"Y-You… what are you saying? How can you say something like that?!"
Ganyu's face flushed out of control at the stranger's words. Heat rushed up her neck and clung to her cheeks, burning hot. Saying something like that out loud was mortifying—how was she supposed to admit it? And coming from another girl, was that really appropriate?
Wait.
Cloud Retainer had mentioned another disciple—someone who stayed on Mt. Aocang year-round to train. Could this cold, unfamiliar woman be her?
She looked distant, the kind of person who made you hesitate to get close. But her presence was strong—Cloud Retainer had clearly taught her plenty.
"Shenhe. Absolutely not." Cloud Retainer's tone sharpened. "One is a mighty and illuminated adeptus—how could one use status to press others down? And besides, if he chose to marry Keqing, that means their bond runs deep. If you tear them apart, you ruin a good marriage."
Cloud Retainer's voice turned even colder.
"They say it's better to tear down a temple than break up a marriage. How could one do such a thing? Do not bring this up again."
The more she thought about it, the more irritated she got. They were living happily—what, she was supposed to force her way in and smash it apart? What kind of shameless nonsense was that?
Then she turned back to Ganyu.
"Ganyu, you're usually buried in work. You don't come back to Mt. Aocang often, so you haven't met her. This is Shenhe—one's other disciple."
Cloud Retainer continued, measured now.
"In some time, one plans to send Shenhe down the mountain to train among mortals. When that happens, you must look after her. She has stayed on the mountain too long and doesn't understand many things. She will need you to keep an eye on her."
"Understood, Cloud Retainer." Ganyu nodded quickly, then tried to speak to Shenhe. "Shenhe-san… I've heard Cloud Retainer mention you. This is our first time meeting, but when you come to Liyue Harbor, I can help you find work, and you—"
It was her first time meeting Shenhe, and she couldn't help feeling tense. Shenhe's temperament ran cold, with a clear "don't come closer" edge. Ganyu instinctively felt like she would be hard to get along with.
"No need." Shenhe cut in, frowning slightly. "If I go down the mountain, I'll find my own path. Ganyu is busy with the Ministry's affairs. You don't need to worry about me."
Her tone wasn't hostile. She wasn't displeased with Ganyu, and she held no prejudice toward Liyue. This was simply how she spoke.
People who stayed around her for too long always ended up in trouble. She didn't want Ganyu dragged into that—adepti blood or not.
Shenhe looked at Ganyu again. "Ganyu, if you like him, then say it clearly. Being married doesn't mean he's the right match."
"Some days ago, I went down the mountain to gather herbs. I saw a man lure a young woman to the foot of Mt. Aocang—he meant to kill her. I saved her, and only then learned he was her husband. He wanted her dead for a fortune. Things like that happen more than you think."
Shenhe's voice stayed calm, as if she were stating a fact in a ledger.
"Ganyu is an adeptus. If you want him, then make your position known. If that doesn't work—take him. Once you understand that, there's nothing to hesitate over. Hesitation wastes time, and the longer you wait, the smaller your chance becomes. They're newlyweds, yes, and their bond may be strong, but frictions will come. If you seize the moment, you'll get what you want."
With that, Shenhe turned to Cloud Retainer.
"Sensei, I'm going back to training."
"…Oh. Go on, then." Cloud Retainer answered, still trying to process what she'd just heard.
In her head, she could only think: That was… way too bandit-like, wasn't it?
If you like him, take him?
Listen to yourself—what kind of line is that?!
Then she noticed Ganyu looking like she'd just been struck by sudden clarity. Cloud Retainer pressed a hand to her forehead.
"Ganyu… Shenhe's just like that. She's spent too long training on Mt. Aocang. She does go to Liyue Harbor sometimes, but the mountain life still shows."
Cloud Retainer exhaled, then softened her tone.
"Don't take what she said to heart. Those cases are exceptions. As for your matter… one truly doesn't know what to tell you."
She paused.
"Instead of thinking yourself in circles, follow your heart. If you truly like him, then act. One has raised you for many years—by every measure, one believes you are no worse than Keqing."
"Cloud Retainer… I understand." Ganyu nodded at last.
She left Mt. Aocang and walked toward Liyue Harbor.
She'd spent some time up on the mountain, but her mind felt clearer now. Cloud Retainer's reasoning made sense… yet Shenhe's way was more direct. No hesitation. If you like him, take him.
But—
Keqing and she were like sisters. They were close.
Stealing her husband… wasn't that wrong?
Cloud Retainer?
Why aren't you saying anything?
Note: Chapters up to 50 are available on my Patreon FOR FREE. I'll keep working on this fanfic as long as it's getting enough support to justify continuing.
[End of chapter]
[[email protected]/BellAshelia]