By your resolve, Tapisserie Éternelle has been unleashed—this is the last of the four treasures you have earned!
---
Outside the Akademiya GatesAfter parting ways with Luo Qing, Lumine and Paimon arrived at the Akademiya gates as planned.
As they approached, they spotted Alhaitham standing in a corner, casually holding a book. From time to time, young female scholars would approach him, attempting to strike up a conversation.
"Alhaitham, we're here!" Paimon waved, and the two walked over.
"You're later than scheduled," Alhaitham said, closing his book with a calm expression. He appeared entirely unfazed, not at all like someone about to launch a full-scale rebellion. "Did something delay you?"
"Uh… We ran into a friend along the way and stopped to talk for a bit," Paimon explained.
"A friend? Who?"
Alhaitham's expression turned slightly wary.
"You know him too—Luo Qing," Paimon said.
"..."
[Frustration +1 from Alhaitham]
A flicker of irritation crossed Alhaitham's usually composed face as unpleasant memories surfaced.
"What did he say to you?"
"Well…" Lumine hesitated briefly before answering. "He gave me a better anchor point to locate Nahida's consciousness. He said it's more effective than the one you gave us… and suggested we use his instead."
"..."
"Do as you wish," Alhaitham said tersely, brushing aside the topic. "It's getting late. Let's begin."
Without another word, he turned and strode into the Akademiya.
---
Meanwhile, Outside the Jouriri Workshop
After leaving Lumine and Paimon, Luo Qing made his way to a shady spot by the river near the workshop. Accompanied by his two remaining subordinates, he set up a small fishing stool, baited his hook, and cast his line.
"Master, why the sudden urge to fish today?" one of them asked.
"There's a good show happening today. I need the best seat in the house," Luo Qing replied with a smirk, waving them off. "Now, don't bother me. Go find some shade and cool off."
"...Understood."
As the two walked away, Luo Qing focused on the rippling water before him. Then, with a flick of his will, he connected his consciousness to the Void.
In mere moments, he once again arrived at the consciousness of the slumbering Nahida.
In the past, communicating with Nahida's consciousness required the Akademiya's God Communication Device, allowing only brief exchanges.
But now, with his authority over the Void, Nahida's consciousness—or perhaps her entire being—was accessible to him whenever he pleased.
The familiar darkness of her slumber enveloped him. The faint star-like glimmers he'd seen before had vanished completely.
They've been manipulating her again…
The environment reflected Nahida's emotional state. The more vibrant it was, the more confident she felt, and the closer she came to breaking free from the Akademiya's cage.
Conversely, total darkness meant she was mired in self-doubt, questioning the value of her existence.
"Nahida, it's time to wake up," Luo Qing said softly, reaching out to gently ruffle her hair. His voice was warm and soothing.
"If you don't, I might have to flick your forehead~"
At his words, Nahida stirred, her face twitching slightly as her eyes slowly fluttered open.
"Luo Qing… why are you here?" she asked, her tone tinged with confusion.
"I've come to take you home," he replied with a gentle smile.
"...Home?"
Nahida hugged her knees, curling into herself like a small, snowy-white kitten.
"Luo Qing, I've told you before… I'm not ready to lead Sumeru. If I leave now, I'll only bring more trouble to the Akademiya and the people…"
"What have they been telling you this time?" Luo Qing asked.
"...Many things," Nahida murmured, her downcast expression speaking volumes.
Luo Qing could easily guess. The sages had likely bombarded her with their canned knowledge, reinforcing her self-doubt and keeping her chained in mental submission.
It explained why Nahida hadn't appeared in his dreams recently, even though she used to visit frequently.
"Who says you'd only cause trouble?" Luo Qing said, his smile unwavering as he gently ruffled her hair again. If he could, he would've picked her up and held her in his arms like a daughter.
"If you were truly a burden, why would Sumeru's people work with Lumine and the others to rescue you?"
"Rescue…?" Nahida repeated, her voice filled with a rare note of bewilderment.
The word felt foreign to her.
For five hundred years, she had existed in isolation, occasionally slipping into the dreams of her people to guide them or fend off their nightmares.
But never—not once—had anyone come to rescue her.
"Looks like our little Nahida doesn't know yet," Luo Qing teased lightly, crouching beside her.
He placed his hands under her arms, lifting her effortlessly like a kitten and settling her into his lap. Then, with a wave of his right hand, he conjured several screens in the darkness.
The screens displayed real-time feeds of everyone involved in the rescue mission—including Lumine's group, who had just infiltrated the Akademiya.
"Let me explain," Luo Qing said in a mock-instructional tone, his expression playful. "Pay attention—this man here is Alhaitham, and this woman is Lumine. That floating thing is her companion, Paimon. They're currently sneaking into the Akademiya."
He narrated the plan to Nahida, providing a detailed explanation of every participant's role. He even mentioned the part where a certain young boy would dress as Nahida for their diversion.
By the time he finished, Nahida's expression had grown complicated. Though she didn't say it outright, her emotions were clearly stirred.
"They're… doing all this for me?" she asked softly.
"Of course they are," Luo Qing said, pinching her cheek affectionately.
"How could anyone not love my adorable little Nahida?"
Though he hadn't yet confirmed his feelings toward Nahida in light of the ongoing mystery surrounding Bu'er, Luo Qing knew he couldn't risk taking her existence lightly.
"But… what if I can't meet their expectations when I leave?" Nahida murmured, lowering her head in worry.
"That's what I'm here for," Luo Qing said, thumping his chest confidently. "Don't worry—so long as I'm around, no one will dare criticize you."
When it came to handling complaints (both figuratively and literally), the Fatui were practically professionals.
"..."
Though she didn't respond immediately, a faint spark of hope flickered in Nahida's expression.
---
Fools! You have outdone yourselves this time. To think that you would amass such power and devotion to summon forth my Noble Phantasm, Tapisserie Éternelle! Hmph, I must admit, I am impressed—no small feat.
Behold, as promised, four extra chapters now grace your eyes today. This grand offering is a testament to your unwavering loyalty and strength. A king rewards such fervor, and I, the Golden Sovereign, am no exception.
Yet remember this: such glory is not eternal. Tapisserie Éternelle can only be summoned once per month for a story. If you desire to see this feat repeated, another tale must rise and claim its place in the annals of greatness.
Now go forth and bask in the splendor of these chapters, for they are treasures bestowed by your own hands. Prove yourselves worthy once more, and perhaps you shall witness the Eternal Tapestry unfurl again.
Rejoice, my subjects, for you have earned your king's approval.