Aether gave Jiang Chen the distinct impression of someone who had finally managed to palm off his sister.
This was utterly ridiculous.
Aether seemed to realize he might have been too happy about it.
Clearing his throat awkwardly, he adopted a solemn expression.
"Since you're now with my sister, I'll entrust her to your care from now on."
His tone was that of a responsible elder brother—
Even approving of this brother-in-law.
This was not the script Jiang Chen had envisioned.
Shouldn't he be angry?
After all, Jiang Chen had stolen his sister away.
This made no sense.
For a moment, Jiang Chen was at a loss for words.
His expression twisted into something extremely peculiar as he stared at Aether.
Noticing Jiang Chen's look, Aether coughed awkwardly—
Then suddenly remembered something critical.
"Ahem! Whatever you saw today—don't tell Lumine!"
"I'll go see her myself soon."
His reaction absolutely could not reach Lumine's ears.
If she found out, he was doomed.
He knew exactly how his sister operated.
Right now, Aether was looking at Jiang Chen like he was the savior—
But also with a hint of pity.
Would his sister use the same tactics on Jiang Chen that she'd used on him?
If so...
Poor, poor man.
Aether's gaze was nothing short of sympathetic.
Jiang Chen did not appreciate that look.
But since this was Lumine's actual brother—
He couldn't exactly punch him.
Otherwise, he'd have opened with an EX-rank Noble Phantasm already.
"I won't tell her."
...Until she gets back, that is.
Joke's on you—this insult won't be forgiven.
Aether nodded, temporarily satisfied.
Good enough.
He then began chatting with Jiang Chen.
After some small talk, Jiang Chen suddenly cut in:
"You've got Khaenri'ah's alchemy archives, right?"
"Mind sharing some?"
"I want to recreate tech from my old world using Teyvat's alchemy."
"As your brother-in-law, you should support me, right?"
Aether nearly choked.
What kind of logic was that?!
"As your brother-in-law"?
Was this guy just shamelessly asking for handouts now?
"Khaenri'han alchemy?"
"I can give you what we have."
It was useless to him now anyway.
Might as well invest in his brother-in-law.
When the time came to face the Heavenly Principles, Jiang Chen would have to help, right?
Now that they were family?
"Perfect!"
"Send over all your tech blueprints."
"With some tweaking, I can rebuild modern technology here."
"I even want to set up the internet."
Jiang Chen's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"The internet..."
"Khaenri'ah did experiment with ley lines as network conduits."
"The research was abandoned, but I can have it delivered to you."
"But a word of warning—"
"Meddling with ley lines will draw her attention."
Aether pointed skyward meaningfully.
The Heavenly Principles did not tolerate such trespasses.
"I'm not afraid of her!"
"Besides, she's powerless to stop it now."
"Even if she tries, I've got countermeasures."
"Worst case, I'll just collect more divine relics and turn them into Heroic Spirits."
"Speaking of which—your Abyss Order could help with that, no?"
"Do me a favor—gather some godly remnants."
"Might not need them now, but they'll make good trump cards later."
"Lumine's already collecting some, but she's just one person."
"With the Abyss Order's manpower, this'll go much faster."
Jiang Chen's enthusiasm was palpable.
Using Aether's forces for this?
Brilliant.
The Abyss Order specialized in such things.
Hearing this, Aether's eyes lit up.
Was Jiang Chen preparing for war?
Against Celestia itself?
Now this was interesting.
And of course he'd help.
What kind of transmigrator wouldn't stir up trouble?
This wasn't some slice-of-life isekai!
"Deal."
"I'll assist."
"You'll get what you need."
"Just... treat my sister well."
Having obtained the answers he sought, Aether was satisfied.
Holy relics?
The Abyss Order would scour Teyvat for them.
After a moment's thought, he added:
"Any notable figure's remains can become Heroic Spirits, correct?"
He was familiar with the concept—
Having played FGO in his past life.
He just wasn't sure if Jiang Chen's abilities worked the same.
"Exactly."
Judging by Aether's expression—
Was he planning to go grave-robbing?
The thought amused Jiang Chen.
"Understood."
"I'll procure ample catalysts for you."
"We'll talk later."
With that, Aether turned—
A spatial rift opening before him as he stepped through.
Had Aether come just for this chat?
Watching him leave, Jiang Chen reflected on their conversation.
Ah.
He was recruiting Jiang Chen for the Celestia rebellion.
Jiang Chen's subtle hints had conveyed his stance—
Hence Aether's enthusiastic cooperation.
Holy relic collection was now a joint operation.
Realizing this, Jiang Chen could only sigh.
Not that he minded.
A future clash with the Heavenly Principles was likely.
Why should she monopolize the seat of divinity?
If she could rule, so could he.
"Guess big bro's helping me usurp the throne."
With that sarcastic remark, Jiang Chen vanished—
Returning home to find Havria puzzled.
"Where did you go just now?"
She'd barely been upstairs—
And he'd already disappeared?
"Nothing important."
"Just met someone."
Jiang Chen saw no need to explain Aether's visit.
Lumine could be informed later.
As for Aether's identity as the Abyss Prince?
Best kept quiet.
The Abyss Order could be useful at times.
Perhaps he could even delegate tasks to them in the future?
He needed his own intelligence network.
Decision made.
From now on, he'd go easier on Abyss Mages.
And Hilichurls.
Such convenient manpower shouldn't go to waste.