Beidou redefined for Severin the true meaning of the words "just a moment."
By the time the Alcor and the Empire were about to reach Liyue Harbor, Beidou finally emerged from her cabin.
Only then did Severin understand why she had taken so long.
She had changed into a brand-new qipao—identical in style to the one she wore before, but clearly tailored tighter at the waist and chest, accentuating her figure far more boldly. Her hair had been freshly washed and restyled, faint traces of moisture still clinging to the strands. The boots on her feet now had higher heels, giving her an even more commanding posture.
The biggest change lay in her face.
Her lashes had been carefully curled, her lips painted a vivid shade of red, her cheeks dusted with pale powder. Paired with a set of jade earrings, the once rough-and-tumble sea captain was transformed into an elegant, refined beauty.
The crew froze the instant she appeared.
"Who goes there?!"
"Where's Captain Beidou? What have you done with her?!"
Sailors instantly drew blades and surrounded her.
"You blind idiots—can't even recognize your own captain?!" Beidou snapped.
The temper was unmistakable.
"C–Captain…? Why do you look like that?" someone stammered.
Beidou planted her hands on her hips. "Well? Do I look good?"
"Heh… yeah! You look amazing!"
"Boss, you're prettier than Lady Ningguang and Lady Keqing!"
"Right! Big Sis is like a goddess descending from the heavens—number one beauty in all Seven Nations!"
"Get lost!" Beidou cursed. "Keep staring and I'll dig out your eyes and feed them to the fish!"
The sailors hurriedly lowered their heads, though their side glances betrayed them.
Beidou walked straight up to Severin and gave a short, formal bow.
"Dragon King Beidou, reporting!"
Though not an official figure of Liyue, Beidou enjoyed immense prestige among the people. Righteous, loyal, wielding a massive greatsword—she was known as the Uncrowned Dragon King.
Even now, her commanding presence remained. Yet with careful grooming, the pirate queen had transformed into a strikingly valiant and beautiful heroine.
This salute was meant for one thing—to hear Severin's judgment.
Women dress for those who appreciate them.
This preparation was for serving as his guide.
"Dragon King patrols the sea—winds rise, clouds gather," Severin said calmly.
"My opinion matches that of your crew: more beautiful than the Tianquan Ningguang, and surpassing the Yuheng Keqing."
Beidou flushed instantly and hurried off the ship, clutching her skirt.
"H–Hey, Your Highness! I'll wait for you up ahead!"
By now, Liyue Harbor was packed with people.
The Jade Chamber's three consecutive "Snowfalls" the day before had shaken the entire nation. Merchants flooded in, mingling with common folk to welcome the Snezhnayan delegation.
Five members of the Liyue Qixing were present—everyone except Ningguang and Keqing, who were said to be preparing the evening banquet. In truth, everyone knew they were saving their appearance for the finale.
After meeting officials from Yuehai Pavilion and exchanging handshakes with the heads of the Ministry of Civil Affairs' eight departments, Severin finally instructed the Mirror Maiden to lead the delegation to their assigned residence.
As for himself, he left the city gates with Beidou, heading toward Liyue's outskirts.
The scene stunned everyone.
Merchants. Civilians. Millelith soldiers.
All stared at one another in disbelief.
What's going on?
Why is the Prince of Snezhnaya leaving the city the moment he arrives?
Is he dissatisfied with Liyue's welcome—or simply being inscrutable?
Driven by curiosity, the crowd followed.
Thus unfolded a spectacle recorded in Liyue's history—
On the very day the Snezhnayan delegation arrived, tens of thousands of citizens, merchants, and soldiers streamed out of the city, trailing after the Prince.
"Your Highness… you really want to go to that fishing village?" Beidou asked again on the road.
"Of course."
"But the city is far more interesting," she hesitated. "And leaving Yuehai Pavilion officials and wealthy merchants hanging like this—doesn't that seem inappropriate?"
Severin smiled faintly.
"Dragon King patrols the sea; winds rise, clouds gather. Today, the Dragon King returns home with the Prince of Snezhnaya at her side. There is nothing more meaningful."
"Consider this a reward for the effort you put into your appearance."
Beidou understood then.
He was backing her—publicly giving her face.
Ignoring nobles and magnates to accompany her to a nameless fishing village… even Ningguang would envy such honor. Even Morax might take notice.
And what would those villagers think?
Yet despite that, her heart twisted with unease.
She had never returned since being driven away.
The words "Death Omen Star" were a thorn buried deep in her heart—a lingering inner demon.
Parents lost. The village head who sheltered her died. It seemed anyone close to her met misfortune.
Sometimes… Beidou truly believed she was cursed.
That was why she joined the Crux Fleet—to live a dangerous life at sea rather than bring disaster to others.
"They say Captain Beidou acts decisively," Severin said lightly.
"Why hesitate now? Dihua Marsh has fine scenery, and nearby stands Wangshu Inn, famous throughout Liyue. Shouldn't my guide explain the local customs?"
"…I lost my composure," Beidou said quietly.
She bit her lip, forcing down the turmoil.
Maybe it's time.
The confusion vanished from her eyes, replaced by her familiar, defiant grin.
The small fishing village welcomed the most illustrious guest in its history.
When word spread that the Prince of Snezhnaya had arrived, villagers rejoiced—until they saw the woman at his side.
Faces darkened.
"Beidou—Death Omen Star!" the new village head shouted.
"Why are you bringing disaster upon His Highness?!"
"Your Highness, stay away from her! She's a curse—she ruined our village!"
Even children echoed the sentiment.
Beidou's shoulders slumped. The village had once taken her in; she owed them that kindness. She didn't want conflict.
She turned to leave.
Time had passed, yet she was still not accepted.
Severin placed a hand on her shoulder and addressed the villagers calmly.
"Everyone, I did not come here for leisure. I was invited by Miss Beidou to taste your village's specialty—grilled Tiger Fish."
"I hear its meat is tender and rich in nutrition, a rare delicacy."
"Ah… y–yes!" the village head recovered quickly.
"Your Highness is correct—Tiger Fish are unique to our waters. You won't find them elsewhere!"
The Prince naming their dish was a golden opportunity.
Tiger Fish had always been their specialty—unknown only due to lack of exposure. If this chance were seized, sales would soar.
A god of wealth had walked straight into their village.
The village head grabbed Beidou's hands warmly.
"Beidou! You're our lucky star after all! Please, welcome His Highness—come taste our grilled Tiger Fish!"
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