"Do you know what I'm thinking?" Paimon asked, crossing her arms.
"What?" Lumine replied casually.
"It feels like every time we go somewhere, we end up doing so many things! I mean, finding your brother is important, but... it would be nice to get a bigger reward for all this."
Lumine sighed. "So you just think the pay isn't high enough."
"Hehe~ A little extra money never hurts."
The pair had returned to Liyue Port.
The Qixing publicly claimed they hadn't yet apprehended Rex Lapis's murderer. The two didn't see any wanted posters, and the Millelith didn't seem to recognize them, so they felt a little safer.
While being pursued by the Millelith, Childe had taken them to the Northern Bank.
Childe entrusted them with the Sigil of Permission, instructing them to venture into Jueyun Karst. Their mission was to seek justice by informing the Adepti of the untainted truth before the Qixing's messengers could arrive with their distorted version of events.
After their visit to the Adepti, Childe introduced them to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's Honorary Advisor, whom they began assisting with the Rite of Parting.
This Honorary Advisor was, of course, Zhongli.
The Fatui's sponsorship of the Rite of Parting naturally aroused suspicion, but it was the only way to see Rex Lapis's Body, given the Qixing's concealment of the Exuvia.
Thus began the diligent and fulfilling life of the renowned Honorary Knight.
Preparations for the Rite of Parting were nearing completion. Zhongli, in gratitude for their assistance, offered to host a banquet that evening.
With time to spare, the pair cautiously gathered information in Liyue Harbor.
During their inquiries, they repeatedly heard the name "Tianquan Ningguang."
A storyteller proclaimed, "Tianquan Ningguang's eyes and ears reach to the heavens. No matter how great or small, nothing escapes her notice. When the Jade Chamber in the sky releases 'snowflakes' of intelligence, the commercial landscape of Liyue is sure to undergo dramatic shifts."
This only deepened their curiosity about what kind of person Ningguang truly was.
Just then...
"Long time no see, you two. I've finally found you."
They turned to see a young girl in a qipao approaching at a leisurely pace.
Paimon exclaimed in surprise, "Ah! You're that... that... really pretty person!"
"Thank you for the compliment, but I'm not that pretty," the girl replied.
"She talks so fast!" Paimon gasped.
Qin Yu snapped back to reality, nearly letting her pride get the better of her.
Have they already forgotten my name? Qin Yu thought, resigning herself to repeating her introduction.
"I wonder if you two still remember me. I'm Qin Yu. I've come to convey Lady Ningguang's wishes."
Paimon jumped in surprise. "Ningguang?! Er, does that mean you're with the Qixing...?"
"Yes, I am Lady Ningguang's personal maidservant."
"Just as I suspected—she's no ordinary person," Lumine murmured.
Qin Yu chuckled dryly. "Ah ha ha, I wasn't on duty at the time, so there was no need to reveal my identity. Anyway, Lady Ningguang wants you both to know the truth and has sent me to invite you. What do you say?"
"Know the truth..." Lumine murmured.
Paimon asked worriedly, "Lumine, what do you think?"
"...Let's go."
"I agree! Okay, we accept! But... should we bring a gift?" Paimon rubbed her chin thoughtfully.
Lumine narrowed her eyes. "I have a feeling you have ulterior motives."
"No, no! I just thought we could make a new friend. 'Meeting gifts' are a cherished part of Liyue's culture—it's definitely not about personal gain," Paimon insisted with a sly grin.
"Then what should we get her?" Lumine asked.
"Hmm... Ningguang seems incredibly wealthy, right? What would a tycoon like her even want?" Paimon pondered.
Then, the two simultaneously turned to Qin Yu.
W-what? Qin Yu felt a sudden surge of nervousness and blurted out, "Is something wrong?"
"Since you're her personal maid, you must know what Lady Ningguang likes, right?" Paimon asked.
If there was one thing Ningguang cherished above all else, it was undoubtedly that.
"Mora," Qin Yu replied immediately.
"Eh?! Doesn't she already have plenty?"
Just because she has enough doesn't mean she doesn't want more, Qin Yu thought, then added, "Lady Ningguang certainly isn't lacking in Mora, but she delights in acquiring even more. For her, it's a source of pleasure."
Paimon facepalmed. "The world of the wealthy..."
Lumine asked curiously, "Since she loves Mora, how much would be an appropriate amount for a gift?"
"Well... let's just say some people would spend millions or even tens of millions just for a chance to meet Lady Ningguang. But her appointments are booked solid until next year."
Paimon gasped. "Tens of millions?! Just for a single meeting?!"
Lumine recalled the Mora balance in her wallet.
Although she had received a small portion of the funds Childe provided for the Rite of Parting, the Mora she had painstakingly bargained for wouldn't even cover a proper meeting gift.
She sighed. "Let's find something else."
To serve as the Tianquan Ningguang's personal maid, Lumine realized, Qin Yu must be far more remarkable than she had initially thought.
"Um, um, what else does Ningguang like?" Paimon asked again.
"Art. Calligraphy, painting, music, chess... but I wouldn't recommend focusing on those. Rather than trying to cater to her tastes, it's better to follow your own instincts. As long as you sincerely express your feelings, Lady Ningguang will be satisfied," Qin Yu replied with a gentle smile.
"Really?" Paimon asked skeptically.
"Yes."
I've been by Lady Ningguang's side for months now. How could I not know her well?
Qin Yu chuckled. "In truth, what Lady Ningguang values most is 'worth.' Even an ordinary object can become 'valuable' to her if you select it with care and thought."
"Oh! I get it! Then let's give her a special dish!" Paimon nodded eagerly.
A special dish?
The term piqued Qin Yu's interest.
"May I ask what kind of dish?" Qin Yu inquired earnestly.
"I dreamed about it last night—Frosted Slime!"
Ugh, slime? Seriously?
Well, might as well. I'm bored anyway, and since they're not going to the Jade Chamber immediately, I can keep them company for a bit while guiding them.
Plus, it's a good opportunity to earn some Points.
After all, Lumine and I have only just met recently compared to Shenhe and the others, so I probably won't earn many Points with them anyway.
But having something was better than nothing.
Plus, it felt like going back to the very beginning—a feeling she truly missed.
As Qin Yu pondered this, she sprang into action, closing the distance and leaning close to Lumine.
"Then I'll help you two as well!"
"Are you sure?" Lumine asked, surprised.
"Mm-hmm, no problem at all! I'm personally very interested in this dish. More importantly, this way I can steal a little break from my duties! It's been so exhausting lately, with one thing after another happening."
Paimon sighed, "Being the Qixing's personal maid isn't easy, huh?"
Lumine still had some reservations about Qin Yu joining them, but she accepted.
"Alright."
An opportunity!
Qin Yu instantly seized it, grasping Lumine's hand and beaming. "Thank you!"
Evaluation: D-
Lumine was flustered. How can this Liyuean be even more enthusiastic than the Mondstadters? But Qin Yu's radiant smile made it impossible to resist.
Regaining her composure, Lumine returned a polite smile. "You're welcome."
"Exactly! Don't mention it. We'll share some with you when it's ready," Paimon chimed in, grinning.
No need for that!
Since they were using slime as an ingredient, they had to venture outside the city walls to hunt for fresh specimens.
"Oh, I forgot to ask! Qin Yu, can you fight?" Paimon asked.
"If you can't, I'll protect you," Lumine added.
I don't need protection.
No one can protect my life but myself. I can't rely on anyone else. Besides, I don't want to be some damsel in distress, just slowing everyone down.
Just as Qin Yu was about to reply, Paimon suddenly exclaimed, "A monster is approaching!"
Turning around, Qin Yu saw a Young Rockhide Hatchling rolling toward them.
Lumine summoned her Dull Blade and ordered, "Fall back!"
"It's fine."
As soon as Qin Yu spoke, she charged forward. A long, black box materialized in her hands.
With a mighty swing, she sent the rolling Hatchling soaring into the sky.
The sheer force made Paimon's eyes widen. "Uwaaah?"
Seizing the momentum, Qin Yu spun in a full circle, simultaneously inserting the Armament Key: Rifle into the slot. The black box rapidly transformed into a rifle.
Dropping into a half-kneeling stance, she aimed the rifle at the airborne Hatchling and pulled the trigger.
With a thunderous boom and a cloud of dust, the high-speed projectile pierced straight through the Hatchling's body and vanished into the horizon.
Confirming the monster's annihilation, Qin Yu exhaled softly, retrieved the ejected Armament Key, and turned to flash a smile at the stunned Lumine and Paimon.
"No, let me protect you," she said.
Lumine sheathed her Dull Blade and exchanged a glance with Paimon.
"Noelle was like that, and so is she... Are all maids monsters?" Paimon muttered.
"Teyvat's maids..." Lumine murmured.
Why such a strange reaction?