Next Year's Moon, Just as Bright

Whoa! Look, Lan Yan's surrounded by her elders!

I received a battle report just yesterday. The evil spirits causing turmoil across Liyue were suddenly suppressed by an unseen force. Because of this, purging them proved far simpler than before.

With this support, the Millelith dispatched throughout Liyue completed their missions ahead of schedule, giving them time to return home and enjoy the festival.

Upon asking around, I learned that this was all thanks to an art cast by Lan Yan. And so, I came to offer my thanks in person.

Your clan truly does honor to its reputation as a house of thaumaturges. Brilliant minds emerge here in every generation.

You flatter us, Lady Ningguang. This was simply our clan's duty.

Speaking of which, this child used to do nothing but play. Has she finally decided to take things seriously?

Perhaps it's about time she learned the true techniques from our elders.

Actually, if it weren't for Director Hu and Chongyun...

I am well aware. I have already conveyed my thanks to them. In fact, they insisted this art could never have succeeded without your ingenuity.

You are more than worthy of this praise.

This praise is going to drag me straight to the training grounds...

Um... sorry to interrupt! We're Lan Yan's friends, and we needed to talk to her about something. Is now a good time?

Well... it's pretty important, actually!

If it is an important matter... Lady Ningguang, may Lan Yan be excused for a moment?

That would hardly be proper... Lady Ningguang made a special trip to visit us. How could she just walk away in the middle of it?

No matter. I have already conveyed my gratitude to Lan Yan.

Besides, it is Traveler who comes seeking her. Whatever they need to discuss is surely of great importance. I see no reason for us to hold them up.

Then please forgive her haste, Lady Ningguang.

Thank you... And thank you, Lady Ningguang!

Phew, hehe... You saved me at the perfect moment! Thanks a million.

Paimon was so nervous back there...

I was nervous too! Most of our clan elders are so stern... I've never been good at dealing with them.

The members of the Lan clan place great weight upon duty, so it is only natural that they conduct themselves with austerity... Who could have foreseen that their Grandmaster was such an unbound, free-spirited soul?

Zhongli?

What brings you here?

I was merely passing by. I trust I am not disturbing you?

Not at all, Mr. Zhongli! Though from the sound of it... you seem quite familiar with our Grandmaster?

Only rumors and passing mentions. As it happens, I bring glad tidings for Miss Lan Yan.

After you cast your art last night, swallows across Liyue seemed to be affected by it. They no longer fly about in such a frantic rush.

They remain difficult to spot at present, but more swallows will surely return to Chenyu Vale to build their nests once again.

Really? That truly is wonderful news! At first, all I wanted was to watch swallows build their nests... I never imagined so much would come of it.

I suspect the same was true for Wind Reader. At first, he simply took a liking to Silverwing's eyes.

Yet as he spent much time gazing into those eyes, even the mountains and rivers of Liyue reflected within them became all but impossible to forget.

Mr. Zhongli... how do you know so much about the swallows?

Traveler mentioned your story to me. As one familiar with Liyue's avian life, I took a moment to observe.

Well... that's very thoughtful of you!

I shall take my leave then. I must visit the nearby market to purchase some tea leaves. The Director has been in good spirits lately and has expanded my budget accordingly.

Then you'd better make the most of it!

I forgot to ask earlier, what did you two need to talk to me about?

Well, now that we finally have a chance to enjoy the festival, we wanted to ask if you'd show us around again!

That's right! Last time I tried to show you around, we ran right into our Grandmaster... Why don't we head to the food street first? That's your favorite, right Paimon?

You bet! Oh, by the way, will they run this event again for the next Moonchase Festival?

That's hard to say. After everything these past few days, I'm sure you know Moonchase events are always changing. Who knows? One of these years, it might have nothing to do with food at all.

What!? How could they do that? Would it even be Moonchase without food?

Hmm... then what makes it Moonchase to you?

Well... at the very least, you've gotta have good food and good friends!

Haha. In that case, as long as you remember to come to Yilong Wharf, you'll be set! Xiangling and Escoffier have agreed to hold a culinary duel here every year.

When the time comes, festival or not, you'll never be short on good food or good friends.

Now that's more like it!

Come on, the festival's not over yet, hehe!