Unsurprisingly, the new ritual site was also located within the underground ruins.
Rumor had it that these ruins were quite dangerous and remained only partially explored. It was remarkable that the Treasure Hoarders had dared to use such a place for their ritual.
Qin Yu and Shenhe traveled together on foot for several tens of minutes before finally arriving at the rendezvous point.
While the "Part-Time Maid 1" passive ability provided a significant constitution boost outside of combat, Qin Yu still longed for her own personal vehicle.
A skill like "Summon: Electro Motorcycle" could have solved this problem, but those types of abilities required a considerable number of points.
Maybe later.
Yanfei had originally planned to join them, but the situation had escalated so suddenly that she couldn't reschedule her time. A major case demanded her immediate attention. After repeatedly apologizing, she earnestly entrusted Shenhe with Qin Yu's safety.
Naturally, Shenhe agreed.
"Someone's over there," Shenhe said.
Qin Yu followed her gaze and saw Keqing and... Hu Tao?
The two were standing beneath a tree, observing the entrance to the ruins from a distance.
Why is Hu Tao here? Still, Hu Tao always seemed to pop up in the most unexpected places.
Now she had to face Keqing... The moment Qin Yu saw her, she was reminded of the shocking truth she had learned that day, and her own disgustingly embarrassing request.
"Could you... hug me?" Ha! Just thinking about it made her skin crawl. Why did I say something like that back then?
Thank goodness Keqing had been kind enough to agree; otherwise, the situation would have been even more mortifying.
Shenhe glanced at Qin Yu. "Aren't we going?"
"O-of course we are."
Qin Yu took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
Keqing and Hu Tao noticed them as soon as they approached.
"Yo! Isn't that Fishy Treasure and Shenhe? What a coincidence! Could you two be the reinforcements Keqing mentioned?" Hu Tao chirped, immediately closing the distance with a wide grin.
Keqing's face registered surprise, then awkwardness as she averted her gaze.
She remembers that day too, Qin Yu thought, lowering her head self-consciously and suppressing a sigh.
Memories of that day flooded Keqing's mind, a tangled mix of emotions: guilt for hurting Qin Yu, joy at their reunion, the comforting warmth of their embrace, and a lingering sense of nostalgia. Yet her expression remained stern.
"Why are you here?" Keqing asked.
Qin Yu stammered, "Well, it's because..."
"This place is dangerous—not suitable for ordinary citizens. If you've wandered in by mistake, please turn back now. You can return once the situation has been resolved," Keqing said with a sigh.
Shenhe spoke up. "I brought her here."
"You? That otherworldly aura and striking white hair... Ah, I see. You must be the White-Haired Adeptus Ningguang mentioned. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Seeming too weary for explanations, Shenhe simply stated, "My name is Shenhe."
"I'm Keqing, the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing," Keqing said with a smile. "Let's just call each other by our names, okay?"
"Suit yourself."
Keqing sensed there was something extraordinary about this woman. But why had she brought Qin Yu along? Unable to suppress her curiosity, she asked, "Why did you bring Qin Yu? You must have heard about the situation from Ningguang. We're infiltrating these ruins with a small elite team, and it's going to be dangerous."
Keqing crossed her arms. "As an ordinary citizen, Qin Yu shouldn't be involved in such a hazardous operation."
Shenhe was about to explain that she had requested Qin Yu's presence when Qin Yu interjected, "Because I want to help my friend! Lady Keqing, please allow me to join your team. I won't hold you back."
If Shenhe had revealed that it was her request, Keqing might have blamed her instead. It was crucial to maintain the atmosphere.
Keqing looked surprised. "You volunteered for this?"
"Yes."
Shenhe remained silent. She knew Qin Yu was lying, but she couldn't expose her. She simply couldn't understand why Qin Yu would do this. Why couldn't she just be honest?
"Besides, knowing that Lady Keqing is in charge of this operation, I wanted to help you out. You took such good care of me recently, and I want to repay that kindness in any way I can!"
A flawless delivery.
As expected, Keqing immediately looked troubled, and for some reason, her face seemed to flush slightly.
[Evaluation: D (Keqing)]
Come to think of it, she's a bit of a tsundere. She probably can't handle such straightforward declarations.
"You're too kind," Keqing replied. "I didn't exactly 'take care' of you; it was simply my duty. I appreciate your offer, but I can't allow an ordinary person like you to get involved in such dangerous matters..."
Hu Tao waved her hand dismissively. "Hey, Qin Yu can take on five guys at once! What's there to worry about? Besides, with the three of us here, dealing with those Treasure Hoarders will be a piece of cake."
(TL Note: Ayo? ( ˶°ㅁ°) !!)
Hu Tao was sticking up for Qin Yu.
A bit odd, but she's still a good person at heart.
Qin Yu nodded inwardly, catching Hu Tao winking playfully at her.
"If we keep dawdling like this," Hu Tao added, "who knows what kind of demons and monsters might already be throwing a party inside?"
Keqing pondered, visibly hesitant. Hu Tao's words made sense; they shouldn't waste time. But Qin Yu refused to leave, and Keqing worried about her getting hurt.
Hu Tao was secretly surprised. She never imagined the usually decisive and efficient Yuheng Star would hesitate so much, especially over something involving Qin Yu. Their relationship must be more complicated than it seems, she mused with a knowing smirk.
Keqing turned to Shenhe. "What's your opinion? Don't you think we should keep her away from such a dangerous situation?"
Since Hu Tao had already sided with Qin Yu, Keqing had no choice but to ask Shenhe.
But the outcome seemed predetermined. Shenhe simply stated, "No matter what happens, I will protect her."
Keqing's eyes widened slightly. No matter what? Shenhe's tone was stark and resolute, leaving no room for doubt.
So that's how it is. Qin Yu has truly made some wonderful friends.
Could Shenhe be the one who's had such a positive influence on Qin Yu? If so, I owe her a deep debt of gratitude... though expressing it directly would likely only confuse her.
A mix of melancholy and relief washed over Keqing. "Alright," she said reluctantly, "but if danger arises, you must take shelter behind us. Understood?"
"Mm-hmm!" Qin Yu replied.
"Then let's move out."
The underground ruins were shrouded in darkness, but Keqing had come prepared with a lantern. Hu Tao, as a Pyro Vision wielder, could conjure flames at will for illumination, so she wasn't worried.
Qin Yu activated her Vampire Magic Eye, which eased her discomfort considerably.
Keqing handed the lantern to Qin Yu. "You're afraid of the dark. You should hold this."
"Thank you... but how did Lady Keqing know I was afraid of the dark?"
That's strange. Did I ever mention that to her?
Keqing realized her mistake. She and Qin Yu were "strangers" who shouldn't know such personal details about each other. That's how it has to be.
I can't believe I slipped up like that.
Fortunately, Keqing quickly came up with a plausible explanation to cover her slip: "I noticed you were trembling earlier, so I thought that might be the reason."
"I see," Qin Yu replied, relieved. "Thank you. Lady Keqing is so considerate. I'm truly grateful."
"It's only natural," Keqing said, turning away. "No need to thank me."
[Assessment: D+ (Keqing)]
Her eyes are red again. What's going on? Is it some kind of ability? I've never seen this before. There are so many things I don't understand anymore, Keqing thought to herself.
Every time she saw those red eyes, Keqing couldn't help but think of a certain colleague.
Ningguang's eyes were also red—beautiful, undeniably...
But why would both mistress and servant have the same red eyes?
The thought of Qin Yu calling Ningguang "Master" gave Keqing a headache. She rubbed her temples and sighed involuntarily.
"What's wrong, Keqing? Feeling unwell?" Hu Tao asked curiously.
"Huh? Oh... it's nothing. I just find this whole situation annoying," Keqing replied, shaking her head. She muttered to herself, "A Possession Technique? If you have a goal you want to achieve, you should accomplish it yourself! What's the point of relying on someone else?"
"That makes perfect sense," Qin Yu thought. "Still, if some rich woman ever offered me a fortune to ensure I'd never have to worry about money again, I wouldn't exactly refuse."
Hu Tao clapped her hands in delight. "Exactly! What else?"
"And simply because I loathe the very act of possession!" Keqing flicked her ponytail, a hint of anger in her voice.
"Why's that?" Hu Tao blinked curiously.
"Why? Because—never mind. Enough idle chatter. Let's move out when you're ready. We'll be facing combat ahead."
Whew, that was close. I almost let her trick me into revealing too much, Keqing thought, breathing a sigh of relief.
Hu Tao didn't seem disappointed by her failed attempt to pry. She merely chuckled. "Fair enough. Fishy Treasure, are you alright? Even with those Night Vision eyes, you still seem a bit afraid of the dark, right?"
Night Vision... so that's what it is. Not bad at all, Keqing thought, feeling more at ease.
Qin Yu nodded. "I'm fine!"
Shenhe spoke up. "You can hold my hand. When I held yours earlier, I felt a sense of calm... Perhaps you can feel it too."
"Hmm?" Keqing responded, turning her head slightly.
"What?!" Qin Yu was stunned. Hand holding at a time like this? Impossible! And they were treating her like some fragile flower in need of constant care.
I'm not some damsel in distress.
Forcing a smile, Qin Yu shook her head. "There's no need. With all of you here, I feel completely safe."
Keqing's lips curved into a barely perceptible smile. Hu Tao nodded enthusiastically, while Shenhe murmured a soft, "I see."
[Evaluation: C- (Keqing)]
[Evaluation: D+ (Shenhe)]
[Evaluation: D- (Hu Tao)]
Wow, just one sentence boosted my intimacy ratings with three people! Truly impressive... Though I hadn't intended to earn any Points with that.
Still, unintentional gains are always welcome.
"But I still want to hold your hand, Fishy Treasure! Shenhe got to, so how could your best friend miss out?" Hu Tao declared, grabbing Qin Yu's other hand.
Huh?
Qin Yu's smile strained. "Uh, now's not really the time for this..."
"Just for a moment... Hmm, your hand's so warm and cozy. It's quite comforting to hold. Let's do this again next time we go out!"
Absolutely not!
[Evaluation: D+ (Hu Tao)]
As Qin Yu had suspected, Hu Tao was being unreasonable. How am I supposed to wield my gun like this? Qin Yu grumbled inwardly, unable to shake off Hu Tao's grip. This persona I've adopted is really troublesome sometimes.
Shenhe continued to watch them silently.
Fortunately, Keqing cleared her throat. "Enough. I sense other presences nearby. Focus."
Hu Tao immediately released Qin Yu's hand.
Just as Qin Yu was mentally thanking Keqing and breathing a sigh of relief, Hu Tao whispered in her ear:
"You promised, remember?~"
Her warm breath tickled Qin Yu's ear, sending a shiver down her spine. Qin Yu pressed her hand to her ear, her face flushed. "Y-yes..."
Wait, why did I agree so easily?
Keqing, meanwhile, was keenly aware of their exchange. Promised? What promise? Why can't they take this seriously? We're in the middle of a battle!
Still, she couldn't deny her own inability to hold Qin Yu's hand like they could. The hand she should be holding isn't mine anymore; the one who should be her friend is them. Keqing exhaled sharply, her gaze hardening.
Enemies ahead.