"Something I might not know?" Fengyan narrowed his eyes, waiting for Lumine's explanation. He was curious to hear what she had to say.
"It's like this. We're new to Liyue and don't have many acquaintances here. Fortunately, Director Hu of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor kindly took us in, so we didn't have to sleep on the streets," Lumine said, her tone tinged with melancholy. She paused for a moment before continuing, "But after spending some time with her, we realized that Director Hu loves to play pranks. This little one, Paimon, was scared by her and has become very insecure. At the slightest disturbance, she instinctively wants to run away."
Lumine spun a tale, shifting the blame onto Hu Tao. Paimon, who had been watching the entire exchange, was left speechless. Who knew the Traveler could lie so convincingly?
Seeing Fengyan remain silent, seemingly buying her story, Lumine pressed her advantage. "If you doubt our stay at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, you can send someone to verify it. In the meantime, Paimon and I won't leave."
"Very well. Please bear with us for now," Fengyan nodded and called over a young Millelith soldier, instructing him to verify the information with the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. He was familiar with Director Hu's mischievous nature. If it was her, such a prank wouldn't be out of character.
In the few minutes following the Geo Archon's death, countless thoughts raced through Ningguang's mind. How had the Geo Archon died? Was the Fatui's recent activity related to this? How would Liyue Harbor face the adepti now that the Geo Archon was gone? Would the Divine General make an appearance?
Ningguang took a deep breath, feeling a headache coming on. In the coming days, Liyue would face unprecedented challenges. She needed to carefully navigate this crisis. One misstep could lead to disaster.
As she pondered, her gaze wandered over the crowd below. When her eyes fell on Lumine and Paimon, a glimmer of insight sparked in her sharp mind.
This person... might be useful.
"Miss Lumine, we have verified your statement. Your suspicion has been cleared, and you are free to leave," Fengyan said after receiving confirmation from his subordinate. He saluted Lumine and Paimon, signaling that they could go.
"Great! Let's head back, Traveler," Paimon said cheerfully, eager to return and indulge in a feast.
"Mm," Lumine agreed. She had come here to seek answers from the Geo Archon about her brother and to find a way to reach Celestia. Now that the Geo Archon was dead, there was no reason to stay. Still, losing a potential lead was disappointing.
"Wait, you two."
Just as they were about to leave, an elegant voice called out to them. Lumine and Paimon turned to see a dignified woman with white hair approaching them.
"Lady Ningguang," Fengyan stepped aside, making way for her. Since they were affiliated with the Knights of Favonius and had helped resolve Mondstadt's crisis, perhaps Ningguang wanted to personally meet them.
"You are... the Tianquan?" Lumine asked, recognizing the woman. Before attending the Rite of Descension, she had heard from Hu Tao that the rite was presided over by the Liyue Qixing, with a different member taking the lead each year. Last year, it was Keqing, the Yuheng, whom Yun Fan had mentioned. This year, it was the Tianquan—presumably the woman before her.
"Greetings. I am Ningguang, the Tianquan," Ningguang introduced herself with grace and poise.
"I'm Lumine, and this is Paimon. May I ask why you stopped us?" Lumine responded politely, though she was puzzled. Surely, Ningguang didn't intend to arrest them?
"I have a request. Would you mind stepping aside for a moment?" Ningguang smiled, gesturing to the crowded area and inviting them to a more private space.
"Alright," Lumine hesitated for a moment before agreeing. As one of the most powerful figures in Liyue, Ningguang likely knew many secrets, some of which might prove useful.
Lumine and Paimon followed Ningguang to a temporary office on Yujing Terrace. After seating them, Ningguang didn't immediately state her request but instead engaged in casual conversation.
"I heard you are the Honorary Knight of Mondstadt. What brings you to Liyue?"
Lumine thought for a moment before explaining that she had come to seek an audience with the Geo Archon. After all, if she wanted Ningguang's help, hiding too much might create distrust. Besides, this wasn't a secret worth keeping.
Of course, she didn't reveal everything, only mentioning that she wanted to learn some secrets from the Geo Archon.
"I understand your intentions. However, with the Geo Archon's passing, the only one in Liyue who might answer your questions is the Divine General," Ningguang said, lighting her pipe—a habit she only indulged in when deep in thought.
"The Divine General?" Lumine was momentarily stunned. Was this the person Paimon had mentioned earlier?
"Where can I find the Divine General?" Lumine asked eagerly, seeing a glimmer of hope.
Unfortunately, Ningguang didn't have the answer she sought. "I'm afraid the Divine General is unlike the Geo Archon. He has always been elusive, with no records of his appearance. Only the adepti residing in Jueyun Karst might have seen him."
The adepti? Lumine repeated silently in her mind. She then turned to Ningguang. "Lady Ningguang, what did you want to discuss with me?"
"You are indeed straightforward," Ningguang smiled, her tone growing serious. "As you saw, the Geo Archon has fallen during the Rite of Descension. Liyue is about to face chaos. In these critical times, I have no capacity to handle other matters. Thus, I would like to entrust you with a task: approach the Fatui Harbinger, Childe. If he has any schemes, please inform me immediately. Of course, I will pay you handsomely for your services."
Childe? Another Harbinger, like La Signora? Lumine's heart sank as she recalled the fiery witch who had nearly destroyed everything. Was Childe as powerful as her?
Seeing Lumine hesitate, Ningguang assumed the reward wasn't sufficient. "If the compensation isn't to your liking, I can increase it and offer you a personal favor. How does that sound?"