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When I sacrificed the original Jade Chamber, I was already making plans on rebuilding it. But only recently, a mere few days ago, have all my plans regarding the chamber have been set to motion. Liyue needed time to recuperate, the chaos needed to settle down and the people needed to get comfortable in the new age, hence the delays. It is marvellous how so many things have changed, yet at the same time, it feels like not much has changed at all. Alas, only time shall tell.
I decided that I should let others take part in rebuilding the Jade Chamber, and what better way to motivate everyone than offer the information they so crave?
Sunset Vermillionite, Wonder Cores and Adepti Sigils are all I required. All were rare and expensive materials, yet it didn't discourage anyone to try to acquire them to earn their spot. There were some small side effects to the market, but they would quickly pass as soon as the project was finished. Ha, watching how the prices of Vermillionite skyrocketed in the Feiyun Commerce Gild was quite amusing.
And as much as I dislike the Captain, I know she could be of some help to me, so I forced her to do exactly that.
Yet as I made my announcement, and made my intentions known to all, one person, in particular, was interested, much to my expectations.
The illustrious traveller, The Hero of Liyue, Mondstadt's Honorary Knight.
I knew that he'd be the one to deliver most if not all materials required, and subsequently, I knew exactly what question he'd ask.
With some help from Shenhe, the mysterious, if not asocial child raised by the Adeptus, the traveller was able to acquire a sizeable chunk of Vermillionite. The only thing that still puzzled me was how did they get it right over to the building site?
The Wonder Cores were next to be delivered, this time with help of the opera singer Yun Jin, right aside the Wonder Cores were Adepti Sigils which I presume were made by Shenhe.
With this, the trio secured their places in the top three.
This brings us to the present moment, all three contributors stand before me, expecting their answers.
The first was Yun Jin, asking for my opinion as to where she should hold her opera. Seeing how I was planning to hold a banquet in the Jade Chamber to celebrate our progress, I offered her to host it up here. She swiftly departed to prepare all her props and other tools she'd require.
Then it was the traveller...
"I should clarify. I do not know your sister's whereabouts. So please, don't waste your question on this matter."
As much as I hate to say this, it must be said. I knew from the moment I saw him at my speech that he would take this opportunity to ask about his lost sibling. The traveller has done a great deal for Liyue, and I'm not sure how the city would fare if not for his help. And yet, as far as I am concerned, his kindness was largely one-sided, and rarely was it properly repaid. His only goal is to find his sister, yet all he ever receives are words of thanks and bags of Mora. I am aware of just how disappointed the Hero of Liyue is right now, hearing me say this. I know, and I do not like this either.
Instead, Paimon went ahead and gladly took the question to blatantly ask how to run a business. Pulling all my knowledge, I swiftly answered that question as well. I am quite curious whether she'll use the knowledge, or will she forget? Perhaps, together with the traveller’s help, Paimon could run quite a prosperous business. Who knows? Their nature does however entail that they won't be around much to run it themselves I'm afraid.
Lastly was Shenhe, asking whether she could ever fit into Liyue Harbour. An interesting question, one that I could answer from experience. It is definite that she does not recognise some of the concepts I mentioned, but I am certain she will get around.
I do hope she finds it soon.
Much to my annoyance, Beidou arrived shortly after, forcing everyone to focus their attention on her. But not mine, I could not help but be perturbed by something... or someone, rather.
While I didn’t have that many interactions with the traveler in the past, I knew when a smile was hiding something else when I saw one. Though he may be largely stoic with only a light smile adorning his face, I can still see that it’s not genuine. Was it ever genuine to begin with?
I am aware that the ascension ceremony is planned to begin soon, but there are much more trifling matters at hand, ones that will not stop bugging me if I do not personally address the issue.
“Traveller, come with me if you may.” I asked. Everyone gave me a curious look, or a mischievous one if you’re Beidou. Before she could say any idiotic comment I sent her a glare which fortuntately seemed to shut her up, at least in my presence anyways.
“I need to speak with the traveller in private, that means you too Paimon, please wait here.”
“Nuh uh! Paimon and the traveller are best buddies! Paimon will not leave Aether’s side so easily!” The little fairy creature protested proudly.
While certainly annoying, there was one simple trick I could use to get her to comply.
“I will make sure to get you the most exquisite food at the upcoming banquet, Paimon. And yes, you will have additional portions.”
Her eyes lit up at the mere mention of food. “Okay! You’re on your own Aether!”
That was easy.
Now that me and the traveller were alone, I could finally bring up what was on my mind without the worry of anyone intruding and interrupting. While I am aware that all of the people present there are his closest friends, I am sure that he would not wish for them to witness for what is to come next.
I lead him to my chambers, though not for what most may think and assume.
“So, why did you bring me here?” He asked curiously.
“Because I wanted to talk to you about something. I will not try to sweeten anything up or make any analogy. I will be direct in saying this. I am worried about you.”
He now looked at me with a puzzled expression. “Why? I’m fine, really I am!”
“Yet I see something else. And I know I am not wrong in saying this.” I said as I closed the door behind us for the sake of privacy. Though the Jade Chamber was empty save for us two, I still did it out of habit.
“ I have seen many people in my life already. I have learned how to discern one’s intentions and emotions by the tone of their voice and their expression, however convincing it may be. I may be a businesswoman, one with different tastes, humor, experiences and ideas, yet I still am a human, and I still can care about others.”
His expression slowly faded, appearing more and more lifeless and stoic.
“I am fine Ningguang. You don’t need to worry all that much about me. Aren’t there more pressing matters you should take care of?” Aether said in a more stern voice.
“This IS a pressing matter. To me, and it should be to you as well.” I insisted, I won’t let him downplay it so easily.
“I can see through your stoicism Aether. You can’t keep this up, one can bottle emotions for only so long. And if you don’t do something about it then-”
“Then nothing will happen! Everything is fine! What’s it to you anyways? Shouldn’t you mind your own business or something? Why do you suddenly care now?”
“Because I can see you! I can see you and the fact that you are clearly hiding from yourself, and refusing to confront it.” Aether started looking more and more frustrated as I continued.
“Hiding will not solve your problems, they will not go away until you yourself overcome them. Whenever you’re seen anywhere, you are always portrayed as someone full of life, someone enthusiastic.” He clenched his fists hard, hard enough for his fingers to start going pale.
“But as I look at you now I don’t see that. You’re putting on a fake smile to keep up your image, and it’s hurting you.” Aether opened his mouth, ready to interrupt me again. I simply continued talking, not letting him rebuke, not yet.
“I know how it is like to have to keep up a certain image, please, believe me when I say this. It is nothing easy, and if it’s approached in the wrong way it can have catastrophic consequences for your emotional well being. I simply want to talk to you about-”
“As far as I am concerned you only care about this because if it gets too bad, I won’t be able to properly carry out whatever menial task you want done but can’t be bothered to do it yourself!” He finally snapped at me.
“It’s always like this! Only my ability to be everyone’s personal little helper matters. I reckon that if I were to simply disappear, not only no one would care, if some did they’d probably just want something done again!” As Aether went on, he performed expressive gestures, as if he was an actor in a theater. Seeing him move this much, especially during a conversation…
“They’d seek me out just so I can clean up some damn mess that you yourself can’t handle! It’s always like this! Ooh traveller you’re so skilled this is just for you, ooh traveller you’re so smart you surely can help me with this, ooh traveller you’re so strong surely you can take care of that.” He continued imitating different tones, as if mocking all those that asked for his help before. I chose not to interject yet, and simply let him finish. However even now, I had the urge to riposte with a dozen different things.
“Traveller this! Traveller that! Never has someone asked me “”How are you feeling?”” and then NOT follow up with whatever bloody task they have for me. First of all I have a name for Archon’s sake! My name is AETHER! Not Traveller!” He loudly slammed his fist on my table, the many different items I already set up here slightly bounced up and shifted, some nearing the edge.
“Please don’t-” I tried to ask him to not destroy my items, but was quickly cut off as he continued.
“No one cares to call me by my proper name except Paimon! She’s the only one that gives half a damn about me! Everyone else just calls me traveller or some other abbreviation of it!” As he finished, he sat on the closest chair to him before hiding his face in his hands.
As I expected, he cracked under pressure, but I didn’t expect him to crack so quickly. Either way I remained calm, not allowing for anything he says to affect me. I understand how he feels, and responding with hostility would absolutely not help. I listen patiently, not interrupting him. Yet as soon as I think he is done, he continues. Only now I can see just how much trav-... Aether. How much Aether had bottled up. It would seem as if he hasn’t vented to anyone in a long time.
Aether tried to say something further, to further prove his point. Yet all he could produce was gibberish and quiet sobs. There was a dreadful silence only broken up by his silent yet painful crying. If there is anything new I discovered, is that hearing him cry and shiver is possibly the most unsettling and simultaneously worrying thing I’ve seen.
That’s why I wanted to talk to him in private…
“No one ever cares about me… I just want my sister back…” He silently cried.
I snap out of my own thoughts and quickly go to grab some tissues to wipe the tears. I have to wipe it for him, since he isn’t showing any will to do it himself. As soon as I’m done he immediately goes back to hiding in his own hands.
“Aether, look at me.” He doesn’t gaze up.
“Everyone around you cares about you. I know it may seem like a lie but we do. You’re important to us not because you’re useful, but because you’re a genuinely good person.” I crouched down to his level, placing a hand on his back.
“These are hard times we live in, and you are like a shining star to a lot of people. Some look up to you, a lot admire you and many more simply like you.” It would seem I got his attention, as he turned his eyes to me.
“...really?” He quietly asked.
“Yes! It is always a delight to have you around, to hear your opinion and make good memories with you. You bring nothing but joy to other people.”
“All they want is for me to solve something…” He tried to deny it. His voice was still tripping and hitching.
“Yes, some may see you as someone who can solve any problem, which admittedly, can be tiring. But not all expect that of you. We realise that you’re human as well, you have your own needs, your emotions and your dreams.” I continued. To be perfectly fair… I didn’t have much idea of who he was friends with outside of Liyue. But I refused to believe that I was the only one that could understand what he was going through.
“Like who…” Aether asked, doubting my words yet again.
“Like me Aether. I understand what you feel, how you feel and what you’re thinking. I’ve gone through that as well. And while I was able to pull myself up by myself, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have help. The fact that I didn’t have such help is the reason why I am making sure you get it now.”
He was silent this time. I waited for him to say something, but it was visible that he didn’t know what else to say. He stared at the ground, sniffing his nose ever so occasionally.
I wiped his face again.
“While I am a busy person, whenever you need it, I will always try my best to find a moment for you, alright? It is only fair after all you’ve done for us, for me. Can you promise me that? That when you find yourself in a hard spot you’ll go to me?”
“I promise…” He said emptily. Now it was obvious that this wasn’t so easy as asking him to promise. It’s very unlikely that he will actually come by himself. But it’s a step forward at the very least.
“Aether, I may be the Liyue Tianquan, but that’s not all I am. I’m still your friend, no matter how busy I am or just in what kind of affairs I may involve myself in. Got it?”
“Got it.”
Aether slowly stood up, and so did I. I reckon that it’d be best for him to stay here for a little while for all the commotion that must be going through his head right now to settle down. Now, I might go and-
Suddenly I feel physical contact. Aether all of a sudden hugged me. While an unexpected action to be sure, it was understandable. I returned the embrace, rubbing him lightly on the back.
“There there…”
Aether felt like a fragile glass orb that would crack and shatter at the slightest wrong movement. As if it would shatter into a thousand pieces if dropped, or merely held wrong.
He needs a gentle hand. If no one else can properly hold him, then I will do it myself.