Suru – Sanctuary of Surasthana
Since Bu'er had revealed the truth about Nahida's creation, her relationship with the young Dendro Archon had grown closer than ever.
In Luo Qing's absence, Bu'er had been spending most of her ti in Suru, helping Nahida manage the Akademiya's affairs. This allowed Alhaitham, the acting Grand Sage, so rare free ti to indulge in his own pursuits.
Currently, Bu'er and Nahida were deep in discussion about implenting the nine-year mandatory education system Luo Qing had suggested before his departure. They were debating the feasibility of establishing an Akademiya-affiliated academy to provide education for all eligible children.
Their conversation was interrupted when the door suddenly burst open, and Makoto rushed in.
"Makoto?"
Bu'er looked up, surprised by her urgency.
"What's going on?"
Despite occasional differences due to their shared interest in a certain soone, Bu'er and Makoto maintained a relatively cordial relationship. Bu'er even sought Makoto's advice on governance from ti to ti.
"It's Luo Qing," Makoto said, her voice tight with worry. "He might be in danger. We need to leave for Fontaine imdiately!"
"Daddy's in danger?!"
Nahida leapt to her feet, ears twitching with alarm.
"I'll check the Void Network right now—"
"Don't!" Makoto interrupted hastily. "If he finds out, he'll stop us from going!"
"Makoto, calm down," Bu'er said gently. "What exactly is going on? What kind of danger is Luo Qing facing?"
Makoto hesitated. She couldn't directly reveal the specifics of the future she had glimpsed. Through many trials and errors in the space of her consciousness, she had learned that openly discussing the future altered its course in unpredictable ways.
If she remained vague, the future would likely unfold as she knew it. But if she revealed too much, the tiline could shift into sothing unfamiliar.
"Forgive , Bu'er," Makoto said. "I can't explain the details, but you have to trust —Luo Qing is in real danger!"
Bu'er exchanged a glance with Nahida, both of them sensing the gravity in Makoto's words.
"What do you need us to do?" Bu'er asked.
"Drop everything and co to Fontaine with us," Makoto said firmly. "Don't tell anyone where we're going."
"Us?" Nahida tilted her head.
"Yes, the four of us," Makoto explained. "You, , Bu'er, and Ei."
"Just the four of us?" Bu'er asked. "What about the others? Ganyu, for instance?"
Bu'er couldn't ignore the potential fallout of leaving so of their companions behind. Despite their competition for Luo Qing's affections, the sisters maintained a functional relationship. Leaving without informing the others might sow distrust and cause long-term rifts.
"This is a crisis of divine proportions," Makoto said solemnly. "If they co along, their lives will be at risk. Don't worry—I'll apologize to each of them when we return."
Bu'er was taken aback. Makoto, known for her pride, rarely admitted fault. For her to promise personal apologies was no small matter.
"Alright," Bu'er relented. "When do we leave?"
"As soon as possible. Today, if you can."
"Today might be difficult," Bu'er said, frowning. "There are many Akademiya matters to hand over. Would tomorrow suffice?"
"Yes, but no later than tomorrow morning," Makoto said quickly. "We'll take the desert route, and no one must know where we're going. If anyone asks, just say we're traveling far away. Understood?"
"Understood," Bu'er replied.
Makoto nodded and dashed out of the room, moving with the urgency of soone trying to outrun a catastrophe.
"Mom, what do we do now?" Nahida asked, her ears twitching anxiously.
"We do as Makoto says," Bu'er said, rising to her feet. "Issue instructions to the Akademiya: all urgent matters will be handled by Acting Grand Sage Alhaitham, and non-urgent matters can wait until we return."
"Got it!" Nahida said, nodding obediently.
---
Akademiya – Acting Grand Sage's Office
Alhaitham was leaning back in his chair, comfortably engrossed in a book.
He had expected the role of Acting Grand Sage to be a relentless grind, filled with late nights and endless work. But ever since Nahida's diligent secretary had taken over nearly all administrative tasks, he had been left with little to do.
It felt almost as though his authority had been rendered symbolic, but he didn't mind. The reduced workload allowed him to enjoy quiet days of tea and reading, all while earning a Grand Sage's salary.
His tranquil mont was interrupted by a notification from the Void Terminal.
"Effective imdiately, all matters will be managed by Acting Grand Sage Alhaitham, as Lady Nahida will be traveling. Please direct any inquiries to the Sanctuary of Surasthana."
"..."
Alhaitham's book suddenly lost its appeal.
---
Fontaine – Luo Qing's Residence
After Lynette's departure, Luo Qing summoned his subordinates to his ho.
It was obvious to him that Arlecchino sending Lynette and the others to ropide wasn't simply about Childe. He needed to ensure that Arlecchino didn't acquire the Hydro Gnosis before he did.
Fortunately, he had been proactive. So ti ago, he had arranged for his subordinate Sergei to be sent to ropide under the ludicrous charge of "public indecency through nude dancing." Now, Sergei's position might prove useful.
Luo Qing sipped his tea as he eyed Natalia and another subordinate standing before him.
"You two have had it easy for far too long," he said with a sly grin. "It's ti to get back to serving Her Majesty by offering your hearts in Fontaine."
"Whatever you need, Lord Bloerella," Natalia said cautiously, recognizing the mischievous glint in his eyes.
"You'll join Sergei in ropide," Luo Qing said flatly.
"..."
Both subordinates leaned back instinctively.
They had heard Sergei's frequent complaints through the Void Terminal. Despite his bizarre fondness for ropide, his description of the place had them questioning his sanity.
"Must we?" Natalia asked hesitantly, raising a hand like a student hoping for leniency.
"No," Luo Qing said, smirking. "You have a choice: go in for public indecency or for stealing Lady Furina's socks. Pick one."
"..."
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