The tense atmosphere solidified once more.
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata paused, momentarily taken aback. The topic had shifted too abruptly, catching even her, a god of wisdom, by surprise. Yet, her gaze softened. The younger sister of the Electro Archon remained so straightforward. It felt good, like stepping back into the past.
But this "false" peace was always bound to be shattered. And the one she observed destined to do so was...
"Sigh."
Qin Yu slowly covered his face and let out a long sigh. To be greeted with such a grim, "Why aren't you dead yet?" demeanor, and even asked directly. Truly worthy of the Great Leader.
But what could he do? Caught between two women, he dared not speak much, nor move. He decided to play the invisible man and just observe. Perhaps he might overhear some earth-shattering secret.
However, Qin Yu's hopes were dashed.
"If you want to know why, I can tell you."
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, with her gentle nature, was also remarkably candid. Facing the news of her own demise, she still wore a warm smile. Her emerald eyes lit up, meeting Ei's gaze. All related knowledge was instantly shared.
"To think such a thing happened..."
Ei closed her eyes, murmuring softly.
"?"
Qin Yu, watching the two silent women, felt ignored. Why wouldn't they whisper to him too? He wouldn't interrupt.
Silence fell upon the small room once more. Only Ei's breathing, rising and falling with her emotional tides, could be heard. Her chest rose and fell dramatically, drawing Qin Yu's eyes more than once. Indeed, she was worthy of being his Great Leader.
Time trickled by. Finally, Ei slowly opened her eyes, her expression complex as she looked at Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
"Thank you, I understand now."
"I am glad I could resolve your doubts."
The two deities met each other's gaze and nodded in silent accord, seemingly having reached some kind of understanding.
"..."
Qin Yu hung his head, shaking it. He truly hated people who spoke in riddles. Did greater wisdom inevitably lead to a fondness for cryptic pronouncements? Unlike his Great Leader, who was fierce and concise.
Wait, saying it like that made Ei seem a bit… dense. How could he suddenly find that rather cute?
*Hm...*
A slight smile played on Qin Yu's lips. Fortunately, Ei couldn't read his thoughts.
"I will take my leave now."
Ei remained silent for a moment, then slowly rose. Greater Lord Rukkhadevata sat by the bed, waving goodbye with a smile.
"Ei, won't you stay a while longer?"
Qin Yu quickly stood up, ready to escort Ei out. But before he could fully rise, a finger pressed him back down. Due to the momentum, he almost stumbled into Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's embrace. However, such accidents were best avoided in front of the Great Leader.
"?"
Qin Yu steadied himself, his mind a blank. Great Leader, have you forsaken me?
"You, stay."
Ei simply stated, her gaze flicking towards Greater Lord Rukkhadevata. *I hope what you said is true.*
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata nodded gently.
"Tonight, keep the Dendro Archon company."
Ei hesitated for a moment, then closed her eyes and sighed.
"Yes, General."
Receiving the Great Leader's command, Qin Yu instinctively replied with enthusiasm. Just spending the night with Mrs. Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, a mission he could surely accomplish...
*...?*
Wait a minute. As soon as the words left his mouth, Qin Yu processed them and looked up sharply. What had the Great Leader just said?!
"Heh... Thank you, Electro Archon."
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata reached out and gently placed a hand on Qin Yu's shoulder.
"From this moment on, you must be obedient."
In the darkness, her eyes gleamed with an inscrutable light, as if appraising a small rabbit unable to resist.
"Ei, what exactly did you discuss?"
Qin Yu's body trembled, his face stiffening. He had never imagined that their whispered conversation would lead to this outcome. Shouldn't it have been a successful peace talk between two gods, followed by a harmonious departure? How did it take such an unexpected turn?!
Before he could voice his protest...
"..."
Ei's eyes remained closed, as if unwilling to say more. She merely waved her hand, signaling Greater Lord Rukkhadevata to proceed.
Qin Yu was utterly stunned. In an instant, a multitude of scenarios flashed through his mind. Was the Great Leader planning to stand by and watch? Wouldn't that be inappropriate...?
"Electro Archon, it is time to leave."
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata reminded her gently. If she lingered any longer, someone would be too embarrassed to act.
"No need for your reminder, Dendro Archon."
Ei huffed, flicking her purple hair as she prepared to depart.
"Ei, wait a moment."
Just as Ei took a step, Qin Yu's voice rang out.
"What is it?"
"Ahem, could you... perhaps leave through the window?"
Under the Great Leader's imposing presence, Qin Yu asked indirectly. His intuition was sounding an alarm. If Ei were to leave through the door like this, what if someone saw her...? Qin Yu was once again teetering on the brink of disaster!
"..."
Ei seemed to understand Qin Yu's thoughts and gave him a deep look. But clearly, the aloof General was unconcerned. She walked directly towards the door. If anyone dared to object... well, she would just tear down the Komore Teahouse.
Qin Yu opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing more.
"You are worried?"
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata moved closer, asking softly. Qin Yu shook his head, adopting an air of indifference. It no longer mattered.
Of course, that wasn't true. Qin Yu's initial shock had subsided, and he began to think calmly. He was genuinely curious about the pact the two deities had made. It seemed he had been "traded." However, Qin Yu knew deep down that his Great Leader would never harm him. After all, if he were gone, who would buy desserts and light novels for the Great Leader? Mrs. Greater Lord Rukkhadevata was also a gentle deity. And her daughter, Nahida, was so adorable. Therefore, whatever Ei implicitly allowed was likely beneficial to him.
"It seems you are prepared and quite brave."
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata smiled and gently stroked Qin Yu's head. The tender gesture was like that of a young mother soothing a child to sleep.
"Next, come with me to the world of dreams."
Qin Yu smiled and was about to respond when a profound weariness suddenly washed over him.
"So... sleepy..."
Qin Yu succumbed to sleep.
"I am sorry, but this is only for tonight."
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata gently embraced Qin Yu, letting him lean into her. She smiled, her tenderness amplified by the moonlight. *Forget me, forget everything about Greater Lord Rukkhadevata. Only then can the Irminsul be healed. The beings of Teyvat can avoid the end of destruction. And Nahida, with your companionship, will find true happiness. You are her sun, but ultimately, you are not mine.*
*...No one will remember me ever again.*
"Mmm... a familiar scent..."
Qin Yu mumbled, nuzzling into the soft, familiar chest. Why familiar?
"Are you truly going to do this?"
A cool voice suddenly spoke. Greater Lord Rukkhadevata rested her chin on Qin Yu's shoulder and tilted her head.
"Of course. This is my responsibility for the past five hundred years."
"You will not succeed."
The two women exchanged a look for a moment, then Ei spoke earnestly. She looked at Qin Yu, her gaze soft.
"Perhaps, Yu will save you."
Just as he had saved her from falling into darkness.
"Impossible."
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata shook her head with a smile. That was forbidden knowledge from beyond this world. How could Qin Yu possibly contend with such an existence?
"Hmph, then we shall see."
Ei said no more, her eyes flashing. Next, it was time for...
With a *swish*, she flung open the door.
"Yelp!"
Instantly, several shadowy figures, accompanied by gasps, tumbled in.
*Thump!*
Awkwardness filled the air.
"Heh heh... you've been eavesdropping for a long time."
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's voice echoed.
"..."
Ei, bathed in moonlight, looked at the women sprawled on the floor. The women, in turn, looked up at Ei.
"!"
"G-General?"