The last rays of the setting sun cast a final glance at the earth, then slowly closed their eyes, and the sky dimmed.
(Here, Lumine and Paimon missed Ganyu and weren't invited to the Qunyu Pavilion, so the misunderstanding never happened.)
During the day, after preparing the items for the Rite of Parting, Lumine and Paimon chose not to keep waiting in place.
Instead, following Kiana's tip, they located several Fatui camps.
Inside, they discovered counterfeit Hundred-No-Taboo Talismans.
Learning the talismans' purpose, Lumine immediately grew suspicious of Tartaglia… Right now, the group was furtively dodging patrolling Millelith outside the Golden House.
"I mean… did this many of us really have to come?"
Lumine gritted her teeth, glanced at the others pressed against her back, and muttered tensely.
The fewer the better for sneaking; she and Paimon alone would've been enough.
But who knew what got into these people—they insisted on tagging along!
Now, under such strict security, they could barely move.
"We're already here…"
Kiana, glued to Lumine's back, whispered.
"Uh… I was worried something might go wrong…"
Bianca scratched her cheek, equally quiet, her darting eyes showing her embarrassment.
"And you two…?"
Lumine looked back at Hu Tao and Workhorse Na at the rear, voice flat and speechless.
Bianca's presence made sense—an accomplice—and Kiana, her sister, coming to help was reasonable.
But why had the Hu Estate's director and her star employee come to join the fun?
"This director's here to see what you plan to do with the Exuvia. The dead deserve respect; the living mustn't disturb their rest—especially our revered Rex Lapis…"
Hu Tao lowered her voice, uncharacteristically solemn.
Seeing her director like this, Workhorse Na swallowed, then nodded at the others ahead.
Indeed, to Liyueans, even after Rex Lapis's passing, his body mustn't be violated.
And… somehow…
If anyone dared lay hands on the Exuvia, committing such blasphemy… an irrepressible fury ignited in her.
Like watching her best friend's grave being desecrated?
She couldn't explain the feeling, but she and the director were here to keep watch!
Though their surveillance might be pointless… after all, the Group Owner was too powerful to beat… Workhorse Na's gaze slid to Kiana, who wore a tourist's faint smile.
"We won't disrespect the Exuvia—we're only here to learn the truth of Rex Lapis's death…"
Paimon cupped her mouth, barely audible as she explained to Hu Tao.
Just then a presence loomed behind them; Kiana's eyes sharpened as she conjured a silver-white, blazing Imaginary Hand.
"Yoink—!"
Before the newcomer could react, the hand grabbed him and flung him toward the Golden House gates.
"Ow—!"
The figure twisted mid-air, landed steady, then swept his sharp gaze around in anger.
"Who ambushed me?!"
Which bastard dared sneak-attack him? Step out and fight three hundred rounds!
Tartaglia's crash had alerted the Golden House guards.
"Who goes there?!"
"Intruder!"
"Form up! Guard the Golden House—don't let the scoundrel in!"
Within moments, Millelith had the area surrounded.
Ringed by soldiers, Tartaglia's eyes turned dark; he nocked his bow and set his stance.
"Perfect—time to vent some anger."
With that, he charged, the water-wrapped bow shaft smashing into the nearest Millelith's chest.
Boom—!
The soldier slammed onto the steps, eyes wide, lips trembling as he stared at Tartaglia.
"Aren't… you an archer…?!"
Then he collapsed, unconscious.
"No rule says an archer can't fight up close."
Tartaglia felt better already; he spread a hand and answered the fallen soldier airily.
But soon—
Whoosh—whoosh—
Two spears streaked in from either side.
Anticipating them, he leaned back, dodging both.
Then, with a light push, he back-flipped into a one-hand stand and spin-kick, knocking the ambushers out.
Seeing this from the shadows, Lumine drew her Dull Blade to help, but Kiana held her back.
"???"
"Don't rush—while their focus is on him, we can slip inside and investigate…"
At Lumine's frown, Kiana pointed to the unguarded gate and whispered.
Why didn't Kiana just use an Imaginary Gate to sneak in?
Solving everything with clearance robbed the act of its joy.
For many, only the result matters.
But for Kiana, now at the apex of a system, savoring the process was the real thrill.
Otherwise the long centuries would turn bland, and she might lose her human warmth.
She refused to let that happen.
"Then… let's sneak in quietly…"
After a moment's hesitation, Lumine nodded.
Tartaglia was a Fatui Harbinger—strong enough to handle scattered Millelith.
And… suspecting his schemes, she dropped any thought of helping.
"…"
Workhorse Na said nothing, frowning as soldier after soldier fell, her gaze turning grim.
Seeing her distracted, Hu Tao took her hand and waved the other in front of her face.
"Nana… time to go, stop daydreaming…"
"Ah… yeah!"
Workhorse Na answered absently, the deep flicker in her eyes hinting at hidden worries.
Then the group crept toward the Golden House gates—unnoticed.
As the fallen Millelith cried out, Workhorse Na glanced back.
They were only unconscious, yet her heart clenched as if they were her own comrades.
'What's come over me…?'
She drew a steady breath, brows knit, questioning herself.
Lately a strange feeling kept surfacing… In her amber eyes a spark flashed—unnoticed even by her.
Burdened by these thoughts, she followed the others inside the Golden House.
Once within, they scanned the vast hall while Paimon fluttered about, searching.
"It's huge… but where are the Mora? Isn't this the mint?"
Finding nothing, Paimon tilted her head in puzzlement.
"Maybe the Mora aren't coined in the main hall… but further inside?"
Kiana looked around, pointed at several doors, and shot Paimon a speechless stare.
Couldn't she see those huge doors?
"Hehe… didn't notice…"
Paimon blushed, scratching her head with a sheepish giggle.
They headed through the doors.
"The Exuvia is just ahead!"
Workhorse Na pointed forward, eyes wide with excitement.
Everyone followed her gaze.
At the far end of the mint, atop a golden sea of Mora, floated a dragon-shaped form.
-------------------------------
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