The Very Special Fortune Slip

Come on, what was with that person just now? The road's wide enough. They didn't have to walk straight at us like that!

No "sorry" or "excuse Paimon" either. They just walked right off!

Eh? This is... a small note? You mean that person slipped it onto you?

Quick, let's open it and see what it says!

Huh, nothing to read over here. Just a windmill and a window.

I think it might be depicting some other things.

Huh... You're right! Hmm, let Paimon think... A shuriken, huh... Ooh, that's right! It's the "Shuumatsuban"!

Paimon gets it now! This must be a coded message from Ms. Gendou. In that case, this "metal gate" has to be the entrance to her safehouse!

More or less.

Come on, Traveler, let's head over to the safehouse. That's where Ms. Gendou's gotta be!

Nothing much.

See you, then. If you wish to know more about Lyudochka, you can ask the others.

Well, look who's here. What? You've been staring since you came in.

Uh, Ms. Gendou, you look really different from before...

Did something change while we were out of contact? Don't worry, we'll do our best to help you out!

Changes? What are you talking about? Hmph. Forget worrying about me. You're the ones who were completely defenseless out there on the street.

Yup, that's the Gendou Ringo we know.

What are you two yammering about?

Oh, nothing, nothing! It's just good to see that you're well...

Hmph. For us ninja, every appearance is a disguise. I have a new mission now, so of course I no longer need that restrictive shrine maiden uniform.

Anyway, "Gendou Ringo" is still being used by that fake at the Grand Narukami Shrine, so use my new codename, "Momoyo." Got it?

Roger, Ms. Momoyo!

Roger, Ms. Momoyo!

...Whatever. Now, back on topic. There is a reason why I haven't contacted you recently.

So what happened?

I guessed previously that the fake Gendou infiltrated the Shrine because she believed you to be Shuumatsuban members, and was thus preparing to infiltrate the Shuumatsuban itself.

Logically, she should be trying to contact you often, which will push the plan forward. But things have been oddly quiet there recently.

That's true. She hasn't given us any missions in quite a while.

Experience tells me that the Fatui must be "experiencing some changes" themselves. Perhaps they are planning to launch some truly large-scale operation...

That would be terrible!

That's why I looked for you today. I'm giving you a mission: figure out what the fake Gendou and the Fatui are plotting.

Should we actively seek her out?

No need. Let's not stir them up just yet.

Recently, we discovered three other undercover Fatui. Disguise yourself as one of their comrades and try to coax some intel out of them.

Ehhh? That's a super hard mission! How could you talk about it in such a relaxed manner?

Oh, quit complaining. I've already figured it out for you. Here, take this code sheet.

Code sheet?

That's right. The Fatui's modus operandi differs greatly depending on which Harbinger they're under. This latest batch uses codes to ascertain their common allegiance.

The codes they commonly use are written here. Take it.

That sounds super cool. Let Paimon see, let Paimon see!

Wow, so many of these words are more like scrawls, and there's water damage too. Paimon can barely read it!

Water? Huh, might've been saliva, then.

S—Saliva!?

Hmph. You'd best know that I somehow managed to snag that infiltration-specialist shortie to get this done. In fact, I'm impressed she actually managed to stay awake long enough to catch this much.

...I think I know who you're talking about.

Whatever the case, memorize those codes, and the rest is up to you. Adapt, improvise, and overcome!

One of your three targets is disguised as someone from Sumeru and often hangs around Ritou by the seaside. Very easy to spot.

The other two operate in Inazuma City. One, a man, is dressed as a merchant. The other, a woman, started working in disguise at the Royal Hot Springs very recently. Got that?

I'll be here in the safehouse for a few more days, preparing fake cadavers for a mission.

I've already marked the Fatui's locations out on the map. Go, and return quickly!

Nothing much.

Alright, I'll rest up a bit further before going back to work. Working at a hot spring really makes you dizzy... That's how I let my Cryo abilities slip by mistake previously.

The Tenryou Commission hasn't stopped suspecting me over that, even now.

Attempt to make contact.

Hello? Is something the matter?

Err, we're actually...

Hmm? Oh, I get it. You mean that you're also outlanders living in Ritou, right?

(Uh, so he seems friendly enough, but Paimon thinks you got that one a teensy bit wrong, Traveler.)

Oh? Are you looking for me?

You know, we're actually...

Wait. So you really *are* with Lyudochka, aren't you!?

Yup! That's exactly it!

Uh, Paimon, that's not...

Whatever! The way she keeps talking about other people just ticks Paimon off! Even Lyudochka wasn't this annoying!

Attempt to make contact with him.

Wow, you're pretty easy to find, aren't you?

...What is it? You want to fight?

Oh, no, no, don't misunderstand. We've got something to ask you.

...Ask me? Who are you?

Actually, we're...

"Story?"

A man has no story. Only friends... or enemies.

(Wow. This guy's actually kinda cool... But come on, the code you gave was obviously wrong.)

...Hmph.

(Looks like he isn't bothering with us anymore. We've got to pay more attention to those codes.)

...Hmph. What is it?

What, need more detailed information? One of those three Fatui is disguised as someone from Sumeru and often hangs around Ritou by the seaside. Very easy to spot.

The other two operate in Inazuma City. One, a man, is dressed as a merchant. The other, a woman, works in disguise at the Royal Hot Springs. Got that?

What are you standing around for? Cadavers aren't that interesting — or are you interested in being used as raw materials to make one?

Attempt to make contact with her.

We've got something to ask you...

Hmm? Who are you? Did that Mikawa Akane send you? Pfah. I just skipped a shift. You don't have to call people to catch me. Ugh!

Uh, you've got it wrong...

What, are you from the Tenryou Commission, then? I already told you. I was on duty that day, yes, but I've got nothing to do with that case of frostbite, you hear?

Uh, we're not from the Tenryou Commission either. We're...

What? So you're "fellow countrymen"? You should've just said so!

But you didn't let us speak earlier...

What? Are you trying to start a fight with me?

No, no, definitely not!

(Ugh, and here Paimon thought that Momoyo had a terrible temper. This Fatui lady might be even worse...!)

Hmph. "Fellow countrymen," eh? If you've got nothing else to do, get out of my way.

This job is tiring as all get-out, and there's not a moment of peace and quiet to be found. Archon, I might as well go "wash the dishes"!

Huh? What did you say? If you've got nothing good to say, then get lost!

(Oh no, you misunderstood the meaning of that code word. She looks super angry right now!)

Yes? What is it?

Well, you're finally back. Did you manage to get any intel from them?

Hmph. Seriously, between the two of you talking over each other, your report was as clear as mud. But don't worry, I got the gist of it.

So, the fake at the shrine is named Lyudochka. Her superior has actually been pushing her to make further contact with you, but for some reason, she hasn't acted yet.

As such, this superior, whom they call "the Teacher," is going to give her a new assignment tonight. She will have to leave the shrine and go to Watatsumi Island.

That's exactly how it is, yes.

The details of this operation in Watatsumi Island is key intelligence. We must find some way to get our hands on it.

But we don't know where they're going to meet up...

We could follow her from the shrine.

That is so. But given that the area near the Grand Narukami Shrine is filled with mountain paths, we're quite likely to lose her.

Wait just a moment.

Here. Use this.

Eh? Isn't this one of those Bamboo Slips you get from the Fortune Slip Box?

This is no ordinary Bamboo Slip. I've scattered some Shuumatsuban-made elemental powder on it. You can use Elemental Sight to see the traces left by the powder.

Oh, Paimon gets it now. We'll pretend to draw a Bamboo Slip, and then take the opportunity to get the powder onto her. Hehe, leave it to Paimon!

Stop waving that slip around! How are you supposed to identify the right target if that powder gets onto you as well, huh?

S—Sorry! Paimon's sorry!

Hmph. Anyway, this powder is somewhat toxic, so fiddle with it willy-nilly at your own risk.

(Y'know, Traveler, Momoyo seems really fierce, but she's actually a pretty nice person...)

Hey! Less jibber-jabber, more work! Any further delay and the sun's going to go down!

Alright, we're going, we're going!

Actually, I'm with the "Iron Rats."

What—! You're... with the Shuumatsuban!?

That's right — and we're going to put an "end" to you!

Nothing much.

Lyudochka must decide. Tonight.

See you.

Actually, we're with the Shuumatsuban.

...

So you are enemies. We must destroy the enemy. We must "clench our left hands"!

I took my eyes off her for a moment, and now she's gone...

Oh, my apologies. Do you need my help with something, by any chance?

Could we ask if you've hired a new employee recently? We'd just like to ask her a few things.

Oh, you must be referring to Tae. As it happens, I'm looking for her too.

She isn't very focused at work, and even skips out on her shift quite often. I bet she's hiding out somewhere right now, taking a break.

Somehow, there was an incident of a guest getting frostbite while she was on shift. So yes, she's a headache. In fact, I wonder if it might be better if she didn't come to work at all...

Um... Wow...

I don't think she'll have gone far. She should be slacking off in the courtyard by the cliff.

May I ask who you are...?

My name is Buzuleac, a merchant from Sumeru. I'm currently doing business in Ritou.

But I've been on break recently, so if you're here to talk business, could you come back in a few days?

Don't worry, it's nothing.

Goodbye.

May I ask your name?

...

Why are you standing here?

...

Enjoying the view?

If so, or if not... what is it to you?

Either way, not your business.

Nothing.

Hmph.

Who are you...?

What? Who died and made you the boss of me?

It's nothing.

Hmph!

Traveler, look! There's someone walking out from the shrine!

That's our mark, alright! The fake Gendou! She's heading down the mountain. C'mon, after her!

It hasn't come time yet to meet the Teacher, I'm sure of it. In that case, this must be about that incident...

Lyudochka.

Ah, Teacher, you're here!

Sorry for bothering you. Allow me to make my report. So, concerning your instructions to infiltrate the Shuumatsuban...

Enough, Lyudochka. I tire of your delaying tactics.

"Frequent contact might raise suspicion," "The Shuumatsuban's direction may change due to the end of the Vision Hunt Decree, I must gather more information"...

You always say these things! Tell me. You don't actually have the trust of those two Shuumatsuban members, do you? Why else would you spout all these lies, hoping to stave me off?

That's not it, Teacher! They do trust me. I just need a little more time...

Time, you say? I have given you more than sufficient time.

Understand this. My patience is limited, as is that of Lady Arlecchino.

My apologies...

I did not spend all those years raising you to listen to apologies. What I want are results. Results!

...Forget it. I will not chase down every little detail of this matter. Your inability to win their trust, your present lifestyle getting to your head... None of this matters.

I have written your "final instructions" on this sheet of paper. Take it, and read it well.

Yes, Teacher! I will complete the mission. I will not disappoint you!

...Th—This is!?

Is something wrong?

Ah, no. Not at all...

Lyudochka. May I take your previous words as your promise?

...

Answer me. Yes? Or no?

Teacher! I have no objections to your decision. But... You said that Lady Arlecchino can recall us from Inazuma at any time.

And at this moment, the Shogunate and Watatsumi Island have reached a ceasefire, so... Is what we're doing really necessary?

Hah. That is precisely why our mission has value.

Lady Signora may have met her end here in Inazuma, but that makes it the best time for us to repay Lady Arlecchino's kindness and build up her prestige.

And I have always told you that as far as we are concerned, "chaos" is the most fertile soil.

...

What are you wavering for, Lyudochka?

This way, there will certainly be more orphans...

And wouldn't that be well? We can take them in and train them. They will join us — well, provided you complete your mission, of course.

Do not disappoint me again, Lyudochka. We go many years back. I have no wish to take things too far.

Ohh...

Oh no, something terrible's going to happen to Watatsumi Island!

Looks like Lyudochka's alone now, Traveler. Let's find a way to get those final instructions from her!

...

Lyudochka.

Who's there!?

You... Traveler, why are you here?

That, I... No, you misunderstand! I... I was here because...

I don't think I'm misunderstanding anything.

...Well, well, I suppose there's no point saying anything now.

Now that you've exposed my true identity, I can't let you leave alive!

*cough* Ugh... *pants*

Hey, are you alright?

Sorry. I didn't quite hold back enough.

*pants* Why... aren't you finishing me off?

You must be trying to get those final instructions from me. Well? Wouldn't it be simpler to just be rid of me first?

That would certainly be simple, yes.

I suppose that might even be a release for you.

...

Gendou... No, Ms. Lyudochka. We can tell, y'know? You came at us pretty hard at first, but you weren't serious at all while the two of you were fighting, were you?

Eh? I... I wasn't faking it that much, was I?

Well, you were certainly trying to finish things — for yourself, at least.

Ms. Lyudochka, we overheard your conversation with that Teacher of yours. Things... seem kinda tough. Could you tell us what happened? We can help you!

But I... I'm a Fatuus.

Paimon said we would help — and so we will.

Aw, thanks, Traveler!

That's right! Don't you worry, we don't hurt good people!

I... I wouldn't call myself a good person.

At first, I only infiltrated the Grand Narukami Shrine so that I could make contact with members of the Shuumatsuban and infiltrate their ranks in turn.

But imagine my surprise when I found out that the two Shuumatsuban members the Teacher spoke of were, in fact, the Traveler — famed for their deeds in Mondstadt and Liyue — and their servitor.

Paimon's not a... servitor, or whatever!

No wonder you knew my name.

Correct. As such, I knew that the Shuumatsuban infiltration was a bust from the start.

But the Teacher had such great expectations for this operation, so I didn't know how to report this to him. If he knew the truth, his wrath would be... That wouldn't have ended well for me.

And yet, coming to Inazuma, becoming a shrine maiden... It was all like a dream! And I would have been satisfied just being able to dream this dream.

So I kept finding reasons to procrastinate and prevaricate, trying to take everything one day at a time.

I thought that my lies would fall through one day. I certainly never expected the Teacher to not pursue the matter, but give me a new mission instead.

What mission did he give you, anyway? You went pale as a sheet the moment you read that note!

That's because my mission... is "to poison."

P—Poison!?

The Teacher has ordered me and several others to enter Watatsumi Island and poison the land, before intentionally exposing our respective identities as a shrine maiden at the Grand Narukami Shrine and soldiers of the Tenryou Commission.

That way, we would stir up conflict between the Shogunate and Watatsumi Island, which would give us, the Fatui, a chance to enter the equation.

That "Teacher" of yours... What a wicked person! If that plan went through, all the work people have put in to re-establish peace in Inazuma would go right down the drain!

So what do you plan to do, Lyudochka?

I... I don't know. I don't have the right to oppose the Teacher's orders, but I don't want to see such a thing happen!

That's because you're a "Snezhevna," right?

Come to think of it, Paimon's heard that word used a lot. What does that mean? You already seem to know, Traveler!

It's used to refer to orphans, isn't it?

That's correct. "Snezhevich" and "Snezhevna" are surnames the Fatui give to orphans they take in, like us.

We grew up in an orphanage set up by Lady Arlecchino. We do not know who we truly are. At the most, we know the blood that flows through our veins.

It was due to my Inazuman heritage that I studied matters concerning this land since I was young.

In fact, my Teacher is also a Snezhevich. That's why I can't understand... No. That's why I cannot forgive him for saying those things.

I've always been thinking to myself: who am I, really? Why was I left all alone? Did my parents meet with some unfortunate fate? Or did they abandon me?

But the way the Teacher completely disregarded the suffering of orphans... I couldn't help but wonder: was my fate a creation of the Fatui? Of people like the Teacher?

Truly unforgivable.

Traveler, we've gotta help Ms. Lyudochka. She might be with the Fatui, but she isn't a bad person.

Thank you for your sentiments, but I suspect that my course is already set. The Teacher will have no mercy on traitors. As long as I live, he will find me.

Perhaps meeting my fate at your hands might have been best.

Is that the only way you can get away from him? That can't be!

Huh. Wait. Paimon's remembering something...

Momoyo, yes?

Momoyo? Right! Paimon's got it now. She was making some cad—

Hush.

Ahem! *cough* So basically, Ms. Lyudochka, we've come up with a way to save you — and foil your Teacher's awful plot in the process!

Huh? Really?

Don't you worry about a thing! Still, you'd best find a place to lie low for the next few days. You can come out once we're done settling everything.

Do you know of any place to go? Someplace we can find you but that no one will suspect might be best!

Let me think...

Ah, there is one place. I once worked at Yae Publishing House as a proofreader for new novel releases under a pseudonym. I... really loved their novels.

They have a small room behind their bookstore in Inazuma City, which is sometimes used by proofreaders — or authors behind on their manuscript submissions.

That sounds like a fine spot!

Talk about "hidden in plain sight."

Ms. Lyudochka, just hide out in that spot for a bit. We'll come looking for you if anything crops up.

I understand. I... really don't know how I should thank you. I mean, I've been deceiving you all this time...

The Teacher wrote the details of our mission on the piece of paper he gave me. Here. The lives of the innocents of Watatsumi Island are in your hands now.

She's gone. We'd best head back to see Momoyo. Looks like we've still got quite a few important things to get done.

You're only back now? Well then. Did you get the intel?

Not bad. With this, we should be able to foil the Fatui's scheme. I will get people to perform follow-up operations immediately. You need no longer worry.

Actually, Momoyo, we've got something to ask of you...

...

Uhh, Momoyo, stop staring at Paimon. Um... Just say something, would you?

You want to save a Fatuus? What has that got to do with me!?

That woman replaced me, you know? If it wasn't for your overly fortuitous bumbling, the Shuumatsuban might be in a crisis right now!

Um, Traveler, help Paimon out here! If we can't convince Momoyo, Ms. Lyudochka's life might be in danger!

Hmph. That won't work on me. I will not associate with these Fatui!

Do you two think that making cadavers is so simple? I've been working day and night this whole time you've been out fishing for intel to finish the work I currently had.

You need this much Raw Meat to constitute one person's weight! And then you also need to smelt White Iron Chunks together with a plethora of other ingredients to make fake bones!

And without any Sea Ganoderma, the body will not contain sufficient fat. It won't look convincing at all.

And putting the clothes on the fake cadaver is just the worst when you need to create any realistic burns. Go too far, and those clothes will be all but unrecognizable!

...

...

What? Did you both go deaf? What are you standing around for? Eight hunks of Raw Meat, four White Iron Chunks, and three Sea Ganoderma, plus one set of clearly identifiable clothes!

We knew you were a great person, Momoyo!

Ugh, just scram! Quit bugging me already!

I'll continue to work as a proofreader here for now. I pray for your success.

How's the proofreading going, by the way?

It's going quite smoothly, but there's a lot of content to go through. And considering that Yae Publishing House will be short-handed for the next two days... It'll be a long night, I think.

That sounds tough!

Haha. It is, but I find it fascinating! Being able to read the novels I love in advance, and even touch the hand-written manuscripts themselves... Ah, it's so wonderful!

Go on, quickly now. Get the powder onto that fake, and we'll be able to track her using Elemental Sight.

The Fatui are surely up to no good on Watatsumi Island. But now that the Tenryou Commission isn't covering for them, they can forget about trying anything funny.

Ms. Lyudochka, are you there?

Ah, it's Traveler and Paimon. Did something not go as planned? Don't worry, I'll leave this place immediately. I won't trouble you any further...

No, no! We came here because our current plan requires a set of your clothes — we'll need a set with which people can identify you immediately.

A highly-identifiable set of clothes? Alright.

This is my Fatui uniform. Those who know me should be able to recognize this set in particular.

Feels kinda warm to the touch.

Ah, I apologize, but I was wearing it under my other clothes in case of an emergency.

Alright. Now that we have this set of clothes, this plan should go off without a hitch!

Thank you, and best of luck.

Ah, an outlander! Hello!

Did you see anything earlier?

Oh yeah, I did.

I saw a shrine maiden lady walk over there... and then turn all purple, like, fwoosh! Then she flew away! That was super cool!

You're back.

The materials are eight hunks of Raw Meat, four White Iron Chunks, and three Sea Ganoderma. Plus one set of clothes with which to distinguish Lyudochka.

If you've got it, get going! I still need to arrange the operation to capture the Fatui on Watatsumi Island.

So, do you have some clothes with which people can easily identify Lyudochka?

Alright, everything's ready. What happens after this is none of your business.

What about the operation that's happening on Watatsumi Island?

I had it arranged while you were out looking for these materials.

The item you need will take a whole day to craft, so come back tomorrow.

When that time comes, we will talk about how we might use this dummy body.

The crafting will take a whole day, so come back tomorrow. Stop floating around me, you'll ruin my mood.

Hmph. When did I say that I wanted these materials?

But now that you've laid them out in front of me, I suppose I can help you. Your intelligence will save many lives, after all.

Raw Meat, White Iron Chunks, Sea Ganoderma... These will do.

Momoyo! Momoyo! Where are yooou?

Oh no, this place has been trashed by the Fatui. Momoyo's stuff... and the materials... They're all gone!

Looks like this safehouse isn't safe anymore.

But what's happened to Momoyo? Was she... captured by the Fatui!?

Actually, wait a moment. There's been this weird smell ever since we entered the safehouse. There's something in the air here...

There's powder on the ground.

Powder? Is that the elemental powder we used the last time? C'mon, Traveler, use your Elemental Sight, quick! This has to be a message that Momoyo left for us in her time of need!

What? Was there anything else?

It's fine, it won't impede my mobility. I might even be able to infiltrate a pirate crew at some point in the future. That would be interesting for sure.

*cough* I've said this before. I've got nothing to say to you pieces of garbage. If you're going to finish me, do it soon!

Momoyo!

We're here to save you.

Paimon and Traveler? Hah. To think that you'd find this place, huh?

Come on, quit talking tough. Since you left the elemental powder behind, you must've believed that we come to rescue you!

Hmph. Then what would you like me to do? Praise your skills?

Hehehe. That can wait till later. Let's get you out of here first. Come on, let's go get that door!

The door's locked. The key should be with their superior.

They seem to have been notified of something halfway through the interrogation, since they left in a hurry.

They should be plotting in secret in the room on the highest floor.

It's likely that they have locked the door from the other side while this is happening. You'll need special magatama to unlock it.

Got it.

Alright. Thank you.

This is... a Fortune Slip from the Grand Narukami Shrine?

That's right! We got this the day we used the fake Bamboo Slip to tail you.

The Bamboo Slip may have been fake, sure, but it was the key to us being able to truly understand you.

You were the one who told us that we were good people, and that the fortune would definitely be accurate as a result.

You're a good person too, Lyudochka. So we're sure that good fortune will go with you as well!

We hope that it'll help you remember the times you spent in Inazuma.

May you do as the Fortune Slip says: "Fly, drift, across the seas, to lands far away..."

"But one day, you will no longer drift."

"One day, you will become what you hope to be."

"One day, you will become what you hope to be..."

What I... Hope to be...

Ms. Lyudochka. You say that your life has no direction, but that's not true. You're just being tied down by your past.

In fact, you already knew what sort of person you'd like to become!

I... already knew?

Yup!

The shrine maiden uniform you're wearing—

Is your answer!

I—!

I... *sobs*

*sobs* I—It's true. You're right! I always... I always wanted to become a real shrine maiden!

Every day, whenever people would get their Bamboo Slips from the Fortune Slip Box, whenever they would earnestly share their troubles with me, I would feel guilty about being a fraud.

I really wished that I could bring them joy!

*sobs* Traveler, Paimon... Can my wish really come true?

Can I really stay? Can I really become that person?

Momoyo says that you can continue using the name "Gendou Ringo" — if you're willing to, of course.

You'll never have to be tied down by the name Lyudochka ever again!

*sniff* Thank you... Thank you all...

I will take up this name. I will become the real "Gendou Ringo."

*sigh* Sorry for the trouble, you two. It must have been hard to convince me to stay.

Hehe, all's well that ends well, right? Are you feeling better now?

I am. I'm sure of what I feel now. I want to stay here in Inazuma, at the Grand Narukami Shrine.

Since I've taken the Mora back, please, take this Fortune Slip. May my blessing go with you.

I'll return to the shrine now. Hopefully, I can thank Ms. Momoyo in person. I must also thank Lady Yae for taking me in...

See you, Traveler, Paimon. Let's meet again at the Grand Narukami Shrine.

See you, Lyudochka.

Hehe. Next time we meet, just call me "Gendou Ringo."

Traveler, Paimon, you're back.

Momoyo, are you okay... *gasp* You're hurt all over!

Quit your yelling. It's not that bad... Would you mind supporting me, Traveler?

Come on, you can't even walk by yourself. You're not okay at all! Wait a moment. Why aren't you looking at us? What happened to your eyes?

Heh. When I was going for the elemental powder box, some Fatui shot the box and broke it. Some of the stuff got into my eyes.

Didn't you say the elemental powder was poisonous?

You're way too noisy. I doubt I'm going to lose both eyes. It's just that this place is too dark for me to see anything. Let's get outside first.

Phew. That was one musty cell. Guess I can finally breathe easy.

Momoyo! What happened to your eyes!?

Oh, relax. This one's fine now.

But your other eye...

Bah. What's with those sad faces?

Be glad! We fooled them all and even exposed their base, all for the cost of only one eye. This is a worthy trade!

Hehehe, that Teacher was completely taken in by my handiwork. That Fatui girl you're trying to save will never have to live in fear again.

So... You mean you didn't flee from the safehouse because you wanted them to believe that Lyudochka was dead?

We had an agreement. And anyway, it would be a waste of all our previous effort if we were to be exposed at this juncture.

In any case, I expected that you would come to rescue me.

Well, this capture of mine was quite sudden, and we have an upcoming mission in Watatsumi Island, so there's no time for a written report.

I'll just have to go to the Grand Narukami Shrine and get someone to pass a message to the Shuumatsuban.

As for you, go tell Lyudochka that she's safe now.

Alright, we'll do just that!

Ms. Lyudochka, we're back! We've done it! You're safe now!

...

Ms. Lyudochka?

She's not in.

That's weird. Where did she go? Let's ask the Yae Publishing House employees. They might know a thing or two.

Is there anything I can help you with?

Hey there. We'd like to ask after someone. Do you know where the lady who's been doing proofreading these few days has gone? We're friends of hers.

Oh, you must be Traveler and Paimon. Ms. Touyama said that you'd come looking for her.

(Ms. Touyama?)

(That should be Lyudochka's pseudonym.)

She told me yesterday that she won't be able to continue working here due to a family emergency.

What a shame! A dexterous and diligent proofreader is hard to find. I was actually going to ask her to go full time with us, in fact.

Right. Here's something that she wanted to pass to you before she left.

She left us a letter!

Ms. Lyudochka says... she's leaving. And she's left a sum of Mora for us and Momoyo.

Is that really okay, though? Let's... Let's go ask Momoyo.

Huh, you're back. How did it go? I suppose that Fatui girl can be at ease now, hmm?

What? She's leaving?

Seems like it...

Pfft. Seriously? "Ms. Momoyo lost an eye on my account"? Nonsense. It's not like she blinded me personally or anything.

The injury was an occupational hazard, you know? If anyone should be compensating me, it should be the Shuumatsuban.

Whatever the case, I don't need her Mora. You can do whatever you want with it.

Well, you say that, but honestly, even Paimon isn't sure if we should...

Paimon, struggling about Mora? Say it isn't so!

Hey! Paimon isn't that Mora-faced!

But where's she going to go after leaving Inazuma? Can she really find a new life and happiness?

Huh, that reminds me. I don't think I can go back to doing shrine maiden work looking like this.

The Lady Guuji told me earlier that she thought our impostor was pretty suited for the job.

Heh. I'd hate to think about what she would do to you if she finds out that you've chased her shrine maiden candidate away.

Eh? Wait a moment, why is that our fault?

Are you saying it isn't? You didn't stop her, and now she's about to flee Inazuma.

Ah! Paimon's got it!

Thank you, Momoyo!

She'll probably be looking for a way to get out through Ritou. Best to look for her there.

When you bring her back, tell her she can keep using the name "Gendou Ringo" — if she's willing to take it up, of course.

I gave it to myself on a whim, but turns out that it fits her decently well, don't you think?

Hurry up and get going. I'm leaving her to you.

Alright, Traveler, to Ritou's harbor it is! We've gotta get Ms. Lyudochka back!

Ms. Lyudochka! We finally found you!

Traveler, Paimon... Why are you two here?

We're here to ask you to turn back.

That's right! Momoyo doesn't need your Mora, and neither do we! Just use it to make a new life for yourself here in Inazuma!

What... What are you saying...

I was a Fatui, you know? We threatened Inazuma's safety! And I caused you all so much trouble. I don't deserve to stay here, not after all that.

And even if you'd like me to stay... Does anyone else?

Is there really anyone who needs me here?

That's not how it is at all! There are other people who'd like you to stay! Like... Like...

Momoyo.

That's right! We were only able to find you because of her instructions!

Momoyo said that it wasn't your fault that she lost an eye. It's an occupational hazard and the Shuumatsuban should be paying the cost instead!

The "occupational hazard" bit seems unnecessary...

Eh? But why? That's what Momoyo said, and it's pretty convincing!

But... But...

Ah, do you need more evidence that people would like to have you back? Don't worry, there are others, like...

Ms. Aratani.

Exactly, exactly! Ms. Aratani said that you're "dexterous and diligent." She even said that she'd like you to become a full-time employee at Yae Publishing House!

Although Paimon personally thinks that you shouldn't take up a job at Yae Publishing House — unless you want some super deep eyebags!

Did you really have to say that, Paimon?

Why not! Ms. Lyudochka's gonna have to pick her occupation carefully if she stays. Our suggestions are super important!

Paimon thinks that being a shrine maiden would be best for you.

But that's not a place where someone like me can just go to whenever she wants...

No need to worry about that! You've got a super big shot vouching for you!

Guuji Yae.

She knew that you were an impostor the whole time, but she also thinks that you'd be suited to working at the shrine!

Also, Momoyo can't go back to work there, so if Guuji Yae finds out that you're not coming back either... Traveler and Paimon are doomed for sure!

That sounds like a threat...

No it's not! Paimon's just employing both emotion and reason, that's all!

And aren't you even the least bit worried that Miko is really gonna put us through the wringer?

Heh...

You finally smiled! Does that mean you're not leaving anymore?

Paimon, Traveler, thank you both so much. And the people who accepted me... They have my thanks as well.

But... I've been trained in spycraft since I was young. Before coming to Inazuma, I had never once experienced an ordinary life.

As a "Snezhevna," I still do not know where I truly belong.

And I do not know if someone as steeped in darkness as myself has the right to return to walk in the light...

Ms. Lyudochka...

So perhaps leaving Inazuma and exploring the various regions of Teyvat might actually be good for me, you know?

At the very least, I'd have the chance to think about the sort of person I'd really hope to become.

But you love Inazuma so much! Won't you have regrets if you just leave like this?

Yes, I will miss this place... But there's no other option, is there?

How could this be? Ms. Lyudochka was starting to waver back there, but she just doesn't wanna admit it!

Looks like convincing her to stay is gonna be hard no matter what we say.

We could still take the opposite approach.

Huh? What do you mean?

Let's drop her guard first.

Then make her face her own heart's desire head-on.

Ooh. That's true. It's not that she doesn't have dreams, but she doesn't dare to face herself because she's worried that she doesn't deserve to be happy.

Oh, oh! Paimon knows! We've got something with us that can help!

We'll convince her for sure this time!

Well? Found the key yet?

I know you have good intentions... But I've already decided to do this.

You misunderstand us.

That's right, we're not going to convince you anymore. But since you're leaving Inazuma, we thought that we should at least give you something before we part ways — y'know, for good fortune!

Huh? What is it, then?