Episode 178: The Long-Lost Lion of the Flame-Mane Appears Again
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Xingqiu (Genshin Impact): "Miss Dunyarzadhas really gotten into character, hasn't she?" ]
[ Dunyarzad (Genshin Impact): "This is all based on official data, especially in front of the little ones!" ]
[ Yun Jin (Genshin Impact): "It's quite amusing." ]
[ .....]
『 "Alright, little soldiers, now that you've received your Yalda Candies and pledged your loyalty to Lesser Lord Kusanali, you may all disband and head home!"
The children cheered joyfully, clutching their candies, their laughter echoing as they gradually moved away from the stall.
Upon hearing the Flower Knight's words, the children cheered and scattered.
Lumine and Paimon exchanged bewildered glances: "Uh... Just what is going on here... What play is this?"
Why did the conversation suddenly switch from casual chat to a role-playing game?
What in the world were they up to?
Over there, Dunyarzad, still immersed in her role, noticed the subtle shift in atmosphere and quickly explained the unexpected turn of events. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Xingqiu (Genshin Impact): "It seems the budget this time was limited; the Flower Knight of the Flower Float has lost her float." ]
[ Dunyarzad Homayani (Genshin Impact): "Actually, it's not entirely a budget issue; the Akademiya's stance is also a problem." ]
[ Dunyarzad Homayani (Genshin Impact): "But I'm already very happy with what we have." ]
[ Nilou (Genshin Impact): "We received funding from Miss Dunyarzad, so we can hold the Sabzeruz Festival after all!" ]
[ .....]
『 "Hehe. Farris, the Knight of Flowers, is another Sabzeruz Festival icon," Dunyarzad sighed helplessly.
"and one immensely popular with children. In the past, the actor portraying Farris would also sit on a flower carriage."
While it was true that the former Flower Knight was very popular, this current Flower Knight, Fari,s was not the same as before.
At least, not during the festival ceremony.
But that wasn't so important at the moment, as this Sabzeruz Festival was destined to have some twists and turns.
If one hadn't realized that by now...
But I'm getting sidetracked...
No sooner had Dunyarzad finished speaking than Faris, having shed his role as the Flower Knight, sincerely expressed his gratitude:
"Truly, this time it was all thanks to Miss Dunyarzad; otherwise, these little ones' childhoods would have one less joyous memory like this."
Although they were here purely as volunteers, with no compensation whatsoever, the immense cost of this Sabzeruz Festival was far beyond what any individual could bear.
It was thanks to Dunyarzad's background as a member of Sumeru's prominent Homayani family that she was able to host this festival, which held such significant meaning for Sumeru.
For the children, if nothing unexpected happened, this would likely be the last Sabzeruz Festival they would experience.
Fortunately, Lumine and Paimon's arrival ensured that this time would not be a farewell.
Receiving the thanks, Dunyarzad smiled and replied, "Heh, you worked hard too, Faris. Your performance was quite outstanding."
Dunyarzad was clearly very satisfied with the man playing the Flower Knight.
He certainly lived up to the role I carefully selected.
"Not at all, what I did was trivial," Faris said, pulling out several peculiar small boxes from his pocket and placing them on the table.
"By the way, how about trying some Yalda Candies? They're one of our festival's specialties. I've prepared a few different candy boxes; see which one you like?"
Gazing at the four oddly shaped wooden boxes on the table, Paimon observed them for a moment before raising her head in confusion:
"How do we choose? These boxes all look the same; do they taste the same, too?"
"Hehe, that's the fun part," the Flower Knight Faris laughed heartily.
"Each box contains candies of a different flavor."
"What kind of candy you get is entirely up to your luck!"
"Flavors include Lavender Melon, Harra Fruit, Sunsettia..."
"Sounds pretty tempting!" As Faris introduced them, Paimon suddenly became filled with anticipation...
Immediately after, the Flower Knight Faris listed a few more flavors, and Paimon's expression instantly became rich and varied.
"Also, there's also Lizard Tail and Ghost Rhinoceros Beetleflavors here!" 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Why are there two such strange flavors?!" ]
[ Arataki Itto (Genshin Impact): "What does Ghost Rhinoceros Beetle-flavored candy actually taste like?" ]
[ Kuki Shinobu (Genshin Impact): "Boss, don't eat your own Ghost Rhinoceros Beetle! The candy must be a blend of other flavors!" ]
[ Arataki Itto (Genshin Impact): "I... I know that, hahaha!" ]
[ Monkey D. Luffy (One Piece) "Bugs, can they really be eaten?" ]
[ Kaguya Houraisan (Touhou): "Probably not, right?" ]
[ Kaguya Houraisan (Touhou): "At any rate, this concubine would never eat such a thing." ]
[ Tokine Yukimura (Kekkaishi): "Bugs and such, I just can't accept them." ]
[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "Heavens!" ]
[ Aihara Enju (Black Bullet): "..." ]
[ Zouken Matou (Type-Moon): "..." ]
[ .....]
『 "Hey, hey, hey, what's going on? Why are these two bizarre flavors popping up?" Paimon protested, utterly confused.
How could perfectly good candy be mixed with such incongruous flavors?
Was it possible that Sumeru had a custom of celebrating festivals with such peculiar things?
Even more surprising, no sooner had Faris finished his introduction than Dunyarzad chimed in, saying casually:
"Mhm, Ghost Rhinoceros Beetle-flavored Yalda Candy is just a tiny bit spicier than Lizard Tail."
At these words, Lumine and Paimon's eyes were filled with disbelief.
Such a sweet and lovely girl, trying such food?
"Dunyarzad, y—you tried them before! Hmm... You're too brave!" In her astonishment, Paimon turned to Lumine for help: "Traveler, help Paimon pick one. Paimon wants the Sunsettia flavor!"
"Why me again? I don't know everything. If I pick the wrong one, don't blame me, okay?" Lumine preemptively blocked Paimon's potential complaints.
Lest this little one choose incorrectly later and come crying to her.
Lumine wouldn't engage in such a losing business.
"Don't worry!" Paimon said with a smile to Lumine, "I trust the Traveler's judgment!"
Dunyarzad, standing nearby, also encouraged Lumine, "I agree with you; the Traveler must be super good at this. Hehehe~" After saying that, she shyly covered her mouth and chuckled.
Surrounded by their cheers, Lumine cast her gaze upon the five boxes on the table.
"Excellent, Traveler, please make your choice!" the Flower Knight Faris invited enthusiastically. "These boxes of candy are numbered one to five from left to right. Which one do you want?"
Lumine scanned the boxes on the table, quickly deliberating in her mind.
Finally, her gaze settled on the one in the middle: "I'll choose number three. It's decided, no changing!"
Hearing Lumine's choice, Faris gently pushed box number three.
Under the expectant gazes of Paimon, Dunyarzad, and Lumine,
Faris slowly lifted the lid of the third wooden box.
"Oh dear, how unlucky, it's Lavender Melon flavor," Vihar said with a slight hint of regret, looking at the candy representing the Sumeru Rose flavor.
"Paimon thought you survived so many epic battles because you had incredible luck," Paimon teased, feigning helplessness.
"But looks like Paimon was wrong."
Facing Paimon's tone, which was tinged with disappointment and sarcasm, Lumine was about to scold the little one, but Paimon zipped away, nimbly hiding behind Dunyarzad, only peeking out her small head and playfully winking at Lumine.
At this moment, the Flower Knight Faris, witnessing the scene, seized the opportunity to intervene in their unique "exchange": "Oh, I found it! The Sunsettia-flavored candy is in that box!"
Faris pondered for a moment, then pushed box number four towards them: "How about this? Today is a joyous day, and everyone's happiness is most important. You two can have both boxes of candy."
"Really?" Paimon, hearing this, zipped out from behind Dunyarzad and exclaimed excitedly, "Hehe, thanks a lot, Knight of Candies!"
Faris gave a wry smile and quickly corrected her, "It's Knight of Flowers! Not Knight of Candies!"
Dunyarzad also seized the moment to tease, "Hehe, little Paimon's remark was truly a sweet and deadly blow to our Flower Knight without a float."
Faris was already at a loss, and after hearing Dunyarzad's words, he blushed even more.
Although this Sabzeruz Festival seemed a bit simple and informal, as the Flower Knight, being without a float was like losing his soul, making him feel particularly incomplete.
Faris felt he couldn't interject into the conversation between the two in front of him and could only stand silently by.
The two beside him were also affected by the awkward atmosphere and decided to retreat.
Thinking this, Paimon simply picked up the two boxes on the table.
"Alright, it's all pretty much the same anyway," she turned to Lumine and Dunyarzad, "I've got the candy, let's keep exploring."
After all, at this moment, for Paimon, no matter how beautiful a flower float was, it couldn't compare to the actual candy in her hand.
With the candy in hand, there was nothing left to linger for beside the Flower Knight without a float.
So, Paimon mercilessly urged everyone to move on. After a few steps, Dunyarzad suddenly seemed to remember something.
"Oh dear, I think I left something behind," she looked at Lumine with expectant eyes. "You're right here; could you accompany me back to retrieve it?"
Lumine readily agreed to this small request.
Today's mission was to accompany Dunyarzad and have fun at the Sabzeruz Festival.
Since it was about companionship, the location naturally didn't matter.
Besides, it was always good for Dunyarzad to have a bodyguard when she went back to retrieve something.
Lumine's strength was considerable, so escorting her back was perfectly suited for her.
On their way back, Paimon looked at Dunyarzad skipping ahead and couldn't help but sigh: "Dunyarzad must be too excited about this Sabzeruz Festival, so much so that she forgot to bring something when she left."
These words, neither too loud nor too soft, happened to reach Dunyarzad's ears. She immediately apologized sincerely: "I'm so sorry; I have to trouble you to turn back with me."
Lumine quickly reassured her: "It's fine, a little extra walking is good for health anyway."
But in her heart, she grumbled: Who wouldn't want to be lazy? But in front of a beautiful lady, she had to endure and enjoy this "happiness."
So, the two leisurely strolled towards their previous lodging. As the guesthouse came into view, their steps involuntarily quickened.
Just as they approached, several figures abruptly appeared, a group dressed like the Eremites.
"Look, it's those Eremites. Their gazes aren't friendly; they seem to be interested in us," Paimon whispered, flying behind Lumine worriedly.
The scrutinizing looks of the Eremite members made Paimon feel uncomfortable.
Dunyarzad stepped forward, confronting them and questioning, "...Who are you? I don't believe the Homayanis hired you?"
Although the Homayani family was wealthy, they wouldn't casually deal with these desert Eremites; their reputation was poor, and they were untrustworthy.
Dehya was the only exception; having been indebted to the family since childhood, she was trustworthy.
At this moment, a figure who seemed to be the leader emerged from the group of Eremites.
He looked at the seemingly delicate trio and smirked arrogantly: "Hehe, that's right, we're a bit tight on funds right now."
No sooner had he spoken than the leader's gaze greedily swept over Dunyarzad,
"But if we capture you, how much ransom would the Homayani family pay to get you back?"
"They're a gang of kidnappers!" Paimon shouted urgently to Lumine, "Traveler, hurry and protect Dunyarzad!"
It seemed only Dunyarzad lacked the ability to protect herself.
Just as tension mounted, a voice came from nearby: "Don't worry, the professionals are here."
Hearing the sound, the two sharply turned around, only to see a fiery red figure slowly rising from the back slope, holding a greatsword, walking steadily towards them.
She advanced step by step, her gaze contemptuously sweeping over the arrogant Eremite members not far away, saying:
"Hey! Did you scumbags even consider that the Homayanis might've hired a merc that outclasses you?"
Dehya, greatsword in hand, strode to Dunyarzad's side, naturally shielding her behind her.
"You're... Dehya!?" The leader was quite surprised at first sight, but in an instant, a look of disdain reappeared: "So it's you, Dehya the Flame-Mane... No wonder we mercs haven't heard anything about you for so long. You sold your unruly mane to the highest bidder."
As mercenaries who valued freedom, they most despised colleagues who were long bound by families.
In their dictionary, such people were nothing more than mere guard dogs tied to a family's gate. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Dehya (Genshin Impact): "These guys actually dare to talk to me like that." ]
[ Dehya (Genshin Impact): "I'm going to go have a chat with them right now." ]
[ .....]
『 But these words infuriated Dunyarzad. She rushed forward, eager to defend Dehya to the Eremite leader:
"Don't speak so disrespectfully. My family started working with her as a gesture of gratitude for her past kindness to us... not..."
Before she could finish, Dehya had already dismissed it with a smile, gently reassuring Dunyarzad.
"Don't worry about it, my lady. Just some friendly banter between mercs. One punch and those rabid dogs will expose themselves for what they really are."
"Hmph, so much time has passed, aren't your claws all dull by now? Aren't they? Don't get too cocky!" the mercenary leader glared grimly at Dunyarzad and Dehya.
No sooner had he spoken than he sharply waved his hand, and more hidden mercenaries swarmed out from behind, surrounding them.
With this, the opponent's momentum suddenly surged.
Dehya glanced at the vast disparity in numbers between the two sides and quickly made a decision.
"Traveler, take Miss Dunyarzad to a safe location. I'll handle things here." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Why not let the Traveler go?" ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "Miss Dehya is probably afraid of a sneak attack; there are so many of them." ]
[ Dehya (Genshin Impact): "These Eremites will stop at nothing. If it's about protecting someone," ]
[ Dehya (Genshin Impact): "It's best to leave with the employer first and then make plans." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Understood." ]
[ .....]
『 Paimon still wanted to stay and help, but Lumine felt it was crucial to prioritize Dunyarzad's safety.
Given the Eremites' formation, Dehya's strength should be enough to handle them with ease.
This way, Lumine only needed to protect the delicate young lady.
Having made up her mind, Lumine took Dunyarzad's hand, preparing to withdraw.
Before leaving, Dunyarzad still worriedly urged Dehya to be extremely careful.
Dehya, however, nonchalantly stated that it was just part of her job and would be resolved quickly, after which she would rejoin them.
Not long after, Lumine led Dunyarzad to a safe area.
Dunyarzad was breathless from the long run, and Paimon quickly flew to her side, asking with concern, "Dunyarzad, are you alright? You look a bit out of breath; were you scared?"
That scene earlier had even Paimon, who had weathered countless storms (following Lumine), feeling a bit shaken, let alone Dunyarzad, who hadn't seen much of the world.
Dunyarzad, however, feigned strength and said, "I—I'm fine... My body always reacts like this whenever I exert myself too much..." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "Dunyarzad-san, you need to exercise more." ]
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "It's not good to be out of breath after such a short distance." ]
[ Utaha Kasumigaoka (Saekano): "Much worse than a certain little blonde's athletic ability." ]
[ Eriri Spencer Sawamura (Saekano): "???" ]
[ .....]
『 "You sure you're okay...?" Paimon still wanted to express more concern.
"Phew... I'll be fine after some rest," Dunyarzad took a deep breath and said self-reproachfully, "Actually, I'm more worried about Dehya... After all, none of this would've happened if I hadn't insisted on coming out today..." 』
『 .....』