Watching the hardworking Keqing run off, Akio shrugged helplessly. He had only intended to comfort her, but somehow ended up manipulating her instead.
"Zhongyuan Chop Suey! Delicious and affordable!" As Akio wandered the streets, he suddenly heard a vendor's call and quickly walked over.
"Hello, two servings of Zhongyuan Chop Suey, please," Akio said.
"Sure thing, sir! Just a moment!" Su Erniang, the vendor, nodded and got to work.
Watching the smoky grill, Akio took a step back. The only downside of grilled meat was the smoke—it clung to clothes and was a hassle to wash out.
"Here you go, sir. Your Zhongyuan Chop Suey."
Soon, two servings of the dish were packed and handed to Akio.
After paying with Mora, Akio returned to the inn.
By the time he got back, it was already noon. Kitsune Saiguu was lying on the bed reading a light novel, wearing a thin nightgown that hinted at her alluring figure.
"Akio, you're back?" Kitsune Saiguu sat up when she heard the door open.
"Yeah, I brought you some Liyue delicacies," Akio walked over and placed the Zhongyuan Chop Suey on the table in the middle of the bed.
"Smells amazing!" Kitsune Saiguu sniffed the air. Meat! She loved it!
"Liyue is known for two things: its Mora and its food," Akio climbed onto the bed and sat cross-legged.
"Mhm," Kitsune Saiguu leaned into him, letting him hold her.
"What kind of meat is this? It's so fragrant," Kitsune Saiguu asked as she ate the mixed grill.
"Uh… animal offal?" Akio replied. When prepared well, the fat from the offal had a clean, savory aroma without any unpleasant smell, making it incredibly appetizing.
"Oh, I see," Kitsune Saiguu nodded, not bothered at all. Back when she was a fox, she would always eat the offal first when hunting, as it was the most nutritious part. Predators typically went for the organs first.
After the meal, Kitsune Saiguu snuggled into Akio's arms and asked, "Akio, what did you do this morning?"
Akio recounted the morning's events to her.
"So, you're planning to take that La Signora for yourself?" Kitsune Saiguu asked curiously.
"Then why did you slap her?"
"Her brain's fried. Centuries of rage have probably burned away her sanity. I'm just helping her clear her head," Akio explained. "That woman's practically a lunatic! Did you know she slapped Barbatos, the Anemo Archon, in Mondstadt?"
"???" Kitsune Saiguu was shocked. That woman was that bold? She had met the Anemo Archon before. Sure, he seemed carefree, but he was the second oldest god! A deity who once reshaped mountains and land! And La Signora dared to slap him?
"That's why I said she needs some… training," Akio waved his hand dismissively.
"Fair enough," Kitsune Saiguu nodded, no longer concerned about La Signora. She then said in a sweet voice, "Akio, I want to visit the Jade Chamber too~ A floating palace sounds even more impressive than Tenshukaku."
"That woman named Ningguang sure knows how to live in style," Kitsune Saiguu added. "What does Ningguang look like? Someone who wields such power—is she an old hag?"
"Not at all," Akio shook his head. "She's very beautiful, with bright eyes and a charming presence."
"Oh? So she's both beautiful and rich?" Kitsune Saiguu's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Akio, why don't you win her over too?"
"Huh?" Akio gave her a strange look.
"Think about it! She's the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, the highest authority in Liyue! She's beautiful, wealthy—didn't you say she's as rich as a nation?" Kitsune Saiguu giggled. "If you win her over, her wealth will be ours! And while you're at it, why not go for Keqing too? After this, Liyue will belong to Inazuma!"
"Whoa, whoa! Don't say things like that," Akio quickly covered Kitsune Saiguu's mouth. Liyue belonging to Inazuma? What a bold idea!
"What are you talking about? Even if I win them over, their personalities wouldn't allow them to hand over Liyue for love," Akio rolled his eyes. "Liyue is one of the most prosperous nations. How could you even think that?"
"Ah, I'm just joking," Kitsune Saiguu pouted. Of course, she knew that. She was just teasing.
"But seriously, Akio, don't you love strong, capable women?" Kitsune Saiguu said. "Ningguang rose from poverty to where she is today—her skills and abilities are undeniable. Keqing is also an exceptional woman who can stand on her own. Aren't you tempted?"
"Who said I'm not?" Akio raised an eyebrow. Who wouldn't love Ningguang and Keqing?
"I see," Kitsune Saiguu nodded thoughtfully, seeing Akio's expression. She knew her Akio was a hopeless romantic. There was no way he'd let these women slip by.
Oh no~ Looks like these beautiful women will be swept off their feet by Akio too. Kitsune Saiguu had no doubt about Akio's charm. That man had an irresistible aura.
Even she had been captivated the first time she saw him. Take the Shirasagi Himegimi of Inazuma, the usually composed young lady of the Kamisato Clan. How many days had it been since she met Akio before she couldn't wait to confess her feelings?
Honestly, when Akio and Yae Miko told her about Kamisato Ayaka's feelings, Yae Miko had been utterly shocked. She knew Ayaka's personality, but she hadn't expected Akio's charm to be so overwhelming.
Perhaps this was the true power of being Teyvat's Most Devoted?
"By the way, Akio, you said you want Ei to be your woman. Knowing you, wouldn't that mean Makoto would also end up as yours? If the Raiden Shogun is your wife, how could you let the little tengu of the Tenryou Commission slip by?" Kitsune Saiguu suddenly exclaimed. "The Raiden Shogun, the Grand Narukami Shrine, the Yashiro Commission, the Tenryou Commission? Does that mean you've taken over the entire Inazuma elite? Wow, Akio, you're the real winner here! Inazuma might as well take your last name!"
"My dear Saiguu, you're so smart and know so much," Akio shamelessly gave her a thumbs-up, then leaned in and whispered, "Let me correct you—there's also the young lady of the Kanjou Commission who might admire me."
"Huh?" Kitsune Saiguu was stunned. The Tri-Commission, the Grand Narukami Shrine, Tenshukaku—you've taken them all, haven't you?
"I'm going to bite you, you big pervert!" Kitsune Saiguu playfully pounced on him, her sharp little fangs nipping at his neck, though she didn't use any real force. After all, she couldn't hurt him even if she tried.
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