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Whispering Woods lay just beyond Mondstadt's outer paths.
Moonlight filtered through leaves, scattering pale light across roots and stone. The forest was quiet—but not empty. The kind of quiet that listened back.
Lumine leaned closer to Kaito, standing on her toes as she whispered,
"Why is Noelle coming with us?"
Behind them, a rose-colored figure moved with tireless precision.
Armor gleamed softly.
A massive claymore rested securely against her back.
Her posture never slackened—not even for a moment.
Kaito answered quietly,
"Didn't I say she gets a little too enthusiastic?"
"You planned for her to turn back," Lumine said.
It wasn't a question.
She'd assumed Noelle would escort them partway—then return.
But two hours had passed.
They were already nearing the forest's edge.
And Noelle hadn't slowed down even once.
"You prepared five sets of supplies," Kaito replied.
"We're meeting one more person."
He glanced sideways.
"Count us. Five."
Lumine blinked.
"…Wait."
She hesitated.
"Wasn't one of them for Paimon?"
Kaito sighed.
"Paimon is a supply."
Silence.
"…Emergency rations."
Lumine burst out laughing.
"Hey!" Paimon spun around midair, furious.
"I heard that! Apologize immediately—and compensate me with food!"
Kaito shrugged.
"Emergency rations are valuable."
Paimon paused.
Then nodded solemnly.
"…That's true. Apology accepted."
She zipped ahead, already scouting like nothing had happened.
"So the extra supplies were for Noelle," Lumine said.
"Yes."
"But you never invited her."
"That's the problem."
Kaito raised his voice slightly.
"Noelle. We're counting on you for rear security."
"Leave it to me!" Noelle replied instantly.
Then she paused.
"…Security for what?"
She'd been guarding the rear so intensely she hadn't even processed the order.
Kaito repeated it calmly.
Her response was immediate—and absolute.
"I swear on my honor. Nothing will pass."
Lumine stared.
"…She's serious."
Barbara smiled softly.
"That's why no one asks Noelle to prepare for adventures anymore," she whispered.
"She handles everything. Before, during, and after—until everyone is safely home."
Ahead—
"AH! IT'S YOU!!"
Paimon screamed.
Everyone rushed forward—then stopped.
Beneath a tree stood Diluc.
Arms crossed.
Greatsword resting casually at his side.
"The loudest thing in the forest," he said dryly,
"and you expected nothing to notice?"
Leaves scattered. Birds fled.
The group assembled.
And this time—
there would be no turning back.
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