Part 20

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The morning sun rose over Liyue Harbor, casting a golden hue on the calm sea. The tranquil waves lapped gently against the wooden docks, their rhythm a stark contrast to the bustling activity of the port. Merchants shouted over each other, peddling their wares, while dock workers hefted crates and barrels onto ships. The clatter of footsteps and the hum of conversation created an ever-present din, a symphony of industry and commerce.

Amid the chaos, a single figure moved with quiet authority. Momon's imposing form, clad in a hooded cloak, dark armor, and his skeletal visage hidden behind a mask, cut through the crowd like a knife. Those who noticed him quickly stepped aside, whispers trailing in his wake. The hero who had helped save Liyue was not someone anyone dared to obstruct. A clear path opened before him as if the sea of people parted naturally, allowing him passage.

Momon's strides carried him toward the harbor's edge, where a massive ship loomed above the bustling port. The Alcor, Beidou's legendary vessel, stood proud and imposing, its sails unfurled to catch the morning breeze. The ship's polished wood gleamed under the sunlight, its dragon-themed figurehead a testament to the ferocity of its captain.

Before stepping aboard, Momon paused, his sharp gaze catching sight of a familiar figure off to his right. Aether and Paimon were a few meters away, speaking with a tall, well-dressed man whose golden eyes and refined demeanor exuded an air of wisdom and authority.

"That guy again..." Momon muttered under his breath, his tone laced with quiet irritation. His piercing crimson eyes narrowed behind the mask as he recognized Zhongli.

From his body language, Zhongli appeared to be offering advice to Aether, gesturing calmly with his hands while Aether listened intently. Paimon, as usual, floated nearby, chiming in with occasional comments and nodding enthusiastically.

Momon stopped walking, his gauntleted fingers curling slightly as he observed the interaction. Zhongli, the so-called funeral consultant, had been a thorn in Momon's side ever since the revelation of his elaborate plan to fake the death of Rex Lapis. While Momon understood the necessity of certain deceptions in the grand scheme of protecting Liyue, Zhongli's method had left a bitter taste. Trust was a precious thing, and in Momon's eyes, Zhongli had squandered it.

Yet, despite his misgivings, Aether seemed to trust him implicitly, which left Momon with little choice but to tolerate his presence. Besides, Momon thought that Zhongli wouldn't want to confront him either.

Momon stepped onto the Alcor, the ship's deck bustling with activity as Beidou's crew prepared for the journey to Inazuma. The scent of salt and freshly polished wood mingled with the occasional whiff of brine from the sea, and the rhythmic creak of ropes being tightened punctuated the sounds of shouting sailors. Waves lapped gently against the ship's hull, a soothing counterpoint to the lively scene.

"Ah, there he is! The hero of the hour!" a cheerful, familiar voice called out from behind him. Momon turned to see Beidou striding toward him, her confident gait unshaken even on the slightly swaying deck. She wore her signature crimson coat, the sunlight catching on her golden epaulets and the polished blade at her side.

"Captain Beidou," Momon said, inclining his head slightly in greeting.

"Oh, come on, you can drop the formalities. Just 'Beidou' is fine for friends." Beidou grinned, crossing her arms as she stopped in front of him. "Listen, about last night..." She rubbed the back of her neck, her cheeks tinting a faint red. "I might've overdone it with the alcohol. Totally passed out, huh? That must've been embarrassing." She laughed, the sound rich and unapologetic, though a hint of genuine embarrassment crept into her expression.

Momon's tone was calm, almost indifferent, as he replied, "Don't worry about it. Things happen."

Beidou raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. "Oh? So you're saying it didn't bother you? I half-expected a scolding, or at least a reminder about proper etiquette on a ship."

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