Azhdaha Joins the Chat Group!
Kamisato Estate
The atmosphere—just beginning to ease—froze solid again the moment Ayaka dropped that line.
And this time, it was even more unsettling than before.
Lumine and Paimon both stiffened.
Facing Ayaka's yandere stare, locked firmly onto them, the two subconsciously swallowed.
"A-Ayaka… y-you're joking, right?"
"Like last time in Mondstadt…?"
Lumine forced a smile.
If it was just a joke, fine.
But if it wasn't—
This wasn't Mondstadt anymore.
Back then, if things went south, she could run.
Worst case, she could shout for Venti.
But now?
This was enemy territory.
Without a teleport waypoint, going back to Liyue would be a nightmare…
"A joke?"
Ayaka raised an eyebrow, then gently shook her head.
"No, no, no~"
"That was just a trick to lower your guard~"
"If I didn't do that, how would you ever trust me?"
"I thought I'd need to work quite hard to lure you to Inazuma~"
"But who would've guessed you'd walk right into my hands?"
She smiled sweetly.
"Now that you're in the Kamisato Estate—"
"With my brother and me here—"
"You're not going anywhere~"
Ayato was initially surprised.
But after catching his sister's hint, he immediately understood.
Suppressing a laugh, he decided to play along.
"That's right."
"You should obediently stay in Inazuma with Ayaka~"
"Ahem—no matter how loud you scream, no one will come save you."
Thoma was completely stunned.
What… was happening?
Weren't they hosting guests?
Didn't they just eat and laugh together?
How did it suddenly turn into a hostage situation?
And the Traveler was his benefactor in a past future!
So… what was he supposed to do here?
Thoma fell into deep internal conflict.
Meanwhile, Lumine and Paimon were utterly dumbfounded.
So the earlier kindness was fake?
All part of an elaborate setup?
Real or not—why them?!
What did they do to deserve such a grand scheme?!
As the situation spiraled, Lumine abandoned regret and tensed up.
If these two really made a move—
She would not go down without a fight.
At that moment, Paimon finally snapped out of her shock.
Overwhelmed by fear, she shouted instinctively—
"Help!"
"Help!"
"Help!"
"..."
Ayaka: (⊙⊙)
Ayato: (⊙⊙)
Thoma: (⊙⊙)
Lumine: (⊙⊙)
The tension shattered instantly.
Ayaka couldn't hold it anymore and burst out laughing.
Seeing that, Ayato dropped his act as well.
He sighed helplessly, glanced at his sister, then turned apologetically to Lumine and Paimon.
"My apologies, you two."
"That was… ahem, that was a Kamisato family tradition for welcoming honored guests."
"I'm terribly sorry for frightening you."
Lumine: "..."
Paimon: "..."
Tradition?
Yeah right.
Do you take us for idiots?!
What kind of insane tradition is this?
They'd clearly been played—again!
Both shot Ayaka a dark, lingering look.
Feeling that gaze, Ayaka grew a bit embarrassed.
She hadn't planned to go this far.
But after seeing the chat mention it, she got curious and decided to test it.
Looks like she really scared her two friends.
"I'm sorry!"
"To make it up to you, I'll cover all your expenses while you're in Inazuma."
"And I'll also grant you one reasonable request."
She clasped her hands together and blinked earnestly.
Lumine and Paimon had been feeling resentful—
But upon hearing that, their spirits shot straight up!
All expenses covered?
Plus one request?
Hiss—
That's a massive win!
Last time, getting scared earned them access to a teleport gate.
This time, they got this?!
If every scare came with rewards like this—
They were totally fine with it!
"Ahaha, Ayaka, you're too polite~ We didn't take it to heart at all, right Paimon?"
"Y-Yeah! If it's a Kamisato family tradition, then of course we respect it!"
Their attitude flipped instantly.
Ayaka and Ayato stared, stunned.
…Impressive.
Only Thoma frowned so hard his brows formed a giant 川.
For someone usually sharp, he was completely lost.
Transcendent Chat Group
Furina:
Huh? Why hasn't the Executor said anything in so long?
Yae Miko:
Ara~ did little Ayaka really lock her up? (doge.jpg)
Ayaka:
You're all joking. The Traveler is a guest—how could we treat her like that?
Lumine:
Ahem—yes! That's exactly right!
Alice:
If things turn dangerous, make sure to tell us~
Paimon:
You'll come rescue us?!
Alice:
Nope! I'll have Ayaka livestream it in the chat! (evil grin.jpg)
Lumine:
...
Paimon:
...
Ei:
So the Traveler and Paimon are in Inazuma? If you have time, come visit Tenshukaku.
I heard you like food—I'll cook for you personally. My skills have improved lately. (confident.jpg)
Yae Miko:
Ei cooking personally? You're in for a treat~ Right, General Kujou?
Kujou Sara:
Ahem—yes! Her Excellency's cuisine is… unforgettable!
Paimon:
Really?! Then we'll come tomorrow!
Lumine:
Thank you for the invitation!
Ei:
You're welcome~ (smile.jpg)
Once again, the chat couldn't help but marvel.
Mondstadt.
Liyue.
Inazuma.
Wherever the Traveler went, top figures hosted banquets.
Fontaine would be no different.
Only Sumeru was… special.
Otherwise, the Little Archon would probably accompany them herself.
After the admiration faded, conversation drifted back to yesterday's chaos.
Ningguang:
Jean, how are things in Mondstadt?
Jean:
Thank you for your concern. The citizens have mostly calmed down.
Barbara:
Though they still keep talking about wanting to see Lord Barbatos' cat—ah—other side!
Charlotte:
Speaking of the Anemo Archon, where is he? I wanted to interview him, but he hasn't appeared at all.
Lumine:
You're right… and Dvalin hasn't shown up either.
Paimon:
Where did they go?
Hu Tao:
You might not believe it… but they're at my place.
Hu Tao:
(photo.jpg)
Jean:
???
Barbara:
???
Alice:
???
Keqing:
???
Everyone froze.
What?!
Venti and Dvalin… went to Liyue?!
Wangsheng Funeral Parlor
Inside the hall stood three people and one dragon.
Hu Tao.
Zhongli.
Venti—recently sober and fully recovered.
And Dvalin, now in a child-sized form.
Venti and Dvalin stared at each other.
Zhongli rubbed his temples in resignation.
Hu Tao lowered her gaze from the chat and crossed her arms.
"Alright, I get it."
"So the Anemo Archon and his dragon are staying here for a while, yeah?"
"Yes."
"With their identities exposed, Mondstadt is… inconvenient."
"I hope Director Hu can accommodate them temporarily."
Zhongli sighed.
He truly hadn't expected them to come to him.
But now that they were here—
He had no choice but to host them.
Venti immediately chimed in.
"We'll pay for lodging and food!"
"And we won't stay long!"
Hu Tao waved dismissively.
"Aiya, no need to be polite."
"But if you help me with one thing—"
"Help?"
"Eh-heh, of course!"
"Deal!"
Hu Tao jumped excitedly.
Yesterday she was still thinking of having Zhongli introduce the Anemo Archon for endorsements—
And now he'd moved in?!
Business was booming!
Venti was thrilled too.
Free lodging, free food—
And drinking with an old friend!
Perfect.
Only downside…
Yesterday.
Now sober, he remembered everything.
Being tricked by Dvalin.
Turning into a catgirl.
Livestreamed across all of Teyvat.
Even for someone as shameless as him—
That hurt.
He shot Dvalin an annoyed glare.
Dvalin blinked innocently.
As long as you don't prank me back—stare all you want.
Eh-heh~
Transcendent Chat Group
Hu Tao:
Announcement! The Anemo Archon and his dragon will be staying at my place for a few days~
Venti:
Eh-heh, just call me Venti.
Dvalin:
Same here~
Jean:
L-Lord Barbatos… this is…
Venti:
Ahem, just clearing my head. Catching up with an old friend.
Jean:
Understood. Please contact me if you need anything.
Ningguang:
Welcome to Liyue. Should you require assistance, do not hesitate.
Venti:
Eh-heh, thanks~
Zhongli:
But no stealing dogs—and absolutely no reckless drinking!
Venti:
...
So it was confirmed—
The Anemo Archon had fled to Liyue.
Truly, only Venti could pull that off.
Then someone brought up yesterday again.
Lumine:
So when did you wake up? How was that enhanced vodka? (evil grin.jpg)
Venti:
Amazing! Strong and delicious!
Just a bit too strong—only sobered up recently.
He smacked his lips, savoring the memory.
Next time, he'd drink it alone.
Otherwise… who knew what chaos would happen again?
Thinking of alcohol reminded him—
Today was a new day.
He pulled out the Strange Wine Gourd.
Zhongli, Dvalin, and Hu Tao watched curiously.
"Time to use today's roll!"
The gourd grew heavy.
Golden text appeared.
[Chewed Rice Wine]
A unique brew from another world.
Made by chewing rice and spitting it into a container to ferment.
Venti's expression went… complicated.
So… saliva wine?
That's… real?!
He stared at the gourd in silence, then looked at the others.
"Uh… anyone want to try?"
They immediately looked away.
Ceiling.
Tea.
Blank stares.
No one spoke.
Who'd drink that?!
Venti rolled his eyes.
Then glanced at the chat.
Venti:
Eh-heh~ I rolled a new wine today—Chewed Rice Wine! Anyone interested? Free!
Everyone's attention snapped over.
Xiangling:
Chewed rice wine? Another world's drink?
Kaeya:
That name sounds… suspicious.
Alice:
Heh~ your guess is correct. It's made by chewing rice and spitting it out to ferment.
Barbara:
???
Xiangling:
???
Ayaka:
???
Shock everywhere.
Lumine:
You thick-browed bard—were you hiding this on purpose?!
Paimon:
Speak! Was that intentional or an accident?!
Venti:
Eh-heh~ it's still another world's wine! Want to try?
Xiangling:
Ahem… I'll pass.
Kaeya:
I'm out.
Navia:
Just passing through…
Venti:
...
Not even free alcohol worked.
What a tragedy.
He hesitated.
What if it tasted amazing?
Wouldn't that be a waste?
Then—
His eyes drifted toward Dvalin.
An idea formed.
Elsewhere—
Diona's eyes lit up.
People rejecting alcohol?
Interesting.
Chewed rice wine… worth testing.
She didn't want to chew it herself though.
Easy.
She'd use the cats in her tavern.
Time for them to earn their keep.
Alice:
By the way—Neuvillette also has a strange water cup, right? What did you get today?
Neuvillette:
Water of Forgetfulness.
Neuvillette:
Drinking it erases all memories related to love.
Neuvillette:
Anyone need it?
Everyone:
...
No one responded.
Men didn't care.
And the women?
Most hadn't even fallen in love yet.
As usual—
The Hydro Dragon's luck remained… abstract.
Neuvillette sighed quietly.
At least it was better than last time.
As the banter faded, attention returned to the main topic.
Just as people prepared to discuss today's commentary target—
A system message exploded across the chat.
[Azhdaha has joined the Transcendent Chat Group!]
The group erupted.
One of today's main characters—
had arrived.
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