A Gathering of Outlanders

Hey there, Katheryne!

Good day, you two. It's nice to see you here at this festive time.

Sooo... Got any jobs for us?

Hmm, I'm afraid I'd struggle to find you any commissions in the near future.

With the arrival of the Windblume Festival, the only task most Mondstadters are busy with is preparing gifts for their loved ones — but it's customary to do this oneself, without assistance.

Think of this period as the off-season for the Mondstadt branch of the Adventurers' Guild.

Spring is here, love is in the air, and everyone wants to relax and enjoy themselves. Even the cats at the tavern next door have been getting lovey-dovey with one other recently.

Ew... gross.

You know that feeling you get when you burst out the doors after a nice nap, hoping to make it to the store before the limited-edition drinks sell out, only to get there just in time to see the last two glasses snatched away right from under your nose by a couple of pesky lovebirds? That's what this feels like.

That's... very specific of you, Paimon.

Hehe. Perhaps you two could simply take this chance to—

旅行者! Paimon! Thank goodness I found you. Um, there's something I need your help with.

Whoa, Sucrose?

Go ahead, Sucrose! We don't have anything else to do right now, anyway.

Phew... Okay.

Here's the situation. I've been appointed as the Windblume Festival Special Ambassador by the Knights of Favonius this year.

My task is to do good deeds for people during this festival of gratitude and love.

Nice one! So how did they decide who to appoint, anyway?

They spun an empty bottle donated by Angel's Share inside a circle with all our names on it. Whoever's name the bottle stopped at got chosen.

This method seems a bit arbitrary.

I think so too. But everyone said that it was to make it fair, so everyone had an equal chance to become the special ambassador.

The thing is... I'm not great at dealing with people, so I was really daunted by it at first. But I'm still glad that I got this role!

Luckily, I came up with a way to spur myself on, which has helped. Have a look.

Is that a test tube?

Yep. Every time I do a good deed for someone, I get them to breathe into a test tube. That way, I can collect everyone's "Breaths of Joy."

Sounds... fascinating! Are you gonna use them in your research?

Yes. I believe these Breaths of Joy will serve as valuable raw materials for alchemical transmutation. With any luck, I'll be able to produce something truly miraculous.

Like an Extra-Sweet Sweet Flower?

Mmm... Darn, now Paimon's hungry. ...Wait, you're doing this on purpose, aren't you?

Haha. Actually, I meant something even more exciting than that.

I can't say for sure until I have more test results to confirm my hypothesis, though. Alchemists mustn't make claims they can't live up to.

Anyway... I'm still missing one final Breath of Joy.

Oh, is that all you need help with? That's easy!

Just treat Paimon to a Sweet Madame, then you'll get your last Breath of Joy.

More like Sweet Madame Breath.

Hey, come on! Paimon's doing her best to help, okay!

Hmm... So does it need to be more, like, official or ceremonious or something?

No, joy isn't measured in those terms at all.

Let me put it this way: Have you ever planted a fruit seed and cared for it while it grows?

In the same way that those tender, sweet fruits are the product of your time and effort, the amount of joy derived from an experience is positively correlated to the degree of hardship overcome during it.

For example, in my case, I would say that to experience a statistically significant amount of joy, I'd have to do something like spend six months developing a medicine formula to a point where it was finally consistently effective.

Similarly, in order to collect a significant amount of joy from other people, I have to find ways to do something sufficiently challenging on their behalf.

Ohh, Paimon gets it now.

Long story short, you want us to help you find people for you to help...

...That's pretty tough, given that it's the Windblume Festival and all!

Oh... I figured since you're such experienced travelers, you might have some ideas, but if even you don't know how to approach this...

Don't worry. Leave this to me.

Really? You have a plan?

Experience is on my side.

Well, if he's in, then Paimon'll help too... with the talking, anyway.

But um, if things don't work out, can Paimon still get that Sweet Madame?

C'mon, 旅行者, this is a festival of gratitude and love after all. How could you refuse?

'Scuse me, Sucrose, could I borrow you for a second? Package for you...

Oh, sure.

Be right back.

Wait, is that who Paimon thinks it is? That's Collei, right? When did she arrive in Mondstadt?

Let's go say hi!

Phew. Only the base is burned. We can still use the cooking pot, it just needs a bit of a wash.

Good thing Tighnari's nose is so sharp... Has he been in this kind of situation a lot before?

Don't let it get you down, Sucrose.

*sigh* I know, it's just... I'm sorry to disappoint Cyno. I guess we'll have to do this again another day.

Ah, yes. I'm not sure if you've noticed...

Collei seems a little... depressed. I noticed she was in a low mood when everyone was talking.

Remember that note she received?

I was just thinking. I wanna try solving this riddle and giving Collei the chance to accept the blessing.

Ohh, yeah! She's someone who needs your help!

Exactly.

Maybe she'll be willing to breathe into my test tube... But anyway, that can wait.

As much as I'd like to make progress in my research, I'd prefer to see her smile.

Alright! We'll help out too.

You will? Then tell me, honestly... Do you... think that this prophecy is for real, too?

I know how I can find out.

Uh... Huh... right.

I'll be back shortly.

Alright. Let's meet at the alchemy crafting bench in the city. I've got some thinking to do in the meantime.

We're back.

Ah, what a shame. You just missed a joke about windmills.

Stop. Please. I don't need to hear it a fifth time.

That bad, huh? Hmm, now Paimon really wants to hear it for some reason...

Didn't you say you want to see the Dragon of the East at some point? When are you going?

Tomorrow morning.

And you? What are your plans?

I'll go into the mountains to have a stroll and collect a few plants as samples.

Perhaps I could join you? I'll be looking for inspiration for these card back illustrations.

Found you!

I knew I was onto something as soon as I saw the fire.

Wow, you have really sharp eyes!

That's an Outrider for you.

Uh-oh... did we break the fire safety rules or something?

Actually, you didn't. Strictly speaking, you should have reported your plans first, but since two of our very own alchemists are here... I'm happy to look the other way, hehe...

Ah, yes, introductions! I'm Amber, and this is the Reconnaissance Company Captain, Eula, a good friend of mine.

Good evening. You're friends of Collei, yes? A pleasure to meet you.

Oh, Amber and Eula! The pleasure is ours. I've heard a lot about both of you from Collei.

Oh really? All positive, I hope...?

You asked that last time too! ...Of course it was positive...

I'd say... we hear the latest news about you every time you write to Collei.

Haha, glad to know we've made a good impression so far! Anyway, we're just here to collect Collei, so don't let us interrupt your chat.

C'mon, Collei! We're gonna take you to check out a few scenic spots.

Okay, great!

Heh... Still as high-energy as always.

Hmm? You know Amber?

Yes, we've met. She's Collei's most important friend, and for that we're also very grateful to her.

That's Amber for you. Her outgoing personality means she can make friends with just about anybody.

...

It's getting late, and we still have a lot lined up tomorrow. I suggest we all head back and get some rest.

Yes. We should preserve our energy.

Alright. I'll start packing up.

...And that's everything. Are they all in satisfactory condition?

...Yep. Thank you, Marjorie.

...Why is this humble windmill such a great view?

I mean, it's understandable. It must have been a long time since you last came to Mondstadt.

Because it is the true "Great Vay-iew-vyastra."

...

Oh, come on. Don't tell me you don't get it?

View, vayu... and also mahamatra, vayuvyastra... no?

Tighnari, Cyno, over here!

Phew... Am I glad to see you.

And who's this young lady?

Master, this is Sucrose, an alchemist with the Knights of Favonius. We just met.

Sucrose, this is my teacher, Tighnari. He's a highly respected Forest Watcher in Sumeru, and he's also a very famous botanist.

Collei's exaggerating... I'm Tighnari. Pleased to meet you.

Ah, so you have a teacher as well! The pleasure is all mine, Tighnari, Sir.

Yup! He's extremely knowledgeable, too!

And this is General Mahamatra Cyno of the Sumeru Akademiya. He's really famous in Sumeru as well!

Greetings. Though if I might say so, we're purely here for personal reasons. You needn't be unduly concerned with our official positions.

And Collei, there's no need to use my full title. "Cyno" is fine, or "Sir" if you absolutely must.

Indeed. We're not here in an official capacity — just to keep Collei company on her vacation.

Keep me company? But it was you two that insisted on coming...

Collei is very important to us. We felt obliged to ensure her safety on the long treacherous journey to Mondstadt.

But I've been here on my own loads of times before...

What about your work though? What if something bad happens while the General Mahamatra's away?

There should be no issues. I have left my duties in the hands of my subordinates and two especially reliable helpers.

Oh! Sucrose, what were you saying about you having a teacher as well...?

I was just going to mention that — I think we're in a somewhat similar situation. I'm an assistant to Mr. Albedo, Mondstadt's genius alchemist.

Oh, please, Sucrose, "genius" is an unnecessary epithet. It will serve only to leave an exaggerated impression of me in the minds of our guests.

M—Mr. Albedo... but it is an objective truth...

Hey, Albedo's here too! Great, the more, the merrier!

Hmm. So tell me Sucrose — since your specialty is Bio-Alchemy, what do you know about the antitoxic properties of the Calla Lily?

Wait, wait!

Can we hold off on the nerdy topic for now? Paimon doesn't wanna be left out...

Oh... As it happens, I've studied the Calla Lily in quite some detail before, with it being a species native to Mondstadt.

I wrote a whole report on my findings... If you're interested, Mr. Tighnari Sir, I can go get it for you!

...

We're supposed to be here on vacation, and you're already thinking about how to improve your herbal medicines? Also, I thought we'd agreed to take on new identities for this trip?

What new identities?

Mine was "Adventurer Cyno, skilled desert explorer," Tighnari's was "technological consultant to the Treasure Hoarders," and Collei's was "traveling musician."

...And you find that sort of role-play fun?

Very much so.

I do wish some of the less cautious adventurers in the Avidya Forest would consider coming to Mondstadt instead.

What Philanemo Mushrooms lack in texture, they make up for in not causing vomiting or diarrhea.

Pfff...

Are you contemplating using some compounds from the Calla Lily as active ingredients in a targeted antidote?

Yes. I gathered a few on the way here, and my initial research suggests to me that it could be worth a try.

Okay... I got it.

But... as much as I don't wish to be a wet blanket...

It takes a huge amount of experimental data to conclusively prove how different drugs interact. Estimating the total development time would be very difficult...

Add in the time for procurement and delivery of essential materials and I'm not sure if we could complete development before you need to return.

Then please, allow me to help.

Mr. Albedo!

I understand you're looking to make an antidote for poisonous fungi, correct?

If you happen to have some samples with you, or relevant documentation on hand, perhaps you might give me the chance to review them later?

But before that, I invite the three of you to look at this.

Food and lodging arrangements!?

Were you quietly writing this up the whole time? Paimon didn't even notice!

Impressive multi-tasking.

Hardly.

Rather, I should apologize for interrupting a serious discussion between trained professionals, especially after they have traveled so far to be here, when I myself am neither an adventurer, nor a technological consultant, nor a musician.

Nevertheless, I would encourage you to have a knowledgeable local arrange your detailed itinerary while you're in Mondstadt.

Take a look, and should you find anything here to be objectionable, it can easily be adjusted.

This is too kind of you. These arrangements are quite excellent.

It looks great! Even Paimon feels like tagging along for the food and board...

That's why it's called "tagging along"!

Very comprehensive. The adventurer, technological consultant, and musician all approve. Thank you.

Just one thing... We'd like the chance to cook as well. Why don't we change the group dinner to a camping and cooking trip?

I'll help pitch the tents!

I can help too.

Um... and Paimon will take him to Good Hunter to order some starters. Mondstadt's Cold Cut Platter is not to be missed!

Nice idea.

Great. Then it's decided.

Sucrose and I will bring the three of you to your inn for a quick rest. You two, let's meet by the lake this evening.

Hey Sara, can we have a Cold Cut Platter to go?

Sure, coming right up!

Would you like anything else?

Um, do we, uh, want anything else...?

Um... Okay, uh... yeah, that'll be all.

You know what? Let's have a Sweet Madame as well.

Yay! You're the best person in the whole wide world!

Paimon'll give you the Sweet Flower from that Sweet Madame as a Windblume!

Just don't ruin your appetite for later.

Hehehe! No need to worry about that! Paimon can make room for good food!

Haha, alright, just a moment...

...Mmm... That was great.

If that was a Windblume treat, then Paimon wishes it could be the Windblume Festival every day!

Alright, looks like we're all here.

We're not late, are we?

Not at all. We just came early to set everything up, since we happened to be free today.

Collei put up the tents so quickly, but still managed to tie very sturdy knots. You can really tell that she's a professional.

I didn't do much apart from passing materials around...

Heh, thanks...

It's all thanks to Master and Cyno. They taught me everything I know...

What can I say. For a skilled adventurer, this is just another day on the job.

Ugh... Are you quite finished, or were you going to sing each others praises till the moon rises? Come on, let's all sit down.

That Sunshine Sprat was really very good. I didn't watch you cook it, but I believe that the prominent umami flavor of the dish owes itself to more than the fish alone.

That's correct. Any further deductions?

Let me think... The aroma was quite uniform, unlike that of a spice blend. It was also unfamiliar to me, so I would venture that it was a Mondstadt specialty.

As far as edible Mondstadt plant species are concerned, Calla Lilies are usually used in soups. So if I had to guess...

Small Lamp Grass?

That's right.

I've long heard that Sumeru's Fish With Cream Sauce is noted for its gentle texture, which brings out the tenderness of the fish.

Here in Mondstadt, we're not quite as varied in the use of spices as in Sumeru, but the principle of bringing certain distinct flavors to the forefront through combinations of natural ingredients is very much the same.

I liked it a lot.

I'm curious as to the exact ratio of ingredients...

I'll write a copy of the recipe for you.

Would anyone like to try the nutrient-dense meal I made?

I'll have some.

What about you, Collei? It doesn't look like you've eaten very much. Is your appetite low at the moment?

Uh, no... I just don't eat a lot normally.

...

Um, sorry, I didn't mean to make things awkward...

Tighnari. While we were on the road, we spotted something white, walking on two legs. Was that Paimon?

Which day was this?

Just after passing through Stone Gate.

...

Uh, Cyno, are you sure your eyes were working that day? Or maybe your hood was blocking your vision?

Paimon always flies. There's no way she'd ever walk.

Is that right...

I thought that you'd maybe snacked on too many local... ground nuts.

...

No? Not funny?

Ground, you know, as in "ground up," but also "the ground"... ground nuts make you fall to the ground...

Think of this as part of the process of getting to know Cyno. On the bright side, these jokes show that he thinks of you as his friends.

Still, we could test the hypothesis?

What hypothesis?

That plant species indigenous to Mondstadt may have an effect on the motor functions of flying lifeforms.

Hey, Paimon's not your test subject!

Anyway, by your logic, wouldn't that mean that eating... say... Zaytun Peaches — that would make a sick Paimon peachy in no time, or something?

Or that eating enough Lavender Melons would... uh... have no effect.

Hey, not you too!

Hahaha...

I think 旅行者 and Paimon's conversations are more entertaining than Cyno's jokes.

...I see. You must have been keeping quiet about this grievance for quite some time now.

You seem much cheerier now that you're here in Mondstadt, Cyno. Actually, it feels like you're a completely different person!

That's because I'm Cyno the Adventurer.

That's not funny.

Hmm? It's not?

In fairness, you only saw him in his work mode while you were in Sumeru. He's actually like this most of the time when he's in a good mood.

Yep, it's true. Sometimes when he's eating, he'll grumble about how the bowl is too shallow for the amount of food it contains, and other random stuff like that.

I understand. Then allow me to reintroduce myself. Before, you knew me as General Mahamatra Cyno. Now, please see me as Cyno the Adventurer.

Yeah, so that's another thing he does! He'll keep repeating something he thinks is funny until you stop trying to resist.

Hmm, so you have two different mental states? Almost like... different phases of matter? Interesting... I want to learn to do that, too!

I think in your case, the two states we would end up with would be highly conscientious Sucrose and stupefied Sucrose.

Oh, by the way — was there any reason in particular that you chose Mondstadt as your destination on this occasion?

Oh, well, Lisa once told me that the Windblume Festival is one of Mondstadt's biggest events of the year.

I wanted to take this opportunity to give everyone a Windblume, as a token of my heartfelt gratitude for everything they've done to look after me...

Plus, it was a good chance for Collei to get out and meet some new people.

"Collei Lily."

...What?

Collei's Windblume. Maybe she should call it a "Collei Lily." It sounds very Mondstadt.

There's also "Collei Flower," which would technically make more sense, but somehow it doesn't sound as nice.

...Moving swiftly on...

Wow, he just completely ignored the joke and carried on the conversation. Guess sometimes, that's the only way forward.

...Sumeru's been through some major changes recently, and things at work have only just started to calm down.

I don't get many opportunities to take a vacation, and this was a chance to join Collei on her trip while also learning a few things about Mondstadt's flora and fauna that I'll be able to pass on to my peers and students on my return. Two birds with one stone.

How about you, Cyno?

I came to ensure Collei's safety.

That's just an excuse, plain and simple.

...

Also... there's the matter of a Genius Invokation TCG custom-made card back.

Aha! So you DID have an ulterior motive!

Have you all played Genius Invokation TCG before?

I have.

And that is why I am proud to call you my friend.

When I first began contemplating getting a new card back, I asked around before eventually deciding to ask the legendary Mr. Calx for guidance.

A friend of mine, Sawada, whom I play cards with on occasion, had been to Inazuma for the Irodori Festival. He told me that Calx was a Mondstadter, so I should try my luck there.

Calx? Uh, isn't that...

You mean, he's a friend of yours?

I see, so you came to Mondstadt in search of Calx.

No, that is inaccurate. I came here principally to protect Collei.

You most certainly did not. Collei's been here on the quiet numerous times, and this is the first time you felt the need to join.

Not only me. Same applies to you too, doesn't it?

If my writer friend were here now, I'm sure he would describe this curious coincidence as having the makings of a good story. It's always a pleasure to meet a fan.

Ohh, here it comes!

...Wait, you mean, you're Mr. Calx!?

Having my new friends address me by my pen name feels somewhat unusual. Please, just call me Albedo.

Huh. So you're Calx... Cyno's been talking about you non-stop recently. He's intent on getting you to design a bespoke card back for him.

Ugh, you didn't have to say all that...

I don't usually take private commissions, but I believe that we are friends now. All of us.

Our conversations have been deep and interesting. And Cyno, your passion for this game is indeed one of a kind. I can see it in your eyes.

Obviously.

And given that you've come all this way from Sumeru to see me, I'd be quite honored to take this commission.

Wow, your teacher's... so nice.

I feel the same about yours. Hmm, well, they definitely have quite different personalities, but they're similar when it comes to their character.

So. How much should I budget for the timeless masterpiece you will produce for me...?

Surely "timeless masterpiece" is something of an overstatement.

Any artwork fit to appear on the reverse of my card decks is by definition a timeless masterpiece! Even if I do say so myself.

Don't mind him — these TCG nut jobs are all like this...

I see. So this has an almost religious significance... Well, for starters, I'd like to hear a few more of your jokes.

My jokes? You like them?

I do.

Really? I didn't see you laughing.

Well, a joke's ability to induce laughter is a separate matter. But I certainly find them fun.

If I might interrupt, does anyone else smell something strange?

Ah! My nutritional meal!

Will it be okay? Should we go over and take a look, too?

I'd be grateful if you could check on Sucrose. As for our new friends here... leave them to me.

Collei! Hey!

...Oh, hey you guys. What are the chances...

You were staring into space just now. Something the matter?

Um... No, don't worry. I'm fine.

I was just looking at a Mondstadt children's book in the souvenir shop over there.

While I was flipping through it, a piece of paper fell out. The writing on it was really mysterious... almost like a prophecy.

"If you can do these things, you may light the lantern of utmost joy and receive a supreme blessing."

And what does "these things" refer to?

"Find a flower that is not of this world. Find a guide who will never get lost. Find one who would never lie. Find a legend that never ends."

So four things in total. Here, have a look.

I asked the lady who owns the store about it, but she said that she didn't know anything about any paper slips.

(Perhaps we can ask a friend about this later...)

Hi there. Sorry to butt in, but... what's the name of that storybook you just mentioned?

Oh, it was called "The Boar Princess."

Hmm, that is strange... I've read that book, and it sounds like that note you found has no relation to the story at all.

Umm...

Do you know her?

Let Paimon do the honors! Collei, this is Sucrose, an alchemist with the Knights of Favonius. And Sucrose, meet Collei. She's a Trainee Forest Ranger from Sumeru's Avidya Forest.

Hello...

H—Hi...

...

Uh, this is getting awkward fast... They're both so shy!

So, Sucrose, what are your thoughts on this prophecy? Could it be real?

I, um... W—Without having done any research, I couldn't comment definitively...

...

Um, but if you want my subjective opinion, I don't think that it's a nasty prank or anything.

Why not?

The only people who read children's books are those with a childlike wonder and imagination... or children, of course. I'm sure that whoever put this prophecy there would understand that...

Would they really do this just to spread lies and ruin someone's innocence? I can't imagine anyone being so cruel.

That's a great take. I love it!

Exactly! Who would wanna hurt a child's feelings?

Okay, so... What do you think the "blessing" is, Sucrose?

Hmm... Umm...

If I had to guess... Maybe a fairy that can make people's wishes come true, or something?

I haven't read many fairy tales, so this is pure speculation... With no other information on hand or prior research to compare against, I'm afraid it might not even be worth considering.

Wow...

(Her guesswork is really good, though! I wanna pick her brains some more...)

(But will she find it annoying if I keep asking her questions...?)

(We've only just met, after all... Aah, what's the best thing to say to someone you're meeting for the first time?)

Would you like to get the "lantern of utmost joy"?

...!

Well... Yes, I mean... if possible...

Then, what would you wish for, Collei?

Um. I'd wish for a... a better personality.

Huh?

Huh?

You can't waste it on that! You've got a great personality already!

That's very kind of you, but if you know me like I do...

Collei!

I know that voice! It's...

Collei! Whew...

You made good time, huh? You're way earlier than I expected!

I spotted your green hair way off in the distance — good thing my eyes are sharp, or I'd have missed you!

Amber! Have you been doing well? Did you... finish all the Pita Pockets I brought you last time?

You bet! They're getting yummier each time you make them.

Huh? Wait, remind Paimon... have you been to Mondstadt before?

Mm-hmm.

A long time ago, I had a lot of help from a lot of people here in Mondstadt.

So ever since my Eleazar got better, I've been looking out for an opportunity to come back to Mondstadt and tell them all the news that I've been cured...

Thanks...

If it's okay with everyone, why don't I take Collei for a walk around town? I'd like to show her some of the places she didn't get to see last time.

Of course, fine by me.

Sure! Go right ahead!

I, uh...

Umm... sorry Amber...

I agreed to meet my traveling companions by the city gate in a few minutes, so I can't go with you just yet...

Oh, that's alright!

In that case, you guys go rest up, and I'll go see Master Jean to ask for some time off.

Oh, okay...

旅行者, Sucrose, could you look after Collei for now?

I'll come get her later and take her out. There's still a whole bunch of people I need to introduce her to!

Sure, no problem.

You can count on us.

Awesome. See ya later, then!

Umm...

You alright there, Collei? You look kinda disappointed...

I'm sorry...

I'm just feeling a little shy today... Don't worry about me.

...

(Amber wants to introduce me to more of her friends... Am I gonna be able to cope?)

(I've only met Sucrose so far, and I'm already struggling to make conversation...)

(I wish I had a little more self-confidence. Then I'd find it much easier to make friends with people...)

Ah! It's nearly time. Let's go to the gate and see if they've arrived.

Or given the way that you're staring at me, perhaps... you'd like to get me that drink now?

I, of course, would be most amenable to that... but I believe you have friends waiting for you?

Don't worry! There'll be plenty of time during the festival.

Oho, it's been a while!

Paimon called it! Tone-Deaf Bard, drinking as usual!

Put your drink down and get your game face on. We've got some important questions for you, mister.

Uh... Okay...

So, what do you make of it?

Yeah, any thoughts?

Hehe, aren't you forgetting something? It's the Windblume Festival right now. You can't just go around asking people for help so blatantly.

Well, if you won't tell us the answer, could you at least tell us if this thing's worth a shot?

Sounds to me like you want a hint or two?

And a blessing or two to boot.

Hehe, a fine answer.

The person who wrote this prophecy is very powerful. If you manage to solve the riddle, good things are sure to happen.

Also... I happen to know where this lantern is.

Once you've found the four things, I'll even write the location down for you. Isn't that generous of me?

Hmph, whatever. We weren't expecting much from you anyway.

You can get back to guzzling wine and blowing wind now, hmph!

Oh, woe is me... Paimon sees me as nothing more than a drunken wastrel...

There are actually a great many things that we bards are required to do... It just happens that enjoying life is the most important one.

Once this is over, would you like to join me for a drink?

Y'know... A favor for a favor?

"A flower that is not of this world." Hmm, not of this world...

Sucrose! We've got some good news and some bad news. Which would you like to hear first?

Um... Let's have the bad news first, I guess.

Huh, really? Don't most people usually want to hear the good stuff first?

Just get to the point, Paimon.

Oh, alright then... Basically, we went to Windrise to divine the breeze.

The wind said that the prophecy is real, and that your idea is a really good one.

That doesn't sound like bad news... So what's the real bad news, then?

Uh... Paimon ate the bad news, hehe~!

...

...Blame Cyno! If it's not funny, then it's his fault!

Hehe... It's fine. Well, that puts my mind at rest.

Now, back to the other issue I've been mulling over.

I was thinking about the flower that is "not of this world." It could mean a human-cultivated variety that doesn't occur in nature... But that's basically claiming that it doesn't come from this world in the first place, when actually it's just a variant of an existing breed.

So the initial question is: Can the flower's origins be traced back to a natural organism? If so, it cannot be correctly described as "not of this world."

But then... supposing we identified something outside of that category, whose job would it be to decide whether it belongs in this world or not? Then the question becomes: Do "of this world" and "from this world" mean the same thing... or is it deeper than that?

Whoa, whoa, slow down... Paimon's head is already starting to spin.

Okay. Um... I did have one other line of thought as well. What about a flower created using alchemy? Would that be "not of this world"?

Albedo may know the answer, but asking him right away would be like asking the teacher for the answers to your exam paper.

It would render our search for the truth meaningless. I'd rather try and figure this out for myself...

Could it be the "Windblume"?

Oh... now that you mention it, that's definitely a possibility.

The Windblume doesn't refer to a specific flower. Everyone defines what it means for themselves.

In which case, the "Windblume" doesn't exist in reality... Hmm. This does seem like a promising direction!

I've made a note! Okay, I'd better go read up on this...

Yay! Paimon was actually useful this time! Guess we have that Sweet Madame to thank, huh?

Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

I'll need some time to prepare. Could we meet up here in, say, two days' time?

Sure thing. In the meantime, we'll also think about the other three riddles in the prophecy.

But uh, since we're really going for this now... Shouldn't we say something to Collei about it?

I originally wanted to leave it as a surprise for her, and I also didn't want to get her hopes up over nothing...

But you're right, Paimon. I'll need to be careful how I word it... but I'll try to find some time over the next couple days to mention it to her.

Understood.

Alright. Thanks so much!

You're gonna get the Tone-Deaf Bard to check out that note, aren't you?

That's right.

Hehe, guess Paimon knows you pretty well, huh?

Knowing him, he should be hitting the taverns around this time!

We can go corner him and make him answer our questions. Let's move!

Hmm. So, a good joke is not necessarily required to make people laugh at them...

Well, Albedo and Sucrose were delightful... but this was still an exhausting meal.

The cooking pot... Is everything okay?