In the depths of the great hall, sunlight converged into a beam, like a spotlight.
And at the center of the stage, only Columbia was the singer.
Bathed in sunlight, she wore a pure white gown, her skin as white as snow.
Her waterfall-like black hair cascaded down, outlining her graceful figure.
She was draped in a gauze woven from sunlight, like an angel fallen to earth.
"Columbia, I'm here."
Qin Yu's voice echoed in the vast hall.
It was the first time he had officially seen Columbia's true form, and he felt a strange sense of emotion.
So much had already happened.
And now, even the Third Executive had come knocking.
"I'm glad you found me so quickly."
Hearing this, the young girl slowly turned around, facing Qin Yu.
She gently lifted the hem of her skirt and curtsied elegantly.
At this moment, her only audience was Qin Yu.
"You are a guest, a guest from Snezhnaya."
Qin Yu shifted his gaze from the girl's delicate form to survey his surroundings.
There was only him and Columbia here.
Where had the great leader gone?
"The Electro Archon is not here."
The young girl raised her perfect face, displaying a gentle smile that was comforting to behold.
It was clear that she was in good spirits upon seeing Qin Yu.
"Then, the Almighty Shogun?"
"Shh, this is time for just the two of us."
Columbia lightly raised a finger, as if sharing a little secret between them.
Mysterious, elegant.
The young girl always had a way of telling stories.
Both the stories and the storyteller left one feeling intrigued.
"Alright, what are you doing in Inazuma?"
Qin Yu smiled helplessly.
There was no trace of the great leader in the Tenshukaku.
It seemed all related work was about to be pushed onto him.
He would try to interact with Columbia first and gauge the Fatui's movements.
With the Sakoku Decree about to be lifted, no more trouble could arise.
"Me? I came just for you."
Columbia moved away from the warmth of the sunlight and approached Qin Yu.
In the dim light, her skin appeared somewhat pale.
"Regarding the plan to achieve godhood."
The young girl said softly, then suddenly reached out.
Her cool fingertips were about to touch Qin Yu's chest.
"..."
A golden glint flashed in Qin Yu's eyes, but he ultimately did not dodge.
Ei's attitude towards this matter was ambiguous.
But overall, she supported Qin Yu's final decision.
Therefore, within Ei's Tenshukaku.
Columbia gently placed her hand on Qin Yu's chest, confirming his condition.
"Your growth rate is truly astonishing."
"Perhaps, even the Tsaritsa would feel pleased."
Columbia's smile held a hint of relief, as if she had let out a sigh.
"She's watching me too?"
Qin Yu pondered, wondering why a god-level being would not be a priority concern.
But if he considered what he had learned about the world from the Grand Narukami Shrine, a mere fraction of it...
"The Tsaritsa's ideals will be clear to you when you meet her yourself."
Columbia hummed a little tune, clasped her hands behind her back, and slowly walked towards the exit of the Tenshukaku.
It was evident that she was not in a hurry to negotiate, seemingly just here to meet Qin Yu.
Understand?
Qin Yu murmured to himself, deep in thought.
As expected, Columbia still loved speaking in riddles.
If she wouldn't say, neither would he.
He had already made some guesses about the matters concerning resisting the Heavenly Principles.
"Envoy from Snezhnaya has just arrived in Inazuma City, Mr. Qin Yu, aren't you going to accompany them on a tour?"
The girl's ethereal voice rang out, pulling Qin Yu back from his thoughts.
"Me?"
Qin Yu blinked, unable to fathom Columbia's intentions.
This was not how things were supposed to go.
The most crucial negotiation between the two nations had not even begun...
Is this the work ethic of the Third Executive?
Sandrone is always slacking off, did he learn it from you?
"Come, Qin Yu."
"The talks have concluded, and it's time for us to embark on a new journey."
Columbia smiled, tilted her head, and extended her hand in invitation.
She stood there waiting, elegant and serene.
Just like the pure white angel who had invited Qin Yu to play a song together in the dream where they first met.
This time, in reality, she extended her invitation once more.
"A new journey?"
Qin Yu chuckled upon hearing this and finally nodded.
The envoy's satisfaction was equivalent to completing the mission.
Moreover, he was also curious about what the ultimate outcome of the journey he embarked on with Columbia would be.
"Let's go, I'll show you around."
Qin Yu's voice echoed in the vast hall.
Only two figures walking side by side, growing further and further away.
...
Outside the Tenshukaku.
"Guuji Yae, can we see the Electro Archon now?"
Lumine and Paimon, filled with anticipation, surrounded the fox-eared woman.
The thought of completing their goal of finding the Archon, and perhaps even finding clues to her brother's whereabouts, filled them with excitement.
This time it was so easy.
Except for the Grand Narukami Shrine's commission.
"Mmm... so that's how it is."
Yae Miko pondered for a moment and shook her head with regret.
"Unfortunately, the Almighty Shogun is not in the Tenshukaku."
Indeed, she wasn't, and was instead preparing a "surprise" for Qin Yu...
Her Almighty Shogun, not knowing how to face Qin Yu, had been crying and fussing, oh dear, how pitiful.
She couldn't even be bothered with light novels or desserts.
"H-how could this be!"
Paimon clutched her little head, utterly dejected.
This meant they would have to continue working in Inazuma to pay off their debts for who knows how long!
"I was mentally prepared for this."
Lumine, however, was much more composed. She patted Paimon's little head and offered some comfort.
Once they left Qin Yu and found the kind Miss Sandrone, everything would be alright.
"However, I am about to host the grandest martial arts tournament in Teyvat."
"The winner will have the opportunity to be personally tutored by the Almighty Shogun."
Yae Miko's lips curved into a slight smile as she spoke enticingly.
If she could get the Traveler to participate, the spectacle would be immense.
It would surely attract participants from all nations.
"I'll participate."
Lumine declared, hands on her hips, her small face lifted.
She was a traveler who had journeyed through Mondstadt and Liyue!
Extremely arrogant attitude.jpg
"A martial arts tournament?"
A curious voice echoed from within the Tenshukaku.
The women instinctively looked over and saw Qin Yu and Columbia walking out together.
"It's just a festival event."
Yae Miko waved her hand, full of confidence and composure.
She was planning to make a substantial profit from this.
Although Inazuma was now on the path to recovery and its economy was regaining vitality.
Her habit of saving up pocket money for Ei had been maintained.
Even though it would eventually become dowry.
"I feel like many wonderful stories will be born from this."
Columbia approached the women, smiling gently.
In an instant, the women formed a triangle, observing each other from the corner of their eyes.
"This is the young girl?"
Lumine remained wary, sizing up Columbia seriously.
The Third Executive...
She was indeed very strong.
"You two finished inside so quickly?"
Yae Miko raised an eyebrow, her gaze playfully appraising Qin Yu and Columbia.
Too long or too short was not a normal sign...
These two had a problem. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
"Yes, we're planning to go sightseeing, so you all should just..."
Qin Yu coughed lightly, about to dismiss them.
"Perfect timing, let's go together."
Yae Miko patted Qin Yu's shoulder, her meaning clear.
Qin Yu: ?
Why did it feel like the people around him were multiplying!