Liyue Harbor
Bonanus brought Xiao back to this bustling harbor once more. Everything was as usual—each vendor still wore that familiar face, that look of craving Mora.
Except for a few merchants who'd been replaced after breaking regulations, everyone else remained.
Upon arrival, Bonanus dragged Xiao straight to the Inazuman dessert shop. They'd barely gotten close when Bonanus caught the aroma of Tricolor Dango.
Neither in her previous life nor now had Bonanus truly tasted Tricolor Dango. Finally, she had the chance! She absolutely had to sample the Electro Archon's favorite dessert.
Arriving at the new shop selling Tricolor Dango.
The shop was called "Inazuma Snack Shop." The name felt very authentic, very Inazuman...
Aside from using another nation's name, the name had little character. But despite the plain name, the fragrance was quite alluring.
The owner of Inazuma Snack Shop was a very young-looking woman. Judging by her appearance, she was probably around twenty, quite beautiful.
Setting aside the aroma, the owner's looks alone could draw a crowd. Hopefully, she wouldn't get harassed.
Though Liyue's people generally followed the rules, there were always a few troublemakers.
Currently, seven or eight people stood in line outside the shop, while another five or six sat at tables enjoying their food.
These snacks were a new flavor for Liyue Harbor's residents. Many were willing to try them—especially young people craving novelty.
"Quite a crowd!" Bonanus, being very rule-abiding, took Xiao to the back of the line.
"Exotic ingredients always attract curious people." Xiao said disinterestedly. He stood with one hand on his hip, the other held by Bonanus, quietly resting his eyes.
"Ever consider it might be the aroma and the pretty owner drawing them in?" Bonanus teased.
Hearing this, Xiao craned his neck and stood on tiptoes to glance toward the owner. Hmm... she is pretty, but compared to Sister Bonanus, still lacking.
"I'd rather not judge someone by their appearance. Let's change the subject." After assessing the owner's looks, Xiao closed his eyes again, resuming his disinterested expression.
Seeing Xiao's apparent indifference to women, Bonanus couldn't help worrying for the fool. Find a wife and have kids soon, or you'll lose your lineage!
Though she'd gladly wrap herself up and gift herself to Xiao, this wasn't her body. She wouldn't follow those novel plots—using someone else's body for romance.
But not dating didn't mean no outings. Sibling dates were perfectly normal, right?! Very common in her previous life! Nothing wrong there, folks!
"So, am I pretty?" Bonanus's light blue, gem-like eyes fluttered at Xiao, her beautiful lashes trembling slightly—enough to steal anyone's soul.
Xiao coughed dryly. He had reason to suspect Sister Bonanus was tempting him. He worried that one day he might not be able to resist... and do something impulsive.
"Let's talk about the shop owner's appearance instead." Xiao forced a cold expression, turning his head away.
"Really! I guess I have no charm at all!"
Bonanus wasn't bothered. She knew—Xiao was definitely embarrassed! After months together, she'd figured out this simple man who said no with his mouth but yes with his heart.
Xiao offered no response, keeping his eyes tightly shut, trying to banish all distracting thoughts.
"Since you think I have no charm, how about letting me suck some karmic debt?" Bonanus smirked.
Hearing those familiar words again, Xiao opened his eyes slightly. Over the past months, Bonanus had snuck up on him several times. He hadn't expected her to be so bold!
This was an ill omen. For any living creature, it was deadly poison. Why did she crave it so much?!
He'd always opposed this behavior, but Bonanus wouldn't listen. Eventually, even Bosacius tried to persuade him. Infuriating!
Strangely enough, despite absorbing so much karmic debt for so long, Sister Bonanus showed no adverse reactions. Baffling.
Though Xiao didn't know how much karmic debt Bonanus's body contained, after all this time, just guessing, it had probably piled up like a small mountain.
Was Rex Lapis helping her somehow?
He remembered Sister Bonanus saying she wouldn't be eroded by karmic debt now and wouldn't go mad because another god had granted her abilities.
The price was losing her mind—which didn't seem different from going mad... Yet these months, the curse showed no obvious change. Suspicious.
Now Sister Bonanus was so mysterious, hiding many secrets. It was hard not to want to uncover them.
"Hey, Alatus? Why aren't you answering?" Bonanus said helplessly. The man would space out when thinking, sometimes impossible to wake.
"If you ignore me, I'll just help myself!"
Hearing this, Xiao immediately made a "no" gesture at Bonanus. You've found openings to ambush me the past few months, but now you're right under my nose. Don't even think about it.
"I think, for your safety, it's necessary to put you under house arrest. I'll discuss this with Bosacius again—he'll agree." Xiao threatened calmly.
Bonanus immediately behaved. Before, Xiao had indeed considered this out of concern for her safety, but reliable big brother Bosacius had talked him out of it.
She only knew because Bosacius had told her.
"I think you're no fun, Alatus. Always talking about house arrest this and house arrest that. If others found out, they'd think you had some strange fetish."
"I don't like people with such fetishes!"
Bonanus pulled her arm free from Xiao's and crossed her arms, pretending to be angry.
Seeing this, Xiao smiled slightly and shook his head. He grabbed her hand back, their fingers interlocking, allowing no refusal.
Looking at the hand holding hers, Bonanus couldn't help thinking: Xiao was not only short but had smaller hands too. Wonder if his... was proportionate?
Her large hand contrasted sharply with Xiao's—they barely fit together. Though it was a struggle, Xiao didn't mind.
"I've noticed you're very clingy lately. What, want a loving hug from your big sister?" Bonanus covered her mouth, laughing. Before, she'd always clung to Xiao. Now it was reversed.
In Bonanus's eyes, Xiao resembled... a little dog craving affection? Whether that was true, she didn't know.
"I've always been like this." Xiao replied dismissively.
"Didn't expect you to start brushing me off..." Bonanus smiled awkwardly.
"I'm just giving Sister Bonanus a taste of her own medicine. Don't you have many secrets you won't tell me?" Xiao shook his head gently. After all, Liyue's people valued reciprocity.
"Ah, well..."
Bonanus was momentarily speechless. She smiled awkwardly but politely, unsure how to respond.
This guy had changed so much... More cheerful than before. Smiled more. Less averse to crowds.
He even fought back now. The old Xiao would never have done that. With this thought, Bonanus pouted.
Their commotion at the back of the line had naturally drawn attention from those ahead. The topics they discussed were unlike ordinary people's, piquing curiosity.
One by one, people turned to look at them. Recognizing the pair, they greeted them warmly.