Chapter 196: Chapter 196
"Uh, Lady Makoto? And Saiguu?"
Jiang Ning was surprised to see the two figures by the window.
"Little benefactor, you really had us searching for you."
Kitsune Saiguu said with a smile.
"What brings you out drinking tonight?"
Jiang Ning replied, "It's Eula. She said she was feeling down, probably thinking about Mondstadt again. I thought I'd keep her company for a bit."
Kitsune Saiguu teased, "How enviable. Miss Eula gets to be pampered by our little benefactor~"
Jiang Ning sighed helplessly, "Stop teasing me. Is there something you need?"
Raiden Makoto said gently, "The moonlight is beautiful tonight. Would you like to take a walk?"
Jiang Ning was puzzled. Why was everyone suddenly wanting to take a walk with him tonight?
First, Eula wanted to drink with him, and now Raiden Makoto wanted to go for a walk…
But since he had nothing else to do, and it was too early to sleep anyway, Jiang Ning agreed.
"Sure."
---
Jiang Ning, Raiden Makoto, and Kitsune Saiguu went out for a walk. By the time Xianyun returned, the only one at home was a soundly sleeping Eula.
"Where is everyone…? Weren't they supposed to be home?"
Xianyun muttered to herself. She considered sending a paper crane to contact Ganyu but decided against it.
If I ask too eagerly, it'll seem like I'm desperate to get married or something.
As an adeptus, how could I be desperate? Besides, Jiang Ning isn't going anywhere… I'll just talk to him tomorrow morning.
With that thought, Xianyun returned to her room, ready to rest and prepare for the "battle" tomorrow morning.
Meanwhile, the trio had arrived at Mount Tianheng, which overlooked the entire Liyue Harbor.
Although it was night, the electric lights invented by Xianyun illuminated the harbor, making it look like a city that never slept.
Thanks to this invention, many in Liyue had seized the opportunity to develop a unique night market.
Raiden Makoto sighed in admiration, "As expected of the Cloud Retainer. Using Electro Slimes, wind, and water to generate electricity has truly elevated Liyue's standard of living."
Kitsune Saiguu added, "Don't worry, Inazuma will have this soon too. Besides, wasn't this little benefactor's idea? Knowledge from another world."
Jiang Ning said modestly, "I only knew the theory. It's all thanks to my master."
"Enough about that. With such a beautiful scene, we should have a drink."
Raiden Makoto waved her hand, and a small table, cushions, a bottle of wine, and some snacks appeared.
"This is some sakura wine I buried at the Grand Narukami Shrine long ago. I didn't expect it to still be there. Perfect for a little drink."
Raiden Makoto lowered her eyes and opened the bottle. A rich, refreshing sakura aroma wafted out.
"Centuries-old sakura wine… I have to try this."
As he spoke, Jiang Ning suddenly couldn't help but laugh.
"What's so funny?" Raiden Makoto asked curiously.
"Nothing, I just thought… if Barbatos knew we were drinking such fine wine without him, he'd probably be hopping mad."
"Barbatos? He probably would." Raiden Makoto also couldn't help but chuckle.
"Speaking of which, it's been a long time since I've seen those old friends." Raiden Makoto's eyes filled with nostalgia.
"When you have time, you should visit Mondstadt."
Jiang Ning suggested.
Raiden Makoto replied noncommittally, "We'll see."
"It's a shame that Chiyo's whereabouts are unknown. Unlike me, who survived in the filth of the ley lines… I guess you could say it's a blessing in disguise?"
Kitsune Saiguu sighed.
The Archons were different. As long as their authority existed, so did they.
But for beings like them, once they were gone, they were truly gone.
As for Liyue, the adepti and yakshas who died fighting the Abyss or the remnants of the Archons left behind traces of their presence.
So, finding them wasn't too difficult.
"At least you, me, Ei, and Miko are still here. As for Chiyo… we'll keep looking."
Raiden Makoto sighed.
Kitsune Saiguu said, "Speaking of which… I think Miko had something to discuss with me tonight. I almost forgot. I'll take my leave now."
With that, Kitsune Saiguu stood up and prepared to leave.
It felt a bit abrupt, and Jiang Ning found it strange.
But since Kitsune Saiguu had said so, he didn't question it.
"Lady Makoto, since Saiguu isn't here to enjoy this, let's have a drink."
Jiang Ning took a sip of the sakura wine. The rich, fragrant flavor lingered on his palate.
"This is… truly excellent wine." Jiang Ning praised.
Raiden Makoto said, "Even though you're an adult now, you should still drink in moderation."
Jiang Ning replied, "I don't usually drink. Tonight was an exception because Eula asked me to. Since I've already started, I might as well have a few drinks with you, Lady Makoto."
"Sure."
Raiden Makoto smiled warmly as she refilled Jiang Ning's cup.
"When you go to Sumeru, I won't be accompanying you. I'll return to Inazuma. Ei will go with you."
Raiden Makoto said.
"Huh? So suddenly?" Jiang Ning was surprised. He had assumed Raiden Makoto would come with him.
But this was for the best. If they encountered Il Dottore or Scaramouche in Sumeru, Raiden Ei would be more useful in a fight than Raiden Makoto.
"As an older sister, I have to give my younger sister some space. I've been by your side long enough. It's time for Ei to get to know her future husband, don't you think?"
Raiden Makoto said.
Jiang Ning chuckled, "That's true…"
Raiden Makoto continued, "Besides, I can't completely neglect Inazuma. Consider this period a break."
"But…" Raiden Makoto leaned forward, her hands on the ground, her face close to Jiang Ning's. Her breath was warm, almost brushing against his face.
"Before I leave, shouldn't you give me a little gift?"
Jiang Ning said, "Lady Makoto, if it's something I can give, I will."
Raiden Makoto smiled, "No rush. Later, I have a surprise for you."
Jiang Ning asked, "What surprise?"
Raiden Makoto pointed toward the sea near Guyun Stone Forest, "Look over there."
Jiang Ning followed her gaze. In the sky, fireworks began to bloom.
Various patterns appeared—sakura blossoms, Geo symbols, Electro symbols…
In short, the sky was lit up with a dazzling array of colors, illuminating half the sea.
"This is… fireworks?"
Jiang Ning looked at the fireworks, pleasantly surprised.
Raiden Makoto said proudly, "Do you like them? I had Saiguu prepare them in advance. They were made by Yoimiya, who put a lot of effort into them."
Jiang Ning said, "So that's what you've been up to lately."
Raiden Makoto reached out and took Jiang Ning's hand, intertwining their fingers. Her gaze was gentle, glowing with a unique brilliance under the fireworks.
"Do you like it?"
Jiang Ning nodded, "I do."
Raiden Makoto said, "I'm glad… Then, shouldn't you give your lady a little reward as thanks?"
"What reward does Lady Makoto want?" Jiang Ning's eyes reflected the stunning woman before him.
Raiden Makoto quickly closed the distance between them, pressing her lips to Jiang Ning's:
"This reward… I'll take it myself."
With a gentle push, Raiden Makoto pressed Jiang Ning down onto the soft cushions.
Their lips met, and the usually calm and gentle Raiden Makoto suddenly displayed a level of aggression reminiscent of her sister.
Truly, they were sisters.
After what felt like an eternity, the two finally separated.
Raiden Makoto, looking down at Jiang Ning, asked with a playful smile:
"Little boy, what do you want to do?"
Jiang Ning, knowing full well what she meant, decided to play along:
"Miss, what do you want to do?"
Raiden Makoto suddenly grinned, recalling a line from some novels she had read recently.
She replied, "I want to."
"Huh…?"
Jiang Ning was stunned. He hadn't expected such a bold response from Raiden Makoto.
But before he could say anything, Raiden Makoto continued her "assault."
"You promised to give me a gift… How about we act out a little play called 'The Tadpole Searches for Its Mother'?"
Jiang Ning pondered for a moment, ignoring Raiden Makoto's playful nibbling, and asked a more academic question:
"Lady Makoto, do you think Archons can have children? And if so, would the child also be an Archon?"
Raiden Makoto lifted her head, her eyes shimmering like pools of water. She answered the academic question and proposed a solution:
"That's a good question… As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. We could set up multiple experimental groups… and try it out."
With that, she leaned down again.
Under the glow of the fireworks, the two gradually merged into one. After a moment of intense entanglement, a cry of pain and a sigh of satisfaction were drowned out by the sound of the fireworks.
---
Tonight, Liyue Harbor was anything but peaceful.
The sky, which should have been clear, was now covered in dark clouds.
Although it wasn't the rainy season, thunderclouds filled the sky, accompanied by flashes of lightning.
But no rain fell, leaving the people of Liyue puzzled.
What's going on?
Why is this happening?
The thunder and lightning were strange too.
Sometimes rapid, sometimes slow. At first, it was intense, but then it seemed to… weaken.
Though strange, that's just how it was.
When the thunder finally subsided, the people of Liyue thought the unusual storm was over.
But just as they thought that, the thunder started again.
This time, it was much softer, as if it didn't care anymore.
Shaking their heads, the people of Liyue went back to their business.
It didn't look like it would rain, and the anomaly was just that—an anomaly.
With Rex Lapis and the little lord around, and the adepti living in seclusion in Liyue Harbor, if they weren't concerned, it must be nothing serious.
As for Zhongli and Azhdaha, who were at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?
They looked up at the thunder and lightning with strange expressions.
"This… must be something to do with Baal, right?"
Azhdaha wondered.
"What's going on?"
Zhongli said, "Judging by the aura, Jiang Ning is nearby. It's probably something related to her resurrection… But her life force is stable, so it's nothing serious. No need to worry."
Azhdaha nodded, "True."
The two continued their tea and conversation.
Even these two single old dragons couldn't figure out what was happening with the thunder.
Meanwhile, Havria, who was admiring flowers at Yujing Terrace, looked up at the thunder with a strange expression.
Unlike others, as a female god who had been by Jiang Ning's side for so long, she knew exactly what was going on.
She turned to Madame Ping, who had just returned and was sipping tea with a relieved expression, and asked:
"Are you sure Xianyun was supposed to come clean to Ganyu and the others tonight, and then go find Jiang Ning?"
Madame Ping said cheerfully, "Yes, Ganyu sent word. Xianyun has already gone to find Jiang Ning."
"Why do you ask?"
Havria quickly shook her head, "No, nothing…"
Now, there were only two possibilities.
Either Xianyun had gone, and Raiden Makoto, feeling jealous, had done something very Inazuman in front of her.
Or, Xianyun hadn't gone at all, or had arrived too late, and something very Inazuman had happened without her presence.
Either way…
No wonder Xianyun's true form had those green patterned feathers.
It seems the boomerang of fate had come back to hit her.
Oh no, Xianyun has become the cuckold.
But Raiden Makoto was indeed decisive. If that's the case, then the only woman in the house who hasn't made a move yet is… me?
Havria suddenly realized the gravity of the situation. As for Kitsune Saiguu… that fox, Havria didn't believe she would stay idle.
Perhaps Raiden Makoto was eating the meat, while the fox was drinking the soup.
---
As Havria had guessed, Raiden Makoto, though an Archon, was relatively frail.
In fact, she couldn't even match Shenhe's stamina.
Just as Jiang Ning was about to take the sleeping Raiden Makoto home…
Kitsune Saiguu hugged Jiang Ning from behind, whispering in his ear, "Oh my, little benefactor, are you heading back already? It seems I came at the wrong time~"
Jiang Ning paused for a moment, then pulled the white fox in front of him:
"No, you came at the perfect time."
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