Episode 194: Searching for the True Master of the Samsara Dreamscape
『 "But we mustn't lose hope, Traveler! Dunyarzad would definitely want us to save everyone else, wouldn't she? So let's break this samsara for her sake! Then speak of the rest."
The duo's morale surged, and they immediately pivoted to strategizing their next tactical maneuver.
"Paimon's wondering... Do you think the sages would get one of their own to be the host of this dream? Feels like it would be easier to control it that way, no?" Paimon was the first to pitch her hypothesis.
However, Lumine swiftly countered this notion, extinguishing the spark of that idea before it could catch fire.
"I find that highly improbable. Knowing the plan, they'd probably become aware that they were dreaming."
"An unsuspecting host would be less likely to realize this is a dream."
"Your logic is sound. Plus, the sages probably weren't counting on there being other factors beyond their control, like Nahida and us."
"So, Traveler, do you harbor a candidate in your mind who fits the profile of this dream's protagonist?"
"I believe the eccentric Knight of Flowers, Farris, holds the highest suspicion."
"That makes sense! The Knight of Flowers, Farris, stands as the very icon of the Sabzeruz Festival; his role is far from trivial." Having solidified their target, Paimon proposed to Lumine: "Why don't the two of us go and test the waters with him?"..
Lumine readily acquiesced to this decision. Thus, the partners set forth toward the bustling Grand Bazaar, their hearts unified by a singular objective—to locate the emblematic figure of the Sabzeruz Festival, the enigmatic "Knight of Flowers," Farris.
In the blink of an eye, they once again stood before that all-too-familiar stall.
Farris, the Knight of Flowers of the festival, remained occupied to the point of ecstasy, distributing the kaleidoscope of Yalda Candies to the children.
At this moment, the instant Farris caught a glimpse of their silhouettes, he cast a gaze brimming with curiosity in their direction.
"Eh? Have you returned with such haste? You departed with such urgency moments ago; did some tribulation befall you?"
Farris's eyes were filled with inquisitive intent…
After all, previously, when selecting candy flavors, Lumine had identified the taste within every box with unerring precision—a miraculous feat that remained vivid in his memory.
Yet immediately after, Paimon and Lumine had acted as if struck by a sudden epiphany regarding some critical matter, brushing past him with great speed.
Shortly thereafter, Dunyarzad had also departed.
To think that in such a short span of time, the pair would double back—it was truly perplexing.
Farris surmised that they had likely encountered a conundrum and thus inquired with friendly concern.
But to his astonishment, the other party presented a request that bordered on the inexplicable.
"It's nothing major, really. Our situation is… complicated to explain." Paimon, struck by a flash of inspiration, offered a suggestion: "Uh, would you mind taking part in a little experiment with us?"
They were planning to collaborate with the Knight of Flowers, Farris, on a minor experiment.
The objective was to verify whether this Knight of Flowers was indeed the Master of the Dream.
If he were, then that would be the optimal outcome.
If not, they would need to race against time to locate the next potential weaver of the dream.
"An experiment? What sort of experiment? It sounds rather mystical." Though Farris harbored doubts, he held great trust in these two friends introduced by Dunyarzad herself, and continued: "Very well, let's hear it. What must I do?"
Farris reasoned that since Miss Dunyarzad trusted them, he had no grounds for distrust.
Moreover, it was merely a small experiment; surely, there would be no harm done.
"Great! So, do you have a wish? Or, try to imagine… if your wish were to manifest into reality right this instant, what kind of spectacle would that be?" Little Paimon rapidly elucidated the specifics of the experiment, her eyes shimmering with the light of anticipation.
"Eh? A wish? Does the Sabzeruz Festival feature a wishing ceremony now?" The Knight of Flowers, Farris, appeared somewhat bewildered.
But just as he opened his mouth to query further, Little Paimon hastily cut him off: "Oh, come on, come on, don't worry about the details!"
"Alright, alright. Speaking of my wish… It's actually rather embarrassing." A flush of shyness surfaced on Farris's face: "Hmm, I suppose I simply hope that Miss Dunyarzad can find happiness." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Dunyarzad Homayani (Genshin Impact): "His wish is actually for me to be happy?" ]
[ Dunyarzad Homayani (Genshin Impact): "What kind of wish is that?" ]
[ Chika Fujiwara (Love Is War): "I sense the distinct aura of romance rising." ]
[ Yu Ishigami (Love Is War): "Please refrain from shipping everything you see. Thanks." ]
[ Najenda (Akame Ga Kill): "Is this the feeling of romance from another world?" ]
[ .....]
『 "Oh?" Upon hearing this, Paimon's curiosity spiked instantly.
Seeing this, the Knight of Flowers, Farris, hurriedly began to explain:
"You see, I noticed earlier that Miss Dunyarzad seemed to be in low spirits, treating others with a certain coldness."
"But in my memories, she was never like that. She is gentle, kind, and possesses a deep understanding of others—especially the children, who adore her."
Paimon and Lumine listened, nodding silently. They knew in their hearts that Farris's memory was flawless; the true Dunyarzad was exactly that sort of person, only the one present now was not the original entity.
The two said no more, simply listening quietly as Farris continued:
"I've also wondered if the reason she asked me to be Farris, Knight of Flowers is that I'm special to her, or something..."
Having finished, Farris scratched his head sheepishly and laughed awkwardly.
"I get it now. So... you have a crush on Dunyarzad?" Paimon blinked, staring straight at Farris with a look that claimed to see through all things.
"Uh, heh... Haha... Is it that obvious? Hmm, after what I just said, I guess it is." The Knight of Flowers, Farris, realizing he could not conceal his heart, grinned in embarrassment.
"Back then, when she placed the hat of the Knight of Flowers onto my head, she said to me, 'I want everyone to have a happy Sabzeruz Festival.'"
"What she didn't realize was that I'm not that interested in how everyone else feels... In that moment, I just wanted to be her Knight of Flowers for the rest of my life. Fifty years, a hundred years... I'll serve her till the end of time."
"...Okay, yeah, that was a bit much. Felt like the right moment to get it off my chest, but... ahem, that was pretty embarrassing."
In the end, Farris felt a bit abashed that his secret affection had been laid bare.
"Alright, alright, essentially my wish is simple: I just want Miss Dunyarzad to stand before me, smiling."
With that, Farris clasped his hands together in prayer, his heart swelling with anticipation.
Lumine and Paimon joined him, filled with hope. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "Could it be… him?" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "I hope it's him. We've been searching for so long, I'm about to die of exhaustion." ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "Aren't you just… watching right now?" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Watching is exhausting too, you know!" ]
[ .....]
『 Moments later.
"I'm going to open my eyes now, yo-ho!" Farris once again emitted that peculiar sound.
Regrettably, it seemed as though no change had occurred; the scene before everyone remained utterly mundane.
Suddenly, the Knight of Flowers, Farris, widened his eyes into perfect circles, looking as if he had discovered something incredible.
Seeing this, Lumine and Paimon felt a secret surge of joy, assuming they had found the true host so quickly this time.
The two hurriedly turned around, impatient to see Dunyarzad's figure.
However, upon looking back, what greeted their eyes was not Dunyarzad.
It was the little girl they had met earlier in Sumeru, Phaki, standing behind them, giggling, looking at the trio with a mischievous expression. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Chika Fujiwara (Love Is War): "Why is it a child? Is he a lolicon?" ]
[ Miyuki Shirogane (Love Is War): "Secretary Fujiwara, obviously, they just found the wrong person." ]
[ Shinomiya Kaguya (Love Is War): "….." ]
[ Chika Fujiwara (Love Is War): "Hehehe." ]
[ Nilou (Genshin Impact): "So it was just little Phaki? I actually thought Mr. Farris might be the host of this dreamscape." ]
[ Nilou (Genshin Impact): "I didn't expect to see only little Phaki." ]
[ .....]
『 "Oh my, isn't this little Phaki!" The Knight of Flowers, Farris, recognized the little girl instantly and said with a beaming smile, "One portion of Yalda Candy per person, okay? Hurry on home now, darling."
He thought to himself, this little one must be eyeing the candy in my hand.
But rules were rules; he had to ensure more people could taste this sweetness.
Therefore, regardless of who it was, the candy was strictly one per person—asking for more simply wouldn't do.
Hearing this, little Phaki was not saddened in the least; instead, she skipped away, her mood evidently excellent.
After the little girl had gone far, the Knight of Flowers, Farris, turned around and smiled somewhat apologetically at the pair beside him:
"Haha, your little scheme didn't work." He waved his hand, speaking generously: "Forget it, forget it. Actually, I didn't intend for her to come find me specifically. As long as she is happy every day, I am overjoyed."
Having spoken, Farris calmly returned to his stall, his gaze falling tenderly upon the children frolicking nearby.
Having failed to obtain a satisfactory answer, the two had no choice but to bid farewell to the Knight of Flowers, Farris.
Leaving the stall, both felt a sense of dejection, shaking their heads unconsciously.
"Sigh, it looks like he really isn't the Master of the Dream we're looking for? Indeed, this matter isn't that simple." Little Paimon also realized the thorny nature of this mission.
Although she had known long ago that this would not be easy,
Only now did she truly feel how arduous it was to locate a promising target.
"But speaking of which, everyone who knows Dunyarzad really seems to like her."
Paimon muttered in a low voice from the side, seemingly regretful: "But she is suffering while everyone remains oblivious."
Just as the two were lamenting Dunyarzad's plight, Dehya's voice suddenly erupted from ahead.
"Miss, get back! I'll handle this!"
In this instant, the two realized they had unwittingly arrived before that particular hut.
It coincided perfectly with the moment Dunyarzad was attacked, and Dehya appeared just in time, ready to extend a helping hand.
Paimon, hearing that shout, was startled into realization: "That's Dehya's voice! That's right, this is exactly when Dunyarzad encounters the kidnappers."
Calculating the timeline, Paimon shouted to Lumine:
"We actually waited until this moment! The timing is perfect. Are we really going to miss it today? Traveler, where are you going?!"
"I'm going to teach those guys a lesson!" Lumine said nothing more, charging headfirst toward the commotion not far away.
"Ah! Traveler, what are you doing! Dehya will handle this! Hey, wait for me!" Seeing she couldn't stop Lumine, Paimon hurriedly chased after her.
She was unwilling to be left behind alone; even if there was danger, she would advance and retreat together with the Traveler.
The two sprinted all the way, arriving at the scene where Dunyarzad and Dehya were in a standoff with the bandits.
Dehya, seeing Lumine arrive, breathed a sigh of relief.
"You're just in time. I was just about to ask for a favor." Dehya, seeing Lumine approach, was planning to make that accustomed request.
But before the words could leave her mouth, Lumine preempted her: "Dehya, take Dunyarzad and leave immediately. I will handle these people."
Hearing her task being snatched away, Dehya was immediately displeased: "Hey, hey, hey! This is my jurisdiction. Besides, even if you beat them off, the Homayani family won't dispense a single Mora to you two as a reward."
"Spare me the chatter! Take Dunyarzad and leave! Now!" Lumine shouted at Dehya with uncharacteristic agitation. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Xingqiu (Genshin Impact): "The Traveler's anger has reached a boiling point. Those kidnappers are in for a world of hurt." ]
[ Chongyun (Genshin Impact): "They are villains; punishing them is only righteous." ]
[ Amber (Genshin Impact): "An angry Traveler? That is indeed a bit of a unique situation." ]
[ Dehya (Genshin Impact): "Even though this is clearly my job… helping me do my work won't get you paid, you know." ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "….." ]
[ .....]
『 "Oh my…" Dehya was stunned by Lumine's sudden outburst of fury, muttering inwardly—I just asked for a hand, why the explosion of rage?
"Alright, alright, what are you getting so angry about? It's not like I doubt your skills." Dehya misunderstood, thinking Lumine was offended by some perceived slight against her capabilities.
Since that was the case, going along with Lumine's wish was the safest bet. Dehya compromised helplessly: "Fine, fine. You're careful yourself. I'll take Dunyarzad away first."
Who would turn down free labor? Dehya naturally saw no reason to refuse.
After agreeing, she turned hastily and left the hut.
Only when their figures had vanished from the edge of her vision did Lumine whirl around, her gaze burning like a torch, locking onto the few bandits.
"Hmph, calling for backup? Inexplicable… you must have a death wish!" The bandit leader, seeing Lumine standing alone, looked at her with utter disdain.
Before, the "Flame-Mane" Dehya might have made their hearts tighten, but now, facing a mere nameless nobody, what was there to fear?
Perhaps if they dealt with her in two or three moves, they could still catch up to the fleeing pair. Dreaming of success, the leader hollered to his subordinates: "Brothers, it's just one person! Get her!"
In the eyes of these bandits, Lumine was like a fish on a chopping block, ready to be butchered.
At the command, all the bandits charged forward arrogantly. Lumine moved with clean, lethal efficiency, felling several of the leading thugs within a few strikes.
But just then, five or six reinforcements sprang from the bushes, encircling her silently.
Watching from the side, Paimon hurriedly sounded a "warning bell" for Lumine.
Lumine, as if possessed by a preternatural instinct, pirouetted with lethal grace, unleashing a shockwave of Anemo that blasted the ambushers into the ether.
Under the shroud of Lumine's overwhelming combat prowess, the bandits were swiftly defeated, crushed one by one until they scattered in panic.
The battle ended; all bandits were either defeated or driven off.
Paimon looked at the suddenly quiet Lumine, a thread of worry rising in her heart. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "The Traveler's expression… I've never seen it like that before." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "She's never been this angry at any other time." ]
[ Xingqiu (Genshin Impact): "It is human nature, I suppose. But surely she has vented her spleen by now." ]
[ Ying'er (Genshin Impact): "Hehe~ The Traveler is truly dashing. I'm growing more fond of her by the moment." ]
[ .....]
『 She rushed forward, asking with concern: "Traveler, are you really okay? I saw you taking your anger out on those guys just now."
"I'm fine. I am merely furious at my own impotence… at my inability to save Dunyarzad." Lumine stood rooted to the spot, the gloom on her face gradually dissipating, restoring her usual demeanor.
"You, and Nahida too… Dunyarzad wouldn't want to see you like this."
Paimon sighed, then changed the subject, suddenly recalling something significant:
"Right! Speaking of which, I just thought of something!"
"Back then… didn't she say she forgot to bring something?"
"As a result, because of the ruckus with those bandits, she never had the chance to go back and retrieve it." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Does Dunyarzad know what that thing might be?" ]
[ Dunyarzad Homayani (Genshin Impact): "...." ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "Paimon, how can you even ask that?" ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "It's an item from months later; tell me, how would she know?" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "I forgot! I got too immersed!" ]
[ .....]
『 "That's true. If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have nearly forgotten that incident." Lumine came to a realization that a fragment of the past was becoming clear in her mind.
Having experienced countless cycles of samsara and battles, forgetting some details seemed within reason.
But since she remembered it now, she had to investigate it seriously; perhaps the key lay hidden there.
"Hehe, see? My memory is pretty reliable!" Paimon placed her hands on her hips triumphantly, puffing out her small chest, striking a pose of self-importance.
Subsequently, she and Lumine embarked on the journey to find Dunyarzad's former residence.
"Hehe, looks like my memory is still good. I remember she lived right over here, right? She showed us the location the night before the Sabzeruz Festival."
Paimon examined the house before her with a puzzled expression.
"Let's confirm what the item is. It might just be a clue." Lumine slowly walked to the door of the room, proposing to Paimon. 』
『 .....』