The game screen fades to black.
The players' perspective shifts away from the Traveler, moving to another location.
Liyue Harbor, Northland Bank.
Childe stands with his arms crossed, deep in thought.
Beside him is a woman dressed similarly to an Electro Cicin Mage.
Upon closer inspection, it turns out to be the bank's receptionist, Ekaterina!
"So, any important news from the back end?"
Childe opens the conversation.
Ekaterina reports, "Reporting to Lord Childe, they mentioned along the way—"
"The Golden House has been reinforced by the Qixing's defenses."
Childe's expression shifts, as if all the pieces have finally fallen into place.
"I see, I see. Heh, Ningguang… and the Qixing."
"You suddenly bolstered the Golden House's security… What else could be inside besides the 'Exuvia of the Geo Archon'?"
A hint of smugness crosses Childe's face.
"Ekaterina, how does that Liyue proverb go again?"
Ekaterina bows slightly. "Lord Childe, it is: 'Walls have ears.'"
"Heh heh heh… Mu Yang, you're not so impressive after all."
——————
Guinaifen's Livestream.
From the players' perspective, Childe's wolf-revealing remarks are on full display.
It seems the whole truth is about to surface.
[Did Childe just expose himself?]
[Huh? Wasn't Mu Yang with us the whole time? How did he get tailed by some nobody?]
[Yeah, there's no way he wouldn't have noticed, right?]
[That woman's the Northland Bank receptionist—probably used her position as cover.]
Little Gui reads these comments and deliberately lets out an exaggerated sigh into the mic.
"Sigh—!"
[Is Little Gui disappointed in Mu Yang too?]
Little Gui shakes her head vigorously. "No, no."
"The Fatui Harbingers only know how to say 'walls have ears.'"
"Little do they realize the vast depth of our Nation's culture."
"Ever heard of—'turning their own trick against them'?"
[Holy crap, the streamer actually went to school? Thought she'd been training in acrobatics since childhood!]
[Hey, why's the guy above me sporting a Sushang fan badge?]
[Most cultured streamer moment ever.]
[Thought you were just a 'Cheese Snow Leopard,' didn't expect you to 'Explode with Knowledge.']
[Ugh, watching the streamer guess right feels worse than swallowing a fly.]
[Don't underestimate Mu Yang, okay? There's a method to everything.]
——————
Perspective returns to Lumine's side.
They've made their way back to Yujing Terrace.
The Everlasting Incense and other items are set aside.
Once everything is organized, Zhongli turns and announces:
"Well then, with the hired help secured and the Everlasting Incense prepared, we're not far from completing the funeral rites."
Paimon rubs her shoulders and sighs dramatically.
"Whew… finally!"
Lumine can't stand the act.
"Paimon only carried two boxes—the rest of us did everything else."
Paimon pouts, unfazed.
"Paimon isn't as strong as you guys! This was already a huge effort!"
"Tch. Not strong, but your appetite never shrinks."
"Hmph, that's a different matter!"
Zhongli watches the two bicker—this has been a constant throughout their journey.
Wherever these two are, boredom is never an option.
Once the squabble dies down, Zhongli asks Lumine:
"What have you gained from this journey to bid farewell to the Geo Archon?"
Lumine hesitates, unsure how to answer.
"A… weirdly strange journey?"
It really has been strange—first witnessing the Geo Archon's assassination,
then being chased by the Millelith, meeting Mu Yang,
collaborating with the Fatui, visiting the Adepti,
and later preparing the Rite of Parting. Along the way, she's also experienced Liyue's unique charm.
She glances back at Mu Yang.
Especially the Adeptus transformation—that left a lasting impression.
Mu Yang notices her gaze. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, nothing."
Zhongli chuckles at Lumine's response.
"Weirdly strange… haha. Travels are often filled with twists and turns. A traveler's experiences are best savored slowly."
Paimon's head spins at all this vague, roundabout talk.
"Ugh… Zhongli and his love for cryptic words."
Zhongli: "Then I'll say no more. As thanks for your help in preparing the Rite of Parting, I've decided—to treat you all."
[Zhongli: 'My treat.' Mu Yang, did you bring Mora?]
[Zhongli saying 'I'll treat you' is just too funny.]
[Does Liyue have debt repayment via dishwashing?]
Under Lumine and Paimon's stunned gazes, Zhongli calmly adds:
"Rest assured, this time, I will remember to bring Mora."
[The more he emphasizes it, the funnier it gets.]
[Hahaha, same here.]
Mu Yang is barely holding back laughter. If not for his character's image,
he'd have burst out laughing already. If Zhongli had forgotten Mora again,
Director Hu would've been staring at the bill with a splitting headache.
Hu Tao: Who the heck keeps eating at these banquets?!
Zhongli mentions that tonight, he'll take them to a portside tavern highly praised by the locals.
He turns to Mu Yang. "Brother Mu, what do you think?"
Zhongli had observed the earlier incident but, since he wasn't acting as Morax, he didn't comment.
Now, however, he wants to make sure Mu Yang's feelings are considered.
Mu Yang has already regained his composure.
The earlier situation had clearly deviated from his plans—a feeling he dislikes.
But now, it's best to stick to the original plan.
Besides… Zhongli is treating them.
Would mooching off him count as a rare achievement?
How could he miss such a golden opportunity?
Mu Yang nods in agreement.
Paimon rubs her chin. "Portside tavern? The kind that serves alcohol?"
"Indeed. We'll meet at 'Three Round Knockout,' near the docks. Don't be late."
[LMAO 'Three Round Knockout']
[Is this Water Margin?]
[Wu Song fights the tiger, huh?]
[Mihoyo knows their humor.]
With that, Zhongli takes his leave.
Mu Yang, meanwhile, leads Lumine and Paimon to find lodging for the night.
He books two clean rooms.
Afterward, everyone rests in their respective rooms.
During this time, Mu Yang meditates, suppressing any thoughts that might interfere with his popularity-gathering plans.
Liyue still has a tough battle ahead.
——————
Nighttime, Three Round Knockout.
"Ah, you've arrived. No need to order—I've already taken care of it."
Mu Yang glances at the dishes on the table:
Mint Jelly Meat Rolls
Fragrant Mild Spiced Chicken
Warmth-Increasing Vegetable Stew
And one dessert he once mentioned to Zhongli—
"Fine Tea, Full Moon."
It's clear Zhongli put genuine thought into this.
The Mint Jelly Meat Rolls are Paimon's favorite.
The Fragrant Mild Spiced Chicken and Warmth-Increasing Vegetable Stew suit Lumine's tastes.
And then there's Fine Tea, Full Moon—
A specialty of Chenyu Vale. To make it properly, one needs tea leaves unique to the region.
They're not commonly sold in Liyue Harbor due to the high cost.
So this dish… must have been made by Zhongli himself.
Zhongli invites the three to sit before explaining:
"This 'Three Round Knockout' isn't like Mondstadt's taverns. Here, the owner refuses to serve 'unrefined' drinks like fruit juice."
Lumine teases, "So this time, we finally get treated to alcohol?!"