When Chu Xi returned to Bubu Pharmacy, Qiqi was standing behind the counter, barely visible from the front.
"Qiqi, I'm back! Thanks for covering."
Chu Xi's job at Bubu Pharmacy was preparing prescriptions. The names of the herbs were written on the counter, so she handled the task with ease.
"No problem... Qiqi needs to... gather herbs."
"Be careful, Qiqi. Take this coconut milk for the road."
Chu Xi handed Qiqi the coconut milk she had bought earlier. Although she had only just started working at Bubu Pharmacy, Baizhu, knowing her situation, had already paid her a month's wages in advance.
Chu Xi knew Qiqi loved coconut milk, calling it "cool and delicious." She wondered if Qiqi would like ice cream too, since it was also cool and had a similar texture.
Qiqi accepted the coconut milk, her large, innocent eyes fixed on Chu Xi.
"Thank you... I like it very much."
After Qiqi left, a patient emerged from Bubu Pharmacy and approached the counter. "Excuse me," he said, "Doctor Baizhu prescribed a remedy to dispel cold and dampness."
Chu Xi pulled a slip of paper marked with the number 8 from a stack on the table and began preparing the medicine according to the prescription.
Her job was simple: dispensing medicine and occasionally assisting with other tasks.
She planned to work here temporarily, waiting for news from the Millelith before making further arrangements. Once she received word, she would travel to Sumeru and join the Traveler on her journey.
Chu Xi worked steadily until evening, when Baizhu finished examining his last patient.
"How are you settling in?" he asked.
"I'm doing well," she replied. "I used to handle many chores at home, so this work is easy and relaxing for me. If you need help with anything else, Doctor Baizhu, please don't hesitate to ask."
Changsheng, the snake coiled around Baizhu's neck, interjected, "Most people complain about having too much work, not too little! And you're volunteering for extra tasks..."
Chu Xi explained, "I came to Liyue Harbor alone. The Millelith and Doctor Baizhu saved me. I have no way to repay you except by helping with odd jobs."
"There's no need to feel indebted," Baizhu reassured her. "It was a simple act of kindness. Besides, Bubu Pharmacy was planning to hire someone recently, and you're doing excellent work."
"Doctor Baizhu, it's getting late, and Qiqi still hasn't returned. I'm worried..."
"There's no need to worry. Qiqi is very strong, and she often comes back late. Let's wait a little longer."
Sure enough, after another half-hour, Qiqi returned with the herbs she had gathered.
Chu Xi rushed over and scooped Qiqi into her arms.
"Why are you so late today?"
"Qiqi met Yaoyao and talked for a long time. I'm sorry for being late..."
"Qiqi doesn't need to apologize! Look what I saved for you!"
-
Several days later, Lumine and Paimon returned to Mondstadt.
Rola's new grave had been rebuilt behind the Favonius Cathedral, though in a different spot from the original, which had been dug up.
Lumine and Paimon placed the long-awaited treats before Rola's grave.
Though it had been days since they were made, the treats remained as fresh as if they had just come out of the oven, thanks to being stored in the treasure Qingge had given them.
"Rola, we're about to set off for Sumeru. You're here... no, you'll be coming with us too. These treats were made by our good friend Yuna. If you were still here, you'd be friends with her too. She's such a kind person..."
"We'll visit you often. You won't be lonely..."
Paimon and Lumine each spoke at length before Rola's grave, sharing all the things they wished they could have said to her.
Only then did they rise and leave the site.
Notably, Mondstadt now had a new position: gravedigger.
Before officially departing for Sumeru, Lumine and Paimon returned to this place one last time.
If they had to name their closest friend in Inazuma, it would undoubtedly be Yuna. So, their first thought was to bid her farewell.
Though they could always return, past experience suggested it would be a long time before their next visit to Inazuma.
When Lumine and Paimon found Yuna, she was still battling Itto in a beetle fight. The Arataki Gang members were gathered around, even Kuki Shinobu watching with keen interest.
"Ah, my General!"
"Ha ha! I win again! Boss, your beetle fighting skills are terrible! You lost in just one round!"
Yuna laughed boisterously, her hands on her hips, while Itto wore an expression of utter despair, as if the world had abandoned him.
Yuna paid no mind to Itto's misery. Grinning, she claimed the three ice cream scoops he had wagered, relishing his pained expression.
Hmph, trying to win my Onikabuto?
Don't even think about it!
"Hmph! My skills are top-notch! It's just a shame I don't have an Onikabuto that matches my strength. Otherwise, I'd never lose!"
Yuna rolled her eyes. She'd heard this excuse countless times.
"Oh, Lumine and Paimon! You're back!"
Seeing Lumine and Paimon, Yuna immediately rushed over, her face beaming. But when she noticed Paimon's gloomy expression, she grew concerned.
"Paimon, what's wrong? Are you feeling down? Here, have some ice cream to cheer up!"
Yuna offered Paimon the ice cream she'd just won. After taking a bite, Paimon's mood visibly brightened.
When Yuna learned that Lumine and Paimon were planning to travel to Sumeru, she felt a pang of longing. She'd always dreamed of visiting foreign lands, but alas...
In the end, Yuna decided to throw Lumine and Paimon a lively farewell party, ensuring they had a memorable send-off before their journey.
Lumine and Paimon readily agreed, and the group arranged to meet for a feast after dark.
Yuna invited all of Lumine's friends from Inazuma: the Kamisato siblings, Yoimiya, Kujou Sara, Sayu... even Gorou, who had recently arrived on Narukami Island, was included.
Learning from her previous experience, Yuna made a special effort to invite Yae Miko and Ei this time.
To her surprise, both declined.
Yuna understood Ei's refusal, but she couldn't fathom why Yae Miko would decline, especially since she had crashed the last gathering uninvited.
After leaving Ei's residence, Yuna received an "egg"?
Well, it was probably an egg. Ei said it would protect her, though Yuna couldn't see how. Still, since Ei had said so, she obediently carried it with her.
From Yae Miko, Yuna obtained a written guarantee.
Yes, a guarantee Yuna had made to Yae Miko, promising to personally visit the Grand Narukami Shrine tomorrow and prepare a delicious meal for the wise and beautiful Lady Yae Miko!
As Kuki Yuna left with the guarantee in hand, she finally understood why Yae Miko had declined the invitation.
Soon, it was time for the farewell feast. Everyone gathered to see Lumine and Paimon off.
They were the great heroes who had saved Inazuma. Without them, Inazuma would likely still be under the Sakoku Decree, and many present would have had their Visions confiscated.
Everyone was in high spirits, and even Paimon temporarily forgot her troubles, indulging in the feast.
Just like last time, the banquet stretched late into the night.
Lumine and Paimon ate their fill and didn't go to bed until very late.
Before setting out, they needed to be well-fed and well-rested.
The next morning, Lumine and Paimon woke up early, bid farewell to Yuna, and used the Teleport Waypoint to reach The Chasm in Liyue.
This time, their destination was Sumeru.