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Chapter 177 - Chapter 177: Carassius Auratus Chapter · End

At the end of the story, there are not many words—just like Ayaka's story, it is conveyed through a series of illustrations.

Sakujirou, far from the shore, hears movement behind him. Turning back, he sees familiar fireworks rising into the sky, their brilliance bursting forth, filling his vision.

This illustration depicts Sakujirou's tiny figure and his boat, with most of the space dedicated to the sky and fireworks.

A line of text accompanies the illustration:

["The shore I gazed upon that day—I can still recall it even now."]

The next illustration shows Yoimiya's back as she quietly watches the fireworks, undisturbed by the world around her.

The third illustration is a profile of Yoimiya. Just as the old man had said, the fireworks light up the sky, and when you look at her face, her eyes reflect their glow, shimmering brightly...

How beautiful—whether it's the fireworks, the emotions, or the people.

Finally, Lucian writes Yoimiya's favorite phrase:

["Fireworks fade, but emotions linger."]

Those breathtaking flowers wither in an instant, leaving one melancholic, yet their fleeting beauty, along with people's emotions, is etched deep into memory.

'Carassius Auratus Chapter: Act I: The Eternal as Transient as Dreams and Lightning · End'

Yoimiya loves this story—not just because the fireworks are beautiful, but because it's an ending she adores.

Compared to a tragic conclusion, she prefers such heartwarming tales. Stories like fairy tales might seem childish to some, but for Yoimiya, they're just right.

Arataki Itto also loves it. His favorite part is how Yoimiya in the story doesn't waste words—she simply uses "love" to move others, making them speak their true feelings.

He hates unnecessary complications. Everyone's friends—why let misunderstandings cause fights? Just say what's on your mind!

Little does he know, he'll face a similar dilemma in the future.

In Yoimiya's story, fireworks carry countless emotions.

The old couple's fifty years of love, friends' decades of camaraderie, and the newly formed bond between the Traveler and Yoimiya.

No matter how much time passes, when they see these fireworks again, they'll remember that moment.

"Fireworks..." Havria recalls the night before the Moonchase Festival, when Lucian set off those "fireworks."

Not particularly beautiful, but their fleeting brilliance left a deep impression on her.

Those who attended the "Martial Arts Tournament" recently would agree.

That day, they witnessed a spectacular fireworks show courtesy of Lucian and Klee—a chaotic, unforgettable display.

Meanwhile, the Traveler, still aboard the ship, hasn't been able to read the new book yet. But she's about to arrive in Inazuma.

As Inazuma draws nearer, Paimon begins to miss Lucian.

"Ah, it's been so long since we've heard a story from Lucian. So boring," Paimon complains.

Lumine nods. She hadn't noticed before, but after being apart from Lucian for so long, the lack of entertainment on the open sea feels dull.

Then, Lumine seems to remember something. "Wait, Paimon, didn't Lucian give us a Portable Waypoint?"

"Yeah, why?" Paimon doesn't get it.

"If we place this Waypoint on the ship, Lucian can teleport us back anytime. Why are we even sailing?" Lumine ponders.

Paimon falls silent... Damn habitual thinking!

Beidou laughs heartily. "Hahahaha, you're right! Well, consider it a sea adventure. We're almost to Inazuma anyway."

Paimon and Lumine sigh in resignation. After all these days at sea, with Inazuma so close, turning back to Liyue now would be pointless.

Damn Lucian—he's probably been having fun in Liyue all this time.

Speaking of Lucian, let's talk about what he's been up to.

Aside from writing and drawing, he's experienced a few noteworthy things.

First, Tartaglia. Not long after the "Martial Arts Tournament" ended and before the Inazuma story was released, he sought out Lucian to fulfill their bet, with Arlecchino tagging along.

Lucian isn't interested in his life, but he's very interested in using him as a tool.

So, Lucian teleported Tartaglia and Arlecchino to Fontaine.

"So, do you hear the fish singing?" Lucian asks.

Tartaglia is baffled. How could there be fish sounds in Fontaine's city? Are you messing with me?

Seeing his confusion, Lucian relaxes a little—seems there's still time.

He then pulls out a "Fishy Toast." "Here, take a bite."

Tartaglia eats it, then lowers his head, covering his face in silence.

"Can you hear it now?" Lucian asks.

Tartaglia nods.

"Need my boss's services?" Lucian presses.

Tartaglia can't take it anymore. Your boss has tried to sell me this twice, and I refused both times.

And you still won't give up? If I don't buy your services, are you just not satisfied?

I owe you a life, so you kill me, then your boss handles my funeral—full-service package, huh?

"I'll buy, I'll buy! Happy now?"

Meanwhile, Arlecchino doesn't join their antics. She heads straight back to the Hearth.

Having been in Liyue for a while, she checks in on the children.

At the door, she hears voices inside—it's Lynette.

"Brother lost."

Lyney: "Fine, I'll say it. Ahem—'Wherever Lynette is, that's home.'"

This is clearly a line from the story, but Lynette loves it.

Her tail sways slightly, betraying her happiness, and the corners of her lips lift just a bit.

Lyney sighs. We're together every day—do you really need to hear this?

But what can he do? His sister's wish is his command.

Arlecchino enters without commenting on the scene. She simply states flatly:

"Lyney, any new intel on the Hydro Archon and the Gnosis?"

"Father!" Lyney responds promptly. "There's some new information."

He hands Arlecchino the compiled intel gathered during this time.

It includes Furina's speeches, performances, and even photos of her sneaking out for leisure.

Arlecchino flips through them. Last time they met, she tested Furina but couldn't gauge her strength.

Furina showed no reaction to her provocations, as if utterly confident in her power.

Yet Arlecchino senses something off, so she ordered the Hearth to intensify surveillance on Furina.

But the intel remains mundane—just Furina's usual activities over the past 500 years.

In contrast, the fact that Furina wore a JK outfit in Liyue is a little-known tidbit.

"Seems I'll have to take action after all..."

===✧✦✧===

Character Voiceline · Yoimiya: About "Carassius Auratus Chapter"

"Such a wonderful story—no, a wonderful future! I love this future. That's why I want Inazuma to return to a place where everyone can enjoy fireworks together."

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