Kirara had agreed to let everyone go to Sumeru together.
But she had one condition.
"You all have to stay far away and not let the client see you. There's no such thing as delivering a package with a whole group of people tagging along."
Everyone agreed and also promised not to use any private punishment.
Only then did Kirara feel relieved.
Kokomi also bid farewell to the group. "I hope that next time we meet, you can tell me the answer to this story's mystery."
Not far away, Itto was still extremely excited about the finals he had just watched.
"That match between the fox lady and the whatever shrine's whatever sea really got this great one's blood pumping. The sweat on my forehead was like boiling water."
Kuki Shinobu held her forehead. "Yes, yes, yes, Boss. The entire Ritou already knows how excited you are. Please stop with the metaphors."
[Itto is still so funny.]
[Language teachers are tearing up after reading this.]
Under Ei's arrangements, everyone enjoyed a grand meal.
It was Kirara's first time receiving such high-class treatment.
She was full of admiration for Lumine and Mu Yang.
After several experiences, Charlotte had finally gotten used to it.
She secretly made up her mind to build a good relationship with the great hero.
The next day, the group set off for Caravan Ribat.
The delivery address was right there.
"It's just a short distance further toward the desert. Not far."
Charlotte suggested bringing a guard along as a witness.
The two people beside her were a great hero who had fought Archons across nations and a tavern owner who sparred with the Raiden Shogun.
If things got out of hand and they didn't hold back…
In fact, she was overthinking it.
How could Mu Yang hurt someone for no reason?
At that moment, a familiar voice sounded.
"Long time no see. What brings you all to Caravan Ribat?"
The newcomer was the General Mahamatra, Cyno.
Mu Yang had met Cyno a few times in Mondstadt, but they weren't particularly close.
This was the downside of missing Sumeru's main storyline.
Kirara reminded everyone not to reveal information about her client.
"No need to worry. This is Sumeru's General Mahamatra Cyno, leader of all the Matra. He never shows mercy to criminal acts!"
[Kind! All evil shall be brought to justice.]
[But before that, how about a game of Genius Invokation TCG?]
[Hmph, I won't lose to you!]
Seeing Kirara's surprised expression, Charlotte said, "Haha… Miss Kirara, this is just a small scene. I've already gotten used to it after traveling with them…"
"Does Cyno have time later? Or are you participating in the Summoning King Grand Prix?"
Lumine asked this because she wanted him to act as a witness.
However, Cyno had a serious card addiction and would very likely participate in the Summoning King Grand Prix.
Cyno smirked. "Heh, competition? What competition?"
"The competition is already over. I have obtained the title of Summoning King!"
He then struck a very chuuni pose.
"At the critical moment, I played a forbidden move and drew…"
[The King, is that you?]
[Card Printing King.]
Because there were still several new friends present who weren't very familiar with him.
Seeing their expressions gradually twist.
Cyno stopped his chuuni behavior.
As Sumeru's General Mahamatra, he still needed to maintain some dignity in front of friends from other nations.
"Ahem… let's not talk about that. I'm free at the moment."
Mu Yang watched his performance from the side and wondered how this guy managed to keep a straight face.
Well, he could even calmly explain cold jokes.
What couldn't he do?
Some time later, the parched little Paimon finally explained the whole situation clearly.
Mu Yang timely handed her a bottle of water.
This was how a megaphone was used.
After sorting out the sequence of events, Cyno agreed to travel with the group.
"As Paimon said, my duty is to uphold the rules and judge evil."
With the General Mahamatra accompanying them on Sumeru's territory, that group of small thieves naturally wouldn't be able to cause any trouble.
But Kirara still insisted that when delivering the package, everyone hide far away first.
Although the client was suspicious now, it still wasn't enough to convict them.
Charlotte asked, "If we're too far away, we won't be able to hear your conversation. If Miss Kirara feels something is wrong, how will you let us know?"
Kirara turned around and shook her two tails.
"No need to worry about that. Just watch my tails and act accordingly."
Paimon rested her chin on her hand. "W-watch which one?"
"Of course both of them together! I'll find a way to make the client confirm the contents of the package."
Kirara shared her plan.
"If the other party is a normal client and the items inside aren't card backs, I'll lower both tails and you won't need to take action."
"If the other party really is the phantom thief, then I'll…"
Cyno suddenly interjected, "Lie down on the ground."
[???]
[Having a bad premonition.]
[Winter is coming. Everyone be careful.]
[Endless winter, cold wave incoming.]
Mu Yang, Lumine, and Paimon naturally wouldn't join in.
But even if they didn't ask, someone else would.
Charlotte, who wasn't familiar with Cyno, spoke up.
"Eh? Why?"
Cyno crossed his arms. "Didn't you say she's a youkai? It's hinting at us to [catch the weird one]."
[Cyno is currently absorbing Cryo energy.]
[Alright, now the General Mahamatra is going to be reported to the Steambird.]
[Even the BGM is going off track. As expected of the General Mahamatra.]
Charlotte looked at Mu Yang and the others who had already turned away.
She finally understood why they didn't join the conversation.
This pun was way too cold…
Kirara stepped forward to protest. "I don't want to do something so embarrassing! That's too weird."
Cyno decided to respect the girl's opinion.
After all, lying flat on the ground really didn't look good.
"Then you can use your tail to pat your own back."
"W-why again?" Charlotte refused to give up and asked once more.
The dignified General Mahamatra of Sumeru couldn't possibly tell the same cold pun joke twice!
Cyno spoke slowly, "It's very simple. [Pat back]. So it's… [card back]."
[It's over. I've started understanding it instantly.]
[Haha, it's been a long time since I saw Lumine make that kind of expression.]
[Nothing can stump him!]
[Double combo! Famous in one battle!]
Kirara couldn't take it anymore. "If we keep chatting like this, the delivery time will arrive."
"Listen to me. If the other party is the phantom thief, I'll make one tail high and one tail low. Then you can come and bring them to justice."
After saying that, Kirara turned and left.
Cyno asked again, unwilling to give up, "Really not going to lie down?"
Kirara turned back and used what was probably the loudest volume of her life.
She shouted at Cyno, "No——! Down——!"