Shao Yun kept his eyes locked on this strangely behaving Katheryne. Could it be… could this Katheryne be malfunctioning too, just like the one in Mondstadt?
After all, how long could it possibly take to process a simple adventurer transfer?
Silently, he tracked the passage of time in his head. The longer it dragged on, the more wrong it felt.
Compared to the Katherynes in Inazuma and Liyue, this one's efficiency was shockingly low.
Then, like a sudden spark, a thought lit up in Shao Yun's mind.
He spoke suddenly, his voice calm: "Tell me, Miss Katheryne, do you happen to know a man named Shahzaman Homayani?"
The moment the surname Homayani left his lips, the fumbling Katheryne jolted violently, freezing in place as if she had just short-circuited.
Her face then shifted to a guarded expression, eyes narrowing on Shao Yun as she pressed, "The Homayani Family? What business do you have with them?"
Catching her reaction, Shao Yun grew more certain that something was wrong with this Katheryne.
But instead of pressing, he smiled faintly, softening his demeanor to appear approachable.
"It was Lord Dori Sangemah Bay who asked me to come to Shahzaman for certain matters."
After saying so, Shao Yun quietly observed, waiting for her response.
Katheryne paused, seemingly thinking it over. After a moment, she hesitated, then softly said, "I see… very well, let me ask through the Akasha."
Closing her eyes, her Akasha Terminal glowed faint green.
When she opened them again, she answered, "Ah, found him. Mr. Shahzaman is currently at Puspa Café."
Shao Yun studied this odd Katheryne. Normally, in such cases, she would suggest issuing a commission to track the person down. But this one… had given him a direct location?
Still, he chose not to doubt her. Perhaps it was the Akasha at work.
With a cold smirk, he asked, "Really? Is the Akasha that useful?"
Katheryne's eyes flickered away as she muttered, "The Akasha is… somewhat useful. But mainly, it's because Mr. Shahzaman was just searching how to make coffee taste better. So, I guessed."
The moment he heard guessed, Shao Yun's thoughts clicked into place.
Pressing further, he asked, "You guessed?"
Katheryne stammered nervously, "Just simple reasoning, that's all. After all, if you're drinking coffee at home, your servants handle the brewing. There'd be no need for him to wonder about it unless he were outside."
Her explanation, combined with her earlier reaction when he mentioned the Homayani Family, confirmed it. This Katheryne was being temporarily controlled by Nahida.
After all, Dunyarzad was one of the Little Lord Kusanali's most devoted followers—of course she would care deeply.
"You're Nahida, aren't you…"
At those words, Katheryne froze completely, like a machine locking up.
Then, blinking back to life, she looked at Shao Yun and recited her usual greeting.
"Ad Astra Abyssosque. Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild. How may I be of service?"
Hearing that, Shao Yun thought, Now that's more like it.
Still, he tested her once more: "Could you tell me where Mr. Shahzaman is?"
Katheryne, hearing it was a matter of finding someone, pulled out a commission slip. "Ah, so it's a retrieval commission? I'll prepare a form for you…"
Yes, that was the Katheryne he knew.
Seeing that Nahida had indeed left her, Shao Yun waved his hand to dismiss the matter.
"No need. Is the adventurer transfer complete?"
At the mention of transfer, Katheryne's processing seemed to hiccup.
"Huh? What transfer?" She glanced down at the certificate on her desk—and to her surprise, the process was already completed.
"How odd… when did I finish it? Perhaps a memory sector error. I'll have to report it for maintenance."
After verifying the certificate, she confirmed Shao Yun was now registered under the Sumeru Adventurers' Guild, then returned it to him.
"Here is your certificate. Ad Astra Abyssosque. We look forward to your adventures in Sumeru."
Shao Yun took it, satisfied that Nahida had departed. He wasted no time with small talk.
"Alright then. Farewell."
…
Mounting his horse, Shao Yun mulled over the encounter. Why did Nahida appear to me so early?
Well, it made sense—after what he'd done in Inazuma, she could probably glimpse much through Irminsul.
But why had she fled the moment he called her out, like a child caught sneaking candy? Did she think I'm too difficult to deal with?
Tch… she's not wrong. I'm hardly the gentle or sympathetic type.
Perhaps Nahida thought negotiating with him alone was too risky. Without Lumine present, she dared not speak further.
…
Arriving at Puspa Café, Shao Yun dismissed his horse, letting the system return it to the stable, then strode inside.
The décor radiated Sumeru's distinct style.
At the center of the hall stood an ornate indoor fountain.
The floor was covered with splendid Sumeru carpets, their intricate designs vivid with dazzling colors.
Even through his boots, each step seemed to sink into a soft, refined texture.
The rich fragrance of coffee filled the café, so strong Shao Yun almost wanted to order a cup himself.
Behind the counter, acting manager Miss Enteka greeted him warmly. "Welcome! A good cup of coffee can keep you energized all day. What flavor would you like?"
Shao Yun thought, It's nearly evening. I don't need more energy… then again, maybe a little wouldn't hurt.
…
But he got straight to the point. "I'm here to find someone. Do you know where Mr. Shahzaman Homayani is?"
Enteka pointed to a middle-aged man in the corner, flanked by two family guards, savoring pastries with his coffee. "There, that's Mr. Shahzaman."
Following her gesture, Shao Yun spotted him and offered polite thanks. "Much obliged."
…
At that moment, Shahzaman sat calmly enjoying his drink, with two Homayani guards at his side.
As Shao Yun drew closer, one of the guards—named Muruwa—stepped forward, blocking his path out of duty. "Friend, what business brings you here?"
Instead of answering, Shao Yun kept his eyes fixed on the seated man.
"Excuse me. Might you be Mr. Shahzaman?"
Startled by the sudden directness, Shahzaman set down his cup, his sharp gaze sizing up the stranger. After a thoughtful silence, he replied slowly, "First tell me what business you have with Shahzaman."
Shao Yun sensed the caution in his tone. Calmly, he smiled, then drew from his Legend of the East satchel the letter Dori had entrusted to him.
He presented it. "This is an introduction letter entrusted to me by a young lady named Dori, to be delivered to you."
At the mention of Dori, a flicker of delight passed over Shahzaman's face.
He quickly signaled his guards to step aside and welcomed Shao Yun warmly. "Ah, a letter from Lord Sangemah Bay herself! Please, sit, sit. I am Shahzaman."
Eagerly, he accepted the letter and skimmed it, grasping the essentials.
Then, smiling, he looked up. "I see. During your time in Sumeru City, your accommodations shall be my responsibility. Do you have any particular preferences? Convenient travel? Peaceful surroundings?"
With a grin, Shao Yun asked, "Is there an option that gives me both?"