Won't We Offend the Seven Stars of Liyue?

Ningguang nodded with joy. She had originally thought that the eighty million mora would be completely spent or that only a few million mora would remain in the end. But unexpectedly, after conducting a trial, there was still so much mora left. How could she not be delighted by this? When it came to mora, she was truly not lacking. After all, she was the wealthiest person in all of Liyue. Keqing had long since become accustomed to such things. Although the conditions at her home were also very good, compared to Ningguang's financial power, it was like comparing a minor sorcerer to a grand sorcerer, completely incomparable.

"Alright, you should put away the mora for now."

"However, be prepared with mora at all times. I have a feeling that a crisis will occur soon."

"Keqing, you should also pay more attention to this matter."

"Alright."

Ningguang received the information sent by Wangshu Inn. Although she didn't know why the Traveler wanted to find Xiao, she knew that the upcoming period in Liyue would be far from peaceful. So no matter what, she had to prepare well. Otherwise, when things happened, they wouldn't be ready for anything.

On the other hand, Lumine and Paimon also returned to Liyue Harbor. However, after their return, they didn't immediately go to find Tartaglia. Instead, they arrived at the comic store.

"Hi, Mr. Owner, we're back!" As soon as Paimon saw Mr. Owner, it excitedly flew over to Takarou.

"Pika, pika~"

Pikachu, who was sleeping, heard someone's voice and curiously opened its eyes. When it saw a flying object in the air, Pikachu thought it was also a Pokémon and greeted Paimon.

"Hey, Mr. Owner, what is this?"

Paimon was seeing Pikachu for the first time, a yellow creature that somewhat resembled a mouse.

"This is Pikachu. Pikachu, this is Paimon and Lumine."

"Pika, pika~" Pikachu responded with a couple of sounds, acknowledging the introduction.

"Mr. Owner, is this your new pet? It doesn't seem very powerful."

"Compared to Mewtwo, it seems to be in a completely different league." Upon hearing Paimon's words, Takarou couldn't help but shake his head and smile.

"Paimon, Pikachu is still young, it can't handle such comments."

"And, you shouldn't touch it randomly. Be careful, it might get angry and shock you."

"Oh, it can release electricity too?"

"Yes, and Pikachu also has a growth period. Don't be fooled by its size; it's much stronger than you."

"After all, Paimon, you only have one-fifth of the power of a boar."

"???"

"Mr. Owner, are you looking down on me?" Upon hearing this, Paimon became unhappy.

"Alright, Paimon, don't forget why we're here."

Seeing Paimon's expression, Lumine shook her head helplessly and reminded her. After Lumine's reminder, Paimon suddenly remembered.

Yes, yes, she shouldn't get angry. If she gets angry, Mr. Owner won't be happy, and she won't get to eat delicious food. Later, Lumine and Paimon told Takarou about what had happened today. After hearing Lumine and Paimon's account, Takarou smiled faintly.

"The Adeptus living deep in the mountains aren't aware of what's happening in Liyue Harbor right away."

"This time, when you go to inform them about the Arconte Rex Lapis situation, they will owe you a favor."

"If you need any help in the future, you can also seek assistance from the Adeptus."

"But, Mr. Owner, if the Liyue Qixing finds out that we're the ones who informed the Adeptus, and then the Adeptus cause trouble for the Liyue Qixing..."

"We wouldn't be offending the Liyue Qixing, would we?"

"No, they won't blame you after the major event in Liyue these past few days. On the contrary, they will be grateful to you."

"So, you don't have to worry."

"Mr. Owner, what is this major event? Can you tell us so that we can prepare properly?"

Paimon was very curious. In order to find out about this event, it even flew onto Takarou's shoulder and extended its little hand to give him a massage. Seeing Paimon's curious expression, Takarou couldn't help but smile.

"For you, this event isn't considered very difficult. You can handle it calmly. So, there's no need to worry."

"Alright, since Paimon gave me a massage, feel free to tell me what you'd like to eat today."

"Yes, food!!"

Lumine shook her head and sighed, feeling helpless. Paimon, this little guy, while reliable when it came to important matters, would forget everything when there was delicious food or treasure involved.

However, having a little companion to talk to and banter with during the journey wasn't bad at all.

"I have a suggestion for you. After you've eaten your fill, take a look at the comics in the store. Maybe you can obtain some items from the comics. That way, you'll be more relaxed in your future endeavors."

"Okay, thank you for the suggestion, Mr. Owner."

"Considering the time, the Traveler should have returned by now. Why haven't they come to find me yet?" On the other side, Tartaglia stood on the streets of Liyue Harbor, lost in thought.

"Could something have happened on the way?"

"It shouldn't be possible."

"Never mind, let's wait a bit longer. They might have been delayed by something on their journey, but they should be back soon."

And so, Tartaglia waited near the Bank of Liyue for an entire night but didn't see Lumine and Paimon's figures. As for Lumine and Paimon, they were still in the New Century Comics store. In their hands, they each held a comic book. Lumine was currently reading a Pokémon comic.

Although Lumine already had a Koromon, she also wished to have a Pokémon like Mr. Owner's Mewtwo or Pikachu.

Meanwhile, Paimon was still reading the Doraemon comic book. Although Takarou had already obtained the Gourmet Tablecloth, what if reading Doraemon could also grant them the Gourmet Tablecloth? It would make things much more convenient in the future.

It could be said that Paimon still couldn't let go of the Gourmet Tablecloth. Although they could usually eat various delicious foods at Mr. Owner's place, it was always better to have something of their own than to rely on others. Over an hour later, Lumine and Paimon finally finished reading the comics.

"Mr. Owner, in the Pokémon world, where humans and Pokémon live together, does such a world really exist?"

"It exists if you believe it does, and it doesn't exist if you believe it doesn't."

"It depends on how you perceive it." Takarou intentionally left it vague.

"I... I believe that the world of Pokémon exists. And because of that, I believe that I will find my brother." Lumine said firmly.

"Your thinking is correct. I hope you can maintain your determination throughout your future journey."

[Customer Lumine, after reading the Pokémon comic, you have received a reward: Eevee.]

As a flash of light appeared, an animal with characteristics of a fox, dog, and cat appeared before Lumine.

"Eevee~"

As soon as Eevee saw Lumine, it called out and jumped into her arms.

_________

"What a cute little creature."

Lumine was delighted when she saw this small creature with brown fur that resembled a fox. She gently stroked Eevee's fur and looked at Takarou.

"Mr. Owner, is this little creature called Eevee?"

"Yes, it's Eevee from the world of Pokémon. It has features of a fox, dog, and cat. Eevee has unstable genetic composition, making it susceptible to environmental influences and changing forms. It has a gentle temperament and is easy to raise. It can evolve into various forms such as Flareon, Vaporeon, Jolteon, Espeon, Umbreon, Leafeon, Glaceon, and Sylveon."

"So many different forms?" Lumine's eyes brightened after listening to Takarou's explanation.

"But Eevee's genetic makeup is extremely unstable, and it can easily evolve into different Pokémon due to environmental differences. Flareon, Vaporeon, and Jolteon evolve through exposure to a Fire Stone, Water Stone, or Thunder Stone, respectively. Espeon and Umbreon evolve when their friendship reaches a certain level during the day or night, followed by level-up. Leafeon and Glaceon evolve when Eevee levels up near a rock covered in moss or an icy rock, respectively (prior to the eighth generation), or by using a Leaf Stone or an Ice Stone on Eevee (starting from the eighth generation). Sylveon evolves after learning a Fairy-type move and achieving a certain level of friendship through level-up."

"So, you can choose how you want Eevee to evolve by following these methods."

"In the world of Pokémon, Eevee is also quite powerful."

"So many different evolution methods... Mr. Owner, it feels like the Pokémon in the world of Pokémon have a greater variety of evolution compared to the Digimon in the Digimon world."

"Well, in the world of Pokémon, there are other creatures as well, and there is even one creature capable of resurrection."

"Resurrection? That ability is incredibly powerful!"

After all, when someone dies, they're truly gone. If it were possible to resurrect humans, it would be remarkable. If someone in Liyue possessed such a creature, it would be easy to revive the Geo Archon Rex Lapis.

"You might have the chance to see it if someone obtains it in the future." Takarou smiled faintly.

To obtain a creature with resurrection capabilities, that person's luck would have to be extraordinary. Paimon flew over to Lumine, curiously inspecting the Eevee. Eevee, seeing that Paimon could fly, also became curious and jumped out of Lumine's arms, attempting to catch Paimon.

"Little one, what are you trying to do?" Paimon dodged and looked at Eevee with a puffed-up expression.

"Eevee~"

"Eevee, this is Paimon, my companion. You must not bully Paimon."

"Hey, Lumine, the way you said that makes it seem like you think I'm weak. I'm actually very strong!"

Paimon became unhappy upon hearing this. What did Lumine mean by that? Was she looking down on her?

"Paimon, I know very well how strong you are."

Lumine rolled her eyes at Paimon.

[Customer Paimon, after reading the Doraemon comic, you have received a reward: Anti-Dream Elixir.]

Suddenly, a small porcelain bottle appeared in front of Paimon.

Mr. Owner, what is this?

"The contents of this bottle are called Anti-Dream Elixir. If you consume it before going to sleep, you will have dreams that are the opposite of real events. For example, after experiencing something unfortunate, you will have a pleasant dream, and after something joyful, you will have a nightmare."

"Ah... I don't want to take this." Paimon quickly pouted upon hearing that.

"If I take it and have a pleasant dream, that's fine. But if I have a nightmare, then I might encounter unlucky events." Paimon didn't want to experience any unlucky events.

"Paimon, what are you afraid of? Even if you have a nightmare or encounter unlucky events, I'll be here to protect you." Lumine smiled.

Although Paimon didn't think much of the item, Lumine found it quite useful. After all, if Paimon took it and ended up having a pleasant dream instead of a nightmare, their luck might improve. So Paimon had nothing to fear, as Lumine would protect her.

"Don't worry, Paimon. No matter what happens, I'll take good care of you."

"Lumine~" Paimon was moved upon hearing Lumine's words. Lumine truly was a great companion!

"It's getting late. You can have your meal here."

When Paimon heard about having a meal, her eyes lit up. Even without Mr. Owner's invitation, she would have probably stayed here, subtly hinting at Mr. Owner to treat them to a meal. If it were someone else, they wouldn't have accommodated Paimon and Lumine like this. But Takarou was different, thanks to his Gourmet Set Tablecloth. No matter how much Paimon wanted to eat, he could provide it. After all, the Gourmet Set Tablecloth wasn't a disposable item. Regardless of the order, it could produce as much delicious food as desired.

"Mmm~ I miss it so much, Mr. Owner. I envy you."

"Unlike us, who have to take on quests every day for Mora."

"And some quests don't even pay much Mora."

Paimon reclined in the chair with a satisfied expression, looking at Takarou with envy.

"Paimon, you're a guide. If you don't fulfill your role as a guide, who will take care of you?"

"That's right, little Paimon. It's your duty."

"If you don't do a good job as a guide, I won't buy you any delicious food."

Lumine stood with her hands on her hips, looking at Paimon.

"Oh, Lumine, I'm just teasing. Besides, don't you envy Mr. Owner too?"

"Staying in the store every day, doing nothing, and only exchanging a few words when customers come. The rest of the time, you can go and play anywhere." As for not being envious, that would be a lie.

Lumine even thought that if, someday in the future, she found her brother, she could open a store like Mr. Owner. That would be wonderful. Unfortunately, she didn't know when she would find her brother.

Paimon looked at Lumine's expression and suddenly felt a sense of loss. She didn't need to know what Lumine was thinking to understand. She quickly flew in front of Lumine and looked at her.

"Lumine, come on, stop thinking about other things."

"We still have things to do. I believe that someday in the future, you will definitely find your brother!" Paimon's eyes were filled with encouragement.

"Yeah, Paimon, thank you."

"Oh... Speaking of things, we haven't finished the task we promised to Childe." Lumine suddenly slapped her forehead, remembering the task given by Childe.

After all, Childe had given them a reward, and now that it was completed, they naturally had to go to the Northland Bank to explain the situation to him.

"That's right, we haven't informed Childe about this matter."

"Lumine, let's go quickly."

"Then, Mr. Owner, we'll take our leave."

"Okay."

_________

Later, Lumine and Paimon left the New Century Comic Store and headed to the Northland Bank. When Childe noticed Lumine and Paimon's arrival, he quickly approached them.

"Traveler, you finally came."

Seeing Childe's happy expression, Paimon was puzzled. 'Childe, did you wait here for us for a long time?'

"Traveler, Paimon, don't you realize it's already quite late?"

Upon hearing Paimon's words, Childe's expression froze. Goodness, does Paimon have no sense of time? Don't they know it's already late at night?

After hearing Childe's words, Paimon finally realized that it was indeed late. She felt embarrassed and said, "Um... sorry, after we came back, we went to the New Century Comic Store and read some manga."

"Uh..." Childe was left speechless by Paimon's words. He wondered if reading manga was more important to them than their appointment.

...

But if reading manga could earn rewards, it seemed to be more important than his matter...

"Alright, Traveler, let's not dwell on that. I have a friend who has been waiting for you for a while. Since you're here now, let me introduce you to them."

"Your friend? Is it the Fool's Troupe?"

Lumine became wary upon hearing this. If it was not just Childe but also a member of the Fool's Troupe, it wouldn't be easy for them to handle.

"Well, rest assured, it's not a member of the Fool's Troupe. This person is from Liyue, a guest of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Mr. Zhongli." Initially, Childe intended to keep it a surprise, but who knew that Lumine would be so cautious? So he had to explain.

"Mr. Zhongli? I've heard Mr. Owner mention him."

"If it really is Mr. Zhongli, then it would be nice to meet him."

"But I hope you're not tricking us. If I find out you're lying, hmph, Lumine won't let you off!"

"Haha, Traveler, if I have the opportunity, I'd like to have a match with you."

Childe burst into laughter upon hearing Paimon's words. However, his gaze toward Lumine was filled with a desire for battle. After all, Childe enjoyed sparring with others. That way, he could gain experience from the battles.

"We'll talk about that later. Childe, let's go meet Mr. Zhongli together."

Even Mr. Owner mentioned that Zhongli was the person who knew the most about Liyue's history. If they met Zhongli, they might be able to inquire about Lumine's brother.

If there really was news about her brother, then Lumine would finally know where to find him.

"Wow, it's the Rite of Descension! It represents the highest quality of Liyue cuisine, and the owner even opened the shop in Feiyun Slope to directly compete with the Moonlight Pavilion, which represents Yue cuisine!"

When Childe brought Lumine and Paimon to the Rite of Descension, Paimon's eyes widened.

"When it comes to delicious places, Paimon finally acts like a good guide at this moment." Lumine couldn't help but comment upon hearing Paimon's introduction.

"Don't say it like that. Anyway, there's delicious food! Lumine, let's go in quickly, okay?" Paimon couldn't wait and spoke eagerly.

"Hehe, both of you, this is a special gathering called a 'banquet' in this country."

"Speaking of which, we've never officially had a meal together."

Lumine and Paimon followed Childe and arrived outside the Rite of Descension. Standing at the entrance were a man and a woman, with the man wearing glasses. When they saw Childe's arrival, the man took a step forward.

"It's an honor to see you again, Childe. Your presence brings radiance to this humble establishment."

The three of them entered the Rite of Descension. When they arrived at a private room, Childe pushed open the door and saw a handsome man pouring tea. He held the cup and was about to taste the tea.

As soon as Childe entered, he greeted Zhongli.

"Yo."

Zhongli heard the voice and looked over, noticing Childe and the Traveler's arrival. He saw the teacup almost reaching his lips and greeted them.

After they took their seats, Childe spoke up, "Let me introduce this person, a distinguished individual in the industry, Mr. Zhongli, the guest of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."

"An individual in the industry?"

"Because Mr. Zhongli is a guest of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor often has dealings with certain aspects of the industry, we can refer to Mr. Zhongli as an industry friend." Childe explained with a smile.

"I see."

"Anyway, I brought you here to meet Zhongli because..."

Before Childe could finish, Zhongli continued, "...because I have a method that can allow you to see the divine body of the Geo Archon."

"Wait a minute."

"Mr. Zhongli, Childe, why do I need to see the divine body of the Geo Archon?"

"Indeed, my travels are for the purpose of finding gods and seeking any news about my brother."

"But now, the Geo Archon is already deceased. Even if I were to see the divine body, what use would it serve?"

"That's right, Lumine is correct. After all, the Geo Archon has already been murdered. Even if we were to see the divine body, it would be meaningless."

Upon hearing this, Zhongli couldn't help but glance at Childe. Why was it different from what they agreed upon?

Childe spread his hands.

"Traveler, why don't you listen to Zhongli's explanation first?"

"Although the Geo Archon is the progenitor of the Archons, in the end, he is still considered one of the gods."

"Throughout the history of Liyue spanning thousands of years, the gods have gradually departed, and the age of humans is becoming a reality."

"In previous years, when each god departed, there would be grand commemorative ceremonies. It was a tradition of Liyue. But this time, even the Seven Stars couldn't spare time for such a tradition... It's truly an unusual situation."

"After all, this is a 'peculiar case of deicide.'" Lumine pondered for a moment and spoke.

Upon hearing this, Childe burst into laughter. It seemed that the Traveler was starting to understand.

"Just like Zhongli and the Traveler said, this is indeed a peculiar case targeting gods and Liyue."

"The Seven Stars of Liyue currently have no time to investigate this matter, which indicates that they have more important matters to attend to."

"Traveler, if you can assist in this matter and investigate who is responsible for the murder of the Geo Archon, then the Seven Stars of Liyue will surely be grateful to you."

"Perhaps by that time, you will become the most esteemed guest in Liyue!"

"As for me, I am an executive of the Fatui, and Liyue is wary of the Fatui. Ever since the Geo Archon's murder, they have started to restrict our activities as the Fatui."

"Furthermore, Mr. Zhongli is the guest of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and he has to prepare for the funeral of the Geo Archon, so he naturally has no time."

"But you are different. You are the Traveler. In Mondstadt, you helped resolve the crisis of the Stormterror Dragon."

"If you can investigate and uncover the truth behind the murder of the Geo Archon while in Liyue, it will be beneficial for you as well."