Somewhere in the wilds of Mondstadt
After parting ways with Noelle and the others at the city gate, Bonanus set off on her own.
She strolled leisurely through the wilderness, taking in the trees, the flowers, the grass.
Mondstadt's scenery was beautiful. But because of Dvalin, the skies had grown dim. Bonanus didn't mind, though.
The protagonist had arrived in Mondstadt, and the problem would be resolved soon enough. She was just a bystander. Whether she was there or not didn't matter.
She stretched. Leaving Mondstadt so suddenly felt a little strange, but that feeling would pass quickly enough.
Finding a secluded spot, she looked around to make sure no one was watching, then leaped into the air and flew toward Liyue.
She vanished in an instant. Since no one was around, she didn't bother hiding it. Walking was just too tiring.
That comment about "enjoying the scenery without a carriage" was just an excuse anyway.
Come on, carriages weren't as fast as flying.
The moment she took off, her large claws, hidden by illusion, reappeared on her hands.
Target: Liyue Harbor. Full speed ahead!
...
Meanwhile
In Liyue
Dihua Marsh
On the rooftop of Wangshu Inn
Xiao sat cross-legged, eyes closed, brows slightly furrowed. He said nothing, did nothing.
Why the frown? Because he didn't feel well.
His head was spinning. Ever since Bonanus left Liyue, his brothers had been coming to him with drinks, conversation, and barbecue.
This unpleasant feeling was probably a hangover.
It was ridiculous. Especially Bosacius. That guy was a bottomless pit. It was getting annoying. In all his years guarding Liyue, this was a first.
He took a deep breath and looked up at the sky. He could clearly feel that his cold heart had changed.
The erosion of karmic debt was weakening. The Yakshas could gradually interact with humans, even live among them. The feeling was strange.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. All of this was thanks to Sister Bonanus.
He sat up straight and took in his surroundings.
The area he guarded was relatively safe. No monsters in sight. Aside from those hiding in the shadows.
Then, a familiar presence entered Liyue. He would never mistake it. It was his sister.
Xiao's eyes snapped open. He stood up, his eyes filled with joy. After waiting so long, his sister had finally recovered and returned.
Without hesitation, he ran toward that presence. He couldn't wait a single moment longer.
Every day without his sister had been torture.
She was like his cure. He couldn't seem to live without her anymore.
...
Back to Bonanus
Returning to the land of rock, Bonanus put her hands on her hips and took a deep breath, savoring the familiar scent of stone.
"So this is what coming home feels like." She looked toward the distant buildings. Wangshu Inn stood tall, visible even from far away.
"Xiao is probably up there, spacing out. I wonder what he's doing." Bonanus muttered to herself. Just thinking about seeing her cute little brother made her mood even brighter.
After all, no girl could resist a cute little brother. Especially one so obedient and clingy.
She rubbed her large claws. What was she even thinking? She liked Xiao, but she wasn't about to get into a relationship while wearing someone else's body.
She sighed helplessly. If only she had been transported here as herself. Then she could approach Xiao as her true self.
Then she wouldn't feel so guilty. This body wasn't hers, and that person was.
She shook her head and mentally punched herself. Why was she overthinking this again?
"Anyway, time to go back." Bonanus said flatly.
She put her claws on her hips and was about to take off again when a familiar voice called out to her.
"Sister Bonanus!"
It was Xiao. He was as fast as ever. She hadn't even felt him approach.
"Huh? Alatus! Your perception is sharp!" Bonanus said, surprised. She almost thought her brother had put a tracker on her.
He knew she was back the moment she crossed the border. He was so fast.
"You didn't have to come all the way to meet me. I was going back anyway." Bonanus reached out to ruffle his hair, but he caught her hand.
"I missed you."
Xiao pulled her into a tight embrace. He never wanted to let go. His sister's body was warm and soft, carrying a faint scent of grass.
To Xiao, she had a calming fragrance. It was comfortable. He loved it.
She was wearing a new outfit. A blue qipao. She looked beautiful.
"Still acting like a child? You're thousands of years old." Bonanus patted his back gently. She felt like she was comforting a child. A very old child.
She couldn't believe the aloof Xiao from the game was this soft and clingy with her.
What a contrast.
"You smell like alcohol."
Bonanus frowned and tried to push him away. She had other things to do.
But he was too strong. She couldn't budge him.
He's gotten stronger.
"Bosacius and Menogias came to drink with me. I couldn't refuse." Xiao explained helplessly.
"Ah? They were feeding you drinks while I was away? Drinking isn't good for you. Wait, let go of me."
Bonanus frowned. Her brothers had really taken advantage of her absence to get Xiao drunk.
Hearing that, Xiao reluctantly let go. Not yet. He would have to wait a little longer. His sister was oblivious.
"For us, alcohol isn't that harmful. Some rare wines can even enhance strength."
Xiao shook his head. He brought his hand to his nose and sniffed lightly. It smelled like his sister.
"What? Do I smell bad?" Bonanus frowned. Then she remembered something.
She had completely stood up Lisa. They were supposed to go bathing together. Hopefully Lisa wouldn't be too angry.
She had heard the librarian could be terrifying when upset.
"No..." Xiao shook his head, then frowned. He realized his behavior had been a little strange.
No, this was his beloved sister. It wasn't strange at all.
"Fine. Either way, I need to take a bath when I get back to Yanfei's place." Bonanus smoothed out her wrinkled clothes and smiled.
She was about to take off when Xiao grabbed her hand.
"Wait..."
His expression shifted from gentle to dark. He had been too happy to notice before, but now...
What was that red mark on her neck?
"Who left that red mark on your neck?" Xiao's aura turned icy cold. Bonanus felt like it could freeze a bull.