There were certain matters that Ningguang found difficult to address. After all, the person before her was Jean, the acting leader of the Knights of Favonius and the de facto ruler of Mondstadt. If Ningguang were to interfere and tell Jean what she should do, it would not be assistance but rather meddling in Mondstadt's internal affairs.
Unless Jean sought her guidance or asked for advice, Ningguang preferred to remain silent.
"Truth be told, I would love to stay in Liyue Harbor for a few more days. There are still numerous opportunities for cooperation between Liyue and Mondstadt," Ningguang admitted. "However, as you are aware, the situation with Lord Tevarin is currently troubling Mondstadt. Until this matter is resolved, the city will continue to face instability. The turmoil has even begun to affect trade relations between our two nations."
Jean's expression was resolute. "Once again, I must thank you. If it weren't for Consultant Smith, we may have never uncovered the truth behind this incident."
As for how to aid Tevarin, Jean had already devised a plan. Since Tevarin's corruption stemmed from Durin's poisonous blood, she believed it would be wise to seek out Albedo. He was among the most accomplished alchemists in Teyvat and the creation of the legendary Golden Rhinedottir. There was a good chance that Albedo possessed knowledge regarding Durin's origins, and perhaps, he could concoct an antidote.
"You're too kind," Ningguang replied with a small smile. However, her heart was filled with mixed emotions. If Jean knew Smith's private opinion of Mondstadt, she might not be so friendly. While his criticisms of Mondstadt's people were based on truth, such blunt honesty would likely wound Jean deeply. After all, for Jean, Mondstadt was more than just a city—it was her everything.
At that moment, Jean's gaze shifted towards a nearby crowd, her eyes locking onto a familiar figure. "Hey, Ningguang, isn't that Mr. Smith? And who is the girl beside him?" she asked softly.
From her previous observations, Jean was under the impression that Smith and Keqing were romantically involved. However, now he was walking alongside another girl.
"Indeed," Ningguang confirmed, also directing her attention to the pair. Smith and Nahida were leisurely browsing various market stalls, selecting an assortment of breakfasts. "I know the young lady beside him—she's quite an interesting individual."
However, Ningguang's attention was drawn to the small, pink creature perched on Smith's head. If her memory served her correctly, it was Dream. Though it appeared much smaller than when she had last seen it in a live broadcast, she was certain it was the same entity.
"I see..." Jean murmured thoughtfully. After a brief hesitation, she chose not to approach Smith and Nahida. Their relationship was not particularly close, and though Jean wished to bid him farewell, she decided against disturbing them.
Meanwhile, Smith and Nahida had also taken notice of Jean's lingering gaze. "Is that Jean, the acting leader of the Knights of Favonius?" Nahida asked curiously.
"Yes," Smith confirmed. "Because of the situation with the East Wind Dragon, she traveled to Liyue Harbor seeking aid. Judging by her demeanor, she's preparing to depart."
Nahida nodded in understanding. Although Jean was not a deity, she played a crucial role in Mondstadt's governance. With Barbatos absent, Nahida was intrigued by Jean's leadership. In her, Nahida sensed a noble spirit—one vastly superior to the corrupt Azar and his followers.
"It makes sense," Smith continued. "With Tevarin's condition causing chaos in Mondstadt, she can't afford to stay away for long. Moreover, the Abyss Order and the Fatui are always lurking, waiting for an opportunity to strike."
Smith gently patted Nahida's head. "Let's go pick up the clothes I had made for Keqing. Do you want to order something for yourself as well?"
"Clothes?" Nahida hesitated. Since childhood, she had never needed to change her garments. As a deity, she could conjure attire using her divine power. However, the idea of having custom-made clothes was intriguing.
"Let's go! This shop is excellent, aside from its steep prices," Smith said with a chuckle. "But for people like us, an expensive store isn't a problem—it's the customers' wallets that suffer."
---
Upon returning home, Smith handed Keqing a neatly folded outfit. "Ah Qing, try this on!"
Keqing took the garments and unfolded them, revealing a stylish JK uniform. She had accompanied Smith when he had the clothes tailored, so she knew he had taken her measurements in advance. However, her attention soon drifted to the small creature on Smith's head.
Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Is that Dream? Didn't you say before that Dream couldn't leave the Pokémon world?"
Smith chuckled. "That Dream can't leave the Pokémon world. But that doesn't mean it can't create a duplicate of itself."
Hearing this, Dream giggled, playfully covering its mouth. It was thoroughly enjoying this world—a realm vastly different from the Pokémon universe, yet equally fascinating.
"Is that so? That's incredible!" Keqing exclaimed, her hands itching to grab Dream and give it a good squeeze. It was simply too adorable.
However, she quickly realized something else. Her movements were hindered, and her legs were sore. The blame, of course, rested entirely on Smith!
She shot him a dangerous glare. This man had sweet-talked her before, but now he was pretending not to notice her discomfort?
Although she had gained certain benefits from their recent interactions—such as access to divine power—it wasn't the same!
Fixing him with a serious expression, Keqing asked, "Now that our relationship has reached this point, when do you plan to move out of Ningguang's place? Are you willing to move in with me?"
Smith scratched his nose. "I'm not quite ready to be a live-in son-in-law."
He didn't mind living with his girlfriend, but moving into Keqing's family home would feel awkward. If he ever wanted to invite someone over, it would be uncomfortable to do so in her house.
"It seems like I need to get my own place," Smith mused aloud.
Keqing narrowed her eyes. "Is that so? I wonder what kind of place you're thinking of?"
Smith chuckled. "Something with enough space for both of us—perhaps even a room for Dream."
Dream purred in satisfaction, while Keqing sighed. "You're impossible, you know that?"
Despite her words, there was a soft smile on her lips. Perhaps this unpredictable man was precisely the kind of luck she needed in her life.
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