Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon were at their home in Mondstadt. Lumine sat on the couch, tears slipping down like broken pearls, streaming freely—she was almost cried dry.
Noelle sat to her left, eyes full of concern. Barbara, seated to her right, watched the heartbroken girl with a gentle gaze.
Noelle carefully opened a delicate meal box, the aroma of estate-baked muffins wafting out invitingly.
She spoke softly, "Honorary Knight, I made estate-baked muffins just for you. Please, try a bite."
But Lumine, eyes red and swollen, simply looked at Noelle and weakly shook her head, her voice hoarse as she replied, "I'm not hungry… I really don't want to eat."
Barbara's heart ached as she looked at Lumine's worn-out appearance.
She gently stroked Lumine's hand, speaking softly, "Maybe I can sing you a song, let the melody carry away your sorrow."
Yet Lumine only shook her head again, continuing to sob quietly. No words of comfort could ease the pain in her heart now.
On the other side, Mona fiddled anxiously with the Hydro Scryglass, attempting to divine what was happening at the Lawrence family estate, hoping to cheer Lumine up.
But no matter how she tried, the reflection of the starry sky in the basin remained blank, refusing to reveal the answer she sought.
She was so frustrated she nearly tore her hair out, muttering in agitation.
"What's wrong with this stupid basin? Why can't I get a reading?!"
Amid the tense atmosphere, Diona quietly emerged from the kitchen, carrying a carefully crafted non-alcoholic cocktail.
Smiling, she walked over to Lumine and spoke in a gentle whisper, "Lumine, try this special drink I made. Maybe it'll calm your mind a bit."
But Lumine seemed lost in her grief. She covered her face, and tears trickled through her fingers.
Seeing this, her friends gathered around her, silently keeping her company.
Just then, the front door was flung open, and Bennett rushed in, gasping for breath.
Excitement lit up his face as he shouted, "Lumine! Good news! Captain Jean brought Paimon back!"
The moment Lumine heard that Paimon had returned, she stood up without hesitation and dashed toward the door.
Under the night sky, she immediately recognized the figure of Captain Jean walking from afar—and what made her heart race was the tiny, familiar figure floating beside her—Paimon!
Driven by a surge of emotion, Lumine sprinted toward Paimon, her voice echoing through the night with joy and excitement.
"Paimon!"
Paimon also spotted Lumine running toward her and flew toward her excitedly.
"Lumine!"
Under the night sky, the two embraced tightly. Lumine held Paimon close, overwhelmed by a surge of relief and gratitude too deep for words.
She immediately began checking Paimon over in detail, afraid she might miss even the slightest injury, and asked in a soft voice, "Paimon, are you hurt anywhere?"
Paimon gently shook her head, though her voice trembled slightly.
"No… just a little scared."
Hearing her response, Lumine finally felt a measure of relief.
She softly patted Paimon's head, comforting her with a warm voice.
"That's all that matters. I'm just glad you're okay."
Then Lumine stood up, her eyes scanning Jean and the others behind her, full of gratitude.
"Thank you all so much. You've worked hard. By the way… where's Shao Yun now?"
Captain Jean shook her head and explained helplessly, "He told us to bring Paimon back first. He's probably still at the Lawrence estate… dealing with his own 'matters'."
Lumine gently patted Paimon's head, then raised her head and once again thanked Jean and the others.
"Truly, thank you all for your help. I'm going to find Shao Yun now."
Paimon wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, a resolute expression appearing on her small face.
"Lumine, I want to go with you. Let's find Shao Yun together!"
Captain Jean looked at the two of them, clearly revitalized, and said softly, "Shao Yun may still be at the Lawrence estate, but… I'm worried that if you go, you might see something…"
Jean didn't know that Shao Yun had offered up the Lawrence family members to a demon. She thought he might be using terrifying methods to torture them.
Then again, a blood-drawn inverted pentagram, extracted organs, and Schubert Lawrence hanging upside down on the wall aren't exactly easy to stomach.
"I'll go with you. I'm worried…"
Lumine waved her hand with a smile.
"Captain Jean, we appreciate your concern, but this time, Paimon and I will go alone. We've already received so much help today—thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Hearing this, Jean felt a pang of guilt. She lowered her head and apologized in a soft voice.
"I'm truly sorry. It was my negligence in the estate's security that gave the Lawrence family an opening…"
Before she could finish, Lumine stepped forward and embraced her tightly.
Wrapped in Lumine's warm hug, she heard her comforting words.
"Captain Jean, don't blame yourself too much. It's easy to defend against open attacks, but not hidden ones. I've never blamed you. You've always been good to us—how could I ever be angry at you? If anyone deserves blame, it's the ones who kidnapped Paimon."
Captain Jean was overwhelmed by a mix of guilt and gratitude as she felt Lumine's warmth and acceptance.
"Honorary Knight…"
...
Lumine and Paimon arrived at the Lawrence estate gates. The once-grand mansion now seemed lifeless and bleak.
Lumine stared at the villa deep in the estate, took a deep breath, and called out, "Shao Yun! Are you there? If you are, please answer me!"
But no sound came from within. Only the night wind gently swept by, carrying her voice away.
Seeing this, Paimon furrowed her brow and asked worriedly, "Lumine, could Shao Yun have already left and gone back home?"
Just as Lumine was about to answer, the sudden cawing of crows shattered the night's silence.
A flock of crows burst from the Lawrence villa, circling in the sky in a strange formation.
Then, as if guided by some mysterious force, they flew straight toward the northeast of Mondstadt.
"These crows… they seem to be leading us," Lumine said, pointing to the sky.
Without another word, she took off running in the direction of the crows.
Paimon rushed to follow, shouting, "Lumine, wait for me!"
Their figures gradually disappeared into the night. They crossed the glowing lights of Mondstadt, traversed the ancient bridge, passed through the Whispering Woods, and beyond Starfell Lake.
Following the crows, they finally arrived at the beach where they had first met Shao Yun.
...
Under the pitch-black sky, Shao Yun's lone silhouette was illuminated by the foam of crashing waves.
He sat quietly by the shore, a cigar at the corner of his mouth releasing thin wisps of smoke, blending with the starlight above into a deep and mesmerizing scene.
In his hands was Hosea Matthews' Lancaster Repeater. The blued steel barrel gleamed under the moonlight, and the contrast between the brass frame and the blackened hammer spoke of unmatched power and solemnity.
Shao Yun stared down at the weapon, gently brushing the intricate engravings—each line a thread of memory and emotion.
He took one last deep drag from the cigar, snuffed it out, and spoke: "System, talk with me."
The system interface slowly materialized before him, waiting silently for his question.
Shao Yun pondered a moment before speaking.
"In my memory, I'm going to clash with Dainsleif—and also encounter Lumine's brother. I was thinking… what if I kill the Abyss Herald accompanying him, then capture her brother and bargain with the devil? Secure our safety, end this journey—what do you think?"
The system responded:
[Keep going forward, sir. Keep going forward... But remember: do not rush.]
Perhaps the system meant: don't stop. Even if you go slowly, don't halt completely. But don't be too hasty either—take too big a step and you'll tear something.
Shao Yun gave a helpless laugh.
"You're just like that mysterious blind prophet… Fine. Let's change the subject."
No matter what he said next, the system no longer responded.
"Cheh, not talking to me? Like I care about talking to you!"
He turned his gaze back toward the ocean. The moonlight painted silver waves, weaving a gauzy sheen over the water's surface.
A salty sea breeze brushed his cheeks, bringing a touch of coolness.
Suddenly, sharp cawing pierced the night silence. He looked up slightly, eyes following the sound, spotting a swarm of crows sweeping past like a black cloud before vanishing into the sky.
Frowning, he muttered, 'Crows… What's going on?'
Just as Shao Yun fell into thought, a familiar voice called out.
"Shao Yun!"
He turned quickly to see Lumine and Paimon running toward him, their faces filled with worry and exhaustion.
He stowed away the Lancaster Repeater and waved with a smile.
"Lumine! Paimon!"
Seeing Shao Yun safe and sound, Lumine felt most of her worries melt away.
She rushed forward and hugged him tightly, a trace of joy slipping into her voice.
"I'm so glad you're okay. I thought… I thought once I found Paimon, I'd never see you again."
Shao Yun gently stroked her back, speaking softly, "Don't worry. I just came here to clear my head. I was thinking about heading to Falcon Coast, but this place felt quieter, more fitting."
Afterward, the three of them sat side by side on the soft beach, quietly watching the sea under the night sky.
Moonlight shimmered across the water like a peaceful painting.
Lumine picked up a small stone and gently tossed it into the waves, sending ripples across the surface.
She then spoke softly, "The Weinlesefest is over. I think it's time for us to head to Inazuma."
Shao Yun picked up a stone as well and flung it out with force.
"Lumine, are you really sure? I think we should stay in Mondstadt a few more days. Get some proper rest—after all…"
Dainsleif's story hasn't even begun yet, and her big brother hasn't shown up. Leaving now might be a bit premature.
Lumine glanced at Paimon beside her, realizing he had a point.
"You're right. We should rest for a few days, then head to Liyue… and later consider how to reach Inazuma."
Shao Yun breathed a quiet sigh of relief when Lumine agreed.
He turned to Paimon and apologized.
"Paimon, I don't know how to face you… but I still want to say, I'm sorry for what you went through."
He then recounted the incident at Falcon Coast involving the Lawrence family.
"I just wanted you both to enjoy the festival without worries. I never expected the Lawrence family's ambition to be so vast. I underestimated them… and they underestimated me. I thought I could nip it in the bud, but…"
Paimon flew over and hugged him tightly, comforting him.
"Thank you, Shao Yun, for saving me. It's not your fault. You meant well… no one expected the Lawrence family to be that bold. So please… don't blame yourself anymore."
Shao Yun gently patted her head, then playfully pinched her cheek.
"Thanks, Paimon. After this, I think you both need stronger means to protect yourselves. So—I've decided to teach you how to use guns!"
Lumine was startled.
"Guns? But…"
Shao Yun met her gaze and nodded. This wasn't up for debate.
"Yes, Lumine. I'll find weapons suited to you both and personally teach you how to use them. You must learn more survival skills."
They were headed to Inazuma—a place far different from novice-friendly Mondstadt or their hometown Liyue.
Mondstadt's drunkards were unreliable at worst.
Liyue's retired old men just listened to opera and played with birds.
Better that than a complacent country girl where the Fatui were already nesting in the government. Without preparation, something could go terribly wrong.
Lumine frowned slightly at the thought of using guns, muttering under her breath, "Can you really find firearms suitable for us? Does Fontaine even have anything like what you carry?"
Shao Yun saw her doubt and smiled confidently, patiently explaining.
"You don't have to worry. I'll figure it out. I'll even prepare a holster for you, to make carrying it easier. You don't have to use it often—but when it's life or death, it'll be your last line of defense."
Seeing how firm he was, Lumine no longer objected. She nodded slightly and said softly, "You're right. It never hurts to learn another skill—it's another hope of survival."
Paimon blinked her large eyes curiously, a little worried.
"Shao Yun, I have to learn too? Are there really guns that would suit me?"
Shao Yun gently ruffled her hair and replied warmly.
"I'll do my best to find one for you. And if I do, you'll have to learn to use it. One more way to protect yourself—it's not a bad thing."
Though still a little nervous, Paimon nodded.
"Alright… I'll try my best when the time comes."