Lumine: "…She's just a massive chuunibyou."
Makoto's worries aside, Luo Li's thoughts were far simpler.
Enjoy today first.
Anything troublesome could be tomorrow's problem.
After finishing breakfast, he felt a soft pair of arms slip around his waist from behind.
Makoto rested her cheek against his shoulder, her voice warm and lilting.
"I'll be going out of Mondstadt for a bit," Luo Li said. "Stay safe at home."
Makoto rose slightly on her toes, gently nipping his ear before humming a soft reply.
"Who do you think I am? I may have weaker combat strength among the Archons, but I am still a former god. Hardly a frail mortal who can't protect herself."
"…That's true."
Weak by divine standards was still overwhelmingly strong by mortal standards.
Makoto nodded lightly.
"Alright, I understand. When will you return?"
"Tonight."
"Then I'll prepare dinner."
Unlike Ei—whose cooking could bring even demons to tears—Makoto had genuine talent in the kitchen.
Luo Li smiled. "Okay."
Meanwhile…
After stepping outside, Fischl—who had been meek as a kitten moments earlier—instantly reverted to her royal persona.
"Hmph! Oz, my familiar… you dare betray your sovereign before the sage?! Tell me—how shall the Prinzessin exact punishment?"
Oz: "…"
"As thou hast no words of defense, then prepare thyself! Ozvaldo Hrafnavins, my loyal servant—offer thy life to the ruler of the Immernachtreich!"
"No, no, milady—please stop threatening me! I promise there won't be a second time!"
Desperate to escape execution-by-chuunibyou, Oz quickly searched for a distraction.
Miraculously… he found one.
"Milady! Look—those people from yesterday."
Fischl paused.
Sure enough, in Windrise Plaza stood Amber and the blonde traveler from the day before, accompanied by a small flying creature.
Feeling guilty about yesterday's chaos, Fischl hesitated before approaching—only for Amber to notice her first.
"Morning, little Ei—Ahem, I mean, good morning, Fischl!"
Seeing Amber smiling brightly, unbothered by the past, Fischl swallowed her apology and switched to her noble persona.
"Hmph! Lost travelers, what business do you have blocking the royal path of the Prinzessin?"
Then she added—dramatically:
"As for yesterday's events… my all-seeing Eye of Condemnation momentarily lost control. Curse this cruel destiny that afflicts my accursed bloodline… thus innocent souls such as yourselves were affected."
Amber blinked. Lumine and Paimon were visibly confused.
Oz translated calmly:
"My lady means she's sorry for causing trouble yesterday and hopes you can forgive her."
"Ahahaha, don't worry about it!" Amber beamed.
"I was just talking to this outlander here—her name is Lumine, and this little one is Paimon. We were discussing clues related to Stormterror."
At the mention of the Wind Dragon, Fischl's eyes lit up.
Perfect timing.
Joining their investigation would save her the trouble of searching alone—and impress her teacher.
She puffed out her chest and declared:
"Stormterror? A mere creature comparable to one of the beasts chained in my palace gardens. That such a being could bring calamity… mortals truly are helpless."
Paimon gasped in admiration.
"Wow! You're amazing! Lumine—we should ask her to come with us! Going alone would be super dangerous!"
Lumine hesitated.
This girl… did not look as powerful as she claimed.
"Hmph," Fischl said. "Very well. As guardian of all souls, I shall accompany you."
Amber welcomed the new companion, Paimon felt like she struck gold, and Lumine kept her doubts to herself.
A perfect three-way win. They moved to depart
but the sky suddenly darkened, winds howling as black clouds gathered overhead.