The Overlord of Teyvat: Genshin Impact x Overlord crossover

Part 19

The moon hung high in the night sky, its silvery light cascading over Liyue Harbor, lending the city an ethereal glow. Lanterns adorned every corner, their warm light flickering like tiny stars, as laughter and music filled the air. The citizens of Liyue were celebrating a hard-earned victory. Food stalls lined the streets, and the tantalizing aroma of grilled meats, steamed dumplings, and sweet desserts wafted through the crowd, weaving a tapestry of joy and relief.

At the grand Yujing Terrace, a lavish feast had been arranged, drawing the most prominent figures of Liyue to the table. The aftermath of the death of Rex Lapis, the clash with the Adepti, and the awakening of Osial was now a chapter of history. Tonight was about unity, triumph, and resilience.

A long, ornate table stretched beneath the stars, laden with delicacies that shimmered under the lanterns' glow. Momon stood at the end of the table, his tall, imposing figure shrouded in his black cloak. Beside him, Mona sat engrossed in the book he had given her, her eyes scanning the strange text as she muttered arcane theories under her breath. The occasional frustrated sigh escaped her lips, though her determination to unlock the book's secrets burned brightly.

In front of Momon, Paimon was the center of attention—or rather, the center of chaos. Plates piled high with dumplings, bowls of noodles, and skewers of grilled seafood surrounded her. "Mmmph! This is sooo good!" she mumbled through a mouthful of food, crumbs scattering as she waved a skewer for emphasis. "Aether, you have to try this crab roe dish! It's heavenly!"

Aether, seated beside her, chuckled as he sampled a neatly arranged plate of sliced fish. "Paimon, slow down. There's plenty of food—no one's going to take it from you."

"That's what you think!" Paimon retorted, already reaching for another dumpling. "What if someone sneaky tries to grab the last of the almond tofu? I can't take that risk!"

Momon's gaze lingered on the scene. Behind his ever-present mask, a deep, unspoken longing stirred. He studied the vibrant expressions of those around him—the way Aether's golden eyes softened in contentment, the way Paimon's cheeks puffed as she chewed with abandon. Even Mona, oblivious to the feast, hummed thoughtfully as she traced a passage in her book.

For a moment, Momon's gaze fell on the untouched food before him. The fragrant dishes beckoned with their colors and aromas, but he knew the truth of his nature: an undead being, stripped of flesh and sensation, incapable of tasting or savoring the joys of the mortal world. The mask, as always, concealed his face.

Ningguang's voice broke the moment of reflection as she raised her glass from her place at the head of the table. "To all who are gathered here tonight," she began, her voice calm yet commanding, "this celebration is not just a feast—it is a testament to our perseverance. Liyue faced trials that would have shattered lesser nations. But together, with the courage of our people and the guidance of allies, we prevailed."

Cheers erupted from the attendees, the clinking of glasses punctuating the applause. Momon glanced across the table, his sharp gaze taking in the faces of those who had fought alongside him: Beidou's hearty laugh as she toasted with a mug of ale; Keqing, seated gracefully yet with a determined spark in her eye; and Ganyu, who offered a gentle smile as she sipped her tea.

"Momon?"

Momon tilted his head slightly at Mona's outburst, his glowing red eyes barely visible behind the mask. "Hmm?" he responded, his deep voice rumbling with faint curiosity. He turned to face her and noticed the exasperation etched across her face as she held the book out, her grip tight, almost as if she wanted to throttle it.

"What even is this language?" Mona asked, her voice carrying both frustration and desperation. "This scripture is so weird, I've never seen anything like it before. It's like the text shifts when I focus too hard. How am I supposed to make sense of this?"