With a thought, a Vision materialized before Cael's eyes.
"…Holy— I actually made one."
He stared at it in amazement, lifting it up to examine it carefully.
It was clearly a Liyue-style Vision, though it hadn't been activated yet. What truly caught Cael's attention, however, was the symbol engraved upon it.
Just like the other elements, his Dark Vision had its own unique emblem.
A black spiral.
At that moment, something occurred to him.
"System."
[I'm here.]
"If I suddenly create a Vision like this… won't the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles notice me?"
What worried Cael wasn't the act itself, but the fact that he had created a completely new elemental Vision.
He could go fifty-fifty with Heavenly Principles—but what if Liyue got dragged into it?
[No need to worry. The Sustainer is currently in deep slumber and cannot monitor the continent.]
[Additionally, I have already blocked the Sustainer's perception of the Host.]
[In short: no matter what you do, she will not notice—unless you go looking for her yourself.]
Hearing that, Cael finally let out a breath of relief.
Holding the Vision, he frowned slightly.
"I can't even use a Vision myself… am I really supposed to give these to people? That'd cause absolute chaos."
"…Forget it. I'll discuss this with Zhongli once I'm back in Liyue."
"For now—sleep."
...
...
Liyue Harbor
Wangsheng Funeral Parlor
Staring at the thing in front of him that barely qualified as food, even Zhongli—solid as bedrock—couldn't help but frown.
Glancing at Hu Tao, who was slumped over the table, clearly distracted, he spoke calmly:
"Director, I have matters to attend to today. I'll be taking my leave."
With that, Zhongli rose and exited Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
...
Without its usual liveliness, Hu Tao looked completely out of it.
Though they'd only lived together for a little over half a year, Cael had already become someone incredibly important to her.
Now that he was gone, it felt as though she'd lost something essential.
But then she remembered what Cael had told her before leaving.
Hu Tao slapped her cheeks lightly.
"He wouldn't want to see me like this!"
"Hu Tao, get it together!"
After psyching herself up, she barely managed to regain her usual lively demeanor.
...
Outside Wangsheng Funeral Parlor
Zhongli sighed and took out the wallet Cael had given him.
Checking the Mora inside, he sighed again.
"…Only ten million Mora left. I'll have to be more frugal."
Ah… my old friend.
What am I supposed to do without you?
He closed his eyes, filled with emotion.
Then—
He sensed someone approaching.
There was a Fatui aura—but no hostility.
Recalling a recent contract, Zhongli turned calmly.
A young man with messy orange hair stood there, smiling brightly.
"You must be the legendary Mr. Zhongli. Long time admirer," he said cheerfully.
"My name's Tartaglia. I think we should get to know each other."
Zhongli's gaze briefly lingered on the man's expensive attire before he smiled.
"A guest from Snezhnaya is always welcome. Let us talk somewhere proper."
Tartaglia thought for a moment.
"Then how about Xinyue Pavilion? Classy place—fits our status."
The fact that he didn't even blink at the suggestion confirmed Zhongli's suspicion.
This friend—
Must be made.
"Xinyue Pavilion is excellent," Zhongli replied pleasantly,
"but I believe Wanmin Restaurant is an even better choice. The food there will surely broaden your horizons."
Tartaglia shrugged.
"If that's your recommendation, Mr. Zhongli, then Wanmin it is."
"Oh, right," Tartaglia added casually.
"I heard your friend Cael is also a scholar of great knowledge. Would it be possible to invite him along?"
Zhongli shook his head.
"Unfortunate timing. He left Liyue a few days ago and is currently in Mondstadt."
"I see," Tartaglia said, not pressing further.
"Then let's go. I'm eager to experience Liyue cuisine."
"Most of Wanmin's signature dishes were created by him," Zhongli added.
"That's why it's become so popular."
"Hahaha! Even better!"
Zhongli smiled.
Excellent.
Looks like those ten million Mora can be spent freely.
...
...
Morning — Mondstadt
Cael had already been up for a while, taking a leisurely walk.
Yesterday he'd been running around nonstop—he hadn't really experienced Mondstadt properly yet.
With the storm gone, people were finally starting to come out again.
First priority: breakfast.
And for that, Good Hunter was the obvious choice.
"Eh?! You!" Sara exclaimed the moment she opened the doors and saw him waiting.
Yesterday's events had left a deep impression on her.
Natural disaster?
Cael had just calmly cracked sunflower seeds.
And she'd heard he was the assistant of the newly appointed Honorary Knight.
Cael smiled and nodded, lifting the menu.
"One Honey Roast, please."
"H–Huh? Oh! R-right away!" Sara hurried off.
While waiting, Cael zoned out.
Then he sensed something.
He turned his head calmly.
"You came looking for me. What is it?"
Standing beside him was Venti, scratching his cheek awkwardly.
He slung an arm over Cael's shoulder like they were brothers.
"Hey… even if you've lost your memories, we're still old friends, right?"
Cael immediately understood.
"…You're out of money again, aren't you?"
Venti lit up.
"Ahaha! See? Brothers really do understand each other!"
Cael resisted the urge to punch him and instead pulled out a pouch of Mora.
"100,000 Mora. Use it sparingly."
Venti's hands trembled as he accepted it.
"O–O–One hundred thousand?!"
This was the most Mora he'd seen in his life.
That was enough apple cider to drown in forever.
"Ah, Cael… having you as a friend is truly a blessing!"
Moved to tears, Venti immediately bolted.
He didn't want Cael changing his mind.
Cael chuckled.
As if he'd care about a mere hundred thousand Mora.
Back when he spent money, it was millions at a time.
"Sir, your order," Sara said, setting the plate down.
Cael thanked her and started eating.
"Mmm… timeline-wise, Lumine's probably almost done with the early story."
...
...
Mondstadt Inn
Lumine and Paimon had checked into the room Jean arranged for them.
"Paimon!! Stop eating sunflower seeds this early in the morning!" Lumine shouted, staring at the sea of shells on the floor.
Paimon laughed awkwardly while munching.
"Hehehe… they're just too addictive!"
She reached into the bag again—
And grabbed nothing.
"…Eh?"
She tried again.
Empty.
In that instant, Paimon felt the world collapse.
"NOOO—!! THE SUNFLOWER SEEDS ARE GONE!!!"
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