Fischl strode forward, steps light and determined, violet eyes full of absolute confidence.
"..."
Barbara could only follow helplessly behind her, sighing quietly in her heart.
At this moment—
Ganyu was in the middle of arranging for Acting Grand Master Jean to proceed to Yuehai Pavilion, ready to begin a formal talk with Mondstadt's leader.
Just as she took a step, however, a familiar yet strange voice suddenly rang out beside her:
"O jade-glazed secretary of the Liyue immortal court,
arbiter who guards the order of heaven and earth—
pray, heed our plea!"
Ganyu's steps paused.
She slowly turned her head.
Standing before her was a blonde, violet-eyed girl in a rather unusual black outfit and stockings, chest puffed out, gaze sharp and brimming with theatrical confidence.
Seeing this girl, Ganyu froze for a second.
This was… the Electro Vision holder from Mondstadt who'd come with Jean?
Fischl raised her chin proudly and continued, voice ringing with dramatic fervor:
"Guided by the threads of destiny, we have crossed mountains and seas to reach this sacred land of Liyue.
The one we seek, the key at which fates converge—
is Kairo."
"O jade-glazed keeper of the immortal court, Lady Ganyu—
if you can read the traces of fate,
can you tell us where Kairo now dwells?"
"..."
Ganyu: "???"
What was this child even saying?
What "converging fates"…
What "jade-glazed keeper of secrets"…?
She didn't understand a single line.
Ganyu's mind became a tangle.
For a moment she even wondered if she'd been working overtime too long, hallucinating strange phrases out of sheer fatigue.
She instinctively looked to Barbara at Fischl's side, hoping for a translation.
Barbara gave a stiff little smile and explained in a small voice:
"Um… Lady Ganyu, what Fischl means is—
do you know where Kairo is staying?"
"She means the traveler from Mondstadt who came not long ago—
he's with Traveler Ying, and that floating little one, Paimon."
Oz, who had been prepared to interpret, looked a bit offended.
…Why did it feel like his job had just been taken?
"..."
"Oh."
Only then did Ganyu finally catch up.
She nodded lightly, her expression gradually returning to normal—though a hint of surprise still lingered in her eyes.
Her gaze flicked between Fischl and Barbara as she asked gently, but with obvious confusion:
"You two… are looking for Kairo?"
Fischl folded her arms and smiled confidently.
"Indeed! There is a bond of fate between us and Kairo.
Our arrival here is no coincidence—it is the inevitable decree of destiny."
Ganyu's confusion only deepened.
These two… what exactly is their relationship with Kairo?
She remembered Kairo was a traveler from Mondstadt, but these two—
They clearly looked like they'd come all the way to Liyue just to find him.
And yet, they'd arrived together with Acting Grand Master Jean.
Ganyu hesitated for a moment, but still nodded politely and said softly:
"If you're looking for Kairo, he is currently staying at a guest inn in Liyue Harbor."
"At an inn?!"
Fischl and Barbara exclaimed in unison, eyes brightening.
"Lady Ganyu really does know!"
"This went so much smoother than I expected!"
The two girls traded an excited look.
"Hahaha—our destiny truly is guided!"
Fischl swung her cloak dramatically, violet eyes glittering.
She grabbed Barbara by the wrist and spun around, about to dash off.
"Come, we go to him at once!"
"E-Ehh?!"
Barbara was yanked along before she could brace herself, her expression half helpless, half thrilled.
After all, they had actually gotten Kairo's location.
"I'll have the Millelith escort you," Ganyu said gently.
She turned her head, quietly instructing a Millelith soldier nearby.
The soldier understood immediately and hurried after Fischl and Barbara to act as their guide.
Ganyu watched the two girls' retreating backs, dazed for a moment.
Then she sighed softly, her heart still full of questions.
Just what is the relationship between those two and Kairo…?
Still, since they were only looking for someone, she didn't dwell on it too much.
Ganyu shook her head, calmed herself, and turned back to Jean with a slight bow.
"Acting Grand Master Jean, this way, please."
"Sorry to trouble you, Lady Ganyu."
Jean's face showed a faint hint of embarrassment.
She really hadn't planned on causing such a stir—
she'd only tried out that "star-rail pass" with Fischl and suddenly ended up in Liyue, right in front of Ganyu.
A clean breeze brushed over Liyue Harbor's stone streets.
In the distance, Yujing Terrace rose into the sky, half-shrouded in clouds.
Merchant ships came and went at the harbor.
Lanterns swayed between pavilions, throwing warm light onto carved beams and painted rafters.
Ganyu led Jean up the steps to Yuehai Pavilion, her steps light and even.
Millelith stood at each side, maintaining a respectful distance to give the two space.
Jean's eyes moved over everything.
Liyue was more prosperous than she'd imagined.
Merchants' shouts, customers' chatter—they wove together into a thick tapestry of human life.
Compared to Mondstadt's open, free-spirited air, Liyue felt more ordered, more solemn.
A thousand years of history had endowed this city with a special weight.
And she, somehow, had reached it by accident.
Ganyu glanced sideways at Jean and asked:
"Acting Grand Master Jean…
have you come to Liyue on urgent business?"
Jean's steps paused for a beat.
A brief flash of awkwardness crossed her face.
She hesitated a moment, softly cleared her throat, and answered with a touch of apology:
"Actually… I didn't come for any special matter."
"..."
Ganyu's pace slowed slightly, confusion deepening in her eyes.
"No special matter?"
If there were no business, why suddenly appear in the middle of Liyue Harbor?
To Ganyu, it sounded more like Jean had been too eager to come and used Anemo power to carry herself here directly.
Yet Jean was saying there was no important reason?
That felt… strange.
Jean gave a faint, self-deprecating smile and sighed quietly.
"To be precise… I arrived in Liyue due to a coincidence," she said.
She really didn't want to explain the whole thing about the star-rail pass.
"Fischl and I played with a strange transmission pass and accidentally teleported into your city"—
Even she felt that sounded ridiculous.
But Jean also understood that the Liyue Qixing would be wary of any unexpected visitor—especially one who was Acting Grand Master of Mondstadt.
Even if Mondstadt and Liyue cooperated, this was… far from normal.
Ganyu nodded lightly.
There was still doubt in her eyes, but her tone remained gentle.
"In that case, I will inform Lady Ningguang," she said.
"Since you are already in Liyue, why not stay for a while?
The Rite of Descension is about to begin. You could take this opportunity to observe it."
"The Rite of Descension…?"
Jean blinked.
Then she remembered the great annual ceremony of Liyue.
She had heard of it.
Once every year, Liyue held a grand rite to honor their Archon, Morax, the Geo Lord.
At the same time, the Qixing would report the past year's affairs.
She knew how seriously Liyue took contracts and their god.
This ceremony was surely one of the nation's most important events.
"Yes," Ganyu nodded, gently explaining:
"The Rite of Descension is Liyue's tradition.
Every year, the Qixing preside personally, and the Geo Archon appears at the rite to bestow new guidance upon Liyue."
"If you have time, Acting Grand Master, it would be best if you stayed to see it."
Ganyu was genuinely being considerate toward Jean—
and also, of course, being cautious for Liyue.
Jean thought in silence.
The Qixing were cautious by nature.
Her sudden, unannounced arrival would certainly worry them.
Ganyu's invitation was not just courtesy.
It was also a way to keep her in sight, and to prevent rumors in the city.
"...The dragon crisis in Mondstadt has already been resolved," Ganyu added after a moment's thought.
"And I've heard trade routes between Liyue and Mondstadt have opened again. We do need to negotiate matters, and your presence is very timely, Acting Grand Master."
"Mm."
Jean's eyes widened slightly, and she nodded.
With the dragon crisis settled, there were no urgent affairs at home.
She didn't have to rush back.
In truth, if she wanted to return now, she'd either have to find Kairo and ask for help, or wait for Fischl's star-rail pass to recharge.
And that would take time.
Since that was the case, she might as well stay in Liyue for a few days—
and learn more about this ancient city.
After a short silence, she finally nodded.
"In that case…
I'll stay for a few days," she said.
With Mondstadt calm, deepening ties with Liyue was a good thing.
Trade routes alone would require serious discussion.
Seeing Jean agree, Ganyu let out a faint smile.
"In that case, Acting Grand Master, please rest for now. I'll arrange accommodations for you shortly," she said softly.
"I'll also notify Lady Ningguang. Tonight, she will meet you in person."
"Thank you," Jean answered, a trace of helplessness in her eyes.
Elsewhere—
High in the skies of Liyue—
Jade Chamber.
Brisk footsteps broke the calm glow of the evening.
Baiwen, in secretary attire, walked quickly into the main hall, a rare urgency and shock on her face.
"Lady Ningguang."
She bowed and reported:
"Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius—Jean—has suddenly descended upon Liyue. She is now being led to Yuehai Pavilion by Lady Ganyu."
Ningguang, who had been reading, paused mid-scroll.
Her slender fingers froze.
Golden eyes narrowed slightly, shock glinting within.
"...Acting Grand Master Jean?"
Her gaze sharpened, thoughts spinning.
"How did she suddenly appear in Liyue?"
Of course the Liyue Qixing were familiar with Mondstadt's leaders.
Jean Gunnhildr—Acting Grand Master.
Powerful, cautious, and deeply responsible.
But a woman so famously level-headed—
Why would she appear in Liyue with no prior diplomatic notice
and in such a "sudden" fashion?
Ningguang's eyes flickered.
What was her aim?
And how did she get here?
By rights, the Grand Master of the Knights remained in Mondstadt so Jean could oversee the city.
How did she leave so suddenly—and drop into Liyue without warning?
Was it for help?
But hadn't Mondstadt's dragon crisis already been resolved?
And even if she'd come for that, she would have sent word before arriving.
Ningguang fell into deep thought.
Whatever the reason, this demanded serious attention.
But she quickly mastered her surprise, returning to her usual calm.
"Since Mondstadt's Acting Grand Master has come to Liyue…"
Ningguang gently rolled up the scroll in her hand and said evenly:
"Prepare a banquet immediately. We shall properly host Acting Grand Master Jean and, at the same time, speak with her about cooperation between Liyue and Mondstadt."
"Yes, my lady," Baiwen replied, retreating briskly.
The Jade Chamber quickly stirred into action, preparing for the evening banquet.
Elsewhere again—
At the inn where Kairo was staying.
Barbara, Fischl, and Oz arrived with the Millelith escort.
When they asked the innkeeper, however, their cheeks puffed slightly in disappointment.
Kairo wasn't there.
The innkeeper had no idea where he'd gone, either.
They could only wait.
"Then we wait," Fischl decided, without hesitation.
"When night falls, we'll explore Liyue. Nighttime Liyue is far more resplendent than by day."
"Mm-hmm."
Barbara nodded.
And so the two girls remained at the inn, waiting.
Time slipped by quietly.
Night fell.
Starlight filled the sky over Liyue.
Lanterns glowed from harbor to mountain, turning Liyue Harbor into a sea of light.
At that moment—
With Ganyu accompanying her, Jean stepped into the Jade Chamber.
Her stride was steady, her long hair catching a soft sheen from the moonlight.
The blue and white of the Knights' uniform contrasted with the Jade Chamber's gold and jade, making her look at once reserved and dignified.
Her gaze swept the hall.
Even as one of Mondstadt's top leaders, she couldn't help but admit:
The Jade Chamber truly was extraordinary.
Luxurious but orderly.
Imposing but elegant.
Everywhere she looked, she could see the weight of Liyue's commerce and culture.
At the main seat of the hall sat one of the Qixing—
Tianquan Ningguang.
She watched Jean calmly.
Her posture was poised, her brows fine and intelligent, golden eyes gleaming like carved amber—
the very picture of a strategist.
A moment later, Ningguang rose and walked over with Liyue's characteristic poise.
"Welcome, Acting Grand Master Jean," she said softly.
"Liyue is honored by your presence."
"...Thank you for the hospitality," Jean replied with a slight nod, taking her seat.
At this moment—
Two of Teyvat's de facto leaders were facing each other in Liyue's center of power.
Soon, the banquet began.
Delicate Liyue dishes were served.
Tea fragrance drifted gently between them.
But neither of them hurried to eat.
Ningguang spoke first, tone calm but probing:
"Acting Grand Master Jean, may I ask—
have you come to Liyue for some important matter?"
Jean paused briefly.
A faint hesitation flickered across her face.
She knew full well the Qixing were naturally cautious.
Her sudden arrival would certainly draw their scrutiny.
She picked up her teacup, took a light sip, then gave a vague answer:
"It was simply a coincidence… that brought me to Liyue."
"..."
Ningguang's brow lifted slightly.
Clearly, she wasn't satisfied with that.
The Acting Grand Master of Mondstadt had suddenly dropped into Liyue,
and all she would say was "coincidence"?
Ningguang's gaze darkened for a heartbeat, but she didn't press.
Instead, she shifted the topic:
"In any case, since you are here, why not remain in Liyue a few days?" she suggested.
"With the Rite of Descension approaching, you may gain a deeper understanding of our nation."
Jean nodded.
"Indeed… Liyue's Rite is well-known," she said.
"I've already spoken with Lady Ganyu."
Seeing Jean willing to stay, Ningguang's expression softened slightly.
Then her eyes sharpened again as she continued:
"Since you are here, Acting Grand Master—
would you be willing to discuss some matters of cooperation between our two nations?"
"And also…"
Her eyes sank a fraction, gaze turning deeper—
"Regarding the Fatui's movements in Mondstadt…"
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