Nahida said, "It's fine. After the possession, I can share the sensory experience with you. It'll be just like having the ability to possess someone yourself. All you need to do is wear the Akasha Terminal."
Paimon asked, "But why does Lumine have to do it? Can't you do it yourself?"
Nahida turned around and said slowly, "Though I've always observed humans, I've never been good at imitating them."
Paimon complained, "I can tell. Your Katheryne impression isn't convincing at all."
Lumine said, "Alright, I'll give it a try."
Nahida covered her face, looking helpless. "If possible, I would really prefer not to occupy those people's consciousness. But at this point, we can't afford to worry about such things."
[Zhongli: Though there's no other choice, the citizens aren't being put in danger either.]
[Ningguang: Nahida's approach is completely fine. Rights and responsibilities go hand in hand. You can't expect to receive a deity's protection without giving anything in return. The Millelith are soldiers who protect Liyue. When the Millelith need help, the citizens also have a duty to assist.]
[Paimon: Exactly. They're not being put in danger. Does this possession have any side effects?]
[Nahida: It just briefly hypnotizes their consciousness and puts them to sleep for a little while.]
[Lumine: That's an extremely, extremely, extremely gentle method.]
[Furina: Lumine and Paimon couldn't come up with a method like that. They sent me to the trial. When I watched that livestream, my heart was breaking. The people I was protecting wanted to die. Neuvillette, Clorinde, the Traveler—everyone became my enemy. Everyone had allies, but I was the only one putting on a brave face all alone.]
[Paimon: That really does sound despairing.]
[Nahida: That was the despair of carrying millions of lives on your shoulders, not the despair of being abandoned by everyone.]
[Paimon: That sounds even worse.]
[Navia: My father also died amid misunderstanding and condemnation. If it weren't for Melus and Silver, I might not have made it through.]
[Paimon: Looking forward to Fontaine's new opera.]
[Arlecchino: I've arrived in Fontaine with the Tsaritsa to discuss reclaiming the authority of the dragons.]
[Lumine: Fontaine's future will definitely be a comedy. The script just hasn't been written yet.]
[Paimon: Miko, how's Inazuma doing now?]
[Yae Miko: Ei has been forced to work overtime, and she's dragging me around everywhere. I don't even have time to read light novels anymore. Boohoo, how pitiful.]
Paimon said, "Yeah, our original intention was for everyone's sake too. It's really just for a short while. It's fine."
Nahida nodded. "Alright, then we'll start tomorrow afternoon."
The next day, Lumine and Paimon were in position early, hiding behind a tree.
Nahida said, "Let's follow her quietly first. When she starts chatting with those acquaintances, we'll find a secluded spot and begin the possession."
"And I'll leave it to you to decide what to say to shake her resolve. I trust you, Traveler."
Paimon said, "Ah, I'm so nervous!"
Soon, they found the right opportunity. Nahida possessed Nabiya while she and Setaria were discussing love-related matters.
The possession process caused a brief pause, which Setaria noticed. Nabiya quickly scratched her head and said, "It's the troubles of love, isn't it? I see."
Setaria said, "It's nothing. I just saw you freeze up for a moment."
At that moment, the two cats bared their teeth at the possessed Nabiya.
Setaria asked, "Hmm? Your cats seem to be hissing at you. What's going on?"
[Ningguang: Those two cats are definitely not ordinary.]
[Nahida: They say cats can see things humans can't. They have psychic abilities.]
[Yae Miko: Even so, those cats are way too impressive—even more powerful than our yokai in Inazuma.]
[Kirara: I'm a little cat myself, and I can confirm—I have no idea how to do prophecies or anything like that.]
"I remember they're usually quite gentle. Oh, right—what were their names again?"
Lumine said, "Harut and Marut."
Setaria was shocked. "Wait, those are their names? That doesn't sound quite right..."
Lumine quickly covered. "Ah, they actually have a few different names. What I call them depends on my mood."
Setaria didn't suspect anything and even went over to pet the cats. "Is that so? They sure have it rough too."