Chapter Text
‘To be free’ was a wish Venti has yearned for a long time. To be free like the birds flying in the open sky. To be free like the children— whose smiles enveloped their faces as they ran around the town square. To be free from the responsibilities forced onto him, to freely do as he pleased. He wanted to feel his own freedom. He wanted to experience his idea of freedom. And so, he tried avoiding his tasks and sang songs to the people, drank bottles of wine without checking its price, roam around his nation with the wind by his side with every step.
Yet, none of them seemed to fit his idea of freedom.
And so, he enters (trespasses) the Wangshu Palace. The Millelith were not as strict as the Knights back in Mondstadt, just by looking at the Knights of Favonius badge (that he definitely did not steal from his dearest friend, Princess Jean) buttoned to his collar was good enough for them to allow him to enter.
The two-day masquerade ball of Liyue was the most anticipated event in Teyvat, it even beated Fontaine's own ball– where it originated from. Though Mondstadt had its own masquerade ball, Venti doubts he would be allowed to enter the palace grounds– even though he is surprisingly friends with Princess Jean. He had planned to trespass (because there was no way that a simple bard like him would be allowed to enter the royal event) the ball for as long as he can remember. With his failed attempts of experiencing his freedom, the masquerade ball of Liyue was one of his last resorts.
He was free back in Mondstadt, but it was not the freedom he wants. The freedom he had still made him feel like he was chained to something unexplainable. Something he cannot figure out. By playing a song on the lyre as a way to experiment his ‘freedom’, civilians would start criticizing him too much that the Knights would have to intervene because of the chaos it ensued. And it caused him to be watched by the Knights (which none of the royals knew about), it was too suffocating for a bard with a low source of income. Thankfully, Jean temporarily ordered the Knights to stop questioning every action he did.
When Zhongli explained Liyue's masquerade ball to him, Venti had never felt so much excitement. He was overjoyed to find out that the high class enter the ball with masks and are forbidden to remove them within the castle walls, how they could freely interact with every guest, how visitors dance gracefully in the ballroom while the gentle music tune plays in the background. He was also intrigued that the royals had a separate palace for the ball as they wanted to keep their Jueyun Palace to themselves. But finding out about the ball was the answer that he longed for. He couldn't possibly travel to Fontaine or Sumeru since it was too far for him, and he lacked money. Liyue was his only option, he was lucky that a storyteller named Zhongli accepted his request to show him around Liyue (read: Venti pleaded Zhongli to show him around Liyue).
Ah, and the free endless wine that Zhongli mentioned as well is of course, a must! Since he is visting Liyue, he should take this chance to taste of their fine wine.
And so, he stops in front of the hallway of the renowned Wangshu Palace. Though he was wearing a green colored mask with a stripe of white and a green feather placed on its side (courtesy of Zhongli, again), he could perfectly admire the bright and relaxed atmosphere inside the walls. The high quality costumes of visitors from different nations, the lively and loud talks that bounced back from the walls, and he can't forget about the traditional Liyue music echoing throughout the ballroom. Venti's eyes found the numerous amount of wine set in a single long table, and he was sure he started drooling. He shook his head then tried to regain his composure, his hands striking his vest lightly in an attempt to clean it, he pulled back his white gloves then gripped his coat. Venti let out the breath he wasn't aware he was holding in then brought his finger to the bridge of his nose– where his mask lies– and pushed it up. He smiled then slowly entered the room, hoping he wouldn't look too out of place.
The three bright chandeliers hanging on the ceiling illuminated the ballroom. The moon light entered the room through the palace's humongous windows, adding more light to the place and people. Everything seemed so fascinating to him— the stairs at the front that led to a balcony where, Venti assumed, the royals watch, the unlimited supply of food whichever table he looks at (and the apples look absolutely delectable from afar). He was sure to enjoy the night.
Venti happily skips to the table on the left to pick two apples, or maybe three, or four, or fi—
"Greetings! Is this your first time attending the ball?"
He stopped himself from taking one more apple and faced the dark blue haired boy who greeted him.
"Oh! Uh— yes! It is my first ball." He replied smiling, but in reality, his heart was racing out of fear. Fear of the boy figuring out he was not one of them. That he would be dragged out and face the consequences of his actions all due to his own selfishness.
A part of him thinks he deserves it.
"Hm," the boy eyed the stolen badge. He really needs to make it up for Jean with all the problems he might cause. "Ah, from Mondstadt? That badge is seen from the books I have read."
Were the upper class always this sociable?
"Correct. I'm assuming you are from here, sir...?" The boy chuckles which made Venti blink in confusion.
"Calling me Galant would be fine, my liege." Galant bowed and Venti did the same. "After all, we mustn't reveal our true identity to strangers."
He forgot about that.
Zhongli gave him a full explanation as to why identities in masquerade balls should only be known to yourself. He can't recall what the storyteller said, but it was either something like "lose the thrill" or "to protect yourself from potential enemies". Venti could hardly remember. The only thing he does remember was the tune of the song he created when Zhongli suddenly changed the topic.
"Well, you could call me Barbatos!"
It was a name he made up for himself whenever he was composing a new song. Or whenever he felt like he was as free as the winds of Mondstadt. As free as the dandelion seeds that soar above the clouds.
"Say Galant, what events should I look forward to tonight?" Barbatos picks up another apple and bites it. "And I am curious, how long have you attended this royal rite?"
Galant takes a glass filled with... Juice? The color looks the same as Mondstadt wine, but it's a lighter shade of red. It surely isn't alcoholic then. Venti would know, he drinks a lot of alcohol when he earns enough money.
"It's just my second time attending," he brought the glass up to his mouth, "My father pushed me to attend ever since I was... Trained enough. Oh, but not for the masquerade, it was for a family matter." He takes a sip of the juice. Venti knows he shouldn't pry further, so he waits for the boy to speak.
"But to answer your first question, you should wait until late at night for the dance. It's the most awaited event since many may earn the chance to see and dance with the prince."
Ah, the dance and the prince. He forgot about that as well.
With the information he learned from the librarian Lisa (finally, someone other than Zhongli), Prince Xiao of Liyue only enters the hall before the dance starts. Any of the royals could dance with whoever they wish to, but the prince has never danced with anyone. He simply stands still then leaves once the dance is over.
Hmph, how reserved coming from a prince.
Yet even from his countless visits to Liyue, he has never seen the prince. Many commoners, like him, have not seen the prince as well. Zhongli was lucky enough to receive an invite to be a storyteller for the royals themselves. Venti would visit him often solely because of that. Zhongli described the prince as dull, aloof, and straightforward. His cold demeanor made him seem intimidating, but his eyes would glow as he listened to the music playing in the room.
("I could not approach His Highness due to our differences in classes." Zhongli glared at Venti whose feet were on top of the table as he strummed the string of his old lyre, "Venti." He sighed in exasperation.
Venti removed his feet from the table.
"Oh, come on, Zhongli! You stepped down from the adepti! Of course, you know about Prince Xiao!" He releases his grip on the lyre then leans on the chair to stretch.
Royalty system in Teyvat was... different in each nation. In Mondstadt, there were the four winds— who silently guided Mondstadt, In Snezhnaya, The 11 Harbingers served their Queen Tsaritsa. However, in Liyue, the adepti were the ones who protect Liyue while the Qixing lead them. Anyone could freely step down from their position as a royal, so long as it does not harm the people.
"I barely have enough money to— Never mind," he scowled. "The prince always manages to dress presentable, although the green streaks on his hair look a bit messy. But his golden eyes make him stand out the most." He stops to ponder.
Venti takes a large sip from the glass of wine placed on top of the wooden table. "First of all, you do not have any money because you always spend without thinking!"
Zhongli ignores him. "Prince Xiao is reserved and straight to the point. Rarely I saw him smile within the palace." He placed his finger under his chin. "Ah, the sparring session with him and Prince Childe of Snezhnaya. Did you know that Prince Childe—"
Venti dropped his forehead on the table and groaned. "I have been in Liyue for the past five days and there is not a single day when you are not so smitten with the Snezhnayan Prince!" His eyes widen in realization and he quickly raised his head which caused it to throb.
"Zhongli! Are you in love with Prince Childe?" Venti gasps dramatically. He grinned cheekily when Zhongli turned his back on him. "Hey! Zhongli~!"
"Would you like me to shut you up myself?"
Venti gasps again. "Oh, how I would love to write a song about this! You're not even denying— Ow! You threw your book—?!")
"I will stay long for the dance then," he smiled in reply.
They continued to chat for a few minutes, but a yell coming from their opposite direction caused them both to jump in surprise. Galant looks back then sighs, allowing his shoulders to drop.
"Unfortunately, our conversation must come to an end." Galant places a hand over his chest and bows at the man. Venti does the same, but places his arm on his waist. It was one out of the many actions Venti has observed from the Knights. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Barbatos! Once we cross paths outside of this ball, I will give you a signed copy of my book!"
Oh, Galant is a writer! Then there would be a lot more of distinct nobles he might encounter for the rest of the night.
"And I shall write a song about you and your lover in the future!" Venti proudly announces making Galant flustered. He waves one last goodbye then leaves Venti all alone.
Time to look for more food to eat then! After all, it is a feast tonight.
But he was overwhelmed with the sudden increase of guests in the hall. He looked around and found an opened door leading to the garden of the building. He walked outside and felt the chilly breeze brush against his face. The air was not as refreshing as Mondstadt, but it was cool enough to freshen him up. The chatters from inside were not as loud as earlier, but he could instead hear the peaceful atmosphere of nature. He walked further into the garden and heard the birds chirping, the lightly flowing waters of the fountain reflecting the bright stars in the sky, the whistling of the wind, and the greenery around him— with these, Venti has felt at peace.
He doesn't know if he was allowed to sit on the ground, but he does it. He felt the soft grass brush his pants as he took out his flute from the inside of his coat. He dusted off his flute out of care then positioned his fingers.
And then he played.
He played a song that only he knows how to play. It was a distinct yet calming tune that echoed throughout the trees and bushes in the garden. Venti ignores the fact that there was an ongoing ball and used this time to feel himself. Not Barbatos, not a masked intruder, but rather as gentle as the wind. The wind freely travels in every direction with no one ordering where it should land. He felt as delicate as the wind, once controlled it would lose its form. But for now, he is just himself.
Yet he still does not feel free.
Perhaps he foresaw it wrong. He thought attending this masked ball would be the key to his freedom, free from the control of others, yet he still does not feel it. He felt surprised, frustrated, conflicted— and he releases all his emotions on the flute he plays. It came out rather strong than he expected, but at least the deep confusion in his chest was released.
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Venti might have stayed in the garden longer than he intended to because he made friends with a rabbit hopping around earlier. A ring of the bell startled him and the rabbit, making the poor thing hop away in fear. Venti frowns, it was nice to him. But, he has a dance to watch! Miss Lisa said lanterns would be released inside and outside the palace once the dance starts, and he would really love to see the lanterns — that lit up like stars in the night — up close! It was a once in a lifetime experience! He will thank the lenient Millelith for this once-in-a-lifetime experience by writing a song about them!
He pushed the bridge of his mask upward and skipped happily to the half-opened doors. As his hand reached the doorknob, he felt a glove gripping his wrist tightly.
Venti shrieked softly, not wanting to disturb the Millelith. He turned his head to face the mysterious masked person, but the poor man was out of breath. The man panted heavily, still tightly holding his wrist. Venti allowed him to breathe in the fresh air for a few seconds.
"Who—"
The stranger looked up at him, his golden eyes glowing like a firefly wandering around in the dark forest. His navy coat with gold streaks over his neatly tucked white ruffled satin shirt in his amethyst colored pants seemed to perfectly blend in with his dark and surprisingly messy hair. This handsome man could pass as the prince! Or maybe he is the prince? Venti is too shocked to think about it and to recall how awfully familiar his description of the man is.
"...You are one of the Knights..?"
Venti's breath hitched as he heard the unexpectedly deep voice of the man. The stranger clears his throat then fixes his posture while adjusting the gloves covering his hand. Venti realizes two things, he is just as tall as this short man, and this masked man is absolutely breathtaking— especially with the glow of the moon illuminating his face.
With the thoughts of the beautiful scenery in front of him and responding with a ‘yes’, he replies a mix of, "Yes, beautiful."
The other stiffens, Venti forgot how to breathe for a few seconds. He probably ruined the stranger's impression on him. Oh well, at least he got that out of his chest.
"Sorry! I didn't mean to let that out loud..." Venti mentally bangs his head on a wall. What he added sounded like he meant to comment that he was beautiful. He hopes the rest of the night would not end up worse than now.
The man hesitantly nods then looks around the garden. Venti follows his actions and looks around too. Once he was finished observing the place, the masked man was closer to him than before— close enough for Venti to observe the streaks on his mask. Thank goodness he was wearing a mask because he felt heat rush to his cheeks. How embarrassing it would be if this person had seen it?
The dark haired clears his throat. "Would you accompany me during the two-day ball?"
What?
"Are you asking me out?" Venti blinks. Are nobles usually like this? Is this a normal act within the high class?
The stranger coughs. "No, I am trying to avoid... People who kept on invading my personal space. I am simply asking for your help." He grunted, still staring at Venti's eyes.
Venti furrowed his brows. "Why ask me for help? I am sure there are other people out there willing to help you, sir...?"
"...Alatus." He replied, crossing his arms. "We– Liyue have had great trust in Mondstadt, specifically the Knights of Favonius, for a long time. It is reasonable enough to trust you, a knight."
Venti winces hoping Alatus would not notice. He might have forgotten about the Knights badge stuck on his collar. "But that reason is simply too vague. Surely, there was something else that made you trust a lone... knight like me?"
Alatus does not reply, but the blush on his cheeks was a good enough reply for Venti. "Oh? Is the reason too embarrassing for you to say out loud, Sir Alatus?" He smirks. Teasing this man is fun.
The other utters a tsk. "It is too irrelevant. And no need to address me as 'sir'," retorted Alatus. "Moving on, what is your answer?"
Venti ponders for a while. Accepting his request would certainly not benefit Venti, aside from the fact that he is able to stay with a handsome man, so he takes the initiative to ask with pride, "Only if I will benefit something from it!" He grinned proudly.
Alatus scoffs. "Name your price, knight."
Venti's mouth was wide open. He was not prepared for that response. What a rich man. "Five bottles of Liyue's finest wine for me!" He cheerily announced. "And I have a name! It's Barbatos!"
"Five..?" Alatus frowned. "Fine, have it your way, Barbatos."
His lips curved upwards, he was finally going to taste Liyue wine again! Venti longed to taste the sweet liquid that lingered in his mouth once again.
He also doesn't understand why he felt so at ease around this stranger he just met.
"Let's go through everything first," Venti said. "So I am helping you to avoid people for the rest of the ball by always staying by your side?" Alatus nods his head.
"Like a fake relationship?" Alatus freezes.
Said man avoids his gaze. "Perhaps."
"O-oh..." He stuttered. Venti prayed that his mask covered the red flush that was forming on his cheeks. "Alright, then. Just promise me the five bottles of wine~"
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People were already dancing gracefully once they entered the ballroom. They danced to a soft melody played by a pianist which echoed throughout the large room. Barbatos noticed the guests whispering, staring, and fawning at the man beside him. He never really learned the other's line of business as a noble. But that would lead to Alatus asking about his tasks as a 'Knight', and he would rather not to drink wine for the rest of his life than explaining everything to him.
Barbatos followed Alatus to the south of the ballroom, away from all the attention in the center. Alatus held his hand out for Barbatos to intertwine his own fingers with his. Ocean green eyes stare at the gold eyes of the other— like the sun rising above the endless waves of the ocean. Venti, who flows freely like the waves and Alatus, who is as visible yet as alone as the sun. Others would think they were two lovers lovingly staring at each other, but in reality, Venti is staring because,
"I don't know how to dance." He confesses, lowering his head in shame.
Alatus grunts, Venti wanted to laugh at his response. "Just follow me." He lets his free hand grip Barbatos' other hand and places it on his waist. Alatus lays his hand on Barbatos' shoulder, making him shiver at the sudden touch. He felt his heart flutter from every step. Flustered by the other's actions, he accidentally steps on Alatus' foot.
"Sorry," he mumbled. Alatus hums in response as he continues to guide him in dancing.
The delicate and steady melody played from the piano was the only noise that was heard. The large dangling ceiling lights darkened, allowing the radiance of the moon to enter through the windows of the room. For Venti, entering the palace was a mere dream to him. Conversing with nobles without belittling him was something he never imagined to happen. Dancing with someone who came from a high class, who asked for his help, who was aggressive yet was gently leading him to dance, whose golden eyes that outshine his the mask—
Wait.
Golden eyes, handsome (even if he could only see the bottom part of his face, Venti found the other absolutely breathtaking), green streaks on his hair, straight to the point, avoiding people. Now that he can think properly—
He is dancing with the prince, isn't he.
Venti wants to hide underground and never face the surface again. Well, he wasn't prepared for that! He is an idiot, absolute idiot. How did he not notice it when the description was too obvious? Heat rushed to his cheeks. He's dancing with not just any noble, he's dancing with the prince! An adeptus! The prince asked to be in a pretend relationship with him. Archons, he asked the prince five bottles of wine?! Oh, oh, gods. His legs weakened, his face was probably red, his hold on Alatus— Prince Xiao's? hand stiffened which the other immediately noticed.
"Are you alright?"
‘No, I am not alright,’ is what he wishes to reply. This man is going to be the cause of his death from shock! Someone better bring dandelion wine to my funeral.
"A-ah, yes! Perfectly alright!" He stuttered. He just made the other more confuse, hasn't he? "No need to worry about me," he adds.
Venti takes a deep breath. He would just have to act like he doesn't know that Alatus is one of the royals— an adeptus, one of the Yakshas, Prince Xiao of Liyue, for a week. He inhales the air again in attempt to calm himself which successfully worked. As much as he wanted to avoid staring at the Prince's eyes, it would concern his partner too much and cause unwanted gossips from the guests who were obviously watching them from the corner.
Ah, right. They were in a fake relationship.
Venti shuts his eyes then sighs, again. Prince Xiao's icy stare seemed to pierce through his mind. Too many questions filled his mind: why did the Prince ask him? What was the Prince doing within the garden and not inside the ballroom? How is he so handsome?
What made me agree to this in the first place?
Was it the wine? Was it the Prince's charms? This was not his ideal of freedom, yet he felt less chained to the unknown than before. He can not understand himself, why he acted that way, why he was so confused, why he is still dancing with the Prince. Yet somehow, he was able to find comfort with the Prince.
‘To be free’ was something Venti had yearned for a long time. The Liyue masquerade ball was his wish for freedom. But what was freedom when he agreed to a sudden request like this?
He stares at Prince Xiao, mesmerized with his golden eyes as they continued to dance along the slow melody. Lost in his thoughts he realized something. A possible reason of why he agreed to this fake relationship with the prince. Is it because I am—?
His eyes flicker from the sudden lanterns that were lit up. He looks around the hall to see guests holding lanterns in their hands. Venti's eyes widen in surprise, he almost forgot about the event because of everything that happened. The room became crowded with more people approaching the front to listen clearly to one of the royals Venti did not recognize.
Barbatos hesitantly opens his mouth and asks, "Alatus, aren't you going to light up a lantern?"
Alatus tightens his grip on Barbatos' waist as the guests started bumping into each other. A shoulder violently bumps into Barbatos', making him stumble. But Alatus pulls him closer to steady his balance, and was close enough that their faces almost touch. They both stiffen, yet their eyes soften at the same time. Barbatos was lost in his golden eyes and holy shit, it's like he came right out from a fairy tale.
"I have no interest with the Lantern Rite," he replied, still holding on to him.
Venti sighs, there goes his short-lived fairy tale experience. Zhongli was right, the Prince was definitely straight to the point.
Barbatos fixes his posture then smiles, "So, how about you teach me to make a lantern? Or light a lantern?" Alatus untangled his hand from his (and Venti frowns at the sudden lost of warmth from his palms). "Please? After all, aren't you my dear companion?"
Alatus scoffs, "Must you rhyme?"
"Hehe."
Silence engulfs the two. Alatus opens his mouth, but was interrupted by the loud cheers of the guests. He grunts then simply grabs Barbatos' wrist and drags him out the ballroom. Away from the rowdy crowd and enclosed by the tranquility of nature. The Prince stops them in front of the faint light source from the lantern that seemed misplaced around the plants in the garden.
"Oh, how romantic, Alatus! Did you prepare all of these too?" Barbatos swoons.
"Of course not," he chided. "I wasn't even aware that a lantern was in this area."
Barbatos tilts his head. "Are we stealing a lantern?" He laughs at the other's evident shocked face though hidden behind his mask. "Well, I'm not prepared for that, Your Highness!"
Venti freezes.
Fuck, fuck, fuck. He messed up. No— he fucked up really bad. Out of all the surprising events that happened today, this was the most shocking. He never intended to reveal that he knew Alatus was Prince Xiao. It just slipped!
"A-ah..." Venti stuttered. He felt the sweat from his palms slowly staining his gloves. Oh, shit. "Look, it wasn't that hard to figure you out with all the ladies fawning over you." He mumbles. Prince Xiao only stares at him, coldly.
He jumps hearing Xiao abruptly clear his throat as he crossed his arms. "As long as knowing that wouldn't distract you, I am fine with it."
Venti freezes. Again. Probably the third or fourth time he found himself standing still in compleye shock this night.
Taken aback by his response, he nods in reply despite his face being covered in confusion. It's going to take a while for him to process everything that happened. He turns his attention to the faded light of the lantern. The more he observed it, its faint light reminded him of Xiao— from avoiding guests, he appeared fading slowly, yet was still persistent when he encountered Barbatos. To Venti, it made him stand out amongst everyone in the palace. A gentle glow amongst the strong, brilliant lights.
"Take the lantern." Xiao uttered. Venti stared at him in disbelief. "The adepti were probably responsible for this lantern. Just take it."
Venti mindlessly nods and grabs the lantern with his hands. "Oh, wow! It's as light as a kite!" He admires the faint light that caused the exterior of the lantern to appear in a faded orange color. It wasn't every day that he was able to hold an item from a festival of a different nation.
"Is it your first time to hold one?" Xiao qyestioned.
Venti enthusiastically nods that his mask started to slip dowm his nose bridge. "Correct! All thanks to you, Your Highness!" He replied as he pushed his mask up with one hand, the other holding the lantern.
"There is no need to address me as such." Xiao snapped. He flinched from his sudden change in tone, but Venti chuckled in response.
The bell rings again. Barbatos and Alatus look back to the Palace and watch as the people prepared to release their lanterns. Barbatos eyed the lantern on his palm then turned back to face Alatus again.
"Why not you tell me about a story about the lantern, dear partner?" Venti— no, he was Barbatos this time. A mysterious masked man who became the pretend lover of the prince. Barbatos earned a glare from the other causing him to laugh. He could get used to this.
"People came into tradition to write their wish inside the lantern," Alatus explained, eyeing the lantern Barbatos held. "It's been a tradition since the first Lantern Rite," He added.
"Mhm, I knew that," He replied. Alatus huffs out a breath.
Silence envelops them once again. The only audible noises surrounding them were the weak chatters of the crowd from the inside and the flock of birds chirping, flapping their wings, as they soared to the sky along with the lanterns that were released ahead of time. So, Venti wishes. He wished for freedom— to discover what it truly means to be free, to understand if what he was feeling was freedom, to hope that he would experience his freedom soon. And he wishes for Prince Xiao's freedom as well. From the perspective of a civilian, one would assume he was able to freely do what he wishes. But Venti knows it all too well— he experiences the same. As a Prince, he had to comply to obligations that was given to him, he had to live up to the expectation of his people. Venti knew it too well, but he doesn't wish to withdraw from his position. It was a decision he made and accepted.
A bunch of ladies giggling from the corner interrupted their silence. Venti's body tensed up from an unknown fear. He gripped the lantern tighter as his mind thought of unnecessary and unrealistic scenarios that could happen. He sighed heavily then relaxed his hand that held the lantern.
"...This is what happens in a pretend relationship, right?"
"Huh—?"
Before he could even reply, Alatus gently clasps his hand to Barbatos' free hand and leans down to kiss it. Barbatos gawked at him and—
Ding!
—the bell rings as he released the lantern from his hold. He lets out a shaky breath he didn't know he was holding. Alatus looks up at him, and Venti— because as Venti, he was true to his feelings, and not a facade like Barbatos— was lost in his vibrant mesmerizing eyes. He could stare at him for an eternity and not get exhausted. Alatus looked back then quickly released his grip from Barbatos' hand.
"It was to get rid of the unwanted guests." He said, looking at anything but Barbatos' eyes.
"Y-yeah..." Barbatos replied then looks up at the lanterns up in the sky. The lanterns looked like stars, flickering as the light inside them radiates the night. A sight that only the people of Liyue see once a year. Then he faces Alatus and despite the mask covering his face, his eyes were wide in fascination. The stars and lanterns were reflected in his eyes. And it was as if it was his first time seeing them. And oh wow he looked so pretty too.
This night has gave him more than enough light.