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The invitation sat solemnly on the wooden table, surrounded by tools and parts that she had been working on. It stuck out like a sore thumb, obviously, like a single glaze lily among this sea of rocks and metals. Cloud Retainer squinted at it, as if it was a deadly trap carefully crafted just to take her life (it couldn’t) and not what it actually was—a letter from the Tianquan of the Qixing and the very owner of the famed Jade Chamber.
Ningguang’s sudden request had left the adeptus speechless when the Traveler dropped by yesterday, looking a bit gloomier than usual. When she inquired about this invitation, he just shook his head, already one foot out of the door before bolting away at a rather impressive speed without any further explanation.
The first question to take place in the adeptus’ head was obvious enough: did Ningguang know? Cloud Retainer could proudly say that she had been blending well in Liyue Harbor without raising any suspicion about her true identity. There were many more eccentric people here, coming and going every day, leaving both good and bad impressions on the residents. They might be interested in her at first, for her beauty (not her intention when she took this form) or one of her many inventions, but curiosity had soon turned into familiarity, that instead of gathering around to gawk at, for example, the Supreme Washing Machine, they would just pass through with a greeting on their lips, maybe a reminder that she should take a break after hours of tinkering.
But Ningguang was not the Tianquan for nothing; the adeptus had heard rumors of her network of spies and handlers, of how she always knew everything happened down here despite sitting up there—that Cloud Retainer acknowledged with approval. More often than not, troubles and dangers brewed from inside, not outside, so proper actions shall be made in order to eliminate the seeds of evil.
Maybe she was just trying to test one, she mused, to see if one is an enemy to Liyue or not.
This possibility was more favorable, since the remaining one meant Ningguang knew who she was, and suddenly Cloud Retainer had a lot more to think about than just her alarmingly lightweight wallet when she stepped into the restaurant tomorrow.
Picking Xinyue Kiosk was undoubtedly a display of wealth, aside from the fact that their cuisine did make her brows raise in delightfulness the last time she went there with Rex Lapis. They both sighed at the bill later on, but it sure worthed every Mora to relish such amazing delicacies. She also realized that the Supreme Cuisine Machine still had room for improvements if she ever wanted it to reach Xiangling’s level of cooking, or better, prove that her “inauthentic” dishes were just as good as those made by humans’ hands.
Decline was hardly an option; it made her look suspicious by all means—who would even pass up the opportunity to be invited by the Tianquan? Despite her aloof attitude towards the woman, she was curious about how Ningguang handled her business, how she bettered the state of Liyue and granted its people prosperity and stability. The more Cloud Retainer observed, the more she wished to inspect Ningguang closely, like an intriguing piece of machinery that suddenly fell into her open palm.
But it was rather late to dwell on such thoughts, and she did want to show up in a presentable state, so Cloud Retainer decided to rest early with a clear head, awaiting what tomorrow brought.
Certainly not this.
“Lady Xianyun,” Ningguang regarded her with a friendly expression, eyes as sharp as fresh cut ruby, “I was afraid that you wouldn’t come.”
One wishes, she was tempted to reply so, before coughing politely, stepping further into the room. “Only a fool would go as far as declining the invitation from the Tianquan herself.”
The human’s eyes glimmered at that, lips curling into a smile that raised more questions in Cloud Retainer’s swirling mind. She shall tread lightly today, since the situation seemed to be more complex than she thought, or maybe that was just Ningguang’s effect on things. She sat across the mortal, and didn’t waver at the gaze being directed at her—she met it head-on, with her usual calm demeanor. The air felt stiff, as if time had stopped the moment they locked eyes with each other ( what a funny thing to say, she laughed inwardly), and it felt natural somehow, to watch the ray of sunlight reflecting in those eyes, further bringing out the clarity of them and whatever underlying emotions she thought she could hide from the adeptus.
Sadly, before Cloud Retainer could get a glimpse of them, the waiter stepped inside, breaking the atmosphere. She recognized him as Heli, the one who had taken Rex Lapis and her order the last time they were here.
“Lady Ningguang, Lady Xianyun,” he bowed, “what can we get you?”
Usually, Cloud Retainer would take charge in ordering and asking questions of what was recommended in the menu, but today, she was here as a guest of Ningguang, so it was only reasonable that she kept her usual behavior to herself. While she was lost in thought, the woman spoke up, her voice soft yet firm in the rare silence that one could find in Liyue Harbor in the middle of the day.
“Lady Xianyun, would you mind ordering for both of us?”
A test for one? She frowned, taken aback by these unexpected words. Moreover, she had no clue of what Ningguang usually ate—how was she supposed to know what to choose?
“I have no idea of your preference,” Cloud Retainer folded her arms in a defensive stance, “so I’m worried the food might not suit your taste.”
“I trust your judgment and decision,” she replied, long, slender fingers intertwined on the table as she leaned back on the chair, a hint of deviousness appearing at the corner of her lips, long enough to tell Cloud Retainer that Ningguang was purposefully doing this. And Cloud Retainer had never backed down from a challenge, especially when it came from this mortal.
“Very well.” Cloud Retainer turned to Heli to exchange a few words, before the man bowed out, leaving them alone again. The silence didn't last for long though, and she preferred it to be that way.
“How are you finding Liyue Harbor, Lady Xianyun?” Ningguang offered her a cup of hot tea, which she accepted gingerly, aware of the way the Tianquan's fingers lingered where their hands met. It sent a foreign sensation down the length of her arm, through her shoulder then straight into her spine. As far as she knew, Ningguang wasn't in possession of an Electro vision; so why did she feel like she was electrified just now?
Human body was more fragile than she had thought.
“It's… nice. I don't have much trouble settling in, and everyone is friendly so far.” If the human had any reaction to her answer, she did an impressive job in concealing it.
“That’s good to hear.” Ningguang nodded, letting out an exasperated sigh, one that made Cloud Retainer's brows raise in curiosity. “You see, there are always scoundrels at every corner preying on newcomers, despite our attempts. Once, they caused a ruckus with this girl named Shenhe, but good thing she could handle them. Not everyone has the strength and mind for it, you see.” As if she had just remembered something, Ningguang suddenly leaned forward, her smile slightly widening. “Have you met her? She's quite remarkable and famous with the locals. I'm sure you have caught sight of her on the streets.”
“Of course—I mean,” Cloud Retainer coughed politely, cursing herself for slipping so easily, “that white hair girl is certainly interesting, yes.”
Why did she bring up her disciple of all people? Suspicion rose in the adeptus’ chest; yet, the mention was not exactly out of place. Might just have been Ningguang warning her of possible threats when living in Liyue Harbor. Protecting its people—that was what the Qixing did, wasn't it?
Her train of thoughts was cut short by waiters bringing their dishes in. She had picked a wide range of cuisine, not sure whether the mortal in front of her would enjoy any of them. And why did she feel nervous, of all things? If Ningguang found them dissatisfied, that should be on her for trusting Cloud Retainer in the first place. Still, she couldn’t help but wanted this to be perfect, wanted the Tianquan to be surprised by her consideration.
“Any particular thing that attracts your eyes during your time here?” The conversation, which went from polite inquiries of her new life to much bigger matters like the management of Liyue had slowed down. Ningguang seemed to enjoy certain cuisines; Cloud Retainer made a mental note of remembering them the next time they met.
But why would they meet more than once?
“Those merchants from Fontaine have some intriguing machines.” Yes, Fontanian creations surely piqued her interest in mechanical devices. Though the way they functioned remained unfamiliar to her (for now), she certainly wished to inspect them further, to see just how these cogs worked. “Sadly I haven’t had the chance to get my hands on any of them. A shame, really.” She sighed, eyes casting downwards at the Fullmoon Egg in her bowl.
“I can help you with that, if you like.” The offer made Cloud Retainer tilt her head to the side in question, eyes squinting ever so slightly. “I happen to have in my possession a number of mechanical devices, and I would be most interested to hear your insights on their design and use.”
She almost agreed immediately, but her intuition whispered that this was more than just an innocent invitation. There was something fishy going on, and it was not just because Xinyue Kiosk's dishes were primarily seafood based.
Still, the adeptus’ curiosity raged like a fire inside her chest, threatening to consume the more rational part of her. Didn’t she say “only a fool would go as far as declining the invitation from the Tianquan” herself?
“Very well.” Cloud Retainer nodded, and the smile returned to Ningguang’s face, along with this blooming triumphal expression that made her regret her decision already.
“Let us depart then.”
Tea had been served, and mechanical parts had been put on the table. Cloud Retainer was too invested in the sight in front of her to react to the fact that Ningguang had dismissed her secretaries and maids, leaving them alone in this room. She didn’t notice anything, until the mortal settled down right next to her, purposefully invading her personal space.
“Aren’t you sitting too close?” Cloud Retainer slightly leaned back on her seat, squirming at the ghost of hot breath skirting over her ear just moments ago.
“Didn’t you say you want to observe me closely?” Ningguang’s smile bore this certain wickedness that made the alarm in the adeptus’ head ring, if she even had one. Maybe she did need one, because the flutter in her chest—more particularly, in her heart made no sense. Why would she hear blood pounding in her ears at the sight of this human, and why would it be the Tianquan of all people?
And just where did she hear that Cloud Retainer had been observing her—
“One—I have no idea of what you are talking about.” No, Traveler would never do such things; however, the floating creature next to him… She sure should give Paimon an earful about keeping secrets and loose tongues soon.
“I’ll be honest, I didn’t believe it at first.” Ningguang pressed closer, cornering Cloud Retainer in her seat. The sight must have been ridiculous, because despite this form and this way of living, she was an adeptus, and here she was, pinned down by a mere mortal. “But the clues were hard to miss, and Paimon,” she chuckled, the sound bouncing against the four walls of the Jade Chamber, “did a wonderful job in confirming your identity.”
So much for hiding her true self. Cloud Retainer mumbled something underneath her breath, an old curse, probably, and it elicited an endearing laugh from Ningguang, who, against Cloud Retainer's prediction, twirled a piece of dark blue hair casually, savoring its smoothness as it slid against her skin.
“So what do you want one to say?” she grunted, digging her fingers onto the wood beneath. The Tianquan shook her head, the same impassive smile plastering across her face.
“A praise, maybe?” There was a hint of teasing in her voice, foreign to Cloud Retainer’s ears. “A word of encouragement from Cloud Retainer cannot be bought at any price, after all.”
Humiliation surged through her veins, followed by a sense of embarrassment. She had “praised” Ningguang behind her back, yes; but she had always acted with disdain towards this mortal—for her to admit Ningguang’s brilliance in front of her in this position…
Suddenly Cloud Retainer wished she should have stayed at home and worked on the Supreme Cuisine Machine.
She could deny; she could fling the woman across the room then make a run for it and who would stop her really? Well, her pride would object harshly. And hiding! Why would she even see the need to hide from a mere mortal?
A mortal that was stealing her breath away as they stared into each other’s eyes, white hair hung around them like a curtain. They were close enough for her to feel the rhythm of Ningguang’s breathing on her face, steady without a hitch. The younger woman’s lips slightly parted, quivering with unspoken words; or maybe she was waiting for the adeptus to act, to fall into the trap that she had masterfully set up.
Cloud Retainer would never let her have the satisfaction of winning.
“If you think one is impressed by any of these…”
“You aren’t?” Ningguang raised an eyebrow, that surprised expression so fake that the adeptus couldn’t help but scoff and roll her eyes. She was, but she would rather plunge herself into the depth of the ocean than admit to that.
“Why do you crave one's words that much?” The question was out of her mouth before she could realize it. Call it curiosity, because Cloud Retainer had not a single clue about this woman’s fixation on her. She was impressive to both fellow adepti and mortals alike, she knew; yet, she doubted that was anywhere near Ningguang’s actual intention. The vixen in front of her had the whole Liyue, and even beyond the borders, dancing to her tune—someone like that was bound to desire more than… her.
“Isn’t it obvious enough?” That laugh carried a hint of amusement, quite unwelcomed in this moment when her head was still spinning with embarrassment and whatever that had been building up since their first meeting. “I want your affection. I want you, no matter which form you take.” She tilted her head to the side, and suddenly Cloud Retainer was aware of the way Ningguang looked at her—so tender that warmth filled her chest, so desirous that her ears were set aflame. It was now that she detested this body, where emotions and reactions were easier to be revealed to human’s eyes. “And it is a fortunate thing that you have come to Liyue Harbor—we are as close as ever now, Miss Xianyun.”
She was rendered speechless; there were few things in this world in thousands of years that had managed to do that, but the Tianquan found a way somehow.
“One…” Cloud Retainer tried to reply, only to find herself at a lack of words. What was there to say? Of anything, she didn’t expect this —a confession, a declaration of love! Ningguang must be out of her mind; how could she even think of courting an adeptus—
“I don’t expect you to accept me immediately.” The younger woman drew back, bringing the warmth with her. “But do understand that I won’t give up, not when I know that you are capable of such a cute reaction.” Settling against her seat, Ningguang motioned towards the table, where two cups of tea and various machines were still awaiting their attention. “Now, I hope we can continue where we left off, Miss Xianyun.”
“Shuyu!” An elderly woman called out to her on the street. “Why does the Tianquan keep sending Xianyun gifts lately? Look at the pile in front of your house—it is as tall as a tree now!”
The young girl managed an awkward smile, rubbing at her neck to ease the tension there. To be honest, she had no idea, either; Master wouldn’t explain, and Ningguang just smiled and patted her head, dropping one of those delicious candies into her palm and telling her to keep an eye on Master: remind Master to drink and eat, make Master take a break every now and then—the sort of trivial things that Shuyu had always thought grownups were capable of, nevermind an adeptus like Master.
She wondered if Master and the Tianquan were friends now, considering that they met quite frequently these days. And all the gifts! Always a machine or tool that she had never seen before, and based on Master’s surprised expression, Master was impressed too. Sometimes, when curiosity got the better of her, Shuyu stole a glance at the adeptus, trying to figure out what the twinkling in her eyes and the flush of her cheeks meant as she read one of the notes the Tianquan included in those packages. What could cause such an expression to appear on Master’s face?
Maybe I can ask Ningguang the next time we meet, Shuyu nodded to herself.