[Beidou has always been a straightforward and honest person.]
[Once she realizes what she truly wants, she will boldly pursue it.]
[Especially when it's something that should have belonged to her in the first place.]
[Hearing Beidou's words, you can't believe your ears.]
[Could it be... that Beidou means...]
Tsk, tsk.
Kael shook his head slightly.
When he'd been devoted heart and soul to Beidou, always putting her first in everything, she'd never taken notice.
But now that Yanfei had appeared, suddenly Beidou felt threatened?
[You hesitantly ask, "Captain, are you saying that..."]
[Beidou answers you straightforwardly, clearly stating her feelings.]
["I like you, Kael. At first, I didn't realize my feelings. I thought I was simply treating you as a younger brother. But now, I've finally realized that I can't imagine my life without you."]
["Are you still willing to come back to me?"]
[At this moment, you choose...]
[1. Accept her.]
[2. Reject her.]
[3. Secretly be together with her behind Yanfei's back.]
Kael glanced at the third option, speechless.
With proud and independent women like Beidou and Yanfei, how could they ever accept sharing someone?
If he chose option three in this simulation, he'd definitely end up crashing and burning.
Since he'd already agreed to be with Yanfei, he shouldn't hesitate anymore.
After all, Yanfei had accepted him completely, even after seeing his true face, and had helped him move past his painful feelings for Beidou.
Beidou had realized her feelings too late.
Some opportunities, once missed, were gone forever.
"I'll choose option 2: Reject her."
[You look at Beidou with difficulty. "Captain, I admit I once had feelings for you. But now... I have Yanfei. Now, I sincerely think of you only as an older sister."]
["Is that so?" Beidou gives a bitter, self-deprecating smile. "I understand."]
[A brief flicker of sadness crosses her eyes, but in the next instant, she returns to her usual carefree self.]
[She smiles boldly, patting your shoulder firmly. "Well then, let's continue being good siblings from now on. Don't let tonight's conversation make things awkward between us. You're my most capable assistant—our fleet can't do without you."]
[Seeing that Beidou seems to have accepted your decision gracefully, you breathe a sigh of relief.]
[The atmosphere between you quickly returns to its former ease.]
["Honestly, I never expected you to say something like this, Captain. Especially given my appearance..."]
[Beidou interrupts you gently. "Didn't I tell you before? A man's worth lies in his abilities, not his looks. I once said someone would see past your appearance and notice the shining heart beneath. Even if it wasn't Yanfei or myself, someone else would eventually have seen the good in you."]
[Before leaving Mondstadt, you pick a few Windwheel Asters unique to Mondstadt and press them carefully between the pages of a book.]
[After some time, these flowers will dry and can become bookmarks for Yanfei.]
[Night falls. The ocean is calm, and the navigator announces that you'll reach Liyue Harbor in two days.]
[Sitting in your cabin, you flip through recent trade records by the lamplight.]
[You're very pleased with this year's profits. The Crux Fleet has earned a substantial amount, and you can distribute generous bonuses to the crew at year's end.]
[Suddenly, the ship shudders violently.]
["Pirates! We're under attack!"]
[A pirate ship has rammed into the Alcor, and countless pirates are climbing aboard.]
[Since joining the Crux Fleet, you've never encountered pirates.]
[The Alcor's reputation has long spread far and wide.]
[Even pirates typically steer clear upon spotting the Crux Fleet's banners from afar.]
[This is the first time you've seen pirates reckless enough to attack the Alcor.]
[You quickly retrieve your weapon from beneath the table, stepping out of your cabin to join your crewmates in battle.]
[Although you're mainly responsible for trade and usually handle administrative tasks, you're still a member of the Spear of the Crux and have combat training.]
[You have confidence in your ability to handle ordinary pirates.]
[The moment you open your door, you see one of your crewmates struck by an arrow, flying past you and collapsing.]
[A man with orange hair and a mask slowly walks forward.]
[His pace is leisurely, as if strolling through a peaceful garden.]
[As he walks, he casually shoots arrows at any sailor who dares attack him.]
[Seeing his movements, you immediately understand that he's incredibly strong.]
[You notice a Hydro Vision, deep as the ocean, hanging from his waist.]
[A Vision holder?!]
Orange hair... Hydro Vision... Could this be Tartaglia?
Fatui again?
Kael sighed inwardly. How come every simulation set in Liyue inevitably involved the Fatui?
Did Snezhnaya have some kind of grudge against Liyue?
He had a feeling this simulation was nearing its end. It was probably time to brace himself for another tragic end.
[Your heart aches seeing your fallen crewmates.]
[You glare furiously at the orange-haired man, eyes bloodshot.]
[The masked man glances briefly at your uncovered face and lets out a mocking chuckle.]
["Just as described in the reports. Truly an ugly face. Who would've guessed that someone with such looks would turn out to be a genius merchant? The Crux Fleet really found themselves a gem."]
[He calmly raises his bow, aiming at your heart.]
["Tell me where the Crux Fleet's account ledgers are kept. Give me the information, and I'll spare your life."]
[You roar defiantly, "Dream on!" and charge forward, sword in hand.]
[He chuckles coldly. "You don't know your own limits."]
[With lightning speed, he fires two arrows at your legs.]
[The arrows come too fast for you to dodge.]
[Both arrows pierce your legs, and the force knocks you painfully to the deck.]