Facing Keqing's questioning, Ningguang calmly replied, "Just a conversation between mistress and servant."
But hearing this only irritated Keqing further.
Mistress and servant? Her childhood friend was now her colleague's servant. While it might be inappropriate to bring this up, she and Qin Yu had kissed and been handcuffed together!
Yet into this intimate connection, Ningguang had inserted herself.
Just now, Qin Yu and Ningguang had been far too close. What kind of conversation required such physical proximity?
Judging by Ningguang's attitude, Keqing doubted she would get any straight answers from her. She grabbed Qin Yu's hand instead.
Uwa?! Qin Yu hadn't expected Keqing to suddenly do that and was startled.
Leaning close to Qin Yu's ear, Keqing shielded it with her hand, glanced quickly at Ningguang, and whispered softly, "Ningguang hasn't done anything strange to you, has she?"
Qin Yu wasn't used to whispering secrets with Keqing. Their voices were different, their breaths felt different, their scents were different... Yet the Qin Yu of her childhood had often done this, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia.
Strange things?
A flurry of images flashed through Qin Yu's mind:
Ningguang stroking her face, holding her hand, whispering in her ear, kissing her cheek... Was there anything truly strange about any of that? Or had she already become so accustomed to it that she couldn't recognize the strangeness anymore?
"No, Lady Ningguang treats me very well," Qin Yu replied honestly.
"Really?"
Knowing Keqing was worried, Qin Yu smiled and whispered reassuringly, "Mm-hmm."
"Don't lie to me. If anything's wrong, tell me," Keqing said, still skeptical.
Don't lie.
A pang of guilt pierced Qin Yu's chest. She forced a smile. "I understand."
Only then did Keqing relax.
Witnessing this exchange, Ningguang crossed her arms, her expression as composed as ever. Yet inwardly, a wave of irritation stirred, her chest churning with unease.
Qin Yu's hand, which had just touched hers, was now being held by Keqing.
"Qin Yu, please make some tea," Ningguang said with a gentle smile.
"Eh? Ah, yes, just a moment."
As Qin Yu prepared tea with the office teapot, the atmosphere gradually returned to normal.
Keqing flicked her hair back and said, "Let's put that aside for now. I came here to confirm a few things with you."
"Weren't those things already confirmed at the meeting?"
"A little extra caution never hurts," Keqing retorted casually.
Ningguang smiled. "Indeed."
Qin Yu glanced back and forth between Ningguang and Keqing, wondering if they were about to discuss Liyue's top secrets. Even as Ningguang's personal maid, should she excuse herself given the current extraordinary circumstances?
Keqing seemed to sense Qin Yu's hesitation and smiled gently. "You can stay, Qin Yu. I trust you more than anyone else."
Ningguang also offered a warm smile. "Exactly. There's no need to leave. I've always believed in trusting those I employ. Since I appointed you as my attendant, I naturally trust you—to put it dramatically, I trust you even more than you trust yourself."
Evaluation: S+ (Ningguang)
Evaluation: D (Keqing)
Their direct reassurances dispelled Qin Yu's doubts, replaced by a surge of joy. "Thank you," she said, twirling a strand of hair between her fingers.
Yet there was something... odd about their words.
Though they sounded quite flattering.
Qin Yu turned back to continue brewing tea, while Keqing's smile faded, replaced by a serious expression. "We, the Liyue Qixing, must take full control of Liyue—I proposed this at the meeting, and you all agreed. But do you truly believe in this?"
Whoa, that's a bombshell right off the bat?
Full control of Liyue... According to tradition—or rather, the traditional impression—with the Geo Archon's passing, the Adepti should inherit Liyue, while the Qixing continue operating as before.
Yet Keqing had boldly proposed a complete takeover of Liyue.
Not a bad idea, actually! While the Adepti possess extraordinary power and longevity, they might not be the best fit to govern Liyue.
As Qin Yu felt a surge of pride for her childhood friend, the two women settled into their seats, and the conversation resumed.
"Hmm... To be honest, I still harbor some doubts. This change is too sudden and drastic for Liyue," Ningguang said.
Keqing pressed earnestly, "Do you doubt we can match the Geo Archon's capabilities?"
"Who knows? After all, this is just the beginning. But your proposal, in my view, is fundamentally sound."
"Really?" Keqing replied, surprised.
"'The era of the Adepti has passed. If even the Liyue Qixing refuse to acknowledge this, what future awaits Liyue?' These words are both bold and true. The Adepti of Jueyun Karst care nothing for worldly affairs or the Qixing; they only adhere to their 'contracts' with the Geo Archon..."
Keqing nodded repeatedly. "Exactly! We might even surpass the Geo Archon's achievements!"
Ningguang offered no response.
"Did you come here simply to confirm my resolve?" Ningguang asked again.
By this time, Qin Yu had brewed tea and placed cups before them both, then naturally positioned herself at Ningguang's side. After all, they were still on duty.
Seeing this, Keqing felt an inexplicable pang. But now was not the time to dwell on such matters.
"There's also the matter of the Geo Archon's immortal body," Keqing said.
"The Exuvia has already been concealed within the Golden House."
"I see... over there then..."
The Golden House, the source of all Mora used throughout Teyvat. Heavily guarded, no unauthorized personnel are allowed to approach even a single step.
"So the Fatui's true objective was indeed the Geo Archon's immortal body?" Keqing asked again.
"It's still unclear, but highly probable. My informants are still gathering and investigating; we should have the information we need within a few days..."
"What about Yelan?" Keqing asked again.
Who? Qin Yu instinctively reacted to the unfamiliar name.
"Ah, she's still abroad and won't be back for a while," Ningguang replied. "If she were here now, things would be much easier."
She glanced at Qin Yu.
"When Yelan returns, you two should get to know each other," Ningguang said. "As people I trust equally, you ought to get along well."
"I look forward to it!"
Not at all.
Though curious about this Yelan, Qin Yu felt uneasy about Ningguang's phrase "people I trust equally." This discomfort stifled any genuine anticipation.
Her mood only eased slightly when she touched her bracelet.
However, Ningguang noticed this subtle gesture, and her gaze became inscrutable.
Keqing, on the other hand, seemed much more cheerful.
As the two women sipped tea, they discussed serious matters concerning Liyue. By evening, with all matters confirmed, Keqing rose to leave.
"It's getting late," Keqing said. "I should head back."
I haven't even asked about Keqing's situation yet.
Remembering the matter, Qin Yu hurriedly offered, "Let me escort you back—"
Midway through her sentence, she realized she was still on duty.
She quickly amended her question, "Lady Ningguang, may I?"
"Go ahead," Ningguang replied simply.
"Thank you!"
Keqing was mildly surprised but mostly delighted and naturally didn't refuse.
Evaluation: C- (Keqing)
They left the pavilion together and stepped onto the platform outside. As the cool evening breeze swept past, Qin Yu immediately asked about Keqing's condition.
"My condition? Ah, you're worried about me? Hehe, thank you. I'm very happy, but don't worry, this is nothing serious for me," Keqing replied with a smile.
Evaluation: C+
She did indeed seem full of energy, putting Qin Yu's mind at ease.
Good, as long as she's fine. Otherwise, I'd have to take care of another person. What a hassle.
"However..." Keqing hesitated, her words trailing off.
"However?"
Keqing glanced quickly at Qin Yu, her voice tense. "I want to know what you think about my decision... you know, about letting the Liyue Qixing take over."
What did she think? Qin Yu answered honestly, "I'm proud of you, Keqing!"
"Huh? Proud?"
"Yeah, isn't it impressive?"
Keqing's eyes lit up. "So you support me?"
"Of course! I'll always support you, Keqing. If there's anything I can do to help, please tell me! I'll give it my all." Qin Yu said, her smile warm and reassuring.
Evaluation: B
"Then I'll be counting on you," Keqing replied with a radiant smile.
Just hearing Qin Yu say that was already enough for her. All she wanted was Qin Yu's support.
With Qin Yu's backing, she felt like she could accomplish anything.
It had been this way since childhood, and it seemed this nature of hers was unchangeable.
"Oh, by the way, why don't you go check on Ganyu?" Keqing suggested.
"Sister Ganyu?" Qin Yu asked, surprised.
"Yes. Like the Adepti of Jueyun Karst, she fought alongside the Geo Archon in the Archon War long ago. After the war ended, she signed a 'contract' with the Geo Archon, serving as his secretary and assisting the successive generations of the Qixing."
"Like the other Adepti, she deeply trusted the Geo Archon. His passing must have been a tremendous blow to her."
Keqing continued, "Though our views on the Geo Archon clash, I owe her a great debt of gratitude. And... I've experienced the pain of losing a friend myself. It's different, but neither feeling is easy to bear."
Remembering Ganyu's past kindness, Qin Yu nodded in agreement.
"I'll go see her!"
"Mm, you're good at caring for others, so I'm relieved. As for me... I'm not sure how to comfort her. Oh, right! If you're going to visit her, stop by my office first. I have something for you."
"What is it?"
Keqing replied brightly, "A gift."
Back in Ningguang's office, Qin Yu decided to visit Ganyu early the next morning.
After informing Ningguang of her plan, the Tianquan readily agreed, adding, "Tell me when you're leaving tomorrow. I have something for you to take to Ganyu. Perhaps it will cheer her up a bit."
"Understood!"
Keqing and Lady Ningguang both have such kind hearts, Qin Yu thought.
But when she saw the gifts they had prepared, Qin Yu fell silent.
Ningguang: "This is a crate of Glazed Lilies."
Keqing: "And this is a crate of Qingxin."
Are they serious?