Episode 175: THE MOST IMPORTANT GUEST IS ACTUALLY!!!!
『 Back in the private room, Paimon, who had been pacing like an ant on a hot griddle, immediately spotted the returning Lumine and her companion.
She floated angrily in front of Lumine, her eyes wide and round.
"Ugh, you're finally done whispering secrets to each other!?"
"So much for promising Paimon you'll be back soon, hmph!"
Lumine, wearing a mischievous grin, teased, "We were pretty quick. You're only angry because you have no sense of time."
Though she said that, a hint of helplessness still flickered in her eyes.
Paimon pouted, her face full of displeasure, staring directly at Lumine: "You! H—How could you say that to Paimon!"
"Hmph, in that case, besides 'having no sense of time,'"
"Paimon will let you know what having no sense of fullness looks like!"
With that, she even imitated someone's classic move, proudly declaring, "Your dessert is all Paimon's!" 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Amber (Genshin Impact): "Sounds like someone." ]
[ Wang Ling (Daily Life of the Immortal King): "Like someone?" ]
[ Mumen Rider (One Punch Man): "That's a strange sentence." ]
[ Aihara Enju (Black Bullet): "So many snacks." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "It seems that's what they said. This grudge, I've noted it down!" ]
[ Eula (Genshin Impact): "To imitate me like that! This grudge! I've noted it down!" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Hehe. I didn't mean to....." ]
[ Lisa (Genshin Impact): "No wonder it looked so familiar," ]
[ Lisa (Genshin Impact): "So it was little Eula's." ]
[ Eula (Genshin Impact): "..." ]
[ Shizuka Hiratsuka (Oregairu): "She loves to hold grudges." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Exactly, exactly. I wonder how many grudges Eula has already noted down." ]
[ Amber (Genshin Impact): "Um, Eula probably didn't mean it that way. She just isn't good at expressing herself." ]
[ .....]
『 At this moment, Xiao suddenly stepped forward, looking apologetically at everyone: "My apologies for making you all wait."
Hu Tao waved her hand, looking nonchalant: "It's fine, we were just chatting idly, nothing serious. You chatted outside, we chatted inside, it's all equally lively."
Lumine winked at Paimon and said, "Look how magnanimous the Director is, Paimon, you should really learn from her..."
Paimon, her mouth full of snacks, cheeks puffed out, retorted grumpily, "Hmph, Paimon's too busy eating to talk to you."
Despite her mouth being busy, Paimon was still quick-witted, which Lumine found both amusing and curious.
After a polite exchange, Hu Tao walked to the center of the room, cleared her throat, and prepared to speak:
"Although we're all familiar with each other, we shouldn't skip the necessary sense of ceremony, right?"
Venti's curiosity immediately piqued: "Oh? Is this some local custom?"
Hu Tao announced proudly, her face beaming: "Nope."
This answer left Venti feeling a bit helpless. No customs, yet so proud. But for the sake of the festival, Venti decided to temporarily suppress his urge to retort tonight.
Paimon was devouring her food and had no time to interject, so Hu Tao managed to escape unscathed this time.
Hu Tao turned around, scanned the crowd, and continued, "However, to ensure good fortune, I, your Director, have come up with a spontaneous idea."
"Instead of racking our brains, let's just use what's available. We'll use that incense burner on the table for this matter!"
As she spoke, she pointed to the exquisite incense burner not far away.
Everyone followed Hu Tao's gaze and saw that the smoke in the incense burner on the table was already thin, clearly on the verge of fading away.
Hu Tao's voice rang out again, clear and pleasant: "This incense has been burning for so long, the incense sticks must be almost at their end."
She then changed her tone, a smile playing on her lips: "So, let's have the most distinguished guest among us rekindle this burner's incense (rekindle and light the incense)." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "The most distinguished guest, isn't that Zhongli?" ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "I am merely a consultant. How can I be called the most distinguished guest?" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "But, aren't you?" ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "I said, my name is Zhongli." ]
[ .....]
『 Venti savored Hu Tao's words, his eyes lighting up. He praised, "Profound meaning, indeed! May everyone be vibrant and renew themselves daily in the new year. What a beautiful symbol! Director Hu, truly extraordinary!"
As he spoke, he applauded Hu Tao enthusiastically, and Hu Tao shyly touched her nose, her cheeks slightly flushed.
Then, Venti's gaze swept over the crowd and landed on Zhongli, who had been facing away from everyone. "And speaking of the most distinguished guest here today... I'm sure we all agree that it's Mr. Zhongli."
He said, pointing dramatically, like a detective unraveling a mystery.
Venti explained to everyone, "I'm not very familiar with the details of his past deeds, but chatting with him has been a real eye-opener, even for a bard who has traveled all across the world. If knowledge were a form of power, one could even say that you're a wielder of unlimited strength!" 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Xiao (Genshin Impact): "If so, it must be Mr. Zhongli." ]
[ Ganyu (Genshin Impact): "Indeed." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Even I and the Traveler would say Zhongli, right?" ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "Hehe, there's no need for that." ]
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): That's how it should be. ]
[ .....]
『 In the air, Geo and Anemo elements seemed to stir restlessly, and Lumine vaguely felt a hint of something amiss.
Could these two Archons be secretly competing?
No sooner had Venti's voice faded than Zhongli's steady voice followed: "In terms of rhetoric, the great poet Venti is indeed superior."
"I merely have a slightly better memory; such an ordinary ability is praised to the heavens by you. Your eloquence is truly admirable."
"If everyone can recommend," Lumine looked at Venti, who nodded in agreement, "Mhm."
Zhongli calmly turned around and offered his opinion: "In my view, the Director should complete this ritual."
Hu Taoshook her head with a wry smile: "Oh, that won't do. You're a subordinate; praising your superior like this seems too deliberate."
She said earnestly to Zhongli. "I said, this time we're inviting a distinguished guest to add incense. How can I, as the host, count?"
Despite what she said, Hu Tao's gaze slyly shifted to a bewildered Xiangling. "We've enjoyed this table of delicious food, so why don't we invite the only culinary expert present—Xiangling—to take on this role?"
Xiangling was surprised to hear this: "Eh? That counts? But tonight's dinner wasn't made by me?"
Hu Tao smiled brightly: "It's fine, all of that is easily dealt with."
Immediately after, Hu Tao hopped over to Xiangling and began to gush about her: "Just look at her! Xiangling, the disciple of an adeptus, the Stove God's best companion, the winner of the Masterful Chefs competition."
Xingqiu, Chongyun, and Venti, the three mischievous friends, stood behind and immediately applauded.
Then, Xiao expressed admiration; their synchronicity was astonishing. And at this moment, Hu Tao was still gushing about Xiangling's multiple identities.
"Wanmin Restaurant, that's a famous restaurant known far and wide. As its sole successor and my closest friend, isn't such a person distinguished enough?"
However, Paimon's words instantly shattered this display of boastfulness.
"Uhh, why does Paimon feel like we're back at square one again?"
Despite this, the three little clappers still applauded enthusiastically.
Xiangling looked at Hu Tao, her face flushed with shyness.
"Oh, stop it! You praise me so much, I'm getting embarrassed!"
Hu Tao thought for a moment, then continued, "Well, if we're going by that, isn't the second young master of Liyue Harbor's top merchant guild, the Feiyun Commerce Guild, a prominent figure?"
At this, Venti and Chongyun simply left Xingqiu aside and formed a "clapping duo" on their own.
Xingqiu was caught off guard by the sudden mention from Xiangling and Hu Tao, and he involuntarily took a step back.
"Hey, wait! It's fine if you talk among yourselves, but why are you dragging me into this?"
No sooner had he spoken than the "clapping duo" quickly absorbed Xiangling, once again becoming the "clapping trio."
Hu Tao nodded thoughtfully, finding Xiangling's idea quite clever, and her gaze shifted to Xingqiu.
"Hey, that's a good idea! With the young master of the commerce guild helping out, our financial luck next year will definitely boom!"
She said, resting her chin on her hand, and began to scrutinize Xingqiu.
Xingqiu responded with a wry smile: "What does that have to do with anything? Besides, while wealth is good, isn't health, safety, and happiness the most precious things in life?"
Everyone's gaze naturally followed Xingqiu's words to Chongyun beside him.
"So, it's most fitting to invite Chongyun, the exorcist skilled in warding off evil and protecting peace! With him here, everyone will feel secure."
(It's an old tradition to prank Chongyun.)
Chongyun listened, feeling something was off, until Xingqiu finished his last sentence,
He suddenly startled, blurting out: "Eh? How did this get to me?"
He turned to look at Xiao, who stood quietly beside him, and asked with some surprise: "With the Great Demon Conqueror here, how could it be my turn?"
"If we're going by seniority, besides Adeptus Xiao, the true adeptus here, naturally..."
Chongyun's words were cut off abruptly by Xiao: "I refuse. I am most certainly not the most distinguished guest here."
Lumine heard Xiao say this, her face filled with panic, fearing that Xiao might accidentally blurt out Zhongli's identity.
Everyone's eyes were filled with surprise as Xiao slowly revealed his choice: "I trust your judgment; you can discern for yourselves."
Lumine's heart was racing like an ant on a hot griddle, silently muttering: Please don't, don't do that...
She was afraid Xiao would directly reveal Zhongli's secret, wanting to stop him but unable to find a suitable excuse.
Just then, Xiao's words rang out again, calm yet resolute: "There is one among you who is an old acquaintance to all..."
Lumine's heart sank upon hearing this, a vague sense of unease washing over her: "Wait, don't tell me..."
Besides Zhongli, she was the closest to everyone.
Recalling Xiao's past actions, Lumine was almost certain Xiao was referring to her.
Just as she expected, as soon as Xiao finished speaking, everyone's gaze turned to Lumine.
Chongyun, seeing this, also followed everyone's gaze, curiously examining Lumine.
Paimon then suddenly realized, turning sharply to face Lumine and shouting: "Oh, that's right! Even though you always tease me, you're really popular and can talk to anyone!"
Mid-sentence, Paimon suddenly realized something was wrong: "No, wait! That's not right, Paimon said she wouldn't talk to you again..."
With that, she huffily turned her back, crossing her arms, pretending not to care.
Lumine watched Paimon's little tantrum, pondered for a moment, and made a decision in her heart.
Then she said to everyone:
"Actually, I'm not the only one like that."
The pouting Paimon couldn't help but turn back and ask: "Huh? Who else is there?"
Lumine explained seriously to Paimon: "Paimon, just take a look in that mirror over there and you'll know."
With that, she specifically pointed to the full-length mirror nearby.
Everyone nodded in agreement upon hearing this.
Those who knew Lumine naturally knew her "God of Mouth", Paimon,
After all, the Traveler was the silent type.
Paimon's eyes widened, her face full of disbelief: "Huh... Huh!?"
She asked Lumine incredulously: "You, you mean... I'm the most distinguished guest here?!"
"Well, that was unexpected, ehehe..."
Paimon was greatly shaken by this sudden news.
She was already surprised that Lumine was chosen, but she never expected that it would ultimately be her turn to become the most distinguished guest. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "What? How did the answer come back to me again?" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Isn't the most distinguished guest the Traveler?" ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "It's normal for it to be you, after all, you're my good partner (emergency food)." ]
[ Shizuka Hiratsuka (Oregairu): "Hahahaha! This is friendship!" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Hehehe." ]
[ Frieren (Frieren Beyond Journey's End) "Friendship, huh." ]
[ .....]
『 Paimon knew there were still two Archons present, even if not, there were several prominent figures on site; no matter how you calculated it, she shouldn't be the one in the spotlight, right?
Anyway, that's what Paimon was muttering to herself at the moment.
Venti's eyes darted around, then he stepped forward with a smile, carefully observing Paimon.
"I wholeheartedly agree! This choice is perfect!"
"On a long journey, if you lack a loyal companion, the journey becomes an endless, solitary stroll."
"Once you have friends to laugh and play with, the scenery along the way becomes vibrant and colorful."
Paimon's eyes sparkled as she listened to Venti's words. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "So, that's how the bard sees me?" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Ehehe, I'm so happy." ]
[ Venti (Genshin Impact): "Exactly, exactly, that's who you are in my heart." ]
[ Venti (Genshin Impact): "So you are indeed the most distinguished guest." ]
[ .....]
『 Zhongli took a deep breath, then stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and said earnestly.
"Hmm, Venti is right."
"Traveler, you have journeyed across mountains and rivers, leaving behind countless tales."
"But without Paimon by your side, these stories would likely lose much of their luster."
"Your journey has been so smooth; Paimon deserves much credit."
After Zhongli finished speaking, he gently clasped his hands together.
Venti nodded silently, his eyes full of approval.
Xiao secretly admired from the side, truly worthy of being the Geo Archon, so eloquent.
Paimon was so overwhelmed by Zhongli and Venti's praises that her face almost disappeared into her wings.
"Oh, being praised so suddenly makes me so shy."
Then, Paimon asked everyone with anticipation.
"Um, everyone... are you all serious?"
Lumine was the first to answer Paimon's question.
"Of course, Paimon, you're my best partner."
Paimon looked at Lumine with immense gratitude.
"Thank you, Traveler!"
"Although you made me wait so long just now, I'm not angry anymore!"
Paimon was in an incredibly good mood, even though that little tantrum from earlier had completely vanished.
Xingqiu chuckled and said to Paimon, "Don't worry about it, Paimon. Friends are meant to tease each other."
Chongyun looked at Xingqiu blankly, seeming to feel something was off, but also like there was nothing wrong.
So he chimed in: "Hmm, it seems so."
Xiangling also nodded vigorously.
"So, Paimon is as important to the Traveler as Guoba is to me!"
Hu Tao listened to everyone's conversation, then put her hands on her hips and looked around. "It seems no one has any objections to choosing Paimon."
Xiao said softly. "I support the Traveler's decision."
In Xiao's heart, as long as it wasn't him or Zhongli chosen, he was willing to listen to Lumine's words.
After hearing this, Hu Tao announced solemnly: "Then it's decided!"
"Next, by our world's top partner, guide, and best friend of Lumine—Paimon!"
"Come and relight the incense for everyone!"
Everyone instantly turned into clapping machines, applause thundering.
Hu Tao handed the pre-prepared incense and matches to the dazed Paimon, who was still reeling from the praise.
"Here, Paimon, take the matches, be careful not to burn your hands!"
Amidst everyone's enthusiastic cheers, Paimon dizzily completed the incense lighting ceremony.』
『 .....』
/Screen goes black.
/"Ding! Fourth Scene Easter Egg: " The Awkward Moment When an Adeptus Attends a Drinking Party and I Don't Dare Move a Muscle! " ends."
/"Ding! In ten minutes,Fifth Scene will begin."
/"Ding! Congratulations to Zhongli for receiving the reward."
.....