"High and mighty?" Kiana, with an indifferent expression, seemed puzzled by this description and continued, "We are merely in the position we are meant to be. And you,
are in yours."
This Abyss Herald should believe I'm the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles now...
Looking at the Abyss Herald before her, Kiana thought this to herself after speaking.
She didn't know how familiar this Abyss Herald was with the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles, so she could only do her best to put on an act.
As long as it believed she was the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles, she could lure out Aether.
However, she also knew that Aether was surely very familiar with the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles, so she might not be able to deceive him.
The mission didn't say I had to make him think I'm the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles...
...It only said to say something that would shock him...
That's manageable, then...
Suddenly recalling the mission description, Kiana breathed a sigh of relief.
She had inadvertently conflated her own plan with the mission's requirements. Originally, she had only intended to use the identity of the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles to lure out Aether.
"Nothing is eternal, and that includes you."
The Abyss Herald spoke as soon as Kiana finished her words.
Although it didn't know what relationship the being before it had with the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles, or if she was the Sustainer, one thing was clear: she was definitely an enemy of the Abyss.
I hope His Highness the Prince is safe...
After offering a silent prayer for His Highness the Prince, the Abyss Herald prepared for battle.
Even if it couldn't possibly defeat its opponent, it would still fight to the end.
Looks like it believed me...
After hearing the Abyss Herald's words and seeing its battle-ready stance, Kiana knew she had succeeded.
But there was still one problem: she had to let it go back alive to tell Aether what it had seen.
Otherwise, if it died right here, it would all be for nothing.
In any case, she obviously couldn't fight it.
After all, with her level of power, she might scare this Abyss Herald to death with just a touch.
Should I just declare that killing it would dirty my hands and then make a cool exit?
Having decided against fighting the Abyss Herald, Kiana began to think about how to act in a way that seemed plausible.
And besides that issue, she also had to ensure that after the Abyss Herald delivered the message, Aether would actively seek her out.
Aether...
If I suggest that I'm going to make a move against Lumine...
Aether would definitely show up, right?
Suddenly thinking of Lumine, a plan formed in Kiana's mind.
Although Lumine would surely suspect Kiana afterward, the upcoming plan with Zhongli conveniently involved an appearance by the 'Sustainer of Heavenly Principles.' So, she could simply deny it was her and, at the same time, lay the groundwork for the 'Sustainer's' upcoming debut in Liyue.
Anyway, since she and the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles looked so much alike, others wouldn't be able to tell who was who.
"Killing you would only dirty my hands. Go back and tell that so-called Prince of yours to pay more attention to his own blood relative."
After leaving these words, Kiana quickly vanished from the spot.
She...
left?
Looking around cautiously, the Abyss Herald never would have thought its opponent would actually spare it.
But thinking back on the words she left before departing, it seemed plausible.
I must inform His Highness the Prince quickly...
After standing there for a while longer, the Abyss Herald prepared to go report the situation to His Highness the Prince.
In truth, His Highness the Prince was still in the vicinity of Mondstadt, and that Sustainer of Heavenly Principles was clearly unaware of this fact, which was evident from her parting words.
Then, a spatial rift slowly opened behind the Abyss Herald, and after it stepped through, the rift swiftly vanished.
Elsewhere.
"Your Highness."
Upon returning to the dim, temporary stronghold, the Abyss Herald immediately walked toward Aether, who seemed to be deep in thought.
"Is something the matter?"
Turning his head, Aether looked at the Abyss Herald and asked.
It was obvious he was about to hear something important.
"I have just... seen the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles." After a moment's hesitation, the Abyss Herald delivered its report.
In truth, even now, it couldn't be certain if the being it had just encountered was really the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles.
Although her face was indeed that of the Sustainer, the feeling she gave off was completely different, which left it very confused.
"The Sustainer of Heavenly Principles? She's appeared?"
Needless to say, Aether was shocked by this news.
He never would have imagined that the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles would suddenly appear in Mondstadt.
And more importantly, what was the purpose of her appearance this time?
No matter what, her appearance definitely had some kind of ulterior motive.
"Yes, Your Highness. I just saw her at Stormterror's Lair, but..."
Recalling the scene, the Abyss Herald continued, "For some reason, the feeling she gave me was very different, as if the one before me wasn't the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles."
"Why do you say that?" Aether hadn't expected such a thing, and it made him very curious.
"I don't know why either... Oh, right, Your Highness, that being who might be the Sustainer also asked me to relay a message to you."
As it spoke, the Abyss Herald suddenly remembered there was something important it had yet to say.
"Relay what?"
"She said... Your Highness, you should pay more attention to your blood relative."
"I'm going to Mondstadt City now."
Upon hearing this, Aether immediately headed out of the stronghold. He had to go check on Lumine.
Although the other party's intention was obvious, he still had to make the trip to Mondstadt City.
No matter what, he had to ensure Lumine's safety.
"Your Highness, be careful. It could be a trap."
Seeing His Highness the Prince heading to Mondstadt City, the Abyss Herald quickly followed.
Mondstadt City.
Kaito's residence.
It seems to be almost morning...
Returning to the entrance of the residence, Kiana realized it was almost morning.
Creeeak—
Opening the door and heading back inside, Kiana prepared to get some sleep.
Do I really toss and turn so much when I sleep?
As soon as she entered the bedroom, Kiana saw Kaito's head facing the headboard, while Wendy's was facing the foot of the bed, their feet tangled together.
Sigh...
If we split again in the future...
...one bed won't be enough...
After adjusting the positions of the two of them, Kiana lay down on the bed.
______
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