Episode 179: The terrifying Scales of the Demon disease, making one anticipate the dance of the Flower God.
『 "Don't worry, she's tough." Lumine recalled the scene of a fierce battle with someone.
"Dehya is super amazing, and she must have agreed with your actions to rush here and protect you."
"That's right, relax," Paimon quickly reassured her.
Fortunately, it wasn't long before Dehya finished her battle and walked towards them.
Seeing Lumine and her companions, she first asked curiously, "My lady, Traveler, found ya."
Seeing the long-awaited person return, Paimon enthusiastically greeted her, "Dehya! You solved the problem over there so quickly?"
"Are there any other enemies around?" Dehya didn't say much, her eyes scanning the surroundings vigilantly. "Or, did anyone follow you here?"
"Don't worry, I just checked and didn't find anyone else nearby," Lumine confidently replied to Dehya. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "You actually doubt our professionalism!…" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "After all we've been through, how could we not be careful?" ]
[ Dehya (Genshin Impact): "I didn't mean it that way, it's just a mercenary's caution." ] …
[ Dunyarzad Homayani (Genshin Impact): "Hehehe! Dehya is truly an excellent mercenary." ]
[ Dehya (Genshin Impact): "Hahaha, I get embarrassed too." ]
[ Utaha Kasumigaoka (Saekano): "Suddenly, inspiration strikes. A knight protected her princess, and it turns out to be a female knight or something." ]
[ Eriri Spencer Sawamura (Saekano): "???" ]
[ .....]
『 Just as they were relaxing, Dunyarzad noticed something unusual on Dehya's hand.
"Dehya, what happened to your hand?"
It was then that everyone noticed a strange scar on Dehya's hand, which had appeared at some point.
What looked painful seemed utterly insignificant to Dehya.
She even said nonchalantly, "Oh, this? It's nothing, I'm fine."
"It's just a scratch. Normally, they wouldn't have been able to land a hit on me at all, but I'm still getting used to this new greatsword." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Shinomiya Kaguya (Love Is War): "A new greatsword?" ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "But why would you suddenly change your weapon?" ]
[ .....]
『 Seeing Dehya so unconcerned about her physical condition, Dunyarzad's expression immediately turned serious.
"You can't be like this. Let me examine your injuries carefully!"
Before she finished speaking, she forcefully stepped forward, intending to give Dehya a full-body check. …
After a baffling examination, Dunyarzad finally relaxed.
Dehya, also relieved, was freed from her earlier tension.
"Alright, alright, don't worry. We mercenaries aren't as delicate as you think," Dehya reassured Dunyarzad in return, trying to ease her tension.
"Speaking of which, what's this about a new greatsword you just mentioned? What happened to your old one?" Dunyarzad, having just recovered from the tense atmosphere, immediately seized upon the new topic Dehya had inadvertently thrown out.
This sudden potential cause of injury was actually related to Dehya's new greatsword?
What story was hidden behind this?
Dunyarzad's curiosity was thoroughly piqued.
A hint of embarrassment flashed across Dehya's face: "Oh, that… Actually, I was short on funds before, so I had no choice but to sell my greatsword."…
Seeing that her explanation seemed unconvincing, Dehya quickly added, "These things happen occasionally, don't worry too much about me."
However, in Dunyarzad's eyes, the matter seemed not so simple. Something that had happened not long ago now quietly aligned with the current situation in her mind.
"It can't be... The anonymous donation that was used for the venue's final round of preparations..." Dunyarzad murmured to herself, her doubts growing clearer. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Nilou (Genshin Impact): "Miss Dehya is also a good person." ]
[ Dunyarzad Homayani (Genshin Impact): "How could I let you pay? I said I'd take care of it, and I will." ]
[ Dehya (Genshin Impact): "It's fine, I did it willingly." ]
[ Beidou (Genshin Impact): "Miss Dehya is also an excellent martial artist." ]
[ .....]
『 Caught by Dunyarzad's words, Dehya gave an embarrassed chuckle: "Oh dear, hehehe."…
Gazing at Dehya, who had silently done so much for her, even the usually resilient Dunyarzad's eyes couldn't help but well up.
This deep affection warmed the heart and was deeply moving.
Because of that single tear, Dehya, who had been as stubborn as a little calf just moments before, instantly lost her composure.
"Uh, hey, Miss Dunyarzad, I wasn't trying to make you cry. I'm not gonna lose my commission because I made my employer cry, am I?" Dehya frantically fumbled.
Dunyarzad barely managed to stifle a laugh, putting on a serious face: "...Pfft... Hehe... Okay, making your employer cry won't affect your commission, but selling your weapon without permission and getting hurt... I'll have to re-evaluate your performance."
"Haha, my Lady, you truly are merciless," Dehya realized her young mistress had calmed down, and her courage grew, allowing her to joke.
Dunyarzad smiled faintly: "Hey, I still have you to thank, Dehya."
"Don't be like that. I get shy easily, it's so embarrassing," Dehya blushed, flustered.
Dunyarzad was about to continue teasing, but suddenly coughed: "Cough, cough, cough."
Paimon, watching from the side, whispered to Lumine.
"Is Dunyarzad feeling unwell again?" 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Maybe Dunyarzad shouldn't come out anymore. Your condition isn't suitable for being out." ]
[ Dunyarzad Homayani (Genshin Impact): "I know my own body, it's fine." ]
[ Emu Hojo (Kamen Rider): "Is it due to a congenital condition that her body is so weak?" ]
[ Natasha (Honkai: Star Rail) "According to the doctor's advice, it's better not to go out and be active casually, and to rest well." ]
[ Dunyarzad Homayani (Genshin Impact): "I…" ]
[ .....]
『 Seeing this, Dehya knew it was not the time for jokes, and quickly turned to Lumine and Paimon.
"Traveler, please take her to rest. I'll go scout the surroundings again and see if there are any ambushes from their accomplices."
"Alright, leave it to me!" Lumine readily accepted the task, carefully helping the weak Dunyarzad sit on a nearby chair.
Dunyarzad looked apologetically at everyone: "I'm really causing trouble for everyone…"
She sat there, took a few deep breaths, and her complexion slowly eased.
"Are you feeling better, Dunyarzad?" Paimon asked Dunyarzad with eyes full of concern.…
"Yes, I feel much better. I just need to rest here for a while longer," Dunyarzad replied, trying to put on a relaxed facade.
However, Lumine hadn't forgotten the details of that earlier scene.
"You mentioned your illness, and Dehya's expression…"
"Dunyarzad, how serious is your illness?"
If it were just a minor illness, Dehya would never be so anxious.
The atmosphere had been fine, but when Dunyarzad coughed softly, everyone's faces suddenly turned grim.
Clearly, this illness was no small matter. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Nilou (Genshin Impact): "What kind of illness does Miss Dunyarzad have?" ]
[ Nahida (Genshin Impact): "Dunyarzad, I'm sorry." ]
[ Dunyarzad Homayani (Genshin Impact): "It's alright, Lesser Lord Kusanali, I'm fine." ]
[ Nilou (Genshin Impact): "Dunyarzad." ]
[ .....]
『 "So, you all care about my illness so much? Then I won't hide it anymore." Dunyarzad prepared herself mentally and slowly began:
"In fact, I suffer from a hereditary illness called Eleazar, and it has already entered its late stage."
"Eleazar!!" Lumine and Paimon's eyes widened sharply upon hearing this.
"It's Eleazar!" Paimon was also shocked, eager to confirm the situation.
One must know, Eleazar was no laughing matter.
In the current Sumeru, once afflicted with this disease, it was almost equivalent to a death sentence.
It was an absolutely incurable terminal illness. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Collei (Genshin Impact): "What! It's actually Eleazar!" ]
[ Dunyarzad Homayani (Genshin Impact): "This young lady, it seems she also knows about Eleazar?" ]
[ Collei (Genshin Impact): "Yes…" ]
[ .....]
『 Seeing their strong reaction, Dunyarzad understood.
"Oh? It seems you've heard of Eleazar before? You must understand its horrors, right?"
But even if they knew, what then?
"So far, Sumeru's medical arts have no way to solve this problem," Dunyarzad sighed helplessly. "The most cutting-edge treatment methods only use environmental therapy to slow down the progression of the disease."
"Dunyarzad, you…" Looking at the distressed Dunyarzad before them, even Paimon was momentarily speechless, not knowing what to do. After all, this matter was truly too cruel to offer any comfort.
Earlier, we had already learned that Eleazar was an extremely terrifying nightmare for Sumeru, and even for all of Teyvat. Although it was confined to Sumeru, its horror should not be underestimated.
Seeing Paimon so sad, Dunyarzad gently comforted her in return: "You don't have to be so sad. I have long accepted my fate, living with Eleazar. What truly pains me is not the disease itself, but the immense impact it has had on my life."
"I know my family loves me deeply. They try their best to give me the best living environment, hoping I can live a little longer, just a little longer. But I know in my heart that that day will eventually come." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Xingqiu (Genshin Impact): "Such is life." ]
[ Chongyun (Genshin Impact): "Why are you all so sad? Isn't the Traveler here, the amazing Traveler?" ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "I don't have such amazing abilities." ]
[ The Herta (Honkai: Star Rail): "I'm quite interested in this, but it seems I can't get a sample for research." ]
[ Ruan Mei (Honkai: Star Rail): "+ 1" ]
[ Dunyarzad Homayani (Genshin Impact): "Thank you all for your kindness." ]
[ .....]
『 At this point, Dunyarzad's eyes were as calm as water, as if she were telling someone else's story, as she gazed at Lumine beside her: "Traveler, do you know? Before I escaped this time, in the vast world outside that mansion, almost no one knew of my existence."
These words brought a quiet stir to Lumine's heart. Untouched by the world, she found it difficult to fully comprehend the turmoil within this woman. This feeling was too abstract, too ineffable.
However, Dunyarzad then spoke again, her voice gentle yet firm: "From a young age, I could only lie in bed every day, staring blankly at the world outside my window. This escape, I imagine, my family will be anxious and disappointed."
"But do you know? I just don't want to have any regrets in my life, that's all." After speaking, she rose and walked to the edge of the platform, gazing at the Sumeru scenery below, and whispered, "How I long to meet people. For me, every encounter is a great happiness."
"What's more, all the preparations I made for the Sabzeruz Festival, those beautiful times…"
When she mentioned the Sabzeruz Festival she had long awaited, a brilliant smile bloomed on Dunyarzad's face, her eyes sparkling with full anticipation.
"Everyone who participates in the Sabzeruz Festival, their faces are filled with smiles like Dehya's and yours… You all here have always been my supporting friends."
"Therefore, even if that day eventually comes, I think I will no longer be so afraid, no longer so sad."
"At least, many, many people will remember that I once left my footprints in this world, right?"
"Don't say that, you'll still have many more beautiful moments," Lumine promised earnestly. "And, I guarantee, I will never forget you."
"As long as you don't forget me, I will never forget you either! No, even if you somehow forget me, I will firmly remember you! Dunyarzad!" Little Paimon hurriedly assured Dunyarzad, her voice filled with anxiety.
Perhaps due to nervousness, little Paimon seemed somewhat unusual at this moment.
But everyone around could feel that Paimon's words came from the heart, every single word imbued with her deep emotions.
"Haha, thank you very much, really." Dunyarzad gently placed her hand on her chest, sincerely expressing her gratitude. "I'm truly sorry, I said so many disheartening things, it's not like my usual self."
Unintentionally, she found herself pouring out so much to the two people in front of her; such a display was indeed rare for her.
It truly wasn't easy. Then, Dunyarzad also smiled as she shared the heartfelt thoughts that had driven her forward.
"Honestly, I mustered that courage all thanks to the amazing Lesser Lord Kusanali. If it weren't for her encouragement, I probably wouldn't even have had the courage to take that step."
"You weren't defeated by your illness, you never gave up, that in itself is super amazing!" Looking at Dunyarzad's resilient appearance, Paimon praised her sincerely.
For an ordinary person, facing such a tormenting illness and circumstances, they might have long lost their fighting spirit and succumbed to fate early on.
But Dunyarzad not only persevered to this day but also remained full of hope for life.
"There are always things to regret in life, but I understand that we live to have no regrets, don't we?"
"Exactly! That's right!" Lumine nodded vigorously, her face serious.
As they chatted, Dunyarzad suddenly realized it was late: "Oh dear, isn't it getting late?"
This question stunned Paimon.
"Hmm? Is there a special arrangement coming up soon?"
Logically, it shouldn't be time to prepare for sleep. Could it be that something big was about to happen besides rest?
"The Dance of the Flower God seems about to begin! This is the highlight of our Sabzeruz Festival, meant to conclude perfectly amidst cheers and blessings," Dunyarzad said effusively, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "This way, my little wish in my heart can also quietly come true."
Paimon saw Dunyarzad's expectant look and quickly tugged at Lumine beside her, signaling it was time to move. "What are you waiting for? Quick, quick, let's rush to the stage!"
"Yes, yes, yes, the timing should be just right," Dunyarzad nodded repeatedly, her tone full of anticipation for the upcoming spectacle.
As the most anticipated event of this Sabzeruz Festival—the Dance of the Flower God—she had already glimpsed its preparations earlier. Every drop of effort and sweat poured into this dance and celebration was an indelible testament. And now, all the hard work and dedication would be most splendidly validated in this imminent moment.
After thinking about this, Dunyarzad led everyone directly towards the Grand Bazaar. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Dunyarzad Homayani (Genshin Impact): "The Dance of the Flower God, ah." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "It sounds so beautiful." ]
[ Kato Megumi (Saekano): "Looking forward to it…" ]
[ .....]
『 However, what was puzzling was that the bustling market square, which should have been full of people, was unusually quiet at this moment. It lacked its usual lively atmosphere, as if everyone had finished watching the performance and gone home…
However, a few of them didn't dwell on it much.
They most likely regretted not arriving earlier, assuming that the celebrations here had already concluded and people had gone home satisfied.
So, with this feeling of regret, they planned to find little Nilou after the dance and chat for a bit to make up for the missed opportunity.
But as they approached the edge of the stage, they found several figures whispering something on stage.…
Seeing movement over there, Paimon quickly grabbed Lumine and Dunyarzad, who were about to go forward: "Look over there!" 』
『 .....』