40 Contractual Relationship

The Traveler appeared calm on the surface, but internally he was flustered, desperately trying to dispel the beauty's notion of offering herself to him. "A mortal's life, to me, is perhaps but a fleeting moment. If you truly are an ordinary human with a lifespan of only a century, then even when you reach the twilight of your years, I would have grown only a fraction; there might not even be a perceptible difference from how I look now. In terms of the scale of life, we are just..."

Pei Nana stared at him, dumbfounded, and hurriedly interrupted, "Wait, wait, wait—stop! I was just joking! I hadn't finished yet!"

Aether fell silent, staring at her unblinkingly, his back straight as a board, rigid as iron.

Pei Nana wiped away a cold sweat, let out a dry laugh, and said, "Mr. Aether, where did your mind wander? I am already deeply grateful that you have taken me in; how could I ever dare to covet the position of your partner?"

Aether secretly breathed a sigh of relief, his stiff back relaxing slightly. Instead, he asked with a hint of curiosity, "Then what did you mean?"

Judging solely by her previous words, this person was clearly trying to offer herself. It was absurd to think about, yet not uncommon. In his past travels, because of his good looks, his strength, and a touch of a kind heart—in short, appearing easily deceived—many people from other worlds had tried to keep him or his sister forever. Not to mention the experience and vast knowledge that transcended the limits of their own worlds, even just his combat prowess meant that keeping him would secure a super-powered mercenary.

A handsome husband, formidable strength, valuable knowledge, higher perspectives, and greater paths—as long as one was ruthless and cold-hearted, all of this could be gained through a simple romantic scam. Which ambitious person would refuse? As for the husband being a "young boy"... Hahaha, he was just a kid; as long as there was power, who cared? One could just frame it as dedicating one's life to a career!

Not to mention, he wasn't really just a child anymore. If he encountered a woman with such ambition and calculated intent, the Traveler would remain unperturbed. He would accept the benefits, watch the show for a while, and when it was time to leave, he would walk away without a second thought. To hesitate even for a second would be a disservice to his status as a Star-Traveler.

But Pei Nana did not have that kind of ambition. She wasn't trying to use him for anything; she was merely seeking sanctuary. And apart from herself, she had nothing else to give as payment. She said she wanted to offer herself... that might actually be a genuine offer! But could such a sacrifice be one-sided? He had already been dragged into this; how could he stand on the sidelines and watch the show? Furthermore, what was she, a creature of the star-seas, really up to? Don't think that just because you're wearing a weak and helpless human skin, I'll forget that I have no idea what kind of monster lurks behind it!

Pei Nana dared not tease him any further and quickly explained her true intent. "We are complete strangers; living together is hard to explain, and it's difficult to find a perfectly logical excuse. But if we were a couple, all these problems would be solved. Of course, it's not that I have any presumptuous fantasies about you, but merely pretending to be a couple... The rumors outside are already claiming that I am a person from Liyue who eloped to Mondstadt with you. Why don't we just go with the flow and admit it? Besides, you don't have any interest in finding a partner or falling in love right now, do you?"

She dared to propose this precisely because she felt Aether likely shared the sentiment. She had thought for a long time about the intimacy in the bedroom that afternoon, concluding that Aether must have overheard gossip while out shopping and decided to play along to intentionally create an ambiguous atmosphere. Without a doubt, such sensationalist gossip could best shield her suspicious background.

Aether: "..."

Aether retorted, "Pretending?"

"Yes," Pei Nana smiled sheepishly. "As you said, the length of my life is insignificant to you. Even humans choose pets, and they feel sorrow when a pet passes away, let alone a lover. I truly cannot think of any reason for us to be genuinely in love, and I suspect others wouldn't either. It would be foolish to invest too much emotion into something destined to be lost quickly. I think any rational person would avoid that. Therefore, from start to finish, it would just be a 'love game'—seeking the experience of romance without asking for a future. I think this reason is enough to convince everyone. Then, in a year or two, once I've left enough traces in this world and people have grown accustomed to my presence, they won't be curious about my origins anymore, and we can announce our breakup... You could place me in a peaceful, stable place away from any major figures, say that I went back home to get married, and then I can live my idyllic life while you continue your travels across the worlds. If you ever get tired of wandering, you can stop by and visit."

She smiled brightly and asked, "How does that sound, sir?"

Aether looked at her deeply, flashed a fake smile, extended a hand, and said, "Fine. Then, I look forward to your guidance, 'girlfriend'."

Pei Nana's smile grew even more radiant. She decisively shook his hand up and down. "Sounds good~ 'boyfriend'."

With the goal achieved, her tense heart finally relaxed, and she playfully joked with Aether, "How do you want me to pursue you? Are there any specific requirements? I don't have much experience, but I'll try my best to ensure your romantic experience is a perfect ten out of ten!"

Aether's expression was complex: "...Let's just let it be. There's no need to make a big show of it."

*—If you keep acting like this, I’m going to start thinking you aren't just playing along, but actually want to pursue me!*

He comforted her, "After Master Albedo visits, I will be leaving Mondstadt soon. Once I'm gone, people won't have many chances to see me, making it even harder for them to discover the truth of our arrangement. We just need to spread a few rumors to plant the idea in their minds."

...

Two or three days passed in the blink of an eye, especially when one was busy. During these days, in addition to preparing various daily necessities, Pei Nana successfully joined Aether’s adventure team.

This miniature adventure team had originally consisted only of Aether and Paimon; now, it had become three. Miss Katheryne of the Adventurers' Guild had checked and rechecked the details before processing their paperwork with a complex expression.

Pei Nana's feelings were also strange.

"I thought adventurers were supposed to be like 'mercenaries,' 'explorers,' or 'wilderness survivalists'—in any case, the physical requirements should be very high. ...And yet, I just joined like this?"

Leaving the Adventurers' Guild, walking down the main street of Mondstadt, Pei Nana clung to the Traveler's arm like a bird, whispering beside him. For a homebody who stayed far away from danger, those wilderness survival experts were like extreme sports enthusiasts—each one a legend with an aura of their own! But now, that aura had just 'popped' and vanished. It felt like all the prestige was gone.

Aether allowed her to hold his arm, bracing himself against the various gazes from the people around them as he walked forward. Being a man of few words to begin with, he was even less inclined to speak now. He simply let his eyes glaze over, trying his best to ignore everyone. Even so, his keen perception allowed him to clearly feel the needle-like gazes piercing him from all directions.

*(Great, I've definitely become the latest big news again.)*

*(I wonder how my sister would react if she knew... Would she be shocked and come running to check? She probably would, if she still cared about me as her brother...)*

*(Maybe she'd even secretly investigate us, haha.)*

He thought, finding a bitter joy in the situation.

*(So, sister, where are you? I miss you so much.)*

His gaze drifted involuntarily toward the passing crowds and the secluded corners, hoping to see that dreamlike figure.

The Traveler was lost in thought and didn't respond. Little Paimon, flying beside them, comforted her, "What does it matter? It's just filling a spot. There's even a 'one-person team' in Mondstadt! As long as the adventure team itself doesn't mind being held back, the Guild doesn't care if you recruit a pampered young lady or an old grandmother."

Pei Nana was surprised. "A one-person team? That's amazing! Doesn't that make them just like Aether?"