Cloud Retainer sat on the bed, still dazed.
She was thinking about the dream.
It had to be fake, right?
But…
Someone knocked. "Cloud Retainer, you up?"
It was Xia Ci's voice.
Cloud Retainer rushed to open the door. "Coming!"
Xia Ci stepped in and immediately spotted the finished Gatling mechanism on the floor.
"You've completed it."
"Yes."
"This is the ammo chamber?"
"Yes."
Xia Ci nodded, then took out three differently colored chips and loaded them in.
"That should do it. Today's gonna be a big event—Klee can have a blast with it."
"Won't that be… a bit much?"
"Relax. It's fine."
"…"
Xia Ci was about to leave when her gaze landed on the sachet Cloud Retainer wore around her neck.
"You wore that to bed last night?"
"Huh?"
A flicker of panic crossed Cloud Retainer's face before she composed herself.
"Yes."
"Whose hair did you put in it?"
"No hair. Just testing it out."
"Oh."
Xia Ci gave her a knowing look.
"I'm somewhat familiar with dream-based abilities. If you run into any trouble in your research, feel free to consult me."
"Okay!"
Xia Ci smiled lightly and left.
Cloud Retainer felt an immense pressure being around this god of wisdom. It was like nothing could escape her gaze.
She touched the sachet around her neck, doubt clouding her face.
"Is this thing… really reliable?"
--
Once everyone had gathered—
Xia Zhi told them about the Dragon King and the two Adepti's arrival.
Everyone was surprised. "They actually came?"
Xia Zhi nodded. "Yup. They're drinking out in the plaza."
Charlotte asked curiously, "Didn't Uncle Azhdaha say he was going back to work at the academy? Why'd he suddenly show up here?"
Xia Zhi shook his head. "I've no idea. You can go ask him yourself. Let's go."
They headed to the plaza.
From afar, they spotted Diona. Venti immediately slipped away—he didn't want a sneezing fit.
Charlotte waved cheerfully. "Uncle Azhdaha! Adepti! What brings you here?"
The Dragon King grinned. "We came for the mahjong tournament."
"Mahjong?"
"Yeah, we missed the one in Liyue, but I heard Mondstadt's holding one too, so we came to join the fun."
"Then you're a day late—the prelims were yesterday."
"Ah, that's a shame. Oh well, we'll just watch from the sidelines."
"You could try the other contests—fishing, archery, that sort of thing."
"True."
Xia Zhi asked, "We're heading for breakfast. Want to come?"
The Dragon King waved it off. "We already ate."
He suddenly noticed Xia Lin hiding behind Xia Zhi and chuckled. "This little one's awfully shy."
Xia Lin looked timid, barely able to meet his eyes.
Xia Zhi patted her head with a smile. "She's my new disciple. Her name's Xia Lin. Bit shy with strangers."
The Dragon King smiled warmly. "Nothing wrong with that. Just needs to meet more people."
Then Xia Zhi seemed to remember something. "Oh right—Dragon King, there's actually a contest today that suits you perfectly."
"What kind of contest?"
"A food-eating contest. Starts this afternoon. Signups are still open this morning."
Everyone knew the Dragon King could really eat.
His eyes lit up. "That's right up my alley. I'll go check it out."
Apparently, the Dragon King hadn't recognized the little girl's true identity.
The [Golden Circlet]'s effect was flawless.
But Xia Lin's eyes had seen right through him at first glance.
The Dragon King didn't think much of it. He simply greeted Cloud Retainer and Madame Ping warmly, told them to go have breakfast, then resumed drinking with the Adepti.
Drinking and people-watching in the plaza—quite the leisurely life.
At one point, a blue-haired noblewoman passed by with a striking presence.
An Cryo Vision glinted from the feathered clasp on her front shoulder.
Mountain Shaper glanced at her, then whispered to Moon Carver, "I have a feeling."
"What feeling?"
"That girl has a special connection to Mr. Xia."
"…"
Moon Carver was speechless.
"Do you even hear yourself?"
"You don't believe me?"
"Nope."
"Then why don't you divine her fortune—see her romantic fate?"
"Get lost!"
The Dragon King took a sip and saw them whispering. "What're you two talking about?"
"Nothing."
"Out with it."
"Uhh… we were just discussing Mr. Xia's love life?"
"His love life?"
"Yeah. After we came down the mountain last year, Moon Carver did a bunch of readings for people—but they were all duds…"
Mountain Shaper recounted the previous gossip.
"Oh?"
The Dragon King was intrigued. First the readings were off, then suddenly they started working.
"You really think that girl has ties with Mr. Xia?"
"Just a hunch. Don't take it seriously."
"Why don't you two place a bet?"
"On what?"
"Anything. I'll be the witness. If either of you tries to renege, I'll enforce the result."
The two Adepti exchanged glances.
Mountain Shaper cleared his throat. "Forget the bet. I was just joking earlier."
Moon Carver said, "Not interested."
The Dragon King was all in. "But I'm interested."
"…"
"Come on, Moon Carver—do a reading for me!"
"Wait… Dragon King, I'm low on coins."
"No worries. On the way home, I'll find some graves and dig up a few for you."
"Those coins are cursed. They won't work. The ones I use were minted by the Geo Archon himself."
"Got it. I'll ask Morax to mint some more for me and give them to you."
"You mean it?"
"I'm the Dragon King."
"Alright."
No backing out now—might as well cast the reading.
Moon Carver pulled out a few old Mora coins.
He was curious too, actually.
He tossed the coins onto the table.
The reading formed.
"What's the result?"
"…"
"Moon Carver, say something!"
After a pause, Moon Carver said, "According to the signs, this young lady does indeed seem to share an unusual connection with Mr. Xia."
Mountain Shaper nodded. "Knew it. My intuition's spot-on."
The Dragon King was more intrigued. "Try your intuition again."
Mountain Shaper scanned the plaza.
A Hydro girl in priestess robes happened to hurry past.
With mock seriousness, he said, "She seems a bit like…"
The Dragon King pointed. "Moon Carver, read her fortune too."
He tossed the coins again.
"What's the result?"
"The signs suggest she also shares an unusual connection with Mr. Xia."
"…"
Mountain Shaper fell silent, then admitted, "Okay, I made up both of those. Can't believe you bought it."
----
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