Kai had grown up in Mondstadt. If anyone could understand Jean's worries and give her some perspective, it was him.
With that thought, Jean gently pushed the door open and stepped into the room.
Her gaze immediately fell on Kai, already sitting up on the bed.
She pulled over a chair and sat down, expression slightly apologetic.
"To be honest," she began softly, "I'm sorry to disturb you so early in the morning."
"It's fine."
Kai shook his head.
"What did you want to talk about, Acting Grand Master? The situation in Liyue isn't really something you need to shoulder alone."
Jean hesitated for a moment before answering.
"Actually, I wanted to talk about that pass of yours."
She took a breath and continued.
"I came to Liyue because of the pass Fischl had. I wanted to ask… do you have any more? If so, would you be willing to sell me one?"
She had experienced its power personally.
A pass that allowed instant travel between Mondstadt and Liyue was almost inconceivable. If she could get one herself, she could effectively establish a Mondstadt outpost in Liyue, staying in close contact with the Liyue Qixing at any time.
The biggest obstacle in diplomacy was always distance. Even letters could not be delivered instantly.
But with that pass, she could appear in Liyue whenever needed. Negotiations, emergencies, coordination—everything would become easier.
"The pass, hm…"
Kai gave a small, regretful shake of his head.
"To be frank, the only one I can put into someone else's hands is the one Fischl has. I don't have any spare."
"I see…"
Jean's expression dimmed slightly.
It made sense. That kind of artifact was already unbelievable in singular form. To hope there were multiples was unrealistic.
"Well then," she continued, regrouping quickly, "that leaves the Fatui… and the matter of future relations between Liyue and Mondstadt."
"On paper, our two nations already have diplomatic ties," Jean said calmly.
"But if we want deeper cooperation, we need something more concrete."
She briefly summarized the confidential information she'd exchanged with Ningguang, her voice steady and composed.
Kai listened quietly, then finally spoke.
"If Mondstadt and Liyue really want to strengthen their cooperation, the simplest path is trade."
He spoke slowly, clearly.
"Liyue is the continent's most prosperous commercial hub. Mondstadt, while known for freedom, is famous for its agriculture and wine. Both have strong, well-loved products."
"If we establish stable trade routes—for example, a dedicated line between Dawn Winery and Liyue's top restaurants like Wanmin Restaurant or the big teahouses—if we cut down on middlemen and standardize escort and transport, Mondstadt's wine will flow more easily into Liyue. And in return, Liyue's tea, spices, and specialty goods can enter Mondstadt's market more smoothly."
Jean's eyes sharpened in thought. She gave a small nod.
Kai continued.
"Plus, Liyue has the Millelith, and Mondstadt has the Knights of Favonius. If the two sides signed a joint security agreement for these trade routes—dedicated escort units, standardized procedures—you'd reduce the risk of bandit attacks and pirates, and also build mutual trust."
Jean's gaze brightened.
"Security has always been what merchants fear the most," she said. "If we can guarantee that, the volume and reliability of trade will definitely increase."
"Second," Kai said with a faint smile, "cultural exchange."
"Liyue has its opera and storytelling. Mondstadt has bards and minstrels. There's a lot of overlap."
"We could hold cross-nation events. Have Yun-Han Opera Troupe perform in Mondstadt, or invite Mondstadt's poets and musicians to hold concerts in Liyue. It builds public goodwill. It makes the names 'Mondstadt' and 'Liyue' feel friendly instead of distant."
Jean stared at him for a moment, surprised, then nodded thoughtfully.
"That's… actually a very good idea."
"In that case, I'd like to talk to Mondstadt's Poets' Association when I get back," she added. "If they're willing, perhaps we really could try some formal cultural exchange."
"Third," Kai's tone grew more serious, "shared defenses."
"Mondstadt and Liyue may not be formal military allies, but there's no reason you can't help each other clean out monsters or provide emergency support."
Jean's face grew solemn as she listened.
"For example, if one side suffers a sudden catastrophe, the other can send a limited, agreed-upon number of troops in support. Or if a particular region is overwhelmed by hilichurls, abyss mages, or something stranger, the two sides could coordinate a joint operation."
"In the process, the Knights and the Millelith both gain real combat experience working alongside a foreign force. It strengthens them and improves overall continent-wide security."
Jean slowly nodded, her expression firming.
"Your suggestions… make a lot of sense."
She exhaled softly and gave a small, satisfied smile.
"I originally thought this visit to Liyue was merely an accident—a detour. I didn't expect to learn this much."
She looked up, eyes steady and earnest on Kai.
"It seems this trip to Liyue was worth it after all."
They continued talking for some time—about future cooperation, the Fatui's ambitions, the shifting balance of power across Teyvat.
Outside, the light softened, turning warm and golden. The faint smell of tea drifted in from downstairs. Time slipped by unnoticed.
At last, Jean rose from her chair and stretched slightly, her expression lighter and more relaxed.
"Today's conversation has been very helpful," she said.
"If things go well, perhaps Mondstadt and Liyue really can grow closer in the future. I'll be sure to seriously consider your suggestions."
Kai smiled and simply nodded.
"I also wanted to trouble you with something else," Jean added.
"If it's not too much, I'd like to ask you to look after Barbara and Fischl while we're here. You know they both wield Visions, but Liyue is still unfamiliar to them. Besides you and the Traveler… there's no one else I can really rely on."
"I couldn't find them at all yesterday."
"Don't worry," Kai replied.
"As long as it's within my ability, I'll take care of them, ah—"
His voice cut off, and he winced slightly, a sharp twitch running through his shoulders.
Jean, already halfway to the door, stopped.
"What's wrong, Mister Kai?" she asked, alarmed.
"Nothing," Kai said quickly, shaking his head.
"Just… pulled a muscle a little."
"Pulled… a muscle?"
Jean blinked.
From sitting on the bed and moving a little?
Her eyes flicked briefly toward the blanket on the bed.
Something… wasn't right.
The quilt didn't look like it was covering just one person. She'd noticed it earlier but brushed it aside as overthinking.
Now, after a long conversation, she realized the bulge under the blanket seemed to shift occasionally. Tiny, almost imperceptible movements. The fabric would rise just a bit, then fall.
Her gaze caught a faint glint of blonde hair peeking out from one corner of the blanket.
Jean's cheeks warmed, just a little.
…Ah.
No wonder Mister Kai's tone had felt strange at times this morning.
So I… interrupted him.
She cleared her throat quietly and forced her expression back to calm professionalism, pretending that she hadn't noticed anything at all.
"Thank you again, Mister Kai," she said.
"You've given me much to think about."
With that, Jean headed toward the door.
"Then I won't disturb you further. Have a good rest."
She stepped outside and thoughtfully pulled the door shut behind her.
As her footsteps faded down the hallway, Kai lowered his gaze to the suspiciously lumpy blanket.
"…You really had to keep it up the whole time?"
There was a muffled, flustered noise from under the covers.
"Mm-mmm…"
Kai snorted softly.
"Right. Talking clearly is… not convenient for you right now."
He let the matter drop and leaned back, closing his eyes, simply enjoying the quiet and the gentle, clinging warmth that hadn't left his side since dawn.
One thing was clear: Barbara's courage was far greater than he'd first thought.
She liked taking risks more than her polite image suggested.
After quite a while, her soft, stuttering voice finally rose from under the blanket.
"I-I just thought… it might be… a bit exciting, so… I wanted to try…"
"It was… certainly exciting," Kai muttered.
Then he suddenly grabbed her by the waist, rolled over, and pinned her lightly beneath him.
"I didn't think you had such a rebellious streak," he teased. "Looks like your courage might actually be bigger than Fischl's. Guess I'll just have to… test that properly."
"You're awful…" Barbara squeaked in protest, though there was more shyness than anger in it.
Her fists landed on his chest in two soft, half-hearted taps.
He caught her hands and smiled. Words dissolved into warmth again, and the morning stretched on in a blur of muffled laughter and tangled sheets.
By the time they finally left the room, the sun was already high in the sky.
Kai stepped out into the hallway feeling refreshed, a faint, easy smile tugging at his lips.
Beside him, Barbara walked with her cheeks glowing a delicate pink. There was a new softness in her gaze, a kind of quiet radiance that seemed to brighten the corridor.
Her golden hair caught the sunlight, looking a little tousled but only adding to her charm. Her blue eyes shone like a clear lake, full of shy joy.
Even the other guests passing by couldn't help glancing at her, momentarily stunned by the sight.
Barbara ignored all the looks. She lowered her head, fingers nervously twisting at the hem of her skirt, occasionally sneaking a tiny glance at Kai. Every time she did, the corner of her mouth curved up a little more.
She remembered what Fischl had told her:
"If you want to leave a mark on someone's heart, you must be bold.
The earlier you carve that memory, the deeper it stays."
She didn't regret any of it.
If anything, her heart felt lighter.
They were just coming down the stairs when a familiar voice rang out from the other side of the corridor.
"Hehehe—!"
Fischl skipped toward them, her golden eyes gleaming mischievously. She glanced between Kai and Barbara, her smile full of "I know exactly what happened."
She stopped by the stairs, crossed her arms, and gave Kai an extremely meaningful look.
"Well, well," she leaned closer and murmured, voice full of smug satisfaction. "How was it? Are you pleased with the gift I prepared for you?"
Kai's step faltered. A vein jumped in his forehead as he stared at her.
"You really are something," he sighed.
"One dares to suggest it, the other dares to go along with it. Truly a perfect pair."
He shook his head, lips twitching.
"Next time, warn me first."
Fischl blinked, then doubled down, lifting her chin proudly.
"Naturally! Any arrangement made by this Prinzessin der Verurteilung is bound to be flawless!"
Kai shot her a flat look.
"Then where were you last night?"
Fischl's smile stiffened. Her eyes darted away.
"Ahem. The Prinzessin had… important business to attend to."
"Oh?" Kai raised an eyebrow.
"Y-Yes!"
She waved a hand hastily and changed the subject.
"Anyway! Since you're satisfied, everything is fine. Nothing else matters."
Barbara peeked at Fischl, face still pink but lips quietly curved in a happy little smile.
Fischl had urged her to be brave, and she had listened.
She didn't regret it—not for a moment.
They chatted for a bit, then headed downstairs, ready to find lunch.
Outside the inn, Liyue Harbor was already bustling again.
Vendors shouted their wares. The smell of grilling skewers and steaming seafood mixed with the salty scent of the sea breeze. It was the kind of smell that made people hungry on instinct.
"Over here, over here!"
A familiar high voice called out.
Paimon waved both arms wildly from a nearby table.
"We already got us a lunch spot!"
"Also," she added proudly, "we made a new friend!"
Kai blinked and followed her gesture.
Standing beside Ying was a small, adorable girl, holding a bunny plush tightly in her arms. She tilted her head slightly as she watched them approach, curiosity shining in her eyes.
Kai's gaze landed on her—and his pupils shrank just a little.
Yaoyao.
The disciple of Streetward Rambler (Gēchén Làngshì Zhenjun).
He knew of her, of course.
But if he remembered correctly, in the original timeline, her "first appearance" to outsiders was when she saved a certain drowning musician—Dvorak, the organizer of the Iridescent Tour.
This… wasn't that time.
So why is she here now? he wondered.
Yaoyao was dressed in a short, green-and-yellow jacket, lively and cute. Her hair was styled in two round buns, decorated with big golden bells that jingled merrily when she moved.
Her skirt was embroidered with tiny osmanthus blossoms, and a little sachet hung at her waist. On her back was a bamboo basket packed with fresh ingredients and herbs—like she'd just come in from Qingce Village to shop.
A verdant green Dendro Vision glowed softly near the basket, lending her an air of subtle, youthful grace.
"How cute," Barbara whispered in surprise. "And she has a Dendro Vision?"
That was rare enough in itself—let alone on such a young girl.
"Hello!"
Yaoyao smiled sweetly at them.
"You must be Barbara, Miss Fischl, and… Kai, right? Ying and Paimon told me about you just now!"
Her voice was soft and warm, with a hint of Qingce Village's countryside lilt.
As she spoke, a translucent panel appeared again in front of Kai's eyes.
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