"Drip, drip..."
Footsteps echoed in the slightly dim and quiet corridor.
"Wooo... I-I feel a bit chilly here..."
Paimon covered her small head, shrinking back a little fearfully.
She blinked her beautiful star-like eyes, cautiously observing her surroundings.
She had a feeling something big and sinister was about to happen!
"I-It's probably fine, haha..."
Paimon shook her head vigorously, trying to convince herself.
After all, Lumine was here, a reliable presence, right...?
Little Paimon's smile gradually faded.
"..."
Beside her, the golden-haired beautiful girl lowered her head, her expression extremely solemn.
Not only that, but she also slightly parted her lips, muttering something under her breath.
"Heh... hehe... I'm going to become Qin Yu's... "
"I can't go back... anymore."
The girl dragged herself along, following the man.
Her once clear eyes had lost their sparkle, appearing as if they were about to break.
"Lumine?"
Paimon waved her small hand worriedly, trying to get her attention.
She had been acting like this since a while ago, was it because she was hungry?
"Hehe... I'm fine, why don't we find a chance to go back to Liyue... Ah!"
Lumine forced a smile, about to comfort Paimon.
She suddenly really wanted to go back to Liyue.
But before she could finish speaking, her body suddenly stiffened, and she let out a cute sound.
Like a startled kitten.
Everyone's gazes collectively turned to Lumine, their expressions odd.
Lumine bit her lip, her face flushing.
"What's wrong, are you feeling unwell?"
Qin Yu placed a hand on Lumine's shoulder, asking with concern.
He looked all smiles, exceptionally kind.
"..."
Lumine understood Qin Yu's gaze.
You're not thinking of running away, are you?
There are still many reputation quests in the Yashiro Commission that haven't been dealt with, so you can't rest yet.
"Qin Yu! W-What are you going to do to me!"
Lumine's beautiful eyelashes trembled slightly, her eyes filled with resolute defiance.
She absolutely would not yield!
But in her mind, Qin Yu's demonic whisper echoed automatically.
My cute maid~
If you don't complete your "work" on time, you'll get spanked, okay?
The maid imagined a lot.
But in reality, the situation was...
"?"
Qin Yu looked at Lumine, whose face was becoming redder and redder, even her shoulders were warming up, and slowly displayed a question mark.
What's going on?
He was simply concerned about Lumine's physical condition.
After all, the upcoming Sakura Cleansing ritual required Lumine to be present.
But she didn't have to be so sensitive!
And what was with that look of absolute defiance?
It made him, Qin, seem like he had strange thoughts about the maid archetype.
He wanted to clarify here, no...
Cough, not necessarily.
Qin Yu admitted he was being honest.
What man would refuse a maid dedicated solely to him?
"Don't overthink it, it's a proper commission."
Qin Yu shook his head, explaining to the wary Lumine with a serious look.
He wouldn't do anything untoward by being a maid for Sandrone.
"...I'll believe you for now."
Lumine snorted inwardly but didn't doubt the truth of his words.
Even though Qin Yu liked to kick her butt and lock her in the basement for interrogation.
At least, he kept his word.
Qin Yu:?
Lumine, do you still have some strange misunderstandings about me?
He was an upright gentleman!
"What are you two talking about?"
Keqing, standing beside them, frowned and asked curiously.
Keqing the cat sensed something was off.
Lumine had just met Qin Yu, and they were already whispering secrets?
Something was not right.
"A Qing, you must have something you need to attend to, right?"
Lumine came to Keqing's side, as if unintentionally reminding her.
If Keqing found out about the maid application, her traveler's career would be over, wouldn't it?
"Let's go, we can go take a look together."
Keqing the cat slightly raised her chin, not choosing to leave.
"Oh..."
Lumine's face fell at this, and she couldn't help but glare at Qin Yu with a pout.
This guy must have called Keqing along just to satisfy his twisted desires!
"Hm?"
Seeing Lumine's reaction, Keqing's suspicion grew.
She was so eager to get rid of her, could it be?
With this thought, Keqing also looked at Qin Yu.
Speaking of which, Sandrone was waiting.
Perfect, she would go and meet that woman who had impure thoughts about Qin Yu.
"Cough, why am I being dragged into this again?"
Qin Yu chuckled helplessly, looking at the two beautiful girls glaring at him simultaneously.
He was just passing by.
Of course, he was also here to watch the show.
"..."
On Qin Yu's shoulder, the fox lady's eyes glinted with amusement as she observed everyone's reactions.
The Traveler, huh? What an interesting development.
Then let's play a little longer.
...
Finally, the group arrived at the designated location.
"Sandrone, I'm coming in!"
Qin Yu said from outside the door.
Bringing two beautiful girls to a maid interview location felt a bit strange.
Before he could ponder further, a response came from inside.
"My companion, hurry and come in. What are you dawdling out there for?"
A ethereal voice rang out, with a hint of surprised joy and resentment.
Clearly, Sandrone had realized that Qin Yu was with other girls.
In fact, there was also a mysterious little celestial fox of unknown identity.
"Excuse me."
...
Qin Yu led the two girls inside.
The moment the door opened, an elegant and exquisite brown-haired beauty came into view.
Around her, there were many blue holographic screens with a futuristic technological feel.
They were mechanical blueprints from the Scarlet King's technology.
Qin Yu's heart stirred.
It seemed to incorporate many elements of the Abyss Order as well.
Like... that power supply device comparable to a Divinity.
"..."
At the same time, Sandrone looked up.
The gazes of the women instantly met, probing each other in secret.
But clearly, with the home-field advantage, Sandrone's aura was stronger.
"Heh... You've arrived."
Sandrone's sapphire eyes flickered, her gaze meeting Keqing's, then shifting to Lumine.
Finally, she met the gaze of the pink-haired fox.
"Hm?"
Sandrone frowned, a slight sound of surprise in her heart.
This feeling of encountering a rival...
"Wow— what a beautiful young lady."
Paimon rubbed her hands excitedly.
"Hello, Miss Sandrone."
Lumine's eyes lit up, then flashed with regret.
Even such a beautiful Miss Sandrone had fallen victim to Qin Yu's wicked ways.
Another target for cuddling was gone.
Qin Yu, you've done all sorts of evil deeds!
"Heh... My companion, come and sit."
Sandrone looked back at Qin Yu.
A sweet smile appeared on her exceptionally beautiful face.
She gently picked up the cup of black tea on the table and beckoned Qin Yu.
The maid interview was about to begin.
"Okay."
Qin Yu and Keqing sat down, watching from the front row.
"Miss Sandrone, what kind of interview task do you need me to do?"
Lumine took a deep breath, her gaze serious.
She was prepared for this high-reward job.
Whether it was sweeping the floor or cooking, or even eliminating monsters, it was all fine!
"You've passed."
Sandrone smiled.
"Really? Then I..."
Before Lumine could breathe a sigh of relief.
"Then next, try on the maid outfit."
"...Eh?"