"Boss Han, who exactly is this Dodo-King? Will Klee be in danger?"
Jean stepped forward and asked softly.
Even with Han Feng present, she still felt uneasy.
After all, anyone given the title 'Demon King' was usually formidable—even if the name "Dodo-King" sounded a bit strange.
"That 'Demon King' is someone you know."
Han Feng replied with a light smile.
Then, using telepathy, he explained to Jean how Alice had prepared the island for Klee.
As for why he didn't tell little Klee directly—naturally, it would be better for her to experience it as a surprise.
"I see… so it's her."
Understanding flashed across Jean's eyes.
Since it was Klee's mother, being called part of Dodo's family was hardly surprising.
That meant she no longer needed to worry about Klee's safety.
However, the moment she realized that woman would soon return, Jean felt a headache coming on.
Alice was even more terrifying than a demon king.
She had left behind many "legendary deeds" in Mondstadt:
Attempting to research a perpetual motion machine using hilichurls
Planting explosives in Stormterror's Lair
Even proposing to flatten Starsnatch Cliff entirely
Fortunately, she had been stopped before carrying out the worst of those ideas.
Compared to her mother, Klee's fish-blasting antics were practically harmless.
The Travelers Return
Just as Klee was excited and Jean was worrying, Lumine and Paimon returned through the Anywhere Door.
"Boss, we're back!"
Paimon looked thrilled.
She and Lumine had been busy all morning.
Since both of them could fly, they had managed to photograph most of Mondstadt's buildings.
They planned to visit Liyue in the afternoon.
That way, they would collect architecture from two nations—and by evening, they could build their own home.
"Oh? Acting Grand Master Jean, little Klee—you're here too!"
Paimon noticed the familiar faces nearby.
"Honorary Knight sister, Paimon—do you want to help Klee defeat the Dodo-King?"
Klee asked excitedly.
"Huh? The Dodo-King?"
Paimon blinked in confusion.
What was going on?
Who was that?
"Someone wants to take Klee's Dodo away."
Seeing their confusion, Han Feng briefly explained the situation.
Then he continued:
"You arrived at the perfect time.
You can accompany Klee to the island.
The scenery there is beautiful—and you can gather materials as well."
In the original story, Lumine and the others had accompanied Klee anyway.
So this arrangement made perfect sense.
"The scenery?!"
Lumine's eyes lit up.
That's right—
She could add seaside scenery to her home.
Just imagining sunshine, beaches, and ocean waves filled her with anticipation.
"Paimon, let's go with Klee."
"Okay!"
Paimon nodded repeatedly.
Clearly, she felt the same excitement.
Beautiful scenery alone was enough to energize her.
As for the Dodo-King—
Paimon wasn't worried at all.
If they couldn't win, they could always run.
Besides, Klee and Lumine were definitely not weak.
"Yay! That's great!"
Klee cheered happily when they agreed.
Then she turned to Han Feng.
"Big Brother Han Feng, where is that island full of apples?"
Han Feng smiled slightly and tapped the air with his finger.
A map detected by the system flowed directly into Klee's mind.
"You three can go without worry.
The Dodo-King won't be able to defeat you."
"Then Klee feels relieved!"
She nodded eagerly.
If Big Brother Han Feng said so, then everything would be fine.
"Klee, I won't go with you."
Jean stepped forward with a gentle smile.
Now that she knew it was Alice behind everything, there was no need to worry.
So she didn't have to accompany them.
Letting the children go and have fun seemed like a good idea.
"Mhm! Then Honorary Knight sister, Paimon—let's go! We'll use this!"
Klee turned and showed them the Divine Card in her hand.
Now that she knew the island's location, she planned to ride there on a dragon.
With that mount, reaching the destination would be easy.
"Alright!"
Lumine and Paimon nodded.
After saying goodbye to Han Feng, they followed Klee out of the shop.
After Their Departure
"When Klee meets Alice, she'll be very happy."
Jean sighed softly as she watched them leave.
She knew how much Klee longed to see her mother.
Now that wish might finally come true.
And when they met, Jean planned to give Alice a phone—so mother and daughter could stay in touch more easily.
"Mother and daughter reunited, huh?"
Han Feng murmured thoughtfully.
In the original storyline, Alice hadn't been present when Klee arrived at the islands.
But since events had already changed significantly, it was entirely possible this time.
She might even come to the comic shop to read comics.
"They'll be gone for a while. Would you like to read a comic?"
He turned to Jean with a smile.
"Sure."
Jean nodded lightly.
Since she was already here, she might as well read.
She could leave later after Klee returned.
After placing a bag of mora on the counter, she walked toward the bookshelf.
"Hm? Train Heroes?"
Her eyes brightened when she noticed a new comic on display.
After reading so many comics, she had become familiar with many inventions from other worlds—like the long vehicle that could carry many passengers:
a train.
"Could this story be about trains?"
Curiosity stirred within her.
So she picked up the comic and headed deeper into the shop.
Closing Time
After waiting a little longer and seeing no new customers arrive, Han Feng spoke:
"Noelle, let's pause operations."
"Understood, Boss."
Noelle nodded and went outside to handle the closing tasks.
"It's noon now…
Time to use the Branch Store Card."
Looking out the window, Han Feng spoke quietly to himself.
Soon, he would finally head to Inazuma.
—------------------------------
Pat reon Advance Chapters: patreon.com/YonkoSlayer
