"As for the remaining payment… I'll cover it," the young man's voice, like a savior, cut through Paimon's despair.
"Young Master! You're finally here! I've been waiting for you for so long! (T^T)"
Paimon, overjoyed, threw herself at the young man and began to cry…
"Huh? Miss, do I know you?" The young man was completely bewildered by the sudden embrace and asked in confusion.
"Hey! Paimon, why are you hugging him! Don't forget he's our enemy!"
Paimon stomped her foot in anger and flew over, trying to pull Paimon away.
"Ah… right! Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Don't pull my ear! (≥﹏≤)"
"Hurry up and come with me, honestly. She didn't say anything, and you threw yourself at him. You silly."
"Wuwu… He helped me protect the host's property, so I got a little too excited…"
"Paimon? This guy is Paimon? How did she get so tall?"
"Well…"
"Heh heh ~ Let me tell you myself, this is…"
Paimon repeated to the young man what she had said to Paimon earlier…
"Hahaha… This is indeed an interesting turn of events."
"Uh… Aren't you surprised?"
"Of course not. I'm a Fatui Harbinger, after all. How could I be fooled by such a simple trick?"
"Oh~ So that's how it is… Damn it!"
"Hahaha~ Long time no see, Traveler. How have you been lately?"
"You… you aren't planning to ambush us, are you?"
"Hmm… I am indeed ambushing you, because I might have something that would greatly interest you right now."
"What is it?" (Greatly interested… Could he have a clue about my brother?)
"Well… I'll tell you later. After all, Mr. Zhongli is still here. You'll surely need quite a bit of funds afterwards, won't you?"
"Yes, yes, yes! We desperately need it!"
Paimon quickly raised her hand and replied, with Paimon chiming in.
"Yes, we do. This fellow never checks the Mora when he buys things. Without funds, we'll likely go bankrupt before long."
"Hmm~ Mr. Zhongli is indeed like that. He seems unable to imagine himself without money."
"It's truly astonishing. How is such a person still alive?"
"Exactly, exactly! Even Venti knows to sing for money when he's broke!"
"Mr. Childe is as jocular as ever. Well, since the kite purchase went smoothly, please rest for the night before we move on to the next item. It seems you have something to discuss."
"Yes, certainly. Here's some funds for you. Remember to haggle with Mr. Zhongli when you handle things tomorrow."
"Heh heh~ Since it's your money, there's no need to haggle then~" Paimon said with a grin as she took the money pouch from the young man.
"Hahaha~ That makes sense. However, I advise you to haggle. After all, this sum is intended as a gift to you. So, the more you haggle, the more you earn~"
"Huh huh huh?! Are you sure you want to give us so much Mora?! (✪▽✪)"
"Of course~ I always keep my word~ (^_^)"
"Yay~ Then I can rest assured! Watch me haggle them into questioning their life choices!"
"Yes, so what were you going to discuss with me?"
Aether interrupted their conversation, stepping in front of the young man and asking warily.
"Hahaha, before I tell you that, I have a question. Where did your little sister go?"
(Hmm? This guy… has the Fatui already learned that Lumine attacked their base?)
"I don't know. I don't control her life. She had something to do, so I let her go handle it."
"Is that so… Heh… Then you'll likely regret that decision soon…"
"What do you mean… What happened to Lumine?!" Aether froze, asking nervously.
"Don't rush. I only heard it from someone else. Oh~ Speaking of which, you should know her. You met in Mondstadt, didn't you?"
"Mondstadt? Signora?! Lumine ran into Signora?!"
"Hmm, I don't know the specifics. I just happened to pass by her. I overheard her say that she had just received a mission to crush a common bug named Lumine in a base I had visited a few days ago. At the time, I thought it was just a similar voice…"
"What did you say?! Lumine… is dead… No… it can't be…" Aether's face turned pale, her hands clenched into fists, as if she would lose all strength in the next moment…
"Hey! You're definitely lying, aren't you!" Paimon, angry, flew forward and stared at the young man.
(Base?! It sounds like the base the host went to… Could it be that the host encountered Signora?!)
"Hmm… I'm not too clear on the exact situation, but I don't think it's that simple. After all, Signora seemed to be emphasizing that she was dead. Based on my past dealings with her, this doesn't fit her personality at all."
"You mean… Lumine isn't dead, but was captured by you guys?!" Hearing the young man's insight, Paimon's spirits immediately lifted.
"Wuwu… No wonder the host's weapon hasn't returned to her inventory. She must have been captured… It's all my fault for being so useless and falling asleep after just fixing clothes! (≥﹏≤)"
Paimon fell into deep self-blame…
"Hah… Don't worry, Paimon. Lumine's life isn't that fragile. I'll go find her right now!"
Aether released her fingernails, which had dug into her palms, and gently stroked Paimon's small head. She would rather believe the young man's speculation than the news of Lumine's death.
"Wait a moment."
Just as they were about to leave, the young man suddenly called out to them.
"That base has many security measures. Even I would find it difficult to force my way in. Be careful."
"Hmm… Why are you helping us…" Aether looked at him warily.
"If you must ask why… I'd rather build a good relationship with you than with them. Although we're not on the same side, getting along with you is much better than with them."
"Thank you… I owe you one."
After speaking, Aether, along with Paimon and Paimon, used a teleportation device to appear near the secret base Lumine had gone to…
"Mhm hmm… To earn the Traveler's favor, this is truly a huge gain. I don't know what absurd scheme Signora has in mind, but since you want to use me, don't blame me for using you in return~"
The young man chuckled softly, then turned and disappeared into the crowd…
The scene shifts to Lumine's side…