Lumine's words sounded like a question directed at Mu Yang.
Yet also like a question to herself.
At first, she hadn't wanted to get involved in this troublesome affair.
She had only started searching for the Adepti with the "Sigil of Permission" to help Mu Yang.
To deliver these messages to the Adepti.
So they could hurry to Liyue Harbor and resolve the issue.
But now, it seemed she had been dragged into some kind of conspiracy.
This feeling of being manipulated was deeply unpleasant.
Especially since the one scheming against her was likely none other than the Fatui's "Childe."
Thus, Lumine's mindset had shifted.
From initially not wanting to participate.
To now wanting to uncover the mastermind behind it all.
To see what they were planning.
And what role they intended for her in this conspiracy.
Paimon's face showed a trace of worry.
"I don't know what to do either. Should we head back to Liyue Harbor now?"
Both of them turned their gazes toward Mu Yang.
Mu Yang sensed their questioning looks.
But he had no intention of dictating Lumine's actions.
"Do as you see fit. This is your journey."
Hearing his words, Lumine made up her mind.
"The Liyue Qixing and the Fatui."
"Whoever's pulling the strings behind this, I'm going to drag them into the light."
"Trying to use me? I'm not someone to be trifled with."
Seeing that Lumine had already decided, Paimon chimed in.
"Yeah! Let's find out who's really behind this!"
"Paimon's not someone to be trifled with either!"
Lumine then asked Mu Yang:
"Are you coming back with us?"
She wasn't entirely sure.
Mu Yang's allegiance likely lay with the Adepti.
He might choose to act alongside them.
Unexpectedly, Mu Yang gave her a firm answer.
"If this is your decision, then I'll return to Liyue Harbor with you."
Paimon was overjoyed to hear that Mu Yang was coming along.
"Hehe, now we don't have to worry about being ambushed or tricked on the way!"
"Plus, there'll be more delicious food!"
Paimon's impression of Mu Yang was excellent.
He was incredibly skilled, a good listener.
Though he spoke sparingly,
Every word he said was meaningful.
And when traveling, he'd always prepare delicious food to feed her.
Right now, Mu Yang's standing in her heart was skyrocketing.
Mu Yang agreed to return with them—
But on one condition.
This puzzled Lumine. "What condition?"
Mu Yang: "I won't be acting openly with you in Liyue Harbor."
"I'll only protect you from the shadows, stepping in when absolutely necessary."
Paimon didn't understand.
"Huh? Why not?"
Mu Yang patiently explained.
"I had a confrontation with "The Fair Lady" in Mondstadt."
"Though it was brief, it's certain."
"She's already relayed everything she learned about me to "Childe."
"Add to that the fact that I attacked "Childe" that day."
"If you're seen with me, his guard will be raised significantly."
Lumine found Mu Yang's reasoning sound.
"If he sees Mu Yang with us,"
"The Fatui will adjust their plans to account for him."
"And whatever new plan they come up with will be even more dangerous and troublesome."
Mu Yang nodded.
"Exactly. So I'll stay hidden. You two just follow "Childe's" original plan."
"Report the Adepti's summons from Jueyun Karst to him, then adapt as things unfold."
Paimon finally understood.
"Ooh~ So Mu Yang becomes our hidden trump card!"
"And "Childe" won't see it coming!"
Guinaifen's Livestream
Little Gui was once again singing Mu Yang's praises.
Is this what they call "love blinds all flaws"?
"Mu Yang's mind is so meticulous! The sense of security he gives me has already broken through 1000%— AHHHHH!"
[This streamer's gonna get herself in trouble with this obsession]
[Senpai noticed~]
[Was this part of your plan all along, Mu Yang?]
[Wait, why is everyone treating "Childe" like a villain?]
[Isn't he?]
[He was genuinely helping us back then!]
Little Gui responded to this comment:
"Y'all don't get pig-butchering scams, huh? They don't scam you right away."
"They fatten you up first, then strike."
[Streamer knows everything, huh?]
[Then what about Mu Yang? He's been by our side since Mondstadt!]
[Yeah, by your logic, we're already plenty fattened up, right?]
[Holy crap, if Mu Yang turns out to be a twist villain, that'd be wild]
Little Gui immediately clapped back at these comments.
"He's my husband! None of you are allowed to badmouth him!"
[Damn, streamer's got no filter]
[LMAO, the double standards!]
"User 'Try the Iron Ox Beef Noodles' has been banned for 10 minutes."
The Plan is Set
Lumine and Paimon would act as if they knew nothing.
Following "Childe's" plan as intended.
Preparing to set off for Liyue Harbor.
Mu Yang noticed Paimon staring at him.
"What is it, Paimon? Is there something on my face?"
Paimon quickly waved her hands.
"No, no! I just wanted to see if you'd disappear suddenly like Xiao."
"I mean, there's gotta be tons of Fatui spies along the way, right…?"
Mu Yang thought for a moment—
Then straight-up vanished.
Of course, he couldn't match Xiao's level.
But he pushed his lightfoot technique to its limits.
An ordinary person wouldn't notice unless they were paying close attention.
This stunt left Paimon utterly stunned.
"W-WAH—! He really disappeared!"
[OMG, he's so indulgent with her]
[LMAO, Paimon's gonna regret saying that]
[Why?]
[Earlier in the story, Mu Yang said he'd treat them, but he hasn't paid for the meal yet]
Paimon turned to Lumine.
"See! All you Adepti can do this, right?"
However, Lumine didn't look surprised at all.
Instead, she crossed her arms.
Giving Paimon that classic "disappointed" look.
"Alright, Paimon. Time to dig into your little savings to pay the bill."
Paimon: "Huh?!"
Lumine (smug): "Wasn't it you who told Mu Yang to leave first?"
The stingy Paimon pouted, poking her fingers together.
"Well… he said he'd protect us from the shadows, so he's probably still nearby…"
"Should I call him back?"
Mu Yang, overhearing this, nearly lost his composure.
Oh, you little miser.
Getting you to spend even a bit of your pocket money is like pulling teeth.
You're even stingier than the System.
System: "Why am I getting dragged into this?"
He pulled out a bag of Mora from the System's inventory.
Flicked a single coin at Paimon's forehead.
Then tossed the rest to Lumine.
Paimon, having been bonked by Mora,
Now pretended to be in pain.
"Oww… Note to self: Never badmouth the Adepti again."
Lumine (deadpan): "Yeah, I don't believe that."
[Quick, pick it up and say "Thanks, Big Bro Mu Yang!"]
[Thanks, Big Bro Mu Yang!]
[Can you spare me some Mora too? I wanna try some Crazy Sweet Flower Chicken]
Lumine pocketed the Mora.
Seeing Paimon still milking it—
"Alright, enough. Let's pack up and head to Liyue Harbor."
After settling the bill,
The two left Wangshu Inn.
Beginning their journey back to Liyue Harbor.
Though they saw no sign of Mu Yang along the way,
Lumine knew—he was nearby.
And that was reassuring.