Truly, as expected of Fischl—her imagination was wild! What was going on in that little head of hers all day?
Fischl hadn't anticipated that one day her entire imagination would be laid bare.
She peeked at the reactions of those around her, noticing everyone was reading happily, chuckling away. Only then did she breathe a sigh of relief and settle down to enjoy the story.
In the story, the group pressed forward and encountered two guards: "Sharp-Eyed Night Raven" and "Stern-Faced Night Raven."
The illustrations for these two Night Ravens were no different from the others; they just had those names.
It was like Cyno calling himself "King of Jokes Cyno." Was he really?
These two Night Ravens blocked the Traveler and the others from passing, forcing a choice.
Persuasion, intimidation, deception, or direct combat. In the end, the Traveler chose persuasion and succeeded, gaining entry to the top of the high tower.
Opening the book again, they re-entered Fischl's dream. This time, the Fischl Royal Castle wasn't as bright and sunny as before. A thick fog had settled, and the sky was overcast.
The castle was now larger and taller, but the fog's veil gave it an eerie look, like a vampire's stronghold.
[Narration: "However, the Immernachtreich was shrouded in a relentless, nightmare-like gloom. The evil dragon Tasrak slithered from the depths, crossing the seabed to loom over the royal city."]
The illustration of the evil dragon Tasrak looked far too much like Dvalin, giving Dvalin a bad rap.
In the story, Mona analyzed this narration, suggesting Fischl had personified those who opposed her fantasies into a single dragon.
Like Xinyan's world, it represented "worldly prejudice and being misunderstood."
Thus, the puzzle changed. It was no longer about "constructing" the world through the Raven's Eye but finding a perspective that could "block out" certain sights.
Out of sight, out of mind—Fischl was trying her best to ignore these things.
In the Echoing Conch within the illusion, Fischl had told Oz, "All the vulgarities I do not see are mere illusions."
It seemed Fischl had always been avoiding these things. By not looking, by not caring, did that mean they didn't exist?
Of course not. These were objective realities, and Fischl knew they wouldn't vanish, which was why she didn't want to face her dream—she didn't want to see them.
It was self-deception, like claiming zero calories if you don't admit it.
If Ayaka had this mindset, she wouldn't be so thrilled just eating ramen.
Speaking of Ayaka, since coming to see Lucian, she'd been reading his novels with Mona and eating plenty of Liyue cuisine.
She might gain a few pounds when she returns, maybe even develop a little belly.
Lucian's hospitality was too good. He didn't care about this or that—just eat! Everyone, eat!
As said many times, Lucian loved having everyone together, including for meals.
Take Paimon, the ultimate foodie streamer. Mona could only be considered a secondary foodie streamer.
And Mona, now eating well, no longer looked like the "starving ghost" she did when she first arrived.
[The narration continued: "In the end, she pierced the dragon's scales with the thunder of holy judgment, and in the torrential rain of dragon's blood, she delivered a speech, saying…"]
The Prinzessin had spoken at the moment of victory…
And then it stopped. The readers were furious, and the Traveler and others in the story were even more so.
What did she say?! What did the pangolin say!?
They hurriedly searched for the next part of the narrated story. It should be ahead, right?
They charged forward boldly, and the poor Hilichurls in their path suffered.
The group swept through like a tempest, sending all the Hilichurls flying.
In reality, Mona and Paimon were practically vibrating with impatience. Thankfully, the book had more, or they'd have locked Fischl in a dark room for a thorough interrogation.
Interrogating Lucian would work too, but both had been fooled by him before and lacked confidence in questioning him.
If Yelan knew their thoughts, she'd be the first to support them.
Picture this: a plate of pork cutlets set before Lucian, the blinds cracked to let in a sliver of light, and a line like, "Think of your dear old mother back home. She wouldn't want to see you like this, would she?"
Well, that's Inazuma's interrogation style, not Yelan's.
Yelan preferred something a bit more… binding, too spicy for approval.
The scariest part? It's nearly impossible to resist Yelan. She enjoys it either way.
Tie you up? She's thrilled. Get tied up? She's still thrilled. Utterly unbeatable! She's not just the night—she's the sun, a master of open schemes!
Back to the story: the group didn't hear the next part of the narration but instead ran into that Night Raven Knight named "Leon" again.
How are you?
Everyone was baffled. Why was it you again?
No need for much talk this time—they rescued Leon with practiced ease.
Speaking of which, this Leon wasn't a real knight but was playing one.
Yet he was so half-baked, always getting stuck on his adventure trials and needing help.
The group fell into thought. Could his prototype be… Bennett?
Putting that aside, Leon's role as an actor in the Immernachtreich was actually prestigious, as drama was a vital part of its culture.
It made sense—Fischl herself loved to perform. At the story's start, she and Oz were already acting with gusto.
Oz's "Please, please, tell Klee~" was so vivid, brimming with life, as if it were right before their eyes.
Regardless, Leon gave them a new password. Using it, they ventured deeper into the illusion, where, like last time, they found a book.
Based on past experience, touching the book would take them to Little Amy's room.
But this time, there was a twist. They didn't appear in Little Amy's room but in a corridor.
Last time, Little Amy's room was bright and warm. This corridor was dim and cold, as if one was day and the other night.
[Fischl's voice echoed: "Esteemed Father and Mother, greetings. Today should be a festive day in the Immernachtreich. I hope you both can spare some time…"]
[Before Fischl could finish, her father interrupted: "Little Amy, you're at this age and still saying those things."]
[Fischl's mother added: "You're a big girl now. Stop believing in those fairy tale books."]
[Fischl: "But…"]
But no matter how old you are, you can still love fairy tales, heroes, and magic!
Little Amy couldn't find words to argue, because she was too young. Without her parents' support, she began to doubt herself.
Should I… grow up? Everyone's urging me to 'mature.' Should I let go of this 'childishness'? Little Amy was trapped in doubt.
Her mother bought her a new book, not a fairy tale this time, but one for practicing the piano.
"Spend your time on more meaningful things," her mother said—a phrase many have heard.
So, at this moment, Little Amy's parents were also the "evil dragon."
[Fischl, dejected: "…Mom, I… I understand."]
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice · Alhaitham: About 'Meaning'
"You ask me what meaning is? It's when you feel your time hasn't been wasted. A thousand people, a thousand meanings—no need to judge, no need to ask."