Ningguang was utterly confused by Bai Wen's confession.
What kind of trouble could a secretary possibly cause that would panic the entire city of Liyue?
Seeing Bai Wen standing there ready to accept punishment, Ningguang asked calmly, "What trouble? Weren't you just outside on the Jade Chamber's terrace?"
Keqing was equally curious. She couldn't imagine how playing on the terrace could lead to a city-wide crisis.
"It's this cloud-making machine," Bai Wen said, handing the device over with an embarrassed grimace.
"I was playing with it on the terrace. It lets you sculpt clouds. But... the clouds I was molding on the screen were actually the real clouds in Liyue's sky."
"I got so absorbed in making a cloud person on the screen that I didn't look outside. When I finally finished and looked up... there was a colossal Cloud Giant floating right next to the Jade Chamber. It was big enough for the whole harbor to see."
"I only realized because the Millelith sent a paper crane up. I panicked and destroyed the cloud immediately."
Bai Wen hung her head. "I just wanted to make a cute little doll. I didn't think it would turn into a titan."
Ningguang: "..."
Keqing: "..."
Ningguang rubbed her temples.
So, Bai Wen played with a toy, accidentally summoned a kaiju-sized cloud construct over the city, terrified the population, and only stopped because the Millelith frantically messaged her.
"So," Ningguang said slowly, "you're saying this device directly manipulates the physical clouds around the Jade Chamber based on what you do on the screen?"
"Yes," Bai Wen nodded rapidly like a chicken pecking rice.
"Let's go outside. I want to see this," Ningguang said, her interest piqued.
She had dismissed the machine as a useless toy when Bai Wen pulled it. Now, it seemed she had underestimated the Jar Shop once again.
Nothing from that shop was ever truly "useless." Even a toy could have terrifying effects if used on a large enough scale.
"Ah? You want to try it, Lady Ningguang?" Bai Wen blinked, surprised she wasn't being scolded further.
"Yes. Now."
The group moved to the expansive terrace of the Jade Chamber.
Under Ningguang's instruction, Bai Wen activated the machine again. Ningguang and Keqing watched intently.
Bai Wen grabbed a cluster of virtual clouds on the screen and mashed them into a large ball.
Outside, the scattered clouds in the sky suddenly surged together as if pulled by an invisible gravity. Within seconds, they coalesced into a massive, perfectly spherical cloud hovering over the harbor.
On the screen, it was thumb-sized. In reality, it was a floating mountain.
Down in Liyue Harbor:
"Holy crap! It's happening again!"
"What is that thing? A snowball? Is it going to fall?"
"First a giant, now a meteor? If that drops, we're doomed!"
"I'm panicking! Run!"
The citizens, who had just started to relax, stared up in horror as the sky warped once more. If the first time was a freak coincidence, this second time confirmed it was unnatural.
At Yujing Terrace, Madame Ping looked up at the sky, frowning. "What is that child Ningguang doing up there?"
Back on the Jade Chamber:
"Incredible," Ningguang murmured.
The scale of influence was staggering.
Just then, another paper crane flew up, landing directly in Ningguang's hand this time. The Millelith had bypassed the secretaries and gone straight to the top.
Report: The cloud anomaly has returned. Panic is spreading. Please advise.
"Alright, disperse it," Ningguang ordered.
Bai Wen tapped the screen, and the massive cloud ball disintegrated instantly, scattering back into harmless wisps.
Down in the Harbor:
"It's gone again?"
"What is going on today? My heart can't take this."
"Someone explain this to me!"
The Millelith on patrol looked just as confused as the civilians.
"Hey... do you think Lady Ningguang is doing this?" someone whispered. "The Jade Chamber is right there. There's no way she doesn't know about it."
"Yeah! Maybe she's testing a new weapon or magic?"
"That makes sense!"
The theory spread quickly, calming the crowd somewhat. If it was the Tianquan, at least it wasn't a monster.
On the Jade Chamber:
Keqing stared at the machine, her eyes narrowing in calculation.
"This machine controls the clouds," she said. "We can shape them into anything. That means... we can shape them into words."
"We can use this to broadcast announcements to the entire city instantly. No need for posters or bulletin boards. Just write it in the sky."
Keqing's mind raced with possibilities. Emergency alerts, festival notifications, new laws... the sky was now a billboard.
"Agreed," Ningguang nodded. "It's not just a toy. It's a mass communication tool."
...
Meanwhile, on the streets below.
Beidou withdrew her gaze from the sky. "Whatever that was, it's definitely Ningguang's doing. We'll see if there's an official announcement later."
She shook her head. "Right now, the priority is the Jar Shop."
"Mhm." Xiangling nodded and continued leading the way.
As they walked, they passed excited crowds discussing the cloud phenomenon.
"We're here."
They arrived at the unassuming storefront. Two Millelith guards, Doyle and Wenqi, were stationed outside.
When they saw Beidou, their eyes widened, and they snapped to attention.
"Captain Beidou!"
Beidou's reputation in Liyue rivaled Ningguang's, especially among the martial-minded Millelith.
"Oh, it's you two," Beidou chuckled. "Doyle and Wenqi, right? If I recall correctly. Ningguang must really care about this place to post you here."
"I can't believe Captain Beidou remembers our names!" The two guards beamed with pride.
"I'm here to open some jars," Beidou smiled, stepping past them and into the shop.
She scanned the interior.
It was simple. Ordinary. A counter, a table, some shelves with jars, and a staircase leading up.
And behind the counter stood a young man.
Xiangling had mentioned he was young and handsome, but seeing him in person was different. He had a calm, unbothered air about him.
Felix looked up as the group entered.
Beidou.
He raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected the Captain of the Crux to show up. She rarely spent time in the harbor itself.
"Hello, Shopkeeper."
Beidou strode forward, extending her hand with a hearty grin.
"I'm Beidou. You've heard of the Crux Fleet, right? If you ever get tired of this shop and want some adventure, come with me. I'll look out for you!"
Felix: "..."
Straight to recruitment? As expected of Beidou.
He shook her hand, smiling politely. "Hello, Captain Beidou. I'm Felix. And while the offer is tempting, I prefer selling jars to sailing the high seas."
"Hahaha!" Beidou laughed loudly, slapping the counter. "Just a joke! I'm here for the jars. I heard this place is miraculous, so I had to see for myself."
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