Chapter 47

Cresselia couldn't quite grasp Takumi's "serious" question.

"The sleep spell is already a relatively gentle method," she said. "If I had used psychic fortification to attack, it would have been far worse. You might have blamed me if something happened to her!"

Indeed, she had a point. If Cresselia hadn't been so gentle and instead used direct telekinetic force, the consequences for La Signora's soul would have been dire. Direct attacks from a legendary-level Pokémon like Cresselia could easily shatter an ordinary soul.

"This is a bit tricky," Takumi muttered, contemplating how to deal with La Signora. He certainly didn't want a body to deal with.

He first listened as Cresselia recounted everything that had happened before and after La Signora arrived at the store with her malicious intent. Abedo had tried to stop her, but she showed no respect.

"So," Takumi concluded, "she brought this on herself. If someone doesn't seek trouble, they won't find it."

Takumi glanced at the sleeping woman sprawled on the ground. Of course, he could choose to "deal with" La Signora at this point, and in doing so, potentially avoid any retaliation or plots from the Fatui in the future. He imagined the absurd situation of fending off all sorts of conspiracies while maintaining the store, summoning Jirachi for more legendary Pokémon draws, and perhaps pulling another three legendary Pokémon in total...

The legend of his store as a haven of gods would grow. Who would fear the Fatui then? He might even invite the Tsaritsa herself for a conversation!

However, dealing with La Signora now would cause too much trouble later. Most notably, it would significantly alter the original plot trajectory. After all, Venti had not yet been ambushed, and the "Gnosis" had not yet been taken. Mondstadt's main plot points were still unresolved.

Liyue's Rite of Descension would lack a major antagonist without La Signora, and if the Fatui had to send another Harbinger, who would it be?

"La Signora at least shouldn't die before her showdown in Inazuma," Takumi murmured. "Besides, shouldn't these sorts of issues be resolved by the Traveler?"

Suddenly inspired, Takumi opened the system's Pokédex permissions to check on Cresselia's psychic move list. It was extensive, containing all sorts of psychic techniques mastered through her long lifespan.

"Momentary Amnesia…" Takumi found a skill that caught his interest.

A psychic move that could clear someone's memory temporarily, making them forget events for a time. There were many ways this could be useful in real life.

"Let's erase La Signora's memory of visiting this store," Takumi decided, "and then we'll use hypnosis to alter her perception."

As Cresselia used telekinesis, Takumi quickly drafted a script to embed into La Signora's subconscious:

"I, Rosalyne-Kruzchka Lohefalter, after returning from studying abroad, witnessed my lover's tragic death, transforming into the 'Crimson Witch of Flames' to avenge him by burning monsters. Before my blood ran dry and I succumbed to the darkness, I met Mr. Takumi."

"He taught me mystical techniques beyond even the records of Sumeru's sages. With the aid of another system, I managed to control the raging flames within me. The flickering fire of my life was rekindled."

"Afterward, I traveled with him, meeting Barbatos, the Anemo Archon. I learned the truth—during the battle against Durin, Barbatos and his subordinate Dvalin had exhausted in an attempt to protect Mondstadt."

"Rustam fell in that battle. Why should I hold resentment? Barbatos did what he had to do. Later, Mr. Takumi and I saw many Mondstadt villages that had faced adversity. We saw their reconstruction—the vibrancy, resilience, and freedom of the people…"

"Eventually, the first Harbinger approached me—Pierro, the Jester. From Mr. Takumi, I learned Pierro was likely a remnant of Khaenri'ah, just like Durin. I decided to join the Fatui and accept the power of Cryo—not for revenge, but to find a way to cleanse the sins of the past."

"With the power of the Fatui, I found Mr. Takumi once more, offering my incomplete form to repay his kindness."

Cresselia then invaded La Signora's mind, weaving the memories through her dreams.

"Rosalyne-Kruzchka Lohefalter…" Takumi murmured. "No matter what, this memory rewrite will erase your hatred. You'll be reborn, rather than dying under the blade of Raiden Shogun."

"How's it going, Cresselia?" he asked.

"It's done easily!" Cresselia blinked at Takumi, her expression filled with admiration. She looked at her master as if he were a saint.

The idea of saving a villain, filled with hatred, by rewriting her memories—this was beyond anything Cresselia could have imagined. Her master was truly incredible.

This was another way of fulfilling the power of dreams, something even she hadn't thought possible before.

Of course, Cresselia thought to herself, she could have simply hypnotized La Signora to bow in obedience at Takumi's every command. But her master had chosen the gentler path.

"Psychic powers are too overpowered…" Takumi muttered, looking down at La Signora, her arms cradling her "assets" as she lay there on the floor.

Suddenly, it all seemed a little too easy.

"No wonder only a couple of top trainers are Psychic-types, like Sabrina or Caitlin," he said, realizing how potent and influential such powers were.

While Takumi lamented the ease of using psychic abilities, outside the store, a certain bard dressed in green looked up at the signboard, his gaze fixed on the words "House of Pokémon."

Venti—no, Barbatos, the Anemo Archon—had arrived.

In truth, every wind that blew through Mondstadt acted as his "eyes and ears." He had sensed the elemental disturbance that occurred within this shop—the showdown between La Signora and Albedo. For a moment, the threat posed to Mondstadt exceeded even that of Dvalin's hurricane.

And yet, suddenly, all had gone quiet. Dandelions drifted, brought in from the headquarters of the Knights.

"Ah, I see…" Venti muttered, a knowing smile tugging at his lips.

"Guess it's just like that, then."

It was clear to Venti that Albedo had reported the events to Jean, who seemed prepared to clash with the Fatui over this place.

"Pokémon, huh…" Venti mused as he walked in, clearly still affected by his hangover from Angel's Share. He entered the store, leaning on the threshold.

"Hello? Is anyone here?"