"Ugh..."
Before Ying could react, she felt an impact from in front of her. Losing her balance, she fell to the ground again.
"Ying, I'm coming to save you... Huh?"
Paimon shook her dizzy head, looked around, and exclaimed in surprise.
"This place is so beautiful... Speaking of which, where is Ying?"
"I'm... under you..."
"Under you... under you?!"
Hearing Ying's words, Paimon finally reacted. She quickly flew up again, scratching her cheek awkwardly with her finger.
"Ahem~ Well, I definitely didn't do it on purpose, okay (//∇//)"
Ying rubbed her stomach in pain.
"Ouch, ouch, ouch... Paimon, tell me the truth, are you sure you're here to save me and not harm me..."
"Hahaha, since she had the courage to come in and help you, she must have made up her mind."
Aether smiled and walked to Ying's side, speaking up for Paimon. Then he helped Ying, who was still sitting on the ground.
"Looking at you two now, let's go sit in the room first. If I'm not mistaken, you probably haven't slept all day, right?"
Ying nodded, confirming Aether's question.
"Yeah... been flying all day..."
"Then let's go to the room and sleep for a while. It's not too late to open the door for you after you've rested (^_^)"
Saying that, without waiting for Ying's reply, Aether helped her walk inside.
"But, Lumine is with Guuji Yae right now, I'm worried something might happen to her," Ying said with some concern.
"Hahaha~ Don't worry, my sister isn't as fragile as you think. Even though I'm her brother, she's actually the boss at home," Aether replied with a smile.
"Mhm, Paimon can also prove Lumine is very strong~"
"Is... is that so..."
Ying pouted, thinking to herself.
Actually, I probably understand how strong Lumine is better than you...
Or rather, how resilient...
Soon, Ying was lying on Aether's bed, supported by him.
After tucking Ying in, Aether smiled and said,
"This situation really brings back memories. I remember when Lumine was little, she used to pester me to sleep with her every day."
"Oh? Tell me, tell me! (✪▽✪)"
Seeing that Ying's curiosity was piqued by his words, Aether's lips curved slightly. He pinched her cheek and said,
"If you want to know, you have to rest well first. I'll tell you when you wake up~"
"Huh?! How can I possibly sleep if you don't tell me?!" Ying quickly reached out and grabbed the arm of Aether, who was trying to escape.
"Hahaha, that's not my problem anymore~ (^_^)"
"Huh?! If you're going to play like this, don't blame me if I tell Lumine you're taking advantage of me! (ᗜ˰ᗜ)"
Saying that, Ying tugged hard, holding Aether's arm tightly to her chest.
"Huh huh huh?!"
Aether was caught off guard by Ying's decisive action. The thought of being beaten up by his sister later made cold sweat break out on his forehead. He quickly pacified her.
"No, let's talk nicely. I'll tell you, okay?"
"Hmph~ That's more like it~"
Ying snorted, released his arm, and showed a victorious expression.
Paimon, watching from the side: ...................
I seem to have discovered the same weakness in these two people...
Aether shook his head helplessly and comforted the little girl in front of him. He finally breathed a sigh of relief when he saw her fall asleep.
"Sigh... this child, I didn't expect her to be less easily scared after such a short time."
Paimon nodded.
"After all, she's been chased by Inazuma soldiers for a while. Speaking of which, can you help out?"
"Hahaha... If I keep helping, then it won't be their adventure anymore."
Saying that, Aether looked at the sleeping Ying and couldn't help but reach out and gently pinch her cheek.
"She really looks like Lumine when she was little. For her to find such a good girl, my sister must have done a lot of good deeds in her past life."
"You and Lumine are indeed siblings, both doting sisters to the extreme..." Paimon pouted.
"Hahaha, thanks for the compliment~" Aether replied with a smile.
"By the way, where are you planning to go next? If you know, you can tell me now, so as not to delay your time."
Paimon immediately replied.
"To Lumine's place! If I remember correctly, Ying said she's at Guuji Yae's."
"Guuji Yae? Hmm... Do you have a specific location? Finding a place is easy, but finding a specific person is indeed a bit difficult..."
Upon hearing Aether's words, Paimon drooped slightly in disappointment.
"Uh... Then what should we do?"
"Hmm... I think I can help you get to know someone. If it's her, I believe she should be able to help you..."
Saying that, Aether stood up and began to construct a teleportation portal in place.
"Really?! That's great~"
Paimon's mood improved greatly. She flew to Aether's side, observing curiously.
After a long time...
"Mmm... ha~"
With the contrast of the previous few days of hardship, Ying slept very comfortably. She sat up, stretched lazily, and mumbled drowsily.
"What time is it now..."
Aether said with a smile, "23:00. It's time to sleep."
"Oh..."
Hearing this, Ying lay back down on the bed again.
Paimon, who was ready to fly into the portal, quickly stopped her actions and turned to fly to Ying's side.
"Hey! Don't listen to him, it's only afternoon, there's still time!"
"Mmm... I know..."
Ying was forced to get up again. In fact, she really wanted to sleep a little longer just now, because Aether's bed was quite comfortable.
However, since there was an important person to find, Ying cast aside her thoughts and jumped off the bed. After putting on her shoes and socks, she walked towards the bathroom.
"Aether, may I use your bathroom?"
Aether nodded. "Yes, there are spare toiletries inside. You can use a new set."
"Got it~"
Ying waved her hand, quickly finished washing up, and walked to the entrance of the teleportation portal.
"Is this where Guuji Yae is?"
Aether shook his head.
"No, it's where someone who can help you lives."
"Uh-huh... Alright then, see you next time, Aether~"
Hearing Ying's words, Aether rolled his eyes helplessly.
"If you call me that again, don't blame me if I drag you over to scare you in the future~ (^_^)"
"Oh..."
Ying immediately became obedient, planning to whisper it later after she left. She then stepped forward and entered.
"Ahem, let's go, Paimon!"
"Let's go!"