"Indeed."
Kaeya smiled slightly, a teasing look at the corner of his mouth. "This is truly rare... Oz is rarely separated from Fischl, but refuses to reveal her whereabouts. Does this mean the place Fischl and Barbara went to this time is unsuitable for even Oz to follow?"
Jean didn't answer, falling into deep thought.
Her rationality told her that Barbara and Fischl wouldn't disappear casually.
And judging from the current situation, they likely left voluntarily and didn't encounter any danger.
But the question was—
Why didn't they leave any message?
Why is Oz unwilling to reveal it?
Jean rubbed her brow gently, speaking calmly: "Don't alarm too many people for now. Don't spread this matter temporarily."
Kaeya smiled. "Oh? Not planning to send people to search directly?"
Jean shook her head, her eyes thoughtful. "Barbara and Fischl are not ordinary people. One is a Vision holder, one is a Pastor of the Church. If they left voluntarily, they must have their reasons."
"But to confirm the situation, I need to see Oz."
Jean's gaze was firm, her tone undeniable. "Let Oz come to my office. I want to ask him personally what happened."
Kaeya shrugged. "I'm afraid that can't be done. Because after the Church asked Oz, Oz flew away too. Don't know where he went."
"We can't find Oz."
Jean: "..."
This is really... a bit of a headache.
While Jean had a headache.
On the other side.
Liyue Territory.
Wangshu Inn.
Kael and the others admired the scenery along Dihua Marsh, feeling the unique customs of Liyue.
Lakes intertwined around them. Distant mountains were surrounded by clouds and mist.
Occasionally, water birds could be seen floating on the water. Everything seemed exceptionally quiet and beautiful.
Barbara excitedly took out a Mondstadt-specific Kamera, carefully adjusting the angle. While taking pictures, she said cheerfully, "Liyue's scenery is really beautiful! It has a completely different charm from Dawn Winery and the fields of Windrise!"
Her aqua-blue eyes flashed with surprise, seemingly immersed in the beauty of Liyue.
Every distance she walked, she would stop to take a few photos.
Sometimes it was a white egret floating on the lake, sometimes it was a distant mountain reflected in the water.
She even excitedly recorded an Anemo Slime flying by accidentally.
Paimon clicked her tongue beside her, unable to help muttering, "You've already taken dozens of photos, right?"
"Ehe, no choice! Such a beautiful place must be recorded!"
Barbara revealed a brilliant smile, carefully storing the Kamera. "After going back, I will develop these photos and show them to everyone in the Church."
Kael chuckled at this.
Seeing Barbara excited, he didn't disturb her.
As for Fischl, she still maintained the arrogant posture of the "Prinzessin of Condemnation."
Arms crossed, standing by the lake with eyes slightly closed, as if feeling the breath of this earth.
But judging from the slightly raised corner of her mouth, she also enjoyed this trip.
Just like this, until evening.
The group slowly arrived in front of a Statue of The Seven (Geo) in Liyue.
The Geo Statue stood on high ground, warm golden light shining on the earth.
At this time, night fell slowly, and the sky was dyed with a faint orange-red.
Looking at the statue in front of him, Kael thought.
When I have time, I also have to run around Liyue, placing Anchors at the locations of the Statues.
While thinking this, Kael used the power of the Trailblaze Path to construct a Trailblaze Anchor.
With the first experience.
The second time, Kael skillfully got it done in a short time.
After finishing, he said, "Alright, can teleport back to Mondstadt directly."
"So fast?"
Hearing Kael's words, Barbara and Fischl looked at each other.
Although still somewhat surprised in their hearts, they quickly adjusted their emotions.
"Then, our journey to Liyue ends here."
Fischl gently flicked her golden long hair, staring deeply at the light array, the corner of her mouth rising slightly. "However, this is not the end, but the starting point of the next intersection of fate."
"Hehe."
Seeing this scene, Paimon chuckled. "When you come back in a few days, we will be in Liyue Harbor. We can play together then."
"Liyue Harbor must be more prosperous than here."
"Mm-hmm."
Hearing this, Barbara's eyes lit up.
She hadn't been to Liyue Harbor yet.
But thinking that she could arrive in Liyue in a few days, she was still looking forward to it.
In the next second, the surrounding scene changed dramatically.
Barbara and Fischl instantly disappeared on the spot with Kael and the others.
"Hmm?"
At this moment.
Liyue Harbor.
Heyu Tea House.
Zhongli, who was drinking tea, suddenly paused. He turned his head slightly surprised, looking outside Liyue Harbor, gazing in the direction of Wangshu Inn.
What power is that?
A bit too special.
Actually using Ley Line energy as a pivot, creating something he couldn't understand.
"Hmm..."
"Never mind."
Shaking his head, Zhongli stopped thinking about it. instead, he turned his gaze back to the opera stage in front of him.
Since he had already made a decision, he didn't need to worry about these things.
After all, he didn't feel any malice.
Although curious about that power, it was only curiosity.
At this moment.
When Kael and the others reappeared, they were already inside Mondstadt City.
The location was near Kael's house.
"What—?!"
"Uh?! Someone?!"
At this time.
On this road, there were several patrolling Knights of Favonius.
Originally patrolling the city as routine.
But suddenly their vision blurred, and people actually appeared out of thin air in the middle of the street!
The patrolling Knights were shocked instantly, taking a step back subconsciously, almost drawing the swords at their waists.
But when they saw the appearing figures clearly, their pupils contracted violently, faces showing extreme surprise.
"Miss Barbara?! Honorary Knight?!"
The leading Knight exclaimed in astonishment.
His gaze swept over Kael and Lumine, then landed on Barbara, the astonishment on his face almost unconcealable.
Miss Barbara?!
Shouldn't she be in the Favonius Cathedral?
How did she suddenly appear here?!
And... this way of appearing is too weird!
And didn't the Traveler already go to Liyue?
Grand Master Jean saw them off personally.
Back just like that?
The hearts of the Knights were about to jump out!
This was the first time they saw someone "appear out of thin air," simply like teleportation.
They were patrol knights, knowing everything about Mondstadt City well.
But just in this instant, without any warning, several people appeared out of thin air before their eyes!
Seeing the patrolling knights startled, Barbara was a bit embarrassed.
She hurriedly revealed an apologetic smile, waving gently to apologize. "Ah... S-Sorry! Scared you!"
Barbara's voice was gentle and shy, making the patrolling knights freeze slightly.
Then they hurriedly restrained their surprise, expressions gradually returning to calm.
"N-No problem..."
A knight waved his hand quickly, tone still carrying a trace of shock. "Just... Miss Barbara, why did you suddenly appear here?"
Barbara smiled embarrassedly, adjusting her breathing while whispering, "Uh... We came back from Liyue."
As soon as this sentence came out, the patrolling knights were stunned.
"Liyue?!"
They thought Barbara just went for a short stroll outside the city.
Unexpectedly, she came back directly from Liyue?!
Isn't this too exaggerated?!
How did they come back?
Relying on this teleportation-like method?
Standing aside, Lumine and Paimon looked around slightly.
Looking at the familiar Mondstadt streets and brightly lit square, Paimon said quickly, "Kael, let's not eat in Mondstadt City tonight."
"After all, we just set the dinner plan in Liyue."
"Liyue's food is much better than Mondstadt's! Let's go back to Liyue to eat!"
Kael chuckled and nodded. "Sure."
Hearing this, Barbara couldn't help revealing an envious expression. "Eh... Liyue's food is indeed delicious..."
She had eaten Liyue food.
It was really delicious.
Whether last night or this morning.
Fischl gently flicked her golden hair, tone carrying a trace of melancholy. "Hmph... The bond of fate temporarily comes to an end here, but our journey is not over... Kael, Honorary Knight, thou shalt continue to explore the unknown fate."
Fischl's tone carried chuunibyou aura as always, but her eyes carried a bit of reluctance.
Kael chuckled. "See you in a few days."
"En, bye bye!"
Hearing Kael's words, Barbara revealed a warm smile, waving to Kael.
With the pass.
Following Fischl, she could reach Liyue Harbor instantly!
At that time, she wanted to eat, drink, and play well!
Kael mobilized the power of the Trailblaze Path directly.
Immediately, the air twisted slightly, and the figures of Kael, Paimon, and Lumine disappeared instantly.
The night breeze blew gently. The patrolling Knights still stood in place, faces full of disbelief.
"..."
"...So they... left again?!"
The patrolling Knights widened their eyes, looking at each other, shocked in their hearts.
What on earth did they experience today?
First appearing out of thin air, now disappearing directly?!
Are they really not dreaming?!
What ability is this?
They haven't seen it before.
"...Th... Should we report this to Grand Master Jean?"
A Knight asked in a low voice, tone revealing a trace of confusion.
The leading Knight's mouth twitched slightly. "No need. Because Miss Barbara will definitely inform her. We don't need to make an unnecessary move."
While speaking, Barbara and Fischl had already left.
"So, if we want to go to Liyue again in a few days, we don't need to take Adventurers' Guild tasks as an excuse."
Barbara walked while explaining patiently to Fischl, "After all, there is nothing to hide. I was missing for two days and a night, I must have been noticed. Let's go to the Knights Headquarters to inform them now. Greeting them in advance can better help us keep the secret."
"En."
Hearing this, Fischl nodded with satisfaction.
Correct.
Originally, they were at Dihua Marsh in Liyue, thinking about sneaking to Liyue via Adventurers' Guild tasks after returning.
But on second thought, no need.
Nothing shameful.
Kael didn't care either, after all, he showed too many abilities.
"Her Highness, you're finally back."
At this time, Oz flew from a distance, landing beside Fischl, looking strange. "Where did you run off to? Many people were asking me."
If he hadn't just felt Fischl's aura appear in Mondstadt City, he would have thought it was an illusion.
His Lady's aura appearing out of thin air was a bit too strange.
"Hmph hmph."
Hearing Oz's words, Fischl snorted lightly immediately. "Just went to a new intersection of fate."
"Left Mondstadt?"
Oz asked in surprise. "Is it related to Kael?"
Fischl nodded.
Chatting with Oz, Fischl followed Barbara and gradually walked to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters.
"..."
In Jean's office.
Jean sat behind the desk, hands crossed on the table.
Her emerald eyes gazed at the two figures in front of her, a helpless look on her face.
Opposite, Barbara and Fischl stood side by side.
One showing an apologetic smile.
One with an indifferent "Prinzessin" posture.
The atmosphere was a bit subtle for a time.
Jean rubbed her brow gently, tone helpless: "So... you just... disappeared silently for a day, and then came back silently?"
Barbara smiled awkwardly, whispering, "Uh... Acting Grand Master, sorry... We really didn't mean to..."
Fischl flicked her long hair gently, assuming a matter-of-course look: "Our trip was guided by fate, how can it be bound by mere time and space? Jean, thou need not worry about this."
Jean: "..."
Grand Master Jean sighed long, feeling a headache in her heart.
What is going on with this world?
She, a proper Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius.
Why does she have to face the situation of her own sister "disappearing instantly and returning instantly"?
Not to mention Fischl, this "troublesome" guy...
And it involves Kael and the Traveler.
Sigh.
Headache.
"Anyway, it's good that you came back safely."
Jean said helplessly, "But next time, remember to inform in advance."
"It's nothing on my side. Mainly the Church of Favonius needs an explanation. People from the Church came several times today."
Hearing this, Barbara nodded repeatedly, face full of obedience. "Okay... Okay!"
Seeing this, Jean pinched her brow, finally deciding not to dwell on this issue anymore, just silently noting Kael in her heart.
Kael's ability... seems even more mysterious than imagined...
This kind of teleportation has never appeared before.
While Jean was pondering.
On the other side.
Dihua Marsh.
Under the Statue of the Seven.
After Kael returned, he went straight to Wangshu Inn with Lumine and Paimon.
After enjoying dinner happily, seeing some scenery, and listening to the conversations of some adventurers and merchants, they went back to their rooms to rest.
The night passed without words.
The second day.
The two got up refreshed, took Paimon to eat a delicious breakfast at Wangshu Inn, and set off immediately.
"According to our speed, we should be able to reach Liyue Harbor in the evening."
Paimon looked at the map excitedly. "Just cross the nearby Guili Plains. Although the other detour is safer, the fastest way is to cross Guili Plains."
"With this big guy here, we don't need to worry about monsters in Liyue at all."
As she spoke, Paimon looked at the map and gestured the best route.
"Yes."
Seeing this, Lumine nodded gently.
Immediately, they set off according to the route crossing Guili Plains.
Time passed quietly.
From morning to noon, then from noon to evening.
Under the blessing of Kael's Path and Lumine's Anemo mobilization, they finally arrived outside Liyue Harbor.
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