That afternoon, after returning from Dadaupa Gorge, something about Collei felt off.
She agonized for a long time before finally pulling out her phone. Finding Nahida's avatar, she sent a message.
[Collei]: Lord of Dendro, do you know what a Magical Girl is?
[Nahida]: Magical Girl? What's that?
[Collei]: You can ask Mr. Xia.
[Nahida]: I'll ask.
A few minutes later:
[Nahida]: I know what a Magical Girl is now. Do you want to become one too?
[Collei]: Could I?
[Nahida]: Of course. You don't need to worry about faith. Believing in Brother Xia Zhi and believing in me is the same.
[Collei]: I understand, Lord of Dendro.
Reading her response, Collei gripped her phone, resolve flickering in her eyes.
It wasn't about anything else—she just wanted to keep up with Amber.
Fighting side by side with her best friend… just imagining it felt amazing.
That night, during her Massage, Collei gathered her courage. "Mr. Xia, I want to become a Magical Girl too."
Xia Zhi had already heard as much from Nahida. Her request didn't surprise him.
He asked softly, "Can you tell me your reason? The real reason."
Collei fell silent for a moment. "Mr. Xia, I want revenge."
"Revenge… against Il Dottore?"
"Yes. I've heard the top three Fatui Harbingers have strength to rival gods, even if only for a short while. Il Dottore is second among them. With just the power of a Vision, I have no chance…"
"I see. The power of a Magical Girl could indeed help you."
"Then, Mr. Xia—"
"I accept your reason. I'll prepare a transformation device for you. Tomorrow night, during your Massage, I'll give it to you."
"Thank you, Mr. Xia!"
Her voice trembled with excitement.
--
Later, when Cloud Retainer came for her Massage, she brought up what Shenhe had given her earlier that day.
Xia Zhi's tone turned strange.
"You're saying Shenhe gave you a vial of pills?"
"Yes."
"She didn't say what they were?"
"No. Just that they'd be good for me, and I should take one before bed. Can you take a look?"
"…Give it here."
Cloud Retainer handed over the small vial.
Xia Zhi opened it.
As expected—pink pills.
He returned it to her.
"So? What are they?"
"A special pill that makes you feel… happiness."
"Hm? Made from Breaths of Joy, then?"
"That's right."
"Where did Shenhe get them?"
"She made them herself."
"She can make medicine now?"
"I have a furnace that produces them automatically."
"I see."
Cloud Retainer didn't think much more of it, storing the vial away. Shenhe was truly filial—creating something this wonderful, and the first person she thought of was her master.
After the Massage, feeling completely relaxed, Cloud Retainer was about to leave.
"If you can't sleep tonight, message me."
"I know."
She soaked in the bathhouse, then returned to her room and chatted with Fujin for a while.
A message arrived from Shenhe.
[Shenhe]: Master, did you take the medicine?
[Cloud Retainer]: Not yet.
[Shenhe]: Remember to.
[Cloud Retainer]: I will.
Setting her phone down, Cloud Retainer retrieved the vial, tipped a crimson pill into her hand, and rolled it between her fingers before tossing it into her mouth.
It dissolved instantly, warmth flowing down her throat into her stomach.
Then—
An indescribable wave of bliss welled up inside her.
Her whole body felt pierced through by something fierce.
Her mind went blank.
Her spirit floated as if on clouds.
Her limbs went weak.
Her cheeks flushed pink.
Her eyes glazed.
Before she realized it, the bedsheets beneath her had grown damp.
It was a long while before Cloud Retainer surfaced from that overwhelming, intoxicating state.
She felt equal parts embarrassed and angry.
What kind of indecent pill was this?!
Snatching up her phone, she shot Shenhe a message.
[Cloud Retainer]: Shenhe, explain yourself!
[Shenhe]: Did you take it, Master?
[Cloud Retainer]: I did.
[Shenhe]: How did it feel?
[Cloud Retainer]: Not! Good! At all!
[Shenhe]: Should I ask the Boss to check on you?
[Cloud Retainer]: No, no, no!
After that, Shenhe didn't reply again.
Cloud Retainer was about to send another message when she heard her door open.
A gentle male voice called, "Cloud Retainer, Shenhe said you weren't feeling well. She asked me to come check on you."
Cloud Retainer instinctively squeezed her legs together, panic flashing across her face.
Don't come in!
My sheets are still wet!
The air still smells!
And then—there was nothing more to be said.
Except that Cloud Retainer, too, exhaled crimson breaths.