No one noticed that aboard the Kamisato Clan's ship from Inazuma, a pink figure quietly slipped out.
"My, my… hiding myself the whole time really is exhausting~"
Pink fox ears twitched lightly as the woman revealed a mischievous smile.
"Jiang Yan… is it?"
"To be remembered so deeply by both the Guuji and that stubborn Ei…"
"How intriguing…"
Third Floor, Yuehai Pavilion.
"Brother Jiang Yan~"
Little Ayaka pushed open the door and called out loudly as she entered.
"Oh? You're here, little Ayaka."
Jiang Yan had only just stood up when Ayaka rushed forward and hugged him tightly.
"Brother Jiang Yan, I missed you so much…"
She buried her head against his chest, her muffled voice soft and clingy.
"Alright, alright. Brother Jiang Yan missed you too."
He gently stroked her snow-white hair and smiled.
"Where are your parents? Didn't you all come together?"
"They'll be here soon!"
"And thank you for the bracelet you gave me. It really saved us."
Ayaka lifted her wrist, showing the wooden dragon bracelet, and carefully recounted everything that had happened during the attack.
Though Jiang Yan already knew about it, he still listened attentively from beginning to end.
"That really was dangerous."
He sighed softly.
Thankfully, he had left some protection for Ayaka.
But in his previous life's storyline, there had never been an incident where the Kamisato family was attacked.
So why had little Ayaka's family been targeted?
Jiang Yan frowned thoughtfully.
Could there really be such a thing as "plot correction" in this world?
He had long held a strange feeling.
Even when he successfully prevented certain deaths, new dangers would continue to emerge.
Guizhong had been one example.
After Jiang Yan accidentally prevented her from touching forbidden knowledge, the gods attacked Guili Plains. If he hadn't arrived in time, Guizhong might still have died there.
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata had been another.
Had Jiang Yan not quickly ended the Khaenri'ah conflict, the forbidden knowledge would have once again spread through Irminsul, and perhaps Rukkhadevata would still have sacrificed herself.
Now Ayaka as well.
The world's "self-correction" seemed increasingly obvious.
Fortunately, Jiang Yan had already changed many things.
The Traveler's journey belonged to the Traveler.
It had nothing to do with him.
Once little Ningguang matured and took over—
He could retire.
Drink tea with Morax every day.
Listen to storytellers.
Find a reliable walking wallet to pay for everything.
Wouldn't it be wonderful to live as a carefree social bum?
Before long, Ayaka's parents and Ayato arrived under the guidance of the Ministry of Civil Affairs secretary.
"Tianquan, the guests have arrived."
The secretary spoke respectfully.
"Good. Tell Xinyue Pavilion to prepare. We'll dine there at noon."
"Yes."
The secretary nodded and withdrew.
"Greetings, Tianquan. I've long admired your reputation."
Ayaka's father stepped forward with a smile and extended his hand.
"My daughter accidentally wandered into Liyue some days ago. Thank you for taking care of her."
Jiang Yan smiled and shook his hand.
"You flatter me, Clan Head Kamisato. Ayaka is lively, polite, and lovable. I believe anyone would enjoy her company."
"No, no. This thanks is truly deserved."
Gratitude filled the Kamisato Clan Head's eyes.
"If not for you, our family may have…"
He trailed off, though relief lingered clearly in his expression.
"I heard about it from Ayaka. I'm glad I could help."
Afterward, Jiang Yan became acquainted with Ayaka's parents and little Ayato.
But when it came time to meet Ayato—
"Greetings, Tianquan. I am Kamisato Ayato, Ayaka's older brother."
"This is our first meeting. Please take care of me."
Ayato spoke calmly and elegantly.
Yet when he said the words Ayaka's older brother, Jiang Yan noticed a subtle emphasis.
Still, Jiang Yan merely smiled.
"Hello, Ayato. It's nice to meet you."
For some reason, Jiang Yan kept catching Ayato glancing at him from time to time.
It felt like he was evaluating something.
Jiang Yan found it strange.
Was there something on his face?
That shouldn't be possible.
Ganyu had helped tidy his appearance that morning.
So what exactly was Ayato looking at?
Wait…
Combined with Ayato's stressed tone earlier—
And the current expression—
Jiang Yan suddenly smelled jealousy.
Hiss…
Could this little siscon actually be jealous of him and Ayaka?
Interesting…
A mischievous urge arose within Jiang Yan to tease the boy a little.
But he quickly suppressed the thought.
After all, Ayato's parents were present.
That would be somewhat inappropriate.
After chatting with Ayaka's father for a while longer, Jiang Yan glanced at the time.
"Mr. Kamisato, you've traveled a long distance. I've already arranged lodging for your family."
"I'll wait for you at Xinyue Pavilion later. You can settle in first."
The Kamisato Clan Head nodded.
But at that moment, little Ayaka suddenly spoke.
"Father, can I stay here with Brother Jiang Yan for a little while?"
Her father looked down at her hopeful eyes, then toward Jiang Yan.
"Tianquan, would that be alright?"
"Of course."
How could Jiang Yan refuse Ayaka?
He smiled and nodded.
"Good. Then your brother can stay with you."
"Your mother and I will finish settling the luggage and meet you at Xinyue Pavilion afterward."
He gently rubbed Ayaka's head.
The moment Ayaka heard Ayato would also remain, she puffed out her cheeks unhappily.
She wanted to spend time alone with Brother Jiang Yan.
And when Ayato saw her disappointed expression upon learning he would stay too—
The jealousy inside him intensified.
Like an overturned jar of vinegar.
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