Paimon had just finished sharing Kaeya's information with Shao Yun and Lumine.
After that, she sat quietly at the bar, sipping the sweet juice in her hand as she observed her surroundings.
As time passed, the dancing patrons gradually grew tired, one by one halting their movements and collapsing onto tables to rest.
Lumine was also out of breath. She turned to Shao Yun, pleading, "Shao Yun, I really can't go on. This dancing is exhausting. Shouldn't we head back and rest?"
Shao Yun didn't seem the least bit tired. He smiled and said, "I'm not tired at all. Let's dance a little longer."
But Lumine was already out of energy. She pointed toward the doorway where Six-Fingered José stood and then toward Paimon slumped over the bar.
"Look—José's fingers are all numb, and Paimon's about to fall asleep."
Shao Yun turned to look at the doorway, then at the bar.
Sure enough, José was massaging his fingers, clearly too sore to keep playing.
And Paimon was slouched over the bar, her eyes barely open, seemingly moments away from drifting off.
Shao Yun sighed in resignation. "Alright then, what a night to remember."
True to his word, Shao Yun paid the full tab for everyone's drinks.
Then he picked up three bottles of apple cider and left Angel's Share with Paimon and Lumine.
Walking home with Lumine beside him, the cool night breeze brushed past them, bringing a slight chill—though it did little to cool the fire in his heart.
In his left hand he carried the three bottles of sparkling cider; in his right arm he gently cradled a now-sleeping Paimon. The little one's breathing was calm and peaceful, clearly lost in a sweet dream.
Lumine glanced at Shao Yun, noticing the happy smile on his face.
"Shao Yun, why are you so cheerful tonight? Is it really just because I wore the new outfit?"
At her question, Shao Yun burst into laughter. He turned to look at Lumine.
"Hahaha! Every day since meeting you, I've been excited! Not just tonight—every day has been full of joy and anticipation."
Lumine was touched by his words and echoed gently, "Alright, since meeting you, I've felt happy too."
...
Back at the house, Shao Yun carefully laid Paimon down on the bed and pulled a blanket over her.
Then he turned to Lumine and pulled out one of the bottles of cider.
"Before bed, would you have a drink with me? It'll help us sleep."
Lumine took the bottle and took a light sip. The sweet, fruity aroma filled her mouth.
Looking at Shao Yun, she smiled softly.
"Alright then. Let's enjoy this beautiful night together."
The two of them leaned side by side at the window, sharing a rare moment of peace.
Both held bottles of cider in hand, the subtle scent of sweet and tangy apple lingering in the air.
Shao Yun looked out the window and said with certainty, "Lumine, I have a feeling... we're about to reunite with your brother."
Lumine let out a soft laugh. She turned to him, took another sip, and smiled mischievously.
"Hahaha, we're drinking cider, not hard liquor. What's with all the drunken talk?"
At that, Shao Yun leaned his shoulder lightly against hers. In the quiet of the night, their closeness felt especially intimate.
With a warm smile, he looked at her.
"My intuition is rarely wrong. Trust me."
Under his gaze, Lumine felt a little shy. She lowered her head slightly, then raised her bottle and gently clinked it against his with a crisp clink.
Teasingly, she said, "Alright then. If we really do see my brother, I'll put in a good word for you. And if he tries to attack you, I'll defend you with my sword. I won't hesitate to swing at him."
Shao Yun was dumbfounded, his eyes wide as he stared at her in disbelief.
He gave a wry smile.
"Now that's what I call righteous betrayal... If your brother hears that, he'll probably blow a fuse."
Lumine simply shrugged, unfazed.
"It's fine. I used to beat him up all the time when we were kids. Even if he gets mad, he'll just have to swallow it. As long as I'm around, he won't dare lay a finger on you."
After saying that, she took another sip of her cider, a proud smile spreading across her face.
...
Lumine finished her drink and gently set the bottle on the windowsill with a soft ding.
"Alright, it's getting late. We should get some rest."
Shao Yun hesitated for a moment, then summoned his courage.
"Since you picked out this outfit for me tonight... how about a goodnight kiss?"
Lumine found the request both amusing and mildly exasperating. She let out a soft sigh and indulged his childlike playfulness.
"Ugh, you're like a kid..." She shook her head but smiled all the same.
Then, slowly, she leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek.
Her face took on a faint blush, like it had been brushed with soft moonlight.
She looked at Shao Yun, her eyes filled with shyness—but also deep affection.
"Alright now, time to sleep."
Shao Yun touched the cheek where she had kissed him.
"If it weren't for hygiene, I swear I'd never wash this cheek again."
"Go to bed. We're meeting Acting Grand Master Jean tomorrow."
Satisfied, Shao Yun went off to sleep.
...
"Aminos, you bastard! You're always flirting with my sister! Not even I've gotten kissed like that! What kind of rotten luck is this?!"
"Your Highness, please... don't be so hard on yourself. You're quite fortunate, really..."
"Aminos, if this keeps up, I'll have nephews and nieces soon! Where the hell's the fortune in that?!"
...
The next morning, a soft breeze swept through Mondstadt. Sunlight filtered gently through the clouds as Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon walked side by side toward the Knights of Favonius headquarters.
Paimon, now fully recharged, flew up to Jean's office door and pushed it open without hesitation.
"Jean! We're here!"
Jean looked up from her quill pen at the sound, surprise flickering in her eyes.
She stood and smiled warmly at the three of them.
"Honorary Knight, Paimon, and... Mr. Shao Yun. It's wonderful to see you all again."
Her gaze paused on Lumine's outfit—a refined cowboy-style ensemble.
It was simple, yet stylish. The flowing lines highlighted Lumine's athletic frame.
Jean couldn't help but comment, "The Honorary Knight's new outfit is beautiful. The material and cut suit you perfectly—very polished."
Lumine blushed lightly at the compliment. Somewhat shyly, she replied, "Thank you, Acting Grand Master. I actually didn't plan to wear this today, but Shao Yun insisted that all of Mondstadt should see me in it... I couldn't talk him out of it."
Jean smiled in admiration.
"It suits you well, Honorary Knight. This outfit reflects your personality and gives you a spirited presence. I hope you'll wear it often—it brings a refreshing energy to Mondstadt."
Shao Yun was filled with pride at Jean's words and was just about to express his thanks, but Paimon beat him to it.
"Jean! We got an invitation to the Weinlesefest Festival! Is there anything we can help with?"
Had this been earlier, Shao Yun might've muttered something sarcastic. But Jean's praise had completely won him over.
So instead, he spoke up himself.
"Yes, Acting Grand Master. Please assign us anything you need—we'll take care of it, no compensation needed!"
Jean blinked, surprised by his initiative. It was rare to see Shao Yun volunteer for anything—especially unpaid.
She shook her head gently.
"That's very kind, but... you came all the way back from Liyue. I couldn't possibly make you work..."
But Shao Yun shook his head without hesitation. Just hearing her compliment Lumine made everything worth it.
"No, Acting Grand Master. I'm more than happy to contribute to Mondstadt. No matter what the task is, I'll give it my all. Even if you asked me to wipe out every Treasure Hoarder in the city, I wouldn't even blink!"
Seeing his determination, Jean smiled and handed a checklist to Lumine.
"Then thank you. There are a few preparations we need help with for the festival. If you could handle these, it would be a big help."
Lumine accepted the list and nodded after a quick glance.
"Don't worry, Acting Grand Master. We'll do our best."
Shao Yun raised his hand.
"What about me, Acting Grand Master?"
Jean turned her gaze toward him, preparing to assign him a very important task.
"Mr. Shao Yun, I have a very important request... I need you to help me watch a 'child' for the day. It's a big responsibility. I was going to ask Kaeya, but he's busy."
Shao Yun raised an eyebrow in surprise. A child Jean would personally worry about... One face popped into his mind.
"You mean... Klee?"
Jean nodded with a faint, weary smile.
"So, you know. Yes, it's Klee. With the festival coming up, I'm too tied up, and Mr. Albedo is also occupied. I just need you to watch her for one day."
Shao Yun understood immediately. He patted his chest and said confidently, "Leave it to me. I already have several plans in mind. I promise I'll give her a fun day."
Jean looked at him, eyes softening with gratitude.
"I'm not expecting miracles... just please make sure she doesn't use Jumpy Dumpties. Locking her up in the confinement room feels wrong—she's still just a child..."
Shao Yun nodded solemnly.
"Understood. You can count on me."
Jean added, "Klee's a bit mischievous—please don't get mad at her."
Shao Yun chuckled, catching her concern.
"Don't worry, Miss Jean. I'd never get mad at a kid. Klee's curiosity and innocence are part of what makes her charming. Sure, she can be a handful, but hey—we were all kids once."
Jean felt warmth in her heart. Her impression of Shao Yun had always been of a cold, ruthless man.
Now, she saw a kinder side. That shift gave her a new appreciation for him.
"Where is Klee now?" Shao Yun asked, eager to meet the little ball of chaos.
Jean pointed to the door.
"Left outside the office—she's in the confinement room."
Shao Yun blinked. "Didn't you just say you didn't want her locked up?"
Jean sighed with a mix of helplessness and affection.
"Yes... That's why I don't want to keep her there all day. But... sigh..."
Shao Yun raised a hand, smiling.
"Got it. I understand."
Basically, find a reason to let Klee out. It's the festival, after all—if word gets out she's locked up, people might think Jean's abusing children.
As Shao Yun left the office with Lumine and Paimon, he turned to the two.
"Lumine, Paimon—you two do your best too! I'm off to take Klee out to play!"
"You too!"
With a wave, Shao Yun watched Lumine and Paimon walk off, then headed straight for the confinement room—to rescue the poor little troublemaker.