Chapter 61

At night, as the silver moon had just risen, fireflies danced in groups among the flowers and trees.

The lively atmosphere came from the lawn of the manor, with people constantly coming and going, placing various delicacies on the long tables set up on the grass.

Laughter echoed from a nearby garden, where a group of children were playing with a few fluffy pandas.

A white cloud appeared in the sky, and Hiroshi, Riku, and Lumine arrived on the lawn.

"You're back?"

Kazuma Satou greeted the three as they returned, scooting over to make space. He waved them over, saying, "Hurry up, you three are the last ones! Why are you so late?"

Hiroshi plopped down beside Kazuma, taking a water cup handed over by Kuroneko and drinking it all in one gulp. Shaking his head, he said, "Who would have thought that those Hilichurls would struggle so much? It wasted so much time. Plus, we couldn't use our domains on Teyvat, so Riku had to fight them by kiting from above. That's why it took a bit longer."

Picking up two apples from the table, Hiroshi handed one to Riku, who had just sat down beside him. Hiroshi asked, "Want to go back to check after dinner?"

Riku shook his head with a smile, biting into the apple. "No, time is tight. I need to use every moment to get stronger. As long as I return at the scheduled time, it's enough."

"Alright then, good luck."

Under the night sky, the festive evening banquet began. Tonight, everyone had gathered to celebrate Riku's achievements.

Time flew, and after dinner, Riku and Hiroshi waited on the now tidy lawn for their magic instructor to arrive. The others gradually dispersed to handle their own affairs.

"You're the one that little Hiroshi asked me to teach, aren't you? A cute new face," said Lisa, who wore a purple witch's hat, like a lazy cat. She walked lightly up to Riku, leaning slightly on Hiroshi's back while examining Riku's eyes.

After a moment, Lisa gave a mysterious smile. She waved to Riku and said, "Not bad, kid. I like the look in your eyes."

Removing Hiroshi's hand from her forehead, Lisa stretched lazily and said, "Looks like we're going to be busy for a while."

Winking at Hiroshi, Lisa smiled and said, "Alright, little Hiroshi, consider this favor returned. Just make sure to let me join that chat group soon, okay?"

Seeing Vanir approaching, Lisa smiled happily and said, "I didn't expect to encounter something this interesting—to learn of a demon duke who knows everything about an entire world."

"Beautiful lady, your wisdom brings me great pleasure," Vanir said, bowing courteously to Lisa with a smile. He then looked fervently at Riku, his eyes filled with uncontainable excitement and interest.

"Please allow me to pay my respects again, young man destined to end the war of the gods. To meet you is the greatest honor of my life."

Hurriedly helping Vanir, who was bowing deeply, Riku replied awkwardly, "Please don't do that. My goal to end the war isn't all that noble. I don't have any grand desires to save the world; I only wish for my people to live happily on this land, without the constant fear of sudden attacks."

Clenching his fists, Riku smiled and added, "And I don't want my wife to live in a dark, hopeless world."

"What a wonderful wish!" Vanir exclaimed, holding Riku's hands tightly and staring at his radiant soul as he spoke with deep emotion. "You have shown me a story I never imagined, a light I have never seen! It makes me want to devote myself entirely to you."

"I will teach you everything I know. When the wheel of fate turns, I will give my all to fulfill your wish and repay your kindness."

Seeing Vanir becoming more and more animated, his face flushed as if he were on the verge of some ecstatic revelation, Riku quietly tried to pull his hands free, looking for help from Hiroshi, who was biting into his apple.

Riku: "What's going on with Mr. Vanir?! Help me! My hands are about to break!"

Hiroshi: "┓( ´□` )┏ Well, nothing I can do. In his original world, Vanir is a demon duke who knows everything. He's grown tired of the mundane."

Hiroshi: "When we were doing quests with Kazuma, I fought against Vanir. If he hadn't held back because he couldn't figure me out and because he learned of the chat group, wanting to join it, he would have beaten me easily."

Riku: "??? A demon duke who knows everything?!"

Riku: "That's amazing, but also sounds pretty lonely."

Hiroshi: "Well, your existence is something beyond Vanir's imagination. To him, you're the most precious and brilliant treasure in this world."

Hiroshi: "Vanir will definitely do everything he can to teach you. I believe he'd even risk his life for you."

Hiroshi: "After all, you must be the most extraordinary treasure he's encountered in his long life."

Riku: "That's a lot of pressure."

Riku: "But I'll accept it. I will win."

Hiroshi: "Oh, good luck. We'll all lend you a hand."

Riku: "To be honest, I'm still in a bit of a daze. I can hardly believe it."

Riku: "Everyone has done so much for me."

Hiroshi: "They're all good people, and Riku, believe in yourself. Your actions have shown everyone that you deserve their help."

Riku: "Is that so?"

Hiroshi: "Don't overthink it. Just accept their kindness. You can always repay it later."

Riku: "Later, huh."

Riku: "Alright, I'll definitely repay everyone in the future."

Throwing the apple core into a nearby trash can, Hiroshi watched the three disappear into the spatial ripple, smiling.

Riku was about to get really busy—sweeping across Mondstadt's lands with Hiroshi during the day, and studying magic at the Mondstadt library at night with Vanir and Lisa.

Every day was bound to be fulfilling.

Lying on the lawn, Hiroshi rolled over, ending his brief moment of relaxation. It was time to get up and work hard again.

Quick footsteps approached, and with her long black hair flowing down her shoulders, Kuroneko sat beside Hiroshi.

Hiroshi gently put his arm around Kuroneko, closed his eyes, and quietly felt the warmth in his embrace. "Ruri, I think I can understand Riku's feelings now."

"Mm," Kuroneko responded softly, hugging Hiroshi.

"So, for the next mission, can you stay home with Klee and wait for me to come back?"

A small smile appeared on Kuroneko's face as she snuggled into Hiroshi's embrace and shook her head firmly. "No."

Holding her, Hiroshi lay back down on the lawn.

Breathing in her scent, Hiroshi tightened his embrace, looking up at the starry sky.

Kuroneko slightly propped herself up, looking into Hiroshi's eyes, and smiled. "I believe in you. The eyes of Fallen Angel Holy Black Cat will never be wrong."

Seeing her reflection in his eyes, Hiroshi's lips curved into a small smile.

"Looks like I'll have to work even harder."