Xianyun was already thinking about whether she should explain a little on Shenhe's behalf—she wasn't usually like this.
But when she turned her head, she saw something unexpected.
There was a trace of pity in Valerius's eyes.
"…Sigh."
Valerius let out a soft sigh. Shenhe must have had a hard life all these years. He had known she ate Qingxin and Glaze Lilies from the mountains, but he never imagined she even ate slimes.
Looks like Xianyun really isn't good at raising children.
Silently labeling Xianyun as "bad at parenting," Valerius took out the Gourmet Tablecloth.
In an instant, all kinds of dishes and snacks appeared, filling the table.
He picked up a bag of chips. "Here, Shenhe, this is called chips."
"Don't eat slimes anymore. Eat this instead."
As he spoke, he shot Xianyun a glance. "How could you let Shenhe eat slimes?"
Xianyun's eyes widened. When did I ever let her eat slimes?! I was just wondering where she even learned that from—and now it's somehow my fault?
But after a moment of thought, she realized this might actually be an opportunity.
"In the mountains, this is the only kind of food available. I had no choice. It's just that Shenhe has suffered because of it."
Valerius found that explanation reasonable and nodded. "Shenhe, I suggest you go to Liyue more often when you have time. It'll broaden your horizons and also help with your emotions."
"And you can visit Wanmin Restaurant to find Xiangling. She's great at cooking—she can definitely teach you."
"This is what Xiangling taught me."
Valerius: "...…"
Xianyun: "...…."
"…Ahem." Valerius coughed awkwardly. "Actually… Xiangling isn't that great either. If you want to learn cooking, you could ask Ganyu to recommend someone. She's been in Liyue for so long—she must know better options."
"That's right. Ganyu is quite reliable."
Xianyun nodded in agreement, backing him up.
"Xiangling was recommended to me by Senior Sister."
Xianyun: "..."
Valerius: "...…"
This conversation was going nowhere.
An awkward silence spread. Even someone as smooth-talking as Valerius didn't know how to continue.
"…Let's drop that topic," Xianyun finally broke the silence. "Let's take a look at Shenhe's fate."
"Yes, yes, that's more important."
Valerius quickly agreed and turned his gaze toward Shenhe.
This has clearly changed.
He was puzzled. Shenhe's fate had obviously been altered, so why was Xianyun saying it hadn't changed?
"…Ahem, I am not sure either. Perhaps you should ask Shenhe."
"Alright."
If even Xianyun didn't know, then Shenhe herself was the only clue.
"Miss Shenhe, what have you been doing lately? Do you still feel the urge to kill?"
"Yes."
Shenhe nodded.
"When?"
"Yesterday. In the game."
"…Huh?"
Valerius didn't understand. What did yesterday's game have to do with her?
Did the strange creatures trigger her childhood memories, bringing back those murderous impulses?
"Can you explain in more detail?"
"Alright." Shenhe nodded again, still expressionless. "It happened when Su Shang hugged you."
Silence.
Valerius opened his mouth, but no words came out.
How did this suddenly involve him?
He did remember—after Su Shang returned in the game, she had jumped onto him.
But what did that have to do with Shenhe?
Unless…
A thought surfaced in his mind.
Shenhe likes me?
People always say one of life's greatest illusions is thinking someone likes you—but right now, Valerius felt like that might actually be the case.
He might be a bit dense, but he wasn't stupid.
Still… Shenhe was way too straightforward. How was he even supposed to respond?
He looked at Xianyun, but she awkwardly turned her head away.
"You already know that Shenhe's fate has changed, don't you?"
"…Ahem… I… I do know."
Seeing there was no way to hide it, Xianyun admitted it outright. Yes, I'm trying to set my disciple up. What are you going to do about it?
"…Sigh."
Valerius let out a breath. He already had Bronya at home—and now another one?
Sure, part of him felt a little pleased, but he couldn't help feeling like he was betraying Bronya.
"…Let me think about it."
He had never dealt with something like this before. He couldn't just make a decision on impulse.
"Very well. I will wait a few days." Xianyun nodded immediately. As long as he was willing to consider it, that was enough. "And don't think my Shenhe has no suitors. If I spread the word, countless young talents will come knocking. Do you believe that?"
"Of course I do."
Valerius nodded. How could he not? Even if she was a bit rustic at heart, she was still an adeptus' disciple—a divine maiden praised throughout Liyue. Her popularity was undeniable.
But realizing Shenhe liked him… why did that make him so happy?
After chatting a while longer on Mount Aozang, Valerius stood up to leave.
He needed to go back and think carefully about what to do.
When he returned home, he encountered someone unexpected.
Cocolia.
She had been waiting in the living room. The moment she saw Valerius, she stood up and bowed respectfully.
She used to be a Prinnie. In front of Valerius, she didn't dare act arrogantly.
"…You don't have to do that."
Valerius waved his hand. "You're a player now too. I'll treat you fairly."
"Thank you."
Cocolia sat down across from him.
"You came to see me for something?"
"Yes."
She nodded, then seemed to steel herself before lifting her head to meet his gaze.
"Lord Valerius… what do you think of Bronya?"
"…Huh? She's great. What's wrong?"
"Haa…"
Taking a deep breath, Cocolia didn't look away this time. She stared straight into his eyes.
"You went to Liyue today… it was about Shenhe, wasn't it?"
"…Yes."
Valerius felt a bit uneasy. Was this the mother-in-law coming to question him in person?
"So that's how it is…" she murmured, then said firmly, "I want you to agree to one condition. Otherwise, I will never allow Bronya to associate with you again."
"…What do you mean?"
Valerius narrowed his eyes. Was she threatening him?
He was the kind of person who responded to softness, not force. Speak nicely, and he'd reason with you. Try to force him, and he had ways to respond too.
The atmosphere grew tense.
Cocolia felt it clearly. If she said the wrong thing, she might end up sent back to the Demon World as a Prinnie again.
But for Bronya, she had to say it.
With Bronya's personality, if she didn't step up now, her daughter might not even get a chance later.
"I don't care how many women you have in the future, but Bronya must be the first wife. Otherwise… there's nothing more to discuss."
"…What?"
The tension instantly collapsed. Valerius's expression shifted from cold to awkward. "What are you talking about? That kind of thing won't even happen."
"Whether it will or not, you know better than me."
"Well? Do you agree?"
"I told you, there won't be anything like that… Bronya is my wife. Don't worry."
Hearing his evasive answer, Cocolia rolled her eyes.
Did he think she was like Bronya, who didn't question anything?
She had already noticed something was off with certain players. The moment Xianyun called Valerius to Liyue, she figured it out.
That was why she came here secretly, without Bronya knowing—to negotiate.
She knew she couldn't control Valerius—that would be unrealistic. But securing a proper status for Bronya? That was doable.
Just like the line from that drama she and Serval had been watching recently.
If I am not the one, then all of you are merely concubines!
Maybe watching more dramas really was useful.
She even started considering whether to ask Valerius to bring back more shows for her to study.
To Read 60+ ahead advanced Chapters, head over to P@treon
patreon.com/DarkVerse146