Shao Yun followed Tighnari back to the treehouse and sat lazily in a chair, speaking in a rather bored tone. "So, we're going to vacation in this place, huh?"
Tighnari smiled and nodded gently, replying in a calm voice. "That's right. You'll have to wait until Lumine fully adapts to this scent and no longer shows any unusual reactions."
Shao Yun nodded lightly at that, then, as if something had suddenly come to mind, teased half-jokingly.
"Haha, let's hope this doesn't turn into another Inazuma incident! I still remember the records saying that the rainforest people and the desert people in Sumeru don't exactly get along."
Hearing Shao Yun suddenly mention the word "Inazuma," Tighnari froze slightly, then quickly recalled the relevant details in his mind.
"Oh, by 'Inazuma,' you must mean the battle between the Shogunate and Sangonomiya, right? I've heard a thing or two about that."
Then, shifting the topic, he continued.
"Although the relationship between the desert folk and the rainforest dwellers can't exactly be called harmonious, it hasn't escalated to the point of open conflict. For the most part, it's just some hostility. But look over there…"
Saying this, Tighnari lifted his hand and pointed.
Shao Yun followed the direction of Tighnari's finger. Not far away, a few mercenaries with wheat-colored or light brown skin, dressed in typical desert-style clothing, were resting together casually.
Some leaned against crates with their eyes closed, others spoke in hushed voices, looking far from out of place in the rainforest.
"Although the desert dwellers are children of the Scarlet King, there are still some friendly members of the Eremites who come to the rainforest seeking new lives. Speaking of which, my ancestors also came from that arid desert."
"Unlike those stubborn, old-fashioned relics in the Akademiya, I've always believed it unnecessary to label desert people or draw rigid boundaries. After all, both good and bad people exists in this world."
After finishing, Tighnari began walking outside.
Turning back, he said to the others, "I still have matters to attend to, so I won't keep you company. Collei, please look after them for me."
Collei nodded immediately. "Understood, Master!"
Seeing Lumine and Paimon in Collei's care reminded Shao Yun of the gift Alice had once promised him.
So, Shao Yun rose from his chair and said to Lumine, "Since Collei here will be looking after you, I also have some matters to take care of. I'll be gone for a bit."
"But don't worry, I'll definitely be back before you go to sleep tonight. Get some proper rest."
Seeing Shao Yun preparing to leave, Lumine softly reminded him, "Oh, then please be careful. Tighnari said there are many dangerous places in the rainforest."
…
After Shao Yun left, Collei turned to Lumine with a look of curiosity and doubt.
She was surprised Lumine hadn't asked about his destination. "Aren't you going to ask Shao Yun where he's going or what he's doing?"
Lumine simply shrugged and explained calmly. "It's fine. Shao Yun wouldn't go out without a reason. If he's gone, he has something to do. Anyway, Collei, why don't we chat a bit?"
…
Setting aside Lumine and Paimon's experiences in Port Ormos, Shao Yun rode on horseback toward the Palace of Alcazarzaray, guided by one of the few useful navigation features of that useless system.
At a three-way intersection, he half-expected to see an Eremite with an axe locked in battle against three fungi.
Unfortunately, no such scene appeared. It seemed he couldn't trigger that quest involving seventy-six benevolent guardians.
Not that it mattered—even if it did trigger, the Aranara would never reveal themselves to him.
After all, Aranara only appear before children, those they accept, or those who have connected their consciousness with Irminsul.
He had no intention of approaching Irminsul; to someone like him, who dismissed fairy tales as nonsense, if Aranara really did appear before him, then Teyvat's eccentricity would be beyond human imagination.
But then again, maybe the Aranara would see him as a threat to the forest and come after him to kill him.
Treating him like some unreasonable big chunk of metal, hahaha…
…
The Palace of Alcazarzaray stood northeast of Mawtiyima Forest and southwest of the Lokapala Jungle, surrounded by lush trees and vibrant flowers, like a dreamlike palace hidden in a fairyland.
By the time Shao Yun arrived, the sun had already sunk behind the mountains, leaving only a faint afterglow across the land.
The palace, bathed in a golden hue, looked even more enchanting.
It was the famous residence of the wealthy merchant "Dori," hidden amidst dense forest, blending seamlessly with its surroundings.
Shao Yun reined in his horse on the bridge. Before him stretched a splendid purple garden.
Exotic flowers bloomed in brilliant competition, filling the air with fragrance.
At the garden's center stood an ornate fountain, its crystal-clear water arcing beautifully before falling back into a pool, raising sparkling sprays.
Nearby, a finely crafted pavilion with a green-tiled roof added to the elegance.
Studying the view, Shao Yun muttered under his breath, "Wow… this must be the Palace of Alcazarzaray? Feels like I've stepped into some sultan's palace straight out of One Thousand and One Nights."
Though the palace didn't allow visitors inside, its outer grounds were open.
So, Shao Yun rode in without obstruction.
At that moment, a palace maid named Shaghayeh noticed him.
She approached with graceful steps, wearing a refined smile, and spoke politely. "Hello, guest. May I ask what business brings you to the Palace of Alcazarzaray? If you're here to tour, there are a few rules…"
Shao Yun dismounted, landing steadily, and said to Shaghayeh, "I'm not here for sightseeing. I've come to find someone named Dori."
At the mention of that name, Shaghayeh asked, "Oh? Then you must be here to see Master Dori Sangemah Bay. But without an appointment or arrangement, I'm afraid it may be difficult to meet her."
Shao Yun paused, recalling his earlier conversation with Alice, then explained. "A lady named Alice entrusted me to retrieve something from here."
Shaghayeh's face instantly shifted to surprise.
Moments later, regaining her composure, she smiled politely once more, extending her right hand in a graceful "please" gesture. "Ah, so that's how it is. My apologies for the misunderstanding! Please, come with me."
Shao Yun tied his horse loosely to a nearby tree and followed Shaghayeh.
Soon, they reached the pavilion.
Shao Yun sat inside while Shaghayeh stood nearby, saying softly, "Please rest here a moment. I'll go inform Master Dori."
And so, Shao Yun waited quietly in the pavilion for Dori's arrival…
…
During his wait, several maids brought trays laden with fruits and delicate pastries, setting them on a table.
Shao Yun smiled and nodded in thanks before returning his gaze to the magnificent palace.
While admiring its exquisite architecture and gardens, he pulled out his diary and began sketching.
When the final line was drawn, a vivid sketch of the Palace of Alcazarzaray filled the page.
Satisfied, he closed the book.
Just then, cheerful footsteps approached, and a small figure appeared before him.
It was a petite girl with a loli-like figure. Most striking was the pink-purple diamond-shaped monocle on her nose, giving her a shrewd, merchant-like air.
Stopping, she planted her hands on her hips, beamed brightly, and loudly declared in an exaggerated tone:
"Yo-ho! Greetings! I am none other than the great master of the Palace of Alcazarzaray, the super merchant who owns everything in the world—Dori Sangemah Bay!"
Faced with such a flamboyant introduction, Shao Yun blinked in mild surprise but quickly regained his composure.
He didn't dwell on her peculiar mannerisms, simply smiled politely and introduced himself. "Hello. I've come to collect something Alice left with you. My name is… Tacitus Kilgore."
To his surprise, Dori's smile froze the moment he spoke his name.
She stared at him, eyes wary.
After a pause, she finally spoke. "Emmm, that name of yours…"
Seeing she didn't recognize it; Shao Yun reverted to his real name. "Then how about Shao Yun?"
The moment he said it; Dori jolted in realization.
Her eyes widened in excitement as she clapped her hands together and exclaimed, "Oh my! So you're the very Shao Yun Lady Alice spoke of! My, my, there's no need to be so cautious with me."
Then she nodded slightly, continuing, "But I do understand your approach."
"In this world, drifting through the rivers and lakes, it's perfectly normal to have a few extra names. Saves a lot of trouble!"
With that, she turned, beckoning him to follow.
"Come along."
Shao Yun trailed after her through the splendid courtyard until they reached the back of the palace.
It was quieter here, shaded by greenery.
Dori stopped and pointed toward a pile of packages covered with waterproof cloth. Smiling, she said, "You've come just in time. These are the items Lady Alice instructed me to pass on to you."
Following her gesture, Shao Yun's eyes widened at the mountain of goods, sucking in a sharp breath as he muttered, "This… this is what Alice sent? There's so much!"
Dori then produced a cargo list and a brand-new handwritten book, handing them respectfully to him. "Here is the list, along with a book Lady Alice specifically asked me to deliver to you personally."
She added solemnly, "Please rest assured, I swear on my Mora that I haven't peeked at any of it. Protecting a client's privacy is one of the most basic—and most important—rules of us merchants!"