"Huh? You're leaving?" Amber tilted her head. She felt a little sad to see her new friend go so soon.
After all, Bonanus hadn't even tried the delicious Meat and Honey Roast yet.
"Mm. Someone back home is calling me. I have to go back." Bonanus smiled.
As for who that "someone" was? Zhongli, of course.
"Sister..." Noelle's expression fell. She clearly didn't want Bonanus to leave.
But that was impossible. Her sister was a merchant after all.
A merchant could never stay in one place forever.
"You know, I'm actually going to miss you a little." Kaeya shrugged casually with a light laugh.
"If you miss me, remember to buy some gifts and mail them to Liyue." Bonanus put her hands on her hips with a knowing smile.
"Haha, you're killing me. I have no idea what girls like." Kaeya laughed.
Bonanus didn't believe that for a second. If someone else had said it, maybe. But Kaeya?
He was far too clever for that. The gift comment was just a joke anyway.
"Sister, let me walk you out." Noelle bit her lower lip, stood up, and came to Bonanus's side.
"Noelle, you haven't finished your salad yet." Amber blinked. Wasting food wasn't a good habit.
"Don't worry. I'll pack it up for her." Kaeya waved his hand, signaling that Noelle should go if she wanted.
It wasn't easy for a junior to have such a close friend.
"In that case, I'll come along too. Kaeya, remember to pack mine up as well."
Amber grinned, set down her fork and knife, and stood up to join them.
Left alone at the table, Kaeya shook his head helplessly. This must be what girls' friendships were like. He felt a little left out.
He watched them leave and went back to eating his grilled fish. Still, if only he had a glass of wine to go with it.
...
Walking along the road leaving Mondstadt
"It's such a shame. We just met, and now you're leaving. I thought we'd get to fight alongside each other more." Amber walked on Bonanus's left.
Though they had met, they hadn't had much time together. They never got the chance to go shopping or really get to know each other.
That was why Amber felt so regretful.
"Haha, it's okay. We're friends now, aren't we? Even if we haven't spent much time together." Bonanus said reassuringly.
"And besides, when Liyue has festivals, you can come visit. Free room and board, buy whatever you want." Bonanus patted her chest confidently.
After all, Zhongli had said she could put all her expenses on Childe's tab. Was this what being a sugar daddy felt like?
"Definitely. I heard Liyue Harbor's Lantern Rite is beautiful. Next year, I'll definitely come see it." Amber nodded firmly.
She just hoped she wouldn't get any troublesome missions during that time. Otherwise, she might not be able to make it.
"Are you going to wear that outfit when you come to Liyue?" Bonanus tilted her head. That didn't seem like the best outfit for sightseeing.
"Of course not! I'll wear casual clothes when I'm visiting. This outfit is for missions. I don't wear it normally." Amber shook her head. She preferred casual clothes anyway.
"Oh? I'd love to see you in casual wear." Bonanus covered her mouth and chuckled.
"Anytime. But you're leaving now. Maybe next year."
Amber nodded. She didn't find it strange. They were both girls, so it wasn't a big deal.
The two chatted happily. On the right, Noelle remained quiet, gently holding Bonanus's arm, her eyes full of sadness.
Noticing Noelle's mood, Bonanus gently ruffled her hair.
"Don't be sad. This is just a temporary goodbye. We'll see each other again."
"I know, Sister. I'm just going to miss you." Noelle nodded softly. She was still a young girl, sensitive about separation.
"We can keep in touch through letters. And if you have any questions, you can always write to me." Bonanus said gently.
"Noelle, look at it this way. In just a few months, it'll be Liyue's Lantern Rite. It's not that long. We can all go together then." Amber chimed in to comfort her.
"Mm... it's a deal!" Noelle's mood improved. She was good at regulating her emotions.
"Hehe, that's more like it." Seeing Noelle cheer up, Bonanus grinned. No more frowning. Smile and show your beautiful self.
...
At the exit gate of Mondstadt
"Go on. Travel safe. Don't get ambushed by Hilichurls again." Amber tilted her head with a smile.
"That was just a one-time thing." Bonanus said helplessly. She didn't bother explaining further. People would forget about it soon enough.
"Hehe, I believe in your strength." Amber nodded, showing her bright smile.
"Noelle..."
Bonanus called out her name. Just as she was about to say something else, Noelle pulled her into a tight hug.
"Sister..."
Noelle said softly, burying her face in Bonanus's neck and nuzzling gently. It was warm and soft. Bonanus felt comfortable.
She didn't push Noelle away. She hugged her back, returning the embrace of her best friend.
But then, unexpectedly, Noelle gently kissed her neck. Is this how they said goodbye in Mondstadt?
Relieved, Bonanus gently stroked Noelle's head, and they stayed like that for a while.
Seeing that her sister didn't mind, Noelle grew bolder, even nibbling lightly on her neck.
"Ah! What are you two doing?!" Amber covered her eyes with both hands, though she was clearly peeking through her fingers.
Snapping back to reality, Noelle realized how forward she had been. In broad daylight, she had done something so embarrassing to her sister.
She loosened her embrace and lowered her head apologetically.
"I'm sorry, Sister..."
Bonanus just smiled. This girl gets shy so easily. She patted Noelle's cheeks gently.
"I'm leaving now. I need to get going early. It'll be harder to travel if it gets dark."
"Wait, you're not taking a carriage?" Amber asked, confused. The distance between Mondstadt and Liyue Harbor was quite far.
"Don't worry. Walking is nice sometimes. I get to enjoy the scenery along the way." Bonanus said casually.
"Alright, if you say so." Amber nodded.
...
After a few more parting words, Bonanus walked away, looking back every few steps. She was on her way home now. She looked up at the sky and let out a soft breath.
"Goodbye, Sister!" Noelle stood at Mondstadt's gate, waving enthusiastically.
"Goodbye." Bonanus turned and waved back.