Chapter 244

Takumi looked at Lumine with a smile and joked, "Hey~ Isn't this a traveler from another world? How long has it been since we last met?"

Lumine glared at him, her voice laced with irritation. "If you can't say anything decent, then don't speak at all."

When Paimon saw that Lumine was unharmed, she screamed in joy and flew over, hugging Lumine tightly. "Lumine! It's so great that you're okay! I was so worried about you..."

Lumine looked at Paimon, her eyes softening. She gently patted Paimon's head, her tone apologetic. "I'm sorry, Paimon, for making you worry. Did you bring this guy here?"

Paimon nodded. "I originally went to ask for help from Yae Miko, but I happened to meet this bad guy at the shrine, so I brought him here."

Lumine's eyes lit up, and she quickly looked at Takumi, who still wore a smug smile. "Wait, I remember you're the god of Celestia, right? If that's the case, can you discuss things with the Lord of the Underworld and—"

Just as Lumine was about to glance over at Maricata, she saw the 'Lord of the Underworld' rushing over like an excited child. Maricata, who had moments ago been calmly reviewing records, now looked like a little girl chasing butterflies.

Every step Maricata took caused colorful flowers to bloom at her feet.

"Lord Tenri, it's wonderful that you've come to the underworld! I've been managing everything as you instructed, and I haven't made a single mistake," Maricata said with a hopeful tone, her aura like that of a young girl eager to be praised.

She stopped just before Takumi, hesitating to get closer as if afraid of being rejected.

Takumi nodded and sighed as he looked at her. Fairies were truly 'hopeless romantics.' Seeing Maricata act like this made it clear—fairies in love were utterly gullible.

He decided it wouldn't be right to dismiss her efforts. After all, she'd worked diligently. With a gentle smile, he raised a hand to touch her cheek. "You've done well, Maricata. What reward would you like?"

Maricata froze for a moment, her entire being suddenly brimming with joy. 

*Ah~ Lord Tenri, he touched my face... and praised me.*

"Maricata has no wishes. As long as she can serve Lord Tenri and be in his presence, Maricata is already satisfied," she whispered, pressing her cheek happily against Takumi's hand. Her divine power surged with her emotions, and flowers bloomed from her toes, spreading rapidly throughout the temple, covering the walls in colorful blossoms.

Lumine and Paimon stood there, utterly stunned.

The 'Lord of the Underworld,' who had effortlessly pinned Lumine down earlier, was now fawning over this guy like he was the sun itself.

Wait... what had she called him just now?

*Lord Tenri?!*

Damn it!

Lumine's eyes widened as memories of her encounters with Takumi played in her head. Her expression went stiff, and her lips trembled.

What did this mean? This guy was *Tenri*?

She was no longer as naive as she was when she first woke up. She knew full well what 'Tenri' represented.

The Lord of the Teyvat Universe—the supreme being in control of everything. All gods in this universe were born from his power. Perhaps he could even create entire worlds.

Hadn't she seen multiple 'parallel Earths'?

Suddenly, her pupils contracted.

If this guy was *Tenri*...

Then everything—her brother's summoning to this world, the countless challenges they faced—hadn't they all been orchestrated by this guy?

The memory of her first awakening flashed in her mind—how her brother had pulled her away from Teyvat's main world, only to be forcibly sent back by the 'Sustainer of Heavenly Principles.'

Her thoughts spun in a whirlwind.

Why had he done this?

What was his purpose?

The realization that she had been a puppet all along made cold sweat run down her back.

Lumine mechanically looked down at Paimon, who was still hugging her tightly.

*Istaroth was with Tenri... so was Paimon...?*

Cold sweat ran down her cheeks from her temples. She swallowed hard and loosened her grip.

Paimon instantly fell to the ground. "Ah! Lumine! What are you doing..." She quickly floated back up before hitting the ground, looking at Lumine with confusion.

Lumine took a few steps back, trembling, her eyes locked on Takumi, who smiled calmly.

Takumi gently brushed his hand across Maricata's cheek. "If you don't want a reward, that won't do. How about this—I grant you the right to visit my courtyard. But you must not abandon your duties. If you do, I will have to punish you."

Maricata's joy overflowed. She could now visit Lord Tenri's 'courtyard'—his residence.

*Ah, Lord Tenri, you are so kind to me.*

"I will perform my duties perfectly, without any mistakes," she said with determination.

Takumi withdrew his hand and turned his attention to Lumine, who had backed away in fear, sweat dripping down her face. A smile tugged at his lips.

The sight was truly amusing, like a hero who suddenly discovered their ally was the very demon lord they sought to defeat.

"Oh~ what's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?" Takumi asked, slowly stepping towards her, his arms open.

Lumine's eyes widened in panic, and she summoned her sword, pointing it at Takumi. "D-don't come any closer!"

Paimon was bewildered. "Lumine, what's gotten into you all of a sudden?"

The sword in Lumine's hand turned towards Paimon. "Stay back, Paimon!"

Paimon gasped in shock. "Lumine, why..."

Takumi ignored Lumine's threats and continued to approach, his expression playful. "What's wrong, Lumine? Weren't we having fun before? It's not nice to point your sword at a friend."

Maricata was about to get angry, but Takumi waved her off. She held back her anger, glaring at Lumine for daring to point her sword at Tenri.

Lumine kept retreating, her feet stumbling over the steps as she almost tripped, her face drenched in sweat.

"Tenri... everything I've experienced, you planned it all, didn't you? You placed Paimon by my side to monitor me. What are your intentions?!"