Meanwhile, in Liyue, inside the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor...
Hu Tao was uncharacteristically quiet, her eyes closed and hands pressed together in prayer, the closed book sandwiched between them.
After a long silence, she slowly opened her eyes—those plum-blossom pupils shimmering faintly.
The corners of her lips curled slightly, and finally, she broke into a smile.
"Follow your heart, fulfill your duties."
"May you not linger in that world."
Hu Tao rubbed her little nose.
Tch, the weather's getting cold, my nose itches—must be catching a cold. All thanks to that little Lucian!
===✧✦✧===
Outside the funeral parlor, in a teahouse...
Zhongli knew how to enjoy life.
He didn't even bother reading the book himself—instead, he came to listen to Iron Tongue Tian's storytelling.
Just as Tian finished recounting the tale, Zhongli set down his teacup, his gaze drifting toward Guili Plains.
"Are you satisfied with the Liyue of today?"
"Next time that drunken bard visits, I suppose I can reluctantly share a drink with him."
===✧✦✧===
Like Zhongli, Raiden Ei—one of the victors of the Archon War—had also finished reading the story.
The book had been delivered by Yae Miko, though Ei had no desire to see her.
Thus, the two never met. Had the sly fox not claimed this book "foretold the future" and could affect Eternity, Ei wouldn't have even glanced at it.
Ei was stubborn. If one tried to convince her to abandon her current Eternity, they would inevitably fail.
Yae Miko had hoped the book would loosen Ei's obsession with an unchanging Eternity—
But alas, it seemed to have backfired.
"If there are no wishes, such tragedies would not occur."
In Ei's eyes, had Stanley not wished to explore Mare Jivari, would he not have died?
Only Eternity could prevent such tragedies.
Ei couldn't help but recall Makoto.
"Because we know this moment is fleeting, we must cherish it all the more."
That was what Makoto had once told her.
If the current Ei were to respond, she would say:
"No. The fleeting is far too brief—only unchanging Eternity is correct."
"That is why I confiscate my people's Visions—they must not tread an unknown future."
Ei closed her eyes again, letting the book fall aside.
On its final page was written:
[Only those with courage can walk toward the future.]
Yes, Ei was running away. She feared the future.
Her sister, her friends, her people—all had died before her eyes.
And she could do nothing.
Ei feared a future beyond her control.
Feared a path her people might take that she could not protect.
All she wanted was to maintain this unchanging Eternity.
"Sister... the Inazuma you entrusted to me remains just as it was."
"If you were to return... you would not find it unfamiliar."
===✧✦✧===
At the Yashiro Commission, Kamisato Ayaka set the book down.
Her gaze drifted to the window, where a mother bird fed her chicks in a nest.
"Mother... am I the continuation of your life?"
"Can I see this world in your stead?"
At this thought, Ayaka lowered her head in sorrow.
How can I see the world when Inazuma is as it is now?
"I'm sorry... even now, I am but a caged bird..."
===✧✦✧===
Another caged bird—Lesser Lord Kusanali—whispered to herself:
"Lord Barbatos... what a magnificent archon."
"If I could do even half as well as he has... would the people of Sumeru accept me?"
"When that day comes... would they celebrate the Sabzeruz Festival for me?"
"I must work harder... learn how to be a proper god."
She did not realize—she had always been a proper god.
At the very least, in Dunyarzad's heart, Nahida was a magnificent archon.
And right now, Dunyarzad was crying.
Dehya fumbled awkwardly, trying to comfort her.
"My lady, please don't cry!"
"This is my fault—I shouldn't have bought this book for you."
Dunyarzad shook her head.
"No, Dehya... I'm so glad you brought it to me."
She had nearly become someone who abandoned the "present."
Her resolve strengthened—she would not let Eleazar defeat her.
Though this was not the "Lepus Chapter," the story had still given her courage.
===✧✦✧===
Tragedies unfolded everywhere—except in Fontaine, where nothing particularly noteworthy occurred.
This was mainly because nearly every notable figure there was already acquainted with Lucian.
They had all read the story in advance... and cried in advance.
Reactions varied, but without exception, all were deeply moved.
Even if their final realizations differed, they were united in one regard—
They all provided Lucian with a steady stream of Emotional Value.
Lucian grinned. Today had been full of good news.
"What's got you so happy all of a sudden?"
Furina, noticing his sudden change in mood, tilted her head curiously.
"Nothing much. Just... I see hope for helping you all now."
Lucian smiled, feeling even the fish in his mind grow quieter.
"Really!?" Furina's eyes sparkled.
"How do we save Fontaine?"
Lucian didn't answer her pressing question.
He couldn't very well say: "I plan to make a puppet like the Raiden Shogun to replace Focalors."
That would expose Focalors' secret immediately.
"I can't say. But trust me."
Lucian sighed—even he knew how hollow those words sounded.
Yet to his surprise, Furina simply nodded obediently, not pressing further.
Yes... when the 'her' in the mirror made their pact, she hadn't explained much either.
And still, Furina believed... for five hundred years.
"Then... can I see you again?"
Furina asked cautiously.
Before Lucian, she was not the Hydro Archon—just an ordinary girl.
This made her voice waver with uncertainty, afraid he might refuse.
Of course, Lucian wouldn't refuse. He nodded without hesitation.
"Anytime."
"Wonderful!" Furina beamed, her eyes curving into crescents.
She loved being with Lucian—because in front of him, she could "play" herself.
Her loneliness and struggles... finally, she had someone to confide in.
She took a bite of cake. Mmm, so sweet!
Seeing Furina so happy filled Lucian with shared joy.
Gaining so much Emotional Value was already cause for celebration—
But Furina's adorable expression? That was double the happiness.
He took a bite of Fish-Flavored Melody Pie—surprisingly delicious, even washing away his earlier dreadful memories.
Checking his Emotional Value, he saw that his nearly depleted reserves had skyrocketed to tens of thousands.
Ordinary people provided very little—not even single digits—but combined, they had broken ten thousand.
And this was just the first wave of readers. More would come.
Though common folk couldn't offer the same continuous emotional spikes as named characters,
He expected the numbers to keep rising steadily.
With more books being printed and distributed, the growth would only accelerate.
After all, his earlier works were still being reprinted—there would always be new readers.
Lucian had already made new plans. He would return to Liyue soon.
In less than a month or two, the Rite of Descension would begin—and Liyue would face upheaval.
Lucian intended to assist Liyue when the Fatui made their move—it was, after all, his second home.
Too bad I'm not strong enough to solo Osial yet.
But if I can't beat Osial... I can still beat you, can't I?
Tartaglia!
Saving Focalors wouldn't happen overnight—he needed to grow stronger first.
Lucian spent all 10,000 Emotional Value to enhance his abilities...
Only to find it no longer provided significant improvement.
Now, he needed even more to see noticeable growth.
Might as well save the rest for now.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voiceline · Hu Tao: About Life and Death
"The cycles of Yin and Yang are orderly, yet fate is ever-changing."
"Only by respecting death can one truly comprehend the meaning of life."