Harbor Patrol
After Keqing finally pushed Keyn away from the docks, she glanced back and confirmed that Beidou was no longer in sight. Only then did the faint heaviness in her chest ease.
With her usual composure, she patted Keyn lightly on the shoulder in a half-joking manner.
"Keyn, even if our work may look simple, our responsibilities are important. We can't afford to be distracted. Let's move on — there are still many places we need to inspect."
Keyn nodded. "Yeah."
That day, his task was to accompany Keqing on her rounds. For him, simply walking beside her meant he'd still be compensated. In comparison, Keqing's workload was far heavier — in the evenings, she still had to review and approve construction plans submitted by the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Keyn's part was the easier role, but he didn't mind in the slightest. He was more than willing to spend time with her.
They walked together through the streets, passing the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Chunxiang Kiln, the Adventurers' Guild, Three Bowls of Tea but Not Enough to Fill, Wanmin Restaurant, and Jie Cuihong Grocery.
Keyn never fully understood what exactly Keqing's "inspection" entailed, but for him, being at her side was reason enough. From time to time, he even stole glances at her delicate profile. When Keqing noticed, she turned her head with a gentle smile.
"What is it? Did I miss something in the inspection?"
Keyn immediately waved his hands in denial.
"No, no. I just… don't you ever get tired of repeating the same routine every day?"
Keqing lowered her gaze in thought for only a second, then looked up with a soft expression.
"This is my duty. And aren't you walking with me the whole way, keeping me company?"
The noon sun was scorching, and Keqing occasionally lifted the strands of hair clinging to her temples to wipe away the sweat. The small gesture left Keyn nearly entranced. To him, Keqing was the very picture of perfection — the ideal goddess.
And then there was Xiangling, with whom he shared many lively moments — a best friend of a different sort. For Keyn, being able to stay by their sides day after day felt like a blessing.
By the time they arrived in front of Yanshang Tea House, Keqing suddenly stopped.
"It's too hot, and we've already finished the morning's inspection. Let's go up and rest for a while. My treat."
"Alright," Keyn agreed.
But as soon as they stepped onto the second floor, they spotted Zhongli seated by the window.
Keqing merely gave him a polite nod before leading Keyn elsewhere. Keyn, however, rubbed his palms nervously. To him, Zhongli was none other than the former Geo Archon — the figure Keqing respected most. He never imagined Keqing would bring him past without stopping.
Hesitantly, he asked, "Aren't we going to sit with Zhongli?"
Keqing glanced briefly in Zhongli's direction, then smiled at Keyn.
"No. I want to discuss some work matters with you, and it would be inappropriate to disturb him."
She ordered two cups of black tea and slid one across to him.
"I hope you like this. Even during work, we must learn to savor life."
Keyn lifted the cup, but his gaze wandered to Zhongli again. Zhongli noticed and gave a subtle nod of acknowledgment. Keyn wanted to exchange a few words with him, so he turned to Keqing.
"Keqing, where are we headed this afternoon?"
Her expression faltered for a moment.
"Hm? Why ask so suddenly? …Well, the same as usual."
The Lantern Rite had only just concluded, and she hadn't drawn up a new schedule. Truthfully, she only wanted an excuse to prolong their time together.
Noticing Keyn's eyes drifting away toward Zhongli once more, Keqing leaned forward, tilting her head just enough to block his line of sight.
"What is it? Are you too tired from accompanying me? Or… are you anxious to hurry back and apologize to Ganyu?"
Keyn choked slightly, flustered by her beauty. He quickly lifted the black tea and took a sip to steady himself.
"Ahem… I'll apologize to Ganyu tonight. I just thought I'd greet Zhongli for a moment, if you weren't busy this afternoon."
Keqing propped her chin in both hands, squinting at him with a playful smile.
"Hehe, but I also have questions for you. This is supposed to be our break, isn't it? You're friends with Zhongli, yes, but shouldn't you consider the timing when you choose who to share tea with? Or… do you not want to drink tea with me?"
Something in her tone made Keyn's brow furrow. He forced a smile.
"It's only a few steps away. Saying hello should be fine, right?"
Her gaze sharpened slightly. "Hm? What do you think?"
A gentle breeze stirred outside, lifting Keqing's twin ponytails. It should have been a charming scene, yet Keyn felt a chill prickle his spine. He quickly waved both hands.
"No, no… you're right. Let's just sit here, drink tea, rest, and prepare for the afternoon."
Keqing nodded in satisfaction. They drank quietly for a while, with Keqing never once bringing up work.
Only when dark clouds passed and dimmed the sunlight did she stretch languidly.
"Keyn, Liyue Harbor is far more prosperous now than it was a thousand years ago. The people's lives are improving, but happiness is just as important as industry. After work, they need time to relax. And so do we. This tea break is also part of our inspection — a firsthand look at what it means to live leisurely."
Keyn nodded obediently. "If you say so, then it must be right."
Then, unable to hold back, he asked, "Is this something the Geo Archon once taught?"
Keqing blinked in surprise. "Huh? The Emperor's guidance?"
Truthfully, she had only wanted to find a reason to keep Keyn seated with her. She hadn't expected him to bring Morax into the conversation.
After a thoughtful pause, she answered softly.
"It has been a long time since I received the Emperor's guidance. But I believe that even he would agree with this path. Without him, I was lost for a time… but now, I still have you to rely on in my work."
Keyn glanced past her at Zhongli, then drank the last of his tea with a stiff nod.
"Mm. I believe the Emperor would approve."
At that moment, Zhongli rose and silently gave Keyn a discreet thumbs-up before leaving.
"Zhongli, long time no see," Keyn managed to greet him as he passed. "How is today's tea?"
"Reuniting with old friends," Zhongli replied warmly, "is always a blessing."
Keqing smiled politely. "Mr. Zhongli's knowledge of the tea ceremony is unmatched. It is an honor to drink tea in your presence… but Keyn and I still have work to attend to, so we cannot stay longer."
Zhongli simply smiled and departed.
Keqing turned back with a content expression. "Well then, it's just us again. One last sip, and then we'll resume."
Yet she lingered over that final cup, rubbing it between her palms, reluctant to drink. Keyn, lulled by the warmth, nearly dozed off until she gently shook him awake.
"Keyn, come on. A dark cloud will be passing soon — a good time to resume patrol."
"Alright."
That afternoon, they continued through Mingxing Jewelry, Xinyue Kiosk, the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, the Feiyun Commerce Guild, Liuli Pavilion, and Bubu Pharmacy.
When they reached the stretch of road leading from Yuehai Pavilion toward the Jade Chamber's observatory, Keqing slowed to a halt. Ahead lay Ningguang's office — not part of today's inspection.
She looked up at the sunset-tinged sky and exhaled softly.
"The sun is about to set. That will be all for today. Thank you for staying with me, Keyn. Come — let's return to Wanmin Restaurant. Dinner is my treat."
***
Keqing's mix of professionalism and her subtle, almost possessive affection 🤤