Sacrificing Myself: Nine Transmigrations (Genshin Impact)

"Husband…???"

"Did I hear that right??"

Elliot never expected that his words from the night before would trigger such a dramatic change in Shenhe's demeanor. The coldness she once carried had seemingly vanished overnight.

Now, he was completely at a loss—utterly unsure of what to do.

He had never even considered becoming Shenhe's husband. But judging from the current situation, outright rejection would only make things worse.

All things considered, he'd just have to take it slow...

When Elliot caught up with her, Shenhe's cheeks were bright red as she held some fruit out to him.

"Husband, please eat…"

She spoke in an incredibly shy voice.

"Uh… Shenhe, there's something I'd like to talk to you about."

Elliot looked her in the eyes, serious and sincere.

Shenhe tilted her head slightly, confused—but something told her she wasn't going to like what he was about to say.

"Go ahead," she said, her tone subtly shifting back to how it used to be.

"Well... I feel like everything's moving a bit too fast. I don't really know how to handle it."

"You mean... you don't like me? You don't want to be my husband?"

"No, no, that's not it. Marriage is a lifelong commitment—it's not something to take lightly. We've only known each other for less than three days. Deciding our future in just three days... don't you think that's a little rash?"

Shenhe fell silent, seeming to reflect on his words.

But Elliot didn't give her much time to dwell on it. He pressed on earnestly:

"People are complicated. Everyone has their own beliefs and values. Three days is just too short."

"Everyone has a good side and a bad side. Right now, you only know this version of me. What if I change later?"

"What if you see a part of me you don't like—something dark you can't accept?"

"That's why we need time. Time to understand each other. To grow together before making such an important decision."

Shenhe's brow furrowed deeply.

Clearly, his words had reached her.

Now, all he could do was wait—for her to think it through.

After a long silence, she finally looked up, her gaze meeting his. There was disappointment in her eyes.

"…Alright."

"It's not your fault. We just need time to get to know each other."

"Yeah. I'm glad you understand."

In the days that followed, they returned to how they used to be—traveling together as close friends.

Still, every now and then, Shenhe would stare off into space and smile softly, clearly lost in a happy thought.

On the fifth day, they finally saw Mondstadt in the distance.

"Wanna take a look?" Elliot asked.

"If you want to go, I'll go with you."

"You've seen plenty of mountains and moonlight. It's time to taste a bit of the world's hustle and bustle," he said with a gentle smile.

"I rarely come down the mountain. I'm not good with people. If anything happens, I usually deal with it my own way."

"But… if you think it's not right, please let me know. Even if I don't understand, I'll listen."

Elliot nodded and said softly, "Alright. Come on—I'll take you to try some proper food."

With that, the two entered Mondstadt.

The streets were bustling with people and carts, lively and cheerful.

Shenhe looked uneasy in the crowd.

"Don't worry—I'm here," Elliot reassured her.

"Mm."

They stepped into a restaurant.

Despite having spent the past days wandering through forests and mountains, they'd saved quite a few people—and even taken down two bandit groups. So they had more than enough Mora on hand.

Soon, the dishes arrived.

Elliot dug in eagerly.

Sure, they'd eaten in the forest, but without seasonings, everything was bland. This, however—this was real food.

Shenhe, on the other hand, sat still, staring at the dishes without touching them.

Elliot paused, puzzled.

"Not to your taste?"

"No... I just remembered something from the past."

"Like what?"

"My master used to bring me down the mountain to try all kinds of food. But I don't remember any of the flavors. The only thing I can't forget... is a bowl of noodles from home."

"I shouldn't remember it... I shouldn't…"

She shook her head, as if trying to erase the memory.

Elliot slowly stood up. Shenhe looked at him, puzzled.

"Wait here. I'll be right back."

With that, he left his seat and walked into the restaurant's kitchen.

Suddenly, Shenhe realized she'd said something she shouldn't have.

...What's wrong with me? Why did I bring that up?

...I shouldn't have said anything… I ruined his appetite…

...He's not going to leave me, is he?

...No—no, he's not that kind of person. I have to trust him...

The more she thought about it, the worse she felt. Guilt clenched tight in her chest. She balled her fists, trying to think of how to make things right.

Then, through her anxious thoughts, she saw him returning.

Elliot was carrying a large, steaming bowl.

"Try it. I made it myself—tomato and egg noodles."

He smiled gently as he set the bowl in front of her.

Shenhe's eyes widened in disbelief, staring at him as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing.

She had never expected this—Elliot, cooking for her.

"Come on, give it a try before the noodles get soggy," he urged with a soft smile.

Shenhe picked up her chopsticks, lifted some noodles, blew on them gently, then took a bite.

The noodles were springy and smooth.

She froze mid-chew, and her eyes reddened.

That taste.

It was exactly like the noodles from her childhood home.

She lowered her head and began eating in large bites. Tears dripped from her nose into the bowl.

Elliot watched her quietly with a warm smile.

"Slow down, you'll choke if you eat too fast."

At his words, Shenhe trembled.

In that moment, a warm, gentle face surfaced in her memory.

When she was little, she'd heard those exact words, spoken with the same gentle tone:

"Eat slowly, don't choke. No one's taking it from you. People might think we're too poor to afford noodles."

Tears streamed down her cheeks.

She lowered her head and sobbed quietly.

"Shenhe, what's wrong?"

"Don't cry… Is it that bad?"

Elliot didn't know what to do. He picked up his chopsticks and tried the noodles himself.

"…It's not that bad? Or is it just not to your liking?"

Shenhe suddenly threw herself into his arms, crying uncontrollably.