Time flies, and several days have passed since the birth of the Herrscher of the Sea. Lu Ze had been resting in bed during this period, and his condition gradually stabilized.
However, he still had doubts in his heart: was that voice really the Herrscher of Collapse? He didn't know, but he suspected it was, more than likely. As for why? Who knew.
He decided to put these troublesome thoughts aside. What was the use of thinking about them now? It was better to focus on the present!
A while ago, he had promised Raiden Ei that he would attend their outdoor picnic. So, this time, they would all go out and relax.
He could also play with the little lolis. It was also the season for cherry blossoms; if they didn't see them now, they would wither soon.
As for the location, it wasn't far, just at the foot of Mount Yougou, where a cherry blossom grove had been planted. The pink blossoms, accompanied by the gentle breeze, were enchanting.
“Lilia! Rosaria! You two, slow down! What’s the rush?”
One blue and one pink, they ran through the sea of cherry blossoms like innocent children. They even collapsed on the ground, gazing at the sky full of blossoms with infatuated smiles.
“Lilia! Let’s play hide-and-seek, okay?”
“Silly Rosaria! We’re here for a picnic, not to play! We have to help later!”
Lilia lightly tapped Rosaria on the head. Then, the two girls exchanged smiles. What a wonderful scene this was!
“Bella Bella! Faster, faster, lift me higher!”
Over there, Sirin asked Bella to lift her higher. She wanted to touch the cherry blossom branches, even wanting to break one off.
“Got it, got it! I’m trying my best! But Your Majesty, have you gotten a bit heavier recently? You’re quite heavy!”
“Stupid Bella! How could I possibly have gotten heavier? It must be your imagination. I’m still very light, okay?”
Bella lifted her with some effort, using only her ordinary strength, which made it a bit difficult for her.
“Higher, higher! I’ll be able to touch it soon!”
Nearby, Veliona, wearing a magician’s hat, was tinkering with something on the ground. Soon, what she was working on materialized.
“I observed the stars all night yesterday, so today should…”
Before she could finish speaking, she suddenly froze. Then, as if she had become a different person, Veliona’s eyes lit up slightly.
“Hey, you people over there, how about I perform a magic trick for you all? This is a magic trick I came up with after a sleepless night. It will surely be very spectacular!”
Behind her, Aponia, Kosma, and the little painter Griseo were gathered together.
Only Griseo could bring Aponia and Kosma together.
“The colors… are beautiful. Kosma… can I use this color?”
Aponia looked at her with a smile, treating Griseo as if she were her own child. She would not allow anyone to take advantage of her, not even a bit. As for those who had tried, they were probably already at the bottom.
“Yes, Griseo, but try to use it sparingly, as your paints seem to be running low.”
Kevin and Mei were strolling by a small lake not far away, chatting and laughing, even reminiscing about the past.
“I remember we promised to go see the peach blossoms back then, didn’t we? What a shame we never made it. But these cherry blossoms this time are also nice.”
“Do you like it? If you do, I’ll plant more. When our son or daughter grows up, perhaps the whole family can enjoy the shade under the tree.”
“You’re so cheeky! You’re asking for a beating!”
“I didn’t say anything wrong!”
Kalpas, Sakura, and Susu were trying to make some cakes on a very large stove. As for fire, with Kalpas around, there was no shortage of it.
“Sister! Look, my hands are covered in cream. It’s white, sweet, and delicious.”
“Oh dear, your hands are dirty again. You’ll need to wash them properly later, won’t you? Don’t forget what you promised when we came out, okay?”
Seeing this scene, Kalpas felt much more relaxed. His hands moved faster as he kneaded the dough. It wouldn't be long before they could make cakes.
Kiana and Mei, Bronya and Seele were all lying on the grass, feeling the breeze of nature. It was nice to be out for a change!
“Bronya-neechan, I remember when we sat on the grass last time, we could see the starry sky and the moon. We promised to go to the seaside then. I can’t believe so much time has passed.”
“Seele… when you disappeared, I was so worried. But it’s all in the past now. It’s all in the past.”
Lu Ze, standing in the distance, looked at the scene with a mix of emotions. Yes! So much time had passed, and everything was moving towards an ideal life.
“You’ve brought quite a few people with you. By the way! How’s your body? Have you recovered mostly?”
Standing nearby was Raiden Ei. As for where her sister was? She was playing cards in the back. It was rare to come out, so of course, she had to have a traditional game of cards.
“It is a bit crowded. Sometimes I wonder how so many people fit into my small room. But they do fit, it’s truly amazing. As for my body, I’ve mostly recovered. I feel like I could punch a cow to death right now.”
Lu Ze even showed off his biceps, squeezing them hard. Yes, they were firm.
“Alright, alright, stop showing off. Let’s have some fun! Everyone is relaxing today! I really hope it can be like this in the future, don’t you agree, Lu Ze…”
Beside him, Lu Ze frowned as he looked at the sky. In that very moment, he had sensed the aura of a Herrscher, though only for an instant, it was incredibly clear.
“No way? Can’t I even rest for a bit? Did someone come all the way from Liyue to Inazuma just for me? That shouldn’t be the case, right? Maybe it’s just my nerves playing tricks on me, being too tense.”
He reassured himself and was about to join the fun. However, in a cave not far away, the Herrscher of the Sea sat quietly. It seemed she was contacting someone.
“I understand. I will proceed as planned. It’s just that they are all having a picnic, so I’m a bit hesitant to interrupt…”
Seeing that scene reminded her of her mother, her sister, and her brother. Back then, they also often went for happy picnics. That kind of life had no pressure, no conflict; it was truly living for oneself.
“Mercy to the enemy is harm to oneself. You decide for yourself!”