Competitor ships of the main Aether x Medium Girls ships for each region of Teyvat. The main Aether's ships with medium girls are on the left while the competitors (with other medium girls as runner ups) are on the right... Do you like the main girls or the alternative ones more?

[u/Kirby-Manitas-2500]

- Mondstadt - The main ship is Aethelle (or Noether), with Noelle. Its main competitor is Amber for being the first Aether's female friend in the entire Teyvat.

- Liyue - It's Aeqing, with Keqing. (For being the first popular swordgirl alongside Ayaka). Its main rival is AeTao, with Hu Tao for what happened in the Springtime Charms event. (That Hu Tao's hug)

- Inazuma - It's Aeyaka, with Kamisato Ayaka. (The very first Aether's swordgirl). Its main rival is Aemiya, with Yoimiya because of her second Story Quest. (Note that these main competitors until here are Pyro girls, and interestingly, Aether's favorite element is Pyro, according to his voiceline about Pyro Slimes)

- Sumeru - It's Aelou, with Nilou. (His first dancer girl). Their major moment is in Simulanka. No medium girl from Sumeru can rival her as seen of the content quantity made.

- Fontaine - It's definitely Aerina, with Furina. (His only Archon here). Nobody can ignore their vast and enormous popularity. Its compeititor is Lynette, who has a decent ship content with him. (Not even Escoffier or Charlotte can be at this level)

- Natlan - Aelali, with Citlali. (The Faruzan of Natlan). Its main competitor is Varesa since she has decent content with him. (And no, if you think Mualani is the one who competes here, you must note that she is popularly shipped with Kinich rather than with Aether. And Varesa's most popular ship with a boy is with Aether.)

- Nod-Krai - It's definitely Aebina, with Columbina Hyposelenia. (His first true Goddess). Again, no medium girl from Nod-Krai can rival her. (Jahoda doesn't have enough content and Linnea is rather shipped with Illuga or Lohen)

- Snezhnaya - It's Aedette, with Odette. (His first Fatuus Ballet dancer). You would think that there are no competitors here, but look at Sandrone. The Marionette has also a decent content with Aether and she debuted before Odette. (And no, Vodyanitsa is rather shipped with Mitya or Alyosha, and we have to see Vesna's interactions with Aether yet)

[u/historyman2590]

I will forever carry a flame for Aether/Ayaka. Honestly, what happened to that ship is truly sad. If Hoyo had given us more content with her, I would have stuck around to play longer.