"But... you are the only popular idol who can represent Inazuma," Yae Miko reminded with a gentle smile. "Surely you don't want to watch Mondstadt and Liyue's idols shine brightly during the Lantern Rite while our Inazuma fades into obscurity, do you~"
Gorou's expression twisted with conflict.
Yae Miko had already elevated this matter to an issue of Inazuma's pride.
It truly made Gorou frown and consider it seriously.
A look of determination flashed across his face. "If it's for Inazuma's honor... I... if I only have to cross-dress once... actually... it might not be completely impossible."
"Now that's more like it~" Lin Mo said, a look of satisfaction in his eyes.
"Wait! That's not what I meant!" Gorou immediately waved his hands in explanation. "I... even if I cross-dress, I don't have any performing talents! Moreover, the moment I open my mouth, I'll be exposed as a boy! How embarrassing would that be? Wouldn't that disgrace Inazuma's face even more?"
Hearing Gorou's point, Lin Mo also realized it.
That was indeed a major problem.
So, Lin Mo turned his gaze to Yae Miko, wondering what other dubious ideas she might have.
Yae Miko smiled and suggested, "There are still two and a half days until the Lantern Rite. How about you learn a dance on the spot, Hina?"
"Learn on the spot... This... there's no way that's enough time..." Gorou said with a troubled look.
But the next moment, he suddenly reacted, blushing with shame and indignation. "Wait! My name isn't Hina! I'm Gorou!"
Yae Miko helplessly rubbed her temples.
She had finally convinced Gorou to wear women's clothing.
But the issue of talent had become a huge problem!
Singing performances were definitely out of the question, as Gorou would give himself away the moment he spoke.
As for dancing...
The time was far too rushed.
After some thought, Lin Mo asked, "Miko, about the Lantern Rite... will there be many tourists from other nations?"
"Well..." Miko pondered for a moment before explaining, "Since the Sakoku Decree has been lifted, I imagine many people are planning to travel abroad. There will likely be several shiploads of tourists coming to Liyue for the Lantern Rite. Why do you ask?"
"Then I don't think Gorou is very suitable," Lin Mo said calmly. "Think about it. Among these people, there might very well be fans from the 'Miss Hina Fan Club.' If they come up to chat, Gorou can't just coldly ignore them, right?"
"Right, right!" Gorou quickly chimed in. "I've seen that group! They're incredibly enthusiastic about Miss Hina!"
"Then... what should we do?"
"The only national idol who can represent Inazuma... is Miss Hina..."
Even the resourceful Yae Miko...
...couldn't think of a reasonable solution for the moment.
Thinking about Inazuma being overshadowed during the Lantern Rite, Gorou couldn't help but feel dejected. "If only there really was a Miss Hina..."
"Actually... that might not be impossible," Lin Mo said with a faint smile.
"Hmm?" Gorou looked at him with doubt in his eyes.
However, a glint of sharp insight flashed in Yae Miko's eyes as she looked at Lin Mo.
After all.
Lin Mo was no ordinary person!
He was like Rhinedottir.
A "Red" alchemist capable of creating artificial humans!
"If we were to create a Miss Hina, would there be enough time?" Yae Miko asked curiously.
"If it's just about creating Miss Hina, the time is sufficient," Lin Mo slowly shook his head. "But I'm not sure how long it would take for an artificial Hina to learn performing arts."
"If only Rhinedottir were here... She would likely have the ability to make a created Hina possess artistic talent far surpassing ordinary people."
"Lady Rhinedottir?"
At this moment, Gorou seemed to remember something.
"Hmm? What, do you know her?" Lin Mo couldn't help but ask curiously.
"No," Gorou shook his head. "I just overheard that name mentioned at the Mondstadt table~" As he spoke, his gaze drifted toward the tables where the Mondstadt delegation was seated during the banquet. "Look, that knight with light brown short hair. I think I heard him mention during the meal that there seem to be recent signs of Lady Rhinedottir appearing in Dragonspine."
"What!?"
Lin Mo's eyes widened in shock.
He immediately turned his head and called out, "Albedo!"
Albedo, who was diligently helping Klee peel crab shells, immediately looked over at the sound. "Godfather, were you calling for me?"
"Yes! Come here!" Lin Mo quickly waved Albedo over.
Albedo promptly wiped his hands and hurried to Lin Mo's side.
"Godfather, is something the matter?" Albedo asked respectfully.
Lin Mo urgently inquired, "I heard you were discussing Rhinedottir. Has she returned?"
"I... cannot confirm that at present," Albedo shook his head.
"Can't confirm?" Lin Mo frowned.
"As you know, Godfather, the reason I am often stationed in Dragonspine is because of the immense ley line power there," Albedo explained. "But before I departed for Mondstadt... at a certain mountain pass entrance in Dragonspine... I discovered that the device I use to extract ley line energy... seems to have been tampered with."
"Rather than saying it was tampered with... it would be more accurate to say it was tuned. The device's efficiency in absorbing ley line energy has improved."
"In all of Teyvat, aside from you, Godfather... the only one who could accomplish this... is likely my teacher."
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T/N:
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