Sumeru.
House of Daena.
Nahida lay on her bed, that same helpless, melting weakness spreading through her body again.
She knew—it meant her sister was once more enjoying one of Brother Xia Zhi's massages.
It really was comfortable.
From one perspective, she supposed she was being ungrateful for not appreciating the blessing.
But still…
But still…
Nahida opened her eyes, only to feel something pressing against her lips.
There was nothing before her.
And yet, on her lips lingered the distinct, blissful sensation of something gently sucking at them.
This… this was what her sister's novels described as a kiss, wasn't it?
So this is what it felt like.
It was wonderful.
But…
But it was always her sister bullying her like this.
Nahida bit her lip. Yet even that couldn't erase the sweet pleasure flooding in through her lips.
Too much.
Her sister knew exactly what would happen—and never once told her.
If she'd only asked… Nahida would have agreed.
Her cheeks burned red.
But to be forced into it without a word—that she didn't like.
She had even messaged her sister yesterday. Told her if she did this again tomorrow, she'd get angry. And yet, here she was, ignored again.
She really was a little angry now.
Sister.
Nahida shut her eyes.
And the words of a novel she had just read floated up in her mind.
Her face flushed hot as her hand drifted downward.
Sister.
Since the two of us are bound in shared sensation…
Then if I push myself to the peak of pleasure, you'll feel it too. (big brain.. real God of Wisdom)
Let's see how you handle the helplessness of being swept away.
---
Inside the Serenitea Pot.
Xia Zhi was giving Xia Ci a massage.
Everything had been going smoothly, until Xia Ci suddenly reached out, hooked her arms around his neck, pulled him down, and kissed him.
Well, if his cousin wanted something, she usually got it.
Xia Zhi simply went along with her.
But then, her whole body suddenly trembled, and she pushed him away. Her cheeks flushed crimson, her legs pressed tightly together.
"What's wrong with you?" Xia Zhi asked.
Xia Ci let out a soft laugh. "Nothing."
"Really nothing?"
"Really. It's just Nahida being naughty."
"…"
Watching the way she was forcing herself to endure, Xia Zhi seemed to realize something. He couldn't help but smile wryly.
"You two are really something… no wonder you were always bullying her before."
"How can you call that bullying? That was called sharing the blessings!"
"And now?"
"Now it's called double the joy."
"…Fine. I'll step out for a bit. Call me when you're done."
Xia Zhi washed his hands and left the massage room.
Only after he'd gone did Xia Ci finally exhale in relief.
Her silly little sister had finally gotten the hint.
Though why she'd suddenly figured it out these past couple of days, she couldn't say.
But it was a good thing.
To think she'd even learned to use her own magic against her.
Too bad her technique was still sloppy.
Xia Ci closed her eyes and let her hand drift downward.
Time to show her what real skill looked like.
---
Nahida was numb all over.
This was her first time experiencing such double the pleasure.
Sister…
You're too much…
But… even if you're this overbearing… you're still wonderful…
---
When Xia Zhi came back into the room, he immediately caught the fresh, leafy scent lingering in the air.
It was pleasant, though faintly damp.
Xia Ci was sprawled lazily across the little bed.
"You okay?" he asked.
"Perfectly."
"Want me to restore your stamina a bit?"
"No need. I'd rather enjoy this drained feeling a little longer."
"Still want a massage?"
"Not today. Nahida's still too young."
"Then I'll just keep you company."
"Mhm."
"How's that mobile game coming along?"
"Almost done. You'll be able to play it tomorrow."
"Impressive."
"Guess how many-cost piece you'll be?"
"Five-cost."
"Wrong."
"Four-cost."
"Nope."
"Three-cost?"
"Still wrong."
"…Two or one-cost?"
"Neither."
"Then I'm free?"
"Bingo."
"…"
"You're a special piece—you can copy any other piece once bought."
"Oh, so I'm basically Neeko."
"Mm. You'll be the most popular piece."
"…I feel like you're implying something."
"Am I wrong?"
---
Elsewhere, Collei was hunched over her lamp, reading deep into the night.
It wasn't easy for her—every page was a struggle.
A full-length novel filled with nothing but words was a real challenge.
Back in Sumeru, she'd only ever read Mondstadt fairy tale picture books.
Later, she picked up a few Inazuman light novels—those were fun too.
But not until today, when she cracked open Mr. Xia's novel, did she realize what a true fiction was.
That opening broken engagement scene had her blood pumping.
Even as a girl, she couldn't stop grinning, totally hooked.
It was getting late, though.
Maybe she should sleep.
Just one more page.
Just one.
And before she knew it… dawn was creeping in.