A few of the more seasoned adventurers couldn't help but chuckle softly.
Soon, the entire guild hall was filled with amused whispers.
Such a dramatic opening line — in all of Mondstadt, there was only one person who spoke like that.
Die Prinzessin der Verurteilung herself — Fischl.
Tap, tap, tap…
With the light rhythm of her steps echoing off the stone floor, a golden-haired girl strode into the guild hall.
Her twin ponytails swayed gently with each movement.
The black-and-purple gothic dress she wore fluttered with grace, its layered fabrics shimmering faintly beneath the lantern light.
A veil of violet lace peeked out from beneath her outer coat, lending her a mysterious, almost otherworldly charm.
A black eyepatch covered her left eye; her uncovered right one gleamed with an air of supreme confidence — as if before them stood not a mere adventurer, but a noble princess from another realm.
With a graceful motion, she lifted her hand, lips curling into an imperious smile.
"Ah-ha! My loyal subjects, could it be that thou hast failed to perceive the creeping of this vile corruption? Has the shadow of the void clouded thine mortal senses?"
The moment she spoke, a black raven wreathed in purple light took flight from her shoulder, circling elegantly above her before settling back in place.
"Your Highness, I fear your words have confused them again,"
the raven, Oz, sighed. His calm, measured tone stood in sharp contrast to Fischl's theatrical flair.
He turned his bright eyes toward Kairo, wings flicking lightly.
"What she means is — 'Kairo, you seem troubled. Did something happen?'"
The crowd burst into soft laughter. They were long used to the eccentric adventurer's grandiose behavior.
"Ah, the princess makes another dramatic entrance…"
"Every single time — she never skips the performance."
"Honestly, I can't tell if she's serious or just playing along anymore."
"Say what you will, but her strength's the real deal. She's scary strong."
"Well, she does have a Vision. An Electro one at that — one zap and you're toast."
Fischl, of course, paid their chatter no mind. If anything, she raised her chin even higher, her golden hair glimmering faintly under the lights.
Kairo blinked for a moment, then couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips.
"Fischl, are you preparing to confront 'the forces of evil' again?"
His tone was teasing, but there was warmth in his voice.
He knew her well — she was a familiar face in the Adventurers' Guild.
They had crossed paths many times, and though her manner of speech could sometimes be… a bit much, her work as an investigator was beyond reproach.
Her intelligence reports were always accurate, earning her the trust of the guild over time.
That meant Fischl was often busy — too busy, sometimes, for casual conversation.
Still, their rapport was good.
And on occasion, Kairo even humored her "royal declarations."
With a dramatic sweep of her cloak, Fischl struck a valiant pose.
"But of course! This Prinzessin has already foreseen the movements of the shadows. The maelstrom of sin churns beneath the shroud of night, and I shall sever the claws of darkness with my own hand!"
Oz blinked once, his amethyst eyes calm.
"She means: 'She's willing to help you.'"
Kairo chuckled softly, hand rising to his forehead in mock exasperation — though his eyes showed clear amusement.
Eccentric as she was, Fischl's strength was undeniable.
She was one of Mondstadt's few adventurers capable of precise control over the Electro element.
And her raven companion, Oz, wasn't just for scouting — in combat, he could rain down coordinated lightning strikes with deadly accuracy.
Together, their battlefield synergy was formidable.
Kairo's smile deepened.
"...Sounds like a good offer to me."
Fischl crossed her arms, satisfaction gleaming in her expression.
"Excellent! My loyal vassal has at last recognized the grandeur of my celestial power!"
"In other words," Oz sighed, "she's glad you agreed."
Laughter rippled quietly through the hall again.
"Looks like the princess is recruiting Kairo once more."
"Can't blame her — with Fischl around, any mission's success rate skyrockets."
"True. Her phrasing may be… unique, but her combat record speaks for itself."
As the whispers died down, Fischl raised her hand once more.
Purple electricity crackled to life in her palm — the raw power of Electro dancing between her fingers.
She smiled, radiant with confidence.
"Then come, my vassal! Let us march forth into the twilight of judgment!"
"She means…" Oz translated patiently,
"'Where are you heading next? She can come with you.'"
Kairo froze for a moment.
Because just then — the blue virtual panel flickered to life before his eyes once again.
[While on your way out, you encounter Seele from the Wildfire.]
[After spotting you, Seele invites you to join her in gathering supplies.]
[You recall the early days of the Wildfire's founding — when you lent your aid and met a little girl, barely ten years old, already walking the Path of the Hunt.
You couldn't quite bring yourself to seek guidance from a child, but you often looked after her.]
[Time has passed. The girl who once scavenged scraps to trade for cookies has grown into a young woman — now a key member of Wildfire.
Raised amid the chaos of the underground, she's used to moving alone. Once weak, she now pursues strength without rest — seeking to uncover the secrets of the underworld and restore her people's name.]
[As a Hunt-path walker, Seele works tirelessly to protect the undercity.
You, meanwhile, have spent much of your recent time studying the Path of Abundance — learning medicine to heal refugees, assisting the Wildfire where possible.
Though your paths rarely crossed, Seele has always known what you've done for her people, yet she never disturbed you — keeping her thoughts quietly to herself.]
[Now, faced with Seele's invitation… you choose—]
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