"How was it? Enjoyed the movie?" Liben asked with a knowing smile as he looked at Lucas and Jean, who were still basking in the afterglow of their time together. "See? Watching movies together really brings couples closer. At this rate, my business is going to thrive! I'm a genius businessman!"
Jean, however, coughed lightly and produced several "inappropriate" film reels from behind her. Her expression turned serious as she declared, "Many of the films you're providing here don't comply with regulations. This establishment will need to temporarily close for reorganization."
"What? On what grounds?" Liben exclaimed, his surprise evident. "And who are you to interfere?"
"I am the acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius," Jean replied sternly. "Since this is your first offense, I won't pursue it further. But you need to fix this."
Liben, new to Mondstadt, had not anticipated encountering someone as untouchable as Jean on his very first day of business. He let out a heavy sigh but quickly regained his composure. "No worries. Entrepreneurship is always tough at the start. I'll definitely find a new opportunity soon!"
"Mondstadt welcomes new ideas," Jean said with a nod. "Of course, as long as they fall within legal boundaries."
"Jean..." Lucas sighed in exasperation. "You're doing it again. Don't forget, today is your day off. Stop worrying about work."
"Sorry, old habits die hard," Jean admitted with a wry smile. "Even though taking a break is relaxing, if I go a day without working, I feel... unfulfilled."
Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying today wasn't 'fulfilling'?"
Jean blinked in confusion before realizing his implication. Her face flushed red as she muttered, "If anything, it was... too fulfilling. I'm practically overflowing."
"Big sister!"
Jean's words were interrupted as a heavily "armored" blonde girl suddenly leaped into her arms, crying pitifully. "It was so scary! I'm never watching a horror movie again!"
"Barbara?" Jean asked, startled. "What are you doing here?"
"Your sister has quite the faint heart," said Eula from behind, looking composed as ever. However, after taking a few steps, she nearly stumbled, her legs clearly unsteady. Thankfully, Lucas caught her just in time.
"Eula?" Lucas asked, piecing things together. "Were you two following us?"
"Who knows what you might have tried to do to my sister?" Barbara accused, glaring at him. "I had to protect her, no matter what!"
"Let me guess..." Eula furrowed her brow. "What exactly were you two doing in there?"
Lucas and Jean's expressions both turned awkward.
Fortunately, their "connection" during the film had been facilitated through their "Spiritual Bond," sparing them the trouble of producing any compromising noises that might have echoed across half of Mondstadt.
"Nothing... nothing at all," Lucas said with a sheepish smile. "We were just watching a movie."
"Really?" Eula's tone dripped with skepticism. "A beautiful girl lying next to you for hours, and you expect me to believe you did nothing? Do I look that gullible?"
After all, she had firsthand experience. When they were together, it hadn't even been thirty minutes before she'd been... overwhelmed.
And these two had been inside for over two hours!
Before Lucas could offer any more excuses, a familiar voice called out, "Brother Lucas, there you are!"
He turned to see Zhang Luo, a familiar face, hurrying toward him. "Brother Zhang, what's the matter?" he asked.
"It's Lady Keqing," Zhang Luo replied, catching his breath. "It seems we've been delayed in Mondstadt longer than anticipated. She recently sent word, asking us—especially you—to return to Liyue immediately. She has an important task for you."
Lucas had nearly forgotten his role as a retainer of the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing, Keqing.
Though his time in Mondstadt had been relatively brief, so much had happened that it often made him forget his other responsibilities.
"I understand," he said with a nod. "When do we leave?"
"Tomorrow morning," Zhang Luo replied. An experienced man, he quickly noticed the complex emotions on the faces of the three women around Lucas. With a grin, he said, "I'll leave you all to say your goodbyes. See you tomorrow."
As Zhang Luo departed, the air grew heavy with unspoken words.
"Lucas..." Jean asked softly, her voice tinged with sadness. "You're leaving tomorrow?"
"Yes," Lucas said with a nod.
"Is there no way... for you to stay?" Jean mustered her courage. "Whether it's with the Knights of Favonius or the Gunnhildr family, there will always be a place for you here."
Her words left little doubt about her feelings. If Lucas agreed, he could easily join the prestigious Gunnhildr family and live a comfortable life in Mondstadt.
But he shook his head. "Liyue is my home," he said firmly. "There are still many things waiting for me to accomplish there. You, as the acting Grand Master, should understand that feeling, shouldn't you?"
Jean fell silent, contemplating his words. She finally smiled gently, though a hint of sorrow lingered. "You're right. We're both still young, with plenty of time ahead of us. Thank you for giving me a perfect day. I'll always remember this."
"What about you two?" Lucas turned to Eula and Barbara, his tone teasing. "I'll miss you both. After all, we've been through quite a lot together, haven't we?"
Barbara and Eula exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions betraying the secrets they shared with him. Both of them had memories with Lucas that were... less than ordinary, and revisiting them now made their cheeks flush.
"Go if you must," Eula finally said, crossing her arms with a huff. "But remember this: one day, I'll defeat you and reclaim the Lawrence family's ancestral sword. Until then, you'd better not lose to anyone else."
Barbara hesitated, fidgeting before speaking in a soft, almost tearful voice. "Will you come back?"
"Of course," Lucas assured her with a smile. Extending his pinky, he added, "Mondstadt is my second home. If you don't believe me, let's pinky swear."
"I'm not a child anymore..." Barbara protested, though she still hooked her pinky with his. "But if you break your promise, you'll have to swallow a billion needles!"
"That's a bit extreme, isn't it?" Lucas chuckled nervously.
After their farewells, the three women turned to leave. The setting sun cast long shadows behind them, leaving Lucas with a bittersweet sense of loss.
The chapter of Mondstadt had come to an end, but his journey as a so-called villain had only just begun.
.....
Back in Liyue
Lucas returned to Keqing's estate with mixed feelings of anticipation and unease.
"Back already?" Keqing greeted him in her study, her sharp eyes scanning him with a hint of surprise.
For some reason, she found him subtly changed. Though it had only been a few weeks, Lucas now exuded an air of strength and confidence she hadn't seen before—a transformation that bordered on the extraordinary.
"I'm back," he replied with an awkward scratch of his head. "Sorry, Lady Keqing. I was delayed by... a few minor matters."
"Minor matters?" Keqing raised an eyebrow. "Do you mean apprehending a serial killer? Stirring up trouble with the Lawrence clan? Or leading the charge in the Knights of Favonius' campaign against Stormterror?"
Lucas was taken aback and forced a sheepish smile. "So, you already knew everything, huh?"
"Don't underestimate the intelligence network of the Liyue Qixing," Keqing said as she stood and circled him, her scrutinizing gaze brimming with suspicion. "I'm growing more curious. Why is someone as competent as you hiding your abilities to work as a mere retainer?"
"Those were just strokes of luck," Lucas quickly explained. "Besides, if you hadn't given me this opportunity, none of those events would have even happened."
"That may be true, but I still think..." Keqing shook her head, her tone decisive. "Someone like you is wasting your potential as a retainer."
"Miss Keqing..." Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you're planning to fire me?"
Even though Lucas now possessed enough strength and resources to establish himself independently in Liyue, he still wanted to repay Keqing for her trust and support.
"Not at all," Keqing replied with a faint smile. "I actually have a task for you. If you complete it, consider it... a promotion."
A promotion? What could a retainer be promoted to? Head of the retainers?
As Lucas looked at her in confusion, Keqing suddenly shifted the topic. "How much do you know about the Liyue Qixing?"
Lucas answered honestly, "They're the esteemed governors of Liyue, only entrusted to individuals as capable and brilliant as yourself."
"Spare me the flattery," Keqing said, though she clearly appreciated it. "Among the Qixing, the Tianshu has grown quite old and is currently in poor health. We need to appoint a successor quickly, but finding a suitable candidate has been difficult. As a result, we've decided to hold a 'selection process.' While applicants can register for consideration, each member of the Qixing also has the privilege of nominating one candidate."
"I see!" Lucas exclaimed in realization. "You want me to help find someone suitable to recommend, right?"
"No."
Keqing raised her hand and pointed directly at Lucas. "The person I'm recommending is you."
"What?" Lucas was utterly shocked. "Someone like me, a newcomer with no reputation, has no qualifications to compete for a seat among the Liyue Qixing! I'd be a laughingstock! Please, choose someone more suitable."
"You're not wrong. The candidates for Tianshu should indeed have experience and prestige," Keqing admitted with a nod. "But with your accomplishments—such as helping to subdue Stormterror—you've more than proven yourself. And let's not forget the endorsements of the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius and the owner of Dawn Winery."
Indeed, Lucas's time in Mondstadt had significantly elevated his standing. Even Keqing hadn't expected such a rapid transformation.
"Still," Lucas said hesitantly, "I don't understand why you'd choose me. Surely, there are others more qualified?"
"Because you're clean," Keqing replied, her answer somewhat cryptic. "The Fatui have long been infiltrating Liyue. With so many participants in this selection process, there's a risk that someone loyal to Snezhnaya could claim the Tianshu seat. The consequences would be catastrophic."
Her solution was straightforward: nominate someone with no questionable affiliations—a person without a suspicious past.
Although Keqing harbored her own doubts about Lucas's character, the urgency of the situation left her with little room for alternatives. Of course, her decision wasn't entirely selfless.
The nominees for the Tianshu position would naturally be allies or confidants of the recommending Qixing member. If one of them succeeded, it would inevitably strengthen their recommender's influence among the Qixing.
For Keqing, nominating Lucas was both a calculated risk and a strategic opportunity.
Lucas remained uncertain. "I don't know if I..."
"I won't ask you to do this for nothing," Keqing said, placing a hand on his shoulder with uncharacteristic seriousness. "If you succeed, I'll grant you one request."
"A request?" Lucas was caught off guard.
"Anything within my power," Keqing confirmed. "Whether it's wealth, rare treasures, or powerful weapons."
As Lucas stared at the poised and elegant young woman before him, his bracelet—the Ring of Manipulation—subtly glimmered with a faint pink hue.
"If I agree to this..." Lucas said almost reflexively, "Are you sure any request is fine?"
"Of course!" Keqing replied earnestly. "As long as it's within my ability and doesn't violate laws or morals, I'll honor it."
"Words alone won't do," Lucas said, moving to her desk and picking up a sheet of paper. "Let's put it in writing. Surely, you don't mind?"
"Naturally," Keqing said without hesitation. She quickly drafted and signed a formal agreement. "You have my word. I've never gone back on a promise."
Keqing assumed Lucas would request something material—money or valuable items. Such things were trivial to her and her wealthy household.
"Very well, I'll keep this agreement safe," Lucas said, carefully pocketing the contract. "When does the selection process start, and what does it involve?"
"If it's purely a test of combat skills," he added, "then I feel fairly confident."
Keqing answered, "The exact date hasn't been set, but it'll be within the month. As for the content, only the current Tianshu decides the challenges. The other Qixing members aren't informed."
"Let's hope it won't be too challenging," Lucas said with a sigh.
"Knowing the Tianshu, the selection will likely involve a variety of tests," Keqing reassured him. "But don't worry too much. For now, take these days to rest and prepare yourself."
Lucas nodded, thanked her, and took his leave.
As she watched him walk away, Keqing's expression turned introspective. She murmured to herself, "I just hope I've made the right decision..."
.....
"Finally home!" Lucas exclaimed as he flopped onto his bed. "Nothing beats my own place, no matter how fancy the alternatives."
[Congratulations! Looks like you're about to become an important official!] the system chimed in.
"Don't get ahead of yourself," Lucas said with a yawn. "This isn't some simple neighborhood election—it's a seat among the Liyue Qixing."
[But if you win, won't you get to boss Keqing around? Maybe even make her do... naughty things?]
"Hey, don't put words in my mouth!" Lucas protested. "I've never said—or even thought—about doing anything inappropriate to her."
[Oh, really? Because your face earlier said otherwise. Are you telling me you didn't have even a single improper thought?]
Lucas faltered, his face growing hot. "Well... I mean, everyone's allowed to daydream, right? No harm in thinking. As they say, thoughts don't count as actions."
Indeed, as he had signed the contract earlier, Lucas had entertained fleeting fantasies. If he became the Tianshu, the agreement would allow him to ask for anything from Keqing. The possibilities, whether marrying her or requesting... "favors," were endless.
The mere thought of having the proud and dignified Yuheng yield to his whims sent a thrill through him.