According to their route, Liyue would be their first destination. Luna's biological father was from Liyue.
"Father..." Luna murmured.
"Are you concerned?" Arlecchino's voice approached from behind. Luna didn't turn, her gaze fixed on the setting sun. Nightfall would soon descend.
During the day, Navia steered the ship, while Luna took over at night. The ship's controls were somewhat complex, but maintaining a slow speed posed no real challenge.
"Yes, I still care about my origins. But what concerns me more is... how those who gave me the name 'Luna' would feel if they knew I was an unpardonable sinner."
Arlecchino placed a hand on Luna's shoulder.
Luna gently covered Arlecchino's hand with her own. "'Father,' shouldn't you rest for a while?"
"There's no need. I don't tire easily."
As a Harbinger, Arlecchino's physical stamina far surpassed that of ordinary people.
But how does it compare to mine? Luna wondered fleetingly.
"We can't see Fontaine anymore."
Luna glanced back.
"This is your first time leaving Fontaine, isn't it?"
"Mm-hmm. Back at the orphanage, we were mostly confined to the grounds."
The "father-daughter" pair continued chatting idly until Navia and Luna switched shifts.
"Whew... I'm going to get some sleep. Wake me if anything comes up!"
Navia hugged Luna before heading down to her cabin to rest.
Arlecchino watched Navia descend the stairs, then remarked, "It seems you have quite a few admirers among the children."
"They're all so lovely," Luna replied, steering the ship slowly forward. "You included, Father."
Arlecchino didn't press the matter. Instead, she sat back, crossed her legs, and gazed at the scenery.
"A name is a peculiar thing. When someone possesses two different names, they carry two distinct sets of memories."
"'Arlecchino' isn't my original name. It was granted to me by the Tsaritsa when she pardoned my sins and appointed me a Harbinger."
Luna gasped, "Then what was your real name?"
Arlecchino remained silent.
"Father really knows how to keep me in suspense."
What's her real name? What sins did she commit?
Arlecchino had never mentioned these things to them. The children, eager to understand, had no way to learn more.
They could only glean faint clues from the Fatui members' reverence for Arlecchino.
"I could tell you directly, or you could discover it yourself," Arlecchino said with a faint smile.
Luna smiled faintly. "Then I'd rather find the answer myself, just as 'Father' told me long ago: 'If you want to know the answer, think for yourself, Luna. Only those who use both body and mind to pursue the truth are worthy of obtaining it.'"
Arlecchino smiled faintly. "It seems you remember my words very clearly."
She stood up, her smile fading as she returned to Luna's side.
Her hand gently stroked Luna's hair a few times.
"No one can know what your biological parents would think of what you've done."
"Mm," Luna murmured softly.
"But you already know what I think of you. I am proud of you. You've done well."
"Father..."
Arlecchino's voice was steady. "Focalors, who still sits in her seat, and the former Hydro Archon Furina, are the most powerful proof of everything you've accomplished."
Luna touched her necklace, a smile blossoming on her face.
"Indeed."
Arlecchino returned to her seat and continued gazing at the scenery. Though she said nothing, Luna could sense that she felt relaxed in the tranquil atmosphere.
-
After several more days, The Blubberbeast finally reached Liyue territory, docking at their first destination: Yilong Wharf.
"First stop in Liyue: Yilong Wharf!" Navia declared with brimming enthusiasm.
Chiori yawned, "You're certainly full of energy."
Furina, still bleary-eyed, leaned heavily on Luna after only a few steps, nearly dozing off. She had clearly stayed up late reading novels the previous night.
Luna pinched Furina's cheeks, forcing her to rouse. "If you want to sleep, we can rent a room at an inn later."
"I, I know! Stop pulling my face!" Furina protested.
Lynette's cat ears twitched. "I've heard Yilong Wharf's tea is excellent."
"According to the travel guide, their specialty is stir-fried tea! This is a rare opportunity—let's explore the market first!" Navia flipped open her guidebook.
Chiori sighed, "Let's grab something to eat first."
Lynette's stomach growled loudly.
Furina couldn't help but pat her own stomach—she was both hungry and sleepy.
On the ship, they had only been able to eat rations and couldn't light a fire for cooking. Now that they had finally reached land, getting a proper meal was their first priority.
She looked around.
"Hmm... it's not as lively as I imagined."
But it wasn't exactly deserted either; there were still plenty of young faces around.
Even some Fontainians and Inazumans were present.
Luna felt a surge of warmth. "They've probably all gone to Liyue Harbor. This place clearly has a slower pace of life, perfect for retirement."
"You sound like an old man," Furina said, shaking her head.
Lynette's tail twitched slightly. "Has your bloodline awakened?"
"Then I should go farm the fields."
"Field cat."
Chiori shot her a sideways glance.
"You're quick with the quips."
My hair isn't even orange! Luna pinched a strand of her hair.
Arlecchino, having disembarked from the ship, spoke up. "As Luna said, many people from Liyue have flocked to the bustling city of Liyue Harbor. So, the lively scene Lady Furina was hoping for isn't here."
Moreover...
Luna could feel many eyes on them.
No wonder—they were wearing foreign attire, and Luna and Navia's golden hair made them impossible to ignore. The radiant blonde locks drew every gaze.
Besides, there was Furina with her white hair and Lynette with her cat ears and tail.
"Chiori, you're drawing way too much attention," Luna said.
"Don't blame me," Chiori retorted, pondering aloud. "Still, being stared at all the time isn't pleasant. After we finish eating, let's try on some local clothes. We should dress more appropriately for Liyue."
Luna immediately glanced at Arlecchino.
Arlecchino replied calmly, "You can change if you like."
Luna was greatly disappointed.
She had been hoping to see Arlecchino in Liyue attire.
But this wasn't entirely unexpected... She quickly shifted her gaze to Furina, Navia, Chiori, and Lynette, who were all looking back at her.
-
Luna: "Hmm..."
Navia's eyes sparkled. "Lulu looks so good in Liyue clothes!"
Chiori nodded. "Indeed, it suits you. But don't buy any."
"Why not?"
"I'll make you one right away. You're not allowed to wear anyone else's designs."
Furina exclaimed in surprise, "Why go to all that trouble? It's just for one occasion!"
Lynette gave a double thumbs-up. "Exactly! Just this once."
It was time to change Luna's outfit. Even as an exclusive model, she shouldn't be restricted from choosing her own clothes.
Ultimately, though, it was Lynette and Furina who didn't want Luna to keep wearing Chiori's clothes.
Luna smiled brightly. "The minority follows the majority. Just this once."
"Hmph. Let's see how well the outfit is designed and made first."
"Let's eat first!" Furina blurted out. "I'm starving!"