Lacking key information, no matter how much Nahida thinks, she cannot determine the true answer.
Having read the prophecy book for so long, this is the first time Nahida has been so eager to find Lucian and ask for the answer.
However, when she contacts Lucian through the Akasha Terminal, Lucian chooses to read but not reply.
Nahida sighs, suddenly understanding Mona a bit.
In her own field of expertise, she hasn't surpassed the other party; not ashamed to ask, yet the other party still won't tell her the answer—this feeling, Nahida understands.
But Lucian is also quite helpless about this; is this something that can be casually said?
My greatest virtue is honesty! I never deceive you all! I already told Mona long ago that I can't do prophecy, but she doesn't believe it!
Now, I've been forced to just tease her for fun. Sigh, it's really made things difficult for me.
Lucian doesn't say, and Nahida isn't angry. She's different from Mona; she doesn't have much pride in herself to begin with, and without pride, there's no such thing as being struck down.
Lucian has mentioned to her that the Sumeru matter isn't resolved yet. Although he didn't specify which matter, Nahida analyzes that it's probably this one.
Based on Lucian's past behavior, Nahida feels that his calculations definitely include her; otherwise, he wouldn't hide it from her.
But what does he want to calculate about me? Given Lucian's hobbies... he wants to see me cry, right?
Lucian already has photos of Ei and Furina crying; is he not satisfied and wants to take pictures of me too?
No, hasn't he already taken them? Still not satisfied!? How many times does he need to be satisfied!?
Thinking about these is useless; resisting fate against a prophet is meaningless. Nahida decides to go directly to find Lucian.
And in the story, after the Irminsul plot, the Traveler gradually wakes up. The good news is that she didn't 'leave a corpse in the wilderness'; someone rescued the Traveler.
["...Is she really okay? It's already been so long..." Paimon's worried voice comes from beside her ear.]
["Don't worry... Master's knowledge is very profound. Since he said she's fine, then there definitely won't be any problems." ???]
Upon opening her eyes, Paimon is chatting with a green-haired girl.
The illustration naturally has to be drawn. Besides the scene of Paimon and Collei chatting, there's also a portrait illustration of Collei.
In the portrait, what's eye-catching is Collei's peach-purple pupils, which stand out especially against the green hair.
In addition, there's Collei's action of raising her hand; the angle is just right, showing the side of her underarm without making it feel strange.
Cyno: "It's here! Collei (can come)!"
Tighnari facepalms; Kaveh and Alhaitham don't react.
This one has Tighnari stumped. Alhaitham not reacting can be understood; he can ignore Cyno's puns.
But why doesn't Kaveh react? Could it be... he didn't get it?
Tighnari is a bit worried; he's not worried about Kaveh's 'intelligence,' but about himself.
What's wrong with me? Why can I instantly understand Cyno's pun?
Cyno: "You all didn't get it? I explain sh..."
Before he finishes speaking, he's covered by Tighnari.
Don't explain; I'm already doubting why I can understand it—don't deepen my suspicions.
Besides these Four Great Talents, Amber from Mondstadt also recognizes Collei; she happily pulls Eula.
"Look, it's Collei!"
Eula nods; she also knows Collei, from before at the 'World's Strongest Martial Arts Tournament' that Lucian organized.
And the 'center of attention' Collei herself has her pretty face flushed red at this moment.
Lucian! You didn't say I was in it! You said it was only Master!
No need to rush, because her master can't escape either; he'll appear in a moment.
In the book, Collei tells the Traveler that this is "Gandharva Ville," the rangers' residence, and then introduces herself:
["Hello, um... I'm Collei, an apprentice ranger. Today, while patrolling with Master, we happened to find you passed out, so we brought you here."]
This resolves everyone's doubts; no wonder Paimon didn't have the strength.
It's not that Lumine is heavy; it's mainly that Paimon is too weak.
From this, it seems Sumeru people aren't all bad; everyone's impression of Sumeru starts to improve a bit.
Speaking of which, everyone hasn't had much contact with the ranger profession usually, so they're curious: what do rangers usually do?
Rangers, as the name implies, their job is to patrol the rainforests to protect the forests; their main work is to prevent Baldy Strong from randomly chopping trees.
But the 'Baldy Strong (Withering)' they face is a bit strong; it can turn an entire forest 'bald' directly.
And an apprentice ranger like Collei still can't stop Baldy Strong, so she's currently responsible for taking care of the Traveler.
After the Traveler wakes up, she plans to get the soup medicine for the Traveler to drink; that's what her master brewed.
However, when she goes to get the medicine bowl, she accidentally drops it on the ground, letting out a startled cry.
The illustration close-up is on a pair of big ears; hearing the noise, Tighnari turns back and says:
["Collei, what's wrong? Want to get the medicine? I told you already, don't touch these randomly... I'll handle it later."]
The illustration of Tighnari is his portrait; this is the first official appearance of a Grass-element man's portrait.
There was Bai Shu before, but he didn't have a portrait.
Readers: Great! It's a Grass man! We love Grass men the most!
But compared to whether it's Grass or not, everyone's first attention is actually drawn to his ears.
Ears this long—what animal is that? Fennec fox X, desert big dog √.
The real-life Traveler is also very curious what animal Tighnari's ears count as; since Tighnari, Cyno, and the others are here, she might as well ask directly.
Before Tighnari can answer, Cyno is eager to try; fortunately, Tighnari's vigilance toward him is high, and he covers his mouth in one go.
Unfortunately, he's only used to guarding against Cyno and forgot about Lucian.
Lucian: "It's a fennec (fox)!"
As he says it, Lucian, afraid everyone didn't get it, draws an arc with his finger ( ).
Tighnari is speechless: how did he manage one only to have another come?
The mouth-covered Cyno involuntarily gives a thumbs up: you're this!
In terms of telling jokes, I, Cyno, would call you the strongest!
Modern strongest VS historical strongest!
"From a perspective of common rationality, that's correct."
Huh? When did Zhongli arrive?
Everyone looks, and the one who came is actually Nahida.
Nahida shows a smile, cutely waving her hand.
It has to be said, worthy of the barefoot little loli; her steps are light, no sound when walking—might as well call her Walking Grass.
Nahida continues: "Ah, everyone might not get it; let me explain. The punchline of this joke is..."
"No! Don't say it!" Paimon waves her hands. "Don't make the atmosphere even colder!"
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice Line · Cyno: About Lucian
"What a strong person! But, I will win! Betting on the title of King of Jokes, I can't lose!"
"Lucian, is this okay?"