After settling his thoughts, Dainsleif continued his questioning.
"The second question: Rex Lapis has guarded Liyue for a thousand years. If one day Liyue lost its god, in your opinion, who would protect Liyue Harbor?"
"Rex Lapis? Who's that?" Lumine tilted her head in confusion.
At this point in her journey with Paimon, they hadn't gone to Liyue yet, nor had they heard anything from Venti about Rex Lapis. Naturally, the second question left her puzzled.
"Rex Lapis is Liyue's Archon, just like Mondstadt's Anemo Archon, except he actually cares about governing things."
Paimon explained helpfully from the side.
"Ohhh, I see!"
With that analogy, Lumine immediately understood.
If Liyue lost its Archon… wouldn't that be just like Mondstadt now?
And honestly, Mondstadt didn't seem bad at all. Its people lived happy lives. The only real problem was that during crises like the Fatui's schemes or the Stormterror incident, Mondstadt had been under some pressure.
"So this is what it means to live without an Archon?" Lumine thought quietly.
But then again, after Acting Grand Master Jean and others had gained new strength, the situation had changed. The Stormterror crisis was resolved. The Fatui weren't nearly as rampant as before.
Thinking of this, Lumine came to her conclusion: in a sense, the presence or absence of an Archon didn't matter that much. What truly mattered was whether there was sufficient power to protect the land.
"I don't know Liyue Harbor well, so I can't say who would guard it without an Archon.
But I do know that no matter who it is, they'll need to possess great power. Otherwise, when crises come, it'll be troublesome."
That was Lumine's answer.
She then added:
"So if you're a Liyue native and worried about this, I'd recommend visiting Boss Han's manga shop. You can find the power you need there."
"That's right, that's right! Boss Han is stronger than any Archon, and most importantly, everyone has the chance to change their fate there. That way, Liyue Harbor could defend itself!"
Paimon eagerly chimed in.
"So the final answer still points to that manga shop?"
Dainsleif fell silent, lost in thought.
He understood Lumine's meaning: Liyue's safety didn't hinge on whether it had an Archon. What mattered was whether its people could wield power. And that manga shop… it provided exactly such power.
Stronger and more wondrous than even Visions.
"…Last question. In this world, there are those with Visions, and those without. Tell me—between these two kinds of people, which do you think is more important to the gods?"
"I think it's the same either way. None of them can beat a god anyway, so what's the difference?"
This time, Paimon blurted her answer before Lumine could speak.
"Exactly."
Lumine nodded.
She herself didn't have a Vision. But she had met many Vision-bearers. In the end, it was just a difference in power. Nothing more.
"I don't know about other gods, but Boss Han is stronger than any Archon. His attitude toward everyone is the same." Lumine added.
(Of course, what she didn't know was that Boss Han's "equal attitude" only applied if you came to read manga instead of causing trouble. Otherwise… you'd end up like Signora, suppressed instantly.)
Dainsleif: "…"
At this point, he realized it.
No matter what he asked, these two would always steer the answer back toward that so-called legendary manga shop.
And the mysterious shopkeeper.
He couldn't help but ask:
"Since just now, you two keep bringing up that manga shop and this Boss Han. Is it really that miraculous?"
Lumine opened her mouth to nod, but Paimon beat her to it:
"Of course! Boss Han's manga shop is capable of anything!"
At that, Paimon perked up instantly.
After all, she was Boss Han's Number One fan!
One of his very first customers.
Frankly, no one knew that shop better than she and Lumine.
"For example, take little Klee. She's got a super powerful Divine Card that can summon a golden dragon on par with Stormterror! Just earlier today, she even went for a ride on its back!"
Paimon's voice was full of pride, as if she had been the one to summon The Winged Dragon of Ra.
"A dragon on par with Stormterror…?"
Dainsleif's expression shifted into utter shock.
Stormterror was no ordinary beast. As the Anemo Archon's former companion, it ranked among the apex powers of Teyvat. In fact, it had once slain Durin, the poisoned dragon.
And yet this shop could grant the power to summon something equal to it?!
Strangely enough, he believed the "emergency food."
Because he himself, while traveling, had once glimpsed a colossal dragon soaring across the sky. Its presence had been even more terrifying than what she described. Even at a distance, merely witnessing it had left Dainsleif with a chill in his heart.
"Exactly! So whether or not you've got a Vision, whether or not your land is under an Archon's protection…
As long as you've got Mora, and just a teensy bit of luck, you can get good stuff from Boss Han's shop. Then you can protect yourself. Isn't that better?"
Paimon folded her arms and rubbed her fingers together.
The meaning was obvious.
With money, everything was fine.
No money? Then forget it.
Lumine didn't interrupt. She simply watched Paimon acting smug with a calm smile.
Meanwhile, Dainsleif fell into deep contemplation.
He had originally come here because of Lumine.
But instead, he discovered this bizarre shop.
And through this conversation, he'd gained a surprisingly clear impression of it.
Reading manga granted all sorts of strange rewards. Some could rival beings on the level of Stormterror.
Even more importantly…
The owner of the shop, this Boss Han, was said to be a being as strong as a god.
"A god, huh…"
Dainsleif murmured softly.
He despised the gods.
They had destroyed his homeland.
But when faced with this mysterious "godlike" being who had suddenly appeared in Mondstadt, with such inexplicable powers… Dainsleif couldn't deny a growing urge to visit.
"…I'll go after I settle the matter with the Abyss."
He resolved inwardly.
Looking at Lumine across from him, he couldn't help but think of his old traveling companion.
A sigh escaped him.
"It seems… you're still not the same as him."
"What do you mean? Who's this 'him' you're talking about?"
Lumine frowned.
This man's words were strange—half-finished riddles.
"I think I'll just call you 'the Riddler.'"
Paimon huffed, clearly exasperated as well.
"It's nothing. By the way, could I ask a favor? I came to Mondstadt this time to track the Abyss Order's traces."
"Lumine, we still have to go find Mona, remember?"
Paimon whispered. Her meaning was clear: refuse.
This "Riddler" gave off a weird vibe. Better to stay cautious.
"I'll pay you both one million Mora as thanks."
Dainsleif said calmly.
"One… one million Mora?!"
Paimon's eyes sparkled instantly.
That was enough for her and Lumine to read manga five whole times!
"Lumine, I think we should help! I mean, he really does look like he's in trouble. We can go find Mona later, right?"
Lumine: (⊙_⊙)
Why did she feel like this little creature had no principles at all?
When faced with Mora and food, she was utterly defenseless.
If Boss Han beckoned, Paimon would probably sell herself in a heartbeat.
"…Fine. But what exactly is an Abyss Herald?" Lumine finally agreed.
"It's a more twisted monster from the Abyss—one that commands the Abyss Mages."
Dainsleif explained.
"Let's head out. According to my leads, the Abyss Order has entered the Temple of the Falcon once again."
As he spoke, he stood and began to leave.
"Hehe, Lumine, the reward we just got will finally come in handy!"
Paimon said cheerfully.
Lumine nodded.
She had the same thought.
She wanted to see if her Mini Golden Gourd worked just like in the manga.
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