𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙂𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙊𝙛 𝙏𝙚𝙫𝙮𝙖𝙩 ~𝔾𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕟 × 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕖𝕣~

🖤✨️An offering of sincerity✨️🖤

As you left Mount Hulao after meeting Mountain Shaper, he advised you to seek out Cloud Retainer, another Adeptus. Following his directions, you headed toward the mountain he mentioned as Cloud Retainer's residence. Upon reaching the area, your eyes were drawn to a table placed in the open. Curious, you approached it and smiled softly.

"Oh... a table. It looks ready for dinner," you said, tilting your head in wonder. You chuckled as you examined the setting, pondering the significance of the place. "Hmm... perhaps Vayun could tell me something about this." Just then, a gentle gust of wind brushed past, carrying with it a faint whisper.

Vayun, in his discreet form as the wind, began to relay the history of the place to you. He explained how this table was where the Adepti, along with Rex Lapis, Guizhong, and Cloud Retainer, had shared meals together. This place was a sanctuary of camaraderie and unity.

You smiled warmly and thanked Vayun for his insight. Before departing, he suggested you prepare a meal for the Adepti to gain Cloud Retainer's attention. You nodded and began searching the area, soon finding a small spot suitable for cooking. With a soft smile, you settled there and started preparing the meal.

As you focused on cooking, your mind wandered to days of the past—the times you lovingly prepared meals for someone most special to you, your Krishna. Each dish you made for him was an offering of love, crafted with care and precision to suit his every liking. The memory of feeding him with your hands, watching him enjoy the food, brought a deep sense of bliss to your heart. Cooking for him was never a chore; it was a joy that nourished your soul.

The memory filled you with happiness as you continued cooking. You didn't know the exact preferences of the Adepti, but you decided that something beloved to your Krishna could surely appeal to them. Since your Krishna disliked anything involving meat or alcohol, you had never used those ingredients. For you, love meant prioritizing his happiness above all.

With that thought, you decided to make Paneer Butter Masala, a luxurious and flavorful dish. Its richness and taste would surely resonate with anyone who valued good food made with love.

Once the meal was ready, you placed it on the table, the tantalizing aroma spreading through the air. Vayun playfully carried the scent upward to Cloud Retainer's abode, as though a devoted child assisting his mother. Soon after, the domain's gates opened, inviting you inside.

The interior was breathtaking, filled with floating islands suspended in an ethereal sky. As you stepped further in, a calm yet commanding voice echoed around you.

"Hmm... a strange offering. Yet the sincerity of your actions pleases and intrigues me. Traverse through my abode, and seek the audience you desire."

You glanced around, taking in the vast and intricate design of the domain. Huffing softly, you muttered, "This will take far too long to get through normally." Inspiration struck as you approached the edge of the floating island. A circular stepping pedestal appeared before you. With determination, you stepped onto it, and another appeared ahead. You continued moving across the floating platforms, navigating the domain with surprising ease.

Reaching the central island, you found yourself face-to-face with the illustrious Adeptus, Cloud Retainer. She regarded you curiously, her avian features reflecting wisdom and intrigue.

"One is intrigued... Even within my domain, you exhibit control over its constructs. Strange. The one before you is Cloud Retainer, an Adeptus. Now, speak of the matter that brings you here."

You recounted the events on the terrace, including the accusations and your concerns. Cloud Retainer listened intently, her expression shifting to one of shock as you described the situation. She engaged with your ideas and insights, offering her own thoughts as you discussed the unfolding events.

Eventually, she asked about the offering you had prepared. Her tone was laced with curiosity.

"This dish you have brought... it is unlike anything one has encountered before. Pray, elaborate."

You smiled gently. "It is made of paneer, a food similar to tofu but derived from milk instead of soybeans. This dish is called Paneer Butter Masala, a luxurious and flavorful delicacy. I thought such a refined dish might appeal to an Adeptus. I also do not use meat or alcohol in my cooking."

Cloud Retainer's gaze sharpened with interest. "One is fascinated by your peculiar ways. Never has one encountered such intriguing preferences. Do explain—why do you abstain from meat and alcohol?"

You nodded thoughtfully. "It is a personal choice, rooted in my beliefs. To me, eating meat is akin to housing a graveyard within oneself, while alcohol clouds the mind and robs it of clarity. I imagined that an Adeptus, who values tranquility and order, might also find such things discordant. However, these are merely my views."

Cloud Retainer observed you with a newfound respect. "One sees wisdom in your words. Indeed, you are unlike any other mortal. This intrigues one greatly."

After further conversation, you bid her farewell and left the domain, returning to Liyue Harbor. By now, several hours had passed, and you knew the others would likely be searching for you. Reuniting with your group, you shared the details of your meeting with the Adepti and their insights.

As you spoke, Childe's gaze remained fixed on you, his expression one of focused interest. Lumine and Paimon exchanged knowing glances, while Dainsleif's eyes narrowed slightly. Paimon leaned toward Lumine and Dainsleif, whispering,

"Psst! Is it just Paimon, or does Childe seem a little too interested in Y/N?"

Lumine nodded subtly, and Dainsleif rolled his eyes, his irritation barely concealed. Perhaps jealousy simmered beneath his composed exterior?

Childe, unaware of the silent commentary, shared his knowledge about Rex Lapis and his significance to Liyue.

"If the Liyue Qixing have truly hidden the Exuvia and restricted access, how do you plan to meet all the Seven Archons?" Paimon asked curiously.

Childe's expression darkened slightly. "Why would meeting all the Archons be necessary? Pray, enlighten me."

Sensing his shift in tone, you interjected before Paimon could speak. "Oh, it's nothing... just a personal goal."

Childe's grin returned as he nodded. "Well said. Hmm, I could help you with that, you know."

"Really?" Paimon asked, her curiosity piqued.

Childe's smile widened. "Indeed. Give me some time to find someone who can help break this stalemate."

You nodded in appreciation, but then Childe turned his attention solely to you, his voice taking on a flirtatious edge.

"And, Madam Y/N, would you care to accompany me around the market later?"

Lumine and Paimon giggled at his boldness, while you smiled softly and nodded. Dainsleif, however, glared at Childe, his expression icy enough to freeze the harbor. If looks could kill, Childe might've been reduced to ash... much like a certain Harbinger's future.

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Author's note:
Do you guys like the new book cover?😅 I have been quite busy with many things but writing is quite a nice hobby to spend my little free time-

🖤✨️Legends✨️🖤

In Hindu traditions, consuming meat and alcohol is considered impure, as it involves harming other beings and disrupting mental clarity. Such substances are categorized as tamasic (ignorance-inducing) and are avoided by devotees seeking spiritual tranquility.

Devotees of Krishna lovingly prepare offerings for Him, treating His statue as a living embodiment of the divine. Ingredients like meat, eggs, alcohol, onions, and garlic are prohibited, as they are displeasing to Krishna.

Krishna is not seen as a distant god but as a beloved, family member or friend. This intimate bond inspires selfless acts of love and devotion.