With Keqing leading the way this time, the group arrived smoothly at Wanmin Restaurant.
Only then did Valerius realize—
Wanmin Restaurant had been right nearby all along.
And the place he'd been wandering around earlier?
That was Chihu Rock.
Thankfully, Keqing didn't seem to notice that he'd gotten lost. Otherwise, she'd probably laugh at him for a good long while.
Inside the main hall, the three took their seats.
Almost immediately, Bronya and Keqing started chatting like long-lost sisters, hands clasped together, clearly hitting it off.
Unfortunately for Valerius…
Their topic of conversation was work.
Work.
Work again.
And more work.
This level of dedication was downright terrifying. Even during dinner, they couldn't put it down.
"…Um, Mr. Valerius," Keqing said, perhaps realizing she'd left him out for too long. She gently steered the conversation back.
"How long are you planning to stay in Liyue?"
"Oh, we're just here for a stroll. We'll head back later."
"I see…" Keqing looked a little disappointed. She'd hoped to show him around properly.
"If you visit again next time, I can personally guide you through Liyue."
"Sounds great," Valerius replied immediately.
"I'll be counting on you then, Miss Keqing."
Honestly, he did want to spend more time in Liyue. And with his sense of direction, having a guide was basically mandatory.
Seeing him agree so readily, Keqing began enthusiastically introducing Liyue's sights.
"If you come again, I recommend visiting the South Wharf. It's the largest port in all of Teyvat—ships come and go nonstop."
That sounded worth seeing.
"Dihua Marsh is also beautiful. The scenery there is especially serene."
Also good.
"And Yujing Terrace. The Rite of Descension is held there every year. There's still a month left before this year's ceremony—Mr. Valerius could come and watch."
Oh yes.
Absolutely yes.
Valerius mentally noted everything down. Watching Zhongli drop from the sky in person? That was definitely worth checking off the list.
Thinking about future events, Valerius grew increasingly animated in his conversation with Keqing.
And just like that—
Bronya was left to the side.
What's more, she noticed something unsettling.
Why did Valerius's eyes seem to light up when he looked at Keqing?
A faint, sour feeling rose in her chest.
She couldn't quite explain it. Ever since Valerius had spoken up for her before, his presence kept resurfacing in her thoughts. And now, seeing him chatting so happily with Keqing…
The discomfort wouldn't go away.
"…Huh? What's wrong, Bronya?" Valerius asked, noticing her expression.
"N-no… it's nothing. I'm just not feeling very well."
"Not feeling well?"
That was odd. She'd seemed fine just moments ago.
Then—
"Ohhh, I see."
Valerius suddenly looked enlightened.
This question?
He knew the answer to this one.
Rising to his feet, he gave Bronya a mysterious smile.
"Wait here a moment."
When he returned, he was holding a thermos. He placed it gently into Bronya's hands.
"Drink more hot water."
"…Huh?"
Bronya stared blankly at the thermos.
What do you mean drink more hot water?
She opened the lid.
The scent of brown sugar wafted up. Red dates floated gently on the surface.
"Pfft—!"
Keqing burst out laughing.
This guy… he's unbelievable. What on earth did he imagine just now?
But she also caught on immediately. Standing up, she said tactfully,
"You two continue. I have something else to take care of."
"Ah—already?" Valerius glanced at the table full of food.
"We've barely eaten… and—"
"And the bill?" Keqing smiled.
"I've already paid. If you need anything, just let the kitchen know."
She gave Bronya a knowing, teasing look before taking her leave—snickering every few steps.
Valerius stood there, completely baffled.
"…Is there something funny about me?"
"Nope," Bronya replied, struggling to suppress her laughter.
Holding the warm thermos, a gentle warmth spread through her chest.
He really did care—
even if his way of showing it was… rather ridiculous.
After eating and taking another short walk, the two finally returned to Belobog.
Lying on the large bed at the Goethe Hotel, a single thought lingered in Valerius's mind.
"I really need to find a way to make some money."
Going out broke every time just didn't feel right.
But for now, he had no clear idea how.
The livestream still had people from the IPC watching, so teaming up with Silver Wolf to scam bounties was off the table.
"…Should I borrow some from Asta?"
"No. Can't do that. Too embarrassing."
After mulling it over, Valerius landed on a solution.
Robbery.
And he already had a target in mind.
The Annihilation Gang.
From everything he'd heard, they weren't exactly upstanding citizens. Robbing them wouldn't weigh on his conscience at all.
This was called redistributing wealth.
They were rich.
He was poor.
Perfectly reasonable.
"Alright, that's settled. Tomorrow I'll contact Acheron. Let's pay the Ever-Flame Mansion a visit."
"Ah—choo!"
Far away, Acheron—carrying the music box and heading toward Penacony—suddenly sneezed.
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