Leaving the Thunderstorm barrier meant leaving Inazuma behind—yet upon the boundless ocean, life proved anything but dull.
"Woah! That fish is huge!"
Futsu Mitama stared wide-eyed at the unknown sea beast flipping across the waves ahead. Ever since setting foot beyond Inazuma's somber borders, everything seemed vibrant again. Staying in that gloomy nation for years—perhaps that had been his mistake. He had forgotten how vast and beautiful the world could be. Unless something monumental occurred in Inazuma, he—had no intention of returning anytime soon. Barely a day after departure, he was already plotting ways to delay the journey home.
"Hahaha! Now that's a fine catch. Perfect for tonight's drinks."
With her greatsword resting against her shoulder, Beidou grinned at the sea beast thrashing on the waves. She turned to Aila, eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Maid, lend me a hand!"
Without further warning, the Captain leapt straight into the sea. Aila nodded silently. Her tachi shimmered with a cold gleam, light-blue brilliance reflecting in her eyes as she vaulted in after Beidou. The scene was familiar. Just yesterday, moments after leaving Inazuma, another beast had attempted to overturn The Crux.
Naturally, the story had ended the same way: Beidou fried it, the cook steamed it, and everyone ate their fill.
Futsu Mitama recalled the previous one's flavor—part octopus, part crisp thanks to Beidou's electro-shocking blade work. This time, he wondered what new taste awaited.
Half an hour later.
"It tastes like chicken?" Futsu Mitama blinked after taking a big bite, expression full of surprise. "How curious."
Kuki Shinobu, who had rarely eaten sea beasts, looked equally intrigued. Even after studying in Liyue, she had only heard of such creatures; most were harmless, and the few aggressive ones rarely ended up on the dinner table. Yet aboard The Crux, hunting them was practically routine—and the crew even cheered for it.
"Mm." Aila nodded while silently chewing her piece. She didn't understand why a sea monster tasted like chicken either, but food was food. She needed the energy—especially after training with Beidou. In just two days aboard the flagship, she'd already come to realize one thing: Beidou's power was utterly terrifying. What started as a 40–60 match-up had quickly become a hopeless 20–80. Even with tools, she barely had a chance.
Comparing power was difficult, but one thing was certain: whether it was Beidou or La Signora using her authority in Inazuma—either of them could solo her effortlessly.
"Hahahaha!" Beidou dropped onto the bench with a hearty laugh, slinging an arm over the seat.
"How's the food? My ship's cook is pretty good, right? Not quite a master chef, but definitely skilled! Shame you arrived two years too late—you would've tasted dishes by the Wanmin Restaurant's master herself."
Kuki Shinobu immediately caught the key phrase.
"You mean Xiangling? The head chef of Wanmin Restaurant?"
Beidou blinked, then chuckled.
"You really are well-informed." She leaned back proudly. "Two years ago, Xiangling often sailed with me to hunt exotic ingredients. I'd dive into the sea to fetch her fresh beasts myself. Those days were the best—good food every day, good wine every night."
Her waistline may have paid the price, but her blade work solved that quickly.
"If you'd left Inazuma earlier, you might've eaten her dishes for free," Beidou teased.
Aside from Futsu Mitama, who visibly wilted with envy, Shinobu remained calm, and Aila—who had never heard the name Xiangling—remained calmer. Seeing their non-reaction, Beidou sighed and raised her cup.
"Well, anyway. If the winds stay steady, we should arrive at Liyue Harbor tonight."
"Tonight?"
All three froze. It had only been two days. How were they already at Liyue?
Beidou grinned at their stunned expressions.
"That's the sea for you. When the winds are right, the voyage becomes a blessing."
And, indeed, the winds had blown favorably toward Liyue for two days straight.
After lunch, they returned to their rooms to pack. Soon after—
The group chat erupted:
[Futsu Mitama: "I'm shocked… We're reaching Liyue in just two days."]
[Azhdaha: "Two days? Wasn't it supposed to take four?"]
[Albedo: "Unbelievable. Group Leader, did you use elemental propulsion? No, that would risk getting lost at sea."]
[Raiden Makoto: "An unexpected blessing, perhaps. A shorter voyage means a quicker return home as well."]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "Reaching Liyue from Inazuma in two days. This Captain Beidou must truly be exceptional."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Indeed. @Sangonomiya Kokomi, The Crux's reputation is well deserved."]
And so on—until talk shifted toward Liyue, the Rite of Descension, Ganyu and then the infamous "Ganyu as a round little Qilin who got stuck in a giant beast's throat" anecdote from Azhdaha.
By the end, half the group was shocked, the other half cackling, and Futsu Mitama was clutching his head in despair. Aila, of course, understood none of it.
Night. Liyue Harbor.
The harbor glowed brilliantly even under the moonlit sky. Merchants shouted, ships unloaded cargo, lanterns drifted gently under the breeze.
"This is—Liyue."
Futsu Mitama's voice trembled slightly.
Every nation in Teyvat, seeing it in a game was nothing like seeing it in person. Here, the warmth of the lanterns, the bustling crowd, the weight of the earth beneath the mountains—
It felt like coming home after a long and trying journey. Completely unlike the suffocating chill he had felt when stepping into Inazuma.
Beidou chuckled beside him. "Enjoy it. Liyue Harbor rarely disappoints."
She reminded them to find an inn before getting lost in the night market's charm. They thanked her sincerely—the meals, the guidance, the sparring. Beidou responded with her signature hearty laugh.
"If you ever need The Crux again, come to Guyun Stone Forest. We're rarely docked at the harbor."
As the ship moored, onlookers flocked to the docks, hoping for stories from the Dragon King—only to be met by three Inazuman passengers instead. Rumors spread in an instant, as they always did in Liyue. Futsu Mitama and the others slipped quietly into the crowd.
They found an inn near the bustling business district. After throwing his luggage onto the bed, Futsu Mitama turned to Aila with sparkling eyes.
"Aila! Late-night snacks—it's time!"
Aila glanced at the luggage tossed haphazardly on the bed but simply nodded.
"I'm not going."
Kuki Shinobu's voice echoed from next door. She had plans to make and tasks awaiting her tomorrow—no time for wandering tonight. Futsu Mitama offered to bring her something, but she refused, telling him to enjoy the night with Aila.
And so—hand in hand—they stepped into Liyue's vibrant night market. Behind them, Shinobu peeked out and smiled faintly.
"Go on," she whispered, "enjoy your moment. I won't intrude."
The night market was dazzling. Food stalls, lanterns, laughter—
Futsu Mitama couldn't resist.
"Let's open a group live stream!"
And the moment the live stream started—
Everyone in the chat group rushed in. The screen lit up—
The speed at which the group livestream filled was astonishing. Even though night had already fallen, the moment Futsu Mitama started broadcasting, the entire chat surged in as though everyone had been waiting in ambush.
Kamisato Ayaka: "What a lovely night market. Is this Liyue?"
Kuki Shinobu: "Mm. Futsu Mitama and Aila are visiting the stalls. This street is a well-known food street."
Sangonomiya Kokomi: "So lively~ Watatsumi Island only grows this spirited during festivals. This does inspire longing."
Albedo: "Has the Group Leader arrived yet? I'm still en route. It will take another four or five days."
Raiden Makoto: "Liyue Harbor has become even more prosperous. Looking at this scene, I can't help but think of present-day Inazuma."
Yae Miko: "Oh my, Makoto, I can feel the turmoil in your heart. But what can be done? Ei remains set in her ways. It's already fortunate that Inazuma maintains stability, let alone enjoys bustling festivals." Besides~ the Yashiro Commission, the one in charge of festivals, was nearly wiped out by a certain someone."
Raiden Makoto: "…"
Azhdaha: "So this is Liyue Harbor? Hmph~ It is somewhat different from what I remember. But it is wonderful indeed. Liyue remains prosperous, and Morax has upheld our pact."
Futsu Mitama smiled and nodded as he walked. "Yes, this is Liyue Harbor. Are any of you hungry? Should I order something for you? I started this livestream to share the night market—and its delicacies—with everyone. If you see something you'd like to try, just @ me. I'll buy it and send it over in a gift."
He had come to Liyue Harbor's night market with every intention of indulging. But he hadn't forgotten about everyone in the group, so he streamed not only to show Azhdaha the harbor's present state, but also to let everyone enjoy the food together.
Yae Miko: "Oh? The Group Leader is treating?"
Yae Miko: "Marvelous! I want that noodle dish [image], this tofu [image], and that grilled fish [image]"
Futsu Mitama felt a vein twitch at the edge of his forehead. Still, he followed her images one by one, purchased each item, and found a quiet spot to pack them into a red packet.
Futsu Mitama: "Please transfer the mora—two thousand five hundred. Thank you for your patronage."
Yae Miko: "Two thousand five hundred?! Why not just rob me?! I heard the prices—everything adds up to two thousand! Where did the extra five hundred go?!"
Futsu Mitama: "Processing fee. Labor fee. Service fee. Well? Going to pay up?"
Kamisato Ayaka: "Um… @Futsu Mitama, I would like this one as well. [image]"
Sangonomiya Kokomi: "That dessert looks exquisite. Could you buy one for me too? [image]"
Futsu Mitama: "Sent! And this one is on me. No need to pay."
Yae Miko: "??????"
Lady Yae Miko was fully incensed. How could he treat the Resistance's general and the Kamisato Clan's young lady, yet haggle over five hundred mora with her—her, Yae Miko?!
Meanwhile, Futsu Mitama ignored every one of her messages with the serenity of a meditating monk and simply continued exploring the night market. He and Aila ate their way down the street without restraint. Their unusually large appetites quickly drew the attention of nearby vendors and customers.
Just how bottomless were their stomachs?
In truth, both were in a period of strengthening, so needing immense amounts of food was normal. And Futsu Mitama was secretly using part of their purchases to treat the members of the group. Thus, to onlookers, the two looked like terrifyingly colossal eaters.
As they searched for their next dish, Aila tugged at his sleeve. "Young Master, that shop over there seems rather empty."
Futsu Mitama looked up. It was a small stall selling beef offal. The owner wore a face covering and looked rather unusual. But the aroma wafting through the air was unmistakable—a masterfully prepared dish.
"Let's go."
He could tell with one whiff that this stall was extraordinary. Likely a new vendor, judging by the lack of waiting customers. He approached with Aila in tow and called, "Boss! How much for the dish?"
A pair of clear, violet eyes lifted toward him. Her voice was light, yet striking. "Five hundred mora for one serving, eight hundred for two."
Futsu Mitama froze. That voice. Those eyes.
Keqing?! She—Keqing, the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing—was selling beef dishes here?!
Aila paid the eight hundred mora while Futsu Mitama silently recovered from the trauma of remembering every time his Keqing spooked him during gacha pulls.
"We'll eat here," he said, settling down. If it was Keqing's cooking, he wanted to observe everything carefully.
In short order, Keqing served their bowls with practiced, elegant skill. "Judging by your attire, you appear to be from Inazuma and Mondstadt?"
"We disembarked from The Crux today," Futsu Mitama replied. "She is my maid."
Keqing paused, then asked, "Did you smuggle yourselves out of Inazuma? With the Sakoku Decree and Vision Hunt Decree, many have fled."
"Not exactly." Futsu Mitama shifted the topic. "Boss—your knife skills aren't ordinary. Why open street vendor here?"
Keqing gave him a considering look, then turned toward the street. "What do you think of this scene?"
Futsu Mitama followed her gaze. "Prosperous. Beautiful. Truly the center of the world's wealth."
A faint disappointment flashed across her eyes.
"That is only because the Rite of Descension approaches," she murmured. "Afterward, it will fade. This prosperity is not everlasting."
Realizing her intent, Futsu Mitama spoke calmly, "You're mistaken."
Keqing raised her eyes, intrigued.
"This prosperity wasn't created by the Archon," he said. "It was created by these stall owners, by the people drawn here. Inazuma's festivals—when they exist—are brought to life by the people, not by the Raiden Shogun."
His words stunned her. Most people would credit the Archons without thought. But this man—
Keqing's expression softened. "Your name?"
"Futsu Mitama. And this is Aila."
"Your answer was satisfactory." Keqing prepared two bowls of deluxe beef offal with refined precision. "These are on the house. I'll remember your name."
"And yours?"
"We will meet again," she answered, pushing her cart away. "Next time, I will tell you."
Then she simply left—without her table or chairs.
Aila stared. "Is… is this Liyue custom?"
A passing bun seller laughed. "Those chairs are public property. Stall owners don't take them. Her stall permit doesn't include furniture."
As soon as she left, he quietly moved his stall into her place.
After finishing their meal, Futsu Mitama and Aila headed back toward their inn. He ended the livestream as countless group members continued discussing his conversation with the mysterious stall owner. But no one took it as seriously as Keqing had.
Returning to the inn, Futsu Mitama stretched contentedly. "I'm stuffed."
"So am I." Aila smiled. The recent days were unlike anything she had imagined.
But their peaceful walk was interrupted as both suddenly halted. Ahead, several masked Fatui stood beneath the lamplight, watching them silently.
"Fatui." Aila's mood instantly soured.
"Don't worry," Futsu Mitama said quietly. "This is Liyue Harbor. They won't dare to act."
After observing them for a moment, the Fatui melted back into the shadows—leaving only an unspoken warning behind. But Futsu Mitama simply snorted. Two Harbingers had already suffered heavily because of him. And the one currently stationed in Liyue was Tartaglia. If that battle maniac got excited, everything afterward he would write its own ending.