Ryou was completely thrown by what his father said.
He and Lumine had only met twice, and his father was telling him she'd fallen for him?
Huh?
Love at first sight?
…With Lumine's personality, it wasn't impossible for her to have a thought like that.
Still.
He hadn't even done anything, and someone already liked him?
Seriously?
If he hadn't married Keqing, he would've been over the moon.
But now what was he supposed to do?
He'd only been married a few days. And Keqing had a good temperament, she was beautiful, and she treated him well. There was no way he could just throw Keqing aside and be with Lumine instead.
Ryou might have a "player" instinct somewhere in his heart, but as a man, he couldn't wrong his own woman. Especially not when he was already married.
Even if he liked Lumine, he'd married Keqing. He couldn't do the whole "two-timing" thing.
Unless he could persuade Keqing.
And with Keqing's personality, that was a fantasy.
Ryou cleared his throat. "Father, she's just here to go to the Jade Chamber. She's Mondstadt's Honorary Knight—Tabibito."
"Tabibito?" His father gave a short nod. "Fine. Go on up."
He didn't say anything else. He gave Ryou a long look, then left with his people.
Lumine watched it all, then let out a quiet breath and looked away without saying anything.
"Tabibito," Paimon asked softly, "are you okay? You don't look great."
"I'm fine," Lumine said. "Just thinking about something. Let's go. We came to Liyue for real business—don't let it get delayed."
She didn't continue.
Because she'd seen it clearly just now—Ryou hesitated.
She did have feelings for him, but some words were never going to leave her mouth. And Ryou's attitude made it obvious he didn't want to talk about it either.
Which made sense.
He had a wife. He hadn't been married long. The fact he wouldn't keep going down that road meant he was a good man—he didn't want to wrong Keqing.
Lumine couldn't help envying Keqing for finding someone like that.
And yet, for some reason, it still sat badly in her chest.
Meanwhile, Ryou walked with his father down from beneath Yujing Terrace.
"You brat," his father said, staring hard at him. "Some things—don't blame me for talking harsh. I don't want this happening again. Understand?"
He didn't wait for an answer before continuing. "Keqing was willing to marry you. That's already a huge blessing for you. Back then, I used plenty of methods to help you marry Keqing."
He snorted.
"Do you have any idea how many people in Liyue want to marry her? I haven't heard that you two have had any conflicts, so treat Keqing well. Understand?"
His tone dropped.
"Otherwise, don't blame your father for not being polite."
Ryou nodded seriously. "Father, don't worry. I'm married now. Since I married Keqing, I'll treat her well."
He spoke plainly. "Keqing is a good person. A lot of the time, she gives in to me. Being able to marry a woman like that—I'm satisfied from the bottom of my heart. I won't let my mind run wild."
He looked his father in the eye.
"As a man, I know what I should do, and what I shouldn't."
That was how Ryou truly felt.
He'd married someone—he wasn't about to mess around outside. That was why he kept his distance from other women.
Besides, Keqing was already more than good enough. Being able to marry her, he was already happy.
His father patted his shoulder. "Good. That's good. Worthy of our family."
He nodded, clearly pleased. "I like that attitude."
Then his expression shifted. "Keqing's always busy at the Ministry of Civil Affairs. She has plenty on her plate. So don't keep wearing her out, understand?"
He sighed. "Ningguang even complained to me just now. Said that on your first day at the Ministry, Keqing dragged you out shopping, then clocked out and went straight home afterward."
"And today she's gone too far—she didn't even show up at the Ministry at all."
He pointed at Ryou. "You, kid. Restrain yourself. Otherwise even your father won't know what to say to people."
"Cough… Father, I understand." Ryou scratched his cheek, letting out an awkward dry laugh.
"Alright," his father said. "Come home for lunch today. Your mother's been waiting for you."
He glanced aside, then sighed again. "You didn't come back yesterday, and she's been angry. And come back early—if not, your mother keeps nagging me. Your father doesn't have it easy at home either."
He turned, then seemed to remember something.
"Just… take it easy on her, alright?"
Then he added, perfectly straight-faced, "But working harder is fine too. Your mother and I are still young. If we can get a grandson, we'll be satisfied."
His eyes narrowed with a hint of satisfaction.
"When that happens, I'll retire and hand you the burden. This position of mine is going to be yours sooner or later."
[End of chapter]
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