Liyue had not changed much, even after transitioning to the era of governance by humanity. People went about their business as they always hadwaking up, washing, and heading out to work. It was as if everything remained the same.
Only those with keen instincts noticed that the decision made by Rex Lapis was no sudden whim, but a long-premeditated plan.
The people of Liyue knew that every year, during the Rite of Descension, Rex Lapis would descend to dictate the direction of the harbor's development for the coming year. However, in recent years, the power to control that direction had gradually been shifted into the hands of the Liyue Qixing.
To the point where even now, without the Lord of Geo, Liyue Harbor continued to operate perfectly. In truth, this continent's most prosperous commercial port had long since belonged to the governance of its people.
On this day, which seemed no different from any other, Su Ming had already packed his bags, ready to begin his journey.
"Are you leaving?" Shenhe asked, standing beside him.
"Yes. After breakfast, I'll say goodbye to Lumine and then head out." Su Ming looked at her. "What's wrong? Why the sudden question?"
"Can I... go with you?" Shenhe asked nervously.
"Of course," Su Ming smiled. "Even if you hadn't asked, I intended to take you along. You've stayed in Liyue for a long time; it'll be good to see the world. Witnessing new scenery, tasting new delicacies, and participating in local festivalsdoesn't that sound wonderful?"
"Yes." Shenhe smiled happily. But just as she was about to speak, Lumine and Paimon walked in, looking somewhat awkward.
"What's up?" Su Ming asked. "Weren't you looking for a way to reach Inazuma?"
Paimon nodded. "Well... we were at first. We were going to the Adventurers' Guild to ask about routes, but as soon as we got there, Katheryne told us someone in Mondstadt was looking for us."
"Oh, rightthey're looking for you too," Paimon added. "It's the same person looking for both of us. Katheryne knew we were friends, so she asked us to pass the message along."
Lumine added a bit sheepishly, "Su Ming, since you're going to Mondstadt anyway, how about... giving us a ride?"
"Sure, no problem," Su Ming nodded. Then he frowned. "But who is looking for me? I shouldn't know anyone in Mondstadt."
Lumine shook her head. "I don't know. Even Katheryne didn't know his name. He just posted a commission at the guild asking them to contact us. He said he wanted to cooperate."
"The only thing we know is his appearance," Paimon chimed in. "He's a very tall, blonde man in unusual clothes. He also wears an eyepatch."
Hearing the description, the image of a certain "Riddler" flashed before Su Ming's eyes.
"I think I know who it is... fine, since we're headed to Mondstadt anyway, we might as well meet the guy."
Lumine was surprised. "Wait, you know him?"
"Not personally, but I've heard things," Su Ming paused before adding, "That man never speaks plainly. He hides everything he can. Rather than his name, I prefer to call him the Riddler."
Lumine and Paimon's faces immediately slumped.
"Ugh!" Paimon cried out. "Those are the worst kinds of people! I hate guys who clearly know everything but talk in circles and hide the truth!"
Lumine nodded in agreement. "Like Zhongli!"
"Exactly! And Venti too! They always look like they know something but just won't say it!" Paimon added earnestly.
Lumine looked at Paimon. "So, are we still going to find him?"
"Yes! Katheryne said the guy left a bag of Mora at the Mondstadt Adventurers' Guild for us. If there's money involved, why wouldn't we go?" Paimon replied decisively.
Lumine: "..."
Su Ming raised an eyebrow. "Mora? Is there a share for me?"
"Katheryne didn't mention it, so probably not? If there was, she would have told us," Paimon shrugged.
"Great, discrimination right out of the gate," Su Ming shrugged helplessly.
Lumine laughed softly. "Maybe he thought you wouldn't bother with him?"
Su Ming nodded. "True. If I hadn't suddenly felt like visiting Mondstadt for the scenery, I really wouldn't have bothered answering a random invitation."
"Let's go then. I assume you're all ready."
Shenhe, Lumine, and Paimon all nodded. Su Ming smiled and opened a portal, leading the three of them straight to Mondstadt.
"Whoa! We're actually here!"
Even though they had seen Su Ming demonstrate this ability before, experiencing it personally was magical. It was as if they had simply stepped through a doorway and instantly arrived in a new land.
Su Ming used his magic to change his clothes. His previous ethereal, otherworldly Adeptus attire was replaced with something more suited to the local Mondstadt fashion.
He wore a long black trench coat over a navy blue long sleeved shirt, with a thin pale gold tie fastened simply at the collar. His long hair was tied back in a high ponytail.
At first glance, if one ignored his distinctly Liyue handsome features, his temperament and dress made him look exactly like a young noble from Mondstadt's aristocratic era.
"Wow! Su Ming, why did your clothes change so suddenly!?" Paimon exclaimed.
Su Ming laughed. "There is an old proverb in Liyue: when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Since we're in Mondstadt, it's only right to change into local attire. Traveling is about blending into the environment. Besides, this set wouldn't look out of place in Fontaine either; I'm just adapting early."
"If I kept wearing my old clothes, I'd be mobbed as soon as I entered the city. I don't want a repeat of what happened in Liyue Harbor."
"And these aren't actually clothes; it's just 'raiment' I've mimicked using my power. My original clothes are still underneath. I'm not a pervert who would strip naked in front of two girls."
Hearing this, both Shenhe and Lumine blushed crimson instantly.
Only Paimon was confused. "Two girls... wait, that's not right! You're missing one!"
"Do you even count as a girl?"
"Aaaah! I'm so angry! I'm going to give you a terrible nickname!"
"Alright, don't be mad. Once we're in the city, I'll buy you something delicious. My treat."
"Hehe, you said it! No take-backs!" Paimon's anger evaporated instantly.
Lumine stared. "Hey, you changed sides way too fast!"
Paimon grinned. "But he's treating me to food!"
"Sigh..." Lumine facepalmed. "I'll have to keep a closer eye on you. Otherwise, someone's going to sell you for a single meal."
Su Ming looked at the Mondstadt Bridge in the distance. "Alright, enough talk. Let's head in. I'm curious to see what Mondstadt's liquor tastes like. I wonder how different it is from Liyue's wine and what makes it so special."
"I'll go with you," Shenhe said.
Lumine added, "You guys go enjoy yourselves. I'm going to say hello to some old friends and stop by the guild to ask where that annoying guy is."
Su Ming nodded. "It's a plan. Shenhe and I will be at Angel's Share. Find us there when you're done."
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