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Keqing is smitten from the start, but she knows better than to show it.
After the battle with the ancient god, Keqing finds herself watching the Traveler with a new appreciation that might go beyond admiration. Respect. Something deeper.
Ningguang catches Keqing gazing at the Traveler from afar. A smile curves across her face. “You seem more interested in her than before.”
“Aren’t you? Without her, we might not have been able to pull off your plan.” Keqing studies Lumine preparing to dive off the docks to retrieve something from the waters. “Besides, we still owe her for saving the city, even if she turned down our offer.”
“What did you want to reward her with?” Ningguang’s smile is growing sly. “Something other than Mora?”
Keqing straightens up, looking over at the Tianquan. “What are you implying?”
“That your characteristic boldness disappears whenever she comes up as a topic.” Ningguang shrugs. “Make of that what you will.” She makes to head back to her chambers, pausing at the doorway to look back. "If I could give you some wisdom, I would advise making a solid move as soon as possible." She nods towards the Traveler strolling on the docks after crawling out of the water, stopping to chat and laugh with a handful of blushing maidens who were trying their best to keep their gazes above her soaked white dress. "A girl like her would have many eyes on her, and not all of them as patient as you would like."
Keqing admits that Ningguang has a point. After the Tianquan leaves, Keqing starts thinking of possible things she could offer that could be immediately helpful to the Traveler. It’s not until her head hits her pillow in the wee hours of the morning, that Keqing has an idea that might be immensely beneficial to both of them, and she’s up and drafting an outline at her desk on the spot.
She spends her free time hammering out the details of the offer, and when she is satisfied with it, she sets off to find the Traveler, bundle of sheets in hand. It isn’t hard to discover their location in Liyue, though it is much harder to get them to stop moving.
The Traveler is often spotted climbing up buildings in lieu of taking the stairs, gliding around the city, sprinting around in pursuit of completion of her commissions. She also is noted to be doing some bizarre tasks. This time when she spots her, Keqing fishes the Traveler out of the harbour after the girl nearly drowns out of exhaustion. “For Rex Lapis’ sake, what was so important that you had to risk your life for it?”
Lumine coughs, turning to her. Those golden eyes focus on Keqing, and the Yuheng feels her stomach falling out through her feet at the sight of them. Just like she did when Lumine turned around on the dock after the fight in the skies—ethereal and radiant and unworldly. Powerful like nothing else. For a moment, Keqing felt a force that eclipsed even the ancient god they were fighting before it disappeared, and she’s left wondering if she only imagined it.
Keqing is not a slow woman. She knew what the feeling was the moment it showed. The matter was now whether or not to bring it up. “So?”
Lumine looks sheepish. “I dropped a piece of fowl that I need to feed a puppy.”
Keqing sighs, “You could have just bought another one.”
Paimon hovers above them, jutting her hands on her hips. “It was our kill. It’s about the principle!” She pauses. “But maybe not do that next time, because Paimon can’t fish you out of the water.”
“It was kind of an on-the-spot decision.” Lumine slicks back her golden hair with her fingers, the droplets caught on her lashes nearly crystalline in the sunlight. “Not a very good one, I’ll admit.”
Shaking her head from her stupor, Keqing gestures for the Traveler and her companion to follow. “Here, I’ll have someone find you a towel. I had something to talk to you about anyway.”
Curious, both of them trail after her. Half an hour later, they sit at a quiet spot on the docks near a street vendor, a towel around the Traveler’s neck that was somehow procured by a hovering clerk nearby.
“Thanks! You didn’t have to buy me something.” Lumine takes a bite out of her fullmoon egg, smiling while her hair rapidly dries. “Though I’ll never say no.”
“It is the least I can do for how you helped Liyue.” Keqing eyes Paimon floating by Lumine’s side, busy stuffing her face and making delighted squeals to contribute to the conversation. “Both of you.”
“You guys really don’t owe me anything. Seriously.” She polishes off her meal before putting down her chopsticks and sighing in appreciation. “What did you need to speak to me about? A commission on killing monsters? Finding paintbrushes? Killing monsters in the shape of paintbrushes?”
Keqing gives her a look. “What kinds of things do people send you on?”
Lumine shrugs. “You never know. Anyway, I’m open to hearing about it.” She reaches for a glass of water on the table and takes a huge gulp.
Keqing nods, deciding on how to express what she needs to say. “How would you feel about giving us a try? Romantically?”
Paimon screams as Lumine spits her drink out all over her. Coughing, the Traveler wipes at her mouth. “I thought you were going to ask something else, like help make Liyue great again.”
“That too.” Keqing shifts, growing excited. “I am serious though. I think we could accomplish great things together in a partnership.”
“But…why?” Lumine straightens up. “Why would you be interested?”
Keqing blinks. “You’re a beautiful girl who fights like the fury of the storms themselves. You even turned down the reward of the Qixing when we could have given you so much. Why wouldn’t I be interested in you?”
“Uh…” Lumine looks at Paimon, who whistles.
“So…Paimon forgot to do the dishes in her inter-spatial thingy. She’s going to go now and give you two some privacy.” Paimon disappears in a glitter of sparkles, leaving Lumine behind to curse her cowardice.
Lumine fumbles for something to say to buy time to think. “So…huh. That’s …wow.”
When Lumine sputters and flushes a pretty shade of pink, Keqing leans forward, hands clasped together. “It's not difficult. You’ll see. Just give it a try. What if you try and it doesn't work out? ...No, I don't believe that will happen. You've never let me down before. You don't seem the type.”
“That’s…” Lumine rubs the back of her head, flushing. “I’m just not looking for a relationship right now. Whole quest to find my brother and all that.”
“But is there a possibility that you might think about it?”
“Well, yeah. I can think about it.” Lumine shakes her head before laughing. “Actually, knowing you, I half-expected you to have a contract of some sort already in hand.”
“I…didn’t expect you’d be so forward.” Keqing is taken back. “If I had known you would agree to a marriage contract so readily, I would have presented one.”
“…I was joking.”
“I was not.” Keqing reaches into a pouch on her hip. “And I did bring one.” She holds it out to the staring Traveler. “Do me a favour and give it a serious read before you answer.”
So Lumine does, eyebrows raising as she goes through all the clauses and contractual obligations. Her brows furrow. “That is a lot of assets and joint properties that I would have authorization over. Most merchants would keel over with joy from everything you’re listing here. What do you get in return?”
Keqing looks at her, puzzled. “I get you. Isn’t that enough?”
Lumine’s stomach flops like it’s rolling with a punch. Damn Keqing’s characteristic directness. “Uh…I’m flattered, but—“
“It is a big decision, and the fact that you’re still here is a good sign. Accepting this would give you access to Mora, connections, and resources far beyond any merchant could dream of. It's the least I could do to pay you back for your service to the city and for..." Keqing flushes slightly. "Anyway, sleep on it. Get some advice. I’ll see you tomorrow to get your answer.” She stands, brushing off her dress. “As it stands, I’ve taken enough time out of your schedule and mine.”
She turns, looking unusually hesitant. “Would that be all right with you?”
“Sure, I guess? Same time, same place?”
Keqing nods. “I will see you then.”
She heads off before Lumine could say another word. Paimon appears promptly after she leaves. “So, marriage, eh? Guess it’s about that time. Paimon was starting to think you were getting kind of old.”
Lumine swats at her with the latter ducking. “I’m not getting married. But I would like help figuring out what this is all about.”
They stop by the nearest person Lumine knows is an expert on contracts.
Yanfei agrees to sit down for tea with them on her break. She excitedly looks at the written proposal. “Well, I’m more of a business contract lawyer, but I like to look at other types from time to time. And one directly from the Qixing too. It’s probably exquisitely crafted.
Ten minutes later, she is still going through all the clauses, flipping through the tome she keeps on her hip. Her eyebrows continually rise in amazement as she reads and rereads certain sections. “Really? She’s using that precedent to ….interesting! ‘Expectations of wifely duties’…what a quaint phase!” And so forth.
Lumine figures it is as good of a time to attend to some…private matters as any. When she comes back from the washroom, she finds Yanfei nodding along to Paimon who is waving her arms animatedly. “…those terms are certainly…gluttonous but perfectly doable. You got some good instincts about how to present an offer.”
“About what?” Lumine slides into her seat, eyeing them both.
Paimon puffs out her chest. “While you were away, Paimon practiced what it would be like to negotiate with the Yuheng of the Qixing and learned about income, assets, debts, and liabilities. Now, Yanfei says Paimon could be an honoured marriage broker. With commissions!”
“You better not be referring to arranging mine.” When the pair glance at each other, Lumine rises. “Right. Well, I’m going to Mondstadt. See you again never.”
Paimon thrusts out her hands. “No, no! Wait! Don’t you want to hear what Yanfei has to say?”
Lumine reluctantly sits down again. “Okay, but no engaging me with someone while I’m distracted.”
Paimon promises, sneaking her hands behind her back and making Lumine suspicious. When the Traveler is about to press her, Yanfei draws their attention back to the contract.
“Everything here is clear, concise, and air-tight. It’s a testament to how much she values marrying you for her to put that much work in.”
Lumine snorts. “I suppose Keqing sees a good potential investment and wants to get in on the ground floor.”
“Definitely, but here’s the thing. The Yuheng doesn’t go around proposing to people everyday.” Yanfei raises her eyebrows. “It’s a really big deal. Qixing members often receive a ton of marriage offers every day, and it is even rarer for them to offer one in return.”
“Marriage to a member of the Qixing is the highest honour a non-Qixing person could have,” Paimon explains. “So, it’s a huge deal what she’s offering you.”
“But…why now?” Lumine scratches her hair. “I know I helped save Liyue Harbour and all, but this seems a little quick.”
Yanfei shrugs. “Why don’t you ask her that?”
They bid Yanfei farewell as she runs off to her next client, leaving Lumine deep in thought for the night with Paimon chattering off her ear as usual. When they wake the next day and go early to wait for Keqing, Lumine finds herself rubbing at her temples as Paimon cajoles her to consider her marriage broker career, starting with the recent offer in the Traveler’s hand. “For the last time, no.”
“Why not? Paimon got a pretty good catch for you.” Paimon starts listing off of her fingers. “Keqing is pretty, rich, smart, a good fighter, and she’s the Yuheng of the Qixing so she’s got connections! You rely on commissions for income, which is unreliable according to Yanfei.”
“Hey, I also work for the Ministry of Civil Affairs!”
“Pff, yeah, and you can barely pay for lunch.” Paimon starts counting on her other fingers. “Your job is a liability due to its dangerous nature—“
Lumine snorts. “With how much Mora goes into feeding you, you’re a liability too.”
“Hey, get off Paimon’s back! Anyway, your teapot is your only asset. Basically, you are just a wanderer with ceramic for a house. Let Paimon help you marry up!”
“You can marry her if you’re so determined to launch your career.” Lumine shakes her head. “I have to search for my brother.”
“It doesn’t have to be a real marriage. Just one on paper! Just think of the funds Keqing can provide.” Paimon drools. “And the sweets!”
“It wouldn’t be fair to her. Everyone in Liyue takes contracts extremely seriously. It would make sense if Keqing sees a marital one just as binding. Plus…” Lumine pauses, growing sad briefly. “Well, the whole death-do-us-part thing. That’s going to be hard to explain in fifty years.”
Paimon looks confused, but Lumine brushes her off before she can ask any questions. “Anyway, it’s not the right time to think about that kind of stuff.”
“Well, when is the right time? Paimon thinks you should settle down already. You’re not getting any younger.” She pauses. “How old are you again?”
Lumine is deadpan. “I’m not getting married.”
“Fine! Kill Paimon’s budding career. Paimon can just be a floating guide forever!” The tiny companion throws her hands up as she hovers by Lumine’s side. “First, Paimon nearly drowns for you then gets labelled as emergency food. Now that Paimon has a chance to break out of her ho-hum job, you go and sabotage her. I see how it is, Traveler!”
Lumine groans, rubbing against her face with one hand. “You like being a guide.”
“That doesn’t mean Paimon can’t think about the future!” She juts her hands on her hips. “Paimon’s got to think about retirement now while she has the energy. Keqing was talking about investing in real estate so Paimon doesn’t have to work anymore.”
“You need lots of Mora for investments. More than we could earn as adventurers.”
“Well, if you marry Keqing, you’d have enough to invest in anything you want. Plus, once you find your brother, you’ll need a place to stay and settle, right?” At Lumine’s look, Paimon crosses her arms and grumbles, “Fine. Paimon will drop it. Guess being an old maid is the way for some people.”
Lumine opens her mouth to retort when Paimon jabs a finger out, pointing at someone approaching. “Here she comes now. Paimon will give you two some time alone so you can explain why you'd rather be a spinster.”
Paimon disappears, and Lumine shakes her head.
Keqing approaches her, crossing her arms. “Good. You’re here. Have you given the matter some thought?” She rubs at her face. “No, sorry. That may have been too straightforward for the topic. Do you want to discuss it over a meal?”
Lumine doesn’t say no. She sighs after her fifth plate of golden shrimp balls, which Keqing watches her eat with an unreadable expression on her face.
“Do I have something in my teeth?” Lumine asks when the staring gets too much.
Keqing shakes her head. “I find you beautiful.” She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, cheeks slightly flushed. Lumine supposes her face is the same colour. “Though I do want to get to the heart of things.”
“Right. So, this marriage proposal…” Lumine rubs her forehead. “I have been told that it’s a windfall of fortune into my lap, but I don’t get how it’s supposed to work out. You’re the Yuheng of the Qixing. Don’t you have to stay here?”
“As long as I’m surveying potential land for development, I’m still keeping with my duties.” Keqing shrugs. “So, take me with you when you travel. I feel more alive in the mountains than the pretty steel of the city.”
“You are aware that I do incredibly dangerous stuff for a living?”
“And you are aware that we both fought off a literal ancient god together, so I can hold my own.”
“Point taken.” Lumine hunches. “You know, Paimon kept going on and on about everything that someone in your position could offer me.”
Keqing studies her. “Even if I wasn’t the Yuheng, I can offer you my love and devotion. Since I am the Yuheng, I can also offer a percentage of the profits made from property development.”
Lumine snorts. “Paimon would have been sold. Still, I—“ Her hands clench at her dress, a strange old sadness rising up in her like the fading edges of a beloved memory. “I—“
Keqing nudges Lumine’s shoulder, snapping her out of it. “Just think it over.” She turns her head so that her nose barely brushes Lumine’s, eyelids set low, pretty eyes on hers. “I think we’d be a good pair.”
Lumine closes her eyes before slowly opening them, seeing Keqing watch her with awe on her face like she’s the sunrise coming over the harbour. “Why do you like me? Why now?”
Keqing smiles. “It's because you don't believe something just because it was said by a god. You make up your own mind. You ask the questions everyone else is too cowardly to ask, and when you don't get an answer, you keep looking until you find one.” She adds at Lumine’s concerned expression, “Oh, don't worry — your way is definitely the right way. Who says gods don't make mistakes, anyway?
“So, just be you. Never mince your words with me, okay? Yuheng's just a title. I'll not have you treading on eggshells around me just because of my status. Say what's on your mind, always — that's what makes you unique, and it's the thing I admire most about you.
“Besides,” Keqing looks away, cheeks flushing slightly, “Father said I should start thinking of suitors soon. He’ll be happy to hear that I have found my equal.”
“I…” Lumine sits back, rubbing her face. “…have never been proposed to like this.”
Keqing stiffens, eyeing her. “You have others vying for your hand?”
“Not that I know so far. At least in this world.” Lumine blows a strand of hair out of her face. “How is it that I have women and men hitting on me left and right, and yet, I can’t order a cup of wine?”
“What men? Which women?” Keqing’s eyes narrow. “Is it that perfume maker that stood too close to you at the Rite of Parting?”
Lumine laughs, “That woman can’t take being flirted with as well as she flirts. Don’t worry about her.”
“I have every right to worry. I don’t think you realize how desired you are, and not just for your looks.” Keqing smiles slightly. “If Ningguang wasn’t preoccupied with Beidou, she might find more excuses to meet with you.”
Lumine blinks. “What does Ningguang have to do with anything?” A pause as she thinks it through. “Really? Ningguang?”
Keqing shakes her head.
A clerk runs down the length of the docks, looking frantic with her long hair streaming behind her. “Yuheng! Where are you? We need you!”
Keqing sighs, “Guess our time is up.”
Both of them stand, and Keqing turns to tuck the contract into the Traveler’s hand. “Just think about it.” She presses a kiss onto Lumine’s cheek before trotting away, raising a hand without looking back as a goodbye. And Lumine has a moment where she wonders if it would be nice to settle down after she finds Aether. To have a home to come back down. To stay somewhere for once.
When Keqing has disappeared, Paimon reappears, having a mysterious sense of timing that she never explains. Lumine sighs, looking at the marriage contract and tucking it into her pack.
Paimon hovers over her curiously. “Why don’t you just throw it away?”
“Hush.” Lumine turns her gaze over the open waters of Liyue Harbour. “Now, how will we get to Inazuma?”
“Paimon thinks you’re dodging the subject, but okay.” Paimon rubs her head in thought. “Still, you should say something. She seems to like you.”
Lumine agrees. She takes another day to mull it over further before coming up with a decision. She writes her answer on the contract, stopping by the Adventurer’s Guild when she finishes. “Could you see that this gets to the Yuheng? Very important private matter.”
Katheryne nods, wide-eyed. “Of course. I’ll make sure she’ll get it.”
A couple of hours later, Keqing spots a familiar-looking bundle of sheets on top of her pile of paperwork on her desk. Heart hammering in her throat, she snatches up the contract and flips to the back, scanning for Lumine’s response. When she finds it, she stares dumbfoundedly at the last page for several seconds before laughing.
She tucks the documents into her desk and goes back to work, smiling for the rest of the week.