"Short lon?"
When she heard the na, Furina was stunned for a mont before realizing Billy was talking about Paimon.
But...
Billy had never even t Paimon—how did he co up with such a vivid nickna? The kind that instantly made it obvious he was talking about that tiny companion of the Traveler.
"You said you didn't know the Traveler or Paimon, didn't you?"
"I don't. But I know Arataki Itto—he told stories about the Traveler and Short lon..."
"Um... actually, that little one's na is Paimon. If she hears you calling her 'Short lon,' she'll be so mad she won't talk to you."
Furina didn't know Arataki Itto personally, but she guessed he was probably one of the Traveler's friends—either from Liyue or Mondstadt.
...
That evening, to welco Furina and Clorinde to New Eridu, Nicole generously treated everyone at Hare's House—plus the guests—to a big dinner at Lumina Square.
Originally, it was supposed to be just Nicole, Sam Li, Furina, and the others.
But before they could leave, Belle and Wise from the video store sohow got wind of the plan and showed up asking to tag along.
Nicole readily agreed.
"This one's on us—but next ti, you're treating."
Belle smiled.
"Deal, deal—next ti for sure!"
...
A few minutes later, the group was walking through Lumina Square, taking in the clean storefronts and brightly lit streets. Furina was awash in emotion.
She had always believed Fontaine was the most advanced city on the continent.
She never imagined that Liyue would have a place like this—so modern, so vibrant. It was amazing.
Furina looked left and right in awe.
Suddenly, across the wide river, she spotted a massive patch of lights.
"What's over there? Why is it so bright?"
Billy explained,
"That's the city center—the most developed part of New Eridu. If you're interested, we can go there tomorrow. Nicole, is that okay?"
Nicole hesitated for a second, then nodded.
"Alright, but after we've had our fun—don't forget there's work to do."
...
They thought it would be a simple dinner.
But the mont they stepped into the restaurant, the front desk attendant's jaw dropped when he saw Furina.
"You... you... are you—?!"
Furina blinked.
"Eh? Do you know ?"
As soon as he heard her voice, the attendant lit up with excitent.
"It really is you! Big star Furina! I watched the Tour de Inferno live yesterday—I'm a huge fan! Miss Furina, could you please sign sothing for ?"
He quickly pulled out a pen and flipped to a blank page in the order book, handing it to her eagerly.
Furina smiled and took the pen, realizing what was happening.
With a graceful flourish, she signed her na:
Furina de Fontaine
The mont the attendant saw the signature, he lit up with joy.
"Thank you so much, Miss Furina!"
There's a saying in New Eridu: the longer your na, the nobler your status.
Seeing that na, he assud Furina must be from one of the city's great families—how else could soone rise to fa overnight from complete obscurity?
...
Not long after, the front desk clerk snapped a picture of the autograph and posted it on the crowd-favorite Forum.
Within half an hour, word of "Big Star Furina dining in the city" had spread like wildfire.
Fans sward toward Lumina Square.
"Holy crap, when did Furina get back to the city?!"
"Damn it, I missed it—I don't have her autograph! OP, I'll pay 100,000 Dennies for it!"
"Don't sell it! She's still in the restaurant at Lumina Square—let's go get autographs ourselves!"
"Let's go—target locked: Lumina Square!"
...
As a mob of fans rushed toward Lumina Square...
Inside the restaurant, Nicole, Sam Li, Furina, Billy, and the others were still enjoying a table full of delicious food.
Back in the outer ring, the als had been... questionable, and Furina assud New Eridu's cuisine would be similar.
It wasn't until she reached the city center that she realized how wrong she was.
Taking a sip of a locally brewed drink, she let out a small burp, then glanced over at the desserts on the table.
Just then, Anby, eyes glued to her phone, suddenly frowned.
"Nicole, we should finish up and leave. Fast."
"Why?"
"A massive wave of enemies is heading for the restaurant."
"????"
Nicole blinked in confusion.
"Enemies? What are you even talking about?"
It wasn't until Anby handed her the phone that she realized—Furina's location had been leaked on the forum, and a wave of fans was on its way.
Nicole imdiately alerted the others.
Furina jumped.
"They're going to surround the restaurant?! Are they nuts?!"
Anby said seriously,
"If we don't leave now, we're going to be trapped."
Nicole stood up.
"You all go ahead—I'll handle the bill."
The group quickly slipped out the back.
Monts later, a rush of citizens barged into the restaurant.
"Where's Big Star Furina?! Quick, tell us!"
...
Ti flew by, and before they knew it, the next day had arrived.
Anby took Furina to a movie, Nekomata treated her to dried fish, and Billy had a marksmanship match with Clorinde...
Originally, they had planned to explore the city center.
But after seeing how wild the fans got the night before, Furina didn't dare set foot in such a crowded area—afraid of being sward the second she arrived.
By midday, Clorinde gently reminded her.
"Lady Furina, it's ti for us to go."
Furina looked around at Nicole, Anby, Nekomata, Sam Li, and Billy, her eyes filled with reluctance.
"We have to go now... things are tight. But we'll be back next ti—I'll bring the Traveler and Paimon with . I want you all to et them."
...
Just like last ti, to avoid any issues during the teleportation, Sam Li had already contacted Venti in advance.
He led them to the Statue of The Seven near the Federer District.
And just like that, with a flash of light, they were gone.
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