Time flowed by quietly.
The story written by my hand also reached its conclusion.
It was a temporary end, and also a brand new beginning.
In the courtyard.
An elegant and serene maiden stood beneath a cherry blossom tree.
Bathed in sunlight, she tilted her beautiful face upwards, softly humming a melodious tune.
Beside her, Qin Yu closed his eyes, enjoying the warm moment.
With his beloved by his side, her song filling the air.
He could also lazily bask in the sun.
Such a leisurely life was simply perfect.
"Chirp chirp."
A bird flapped its wings and flew over, landing on the maiden's outstretched hands.
It held a twig in its beak, curiously tilting its little head.
The maiden's beauty seemed to make everything in the world pause for her.
"Which one is it now?"
Qin Yu chuckled playfully, reaching out to touch the little creature drawn in by the maiden's singing.
"Don't scare it."
As the song ended, the maiden turned her face, saying softly.
"I don't eat people, what's there to be afraid of."
Qin Yu shook his head helplessly and withdrew his hand.
He had been rejected again.
"That's not certain, you greedy fellow."
Columbia released the bird from her palm, turned to face Qin Yu, and smiled meaningfully.
Her curse had been suppressed, granting her more freedom and the ability to witness more of the world's scenery on her journey.
A delicate thread of connection had also formed between her and Qin Yu.
To put it plainly, in this negotiation, Columbia had offered herself to Qin Yu.
But she did not regret it.
Because in Qin Yu, there was a different destiny.
Including the Electro Archon, the Dendro Archon, and perhaps even in the future...
Thinking of this, Columbia's lips curved upwards.
Sooner or later, Qin Yu would change this world.
And he would become even more sought after.
It wasn't too late to make a move now.
"Your body has just recovered, so I'll handle the matter of the Divine Sakura's corruption for now."
After a moment of thought, Qin Yu said to Columbia.
The Fatui soldiers had been attacked, and as an Eleven Harbinger, she had the right to intervene in the investigation.
Of course, all of this had to be done under the rules of the Tenryou Commission.
"My travel companion, you want to leave me already?"
Columbia lifted her pretty face, her smile kind.
Having just found warmth, her aura suddenly turned chilling.
"I'm considering your physical condition."
Qin Yu explained softly.
The matter of the Great Sakura Purification needed to be resolved as soon as possible.
But for Columbia, resting well and regaining her strength for the next two days was the most prudent course of action.
"Heh... Don't worry."
"Regarding the markings on the map, I want to send people to investigate first. We'll make a decision once we have news."
Columbia placed her small hands behind her back and walked gracefully in the courtyard.
"Alright, I'll have the Tenryou Commission act with you."
Qin Yu watched her graceful figure and nodded slightly.
Compared to the Traveler acting alone, utilizing the Shogunate's power would be more efficient.
"You've been out for so long, it's time for you to go back."
Columbia said softly, seeming a little tired.
"Mhm."
Qin Yu nodded slightly and looked into the distance.
There, Sangonomiya Kokomi and Lesser Lord Kusanali waved their hands.
...
Qin Yu and Lesser Lord Kusanali left the courtyard together.
Columbia and Sangonomiya Kokomi had not seen each other for a long time and had much to discuss.
As for the content...
As private matters between good sisters, they were not something a man like Qin Yu could overhear.
That's right, Qin was once again rejected.
"Still savoring our date from earlier?"
A gentle voice sounded beside him.
Lesser Lord Kusanali held Qin Yu's hand and leaned her head on his shoulder.
Gentle and considerate, exuding a captivating wifely charm.
"What date?"
Qin Yu did not immediately melt into this tenderness.
He glanced at the empty surroundings, then quietly reached out and wrapped his arm around his wife's slender waist.
This was a trick question; if he thought too hard about how to answer, he'd be stepping on a landmine.
"It seems you got what you wanted."
Lesser Lord Kusanali's lips curved into a delighted arc, and she did not stop Qin Yu's small gesture.
Instead, she linked her arm with Qin Yu's and led him down another path.
"?"
Qin Yu raised an eyebrow as he looked at the secluded route that clearly wasn't leading back to the tea room.
This Sumeru wife, who would eventually marry into Inazuma, was acting strangely.
...
With his beloved by his side, time seemed to fly by.
"My sun, stay with me a little longer."
Lesser Lord Kusanali suddenly stopped, her beautiful face filled with tenderness.
Of course, there was also an increasingly strange delight in her eyes.
"..."
"Little one, aren't you afraid of being seen?"
Qin Yu raised his hand and gently caressed Lesser Lord Kusanali's flawless cheek.
It was smooth and warm, making him reluctant to let go.
As he spoke, he slowly lowered his head.
Qin Yu, whose heart was already stirring, wanted to taste the flavor of a married woman.
"Wait a moment, you're too impatient."
Facing Qin Yu, who was leaning in to do something naughty, Lesser Lord Kusanali had anticipated this and chuckled, dodging him.
As if playing a prank, she knew what he wanted, but refused to give it to him.
"?"
Qin Yu was not convinced and launched a second attack.
Lesser Lord Kusanali raised her delicate hand and directly pressed it against his lips.
"Mmm?"
Qin Yu blinked innocently, full of confusion.
"Madam, please don't play with fire."
Thinking this, he slightly opened his mouth and sucked on Lesser Lord Kusanali's finger.
He also, used his Electro powers.
"You naughty troublemaker...!"
A soft, electric sensation ran from her fingertips. Lesser Lord Kusanali's face flushed, and she couldn't help but give Qin Yu a sidelong glance.
She pulled her hand back and licked her moist fingertips.
She'd have to wash her hands again later.
Wait, why again?
"I'm hungry, I haven't eaten enough."
Qin Yu explained earnestly.
As he spoke, his gaze fell upon Lesser Lord Kusanali's cherry lips.
After dessert, it was time for the main course...
Lesser Lord Kusanali raised her hand and playfully hit him.
Did he think such a flimsy excuse could fool the God of Wisdom?
"Little one, what do you want to say?"
Qin Yu smiled, staring intently at Lesser Lord Kusanali, preventing her from escaping.
"I have a new research topic, which is..."
Lesser Lord Kusanali leaned close to Qin Yu's ear and whispered mysteriously.
A moment later.
"..."
Qin Yu's slowly widening eyes reflected her joyful smile, his pupils trembling.
"We're switching bodies...?!"
Madam, you're playing... no, researching something very new.
As expected of the God of Wisdom.
"Don't overthink it, I just need to check your mental state."
Lesser Lord Kusanali quietly brought a finger to her lips and said softly.
"Definitely don't take this opportunity to do anything strange..."
Her lips curved upwards. Seeing Qin Yu's eyes gradually light up, she became even more joyful.
My sun, do you want to try?
"Since it's a check-up, there's nothing I can do."
Qin Yu nodded in agreement.
He loved doing academic research with his wife the most.
"What do I need to do?"
"Hold my hand, relax..."
Lesser Lord Kusanali guided Qin Yu's actions and said softly.
Emerald green light began to glow, and just as the two were about to swap bodies—
"Nahida won't see this, will she?"
Qin Yu asked subconsciously.
"?"
Lesser Lord Kusanali's expression changed slightly.