Makoto: "We Need a Plan… or Ei Will Definitely Kill Us."
Luo Li pulled his thoughts back from the long chain of memories.
After Oz finished recounting the entire incident, he shifted his gaze to Fischl.
The girl sat upright in a chair, hands placed neatly on her lap, looking like she was awaiting judgment from some divine tribunal.
Because Luo Li had been distracted by the mention of the blonde "traveler," he honestly didn't feel like scolding her anymore.
But completely letting her off would be impossible.
After a moment of contemplation, he delivered his verdict:
"Tomorrow—triple the usual training."
Short, clear, ruthless.
Fischl's face collapsed instantly.
She regretted everything.
If she had known it would come to this, she absolutely wouldn't have shown off her scouting skills so ostentatiously yesterday.
Thankfully, the punishment was still within a survivable range.
Had it been harsher, she might have had to cling to her teacher's leg and cry for mercy.
With that, the matter was barely closed.
Fischl shot Oz a murderous glare.
It was the first time she had ever displayed open resentment toward her loyal familiar, her eyes clearly saying:
"You're dead to me."
Right then, soft footsteps drifted from the stairs.
Fischl raised her head, immediately softening when she saw Makoto descending, fully dressed and well-rested.
"Good morning, Lady Makoto."
In front of her teacher's wife, Fischl could never bring herself to act chūnibyō.
It felt like meeting a natural enemy one who effortlessly crushed her theatrics by mere presence.
As for calling Makoto "big sister" that had happened by accident once.
After that, it simply stuck.
Makoto smiled warmly.
She had grown fond of this eccentric little girl.
If she ever had a daughter, she hoped the child would be just as lively—never dull.
Soon the two began chatting privately again.
Fischl adored this gentle, wise "big sister," even more than Lisa.
While talking, Fischl suddenly remembered something important.
"Oh right! Lady Makoto, please be careful these days. The Adventurers' Guild reports sightings of a Wind Dragon outside Mondstadt. It's dangerous to go out!"
Makoto laughed lightly.
"Alright. I'll listen to you."
Being fussed over by people who didn't know her true identity…
It felt strangely heartwarming.
Besides, Makoto rarely left the city anyway.
Her routine consisted of: staying home, visiting the library, stopping by the cathedral, or wandering Windrise.
Leaving Mondstadt wasn't part of her habits except during the three months each year she and Luo Li traveled abroad.
Over the years, the pair had visited Sumeru, Fontaine, Natlan, and even across nearly every nation.
Satisfied with Makoto's response, Fischl puffed her chest out proudly.
"I wanted to take the tracking commission myself, but Oz refuses to accompany me!"
Oz let out a weary sigh.
"Miss, please don't order me to spy on the Stormterror. With my size, I would barely qualify as a toothpick."
"Hmph! As the familiar of the Prinzessin der Verurteilung, offering your eyesight and if necessary, your life should be only natural!"
Fischl's chūnibyō mode reignited in full force.
Oz looked desperately at Luo Li, silently begging to be saved.
If the little lady truly commanded him to scout Stormterror… he would return as bird soup.
To his horror, Luo Li didn't refuse.
After thinking for a moment, he nodded.
"Oz, you two may take the commission.
Once you locate the Wind Dragon, inform me."
Oz froze.
Executed yesterday, exploited today.
Thankfully, Luo Li added:
"Don't worry. I'll give you something. Even if Stormterror sees you, it won't harm you."
He took out a glowing lyre and handed it to Oz.
"That is… the Harp of Heaven?
Isn't it one of the sacred relics kept in the cathedral?"
"Just a replica," Luo Li said calmly.
He was lying through his teeth.
The lyre was genuine and a personal gift from Barbatos himself, offered out of old friendship.
Luo Li had originally hoped Stormterror would escape corruption in this altered timeline.
But fate had a stubborn inertia.
Just like how five of the Seven had been replaced over the centuries—only the Geo and Anemo Archons remained yet the cycle repeated regardless.
Fate's patterns were truly strange.
Oz accepted the lyre with utmost seriousness.
Regardless of its origin, the power within it was undeniable.
"So… I'm not being sent to die after all."
He sighed in genuine relief.
He respected Luo Li and Makoto deeply not merely for their overwhelming presence and wisdom, but because his instincts screamed that these two were no ordinary mortals.
Hearing Luo Li's final instructions, Fischl practically vibrated with excitement.
A dangerous target no one could approach?
A mission that would bring her glory?
How could she possibly resist?!
Before anyone could stop her, she dashed out of the house
as if she had come only to say good morning and run off.
Makoto watched her disappear and sighed helplessly, joining Luo Li at the stove.
Seeing breakfast nearly ready, she lowered her voice.
"Giving Oz that item… aren't you afraid someone will notice?"
"It doesn't matter. The reflection of destiny has already appeared in the stars.
The gears of this world have begun to turn."
Makoto pondered the meaning of those words.
"So… our peaceful life is coming to an end?"
"Something like that."
"…I see."
Truth be told, she wasn't eager for their quiet days to end.
At first, she felt guilty about hiding her survival and her relationship with Luo Li from Ei.
But after years passed, she… adjusted.
After all, they had already been gone for five centuries.
What mattered were the moments they had now.
Still When she thought of her little sister…
Ei had spent five hundred years alone.
Ruling a nation.
Sitting in the cold Tenshukaku.
Facing endless paperwork.
Bearing every burden Makoto had once carried.
Meanwhile, Makoto had been traveling the world with Luo Li…
Living carefree, romantic days…
Completely immersed in their two-person paradise.
Just imagining Ei's reaction made Makoto's scalp tingle.
Any normal person would explode on the spot.
Therefore Makoto sighed deeply.
"…We need to plan ahead," she muttered.
"When we eventually return to Inazuma… how exactly do we calm Ei down?"