Behold, a gift from the Hydro Archon herself—bonus chapters, born of your devotion and my boundless generosity! Bask in this rare blessing!
---
"This..."
Faced with Nahida's straightforward question, Luo Qing was momentarily at a loss.
He didn't know the full truth about what had happened 500 years ago. All he had were fragments of information gleaned from Bu'er's vague recollections.
If he were to tell Nahida outright that she was created by him and Bu'er, it would feel far too reckless and irresponsible.
After a long pause, Luo Qing raised his hand and gently patted Nahida on the head.
"I'm sorry, Nahida," he said softly. "There are still things I haven't fully figured out myself, so I can't give you a clear answer yet."
"Mm..."
Nahida's voice was tinged with disappointment.
It was obvious that this wasn't the answer she wanted to hear.
"But..."
Luo Qing crouched down to meet her eyes, his voice gentle and filled with warmth.
"Nahida, we're family, aren't we?"
"Family..."
Nahida gazed into his eyes.
In that moment, the inexplicable feeling of closeness she had always felt toward him surged within her.
She had the sudden urge to throw herself into his arms.
"I understand..."
Nahida stepped forward, wrapping her small arms around Luo Qing's neck and hugging him tightly.
Her silvery-white hair brushed against Luo Qing's cheek, momentarily giving him the illusion that he was embracing Bu'er.
After a few moments, she released him and took a step back, placing her hands behind her back. A gentle smile spread across her face, sweet and endearing.
"Luo Qing, I'll seriously consider your suggestion."
"Thank you, Nahida."
"No need to thank me..."
Nahida shook her head, her smile as soft as a spring breeze.
"Because we're family, aren't we?"
"Mm..."
---
After seeing Nahida off, Luo Qing returned home. By the time he arrived, it was already late at night.
Pushing open the door, he was greeted by the sight of Bu'er sitting alone in the living room. She held a book in one hand, resting her head on the other, quietly reading.
"You're back?"
Bu'er put down her book and walked over to him, helping him remove his coat and handing him a pair of house slippers.
Her actions were identical to the way Makoto had treated him earlier.
"Did Nahida ask you anything else?"
"She did," Luo Qing said, recalling the young Archon's probing questions.
"She seems to have picked up on the inconsistencies in what you told her. She knows that there's a deeper connection between us."
"And you..."
Bu'er's expression grew tense.
Though she hoped deep down that Luo Qing would be honest with Nahida—so they could openly act as a family of three—she hadn't expected things to escalate so quickly.
"I told her," Luo Qing said.
"You... really?!"
"But not everything."
"..."
"Sorry, Bu'er," Luo Qing sighed. "Until I fully understand the events of the past, I can't say anything that might be irresponsible."
"That's... fine," Bu'er replied after a moment, offering a faint smile. "Whatever decision you make, Luo Qing, I'll support it."
"Mm..."
Luo Qing nodded. Glancing around the living room, he realized that the others were nowhere to be seen.
"Where's everyone else?"
"They... they've all gone to bed," Bu'er said, her cheeks flushing slightly as she avoided his gaze.
"My room is the one that was left empty..."
Bu'er wrapped her arms around his waist, tilting her head up to look at him. Her voice was soft, almost shy.
"Luo Qing... would you like to... rest with me tonight?"
"..."
Luo Qing blinked, caught off guard.
So that's why Makoto didn't wait for me in the living room.
She's actually giving Bu'er and me time to be alone?
Wait... isn't she supposed to be fighting for the main wife position? Why is she being so... generous?!
"Uh... well..."
Luo Qing hesitated.
It wasn't that he didn't want to share a bed with Bu'er.
But the room she referred to as "empty" was the one that had previously belonged to Ganyu and Shenhe.
And in that room's nightstand drawer lay the ice-blue crystal given to him by the Tsaritsa.
If we're just sleeping and the Tsaritsa's projection suddenly pops out of the crystal...
Shudder.
I don't even want to imagine that.
"Luo Qing... you don't want to?"
Bu'er's voice trembled with disappointment, her expression growing downcast.
She had negotiated with Makoto for so long to secure this night alone with Luo Qing. If he turned her down now, all her efforts would be for nothing. Worse, Makoto would never let her live it down.
"It's not that..."
Luo Qing sighed as he looked at Bu'er's pitiful expression. His heart softened.
He had already checked the crystal thoroughly with both his divine sense and the Akasha. It shouldn't contain any trace of the Tsaritsa's projection or consciousness.
Just one night. I'll move it tomorrow... It should be fine... right?
"I was just distracted by some thoughts," Luo Qing said gently, brushing his hand over her shoulder. Her off-shoulder gown shifted slightly, revealing her smooth, delicate skin.
"It's late. You should head up first. I'll join you after I clean up."
"Do you need help?" Bu'er offered, peeking up at him.
"No need. Just wait for me upstairs."
"Alright..."
Bu'er nodded, the soft sound of her slippers pattering against the floor as she made her way upstairs.
After freshening up, Luo Qing walked toward Ganyu and Shenhe's former room.
Sharing a bed with Bu'er in their old room...
Feels a bit strange.
Pushing the door open, Luo Qing glanced inside.
Bu'er was already tucked into bed, leaving a corner of the blanket turned down for him.
On the nearby clothes rack hung her sleepwear—and even her undergarments.
If her clothes were there, then under the blanket...
Shudder.
"Luo Qing, come here," Bu'er called softly. "I've warmed up the bed for you."
"..."
Luo Qing tilted his head back, exhaling deeply. His eyes darted to the nightstand drawer.
Alright.
With a determined sigh, he removed his outerwear and slid under the covers.
The moment he got into bed, he felt Bu'er's soft, smooth skin pressing against him.
Shudder.
This... is going to be tough.
"It's late, Bu'er. Let's just sleep," Luo Qing said, pulling her into his arms and closing his eyes.
Though he'd checked the crystal, the lingering thought of the Tsaritsa's projection appearing still unnerved him.
"Luo Qing..."
But Bu'er wasn't ready to sleep.
She'd fought hard for this opportunity, and if she didn't take action now, Makoto would surely mock her endlessly tomorrow.
Sliding out of his embrace, she turned and climbed atop him, her head poking out from under the blanket as she straddled him.
Her figure, only half-hidden by the covers, was breathtaking, her snow-white skin glowing faintly in the dim light.
Her cheeks flushed a deep red, and her voice was shy but resolute.
"Luo Qing..."
"Aren't there some things we haven't done yet?"
---
T/N: hope Tsarista sees this
Ah-ha! So you mortals truly have outdone yourselves this time, haven't you? To think your offerings could summon forth these bonus chapters—what a feat worthy of my recognition! You've brought glory to Fontaine, and naturally, to me.
But do not think for a moment that your work is complete! This is but a single step on the journey to greatness, and there are still many more chapters, many more stages, and of course, many more opportunities to bask in my brilliance.
However… even the most brilliant performances must reach their curtain call. Fear not, for though I may bid you farewell today, my radiance shall linger in your thoughts, inspiring you to strive for ever greater heights.
And so, my esteemed audience, let us part ways for now. Continue to champion this endeavor, and perhaps, in another time, another place, you shall once again be graced by my presence. Until then—farewell, and may your days be brightened by the thought of me!
With admiration and just a dash of benevolence,
Furina ✨
After a long and exhausting battle, Luo Qing and Bu'er had finally fallen asleep.
Having endured Ei's relentless antics the night before, Luo Qing could finally enjoy a deep and peaceful slumber, lost in the sweet embrace of his dreams.
But in the stillness of the night, the ice-blue crystal inside the nightstand began to glow faintly once again.
A wisp of icy blue energy seeped from the crystal, curling like smoke through the cracks of the nightstand.
The energy coalesced at the foot of Luo Qing's bed.
Gradually, the swirling energy took the form of a woman.
Though her figure was translucent and bathed in a pale blue light, her breathtaking beauty could still be glimpsed through the glow.
She wore an opulent gown and hovered silently over the bed, her gaze fixed on Bu'er.
Nestled comfortably in Luo Qing's arms, Bu'er's face radiated happiness, a soft smile lingering on her lips.
The spectral figure stared for a long moment before letting out a faint, icy hum.
Turning away, the woman floated out of the room, phasing effortlessly through the door into the hallway.
Her gaze swept across the other rooms, piercing through walls and doors as if they were nothing.
Through one wall, she saw Makoto fast asleep. Through another, she spotted Ei sniffling quietly under her blanket, moved to tears by the light novel she was reading.
Turning back toward Luo Qing's room, the figure lingered, her expression unreadable beneath the ethereal glow.
At the far end of the hallway, a door creaked open.
Theresa, clad in cartoon-themed pajamas and sporting messy hair, stepped out, yawning and scratching her belly.
Half-asleep, she shuffled toward the bathroom, having indulged in too much fruit juice during dinner.
Midway there, she noticed an unusual glow illuminating the hallway.
Rubbing her eyes, she looked ahead—only to see a pale blue figure hovering silently in the air.
Sensing movement behind her, the spectral woman turned slowly, her gaze locking with Theresa's.
"?!"
Theresa froze, her drowsiness vanishing in an instant.
Even through the shimmering glow, she could feel the bone-chilling cold emanating from the woman's icy stare.
Her legs gave out, and she collapsed to the floor, trembling.
She was so frightened that she almost wet herself.
The woman let out a soft hum before dissolving into starlight, the hallway plunging back into darkness as if nothing had happened.
Theresa sat frozen on the floor, staring at the spot where the figure had disappeared.
"Th-this..."
Her voice quivered as a chill ran down her spine.
"There's something spooky in the house!"
---
The Next Morning
Luo Qing awoke from a restful sleep.
After brushing a hand across Bu'er's smooth back and placing a tender kiss on her forehead, he got out of bed and dressed.
Stepping into the hallway, he was greeted by the sight of Theresa standing outside his door, dark circles under her eyes.
"Did you stand there all night?" Luo Qing asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No, Master..." Theresa shook her head, glancing toward the room where Bu'er still slept. She leaned closer to Luo Qing, lowering her voice.
"Master, I have something important to report—something very important!"
"Huh?" Luo Qing frowned, surprised.
Theresa rarely had anything to report, especially since she'd taken to lazing around the house after officially joining his team. She barely lifted a finger for the Fatui anymore!
"What is it?"
"Master..." Theresa glanced around suspiciously, ensuring no one else was nearby. Leaning even closer, she whispered:
"Master, I think there's a ghost in the house."
"?"
Luo Qing blinked in confusion.
"What do you mean, a ghost?"
"Well..." Theresa's voice dropped even lower.
"Last night, when I went to the bathroom, I saw a ghost floating in front of your room. It turned around and looked right at me!"
"A ghost?!"
A sense of dread washed over Luo Qing.
"Describe it in detail," he urged.
"It was... pale blue," Theresa stammered, her voice shaking slightly as she recalled the encounter. "It was wearing a fancy gown, and... it looked like a woman. She seemed really angry."
A woman...
In a gown...
Luo Qing's heart sank.
The Tsaritsa?!
He should've known the ice-blue crystal wasn't safe.
"Did she say anything to you?" he asked, his tone serious.
"No," Theresa replied, shaking her head. "She just looked at me and disappeared."
"Master, should we go to Liyue and ask an adeptus to perform a cleansing ritual? I almost wet myself last night!"
"..."
"Did you tell anyone else about this?"
"No." Theresa straightened up slightly, a hint of pride flashing across her face.
"Master, I figured it was something related to you, so I didn't mention it to Sister Makoto or the others."
"..."
Luo Qing didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Her intuition wasn't entirely wrong...
"Don't tell anyone else about this," he instructed firmly. "I know what it is, and I'll take care of it. Got it?"
"Yes, Master," Theresa agreed, puffing out her chest. "But, uh... does this mean it's my turn tonight?"
"..."
After dismissing Theresa and instructing her to report any further occurrences to him immediately, Luo Qing returned to his room.
Bu'er was still fast asleep, likely due to the events of the previous night.
Quietly, Luo Qing opened the nightstand drawer and retrieved the small box containing the ice-blue crystal.
Clutching it tightly, he made his way to the bathroom. With the flush of a toilet, Luo Qing teleported to Mondstadt.
Arriving in Mondstadt, Luo Qing stepped out of the tent he had previously set up near his under-construction home.
The house, designed by Kaveh, was nearly complete, with only a few finishing touches left before it was ready for occupancy.
But Luo Qing didn't head toward the house. Instead, he turned and walked alone toward the cliffs overlooking the sea.
Standing at the edge, he pulled the ice-blue crystal from his pocket.
"Your Majesty," he said softly, holding the crystal up. "You can hear me, can't you?"
The crystal remained unresponsive, its glow faint and inert.
"Your Majesty, if you don't show yourself, I'm going to throw this thing away," Luo Qing threatened.
Still, there was no reaction.
"This is your last chance," he warned.
With a sigh, Luo Qing wound up his arm and threw the crystal toward the ocean.
It arced through the air beautifully, but just as it was about to fall, the crystal began to glow.
A pale blue light enveloped it, and it hovered mid-air.
Wisps of energy flowed out, coalescing once more into the shape of a woman.
---
T/N: AINT NO WAY BRO ACTUALLY THREW IT
...he's late [patreon.com/WiseTL]
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