Mondstadt.
City Entrance.
"If I post a commission with you, can I specify who gets to accept it, Katheryne?"
Kaito stood before Katheryne's counter and posed the question. Worried she might not have understood, he continued, "What I mean is, no one except the person I specify can accept it. No one else."
"That's not possible. The Adventurers' Guild regulations state that as long as the requirements are met, anyone can accept a commission. You cannot specify a particular person."
After hearing Kaito's question, Katheryne, from behind the counter, shook her head.
So it's not possible...
Unexpectedly, he couldn't assign the commission to a specific person. Kaito fell into deep thought.
Regardless, he obviously couldn't just post his commission directly, or it would most likely be snatched up by someone else.
What to do?
Wait...
Suddenly, Kaito thought of a solution.
But he wasn't sure if it would work. He had to ask Katheryne.
"In that case, can I decide when the commission becomes available for acceptance?"
"That you can do, Mr. Kaito." After a brief pause, Katheryne continued, "You can specify a start and end time. If no one is able to complete the commission within that period, your payment will be returned to you, though a certain service fee will be deducted."
These damn service fees are everywhere...
Hearing Katheryne mention a service fee, Kaito couldn't help but grumble internally. He really hated those things.
But regardless, based on Katheryne's answer, he had confirmed that the idea he'd just had was viable.
Although he couldn't specify the person, he could specify the time. That was enough.
"Then I'll post a commission with you now."
"Of course, Mr. Kaito. Please wait a moment." With that, Katheryne took out a form and handed it to Kaito, adding, "You can write the specific details of the commission, its requirements, the reward, and so on. If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask."
"Alright."
Kaito nodded, took the form Katheryne passed him, and began to fill it out.
A short while later.
"Mr. Kaito, everything is in order."
"Then I'll be going."
After saying that, Kaito turned and left.
Next, he needed to find where Lumine was.
But it wouldn't be Kaito doing the searching. Wendy would handle it, as she was currently on her way back.
----------
Stormbearer Mountains.
"The sun is so strong! Paimon's gonna die, Paimon's gonna die!"
Flying listlessly beside Lumine, Paimon wore a miserable expression.
She couldn't help it. The sun was truly scorching, and they still had a long way to go, which had completely exhausted Paimon.
If only I could go back and lie down...
Paimon couldn't stop thinking this over and over in her mind, desperately wishing she could return to their lodging and lie perfectly still.
But she knew that was impossible.
Sigh...
Glancing at Lumine, who was walking ahead, Paimon sighed silently.
"Let's go rest in the shade of those trees up ahead."
For once, Lumine didn't tease Paimon and instead suggested they take a break.
Normally, she would have definitely said something to Paimon.
But this time, it wasn't just Paimon who was tired; she was a bit exhausted herself.
But Lumine had no choice. She had to work hard to save up some Mora.
Otherwise, forget about paying Kaito back, she might not even have Mora for food later on.
Fortunately, the Knights had paid several months of her rent in advance, so she didn't have to worry about that for now.
"Yay!"
Surprised that Lumine wanted to rest, Paimon was overjoyed.
One moment she was completely listless, and the next she was full of life, zipping toward the shade Lumine had pointed out at incredible speed.
She was just faking it, wasn't she...
Watching Paimon fly so fast from behind, Lumine couldn't help but suspect that her earlier lethargic act had been just for show.
But whether Paimon was faking it or not, she needed to rest.
"Lumine, when are we heading back?"
Sitting on the grass, Paimon wanted to know when they would return.
"Of course we'll go back after we've finished the two commissions we accepted earlier."
Lumine, also sitting directly on the grass, answered Paimon's question calmly.
"That feels like it's going to take forever."
"You don't want to have no money for food later, do you? And we still have to pay Kaito back."
As she spoke, Lumine simply lay down on the grass.
Seeing this, Paimon lay down as well. The two of them looked up at the sky above, neither saying another word.
This journey really isn't easy... brother...
Closing her eyes, Lumine couldn't help but wonder what Aether's journey had been like.
Was he also short on Mora, just like her...
"Someone's flying in the sky!"
Suddenly, Paimon sat up and stared at the sky in astonishment.
Someone's flying?
Hearing Paimon's voice, Lumine quickly opened her eyes and followed Paimon's gaze.
Is that... the Anemo Archon?
Looking at the figure in the sky who seemed to be searching for something, Lumine noticed a strong resemblance to Wendy.
"I think that's the Anemo Archon. I wonder if she could help us finish our commissions." After saying this, Paimon started shouting loudly at the figure in the sky, "Hello, Lady Anemo Archon! Lady Anemo Archon!"
Although she knew the Anemo Archon would probably be too lazy to bother with them, they did know Kaito, so maybe she would help them out on his account.
This Paimon...
Isn't she afraid the Anemo Archon will beat her up...
To even think of...
Huh? She's actually coming...
Before she could finish her thought about Paimon, Lumine was shocked to see the Anemo Archon begin to fly toward them.
Could she be looking for me?
Watching the Anemo Archon draw closer, Lumine couldn't help but think this.
"Is she... going to help us with our commissions, Lumine?"
Seeing the Anemo Archon fly over, Paimon couldn't help but feel a little guilty.
"I think she's more likely coming to scold you for daring to ask the Anemo Archon to do your commissions."
Although Lumine didn't know what was happening, she had to tease Paimon a little.
"I... I was just saying..."
"Explaining it to me is useless..."
While they were talking, Wendy slowly descended in front of them.
"Kaito needs to see you. Are you free right now?"
Wendy didn't beat around the bush and stated her purpose directly.
"Kaito's looking for me? Do you know what it's about?"
Lumine was quite surprised that Kaito would have the Anemo Archon come find her.
"I hear it's something very important. Very important to you."
Glancing at the surprised Lumine, Wendy spoke slowly.
Something important?
______
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