"Help, help me—"
The white floating spirit, Paimon, spat out several mouthfuls of seawater and cried for help to the nearby Tougou Senri on the shore.
"Quick, save her first!"
Without time to ponder why the white floating spirit could speak, Tougou Senri quickly commanded the guards beside her.
"Yes, Kandori Bugyo-sama!"
Upon receiving the order, the guards immediately sprang into action.
"Great, someone's willing to help us!"
Paimon's eyes lit up, and she flew behind the blonde girl.
"Lumine, wake up!"
She hugged the girl, her face red with effort as she flew upwards.
It was clear she was trying to slow down the girl's descent into the water.
But alas, with her small body, she could barely exert any strength.
"Gurgle, gurgle..."
Lumine, holding onto a piece of wood, began to sink.
"Waaah, Lumine!"
The little floating spirit panicked, tears welling up in her big eyes.
"So heavy, Paimon can't pull you up."
"I told you to share more of your food with me, but you didn't listen!"
"Wuwuwu... We're going to die together now..."
Paimon cried, clutching Lumine tightly and refusing to let go.
This not-so-bright little creature seemed to have forgotten that she could fly.
"Careful, a wave is coming!"
Tougou Senri, standing on the shore, cried out anxiously, waving her hand to warn them.
Splash—
"Huh?!"
In her panic, Paimon looked back, only to be hit by the wave.
"Help... Gurgle, gurgle... me..."
Her small body was finally about to give out.
"Lum...ine."
The weak and unconscious blonde girl's eyelashes trembled slightly, as if she had heard the cry for help.
She mumbled, her eyes slowly opening.
A flicker of light flashed in her clear golden eyes.
It was the power of two elements, Geo and Anemo.
Suddenly, she noticed something, and the light dissipated.
"Hold on!"
Just as her consciousness was about to fade, someone finally rowed over.
...
On the shore.
The mysterious girl and her little companion had successfully escaped danger.
"Are you alright?"
Tougou Senri gently helped Lumine, who lay on the beach, drenched and dishevelled, asking with concern.
The wet little Paimon shivered and hugged Tougou Senri tightly.
She was saved, and it was so warm.
"Thank you, beautiful little lady..."
Lumine weakly opened her eyes, her gaze brightening.
She found herself leaning against Tougou Senri, who had a gentle demeanor and was a perfect beauty.
A satisfied smile bloomed on her slightly pale face.
Was this Inazuma?
In that moment, Lumine forgot about Mondstadt and Liyue.
This was simply paradise...
"How do you feel?"
Tougou Senri didn't notice Lumine's strange reaction.
She continued to gently wipe away water droplets from Lumine's neck with a towel, her movements meticulous and earnest.
"Sister, I'm cold."
Lumine shrunk back, wanting to nestle into Tougou Senri's body with a pout.
She looked just like a startled and helpless little kitten.
Her drenched pure white dress revealed her tender skin while accentuating her excellent figure.
Her flawlessly beautiful face, perfect to the point of envy, and her clear large eyes easily garnered affection.
She was a girl as warm as the morning sun.
Or so she appeared.
"Don't worry, the Yashiro Commission will protect you."
Tougou Senri smiled gently and said softly.
"Is sister's home over there?"
Lumine blinked her innocent big eyes, asking as if casually.
"Uh..."
Paimon rolled her eyes, seeming accustomed to it.
Weren't you supposed to be looking for your brother in Inazuma!
"Yes, my fiancé's and my home."
Tougou Senri's lips curved slightly as she mentioned Qin.
Even her hand movements became gentler.
Xiao Yu was finally coming back.
I wonder if he brought me any surprises?
It was truly something to look forward to.
"What?!"
Lumine suddenly sat up straight, looking utterly incredulous.
Which detestable person had snatched away such a beautiful lady?!
"What's wrong?"
Tougou Senri was taken aback. Why such a strong reaction?
Just then, samurai arrived from a distance.
"Kandori Bugyo-sama!"
The Tenryou Commission had received the message and came to provide support.
"Waaah, so scary."
Paimon sensed the military's stern aura and hid in Lumine's embrace.
"Are they... the Shogunate's troops?"
Lumine's expression changed slightly, and she quickly turned her face away to hide herself.
She sensed the aura around them subtly suppressing.
She then recalled her conversation with Zhongli and Hu Tao before heading to Inazuma.
The eternal land... the Vision Hunt Decree...
It seemed there would be divine resentment and war, a very grim and terrifying place.
Even Hu Tao had mentioned that she might run to Inazuma for a few days to find high-quality clients for Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
As an illegal immigrant, I must not be discovered by the troops!
Lumine instantly understood everything.
"Huh?! Lumine—"
Lumine suddenly grabbed Paimon and, before the troops could surround them, ran towards the port.
"Please wait, they're not..." Tougou Senri called out.
"Little lady, I'll come back to repay you!"
Lumine, experienced in evading pursuit, had already disappeared.
Tougou Senri lowered her hand, feeling helpless.
Was she scared by the intimidating army?
Why did she give the impression of being frequently wanted?
...
On the fleet returning to Inazuma City.
The distant city was already visible.
"Ah-choo!"
Qin Yu, leaning against the ship's railing, sneezed.
Who was badmouthing him behind his back?
Just as he was muttering to himself, someone suddenly tugged at his hand.
At the same time, a soft voice rang out.
"Qin Yu, look over there."
Nahida pointed at the seagulls flying in the distance, shaking Qin Yu happily.
The real, tangible world, she liked it.
Everything she saw was so novel to her.
"Ooh oo."
A seagull landed in front of Nahida and tilted its head.
Having never been close to humans, it felt a sense of kinship.
"Little one, do you want something to eat?"
Nahida blinked her big eyes, her face full of curiosity.
She sensed the desire of the natural creature and instinctively wanted to respond.
"Qin Yu..."
She raised her small face and tugged at Qin Yu's hand again, full of anticipation.
"..."
The softest part of someone's heart was fiercely squeezed.
So cute.
"This is a seagull."
Qin Yu explained, squatting down and smiling.
He also placed a dried fish snack into Nahida's hand.
"Eat it, little one."
Nahida held the dried fish snack with both hands, her voice gentle.
The warm sunlight shone down, casting a dreamlike glow upon her.
Qin Yu blinked.
Who was this little angel abandoned on earth?
Madame Great Tree King.
If you don't come to claim her soon, I'm going to take your daughter away.
"..."
Qin Yu held his breath, recalling his first encounter with Madame Great Tree King.
As expected of mother and daughter, their gentle demeanors were very similar.
"Ooh oo."
The seagull flapped its wings, took the dried fish snack, and flew away.
"Goodbye, free little one."
Nahida waved her hand, her heart filled with satisfaction.
May you continue to fly freely like this and see a more expansive world...
"Thank you."
She turned to Qin Yu beside her, her smile healing.
"Freedom?"
Qin Yu murmured.
If the little angel were to be hurt, who would heal her?