Teyvat Continent.
"This outfit incorporates some Liyue-style elements."
As Fontaine's premier fashion designer, Chiori was carefully observing the attire of the Divination Commission's master displayed on the Celestial Screen. The pink-haired girl's hair was styled in a double-loop "feathered immortal" updo, adorned with four cloud-patterned hairpins that glittered brilliantly in the sunlight.
"Is the material of this flowing immortal skirt brocade? Paired with gold and silver threads woven into a celestial map pattern... What intricate craftsmanship." Chiori marveled, sighing at how perfectly the dress was tailored to the young girl's figure, accentuating her youthful beauty.
Her slender legs beneath the skirt were straight and delicate, like willow catkins in spring—light and graceful. The white stockings clinging to her skin outlined elegant curves, adding a touch of playful charm to the girl.
"Is the upper part armor? How daring... but the back design..."
When Chiori saw Fu Xuan turn around, large portions of the girl's snow-white skin were exposed, with hints of her shoulder blades and waistline visible. An entire piece of armor was connected by just a single purple knot, evoking a strong urge to redesign it...
"Such a conservative yet avant-garde design. I wonder who designed this outfit for Miss Fu Xuan." Kirara, who had come to pick up a package from Chiori's shop, couldn't help but show envy in her eyes. "Chiori, can you design something like this?"
"Kirara, as a fashion designer, do you expect to hear the word 'no' from me?" Chiori's sharp gaze made Kirara's two tails stand on end in fright.
"After a while, I'll visit Liyue to study their cultural customs. Once I return to Fontaine, I'll start designing immediately."
Meanwhile, in Natlan.
At the Masters of the Night-Wind tribe, Ororon felt his granny was acting strangely today.
In the morning, he brought fresh vegetables to visit her, but as soon as he reached the door, he heard her muttering complaints inside.
"Does the Traveler think that Fu Xuan is prettier than me? She stared at her for so long without moving..."
"Is it because of the clothes? Has an old woman like me fallen behind the trends? No... Fu Xuan is also a long-life species—she might even be older than me."
"There are plenty of skilled tailors in the tribe. Should I order an outfit like Fu Xuan's? Maybe then the Traveler would—"
"No, no! That would just prove this old lady can't compare... Absolutely not! Next time, I'll just wear heavier makeup before meeting them."
Even without seeing her, Ororon could vividly imagine his granny's anxious and troubled expression from her words alone.
But when he knocked on the door, she had completely reverted to her usual demeanor.
The aloof, eccentric Granny Itztli was back. She would sternly ask about his recent progress in secret arts training and whether he had made any new friends.
His grandma seemed unchanged—still fond of drinking and reading light novels... Only when he mentioned "Traveler" or "Fu Xuan" would a blush creep onto her face, followed by an awkward, flustered expression.
"Why bring up the Traveler? If she wants to look, let her! I-I am Granny Itztli... Haven't I seen all there is to see? Why would I care?"
"... Ororon, you didn't hear anything, did you?"
Killing intent!
A chilling aura instantly radiated from his granny!
As someone raised by her and inheriting the ancient name of the Masters of the Night-Wind, Oloran immediately sensed the danger.
"Granny, I didn't hear anything." He pointed to the vegetables and fruits piled in the corner, proving he was just there to deliver groceries.
"Do you think lying to your granny works? Fine, fine, if you heard, you heard. But—"
Citlali suddenly leaned in, her petite frame erupting with overwhelming pressure: "If you dare repeat any of this to the Traveler, just wait and see how I deal with you!"
——
[ "Members of the Express, though this is our first meeting, I should say I've already foreseen our encounter. This one is Fu Xuan, Master Diviner of the Xianzhou's Six Chariots and head of the Divination Commission." ]
[ "With friends arriving from afar, we should celebrate with wine. However, the celestial, earthly, and human trinities are misaligned, so we must postpone the festivities. Let us first discuss business." ]
[ This overly formal speech short-circuited March 7th's brain. ]
[ "Do you understand what she's saying?" March 7th whispered to Stelle. ]
[ Stelle shrugged helplessly: "This must be what they call 'showing off one's learning'..." ]
[ "Ahem! If you have objections to my manner of speech, feel free to voice them directly." Fu Xuan crossed her arms, her eye twitching slightly. Their "whispered" discussion had reached her ears, making the situation rather awkward. ]
[ "We're here under General Jing Yuan's commission to apprehend the Stellaron Hunters. We appreciate your assistance, Master Diviner, but the prisoner must be delivered to the General," Welt said. ]
[ "Unnecessary. I have the General's written order here." Fu Xuan presented the document. "After the Stellaron Hunters are captured, the Divination Commission will take over the interrogation." ]
[ "Understood. But the General promised to share all intelligence with us—we have the right to know every word Kafka reveals." ]
[ "...Hah?" Fu Xuan froze, then muttered under her breath: "That guy... can't he stop digging pits for me—" ]
"This Master Diviner's way of speaking is quite interesting... very much like the ancient scholars of your country."
After getting the plump woman beside him thoroughly drunk, Caesar finally had time to discuss the recent events on the Celestial Screen with Chu Zihang.
He poured himself a glass of sparkling wine, the liquid shimmering a chestnut hue under the swirling lights—somewhat reminiscent of the pink-haired girl's stern-yet-failing-to-be-stern gaze.
"That girl, Fu Xuan—don't you find her ability familiar?" Caesar asked.
"Time Zero—the Principal's ability." Chu Zihang's icy expression twitched slightly. Back at the "Midgard Serpent," he had witnessed the Principal use this spirit language. In terms of effect, Fu Xuan's ability was almost identical.
...Almost. Though both slowed down bullets and lasted only seconds, there were subtle differences upon closer inspection.
"The difference from Time Zero is that the kinetic energy of objects was altered," Chu Zihang noted.
"True." Caesar recalled Fu Xuan deflecting bullets with her bare hands—as if they weren't lethal weapons but mere building blocks in her presence.