Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [594]

Of course, coming to Mondstadt wasn’t just about dragging some friends over to freeload at the feast — Gu Sanqiu really was here to lie low for a while.

Aside from Keqing, who was practically itching to beat him up over the whole “reward budget” issue, the rest of the Qixing all had things they wanted to discuss with him too. But it all boiled down to the same thing: asking — in roundabout, polite, political ways — if he knew the Geo Archon’s whereabouts.

Sorry, young master doesn’t know.

All that bureaucratic back-and-forth was starting to wear him down. And Uncle Tian? That old man was even worse. After leading a massive campaign, he had the nerve to try and retire on the spot, dumping the mess right on Gu Sanqiu’s lap!

He wanted him to take over the position of Tian Shu?

Yeah, no. The moment you set foot in the bureaucracy, it’s like sinking into the sea. He wasn’t about to waste his youth on that kind of dull life — he still had too many things he wanted to do. No way he was giving all that up for a government desk job.

His big sister was still the best. Even when he acted up on her office desk, she didn’t say anything — never even asked him to help with paperwork.

So Gu Sanqiu had made the right choice by running off. Better to give those folks some time to cool their heads, rather than coming up with new ways to annoy him every single day.

“So the question is… who can I drag along this time?”

Gu Sanqiu pondered seriously. Kaeya, the master of loafing, was a guaranteed yes. As for the others, Albedo was probably good to go too… and he could bring Little Red Riding Hood along while he was at it.

Diluc?

Shouldn’t be a problem. That guy could just say he was “expanding strategic trade relations with Liyue merchants” or something.

The rest were iffy. If he hauled off all the elite of the Knights of Favonius at once — plus the Acting Grand Master — now that would cause a stir.

Venti? Who knew. But the head of the Church of Favonius, that scary old nun, would probably come hunting them down with a staff.

Still, no harm in a little advance mingling. That way, next time they ran into each other during a business deal, they wouldn’t have to waste time with introductions.

“Well, well, look who showed up.”

Lounging on the second floor of the tavern, enjoying the breeze, Kaeya raised a glass with a grin. “I heard about what happened in Liyue. Didn’t think you all could actually take down a god. Impressive.”

“Correction — a half-sealed god. If it’d been the real deal, we would’ve been toast.”

Gu Sanqiu shot the Cryo traitor a look. “I came to ask Charles to send a message, but I didn’t expect you to be here. Isn’t it work hours? Playing hooky now, are we?”

“That’s why I’m upstairs.”

Kaeya’s tone was so matter-of-fact that Gu Sanqiu was momentarily at a loss.

So as long as no one sees you drinking, it doesn’t count as slacking off?

Classic Kaeya.

“Alright, enough chit-chat. Since you’re clearly free, clear your schedule for tomorrow. We’re going drinking in Liyue.”

Gu Sanqiu plopped down beside him, helping himself to a glass of Death After Noon.

“That’s the plan. We finish this drink, then go see who else is free. Then we set out.”

Kaeya’s eyes lit up. “A Liyue victory banquet? Count me in — I’m very interested.”

“By the way, what’s Albedo up to lately?”

“Him? Same old. Holed up in the lab all day, or teaching his two apprentices.”

Kaeya sighed. “Man, lately even my favorite recurring entertainment has vanished. Tragic.”

“What entertainment?”

Gu Sanqiu raised an eyebrow. Had something big happened in Mondstadt while he was busy beating up Osial?

“You must’ve heard from Albedo. Little Klee used to cause trouble all the time, and he’d be the one to clean up the mess.”

Kaeya spread his hands. “That was the classic pairing for a nice drink — watch chaos unfold. But sadly, it’s all gone now.”

...?

Gu Sanqiu gave him a side-eye. “You’re a Knight of Favonius, and you’re out here missing city-wide explosions?”

Something about your vibes is off, buddy.

“Hey, it’s not like that. I just feel a bit… wistful, that’s all.”

Gu Sanqiu slapped a hand over his face. “Please. I just fought a terrifying boss. Don’t start spouting cryptic nonsense. Just say it straight, would you?”

“Besides, even if Klee did cause trouble, it’s not like you’re the one who had to fix it or pay compensation. What are you moping about?”

He knew Kaeya’s personality well. If he was grumbling about not having enough drama to watch, that was normal. But this poetic, sighing nonsense? Totally out of character.

“Sigh. Come with me. Or better yet, buy me another Death After Noon, and we can sit here and wait. I’ll show you what I mean.”

“It’s just a drink. You got it.”

When the drink came, Gu Sanqiu shot a glance at Kaeya, who was sipping in silence with a thousand-yard stare. For the first time, he wondered if the guy had been possessed by something weird.

If it were anything related to Khaenri’ah, Kaeya would definitely keep smiling that diplomatic smile. No way he’d let his guard down in a public place like this.

That’s why Gu Sanqiu was suspicious — if there was something strange going on, maybe he, as a professional, should step in. The really specialized ones were still in Liyue Harbor, but he wasn’t flying back for that.

“Alright, judging by the time… in about twenty minutes, you’ll see what I’m talking about.”

Kaeya added, “Since you’re from a cultivation lineage, think you can cast an illusion for the two of us? Something to make it look like we already left the tavern?”

“No problem. But why?”

“I’ll tell you in twenty minutes.”

Gu Sanqiu gave him a long look. “If what I see doesn’t satisfy me, I’m dumping you into Cider Lake.”

Kaeya smiled mysteriously. “Don’t worry. You’ll be satisfied.”

...

Twenty minutes later—

“Ta-da! Klee’s here!”

Little Red Riding Hood pushed open the tavern doors, beaming as she waved to Charles.

“Aha! Our little princess is back!”

Charles chuckled. “What’ll it be today? Apple juice, sunset berry juice, or a nice cool honey-mint water?”

“Just a glass of plain water, please,” came a stern voice. “Klee’s still a child — she can’t have too many sweets.”

...?

Gu Sanqiu frowned. That voice… Jean? The legendary workaholic?

“Awwww, Master Jean, no fair. I want sweet juice…”

Klee’s cheeks puffed up in protest. Clearly, she wasn’t thrilled with Jean’s decision.

“It’s alright. If you get tired later this afternoon, come back. Charles will have your drink ready.”

“Yay!”

Gu Sanqiu’s eyes went wide.

No way.

Jean and Diluc?!

What the hell was going on?!

Kaeya raised his glass. “Well? Told you I wasn’t lying.”

Gu Sanqiu nodded instinctively. “Yeah… this is very interesting.”

Jean sighed and turned to Diluc. “You spoil her too much, you know. Klee’s still a kid — too many sweets will ruin her appetite.”

“It’s fine. With the amount of energy she burns, she actually needs some sugar to replenish herself.”

Diluc stroked the little girl’s head gently. “Trying to enforce a strict three-meal schedule on someone her age, especially with her activity levels, isn’t exactly sensible.”

“All the ingredients in Angel’s Share are top-quality. You can rest easy on that.”

Gu Sanqiu smirked. Well, well, who would’ve thought? That ice-cold demon Diluc actually going out of his way to make excuses for a little girl?

And if his instincts were right, it was almost time for work. Yet these two — Wind and Flame — were both here at Angel’s Share instead of their respective posts. That said a lot.

Even if they weren’t officially a couple, seeing the two of them appear together like this was already something. And the location wasn’t the office — it was a bar.

And Jean still called him “senpai”?

What, is that a pet name now? Isn’t it normal for flirty couples to call each other sweet nicknames? You single loser — what do you know about love?!

“Want another Death After Noon? Or should I just gift you a whole crate?”

Now Gu Sanqiu understood why Kaeya had been so melancholic and restless earlier. Before, when it was just gossip, he could laugh about it. But now? With this playing out in front of his eyes?

Of course he was conflicted.

Big bro had finally found a woman who could actually understand him. The cold-faced demon had someone he could talk to like a normal human being — and their relationship was clearly solid.

As for Kaeya, the adopted little brother… was he going to be left out now?

And that’s when Kaeya’s poker face finally cracked.

Watching this entire show unfold, Gu Sanqiu was very satisfied.

Not only did he get the juiciest gossip of the season — he also got to see Kaeya’s utterly tangled expression in full HD.

Excellent.

---

T/N: OMG ITS HAPPENING

This is a fan translation of 原神之璃月奉香人 by 淡白蛋清. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!