"You've made up your mind, and I won't stop you."
Ningguang slowly turned around, looking at the silhouette hidden in the night.
But as an old friend, she still reminded him:
"Be careful, Fatui Harbinger [Servant]."
"And, regarding the legends of the Hydro Dragon King in Watatsumi Island and Enkanomiya."
"Servant, she will sooner or later drag Qin Yu into the vortex of conflict."
Her voice gradually faded into the rain.
From afar, Yelan waved her hand.
"I've wanted to spar with her for a long time, no need to worry."
"Alright, I'll wait for you back in Liyue."
Ningguang whispered, sighing inwardly.
This feeling of parting always brought a sense of melancholy.
For some reason, it felt like a farewell from which there was no return.
Would a beast that craves danger rush headlong into a trap, sinking deeper and deeper?
Inazuma... Qin Yu...
Ningguang mused, a slight curve to her lips.
"Heh, an interesting man."
She left the thatched hut.
Qin Yu alone could stir up the nation's situation.
Such a prodigy would certainly not be confined by the perspective of a single nation.
"Perhaps, luring him away from the Electro Archon would be a good deal."
"Then, what would he like?"
"And what stakes could I offer?"
The Tianquan, who held absolute wealth, pondered with a hint of distress.
...
Liyue Harbor, the port.
Misty rain, picturesque scenery.
It was indeed the economic hub of Teyvat, the most prosperous trading port in the world.
Amidst the shouts of sailors.
A tall woman, holding an oil-paper umbrella, strolled from the street.
She had a superb figure and an air of mystery and languor.
With her beautiful eyes slightly lowered, she took in the various states of the pedestrians on the street.
Yelan's lips curved upwards, clearly enjoying the feeling.
Translation: the blissful comfort of a slacker.
Finally, she was free from the work arranged by that woman Ningguang.
"Miss, where are you headed?"
Someone noticed the stunning Yelan from afar and called out enthusiastically.
"Inazuma."
Yelan casually tossed a money bag and, with her long legs, boarded the ship directly.
Elegant and mysterious.
The sailors who remained rooted to the spot gaped, filled with longing.
...
On the ship, the atmosphere was boisterous.
Most of the passengers were merchants from various nations.
Inazuma's isolation policy was about to be lifted, and maritime transport had long been unbanned.
Tickets between Liyue and Inazuma were naturally in high demand.
"Although it's a bit noisy, it's not bad."
Yelan murmured, carrying her simple luggage, preparing to find a seat.
A readily available source of information, she didn't object.
But this was a professional habit.
After stepping down from her duties, she still yearned for more variety in life.
"..."
Looking at the people around her drinking heartily, Yelan shook her head.
Speaking of which, she didn't have much savings on her.
Once she arrived in Inazuma, she would need to find a suitable job.
Ideally, one that would allow her to approach Qin Yu directly.
That's right, Miss Yelan was already contemplating matters concerning Qin Yu.
With thorough preparation, she could better probe for the information she desired.
Suddenly, her eyes narrowed.
"...How interesting."
A smile flickered across Yelan's face.
Someone was observing her and approaching.
She didn't turn around, beginning a guessing game.
Her steps were light, a result of years of training.
But... there was no hostility.
This rhythm and intensity, was she a dancer?
"Hello there, beautiful older sister."
A sweet and obedient voice sounded from behind Yelan.
To verify her guess, Yelan smiled and turned around.
A hint of astonishment flashed in Yelan's eyes.
The girl before her was wearing an exotic dancing costume, her figure exquisite.
Her soft red hair cascaded down, tied into twin tails by the girl, adding to her youthful vitality.
On her head, she wore a double-horned headdress.
"Hello."
The girl waved her small hand, her smile sweet.
"Hello, my dear little girl, who might you be?"
Yelan smiled, gesturing for the girl to sit down.
Even with her vast experience with people, she had to admit one thing.
This maiden, blooming with beauty like a flower, was truly stunning.
A Sumerian?
"Hello, sister, it's a pleasure to meet you!"
"My name is Nilou."
"I've prepared some snacks here. If you don't mind, you can have some."
Nilou tilted her head, exuding the gentle warmth and enthusiasm unique to young girls.
"Thank you."
Yelan accepted the snacks and responded politely.
A moment of silence passed between the two women.
Yelan's lips curved slightly.
Clearly, the slight tapping of the girl's fingertips betrayed her more eager, small thoughts.
Still too naive.
Finally, the girl named Nilou mustered her courage and asked:
"I have a friend, she really wants to know about Qin Yu!"
At that moment, the sweet girl seemed to change.
As if she were another person.
"...?"
A contemplative glint flashed in Yelan's eyes.
How did Nilou know she had information about Qin Yu?
This feeling, as if her thoughts were being read, was very unusual.
"Heh... interesting."
Yelan smiled slightly and nodded in acknowledgment.
"Miss Nilou, it seems we have a common objective."
"Both of us are after a man named Qin Yu..."
...
Inazuma, Inazuma City.
"Achoo!"
"Achoo!"
"Achoo!"
"Achoo!"
Qin Yu was strolling through the garden with Sandrone, but he sneezed four times in a row, questioning his existence.
Strange, who was thinking of him this time?
Could it be the Fatui?
"Heh, my partner, you must take care of your health."
"Otherwise, the sisters will be sad."
Sandrone smiled, with a hint of passive-aggression.
"It's fine, I have a strong constitution, I can handle it."
Qin Yu shook his head and calmly retorted.
Well, except for that one wife who liked to tutor him with his homework.
"As for you..."
Qin Yu poked her face casually.
Didn't expect this, did you? Using your height advantage, you can't reach my face.
Qin, playing with great delight.
"Hmph, childish."
Sandrone pouted her cheeks, displeased.
"My partner, lower your head."
"I won't."
"Hurry up!"
The two children started poking each other again.
After a bout of playful fighting, they temporarily ceased hostilities.
"Let's go eat breakfast together when Keqing and the others get back."
Qin Yu said.
Speaking of which, he was quite looking forward to the dishes Ayaka would prepare.
And if the Grand Leader were to provide on-site guidance...
Truly a kitchen assassin.
"You seem to trust Keqing and the others quite a bit."
Sandrone leaned against Qin Yu, speaking softly.
"Of course."
Qin Yu replied.
The security in Inazuma City was excellent now, where could there be any troublemakers?
...
On the streets of Inazuma City.
"Achoo!"
Under the sunlight, the blonde girl sneezed, questioning her existence.
"Lumine, if you hadn't listened to me, you would have caught a cold."
Paimon, floating on Lumine's shoulder, pouted.
"Who would have thought the Shrine Maiden's commission would be so troublesome."
Lumine lowered her head in frustration, looking aggrieved.
She was very sad right now and needed to replenish her beautiful girl energy.
Thinking of this, Lumine shook her head.
"However, it's early in the morning, there shouldn't be any beautiful..."
Her words trailed off abruptly.
Lumine's eyes widened.
At the street corner.
A well-behaved and cute white-haired loli was holding snacks, waiting for someone.
"What a cute little sister... I love her, I love her."
A suppressed smile spread across Lumine's lips as she quietly walked over.
Little sister, it's dangerous to be out alone and encounter bad people.
Why don't big sister protect you properly!
"Ugh, Lumine's at it again."
Paimon saw through everything immediately, raising a hand to her forehead in resignation.