Albedo nodded. "They have already set the departure time for tomorrow morning. It seems you didn't know."
"I indeed didn't know."
Jean was silent for a while, putting down the pen gently, her eyes flickering slightly.
"The Traveler wants to find her brother, so she has a reason to leave Mondstadt. But Kael is actually leaving Mondstadt for Liyue too."
"Sigh, if he stayed in Mondstadt, even if he didn't join the Knights of Favonius, Mondstadt would be better off."
"After all, his ability is very targeted against monsters outside Mondstadt."
Thinking of the mysterious power Kael could bestow on others, Jean felt it was a pity.
If Kael was willing to stay, the Knights of Favonius would deal with those monsters much more easily.
Unfortunately, Kael didn't stay.
If Kael could stay, how good would that be.
Shaking her head, Jean collected her thoughts and whispered, "In that case, I'll send them off tomorrow morning too."
While Jean was speaking.
On the other side.
Night fell.
The bell of the Mondstadt Cathedral echoed melodiously on the streets of Mondstadt.
The breeze blew the pure white window gauze, bringing a faint floral scent, draping the entire city in a layer of peaceful and holy brilliance.
One side of the Cathedral.
Barbara had just finished her day's pastoral work.
She exhaled gently, a warm smile on her face.
The busy prayer and healing work during the day finally came to an end.
Now, she finally had her own time.
In her hand, she carefully held a beautifully wrapped small gift box.
Inside was a gift she prepared carefully.
A letter, a bottle of special Windwheel Aster essential oil, and a small amulet she made herself.
These were all things she wanted to give to Kael personally.
Also a feeling she wanted to take this opportunity to talk about.
Hearing the news that Kael was leaving soon at Good Hunter during the day made Barbara's mood extremely complicated.
During this time, the time she spent adventuring, eating, and laughing with Kael and Lumine was relaxation and happiness she had never experienced before.
But now, the end of the journey had arrived.
Kael was leaving tomorrow. She didn't want to say goodbye without expressing anything.
Thinking of this, she took a deep breath, stepped lightly, quickly crossed the streets of Mondstadt, and went straight to Kael's residence.
She had specifically asked about Kael's home address today.
Under the night, Kael's home stood quietly in a corner of the street.
Soft light shone through the window, appearing exceptionally warm.
Barbara stood in front of the door, tidied her skirt slightly, adjusted her breathing, and reached out to knock.
However, in the next second, Barbara's hand froze in mid-air.
Because from inside the door, a familiar voice came.
"Oh my, just help this Prinzessin wash it~"
This voice.
Hearing this voice, Barbara's face stiffened.
It was Fischl's voice.
Why is Fischl's voice in Kael's room?
Wash it?
Wash what?
As a Vision holder, her body was far superior to ordinary people.
Even if she was a Hydro Vision holder.
But her body had long been strengthened by Hydro power over the years.
Both vision and hearing were far superior to ordinary people.
Naturally, she could hear the voice inside clearly.
If it were an ordinary person, they definitely couldn't hear it.
But she wasn't!
She was a Hydro Vision holder!
Suddenly, Barbara thought of something, her movements paused instantly, freezing on the spot.
The expression on her face went from surprise to astonishment, then to instant flushing.
She stood there blankly, her mind going blank.
This voice...
This... something isn't right?!
And in the room, Fischl's voice came intermittently: "Wash it, wash it."
"Wash it yourself!"
Kael's sneer followed. "If you don't wash, don't think about sleeping on the bed. You sleep on the floor!"
Hearing this voice, Barbara's brain crashed instantly.
Fischl... is going to sleep in Kael's room?
Barbara's cheeks turned as red as dried flaming flowers, her heart beating wildly.
She almost couldn't hold the small gift box in her hand.
She wasn't ignorant of these things.
But she never expected...
Kael and Fischl actually... actually in the room...
Is it what I think it is?
Barbara felt dizzy all over.
"No, no..."
Alarm bells rang in Barbara's head, her pretty face bleeding red.
She hurriedly withdrew her hand, retreating a few steps in panic, afraid she would hear some indescribable content again.
"I... I didn't hear anything, I didn't hear anything..."
Barbara chanted in her heart, feeling like she was about to burn up.
Her mind was a mess now, not knowing what to do at all.
Originally she came to talk to Kael, to see if they could keep in touch in the future, or even... let Kael come back to see Mondstadt occasionally.
But now—
Where did she have the courage to knock on the door!
Listening to the voice, Fischl was also there.
Barbara clutched her chest tightly, feeling her heart beating abnormally fast, daring not stay here for a second longer.
She turned and left quickly, not even daring to look back along the way.
Until she turned into the other end of the street, she stopped, leaning against the wall panting deeply.
"Th-This is too...!"
Barbara covered her burning cheeks with her small hands, feeling like she had just been roasted in a furnace, hot all over.
She glanced at the gift in her hand, suddenly feeling sad again.
"Idiot Kael..."
"And Fischl."
Barbara bit her lip, muttering in a low voice, her eyes carrying a bit of grievance and unwillingness.
She hadn't had time to express her feelings...
But.
If Kael already had Fischl, should she...
Should she also give up?
Under the night, the streets of Mondstadt were still prosperous and lively, but Barbara's heart was suddenly empty.
A good while passed.
Barbara sighed softly, hugged the gift tightly, and walked slowly toward the Mondstadt Cathedral.
"That is... Pastor Barbara?"
When Barbara left, Oz, standing on a tree not far away, tilted his head looking at Barbara.
Why did Barbara come to Kael's house at night?
Immediately, Oz stopped thinking about it and closed his eyes to rest.
He had already notified Fischl's family that she wasn't coming back.
Kael was leaving tomorrow. His Prinzessin was very attached to Kael.
There must be a lot to say tonight. He had to leave time for his Lady and Kael.
Regarding Kael leaving Mondstadt, he wasn't surprised at all.
Because long ago, he knew Kael had always wanted to go to Liyue.
Thinking this, Oz fell into rest.
...
The night passed without words.
A new day.
Morning sunlight spilled into the room through the window lattice. The breeze blew the curtains, bringing Mondstadt's unique fresh air.
Birdsong echoed in the distant streets, announcing the start of a new day.
Kael opened his eyes slowly, stretching refreshingly.
Last night's fatigue was swept away. Every inch of his body was wrapped in warm sunlight, revealing relaxation and ease.
However, there was a soft touch in his arms.
Fischl was still holding his neck, curling up in his arms like a kitten.
Her fair arms hugged Kael tightly, seemingly unwilling to let him leave.
She narrowed her eyes halfway, seemingly not fully awake yet.
But still complaining softly, voice carrying a trace of laziness and coquetry: "Kael... really can't stay?"
She knew Kael was leaving, and knew she couldn't persuade him, but she couldn't help asking again.
Even if... just asking.
Kael smiled helplessly, reached out and pinched the tip of Fischl's nose, saying gently, "I'll come back when I'm free, don't worry."
Fischl snorted, cheeks puffing slightly, obviously dissatisfied with this answer.
"Liar..."
Her voice was a bit muffled, purple eyes flashing with a trace of reluctance and grievance.
Kael smiled and patted her head, whispering, "Really. Don't forget, you have the Ticket. You can come find me anytime."
Hearing this, Fischl was stunned, sobering up instantly.
She blinked, whispering, "Although I can use the ticket to find thee, the time is too long...!"
Kael spoke slowly: "If you want to charge faster, find other Vision holders to help, or use other elemental power to charge, so energy can recover faster."
"That works too?"
Fischl's eyes lit up, as if discovering a new continent, instantly excited.
In that case, she could find Kael anytime, anywhere, instead of passively waiting for him to return!
"Hmph hmph, it seems the wisdom of this Prinzessin is indeed extraordinary, mastering this key mystery effortlessly!"
Fischl climbed up excitedly, hands on hips, raising her chin proudly.
But in the next second, she turned her head away shyly, whispering, "But... thou still must remember to return."
Kael nodded. "Don't worry."
As soon as Kael's voice fell.
In the next second.
Fischl jumped off the bed immediately.
Stepping barefoot on the soft carpet, she stretched.
Then while yawning, she began to rummage for Kael's clothes.
"Come, this Prinzessin shall make an exception today and personally organize thy attire, to show my grace!"
Fischl spoke high-sounding words, but her movements were incredibly gentle.
Carefully organizing Kael's collar, tying his belt.
Helping Kael shake out the coat, smoothing the wrinkles.
Kael watched Fischl's movements quietly, a faint smile on his lips.
At this moment, she shed the usual chuunibyou color, movements gentle and delicate.
Even a bit... like a gentle and attentive little wife.
After Kael was dressed neatly, Fischl nodded with satisfaction. "Alright, flawless!"
"What about you?"
Kael looked at Fischl still with her golden hair loose, unable to help chuckling.
"Hmph, this Prinzessin's attire is naturally impeccable!"
Fischl said so.
But in the next second, she obediently began to organize herself.
She put on a pair of clean black stockings and put on the iconic gothic dress.
Golden hair draped casually over her shoulders, as noble and mysterious as ever.
"Let's go!"
Fischl said briskly, holding Kael's arm, walking toward the door excitedly.
Fischl at this moment.
Completely forgot what she said before, that she wouldn't go out to send Kael off today.
When the two walked out of the house side by side, dawn light filled the entire Mondstadt City.
The air was filled with the faint aroma of bread. The streets had begun to bustle.
Merchants shouted loudly, travelers walked leisurely. Mondstadt's day officially kicked off.
Kael and Fischl walked side by side toward the city gate.
Even though Fischl knew Kael was leaving. But at this moment, she still wanted to accompany him.
Even if just walking this last section of the road.
The wind blew gently, rolling up the girl's golden hair.
Fischl turned her head, purple eyes flashing with reluctance, but still carrying a bit of arrogant look: "Remember, Kael. If thou darest to forget this Prinzessin, this Prinzessin shall surely send down divine punishment!"
Kael couldn't help laughing, whispering, "Then I'll wait to be punished."
The two smiled at each other.
Before long, they arrived at the Mondstadt City Gate.
At this moment, a group of people had gathered at the city gate, very lively.
Discussions entered Kael's ears one after another.
"Speaking of which, who is Grand Master Jean waiting for here early in the morning?"
"Don't know. The scale is huge. Captain Amber is here, and Captain Kaeya."
"And the Honorary Knight of the Knights of Favonius, that golden Traveler is also here. Who are they waiting for?"
"Eh? Isn't that Kael?"
With the discussions sounding.
Kael found that besides curious Mondstadt adventurers and residents.
There were Jean and others.
Jean, Kaeya, Amber, Lumine, etc. were all there.
"Kael, good morning!"
Paimon waved her small hand first, shouting excitedly, tone carrying a bit of joy.
"Morning."
Lumine followed closely to greet.
Amber put her hands on her hips, looking at Kael and laughing heartily. "Next time you have a chance to come back, we can patrol together again!"
In the next second.
Jean smiled slightly. "Heard you are going to Liyue. I specially came to represent the Knights of Favonius to send you off."
Hearing this, Kael couldn't help laughing. "No need to be so polite."
Jean shook her head, eyes gentle. "You did too much for Mondstadt. This is what we should do."
"I won't say more unnecessary words. In short, the gate of Mondstadt City is open for you at any time. Whenever you return to Mondstadt, the Knights of Favonius will have a place for you."
Jean said this with a serious face.
And after this sentence was finished, in front of Kael, the virtual panel flashed.
Lines of text emerged.
[Bronya also knew that you would leave Belobog, board the Astral Express, and become a member of the Nameless. She decided to send you off personally.]
[Regarding your choice, Bronya expressed understanding. Although she wanted you to stay and assist her with Seele, facing the cosmic star sea, she was also curious and yearning. She also hoped that the people of Belobog could go out and become the bond of friendship between the Astral Express and Belobog.]
[Before sending you to the Astral Express, Bronya announced as the Supreme Guardian that no matter when you return, the gate of Belobog will always be open for you.]
[Facing Bronya's kindness, you choose...]
[ OPTION 1: FOLLOW THE GOOD ]
The cosmic star sea is brilliant, but Belobog is your home. Bronya's words moved you. You decide to give up becoming a Nameless, assist Bronya in governing Belobog, and bring a more stable future to this once turbulent land.
Reward: [Amber's Persistence] (Shield weapon).
[ OPTION 2: RESOLUTE DEPARTURE ]
You have had enough of this cold land. Belobog's life and death have nothing to do with you. You firmly state that you will not return. Everything in the past is just passing clouds. In the future, you will devote yourself to the wider universe, rushing to the boundless star sea, never looking back.
Reward: [Silvermane Guard's Old Uniform] (Relic piece).
[ OPTION 3: ??? ]
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