Ningguang had stepped forward because, in Elliot's eyes, she hadn't seen a trace of malice—only pain.
It felt like he didn't want to act that way, but simply couldn't control himself.
Hearing Ningguang's words, the Millelith exchanged glances. Captain Yong'an hesitated before asking, "Then… should we take him to Bubu Pharmacy?"
"Uh… no need... Just let me stay here for a while. You can keep watch nearby…"
Thanks to Ningguang buying him time, Elliot managed to suppress the evil aura somewhat, and finally spoke with difficulty.
The soldiers were momentarily stunned, but then nodded and waited as he requested.
After a while, the karmic force was largely subdued, and the tight crease between his brows began to ease.
To ensure he didn't go through such unbearable pain again, he lingered in meditation a bit longer.
"Sorry for the trouble."
"My name is Elliot Yuan. I'm from Mondstadt. I have intermittent manic episodes—sometimes I lose control. But meditation helps me calm down."
He introduced himself with a faint smile, casually riffing off what Ningguang had said earlier.
The Millelith gave each other puzzled looks. While they didn't quite understand what "intermittent mania" meant, they could grasp the general idea.
"I see. Well then, welcome to Liyue. If you run into any trouble, don't hesitate to come to us," Captain Yong'an said, relaxing as he sheathed his weapon.
"Thank you, and again, I'm sorry for the inconvenience." Elliot bowed slightly.
"As long as you're okay, we'll take our leave."
With that, Captain Yong'an led the Millelith away.
Once they were gone, Elliot turned his gaze to Ningguang.
"Little one, thank you."
"Big brother… are you okay?" she asked timidly.
After all, what she'd just witnessed had frightened her quite a bit.
With the Millelith around, she had felt safe, but now that they were gone, a faint unease lingered.
Just as Captain Yong'an had pointed out, Elliot was oddly dressed, unbelievably strong, and had behaved erratically—all of which left Ningguang a little frightened.
"Sorry… I must've scared you."
Seeing the look in her eyes, Elliot realized his earlier expression had left a mark on her.
"Mm… a little." She admitted honestly—very unlike the Ningguang he once knew.
But that was understandable. She was still a child. It would've been unsettling if she were already too composed.
"Then why did you help me? We've never met, and I must have seemed terrifying."
Elliot asked gently, a warm smile on his face.
"Because… I didn't see anything bad in your eyes. Only pain. I don't think you're a bad person," she said earnestly.
"I see…"
Elliot murmured, looking at her, then smiled faintly.
"To thank you, I'll buy all your cakes."
He looked at the basket filled with Qiankun Mora Meat.
"Really?!"
Ningguang lit up. She'd been selling all day and barely sold a few. Now this big brother was going to buy everything? How could she not be happy?
"But I don't have any Mora."
"No Mora? That's fine—you can pay me later."
"No, I mean I really don't have any. And… aren't you worried I might not come back?"
Hearing that, Ningguang paused for a moment.
"…It happens all the time," she mumbled, lowering her head. A flicker of sadness crossed her eyes.
"But I believe you're not that kind of person."
She looked up again and met his eyes with quiet sincerity.
Elliot was taken aback, his heart aching for the honest little girl.
Who could've hurt a child like this?
"I understand. Alright, I'll put it on credit. How much is one?"
"Four hundred Mora each. There are eight in total… Since you're buying all of them, just give me 2,500."
Ningguang was very considerate—originally 3,200 Mora, she gave him a discount of 700. That was basically the cost of two pieces for free.
Whether she was too naïve or too savvy, it was hard to say.
Even 400 Mora per piece was already cheap. And now she was giving a bulk discount?
"Alright, wait here a bit. I'll be right back."
With that, Elliot searched around Liyue's shops from memory, eventually securing a large whiteboard. He scribbled a few bold lines on it.
After thanking the shopkeeper, he returned—and sure enough, Ningguang was still there waiting.
"You're back!" she said as she spotted him.
Compared to when he left, he was now carrying something new.
"Yes. May I borrow your basket for a moment?"
"Um… sure, but please give it back later. I need it tomorrow."
Ningguang handed over the basket filled with Mora Meat.
"Of course, I'll return it shortly."
Elliot took the basket and headed toward the busiest part of Liyue Harbor.
Seeing this, the clever Ningguang seemed to realize something.
"Big brother, are you going to sell the Mora Meat?" she asked, hurrying to catch up.
"Yes," Elliot replied calmly.
"But… the Mora Meat I made isn't very good. Not many people want to buy it…" Ningguang said softly, embarrassed.
"It'll be fine. I have a secret weapon."
He raised the whiteboard in his hand, as if to say—this was his winning trick.
"Hmm… okay then."
Seeing how determined he was, Ningguang didn't argue.
But being the sharp girl she was, she didn't leave either. Instead, she followed him, curious to see how he'd sell it.
Watching her, Elliot couldn't help but chuckle.
Who openly shadowed someone to steal trade secrets like this?
When they reached the busiest part of the port, Elliot sat down on a wooden stool, placed the basket beside him, and stood the whiteboard next to it. Then he crossed his legs and entered meditation.
On the whiteboard, bold characters stood out:
"Family troubles, career setbacks, romantic woes, streaks of bad luck—if you're seeking a solution, buy Mora Meat and receive a free fortune reading!"
"Qiankun Mora Meat, 1,000 Mora each! Only 8 available! First come, first served!"
...