"What's going on ?"

After Keqing introduce herself, another voice erupted from beyond the crowd. The people parted to reveal a short blue haired man in some regal looking clothing.

As soon as he appeared the two adventurers looked at each other and smirked.

They walked up to the boy and relaid to him what was happening, as Xiao shared our sides of the story with Keqing.

"Very well then." Keqing and the boy spoke at the same time

"We shall have a court case overseen by me, Yuheng of the Qixing, Keqing, and the secretary of the Liyue Qixing, Ganyu."

"If you don't mind I would like to take part in this as well, I am the heir of the Feiyun Commerce Guild so it's only right I am at the court case too."

The heir to the Feiyun Commerce Guild huh... this is looking great for us.

"Very well then ! The trial shall be held at the Yuehai Pavilion in the morning two days from now."

"Um excuse me, h-how do we get a lawyer ?"

"Don't worry, I may be an overseer of the case but I will also act as your lawyer."

Keqing is on our side ?!

"As much as I hate relying on the adepti on the archons, what Xiao has told me has proven to me you two's innocence, and an adpetus has no reason to lie so I don't need to question your motives."

I wave of relief washes over me. I'm glad to have such a smart strong woman on our side. Though that heir to the Feiyun Commerce Guild worries me... what tricks could he have up his sleeves ?

The boy walks over to us and introduces himself.

"Pardon me my liege, I am Xingqiu, heir to the Feiyun Commerce Guild and I will also be acting as the lawyer for these two adventurers as they are part of my guild. If you wouldn't mind I would like to ask both of you a few questions."

I agree, Xiao is a bit hesitant but gives in after a while and Xingqiu decides to interrogate Xiao first.

I talk with Keqing a bit more regarding the situation.

"So why are you traveling with an adeptus ?"

Ugh. The question I've been dreading has been asked...

"Well... I'm an adventurer from Mondstadt and when I got to Wangshu Inn, Xiao took a liking to me. So he decided to come with."

"Hmm... this aligns with the report Verr Goldet sent us. Alright I should have enough material to make a case, that's all for today, thank you."

I see Xiao and Xingqiu walking towards us.

"Is if my turn ?"

"Yes, and just so you know, depending on your answers we might not have to go through with the case at all."

"What ? Why is that ?"

"Well I didn't realize the fellow is an adeptus, and since his testimony didn't include any actual malicious intent, if I decide your testimonies align with Xiao's, and that you never meant any harm, then I will call off the case. I will have a very stern word with those two though."

Xingqiu glares at the two adventurers who seem to be relaxing, unaware of the new developments in this case.

I follow Xingqiu to a secluded room and he asks me questions. Basic ones like what happened between us and the adventurers blah blah blah. He asked the same question as Keqing regarding me and Xiao's relationship and I gave the same answer.

Xingqiu looks at his notes and smiles.

"You're free to go. Despite me being the heir to the guild those two problematic adventurers are in, I'm not inclined to help them anymore since one, I'm not a real lawyer, and two, after listening to yours and Xiao's testimonies, I believe that you two are innocent."

I sigh from relief.

"Please tell Keqing to call off the court case. I will instead, have a very very stern word with those two. It was nice meeting you. Have a great day."

"Thank you so much."

I walk out of the room and quickly run to Xiao and Keqing. I overhear Keqing asking something of Xiao.

"So do you think you can introduce me to Rex Lapis ? I'd love to meet him— oh hi Y/N !"

A nervous laughter comes from Keqing after I come back.

"I'll see what I can do, Keqing, but hello my love."

Xiao looks at me smiling and blushing. Keqing looks at the two of us confused. Despite me being flustered I tell Keqing.

"Hehe he just likes to joke with me and call me weird nicknames... you really need to stop you know. But anyways, Xingqiu has decided to call of the case."

Keqing has a look of shock on her face which then quickly turns into happiness.

"Thank goodness, my schedule was already busy enough. But I'm glad you two are going to be okay."

"Hehe thanks ! We appreciate you also taking time out of your schedule to try to get evidence to defend us."

"Oh it's nothing, I must get going now. Goodbye."

Keqing runs off to go do her work and I quickly grab Xiao's hand leading us back to our house. We get inside and as I turn around after locking the door, Xiao hugs me and leaves a short kiss on my lips.

"What was that for ?" I ask, blushing.

"Nothing. I just... love you I guess."

"Ah... o-okay..."

I go into my room as it's getting late and today was tiring but Xiao calls out my name.

"Do you actually want me to stop calling you cute nicknames ?"

"Ah no, that was just cover to keep Keqing from finding out we're together... but please never stop calling me cute nicknames I... like them."

"Okay, darling."

I go into my room flustered and lie down on my bed. From outside I hear Xiao speak.

"Where am I supposed to sleep ?"

Ah I forgot there's only one bedroom."

"You can come in and sleep next to me."

Xiao opens the door and waddles over to me, then lays next to me on the bed. I turn away from him and he wraps his arms around me, hugging my waist. He leaves a kiss on the crown of my head and I try to sleep. But these butterflies are keeping me awake...

🦋