Dom Venti Ambassador

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#anon ask: asks sent by anons

#ellianswers: answering asks sent by anons and users. This also includes submissions

#elliwrites: for posting longfics, drabbles, oneshots, etc

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#hourly himmel: posts related to nameless bard/himmel. mostly sharing ideas, headcanons, stories, etc.

#illusory sense: posts and asks related to my yandere!venti x reader series

#venti brainrot: nsfw content related to venti and/or nameless bard. thirst asks and submissions

           Barbatos chirped and blinked at him, then back at you.

           The apple of your cheeks stretched out to a wide smile— the biggest one Barbatos has ever witnessed. Your eyes scintillated in excitement and hurriedly scampered to Venti.

           “That’s amazing! I’m so proud you’ve gotten this opportunity! Isn’t this what you’ve been dreaming of?” 

           The excited animated chatter between the young maiden and the bard turned to a blur to him. His little sprout sank before he dipped back to his personal pool to relax. 

           Within wooden walls and lathery basin, the conversation subdued and a sense of serenity rose. To retreat, to relax, to replenish energy and process this amicable world was an essential thing. Even the water that rippled was a form of meditation. Bubbles and aromas conspired to comfort, a sweet cocoon that they were. With time only marked by dozing off in the water, his body unlaxed and he found himself at liberty to dream anew.

           Still, the exchange continued. As much as he tried to enjoy his self-time by lazily floating in the water and playing with the foam, he couldn’t help but miss your massages. 

           Barbatos peeked over again. 

           You and Venti were still busy talking. Or rather, Venti was still flirting with you by stealing your attention to himself from the small creature. His dotted eyes locked onto Venti tucking back a strand of your hair behind your ear.

           He squinted antagonistically and puffed out his white body. Fearing that you might have forgotten him, he chirped a high-pitched trill designed to pierce through the thickest of conversations, but the sound was swallowed by your enthusiastic jumpy excitement, and Venti had to calm you down lest you slip from the wet floor.

           Barbatos’s little sprout wilted further and chirped weakly.

           No! You haven’t finished washing him! He can’t let Venti hoard you all to himself!

           His small cheeks puffed to a stormy shade of teal. Feeling utterly neglected, he decided that if he couldn't have your hands, he would bring the water to you.

           With a flick of his tiny wings, he sent a concentrated spray of soapy bubbles flying toward Venti’s face, only for it to be blocked by an invisible wall. The foam slid harmlessly down and dripped onto the floor, leaving both you and Venti entirely dry.

           “Ah, we can talk about this later, love,” you said with a giggle, finally noticing the wisp’s mounting impatience. “Let me finish washing up Barbatos real quick, then I’ll bake us an apple pie afterward to celebrate!” 

           You pecked your partner on the cheek and a blush quickly rose to his face. Just a single public display of affection, the shield flickered and vanished in a blink of an eye. You sauntered back to the wooden basin and Barbatos’s sprout stood upright. He swayed from side to side when you resumed massaging his head with your two thumbs. A delightful jingle echoed from within him as he went completely limp against your palms, dead to the world in a state of soapy euphoria.

           Once the bath was finished, you lifted his damp body and wrapped him in a small towel to dry him off. Barbatos let out a sleepy chirp before peering over the edge of the fabric.

           Venti leaned over to peer down at the naughty bundle in your arms.

           “I’ll arrange for the carriage to be prepared. Is there anywhere in particular you wish to visit while we are in Liyue? I'm sure Zhongli would be delighted to give us a proper tour. He knows the city better than anyone.”

           With the Lantern Rite only two weeks away, he had wasted no time in informing his dear old friend of their impending arrival. And by the Seven, the god of luck was by his side! Receiving the official invitation from the Feiyun Commerce Guild had been a stroke of serendipity so perfect it felt fated.

           A pleasant surprise indeed as if the stars had always been watching him from the very beginning, guiding him to the path of light. Venti couldn’t be more excited to share the news with you. 

           “Hmm, it’s hard to say. Perhaps we could stop by Doctor Baizhu’s place? It has been quite some time since we last saw him and I would dearly like to know how our little angel is faring.”

           You smiled down at your belly, but it seemed like you were coddling Barbatos instead with how he’s tucked cozily in your arms with a towel wrapped around him. 

           You cooed at the pampered prince and he responded back with a happy chirp by nuzzling his glowing cheek against your finger.

           “Aww, look at how small and adorable he is~” you mused, your heart melting at the sight. Venti mirrored your affection and reached out to poke his little friend. 

           “Is Barbatos coming with us as well?” You asked.

           “Ah, about that…” His fingers paused mid-air just before he offered you a sheepish grin. “He actually has to stay here with Dvalin.”

           Barbatos’s happy nuzzling immediately halted. He snapped his head toward Venti and his dotted white eyes morphed into a long oval, utterly flabbergasted by the unexpected decision.

           He glared at Venti and jingled furiously.

           “I know, I know. But someone has to keep watch over our home while we’re away. Dvalin can’t exactly fit through the front door, can he? I’m sorry, little one. I promise to make it up to you by bringing back the freshest, juiciest apples Liyue has to offer.”

           But simple bribery wouldn’t allow the bard to slip away so easily. Barbatos was more than furious.

           How despicable was this bard to not let him join in the fun?! Let alone a time with the princess?

           Out of rage, he wriggled out of the towel and launched himself at Venti’s face, pummelling him with his stubby legs.

           “H-hey! Stop that! Don’t get angry! We’ll only be away for five days!” Venti stumbled backward as he tried to block the spirit’s fury with his arms.

           But the wisp won’t listen. He buzzed around Venti’s head like a hornet, continuously emitting sharp angry chirps and rings. He then dove into Venti’s messy braids, tugging on the ends with all his might.

           “Ouch! Barbatos, let go! You’re gonna rip my hair!” 

           Venti tried to scoop the disgruntled spirit away from his head, but goodness, just how angry was this small creature?!

           When a familiar touch grabbed Barbatos away from the bard, his demeanour instantly relaxed and melted back to his docile nature. He turned his head and batted his eyes innocently as if he hadn’t just been trying to scalp his friend while you wrapped him back in his towel.

           “Dear me, I’ve never seen you so worked up, Barbatos. Don’t you want to be the master of the tower while we’re gone? You can hog all the apples to yourself.” You cooed, smoothing down the two sprouts sticking on top of his head with your thumb. 

           Barbatos puffed out his chest in pride, recalling the time he watched over the manor when the team was gone for a while. You handed him over to Venti and gave the bard another quick kiss, but now directly on his lips.

           “I’ll go to the kitchen to start baking the apple pie. Don’t start fighting when I’m not around, okay?” 

           Venti hummed and waved at you as you began your trip down to the kitchen. Once you were out of sight, he looked down at the little critter and stared at him with a deadpan face.

           “…Have I always been this annoying?”

           Barbatos merely chirped and nuzzle-danced in his towel. 

           [Name]’s been spoiling us too much.

           Venti sighed and carried him to the bedroom to continue his work. 

           An invitation from the Feiyun Commerce Guild wasn’t really part of his plan. But who was he to refuse such an opportunity? If anything, it spared him the trouble of worrying about expenses when they had generously offered to cover both his accommodation and meals. Better yet, they had no objections to him bringing a plus-one, making the choice of companion an obvious one.

           As for transportation… well, that shouldn’t be a problem for him.

           Venti set Barbatos down on the bed and grabbed a piece of paper from the desk. Waving his hand, he summoned a quill and sat down. With meticulous movement, he dipped the quill tip into an ink bottle and wrote down his message on the parchment. 

           He cast aside all the formalities and wrote only the important matters addressed to the deacon. It didn't take long. Once he was finished, he slipped the letter into an envelope and snapped his fingers. Just like that, the letter disappeared.

           One more to go. 

           As he reached for another piece of parchment, his eyes were caught by a peculiar circular toy-like device sitting at the very edge of the desk.

           How had he missed that? 

           The rabbit-like ears protruding from the head were undoubtedly the craftsmanship of a certain eccentric red witch. It had been a long time since he last used it. Venti picked up the Dodocommunication device and turned it over. His eyes wandered down to the name printed inside a small rectangular text box.

           Varka.

           Although silence had already engulfed the room since the moment he and Barbatos entered the room, the sudden lack of the quill's scratching against parchment was enough to draw the small wisp's attention. Barbatos tilted his head and looked at his master curiously.

           Venti held the device tightly in his grip. The wooden chair scraped sharply against the floor as he stood up, breaking the quiet stillness of the room.

           He had completely forgotten the Grandmaster had returned to Mondstadt from his expedition. 

           Well, not that he really cared. Whatever the purpose of his call was his least concern. 

           Venti stepped toward a small ornate wooden box on the shelf. 

           Venti rarely used any of Alice’s devices anyway.

           He placed the gadget inside, shutting the lid with a soft snap. 

           And the very concept of such advanced technologies was an unfamiliar enigma to a daughter of ancient times.

           He then reached high, placing the box securely above the large wooden closet, pushing it far back into the shadows.

           It’s only a waste of space in this sanctuary.

           He dusted off his hands and turned back to the wisp with a bright, easy smile donning across his face.

           “Just clearing away some old clutter,” Venti said to Barbatos. “We only have room for pleasant things on the journey.”

           Venti returned to his desk and commenced working on the second letter.

—

           Two weeks couldn’t have arrived any slower.

           The wait was long, but it was all worth it when Venti’s first morning view was his windblume's excited smile. 

           “Good morning, sunshine! Time to wake up!” You chirped, throwing open the curtains to let the early Mondstadt sun flood the room. “Today’s the day, right? You should get up and get ready!”

           Venti groaned and rolled over onto his side, opening one eye to peek at your figure nearing the bed. 

           “Come on, you lazy bum! Breakfast is ready or the food will get cold!” 

           You pulled at him to get up. However, instead of sitting up, he reached out, wrapped his arms around your waist, and buried his face against your tummy.

           “Hmm... gimme five minutes…” he mumbled into your nightdress, his voice still hoarse from sleep.

           You huffed and pressed your hands against his shoulders to push him away.

           “We still have to get ready or else the carriage will arrive here sooner before either of us even changes out of our bedclothes!”

           Despite your protests, his hold on you turned to iron. He was far too stubborn to get off the bed just yet when he held you in a surprisingly strong yet lazy embrace.

           “You’re far more excited than I am for this trip,” Venti remarked with a chuckle before rubbing his eyes to blink away the last remnants of slumber.

           Heat flushed up to your cheeks and you turned your head away.

           “W-who wouldn’t be? We’re going to Liyue! You should show more excitement since we’re going to a different nation!” You puffed your cheeks and tried to get him off for the second time, which thankfully, he finally heeded.

           Venti yawned and smiled fondly as he watched you immediately slip out of his grasp, your mind already racing with a mental checklist of what to do next.

           Sitting up, his long side hair fell over his shoulders as he stretched his arms toward the ceiling. The sight of you practically vibrating with anticipation brought a sense of endearment to his chest. 

           You had spent so long locked away from the world, watching the seasons pass through the cold glass of a window; to see you now eager to cross borders and see new landscapes beyond Mondstadt’s prairies made the upcoming journey feel all the more important to him to witness your first step outside the land of freedom.

           “Alright, alright. You can go ahead and wash first. I’ll ensure the luggage is brought down to the main hall.”

           He stood up from the bed and kissed the top of your head. You hummed and left the room, but not before stealing one last peek through the door and narrowing your eyes at him.

           “Don't you dare crawl back under those sheets the moment I close this door, Venti.”

           Venti awkwardly chuckled and waved a hand. Once your footsteps faded down the hall, the little white critter suddenly sprouted on top of Venti’s head and chirped.

           “I blame you for the fact I couldn’t get a wink of sleep last night.” Venti rubbed his temple as he looked at his reflection in the mirror where Barbatos used his messy tuffs as his nesting spot. 

           His mind had been pacing loops around the moon, making sure he got everything prepared for this sojourn until his brain felt like mush. It was a good opportunity to relax, unwind, and temporarily forget about the pressure and stress after such an eventful week.

           Barbatos giggled and immediately took off, flying straight out the door to follow after you. But Venti’s reflexes were much quicker. He reached out and pinched the wisp's mini cloaked body mid-air.

           “And where do you think you’re going?” 

           Even though a smile was plastered on his angelic face, his face darkened. 

           “You are coming with me. No buts. You're helping me carry the heavy trunks down the stairs, little one.”

           Barbatos squeaked indignantly; his tiny nubs were flailing around as he tried to paddle through the air back toward the safety of your presence. But Venti was unyielding. He plucked the wisp from the air and booped his head with his pointer finger.

           “What’s wrong being with me? The sooner we get everything loaded, the less things for [Name] to worry about.”

           He turned toward the large wooden closet to retrieve a tiny box from its high perch. And, of course, he couldn't forget the heavy canvas pouch of pocket money he had been meticulously saving.

           His stomach twisted nervously as he opened the pouch, dumping the contents onto the desk and counting the golden coins one by one.

           Ten, twenty, thirty… Is fifty thousand mora enough? 

           Ever since you had woken up, he had completely cut back on his drinking. He had to thank his past self for at least trying to save up rather than carelessly spending every single coin on gallons of dandelion wine at Angel’s Share.

           But still, the burning question remained: Was 50,000 mora really enough for a five-day trip to another nation during their grandest festival? Especially for a woman who deserved the absolute best the world had to offer?

           …

           Of course it isn’t!! 

           Venti grumbled and smacked his forehead repeatedly against the wall, startling the living daylights out of Barbatos and making his little sprouts shoot upright. The wisp flew backward as he watched the bard have a minor financial crisis.

           Barbatos was right. He had a perfectly valid point for haranguing him last night. The little wind elf had spent hours jingling in his ear, practically screaming that a standard tavern-hopper's budget wouldn't cut it for a romantic getaway in the harbor of wealth. 

           If Charles or Dahlia were here, they would probably laugh him out of the tavern for thinking fifty thousand mora could buy a decent moonlit dinner during Lantern Rite, let alone pay for souvenirs as gifts for you.

           But he won’t let it break his spirit!

           Venti smirked and reached deeper into the dark recesses of the closet. He pulled out a secondary pouch that clinked heavily. Opening it, the morning light caught the glint of ancient silver, weathered bronze, and oddly stamped gold coins from eras long forgotten.

           This would be his backup plan. Only connoisseurs with a deep, antique taste would be intrigued by this rare set of historical artifacts.

           “Just wait until that old blockhead sees these,” Venti menacingly giggled to himself as he tossed the pouch into the air and caught it with a grin. “He’ll probably introduce me to someone who would willingly trade half of their savings just to examine the minting on a single ancient coin. Who needs modern currency when you carry history in your pockets?”

           Barbatos chirped skeptically, completely unimpressed by Venti's plan to essentially barter your father’s wealth just to buy you gifts.

           Venti was about to make a witty remark but his stomach twisted again. He groaned and clutched at his abdomen— most likely craving to eat the breakfast that was waiting for him downstairs. 

           He tucked the small box into one of the luggage compartments where his musical compositions were neatly kept, and placed the other two heavy pouches in his intangible storage.

           “Come along, little one. Help me carry these downstairs.”

           He grabbed the first set of luggage and hauled them up while Barbatos mimicked him and picked up the rest using his levitation ability. 

—

           The prettiest of mirror images, as transient as any moment, showed eternal beauty. You looked at yourself and twirled around, revelling in the way the dress billowed and shaped your figure.

           Part of you was content with your body. A gentle curve had begun to show beneath your dress as you cradled your growing belly. Once, you had tried to hone your body for strength and survival in your younger days. Now, you only wanted to ensure it remained appealing to Venti and nurturing to the baby you would bear him.

           Not all first-time mothers felt the same sense of peace with their reflection in the mirror, but you did. The road had been bumpy, but it had finally come full circle: from an existence hidden away and shackled within the palace’s chambers to a blossoming future of newfound freedom and love.

           You wondered if this was how Amos had felt when she was carrying you.

           The quiet click of the doorknob broke your reverie. Venti stepped into the room, still clumsily braiding the ends of his hair, with Barbatos floating lazily right behind him. The bard's loose white shirt was only halfway buttoned up, exposing his collarbones. But his hands froze mid-braid the exact moment his eyes landed on you, completely captivated by the sight before him.

           “Darling?”

           “Hm?” 

           You turned around, a gentle smile gracing your lips.

           His lips parted and carefully threaded the words together.

           “You look absolutely stunning in that sundress,” Venti murmured as he finished the braid before letting his hands drop from his hair and walking closer to you. “You should wear it more often.”

           You chuckled, stepping into his space and gave him a short kiss on the cheek.

           “Thank you, love.”

           Reaching out, you took over where his hands had given up and finished the loose buttons of his shirt from his chest down to his waist. You smoothed down the crisp fabric, looking up into his teal eyes with a playful glint. 

           “And you look charming as always. Though I see you still aren’t yet accustomed to my dazzling beauty even though we’ve been together for years, Mister Bard.”

           Venti released a melodious laugh. He wrapped his arms loosely around your waist to pull you against him, his hands resting just above the gentle curve of your hip.

           “Can you blame me? The heavens graced me with such a beautiful goddess to worship this morning. I got distracted,” he teased, though his gaze drifted down to your hands resting on his chest. 

           He leaned down and pressed his forehead against yours. The beat of his heart was a steady rhythmic cadence against your palm.

           His eyes softened and gentleness took over his voice as he murmured, “I have a gift for you before we go.”

           You tilted your head up, your curiosity piqued.

           Venti pulled back slightly and slipped his hand into his pocket, retrieving a neatly folded piece of cloth. There, a glowing plume sat delicately as he unwrapped it. Attached at the quill was a small puff ball and the tip of the vane was tinted with gradient azure.

           “This is one of the pairs that usually hangs from my Vision, but I want you to wear this one. It’s a little reminder your prince bard is always with you even if I’m away for just a moment. Though… I’m sure you already know I’m stuck with you for the rest of my life anyway.” Venti explained while lifting the accessory. 

           A smile graced his lips as he leaned in close, tucking a stray lock of your hair behind your ear whilst he carefully pinned the earring in place.

           Once secured, he stepped back a fraction and quietly sighed, his eyes wandering over how much you had changed. From a caged maiden who once only wished to gain freedom to a mother ready to embrace a whole new lifetime of love in this generation with him.

           You were a breathtaking composition that no hymn or ballad could ever perfectly capture its essence.

           You giggled at his starstruck expression and placed a playful hand over your lips.

           “Someone is very sappy today~ Right, Barbatos?” 

           The sudden mention of the wind wisp made his romantic aura evaporate in a comical instant.

           He had totally forgotten Barbatos was still in the room.

           Right on cue, Barbatos nodded vigorously and flew over to land on your shoulder. He folded his tiny arms across his chest, giving Venti a smug look that spoke volumes.

           “Oh, come on! I’m trying to be romantic here! Don’t gang up on me now just because you’re jealous you didn't get a matching accessory, you overgrown dandelion seed!” whined Venti, which was accompanied by a frown aimed at the little guy.

           You giggled again, stepping forward to wrap your arms securely around his waist, cutting off his dramatic defense. You buried your face into his chest, letting your warmth seep through his.

           “I was just teasing you. But thank you, really. This means a lot to me.”

           Venti’s faux-outrage melted away instantly. He wrapped his arms tightly around you and buried his face into your hair right beside the new feather earring, his heart swelling with profound ecstasy it rendered him weak just holding you within his embrace.

           He pressed a kiss on the side of your head for a good few seconds— one that shall engrave permanence in your mind and soul on how enamoured he was beyond reason.

           When he laced his finger with yours, it felt so good and fit so well like two interlocking pieces of a puzzle. 

           “Are you ready?” he asked.

           You nodded, jittering with anticipation. You were as ready as you were likely to be.

           Venti twirled his hand in the air and a gust of wind swirled beneath the heavy trunks to carry them. With the luggage floating behind, you, Venti, and Barbatos stepped out of the tower.

           Waiting for you just outside the threshold was Dvalin where a grand shadow was cast across the courtyard.

           “Now, be good boys while we’re away, okay? Don’t cause too much trouble.“ You walked up to the massive dragon and reached out to pet Dvalin before turning to give Barbatos a soft boop on his sprout. “Once we’re back, I expect everything to still be in its proper place.”

           With a low thwip, you opened your lace parasol to shade yourself from the morning sun.

           “Sorry we couldn’t bring you with us, Barbatos. I’ll make sure to bring you something good from Liyue.” Venti gave the wisp a good rub on his hood before scooping him off your shoulder and placing him down near Dvalin.

           Just outside the borders of the sanctuary that were far from devotees’ foot traffic, the herald of the Anemo Archon waited patiently. When the distant sound of a familiar voice chattering drifted down the path, he immediately smoothed down his attire and placed a hand over his chest, bowing to the two figures approaching.

           Dahlia wasn’t the type to show formalities to a friend, but with the recent changes over the past four months, he had to distinguish between Venti and Barbatos. Mentally, he was already questioning every life choice that had led him to this specific curb on a Saturday morning.

           Moreover, the fact that he has a wife means he still needed to show them respect as the representative of the Church of Favonius.

           Wife… So the Lady of the Winds is with him?

           Once you and Venti stopped near the carriage, he didn’t even bother using his hands. Instead, he dragged the floating luggage into the back storage with a deft flick of his wrist. 

           “Need any help?”

           The soft feminine voice immediately caught Dahlia’s ears. Curiosity quickly got the better of him. 

           Venti rarely ever brought up his romantic life in their drinking session, and who wouldn’t be interested in seeing the elusive Lady of the Winds? Wanting to catch a glimpse of the woman who had captured the archon's heart, Dahlia peered up just a bit.

           But his view was completely obstructed by a pristine white parasol. He frowned that the collapsible canopy entirely shrouded you.

           Venti turned and curled his brow at you beneath your parasol. 

           “Sweetheart, I can’t let a lady carry all these heavy trunks. Besides, what kind of partner would I be if I let you do the heavy lifting while a perfectly capable man is at your service?”

           “Hm, reliable as always. What am I to do without you?” 

           Dahlia internally sighed, keeping his eyes glued to the cobblestones. 

           He’s still a god. Better keep my thoughts to myself.

           Yet Dahlia swore he saw Venti’s eyes lit up. If the bard weren’t wearing his beret, Dahlia was entirely convinced his two pointy hairs on top of his head would have stood straight up like an excited hound's ears.

           “Carrying one trunk costs three kisses,” Venti declared without a single ounce of shame as he began calculating the invoice. “And using special abilities to carry them from our home to here is an additional six. So, the total cost comes to… fifteen kisses.”

           Dahlia’s eye twitched. 

           Fifteen? Truly? 

           He was currently standing less than three feet away alongside the coachman he hired and they were being forced to audit a transaction of pure flirtation. He had known the Anemo Archon was a creature who loved romance. He had not, however, expected to be an audience for whatever saccharine spectacle was unfolding before him.

           At least he wasn’t alone in this.

           “Oh my, that many? I guess I should prep up then,” you replied, genuinely amused by Venti’s payment request.

           Venti stepped forward and held the carriage door open, gesturing for you to enter first.

           “Well, if it’s too much for you, I’m open to negotiations. Would you like to ask for a discount?”

           As you stepped up to the carriage, you finally tilted the white parasol back and lowered it as you entered the cabin. For a fleeting second, your face was unveiled and Dahlia swore you were looking directly at him.

           A small elegant smile danced across your lips. 

           Crisp breeze swept through the lands, carrying the scent of sweet grapes. To describe the Lady of the Winds as otherworldly was an understatement. You radiated a serene, breathtaking grace that had his brain briefly short-circuit.

           “Hmm, I’ll pay upfront. And add one more kiss to it. A tip for opening the door and for your service.”

           Your voice that drifted out from the cabin broke Dahlia’s temporary trance and anchored him back to his senses.

           So that’s the Lady of the Winds…

           He glanced over at Venti as if he had just won an entire lifetime’s worth of free dandelion wine with that massive goofy grin stretched across his face. Seeing them like this, it was palpable that the divine couple was in incredibly good spirits.

           Which begs the question: Why on earth was Aether so worked up over what was happening in their lives?

           “You all call her the Lady of the Winds, but she’s locked away in that tower like some secret no one’s allowed to speak of! She was deceived, and now she’s trapped. And none of you are doing anything about it!”

           Dahlia’s eyes narrowed at the memory before shaking his head to clear his thoughts. The smile you had just given him and the lovesick look in Venti’s eyes were too genuine to be mistaken as a liar’s mask.

           He’s just spouting nonsense.

           The deacon cleared his throat loudly to remind the bard he had a companion apart from you and adjusted his posture as Venti approached him.

           “Thanks for preparing the carriage on such short notice,” Venti chirped, entirely unbothered by his own sappiness.

           “How could I ever reject a request from a dear friend? More so, when you send an urgent letter to my quarters while I am still fast asleep on a weekend.” 

           The day his window was blasted open was something he couldn’t easily forget. He thought an intruder barged in, and on pure adrenaline, he was ready to attack them with his heavy choir book as a defensive measure— especially after staying up all night checking in with the priests’ schedules in preparation for the Sunday gospels. But the unique stamp that only belonged to none other than the Lord of the Wind was enough for him to realize that Venti had left him an important message.

           “Sorry for the abrupt delivery! The wind moves fast when time is of the essence, you know?” Venti laughed while rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. 

           “Time being of the essence for spending it with your dear wife, I suppose?” Dahlia raised a brow and pointed a glance toward the closed carriage door. “Though next time, please warn me if I need to bring earplugs. I didn't realize my duties today included auditing your romantic transactions.”

           Venti chuckled and placed a hand on his hip.

           “Oh, come now, Dahlia. Shouldn’t a time like this be when people rejoice that blessings are finally being bestowed upon them?” Venti countered, snapping his hands as a scroll materialized out of thin air. “Besides, a little romance is good for the soul. After all, weren't you the one who preached the divine word to the masses that miracles blossom across Mondstadt when the Divine Couple are happy together? You should try practicing what you preach sometime instead of burying yourself under those church ledgers!”

           Venti handed him the scroll and Dahlia ignored his remark to read through the contents carefully. Once done, he rolled it back up and slipped it securely inside his vest pocket.

           Just as the bard was about to step inside the carriage, Dahlia called out to him.

           “Venti.”

           He wanted to report to him about what had happened during the assembly a few weeks ago. He wanted to ask Venti what Aether had meant by those venomous accusations he had shouted inside the cathedral. 

           The memory of the Traveler's furious face flashed in his mind, debating whether he should disrupt the Lordship’s joyful mood with such news.

           But looking at the carefree expression on his face, Dahlia decided to drop it. All that mattered right now was that the Divine Couple was happy. 

           Whatever grudge the Traveler held was his own to bear.

           “…I wish you both safe travels. May the Anemo Archon bless your journey.” Dahlia said instead with a small smile. 

           Venti smirked. “The Anemo Archon always ensures his lady’s safety. Oh, and Dahlia…”

           A sudden chill ran down his spine as Venti’s eyes instantly shifted to sharp coldness.

           “…Keep a close eye on Aether.”

The voice echoed directly inside his head. “Don’t let him get inside our sanctuary. And under no circumstances is he to know we are in Liyue.”

           Dahlia’s throat constricted upon hearing the order transmitted through his mind. The sheer telepathic pressure made it hard to breathe.

           “Do you understand?” Venti asked out loud.

           “…Y-yes, of course…” Dahlia managed to stutter out, realizing Venti was waiting for his verbal confirmation. 

           In an instant, Venti’s bright demeanour returned. “Good! I trust you to keep everything in place while we’re away.”

           With a parting wave, Venti stepped up and entered the carriage cabin.

           As he settled into the seat, you turned your gaze away from the window and looked at him. “Who were you talking to out there, love?”

           “Hm? Oh, just someone I know,” Venti chimed with a sweet smile as he shut the carriage door closed.

           “It’s nice to know you easily get along with everybody.” 

           The carriage jolted forward; the rhythmic clatter of hooves signalled the start of your long journey toward Liyue Harbor.

           Venti quirked his brow at your remark, and realizing what you had just said, you quickly rummaged through your bag.

           “A-ah, I know you get cranky on a long trip, so I prepared this in advance!”

           You tried to deflect his curious gaze by pulling out a wooden container from your travel bag and popped off the lid. Knowing how tedious travel could be, you had meticulously prepared freshly cut apple slices as a snack for the three-hour trip. You picked up a piece and fed it to him.

           The sweetness that entered his mouth instantly made him relax. You giggled, already deeply familiar with the love-stricken stars that danced in his azure eyes whenever you doted on him.

           “I know. I love you too, dear.”

           “Hmm, how am I so lucky to have you in my life? A princess in a relationship with just an ordinary bard? Oh, imagine how our child would react learning their mama’s a real-life princess.”

           Your smile faltered and your gaze instinctively drifted down to your belly, cupping the small curve beneath the fabric of your sundress.

           “We don’t have to bring up that I’m a princess or that I’m part of the royal family once our child is born…” Your voice dropped to a quiet murmur that was nearly swallowed by the rumbling of the carriage wheels.

           “I no longer bear that title when Father has already been overthrown. In fact, I don’t even deserve that title when the world doesn’t even know I exist… I’m just afraid our child's curiosity might get the better of them one day, and they’ll learn I’m a tyrant’s daughter,” you continued, staring at your intertwining fingers.

           A heavy silence settled inside the cabin— save for the steady clatter of the horse's hooves outside. That suffocating lineage of Decarabian still lingered in the corners of your mind akin to a shadow. Whatever those ghosts of the past were, not a single good memory brought forth.

           “I don’t want them to endure the same fate and struggle I went through… that’s why I want to leave my past behind and move forward. Being ordinary doesn’t sound so bad at all when I don’t have to worry about our child concerning themselves being associated with Father.” 

           You were smiling at him, yet why is there sadness behind the mirror of your soul? 

           He hated how troubled you looked when this was supposed to be an exciting day. He hated how the dead king's sins still tried to press down on your shoulders, especially now. 

           Venti gathered both of your hands in his and brought them up to his lips, pressing a deep-seated kiss against your knuckles.

           “Hey, look at me, darling.”

           You heeded and met his gaze.

           “I’m sorry I made you uncomfortable when I brought it up. I didn’t mean to remind you about your past.” He then kissed your palm and rested it over his cheek.

           “Even though you're the daughter of a tyrant, you're the only [Name] I know. I've seen who you truly are from the moment we met. I know your heart, your beliefs, and your deep sense of compassion, and not a single part of you is like your father. Bloodline doesn't dictate your soul and you carry none—I repeat— NONE of Decarabian's cold desire for control. Your spirit is as gentle and free as the wind itself, and that's what I love about you. You are not a mirror of him nor will you ever be a shadow of his legacy.”

           He took a slow deep breath, carefully structuring his words before continuing.

           "And to our little one, and to the rest of Teyvat, we can be as wonderfully ordinary as you want. There are no thrones left in Mondstadt, and no fragments from that tower can follow you out here. You are just you— the wonderful woman I fell in love with from the very beginning and the incredible mother our child is going to adore.”

           His thumb wiped away the tension from your brow before sliding down to cup your cheek. 

           “And besides, if they ever ask about your past, I’ll just tell them their mama is the most wonderful, the smartest, and the most beautiful woman in the whole Teyvat. That should give them more than enough to worry about.”

           You blinked, utterly lost for words at just how much he knew exactly how to dismantle your deepest insecurities with a single smile. Soft chuckles bubbled out from your lips, and the heavy feeling weighed less on your chest. With Venti by your side, the road ahead felt completely free.

           You kissed him on the lips, grateful how easy it was for him to cheer you up. Venti hummed against your mouth, his hands sliding up to cup your waist as he leaned forward, deepening the embrace until your back was pressed comfortably against the cushioned surface.

           When he pulled back, much to your disappointment, a cheeky smirk tugged at the tips of his lips.

           “You still owe me fifteen kisses, windblume.”

           His coltish reminder hung between you but instead of laughing them off, your chest fluttered with an uneven exhale. You couldn't think of a witty retort nor did you want to.

           Breathless, your attention was fixated on his lips. Venti has done so much for you. Through thick and thin, he somehow recognized every fear and self-doubt you kept on bottling. He had given you his time, his home, his future, and a love so boundless that it made you fall for him even harder.

           Without a second thought, you tangled your fingers into his hair and pulled him back down to you before he could even register your sudden compliance. Venti gasped against your soft lips, his smirk instantly vanishing as you eagerly began delivering the first of your payment.

           With a clumsy hold on you and to balance himself, he hastily closed the curtains behind you and settled on tasting your entirety rather than the apples you had prepared.