Paimon stifled a laugh.
Meanwhile, Eula listened intently to the conversation.
She understood perfectly what was happening.
She was very familiar with this kind of situation.
What Shenhe was feeling wasn't an illness… or a curse.
It was something much simpler.
And much more common.
Eula : "An illness that affects about 95% of Teyvat's population at least once in their lives."
She looked at Shenhe.
Then at Aether.
Eula: "The symbolism of the Cryo Archon…"
Love.
She sighed inwardly.
Shenhe had fallen in love.
And she probably had no idea what that really meant.
The problem… was that Eula felt exactly the same way.
Eula crossed their bras a little more.
Eula: "I have to find a way to separate them."
She observed Shenhe.
The young woman seemed calm.
But Eula knew that beneath that apparent serenity, Shenhe was determined.
Last night on the rooftop was proof of that.
Eula: "She won't give up easily."
Aether, meanwhile, continued to think.
Aether: "If Ganyu is so worried… there must be a reason."
Paimon nodded.
Paimon: "Yes!"
"Ganyu wouldn't have brought us here for nothing."
Shenhe seemed slightly perplexed.
Shenhe: "I don't understand why she's worried."
Aether thought for a few more seconds.
Then an idea came to her.
Aether: "I know someone who might be able to help us."
Paimon looked up.
Paimon: "Who?"
Aether replied simply:
Aether: "Xiao."
Paimon nodded immediately.
Xiao.
One of the Adepts.
An ancient and extremely powerful warrior.
Someone capable of perceiving spiritual energies and anomalies.
Aether crossed her arms.
Aether: "If there really is something strange about Shenhe…"
"He looked toward the distant mountains."
Aether: "Then Xiao will certainly find it."
Shenhe nodded calmly.
She didn't seem opposed to the idea.
Shenhe: "Okay."
Paimon crossed his arms with an amused smile.
Paimon: "Paimon is mainly wondering about something else…"
She looked at Eula.
Then Shenhe.
Paimon: "Who will win her heart?"
She had to make a tremendous effort not to burst out laughing.
Meanwhile…
A few meters away.
Madame Ping continued preparing her tea.
But she could hear absolutely everything.
Every word.
Every nuance.
She knew Xiao well.
After all…
She was also an Adept.
She calmly placed the teapot on the table.
Then she gently raised her eyes to Shenhe.
A subtle smile appeared on her face.
Madame Ping: "So…"
She observed the young woman.
Shenhe had been raised by the Adepts.
She remembered that time perfectly.
The discussions.
The worries.
The decision to entrust her to the human world.
Madame Ping: "The other Adepts would have loved to see this."
She looked at Shenhe kindly.
Madame Ping: "The little girl they brought close to the one she loves."
The wind rustled gently through the trees.
Madame Ping took a small cup of tea.
Then she murmured softly:
Madame Ping: "The human world is truly fascinating..."
Meanwhile, Aether was finishing the conversation.
Aether: "In that case, let's go to the Wangshu Inn."
Paimon nodded.
Paimon: "Yes!"
"Xiao is often there."
Shenhe replied simply:
Shenhe: "Okay."
Eula observed the situation.
Eula: "Perfect."
If Xiao confirmed that Shenhe was alright...
Then perhaps Aether would stop focusing on her.
And Eula could act.
She smiled slightly.
The group began to walk.
But behind them...
Madame Ping watched them leave.
Her smile was still there.
Mrs. Ping: "Love, jealousy, rivalry..."
She took a sip of tea.
Mrs. Ping: "Human emotions are truly wonderful."
She looked at Shenhe one last time.
Then she murmured softly:
Mrs. Ping: "Good luck, little one."
The answer was obvious because Ganyu had noticed something.
And that was that Shenhe was acting differently.
But the truth was simple.
Shenhe was in love.
Eula knew this feeling perfectly well, and she felt exactly the same way.
Eula: "I could just say it."
Tell Aether the truth.
Say it plainly: Shenhe is in love with you.
It was simple.
Direct.
And it would immediately explain the whole situation.
But there was a problem.
A huge problem.
If she said that, then Aether would ask a question.
An obvious question.
And that question would be: How do you know?
Eula sighed inwardly.
Because there was only one possible answer.
Eula: "Because I'm in the exact same situation."
She was in love with Aether too.
She'd known it for a long time now.
But she'd never said anything.
And if she revealed Shenhe's feelings…
Then she'd have to reveal her own as well.
Silence returned for a few moments as the group continued walking.
Tap tap tap
Eula was thinking seriously.
Her plan was simple.
If she revealed the truth now, several things could happen.
First possibility: Aether would understand Shenhe's feelings.
And perhaps he would immediately decide to put some distance between them to avoid any awkward situations.
In that case…
Shenhe would lose his advantage.
Second possibility: Aether would simply be surprised.
And he would start to seriously consider Shenhe's feelings.
But even then, the situation would become clearer.
But the risks…
The risks were enormous.
First risk.
If she revealed Shenhe's feelings, Shenhe would immediately understand what it meant.
And she would realize that Eula also had feelings for Aether.
This could turn their silent rivalry into a real confrontation.
Second risk.
Aether might feel extremely uncomfortable.
He didn't like conflict.
Even less so when it involved feelings.
Third risk.
If Aether found out that two of his friends were in love with him…
He might decide to keep his distance from both of them.
And in that case…
Eula would lose all chance.
Eula took a deep breath.
Eula: "No."
This plan was too risky.
She couldn't act so directly.
She had to be more subtle.
Much more subtle.
Ahead of her, Shenhe continued walking calmly.
And behind them, Aether and Paimon continued their conversation, completely unaware.
Tap tap tap
The wind blew gently across the verdant plains of Liyue. The tall grasses swayed in the breeze, and the sun began its slow descent.
The stone path wound its way through the hills as the four companions continued on their way to the inn.
Tap tap tap
The steady sound of Aether, Shenhe, and Eula's footsteps mingled with the soft buzzing of insects.
Above them floated Paimon, as always, his arms crossed behind his head.
Paimon sighed.
Paimon: "Haaa... walking so much makes Paimon hungry..."
Aether glanced up at her with an amused smile.
Aether: "You ate two desserts earlier."
Paimon puffed out his cheeks.
Paimon: "This."
"It wasn't two desserts!"
"It was one dessert... and a second, extra dessert!"
Eula smiled slightly at this, while Shenhe simply continued walking silently beside Aether, observing her surroundings.
A few seconds later, Paimon suddenly stopped in mid-air.
Paimon: "Oh!"
Aether turned her head.
Aether: "What is it?"
Paimon gently patted her forehead.
Paimon: "Paimon just remembered something!"
She said, waving her arms excitedly.
Paimon: "Paimon forgot the teapot!"
Aether blinked.
Aether: "The supplies?"
Paimon: "Yes!"
"Xiangling gave them to me yesterday for the trip!"
Paimon sighed dramatically.
Eula: "If Paimon forgets them, they'll stay in there for days!"
Eula folded her arms.
Aether: "In that case, go back and get them."
Paimon nodded resolutely.
Paimon: "Good idea!"
She turned to Aether.
Paimon: "Wait here for Paimon... or rather, no!"
"Keep going!"
"Paimon will catch up with you!"
Aether nodded.
Aether: "Okay."
Paimon then raised his hand.
FFFFFFfffffiiiiiiiiiii
A small golden light appeared in the air.
A few moments later, the familiar object materialized: the Serenitea Pot.
The small teapot floated gently before her.
Paimon placed her hands proudly on her hips.
Paimon: "Paimon will be back in a moment!"
She took a deep breath.
POOF!
In a small flash of light, Paimon disappeared inside the teapot.
The teapot hovered in mid-air for a second… then vanished as well.
Silence fell once more on the path.
Tap tap tap
Now only three people remained, walking side by side.
Aether's gaze fell upon the horizon.
Aether: "Paimon always finds a way to disappear at the most unexpected moment…"
Eula replied calmly.
Eula: "That's also what makes the journey interesting."
Shenhe said nothing.
She was still walking beside Aether, her spear strapped to her back.
Her eyes carefully scanned the surroundings.
After a few seconds, Aether resumed the conversation.
Aether: "We should reach the inn before nightfall."
The sun was slowly sinking behind the Liyue hills.
Golden light bathed the plains and lengthened the shadows of the three figures walking along the stone path. The wind gently rustled the grass, carrying with it the salty scent of the distant sea.
Tap tap tap
The footsteps of Aether, Shenhe, and Eula echoed softly in the silence.
Since Paimon had entered the Serenitea Pot, the atmosphere had become a little calmer.
Aether walked quietly, his hands behind his head.
Shenhe was right beside him.
Eula walked slightly behind them, discreetly observing the scene.
After a few moments of silence, Shenhe turned his head slightly toward Aether.
Shenhe: "You said earlier that you came to Liyue to help me."
Aether nodded.
Aether: "Yes."
He looked ahead.
Aether: "Ganyu sent me a letter."
"It said you were having a problem and that your behavior had changed."
Shenhe thought for a few seconds.
Shenhe: "I still don't understand what she meant."
Aether gave a small smile.
Aether: "Me neither, to be honest."
He continued walking for a few moments before moving on.
Aether: "But if Ganyu is worried about you, then it must be something important."
Shenhe remained silent.
She looked at the path ahead.
Shenhe: "Yet I feel normal."
Aether: "I think so too."
He shrugged slightly.
Aether: "Since I arrived, I haven't noticed anything strange."
They continued walking.
The wind gently ruffled their hair.
Shenhe spoke again.
Shenhe: "When this problem is resolved... what will you do next?"
Aether looked up at the sky.
Aether: "Hmmm..."
He thought for a few seconds.
Aether: "I think I'll go back to Mondstadt."
Shenhe turned his head slightly toward him.
Aether continued calmly.
Aether: "It's been a long time since I've had a real vacation."
A small smile appeared on his face.
Aether: "Then I'll probably stay here for a while."
Shenhe remained silent.
Aether continued.
Aether: "I think I'll go see Jean… Lisa… Amber… everyone."
He looked at the horizon.
Aether: "Mondstadt is always a pleasant place to rest."
Shenhe studied his face for a few seconds.
Then she spoke softly.
Shenhe: "I see."
They continued walking.
Tap tap tap
After a moment, Shenhe gently raised her hand and placed it on Aether's shoulder.
A simple, natural gesture.
But for someone who knew Shenhe, this gesture was extremely rare.
Aether turned his head slightly toward her.
Aether: "Hmm?"
Shenhe looked at him calmly.
Meanwhile, behind them…
Eula had seen everything and paused slightly.
Her gaze fell on Shenhe's hand.
Eula: "......…"
Her thoughts raced.
She wasn't even pretending anymore…
She was acting as if Aether already belonged to her.
Shenhe's hand remained on Aether's shoulder.
Eula: "........".
Eula clenched her teeth slightly.
If I don't do something…
She'll keep getting closer to him.
FFFFFFFFFFffffffffffff
The wind blew again.
The three figures continued walking.
But suddenly… Eula quickened her pace and grabbed Shenhe's wrist.
The movement was swift.
Firm.
Shenhe immediately turned his head toward her.
Eula positioned herself between Shenhe and Aether.
Aether blinked in surprise.
Aether: "Eula?"
Eula's expression was serious.
Very serious.
Eula took a breath.
Then she spoke.
Eula: "I'm going to stop this charade now."
Aether frowned.
Aether: "What are you talking about?"
Eula looked at Shenhe.
Then she looked at Aether.
And she declared calmly.
Eula: "Shenhe isn't sick."
A silence fell as Aether blinked.
Aether: "Huh?"
Eula continued.
Eula: "She's fine."
She crossed her arms, then spoke clearly.
Eula: "Actually... she's in love."
The wind seemed to stop.
Aether remained still.
Aether: "..."
Then he spoke.
Aether: "...What?"
Eula repeated calmly.
Eula: "I said..."
She pointed at Shenhe.
Eula: "She's in love with you."
Aether's gaze slowly shifted to Shenhe.
Shenhe was looking at him, without looking away, without hesitation.
Aether felt his cheeks burn.
Aether: "...…"
He didn't know what to say.
He didn't know how to react.
Shenhe spoke simply.
Aether: "Shenhe."
The blond-haired traveler looked into the eyes of the white-haired warrior with the blue spear.
Shenhe: "That's true."
Aether abruptly raised his head.
Shenhe continued calmly.
Shenhe: "I'm in love with you."
Silence fell again.
Aether remained completely frozen.
His brain was still trying to process what he had just heard.
Aether: "...…"
After a few seconds, he slowly turned his head toward Eula.
Aether: "How…"
He hesitated.
Aether: "Eula, how do you know that?"
"Most of the conversations you had with her were almost all arguments."
Eula remained silent for a few seconds.
Then she answered.
Eula: "Because…"
She looked Aether straight in the eyes.
Eula: "I recognize that feeling."
Aether frowned slightly.
Eula continued.
Her voice became a little softer.
Eula: "Because…"
She took a step forward.
Then she finished her sentence.
Eula: "I'm in love with you too."
Aether felt his heart skip a beat.
Before he could even react…
Eula leaned in slightly and placed a quick kiss on his cheek.
Doki Doki
A simple touch.
But enough to freeze time.
Aether blushed instantly.
Aether: "Hey?!"
He immediately raised his hand to his cheek.
Aether: "Eula?!"
Behind him…
Shenhe hadn't moved.
But his expression had changed.
His eyes were fixed on Eula.
And in that gaze…
Anger was slowly beginning to surface.
Chapter 16: The beginning of the problems
The End