A month later, with only a dozen or so days remaining until the Rite of Descension.
During this month, only one noteworthy event occurred—Lucian released new books.
They were "Act I: Chapter II: Farewell, Archaic Lord" and "Monoceros Caeli Chapter: The Great Adventure of the Cyclops."
That's right. In addition to releasing Liyue's second chapter, Lucian also published Childe's Story Quest.
The second chapter's story was relatively straightforward. After the blow of Rex Lapis' passing in the first chapter, holding a funeral in the second felt like a natural progression.
However, the people of Liyue were still amazed by Zhongli's composure. After learning of Rex Lapis' demise, they were devastated, some even doubting the authenticity of the prophecy book.
But then look at Zhongli—so calm, so steady, even remembering to organize the Rite of Parting. Truly worthy of being the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's consultant!
So mature, so dignified, erudite and humble, knowledgeable of past and present, sharp and eager to learn.
Plus, he wields a Geo Vision—why not let Zhongli succeed as the next Geo Archon?
"We choose Zhongli! He's the one who has the people's support!"
Well, the Archon had only just passed away—how could they be discussing the succession so soon?
But it must be said, the people of Liyue held an even higher opinion of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's consultant now.
Aside from never carrying Mora when going out, he seemed flawless. And wasn't he also an adeptus?
Aside from the second chapter's story, the other tale was also quite well-received.
Originally, the people of Liyue held no favorable impressions of this Fatui Harbinger, but after reading this story, their opinion softened somewhat.
The story told of how the Traveler encountered a young boy during their journey, only to discover that this boy was none other than the younger brother of the Fatui Harbinger, "Childe."
The Traveler took Childe's brother, Teucer, to search for him.
It was then that everyone learned that Childe had been hiding his identity as a Fatui Harbinger from his younger brother.
He claimed to be a "toy salesman."
Childe, having urgent matters to attend to, temporarily entrusted his brother to the Traveler's care.
Upon reading this, Tartaglia was somewhat surprised—it seemed he trusted this Traveler quite a bit in the future.
The Traveler herself had also read this story, having already returned from Mondstadt.
It was worth mentioning that Mona had run into Klee shortly after her release, retrieving her master's belongings and a book from her.
After finishing the book, Mona relentlessly criticized Lucian, vowing to save up enough travel expenses to go to Fontaine again and telling him to "just wait for her!"
After saying a bunch of things that Lumine didn't understand, Lumine only regarded it as a tacit understanding between seers.
Now, seeing this story, Lumine couldn't help but sigh—she really was quite popular with children.
Whether it was Paimon, Klee, or Diona, they all got along with her very well.
Of course, if Paimon knew what Lumine was thinking, she'd definitely retort, "I'm not a kid!"
In the story, the Traveler used the money Tartaglia gave them to accompany Teucer and play.
Honestly, Lumine really was good at handling children—not just her, even Paimon acted like an older sister.
Teucer had a great time with them, but he still wanted to find his brother. He had stowed away to Liyue just to see him.
"Sigh, Teucer sneaking into Liyue is so dangerous. I should write to Tonia right away and tell her to keep an eye on him." Tartaglia thought about sending a letter to Snezhnaya.
Little did he know, Teucer had already secretly boarded a ship by then.
In the story, the Traveler and Paimon agreed to Teucer's request and took him to find Tartaglia.
At the time, Tartaglia was in the middle of a "discussion" with some Treasure Hoarders.
With sharp eyes and a cool flourish, he raised his hand and declared:
["In the name of Her Majesty the Tsaritsa, I shall forgive you country bumpkins for your ignorance. Now, hear my title—"]
Just as he was halfway through his dramatic introduction, Teucer showed up.
["Big brother!"]
["Are you selling toys to them?! So cool! I've always wanted to see you at work!"]
The moment he saw Teucer, Childe's tone completely deflated.
["...My title is... uh..."]
["...The greatest toy salesman in Snezhnaya!"]
"Pfft—HAHAHA!" Hu Tao couldn't hold back her laughter, kicking her legs playfully.
"Lucian, is this really the same 'Childe' we know?"
"You're not just making him look bad because you have a grudge against him, right?"
Lucian was currently in Liyue since the Rite of Descension was just a few days away.
Navia was also there—after the Vacher case, she wanted a break, so Lucian had brought her along.
And so, Lucian's "first boss" and "second boss" ended up meeting.
"You're right. So when I write your story in the future, I'll make sure to make you look just as ridiculous." Lucian ignored Hu Tao's swinging legs and deadpanned.
"Huh?" Hu Tao put on an exaggerated look of surprise.
"Wait, you're actually going to write about me?"
Then, she dashed behind Lucian and grabbed his waist with both hands.
"If you dare write anything bad about this director, just you wait—I'll get you!" Hu Tao grinned, her fingers twitching mischievously.
She knew Lucian's weakness—his sides were extremely ticklish.
"A warrior would rather die than be humiliated! I won't compromise!" Lucian stubbornly retorted.
Then, a second later:
"Navia, save me!"
But Navia just tapped her chin thoughtfully and nodded.
"So this is Lucian's weakness... As expected of a senior."
===✧✦✧===
Meanwhile, at the Northland Bank, the protagonist of this story—Childe—was currently covered in metaphorical black lines.
If this story had only been known to him or the Traveler, that would've been one thing. But now, the entirety of Teyvat knew!
Honestly, the whole world knowing wasn't the worst part—what he couldn't stand was his colleagues finding out.
Especially the woman standing next to him—Signora, Rosalyne.
"Hahaha, 'The greatest toy salesman in Snezhnaya'?"
"So the mighty 'Childe' harbors such noble ambitions. Should I put in a word with Her Majesty for you?"
Rosalyne laughed so hard she nearly doubled over, pressing a hand to her chest to keep her composure.
"Tch." Tartaglia scoffed. "If this author wrote about me, they'll definitely write about you too."
"Try not to embarrass yourself too much when that happens, Signora."
"Worry about yourself first." Rosalyne waved him off and left.
She had come specifically to mock Tartaglia to his face, but he hadn't given her the flustered reaction she wanted. How boring.
===✧✦✧===
Back in the story, the Treasure Hoarders were also laughing at Childe.
Tartaglia could only emphasize his point again, hoping they'd understand.
["Let me repeat—Snezhnayan toys. Three months ago. Six hundred thousand Mora. Paid in full."]
The Treasure Hoarders couldn't comprehend it—what kind of overpriced toys were these?!
Finally, Tartaglia sighed and asked: If I joined the Treasure Hoarders, would you pay up as a favor among comrades?
Hearing this, the Treasure Hoarders decided to give him an "initiation test."
To their shock, Tartaglia was terrifyingly strong—he cleared their test effortlessly.
Only then did the Treasure Hoarders realize something was off—this was not the skill level of an ordinary person.
===✧✦✧===
Character Tone · Mona: About the Diary
"Aaaah, it's the old hag's diary from her youth! It's all Lucian's fault for making me see something I shouldn't have!"