A New Star in the Starry Sky

9. Leaving Mondstadt

"I'll call you when your order is done. I'll make you a couple more as a thanks for your help." Chiori looked over her photos she obtained.

"Alright, thanks." Cale nodded before leaving.

"Cale! How did it go?" Paimon inquired.

"Okay. She seemed to like the outcome." Cale responded. "She also said she'll make a couple more outfits."

"What?!" Paimon was taken aback. "Then- then can you also ask Chiori to tailor an outfit for Paimon!?" Her eyes lit up with sparkles.

"You shouldn't disrupt Chiori's already busy schedule, Paimon." Traveler stopped her.

Paimon sulked.

"Anyways, where is Keaya and Diluc?" Cale noticed they were no longer here.

"Oh, they left to attend some matters." Traveler informed.

Cale nodded.

"So, what do we do now?" Paimon asked.

"We should head to Liyue now." Traveler answered.

"Oh, righttt. That was part of our plan before Cale joined!" Paimon remembered. "But Chiori's not done with the clothes yet."

"She can send the clothes to her workshop in Liyue." Traveler reminded her.

"Oh." Paimon awkwardly scratched the back of her neck, a bit embarrassed. "Right..."

"Liyue?" Cale asked.

The two turned to him.

"Liyue!" Paimon repeated. "Also one of the seven nations of Teyvat! It's a nation filled with wealth and ores, they rose from power under the rule of the Geo Archon, God of Contracts, Rex Lapis!"

'Money.' Cale thought. "Are we going now?"

Traveler shook their head. "We need to patch our luggage for the journey, it won't take long. We'll just get our necessities."

Cale nodded.

The two went to pack their baggages while Cale stood by the gate, waiting for them.

Tap tap

"Cale." It was Keaya who called out for him, walking beside him was Diluc.

"Hello." Cale greeted them.

"I heard your conversation earlier. Are you already leaving?" Keaya asked, with a sad smile.

Cale nodded, "yes."

"That's quite upsetting. We've only met for a few days and you're already leaving." Keaya sighed. "Anyways, we have something to give you. You can say it's like a souvenir."

Diluc nodded. He walked forward, reaching his hand out. A pocket watch...?

Cale stared at it.

"It's a watch and a compass." Diluc explained. "Don't get lost while traveling to Liyue."

Keaya smiled. "That's right. You don't know Teyvat that well, do you? If you ever get in trouble, or lost, just yell our names."

'Like that'll ever happen.' Cale thought. "Thank you." He accepted the gift out of formality.

"You're welcome." Keaya smiled.

Diluc nodded, still cold as ever.

"Cale! We're done packing!"

Cale turned to them, seeing Traveler and Paimon come running at him while shouting.

"Let's get going now."

Cale faced Diluc and Keaya. "We'll see you another time. Farewell."

"Yes, see you again later." Keaya smiled, trying to hide his grin.

The two brothers waved goodbye to them as they left the city.

"Huh? What's that in your hand?" Paimon got curious as she saw a glistening object in Cale's wrapped hand.

Cale released his palm, showing the watch. "Those two gave it to me. It's a watch, with a compass mechanism."

"Wooah! It looks pretty expensive!" Paimon drooled.

Traveler smiled. "Let's start heading out further before it turns dark."

"Yes! Traveler!" Paimon cheered.