Lantern rite.. ✦〈Xiaother〉

☾.."The chances..(2)".. ☆

Xiao's POV:
I was on my way back to Wangshu Inn from fighting a few groups of enemies near Liyue harbor. I couldn't just leave them there. Why didn't the millelith dealt with them? How worthless.

It wasn't long until I reached Wangshu inn to meet Verr Goldet. She seemed lost in thought at first but soon turned to greet me with a warm smile. She asked me why I arrived later than usual this time.

"There were a few unwanted guests that I had to deal with." I responded.

"Really? You aren't injured, yes?" She asked with a bit of concern in her voice.

"Of course not." I replied.

Even if I was hurt, why would it even matter? I'm just doing my part to protect Liyue... and to fulfill the contract that I signed off with Morax.

"Alright,.. rest well then."

"Thank you." I replied and was about to head to my suite for some rest until she stopped to mention me about something.

"Ah, wait! I forgot to mention..."

I turned to look back at her for a moment, raising one of my eye brows slightly. She explained to me about how she met a suspicious-looking blonde traveler that was wandering around the inn.

I don't know why but this immediately reminded me of someone.

"A suspicious-looking blonde traveler that was wearing a black hood?" I asked.

"Indeed. Is best to keep an eye on him if you see him again." She said.

I nodded and she smiled.

I then teleported away, on top of my suite. I could easily sense that someone was there. Didn't I specifically told Verr Goldet not to let any guests wander around the place?

But, it seems that this 'guest' is the person she was referring to me about.

'A suspicious blonde traveler with a black hood.'

He was holding a plate of fine Almond Tofu... The smell of it was truly divine and it didn't smell like the ones that Chef YánXiào usually makes. It had a pleasing smell to it.

"Reeks... of Almond Tofu..." The words slipped out of my mouth but I believe it wasn't loud enough for him to hear.

Although, I was far from him, I could still feel his aura. It was a very strong and familiar one too. And somehow, my curiosity only grew overtime. But, he's the only one lucky in this situation. He doesn't even know that an adeptus is standing behind him.

Soon, I suddenly felt the urge to break the silence and speak up.

"Reduced to just standing around.., How absurd."

He seemed to have finally noticed and turned to look up at me with shock. I used it to observe him a bit more. Long-braided blonde hair, similar to the traveler's in fact, just a bit darker.

And his eyes... they were incredibly bright.

I returned to reality as we broke eye contact. For some reason, he looked down, almost as if he doesn't want me to look at him. Shouldn't he be acting more like those humans that I had met before? How strange.

I quickly went down to face him. I didn't feel like speaking with anyone at the moment but Verr Goldet did tell me to keep an eye on him if I see him again.

He turned around and his hands turned into fists. I was even more puzzled. But, it turns out that he was gonna make a run for it. If he does, that will be the worst decision that he could ever make.

I didn't let my guard down but as soon as I blinked, he just disappeared out of my sight.

"What." I was dumbfounded.

I looked around and did catch a small sight of his braided hair and didn't waste a second to chase right after him.

"Why is he running away?" I thought in my head.

For a human, he was incredibly fast and agile. He matched up with my speed which was concerning and he didn't even seem to be at his full-potential. I was also surprised that he tried to run away as well.

But, he isn't matched for me. I easily teleported in front of him to block his path. He tried to run for the other direction but I tackled him a bit. We ended up behind a large wall so I took it as an opportunity to pin him to the floor. I was panting heavily and so was he but he was quiet.

Then, I looked around and realized that we were already in the Guili Plains. There was no way that he was human if he ran this fast. It was dead silent and I just wanted to see what else he would say.

He mumbled, "Get off..." and managed to break free from my grip.

He almost got away but I was determined to get him and strangled him down once again. What is he even planning? But, I knew that it would be pointless now so I removed his hood.

And in reality, I expected nothing...

...But it turns out...

...

.."You.. you're.. the traveler's.. brother..?!"..

...

.."I need to tell her.."..

Sorry that this was short. But I needed it to be a cliff hanger 🔥
Thxhhx for reading!! ♡ 889 words