EN | An encounter she will never forget | ᴄʜɪʟᴜᴍɪ

12 - Unexpected encounter

That night, Lumine couldn't help but dream about everything that had happened in her day: the meeting on the beach, the bickering at breakfast, the Ruin Hunter, the dinner, and the walk back to her room. The various emotions that had jostled in her mind continued to haunt her and were preventing her brain to take a break, giving her a restless sleep. As she had finally managed to fall asleep despite her thoughts, she woke up far earlier than she had hoped, as tired as when she had gone to bed. Her knee still throbbed slightly, which stole a sigh from her.

When Paimon finally woke up, they decided to wander around the Harbor, taking a day off to let her leg fully recover. At the corner of an alley, they passed Childe and Zhongli in an animated discussion in front of a stall.

"What are you two doing here?"

Surprised by Lumine's voice, two pairs of eyes turned to the two friends.

"Oh hello, Ojou-chan! I was helping Sensei prepare something," Childe's voice replied, playful at Lumine's presence.

"Preparing something?" inquired Lumine, intrigued.

"The Liyue Qixing have commissioned the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to prepare this year's Rite of Descension. And the person in charge, Hu Tao, has delegated this most important task to me. So I am looking for everything I need to prepare the rite," Zhongli explained.

Lumine knew that the Liyue Qixing were the seven most influential merchants in Liyue, who ruled the city, but she had never heard of the 'Rite of Descension'. Seeming to read her mind, Paimon led the investigation.

"And what is this Rite of the Descension?"

"It is an annual rite in which the Lord of Geo descends to earth to give the trade forecast for the year. This event is highly anticipated because it allows the Liyue Qixing to set the year's trade policies in accordance with these forecasts, allowing Liyue to prosper," Zhongli replied with his usual knowledge.

"Oh, I see. That's what Venti was talking about!" Paimon understood.

Indeed, Venti—the Anemo Archon disguised as a simple bard—had told them about this rite as an opportunity to meet with the Geo Archon to possibly find clues about her missing brother.

"Are you in charge of such an important rite by yourself?" asked Lumine, worried about Zhongli's workload.

"It is true that it is a lot of work... If you have some free time in the next few days, would you please help me?"

"With pleasure, Zhongli," Lumine and Paimon replied in unison.

◆ ◆ ◆

After promising to help Zhongli prepare the rite, the Traveler and the flying fairy followed his instructions to the letter for a little over a week. Their tasks were diverse, requiring them to venture both into the city and into the surrounding area. From time to time, they crossed paths with Childe on their outings.

The latest mission that had been given to them was to go and collect incense on the other side of Mt. Tianheng. To fulfill this mission, Paimon and Lumine left at dawn.

_________________________

In the meantime, two foreigners entered Liyue Harbor. It was the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, Jean, accompanied by the Cavalry Captain, Kaeya.

"The city hasn't changed since the last time we were here! It's still as beautiful as ever!" exclaimed Jean as she observed the magnificence of Liyue Harbor.

"Indeed!" replied the Captain while also observing the city. "How about a bite to eat? We arrived much earlier than expected, which gives us time before our appointment."