Early Morning, Liyue Harbor Gate.
"I'm off now."
Waving to Keqing, who had come to see her off, Lumine smiled at the young girl named Li, who would start learning about Liyue's geography and architecture with Keqing every morning from today. Turning away, she headed toward Mondstadt with Mona by her side.
Under the scattered starlight, Paimon joyfully flew around Lumine, her face radiating relief. After their harrowing experiences, the prospect of a vacation and travel moved Paimon to the brink of tears. Ever since falling into the abyss beneath the Moonsea Pavilion with Lumine, Paimon's carefree days had vanished, her smiles dwindled, and her flying speed and document-organizing skills had sharpened under necessity.
Keqing once remarked approvingly, "With determination and daily effort, progress is inevitable." Satisfied, she then handed Paimon over to Ganyu for further training.
"Am I finally free?"
Sniffing the fragrance of a blooming Sweet Flower, Paimon whispered tearfully, "Can I really rest for two days now?"
"Paimon..."
Lumine looked at Paimon in silence, then gently cupped the little companion in her hands. Facing Paimon, Lumine spoke softly, "You've worked hard."
"Lumine~"
Overcome with emotion, Paimon stretched out her arms toward Lumine.
"So this time, take a proper rest while we're in Mondstadt," Lumine said with a sweet smile. "Afterward, you can continue your training with Ganyu. I believe you'll become a qualified secretary assistant under her guidance."
Paimon's body froze instantly, wilting like a flower in Lumine's palm. Trembling, she propped herself up on her arms, her face filled with sorrow. "You've changed, Lumine," she said mournfully.
"You used to be so gentle. Even though you'd use me as a parachute during adventures, you were still kind."
"But now, you can smile while saying such cruel things. Lumine, wake up!" Paimon cried, clutching Lumine's fingers. "Don't forget your goal is to find your brother, Aether!"
With a soft thud, Lumine flicked Paimon away, watching her clutch her head as she hovered midair. Sighing, Lumine said, "Don't mix up the play we watched with Keqing two days ago with reality."
"Also, I've decided to settle in Liyue and build a home. Of course, I'll be more motivated."
"Hmm~" Paimon pouted, holding her head as she glared at Lumine. Turning her head away, she muttered under her breath, "But you promised to find your brother..."
"Don't worry."
Smiling, Lumine reassured Paimon as she turned to look at Liyue Harbor, her eyes softening with warmth. "The work here is almost done. Soon, we'll set off on our journey again."
"Even though I've decided to settle in Liyue, I haven't given up on finding my brother."
A silver marker appeared in Lumine's palm as she smiled. "I even swapped out Xiaohei's teleportation setup for a long-distance one."
Turning to Mona, who was engrossed in her divination, Lumine waved her over. "Mona, come here. Let's teleport straight to Mondstadt."
"Hmm, hmm, hmm. Got it."
Mona dismissed her divination array with a wave of her hand, turning with a confident smile. "I've already divined the general whereabouts of the heir we're looking for. Next, we just need to head to Mondstadt's Knights of Favonius headquarters. We'll meet them there."
Hovering beside Lumine, Paimon whispered in her ear, "Why do I feel like Mona is talking about Klee?"
"I think so too," Lumine agreed, nodding as she watched Mona approach. "That's why I sent a teleportation marker to Hiroshi's house. We'll know if it's Klee when we meet her."
Taking Mona's hand, Lumine activated a silver teleportation circle underfoot. Under Mona's curious gaze, the silver light flashed, and the group appeared in a vibrant, blooming garden.
Looking at the white gate and the flower beds that seemed to be tended by children, Mona gazed at the sky. "We're already in Mondstadt?"
Mona marveled at Lumine. "As expected of someone whose fate even I can't fully see. To have such powerful spatial abilities..."
"But since we're here, let's find that heir!"
Grabbing the eager Mona, Lumine said, "Since we're here, we should visit the host before leaving. I also want to check if Klee is home."
"Huh?!" Mona stared at Lumine, blinking in surprise. "Klee? A blonde girl in red with lots of clovers?"
"You've met Klee?" Lumine asked, intrigued. "Do you think she's the heir you're talking about?"
"I don't think so," Mona said, recalling Klee's innocent smile. "Although I can't fully discern her fate, she's just a child. How could she be the heir I'm looking for?"
Mona's expression suddenly shifted as she remembered something about Klee's fate. It closely resembled that of the heir she had divined.
"Mona."
Lumine tapped the contemplative astrologist. "When did you divine the heir's fate?"
"Just before I met you," Mona admitted. "Wait, could Klee be deeply connected to the heir?"
Turning to the opening door, Mona spoke in a serious tone. "Could this be the heir's home?"
"Good morning, Lumine and Paimon," greeted Ruri Gokou, who appeared behind the door. She glanced at Mona with a smile. "Is this guest with you?"
"Come in. Hiroshi is making breakfast."
"Good morning, Ruri."
Shaking her head with a smile, Lumine looked toward the dining table, noticing Qiqi setting plates while Klee was nowhere in sight. Turning to Ruri, Lumine asked, "Is Klee not here?"
"Klee?" Ruri looked at Lumine and Mona curiously. "She ran out with Yuan early this morning. She said she wanted to deliver the big fish she caught to the Knights."
"Oh."
Nodding, Lumine grabbed Mona, waved, and said, "Then we'll head to the Knights to find Klee. See you later!"