Paimon, still sulking from earlier, originally wanted Lumine to share her righteous indignation…
But the gold-haired girl was staring blankly into space, completely zoned out.
"Hey—what are you thinking about?"
Paimon's whisper snapped Lumine back to reality. She coughed lightly.
"I'm thinking about tomorrow… how I'm supposed to explore the Abyss Order's hidden base with that 'Dainsleif' person."
To be honest, although Dainsleif felt strangely familiar, Lumine didn't trust him.
If anything, she was more wary after their brief contact.
Luckily, someone who knew him better than anyone was right here.
She walked over, interrupting Lory, Makoto, and Eula's conversation about the trip to Liyue.
"Mr. Lory, could you tell me more about Dainsleif?"
Lumine was never the type to bottle questions in her heart.
She asked directly whenever she wanted answers.
Lory appreciated that—though it didn't always mean he answered.
But regarding Dainsleif, he had no reason to hide anything.
"As thanks for everything you've done for Mondstadt," Lory said with a smile,
"I can consider this repayment. Ask what you want to know."
"His origins and purpose," Lumine said promptly. "Preferably in detail."
Lory organized the information in his mind before responding:
"Then I'll summarize it clearly.
Dainsleif is the former Captain of the Royal Guard of Khaenri'ah, five hundred years ago.
His title was Twilight Sword.
After Khaenri'ah was destroyed by the descent of the Seven Archons, he disappeared."
Lumine's breath hitched.
Lory continued:
"He carries a divine curse… and has been eroded by the Abyss.
He's only maintaining sanity because of a certain… thing that binds him."
"He's wandered the continent for the past five hundred years," Lory said calmly,
"to oppose the Abyss Order—composed of Khaenri'ah's surviving elites—and thwart their schemes."
Lumine listened silently, mind racing.
"And," Lory added, pausing meaningfully,
"He once traveled together with your brother."
As expected, Lumine sprang to her feet in shock.
He… journeyed with Aether?!
She immediately thought of something else
How did Lory know this?
Had he met her brother too?
So everyone except her knew something?!
Her mind felt like it short-circuited.
Lory watched her expression and patiently asked:
"Anything else you want to know?"
"…"
Seeing she was too overwhelmed to respond, he added:
"Don't worry. For now, he won't harm you."
Lumine slowly nodded.
Whatever the truth was, the information was valuable.
It would help her decide what to do next.
"Alright, that's enough for tonight."
Lory stretched lazily.
"Tomorrow I need to visit the church.
It's time to return the Skyward Harp that Wendy left in my care."
Even though Fischl technically held it, retrieving it was trivial
that instrument would fly to its rightful owner with a single summons.
Lumine wished him goodnight, but Noelle hesitated a moment.
"Mr. Lory… do you need me to stay by your bedside tonight?"
Makoto chuckled.
"A proper maid doesn't steal the mistress's job."
Noelle's face burst into red as she scampered away to the guest room.
Eula, fully aware of her own position, bid a cool and elegant goodnight, following after Noelle.
Lory paid no attention to Lumine and Paimon's brooding silence.
He and Makoto headed off toward the bath.
Once the hall fell quiet, Lumine sank into thought.
"Khaenri'ah… the royal guard… the Abyss Order… my brother…"
It all sounded like pieces of a single, tightly connected chain.
She'd always felt a strange familiarity with the word Khaenri'ah.
Even the Inteyvat, the flower she wore on her head, was Khaenri'ahn in origin.
There was no doubt—she had a deep connection to the fallen kingdom.
"All these mysteries… I'll solve them myself.
No matter how thick the fog, one day I'll clear it away."
Her golden eyes shone with renewed determination.
Seeing her confidence return, Paimon cheered energetically:
"Don't worry! We'll find your brother for sure!
Maybe even this time!"
"…Thanks, Paimon."
Though Lumine often called her "flying pet" or "emergency food,"
she trusted Paimon more than anyone.
"Hehe, now you see how useful "
Before Paimon could finish bragging, Lumine gave her the classic unimpressed stare.
Couldn't she let a heartfelt moment last just one second longer?
Paimon pouted dramatically.
With that interruption, Lumine's mood lightened.
She stretched once, then stood.
"Alright. Time to rest.
Tomorrow, I'll show them what I can do!"