After a long and fantastical dream, Lumine finally stirred awake.
With considerable effort, she pried open her heavy eyelids. The harsh light stung her still-hazy mind.
At that moment, a handsome face appeared before her.
"Yo, you're awake?" the man said. "The surgery was a success. You're a girl now."
!!!
Upon hearing these words, Lumine instinctively clamped her legs together, but she quickly remembered: Wasn't she already a girl?!
"Traveler!"
A noisy white sprite suddenly darted into Lumine's arms. Recognizing the familiar voice, Lumine immediately hugged her back.
"I'm so glad you're awake, Traveler!"
Hearing Paimon's tearful words, Lumine propped herself up on one hand, her thoughts gradually clearing.
She remembered following Collei into the house, then losing consciousness.
Had she been attacked?!
Lumine instinctively reached for her Dull Blade, but a second later, she realized that if she had truly been attacked, how could Paimon be unharmed?
It seemed there must be another explanation, but Lumine couldn't understand how her Archon-level, seemingly invincible strength could suddenly fail her.
"How are you feeling?" Collei asked, walking over with genuine concern.
Lumine shook her head slightly, indicating she was mostly fine. Then she looked at the young man with a puzzled expression. When she had been briefly conscious earlier, he had said something very strange.
"This is just a simple method to test the patient's brain recovery," the man explained.
Hearing this, Lumine fell into deep thought.
What kind of doctor uses such methods to assess brain recovery?!
Just then, Collei spoke up again.
"Let me formally introduce you. This is Dr. Edward, and this is my master, Forest Watcher Tighnari."
"My master manages all the Forest Watchers in Gandharva Ville and possesses an unparalleled wealth of knowledge about the jungle."
"And Dr. Edward here is the most skilled physician in all of Sumeru City!"
As Collei spoke, a hint of admiration flickered in her eyes.
Hearing Collei's introduction, Lumine re-examined the man before her. She had initially dismissed his explanation as a flimsy excuse, but now she wondered if this method might actually be effective.
"Hehehe, Collei is exaggerating. I only know a tiny bit about medicine." Dr. Edward gestured with his fingers, but to Lumine, it felt as if he were encompassing the entire universe.
"I'm not exaggerating at all, Dr. Edward! You're just being too humble."
"Collei's right," Tighnari added. "It's thanks to you that Collei's condition has improved so much. You're the only one in Sumeru who could achieve such a thing."
Hearing Tighnari's words, Lumine became even more convinced she had misjudged him. She immediately cast an apologetic glance at Dr. Edward, who responded with a gentle smile.
He seems like a really nice person, she thought.
Just then, Collei continued her introduction.
"Dr. Edward, Master, these are the Traveler and Paimon. They're travelers from another country."
"Travelers, huh..."
After hearing Collei's introduction, Tighnari stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"What bad timing, considering the current sensitive situation."
"I've already explained the general situation in Sumeru to the Traveler and Paimon," Collei replied, "but they insist on meeting Lesser Lord Kusanali."
"That's right," Paimon chimed in. "We have some questions we want to ask Lesser Lord Kusanali."
Seeing Lumine gradually regain her composure after Awakening, Paimon spoke up immediately after Tighnari's remark: "If you don't mind me asking, what exactly are you planning to discuss with Lesser Lord Kusanali?"
Faced with Tighnari's question, Paimon first glanced back at Lumine before turning back and replying, "It's not really a secret. We want to ask Lesser Lord Kusanali about the Traveler's older brother."
"Oh, and also the current location of a bandit!" Paimon added, her voice noticeably tinged with anger.
Despite his lingering curiosity, Tighnari didn't press further.
"I understand. Since you insist, I won't try to dissuade you."
"I'll take you to Sumeru City. As for whether you can meet Lesser Lord Kusanali, that will depend on your own efforts."
A smile spread across Lumine and Paimon's faces upon hearing Tighnari's words.
"Thank you so much, Mr. Tighnari!"
"Just call me Tighnari. No need for such formalities."
Tighnari's easygoing manner further endeared him to Lumine and Paimon.
"However, please wait two more days. I need to observe you further to prevent another fainting episode like before."
Lumine paused slightly at Tighnari's words, then remembered her previous unexplained fainting spell. She recalled catching a strange, unfamiliar scent just before losing consciousness.
"That was a special Sumerian incense used to calm the mind," Tighnari explained.
"I've already explained this to Paimon, but let me reiterate it for you as well."
"For most people, this incense has no effect. Only a small minority experience vivid visions under its influence."
"According to Dr. Edward, the root cause seems to be an unusually strong affinity for Dendro energy. This heightened sensitivity may have caused your consciousness to resonate with some unknown entity."
"Hmm."
Dr. Edward nodded in confirmation, then added, "It's as Tighnari said."
"It was the scent of the spices I was wearing that caused you to faint. This incident is my fault," Dr. Edward said, his voice tinged with guilt.
"No, no, that's not true at all!" Lumine and Paimon waved their hands frantically.
"After all, Dr. Edward couldn't have predicted the Traveler would faint from the spices," Paimon reasoned.
"Besides, Dr. Edward gave the Traveler medicine afterward. She woke up so quickly thanks to your efforts!"
Hearing Paimon's words, Lumine finally understood the situation and looked at Dr. Edward with even greater gratitude.
However, Dr. Edward remained steadfast. "No, this is my responsibility. I will compensate you," he insisted.
"Prescribing medicine doesn't count. That's simply my duty as a doctor, and the herbs were just common ones."
"How about this? I'll accompany you to Sumeru City and do my best to introduce you around."
The pair, who had been about to refuse, hesitated at this final offer.
"Dr. Edward is highly esteemed in Sumeru," Paimon explained. "If he puts in a good word, it might actually give you a chance to meet Lesser Lord Kusanali."
Tighnari's additional explanation completely convinced Lumine and Paimon to abandon their persistence.
"Then thank you very much, Dr. Edward!" Paimon exclaimed, her face beaming with gratitude.
"It's no problem, but the chances are slim," Dr. Edward cautioned. "The Akademiya seems deeply wary of anything related to Lesser Lord Kusanali. Even I might not be able to sway them. You should prepare yourselves for disappointment."
These words made Lumine and Paimon realize the gravity of the situation. It seemed meeting an Archon wouldn't be easy this time either.
Lumine sighed inwardly, wondering why these Archons always hid themselves away. If only there were an Archon who would just appear before me, she thought wistfully.
"I still have some matters to attend to," Dr. Edward continued. "This time will also allow me to observe your condition. Even though you've taken the medicine, it doesn't guarantee a full recovery. You might still experience fainting spells like before."
"It will take about two days. During that time..." Dr. Edward paused, turning to Tighnari. "There are several vacant rooms here. I can ask someone to tidy them up and make them available for you to stay."
Understanding Dr. Edward's meaning, Tighnari quickly added, "The living conditions here are a bit rough. I'm not sure if you'll be comfortable."
"Of course we'll be comfortable!" Paimon interjected eagerly. "The Traveler and I are used to roughing it. This place already feels like a luxury to us!"
"Is that so? Then I'm relieved," Tighnari nodded, continuing, "I'll show you to your quarters first. Collei, stay here so Dr. Edward can examine your condition."
"Understood, Master," Collei replied.
After hearing Collei's response, Tighnari turned to Dr. Edward. "Dr. Edward, thank you for your assistance once again."
"Heh, treating patients is my job. There's no need for thanks," Dr. Edward chuckled. "Besides, you've been gathering medicinal herbs for me as payment."
"Those cheap herbs can't possibly repay your efforts, Dr. Edward," Tighnari shook his head. "We'll always remember your kindness and repay you when we have the chance!"
"We'll see about that when the time comes," Dr. Edward replied, already rummaging through his medical bag.
Not wanting to disturb him while he treated Collei, Tighnari turned his attention to Lumine and Paimon.
"Come with me," Tighnari said.
Hearing his words, Lumine and Paimon quickly followed behind him.
However, shortly after leaving the house, Paimon's curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn't resist asking Tighnari:
"Tighnari, what illness does Collei have?"
"Could it be that strange infectious disease you mentioned earlier?"
"No, it's Eleazar."
Tighnari, showing no reluctance to explain, continued:
"Eleazar is a disease unique to Sumeru. Currently, there's no definitive cure, and those afflicted rarely live to adulthood."
Upon hearing this, shock registered on both Lumine and Paimon's faces.
"Don't worry," Tighnari reassured them. "Collei's Eleazar has already been suppressed, and with Dr. Edward's intervention, there are even signs of improvement."
At this point, Tighnari sighed in admiration.
"Dr. Edward's medical skills are truly remarkable. He's the only doctor in all of Sumeru who knows how to treat Eleazar."
"Moreover, he's the only one who defied the Akademiya's opposition to enter the Restricted Zone and treat patients."
"If not for Dr. Edward's many supporters and the fact that several people in the Akademiya have fallen ill themselves, he would likely already be in prison."
"Ah, but provoking the Akademiya's authority so repeatedly... he's bound to meet with an accident sooner or later."
As he spoke, Tighnari's eyes filled with deep worry.
"So Dr. Edward truly possesses such noble qualities!" Lumine and Paimon exclaimed, their eyes welling with tears. A vision of a divine physician, fearless in the face of authority and devoted to saving people, began to form in their minds.
Lumine felt a pang of guilt for having doubted Dr. Edward's words, suspecting he might have been deliberately teasing her. How could a man of such integrity stoop to such behavior?
"Traveler, let's protect Dr. Edward!" Paimon suddenly exclaimed, turning to Lumine.
After receiving Lumine's nod of agreement, Paimon puffed out her chest and declared confidently to Tighnari, "Don't worry, Tighnari! Dr. Edward's safety is in our hands!"
"Besides, this is a perfect way to repay him for introducing us!"
After hearing Paimon's words, a puzzled expression appeared on Tighnari's face.
"You don't have Visions, do you?"
"Hehe, the Traveler is the most special person in all of Teyvat! They can use Elemental Power without needing a Vision!"
As Paimon finished speaking, Lumine subtly demonstrated her abilities to Tighnari, proving Paimon's words.
Seeing that Lumine could indeed wield Elemental Power—and more than one element at that—Tighnari was inwardly stunned.
It took him a moment to regain his composure before addressing them.
"I never expected you to be so formidable. I was actually quite curious about how you managed to evade the monsters along the way and arrive safely in Sumeru."
"The Traveler is incredibly strong!" Paimon declared proudly upon seeing Tighnari's reaction. "We've faced all sorts of crises, but the Traveler has solved every single one!"
Now thoroughly intrigued, Tighnari turned to Paimon and asked, "Could you tell me about your previous adventures? I'm quite curious."
Paimon, of course, couldn't resist such a request. She enthusiastically recounted their grand adventures to Tighnari, vividly describing every epic moment.
After hearing Paimon's account, Tighnari felt much more relieved. Now, Dr. Edward's safety should be guaranteed.
"With you protecting Dr. Edward, I can finally relax. Otherwise, I'd be worried about him encountering some accident in the Restricted Zone."
"The Restricted Zone is where those infected with the strange disease live. Under normal circumstances, no one is allowed to enter or leave without the Akademiya's permission, to prevent the virus from spreading."
"Of course, you don't need to worry about the virus. You're not Sumerians, so you're immune."
"Still, I recommend you wear masks. It'll help you avoid drawing attention."
Lumine and Paimon nodded, but then Paimon thought of something and asked Tighnari,
"Tighnari, there's something I find strange."
"Why isn't Dr. Edward wearing a mask? Isn't he worried about getting infected?"
Tighnari chuckled at Paimon's question. "Dr. Edward doesn't need to worry about that."
"Because Dr. Edward is a Fontainian, after all."