Lora greeted Ningguang and gestured to the two women beside her.
"This is Makoto, and this is Ei. They're sisters—from Inazuma. Friends of mine. They came with me to Liyue to… mooch a meal—no, to celebrate the Moonchase Festival."
"Inazumans? Sisters? Your friends?" Ningguang repeated softly, her expression composed.
Her gaze swept over their attire and the quiet authority in their bearing—far from that of ordinary travelers. Coupled with Lora's identity as the former Hydro Archon, the conclusion was not difficult to reach.
Yet Inazuma was said to have only a single Electro Archon.
As that thought formed, she noticed how strikingly alike the two looked. The pieces fell into place.
I see.
Her smile grew more refined. "Since you are friends of Miss Lora, it would be my honor to extend Liyue's hospitality. Allow me to introduce myself—I am Ningguang, the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."
From that measured smile alone, Lora could tell she had already deduced their identities.
There was little point in concealing it regardless—the sisters attracted too much attention. A single walk through Liyue Harbor, and any Adeptus with keen eyes would recognize them at once.
"That won't be necessary," Makoto said with a gentle shake of her head. "We only wish to stroll through the streets and take in Liyue as it is."
She knew that if they accepted the invitation, the conversation would inevitably turn to state affairs. They had come to unwind—not to shoulder more responsibilities.
Ningguang inclined her head in understanding. "In that case, I won't intrude on your leisure."
She made no mention of Liyue's diplomatic matters. Fu Hai could report to her later.
Her gaze shifted past them to Lumine and Paimon.
"Traveler, there are a few matters I would like to discuss with you. Would you do me the honor of joining me for a meal at the Jade Chamber?"
"There's food? Lumine!" Paimon blurted before Lumine could respond.
Lumine hesitated, glancing toward Lora.
Lora gave a small nod. "You should go. The Jade Chamber serves excellent dishes."
"Hehe, then I won't hold back~" Paimon said cheerfully.
Lumine, however, remained cautious. "What is this about?"
"Nothing too taxing," Ningguang replied, her tone smooth and assured.
"It concerns The Chasm. I understand you intend to travel to other nations. At present, however, the passage toward Sumeru is sealed due to developments there. The Liyue Qixing would like to request your assistance in investigating the situation. It aligns with your own route, and the details are best discussed over a proper meal. I assure you—it won't detract from your enjoyment of the Moonchase Festival."
After a brief pause, Lumine nodded. "Alright. That's fine."
"Yeah! Time to eat!" Paimon cheered.
As the two followed Ningguang away, Makoto remarked softly, "The current Tianquan is quite perceptive. With someone like her at the helm, Liyue's future will remain secure—even without a god."
Political nuance had never been Ei's strength. Standing beside the other two, she spoke plainly. "Are we staying here, or are we going somewhere?"
Lora had just opened her mouth to suggest exploring the city when a voice drifted over from a distance.
"Lady Lora~"
She paused.
Very few people addressed her that way.
Turning, she spotted a small pink-and-blue figure hurrying toward her. As it drew closer, recognition set in.
"Ah—it's Hélie."
Hélie rushed forward and latched onto Lora's legs.
"I finally caught up to you, Lady Lora…"
"Ah… well…" A rare flicker of embarrassment crossed Lora's face.
She had, in fact, forgotten about her.
"How did you end up here?" she asked. "Why are you in Liyue?"
"I delivered your letter to Zhongli in Liyue and was planning to take a ship back to Inazuma. But none of the boatmen wanted to sail there. I finally found one willing to go, but when I reached Inazuma, I saw you boarding a ship and leaving! So I begged the captain to chase after you all the way here… I finally caught up…"
Hélie clung to her legs as she spoke, her voice quivering with grievance.
It had been quite the ordeal.
A flicker of guilt crossed Lora's face, and she gently patted her head. "I'm sorry. That was my fault."
The moment she was patted, Hélie's complaints vanished.
"It wasn't hard at all! For Lady Lora, nothing is too hard!"
Makoto's gaze rested on the small figure. She crouched slightly, studying her with quiet scrutiny.
"Lora, is this your new familiar? There's something unusual about her…"
Lora shook her head. "She isn't my familiar. In fact, she doesn't belong to anyone. I'll explain what she is later. For now, let's find something good to eat."
Makoto did not press the matter.
"Very well. I'm looking forward to it."
The group made their way into the streets of Liyue. Though Makoto and Ei had visited long ago, centuries had passed. The bustling harbor felt almost unfamiliar.
As they walked, Lora pointed out the changes the city had undergone over the years.
Before long, they arrived at Wanmin Restaurant.
Lora stopped at the entrance and turned with a grin.
"This is Wanmin Restaurant—one of Liyue's most popular spots. The food here is excellent. Lunch is on me."
Makoto smiled in agreement.
Ei, however, said nothing. She slowly raised a hand and pointed ahead, her expression turning unexpectedly serious.
"What is it?" Lora followed her gaze.
Her eyes settled on a familiar figure.
"…Zhongyue?"
Zhongyue stood there with an entire rack of candied hawthorn skewers balanced over her shoulder, the stick bristling with glossy red tanghulu. At the sound of her name, she turned.
"Oh? Lora? You're back from Inazuma?"
Ei's voice lowered.
"There's something dangerous about her."