Chapter 71: Windwheel Aster

Godwin, utterly humiliated, still clung to one last shred of fantasy.

"I really can't face going back to Mondstadt… I can give you Mora. Just… help me look after her, please. As long as she's eating well, that's enough for me."

Shao Yun's eyes burned with renewed fury. He turned and glared at Godwin.

"Save it. Keep your money and spend it on a candlelit dinner with Glory. Don't waste my time with this trash."

Godwin winced at the harshness of the words, then mumbled awkwardly, "But… Glory can't see candlelight right now…"

The moment he dared speak back, Shao Yun's fury exploded again. He struck Godwin hard across the mouth.

"Shut your mouth. Save your words for the one you owe. What you should be thinking about is how to make up for all you've done—not pleading with me."

Godwin fell completely silent, guilt crushing him under its weight.

He didn't struggle anymore. Deep down, he wanted to see her again.

Shao Yun rode back to Mondstadt with the battered and subdued Godwin slung over the horse like a defeated bandit.

When Shao Yun finally untied him at the city gate, he was startled.

Godwin's face was bloodied, his nose stained red and one cheek already bruised. Despite the pain, he smiled.

"Man, I swear I didn't hit you that hard."

Godwin winced. "I'd hate to see what it looks like when you do hit hard…"

Shao Yun rolled his eyes. "Well, it works out. I'll just say you came back to town injured and need rest."

At the gate, a knight on duty recognized the battered face immediately.

"Wait… isn't that Godwin?"

Shao Yun thumped his chest with a straight face. "He's hurt. Needs treatment ASAP."

Godwin nodded, half-grateful, half-ashamed. "Yeah… thanks to him, I made it back."

The gate guard rushed to help. "By the Archons! I'll arrange for healing at the Cathedral—"

Shao Yun waved him off. "Nah, you've got duties. I'll take him."

He marched the bloodied knight straight toward Glory's usual bench.

"Shouldn't I wash my face first?" Godwin asked sheepishly.

"Shut up and keep moving!"

…

Glory was sitting as usual, still immersed in the memory of the letter.

Lumine stood beside her, hand on her forehead, shaking her head at the sorry sight of Godwin. She knew Shao Yun would rough him up.

Shao Yun, however, beamed as if nothing had happened.

"Miss Glory!"

Glory tilted her head, puzzled. "Yes?"

Shao Yun grinned, eyes sparkling. "Ever heard the phrase 'good things come in pairs'?"

Now she looked even more confused. "What do you mean?"

With dramatic flair, Shao Yun dragged Godwin in front of her.

"Guess who showed up?"

Godwin stood frozen, like a criminal in court. He looked at Shao Yun, then at Glory, but couldn't find the words.

Shao Yun, impatient, gave him a sharp pinch.

"AH—!"

That was enough. Glory gasped.

"Godwin? Is that you?"

Her voice quivered with emotion as she reached out with trembling hands, seeking his shape in the air.

Godwin took her hand gently and guided it to his face.

Her fingers brushed the bruises and blood, but all she felt was familiarity—and warmth.

"It's really you… You came back."

She threw her arms around him, trembling, burying her face in his shoulder.

Godwin held her tightly, his chest heavy with emotion.

"I… I came back."

"I missed you… so much…"

"I missed you too…"

Shao Yun stood awkwardly to the side, feeling like a 1,000-watt third wheel. Time to bail.

"Don't forget to check in with Master Jean, Godwin. Lumine, Paimon—let's get outta here."

Glory, remembering there were others present, pulled away from Godwin and turned to Shao Yun, her face glowing with gratitude.

"Thank you, Shao Yun. I have to give you a gift."

Shao Yun waved it off. "Nah, really—it's fine."

But Glory insisted. She reached into her pouch and pulled out a single flower.

"This is a specially treated Windwheel Aster. Godwin gave it to me long ago. He said it would never wither. Its meaning is 'the wind you can see.' I want you to have it. May the Anemo Archon watch over you."

Shao Yun accepted it, muttering internally: If that drunkard Archon doesn't pull a stunt, I'll count myself lucky…

Glory took Godwin's hand and led him home.

Whatever words they would share now—it wasn't Shao Yun's business anymore.

He examined the flower—five petals like a windmill, two blooms on one stem. Like a twin sunflower. Double sunshine, huh?

Then the system chimed:

[Special Windwheel Aster: This is a one-of-a-kind item.]

[Though it has no stat bonuses, it represents the love between two people. Giving it to someone of the opposite sex may trigger a special effect.]

Special effect?

Shao Yun's eyes gleamed. He looked over at Lumine, who stared blankly at him.

"…What?"

"I think this flower suits you. Take it."

He reached to tuck it in her hair.

Lumine jumped, shielding her head. "Why are you giving me her flower? And don't put stuff in my hair—it doesn't match!"

Shao Yun backed off, then gently pushed the flower into her hands.

"I'm just gonna chuck it in my pack otherwise. You hold onto it. Appreciate it or whatever."

Lumine eyed the flower. It swayed gently in the breeze, carrying a faint scent. It was kind of pretty.

And… it was thoughtful.

"Thanks. But just because I wear flowers doesn't mean every one belongs on my head."

Shao Yun laughed, rubbing his shoulder.

"Alright, next time I'll find one that actually fits."

"Anyway—mission accomplished. I'm starving. Good Hunter's, my treat. You know the drill."