[ But putting it like that, I even wouldn't be able to save any face! ]

These missions are those that ultimately help Chroma as a whole. There are also rewards in completing them. [ ++ Renown. ++ Reward. Isn't that the only reason anyone does sidequests? Unless they are masochistic completionists. His fan lightly touches his chin. ]

[ He recalls being dragged into waters by a certain cultivator, and peers over the side into the water. It isn't ideal, but he can't back out now. Escort quest. Consider this the reward for it, too. Being able to do what all gamers wish they could to the NPC. ]

Also, Prince Berkut, have you ever thrown anyone off a pier?

[ Say "no" to murder, Berkut. ]

Then, we can consider two quests cleared with this single action. [ I really wasn't sure! But hey, I've also never been thrown off a pier, so, it's a first for everyone. ]

[ She's a good girl, Berkut! ]

I've come prepared.

[ Emotionally, at least. That water looks fucking cold. ]

I am ready whenever you are.

[ Hey, thanks, man!

It's odd to thank someone that puts them over the shoulder where he wouldn't rest over the pauldron. That looks like it might leave a mark. On his stomach. He wouldn't want to that! And off he goes sailing -- there he goes, isn't he majestic? Not really. He isn't able to do a dignified jump in so it's more like a rock with tissue paper wrapped around it being flung into the water.

Splash!!

Goosebumps spread all over his body. Not just the chill of the water. But it feels weird! It feels weird all over! Oh, oh! Please don't let him get poisoned by this?! His head is poked up out of the water as he swims back towards the dock. ]

Might I bother you for a hand up? [ Out, out out! I want out! I want out! Who wishes they had their sword so they could fly out of the waters?! THIS MAN! ]

[ He takes the offered hand. I knew it was right to fight to avoid your reputation blackening! You're on the road to friendship now!

He certainly can think whatever he likes as his body is covered with goosebumps from his neck down. Sure, he's fallen into a rose pond before, but really, the harbor water feels not great!

Shen Qingqiu is more than happy to be back up on the dock. He almost wants to grab onto his shoulders to lightly shake Berkut to tell him to never fall into the harbor, but he isn't able to do so. It's the smile that he sees and the response he gets that sounds like the prince is enjoying himself. At least one of us is! ]

Thank you. But I believe I am going to attempt to avoid falling such a manner again in the future.

It's best to be one of the first to say that it's safe to do so. I can say that it's safe, but ... the waters leave an odd feeling behind.

[ Shen Qingqiu can sure say a lot of shit when he's actually a little freaked out.

Excuse him for being undignified, but he is going to twist his hair so to get the water somewhat out of it. He doesn't want to go bald! What if this causes impotency!? What exactly has he done to himself! More goosebumps seem to slide over the goosebumps already covering his body as he shivers.

It isn't like using cool mountain water for meditation! There is something seriously FUCKED UP about the waters in the harbor! He rubs his face, looks down at his hands with a controlled expression but half expecting he'd find he'd rubbed his face off and looking at a bloody mess. No, just wet hands. Gross. ]

It was. I thank you for you indulging this humble one. [ A pause to ring out his sleeves. It's a lost battle. He's losing. He's giving up. He's just going to be a wet, soaked cat. This is fine. ] But now I will need a trip to the bathhouse... so, I'll walk with you for a bit, if you don't mind.

[ Horse friend is best friend! ]

Thank you. [ Really, it'd be kind of awkward to be walking a few steps behind Berkut when they're walking in the same direction. ] Have you tried out the bathhouse, prince? [ Save that the male side has a large statue of a man that seems to be looking at everyone in a disapproving manner that even the hot waters makes someone feel like they're shrinking, it's quite nice. ]

It's a comfort I'm pleased that we're allowed to have here. So, I highly recommend it.

It is.

[ But how to explain? ]

First, you clean yourself off before getting into the hot waters. [ Ah, Sir Qingqiu, could you explain why that's nice? For the audience? ] It means that you can sit in and relax completely without worry. [ Like having to worry about scrub-scrubbing! It's already been done! Just sit about in hot waters, eyes closed, feeling all the stiffness getting out of the limbs! It's paradise!!

It is at this moment that Shen Qingqiu has to admit that he's become an old man. He can see himself sitting in those baths with a ceramic mug of hot tea, sipping and laughing heartily, "Ah, this is the life, ah?" Actually!! That sounds really nice!! He would like to do that!! Please!! ]

[ Pretty easily.

Yet he feels if he says that outright that it wouldn't fly. A proper explanation would be better. ]

I am confident if something happens that we can handle it. [ He freezes. Death flag. I just put up a death flag in trying to explain why I'm not worried! Shen Qingqiu almost falls to his knees and threw his arms up in the air. I'm a fucking idiot!! ]

What I mean to say... we'll be able to figure something out. It's trusting in the people that are here and so... I relax knowing I have those I can believe in. Like you, Prince Berkut.