For the three years following their marriage, Elliot and Shenhe stayed at home, never traveling far.
From time to time, they visited Mondstadt or Liyue for leisure, and they made sure to inform Shenhe's master, Cloud Retainer, the other Adeptus, and Chongyun as well.
Over time, Shenhe's cooking improved significantly. She often prepared all kinds of dishes for Elliot to try, and her skill with desserts was especially remarkable—so impressive that even professional pastry teachers felt overshadowed.
Much of this progress came from Elliot's suggestion that, if she was interested in desserts, she could ask Eula for guidance.
Shenhe had assumed the elegant, seemingly cold Wave Knight would be difficult to approach, only to realize later that she was simply a prideful girl who held grudges. Her cooking skill was exceptionally strong, and whenever Eula returned from missions, Shenhe would always seek her out immediately to learn from her.
As for Mora, Shenhe never had to worry. Elliot was like a walking Mora-making machine, with an endless supply at all times. Though he appeared no different from an ordinary mortal now, he still held terrifying divine power.
Aside from the shadow he left in his Ninth World, he possessed the power of The Sustainer of Heavenly Principles and Time itself. Creating Mora from nothing was no challenge for him. Even so, the two of them never indulged in reckless spending.
"Husband, let's have a child," Shenhe said.
Hearing this, Elliot slowly closed his book and took a sip of strong tea.
"Alright." He set down the refined teacup and answered with a gentle smile.
Relief washed over Shenhe. She had feared he might dislike children, which was why she had never mentioned it before.
"But before that, I want to go out and travel with you."
"Travel?"
"Yes. I want to see this beautiful world together. When we return from our journey, then we can have a child."
The sincerity in his eyes moved her deeply. She embraced him softly, curling into his arms like a kitten.
"I'll follow your lead."
…
The next morning, they set out and began their trip. They walked slowly, chatting and laughing along the way. Whenever they came across beautiful scenery, they would stop to admire it, and often took out their camera to capture the moment.
Their first destination was Liyue, the place where their story began. Despite having lived so long, they had never taken the time to truly appreciate their homeland. When they slowed down and carefully observed the scenery and the people, they realized something—this world was truly beautiful.
People who were too busy often had their time consumed by things that weren't truly important. Even the desire to appreciate beauty was worn away by a fast-paced life. Some people spent their entire lives working hard without ever leaving their own city, never finding time to appreciate the scenery around them. From the moment they woke at dawn to the moment they closed their eyes at night, they were always busy—busy earning money, busy supporting their families, busy working, studying, socializing…
Gradually, such busyness seeped into the rhythm of their lives. Meals became rushed, steps quicker, tempers shorter.
Amid these crowds, Elliot and Shenhe found a quiet place to rest—a small alley at the end of a dead-end street.
The sunset bathed the alley in warm gold. Children played within this golden corridor of time. A cat curled comfortably on a bench, fast asleep. A kindly old grandmother called out with a smile, "Careful now, don't run too fast!" A small flower blossomed from a crack in the wall, its vibrant petals glowing in the evening light.
The sight made both Elliot and Shenhe smile unconsciously. It seemed that beyond all the busyness, some people still enjoyed the simple joys of a peaceful yet lively moment—elders who had passed the age of toil, and children who had yet to begin it.
As the sun sank below the horizon, the children reluctantly headed home. When night fell, lights flickered on one after another. Different aromas drifted from windows—the comforting breath of thousands of households.
Nighttime Liyue carried a unique charm. Vendors called out energetically, while pedestrians shed the day's busyness in exchange for a relaxed and carefree air. Most had simply stepped out for an evening stroll after dinner.
"When the sun comes out, I bask in it; when the moon comes out, I bask in it too~"
A familiar voice sounded behind them.
Turning around, they saw a mischievous girl perched on a rooftop. Once she realized she'd been spotted, she leapt down, spinning a full circle in the air—only for her landing to go awry; her foot slipped and she stumbled forward.
Instinctively, Elliot caught her.
"Are you alright?" Shenhe asked with concern.
"Hehe~ Sorry! Just a little slip. This Master Hu isn't usually this messy." Hu Tao scratched her head, trying to smooth over her awkward landing.
"It's quite high up. You should be careful," Elliot said with a warm smile.
"Ahem… right…" She cleared her throat, her expression suddenly turning serious.
"Meeting this Master Hu today is fate. I shall bestow upon you a great opportunity." She spoke with deliberate mystery.
Shenhe, intrigued, asked, "What opportunity?"
"Hmph. Since you're curious, I'll tell you."
"I am Hu Tao, the seventy-seventh Master Hu of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Today, I shall bestow upon you a funeral ceremony."
"You two are a handsome and fated couple. This master has decided—if you book now, the second tombstone is half off."
"Well? Isn't that a great deal!"
Shenhe's expression darkened instantly. This was practically cursing them. Who talked like this?
While Shenhe grew upset, Elliot answered calmly, "Agreed."
Shenhe froze and turned toward him, unable to understand why he would accept such an offer.
"Birth, aging, sickness, and death await everyone. No one escapes it. Booking a funeral in advance isn't a bad thing."
Elliot spoke evenly, without the slightest fluctuation—as if life and death were trivial matters, without reverence or taboo.
"This gentleman understands things well," Hu Tao said approvingly. "And you, young lady, need not worry. Our Wangsheng Funeral Parlor follows the principle of reincarnation."
"Today he is your husband, and in the next life, he will still be your husband."
"Death isn't frightening. Everyone must face it—only the timing differs."
Hu Tao's words made Shenhe pause and think, and she realized there was nothing wrong in what she said. Birth, aging, sickness, and death were inevitable. Avoiding the topic didn't mean avoiding the experience.
She nodded. "Alright."
"Great!" Hu Tao cheered, then abruptly froze—she didn't know their names yet.
"May I ask what your names are?"
"I'm Shenhe."
"I'm Elliot Yuan—Yuan as in distant."