Help! I'm the Plot Device: Just Here to Save the Heroes

Caught in 4K by the Moonlight

His eyes lifted, catching the moonlight glinting off the pendant. "...And he lost everything for that. His land. His people. His life."

Outside, bursts of fireworks tore the night apart in brilliant reds and silvers. Yuanzhou's voice dropped lower, laden with grief and fury alike.

"They don't know what they are celebrating... They think it's a victory over evil. But they have no idea what the real evil is."

"They don't," Ran Yi said softly, steady. "But you do. And we could still change what's coming."

Yuanzhou stood at the window, rigid yet bowed under the invisible weight of guilt and sorrow reflected in his eyes. Shadows danced across his face, caught in the jagged light of the exploding sky.

After a moment, he turned to Ran Yi. "...Where is Yichen?"

Ran Yi inhaled slowly. Yuanzhou's gaze sharpened, almost predatory. "Ran Yi... where is he?"

"He went to the festival... with Yan Daren," Ran Yi admitted.

Yuanzhou's brows drew together, a storm gathering behind his eyes. "... Yan An, Assistant Minister of Revenue?"

Ran Yi nodded.

"Why is he with Yichen?" Yuanzhou's voice dropped to a near growl. "He always stood against Yichen... against me. And now? What is he plotting?"

Ran Yi frowned, uncertain, but said nothing.

Yuanzhou's lips pressed into a thin line. Without another word, he turned, moving to his wardrobe.

"Dianxia, where are you going?" Ran Yi's voice sharpened with worry.

Yuanzhou tightened the sash of his robe, shoulders rigid. "You come with me."

🐱🧶🐱

Riverside Inn

Dinner at the inn balcony had been unexpectedly peaceful. Lanterns swayed above them, the firework glow washing the wooden railings with shifting reds and silvers. Jerry actually ate-quietly, methodically, trying to look anywhere but at Yan An, who was... a little too attentive.

Whenever Jerry lifted his head, Yan An was already looking. Not intensely. Not uncomfortably.
Just... there. Observing. Gentle. Unblinking.

The system nudged at him in amusement. He hasn't taken his eyes off you all evening.

Please don't start, Jerry begged internally.

I'm only saying-your face seems to be his favorite dish tonight.

Jerry almost choked on his dumpling.

Another firework exploded overhead, golden light tracing the sharp lines of Yan An's face. The wind pressed the edges of his formal inner robe against his frame. He looked too refined to be sitting on a noisy inn balcony, yet somehow he fit here perfectly.

"Does it scare you?" he asked softly.

Jerry blinked. "The fireworks? No. Just surprised me."

Your heart jumped like it did, the system teased gently.

Because he spoke suddenly!

If you say so.

Jerry tightened his grip on his cup.

Yan An reached over and poured him more tea. His hand brushed Jerry's for the briefest second. Jerry froze. Yan An didn't withdraw instantly this time - the touch lingered, almost accidental, almost not.

Jerry pulled away a heartbeat too late.

Yan An's eyes followed the movement, thoughtful. "You seem tired," he said. "Are you feeling unwell?"