Sacrificing Myself: Nine Transmigrations (Genshin Impact)

Mondstadt, at the inn.

"One time, I snuck down the mountain without telling my master and returned to the village, only to find it abandoned. My father had already passed away."

"In that moment, I realized my blood ties had been completely severed, and the past I cherished had come to a definitive end…"

"From then on, I distanced myself from humanity—until I met you…"

Shenhe's words caught Elliot slightly off guard.

He gently caressed Shenhe's cheek, a trace of heartache in his gaze.

"It's hard to imagine how you managed to endure all that."

"I don't know if I was abandoned because of the curse of my lonely fate, or if that fate emerged because of everything I went through."

"But I don't believe anyone is born to be alone. If you ask me, it's definitely the latter."

"Thank you, Elliot. Meeting you in this life is my greatest blessing."

Shenhe leaned her head on Elliot's shoulder, and the city lights she once hated filled her vision.

Looking at them now, she realized she hated those lights simply because she had no place to belong here.

But with Elliot by her side, even those city lights felt warm.

"Meeting you is the greatest fortune of my life too," Elliot said with a gentle smile.

At that moment, something like a small lantern-string appeared in Shenhe's vision.

"What's this?" Shenhe asked in surprise, eyeing the little item in Elliot's hand.

"It's a sugar-coated hawthorn. Try it," Elliot said, handing it to her.

Shenhe took it, examined it closely, sniffed it, and then lightly licked it with her soft tongue.

"So sweet~" Shenhe smiled with delight.

"If the red cord can suppress the evil aura in your heart, maybe sugar-coated hawthorn can dispel it too."

Elliot teased, amused by her reaction.

"Why's that?"

"Because they're both red."

At that, Shenhe looked at the sugar-coated hawthorn like a curious child. Her expression changed, and she eagerly took a bite.

"Mmm~… It's delicious. Sweet and tangy…"

She instantly fell in love with this treat called sugar-coated hawthorn.

This side of Shenhe—so pure and innocent—was truly endearing.

"You try one too. Come on, ah~"

With a soft smile, Shenhe offered it to Elliot.

"Ah~"

"Mmm… So sweet."

Elliot took a bite as well.

Seeing him enjoy it so much, Shenhe beamed with happiness.

She had longed for a day like this.

A scene so warm, she hadn't even dared to dream of it.

"Elliot."

"Hm?"

Still munching on the sugar-coated hawthorn, Shenhe suddenly spoke.

"If…" She glanced at the treat in her hand, her cheeks flushing red.

Elliot didn't press her, quietly waiting.

"If we were to become husband and wife one day… would you want a boy or a girl?"

Her face turned bright red after asking.

Elliot paused, slightly taken aback.

"If that day ever comes… all I'd want is you."

Shenhe's eyes widened at his words.

She turned to look at him, stunned. His gentle smile completely captivated her.

"W-Why…?" she asked shyly, stammering.

"Because giving birth is really painful," Elliot said.

"My mother had severe morning sickness when she was pregnant with me. Forget rich foods—even just passing by a fruit stall and catching a whiff of the smell would make her vomit."

"She could only eat bland congee. Anything with even the slightest flavor made her sick. It was so bad that I almost died before I was born."

"And that's just part of it. There's also the excruciating pain of childbirth, like having your bones scraped. Not to mention all the risks involved."

"Then after birth, the baby cries constantly, often waking you in the middle of the night, leaving you restless. As a mother, you'd have to tend to them at all hours."

"It's all just too painful. I don't want you to go through any of it. I only want you."

Shenhe was stunned into silence.

She never imagined there could be someone in this world who cared so deeply for her.

Tears welled in her eyes as she smiled.

"It's okay. I'm willing—willing to do all of it for you."

"Children are the fruit of love. No matter how hard it is, I'll endure it."

"I want to bring them into this world, so they can see the serenity of mountains and rivers, and feel the warmth of humanity."

"They'll also have the best father in the world."

"If it's a boy, he'll be as gentle and handsome as you—sure to be someone admired by everyone."

"I bet lots of girls will have a crush on him!"

Her eyes sparkled with hope as she envisioned that beautiful future.

But...

The more hopeful she looked, the more Elliot's heart ached.

He knew... one day, he would have to leave.

He would leave...

"Yeah, that sounds wonderful."

"It's getting late. Let's head in and get some sleep."

Elliot didn't want to continue the conversation.

Even though he wanted to tell her—

That she would be the best mother in the world.

That if it were a girl, she would be gentle, kind, and strong…

But he couldn't say it.

Because if he did, the conversation would keep going. And when the time came to leave, it would hurt even more...

"Okay."

Shenhe responded softly, taking Elliot's arm as they walked inside.

Only after she had fallen fast asleep did Elliot quietly get up, sit by the window, and gaze at the night-covered Mondstadt, his heart heavy with emotion.

"A wife, huh…"

"If it really were you… that would be wonderful…"

A single tear fell onto the windowsill.

...