When the Stars Fall [Genshin Impact]

Chapter 25: The Eye of the Storm

"I heard that the Traveller's on their way here," a Mirror Maiden said. You had learnt that her name was Luda after a while of idle chatting.

You shook your head in disbelief, quickly tucking away Kaeya's letter and the tattered book away. To be honest, you were in no mood to talk. As soon as your recovery was deemed ‘complete’, which was less than a day, you were dismissed and thrown back into everyday work in the delusion factory. The medics here were wasting their time in the Fatui with the potency of their abilities. The injuries you suffered surely would have taken a few days minimum otherwise, though your body still ached in certain places.

"I thought the Sakoku Decree was in place," you responded.

"Rumours are they snuck into Inazuma on a cargo ship. And they even interrupted the 100th vision ceremony and went against the Almighty Shogun herself!"

"If they're so powerful, don't you think we should be preparing?"

"We've got time," Luda shrugged. "They escaped to Watatsumi Island soon after and joined the resistance  there. It's a long journey from there to Kannazuka."

You wondered how and where she had gotten all the information. But sometimes it was better not to pry - you decided against asking, instead saying, "I'm sure Lord Scaramouche will issue orders soon."

Another recruit interrupted your line of thought, having appeared to have run from somewhere.

"Lady…" he said between breaths, "Lady Signora is here."

"Again?"

"We're on our break but if she catches us 'slacking' we're done for!" you hissed. "I'll deal with her."

As the two soldiers quickly moved on, Lady Signora walked in, quickly bringing the hall of people to silence and order without saying a single word. You stood to attention, as did the others in the immediate area.

"Where is the Balladeer?" She didn't sound angry, but her presence was enough to scare anybody lesser than her.

"My Lady, he said he was busy with some reports," you spoke up, stepping forwards

"Take me to him. We have some unfinished business." Lady Signora strode forwards, watching you. "And the rest of you. It doesn't look like any work - let alone valuable work - is being completed here."

The group dispersed as quickly as they had stood to attention. You led Lady Signora out the hall you were in, saying nothing as you pulled the lever nearby to open the metal doors. Your fingers brushed over the keyholes in each - but who needed those when the whole system was lever operated?

Speaking of keyholes, you wanted to ask Lady Signora about the key she had given you.

You took her through the delusion factory. You knew it was a short journey, having been there for the majority of your time since your arrival in Inazuma, so you fired your shots while you still had the chance to.

"My Lady, if you don't mind me asking," you started, "What did you give me and why?" 

"Was it not obvious?"

"It's a key," you said bluntly, answering your own question. "Imbued with Cryo and Pyro energy," you added after a beat of silence.

You could see the door to Lord Scaramouche's office fast approaching further along the corridor, and you slowed your pace a touch. You dared a look at Lady Signora, and she looked back at you. She wore a faintly amused expression on her face - cool, as always, but amused, as if she was interested in what you would say next and your responses.

"There are areas here that not even the Balladeer have discovered. I merely thought giving the key to his subordinate would push things along."

An elusive answer, with just enough information to taunt you.