Gods are often perceived as omnipotent by their followers, but the reality is far more complex.
Lumine knew this well from the Anemo, Geo, and Electro Archons, each burdened by their own concerns. She suspected the Dendro Archon of Sumeru faced similar circumstances.
It's not like she's been imprisoned, right...?
"Silaya, can you dream of Lord Kusanali every time?"
"Not every time, but it's fairly frequent. Usually once or twice a week."
Paimon asked curiously, "Wow, that's so often! Since you meet so regularly, what do you usually talk about?"
Lumine sighed at the little one's lack of boundaries.
Silaya, however, didn't mind. After all, it wasn't a big deal, as long as the Great Sage and his cronies didn't find out.
"When I was very young, Lesser Lord Kusanali taught me knowledge, and I would tell her amusing stories about daily life. As I grew older, I'd often have academic challenges, and she would guide me through many of them..."
Lumine and Paimon were stunned. Lesser Lord Kusanali guided you with your homework?
Even Collei looked shocked; she hadn't known this either.
Silaya continued, "I know quite a bit about Lesser Lord Kusanali, but it's hard to explain in a short time. Traveler and Paimon, feel free to come find me whenever you want to learn more."
Lumine asked, "We're not from Sumeru. Does that matter?"
"Of course not! After all, you're the famous Traveler and the equally famous Paimon!"
Silaya glanced at Collei, preparing to shift the conversation to the slightly socially awkward girl.
Collei naturally picked up the thread. "You know Amber, right?"
Paimon: "Wait, are you talking about...?"
Lumine: "The Outrider of the Knights of Favonius? The fervent flying enthusiast of Mondstadt?"
"Yes, that's her! I stayed in Mondstadt for a while, and Amber helped me so much. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say she changed my life."
"Amber is truly amazing! She loves life, has a strong sense of justice, and is not only full of energy but also incredibly empathetic. She's like a flame that lights up everyone around her. In my opinion, she's the perfect Outrider. Almost everyone who comes to Mondstadt meets her first, and her enthusiasm makes them fall in love with the land..."
When Collei spoke of Amber, her eyes seemed to glow, and she became much more talkative.
Silaya suppressed a laugh, while Paimon crossed her arms.
Lumine put her hands on her hips. "So that's the Amber you know."
Paimon: "Hmm, I always thought the Outrider's job was different, but I can definitely tell how much you like Amber, Collei!"
Collei lowered her head shyly, then sighed softly.
"It's a pity... so much has happened in Mondstadt lately. Amber didn't explicitly say it in her letter, but I could still sense her sadness..."
The conversation shifted abruptly, and Silaya, sensing the awkwardness, immediately stepped in to change the subject.
Besides patrolling, their mission also included maintaining the Statue of The Seven for seven days. Lumine had volunteered for this task, and Paimon offered to help. Since the little one was already flying, she was undoubtedly the most convenient choice.
After cleaning the Statue of The Seven, the four of them found a shady spot under a tree to rest.
Collei shared the Pocket Bread she had brought, while Paimon produced Ice Cream.
It was hard to imagine how much the little one must have struggled to resist eating all those treats at once and save them for later.
Lumine and Paimon had noticed Collei's unusual behavior, and Silaya had also picked up on it. It seemed Collei would need a good rest when they returned tonight.
During their playful banter, Paimon reached out to ruffle Collei's hair, but Collei's reaction was unexpectedly intense.
Paimon froze, flustered and convinced she had offended Collei. She immediately apologized.
Collei brushed it off, claiming it was getting late and she needed to return home. She left abruptly.
Little Paimon remained guilt-ridden. "What was that all about? Paimon didn't mean to! Is Collei okay?"
Lumine turned to Silaya, who was still lingering nearby, and asked for an explanation.
Silaya sighed softly. "Paimon, don't blame yourself. This isn't entirely your fault. Collei... sigh This is Collei's personal matter. Even as her close friend, I can't say much without her permission."
"If you really want to know, you could ask Teacher Tighnari."
With that, Silaya hurried off to catch up with Collei.
After discussing it, Lumine and Paimon decided to check on Collei again the next day.
Collei had already taken her medicine and fallen asleep, with Silaya watching over her. After Lumine and Paimon spoke with Tighnari, they returned to check on Collei.
Silaya called Lumine outside.
"Traveler, has Teacher Tighnari told you everything?"
Lumine nodded.
Silaya continued, "As far as I know, the second-ranked Fatui Harbinger, the Doctor, was once a scholar in Sumeru. He was expelled from the Akademiya for his unethical experiments and research, and only then did he join the Fatui."
"He's a genius, but he's strayed from the right path. Traveler, I've heard about you. You've encountered other Fatui Harbingers in other nations, and it seems your interactions with them haven't been particularly friendly. That's why I want to warn you: the Doctor is different. He's extremely dangerous."
Lumine looked at Silaya in surprise. This girl, who appeared to be about the same age as Collei, seemed to know a great deal.
Silaya explained, "When I was traveling here from Sumeru City, I encountered a strange man on the road. He said I was like him and invited me to join his faction. At the time, I didn't know who he was, but now I'm almost certain it was the Doctor."
Lumine's expression immediately turned serious.
The Doctor was in Sumeru?
"Lesser Lord Kusanali has said that the top three Fatui Harbingers possess strength comparable to the Gods," Silaya explained. "They're beyond our ability to confront."
"I only came to see Lesser Lord Kusanali," Lumine replied. "Why would you think I'd clash with the Doctor?"
Silaya sighed. "Traveler, have you noticed that whenever you visit a nation, major events—often more than one—unfold, and you always get caught up in them? Did you ever imagine you'd be embroiled in conflicts when you went to Liyue or Inazuma?"
Lumine fell silent.
"Traveler, Sumeru is different from other nations. Lesser Lord Kusanali can't offer you direct assistance. I dreamed of her last night, and she told me this. Moreover, I need to warn you: there seems to be more than one Fatui Harbinger in Sumeru..."