Not long after the competition ended, Lucian's new book was released. Everyone thought it would finally be the highlight of Inazuma's story.
However, upon purchasing it, they discovered the new book wasn't Teyvat's Strange Tales, but rather Teyvat Story Collection.
The title of this new book was Teyvat Story Collection: Summer? Islands? A Grand Adventure!
That's right—this time, the story was about Klee's island adventure.
In truth, the island adventure had already happened, and those in the know were surprised Lucian would write about it.
But with Klee having just won the championship, this little knight of the Knights of Favonius was now incredibly famous. The story allowed everyone to learn more about this champion—the little girl who had transformed from Mondstadt's Strongest to Teyvat's Strongest.
At the start of the story, Klee goes to Acting Grand Master Jean to ask for leave, saying she needs to defeat Dodoking, who wants to steal Dodoco from her.
Lucian thoughtfully included illustrations of Dodoco so readers would know what it looked like.
As for the Golden Apple Archipelago Klee mentioned, most people were baffled—was this even a place that existed in Teyvat?
Then again, Inazuma could also be considered an archipelago. Could Shikikan be planning to use the Golden Apple Archipelago as a "stand-in"?
Well, if "the bigger the barrier, the eviler Dodoking is," then the Raiden Shogun's barrier—the thunderstorm surrounding Inazuma—certainly fits the bill.
Returning to the story, this time Jean and Barbara accompany Klee, while Kaeya becomes the Acting Grand Master's substitute.
Kaeya is already a familiar face to readers, having made cameos in almost every Mondstadt story. His appearance rate is even higher than the Anemo Archon's.
But... is he really suited to be the Acting Grand Master's substitute?
Before setting off, the ever-resourceful Lisa leaves them a "mysterious strategy," telling them to open it only after arriving at the islands.
Once prepared, they seek out Venti to ask about the location of the Golden Apple Archipelago.
[Venti, upon hearing the name, smiles and says: "Oh~ So it's that place... Hahaha, congratulations—you've come to the right person!"]
And of course they did—the Golden Apple Archipelago was just a mountain peak he casually sliced off and tossed somewhere long ago.
Not many know this, though, and since Venti likes to play the weakling, many genuinely believe the Anemo Archon isn't powerful.
During their conversation, Klee's cuteness shines through as she mimics Paimon, calling Venti "the singing big brother."
The "singing old man" quite likes this nickname.
Throughout the exchange, Lucian spares no effort in portraying Klee's adorableness, even going full "devoted fan artist" and drawing one illustration after another of her with different expressions and poses.
Albedo can't help but give Lucian a thumbs-up—"Not only are you a great artist, but you're also hilarious. Truly impressive."
In the story, Venti, ever willing to help a child fulfill their wish, takes out his lyre and begins to play.
"Didi-Dragon"—call and it arrives. As the music ends, Dvalin swoops in.
Riding the Guardian of the East Wind, the group arrives at an island. Since it's a rare island visit, Jean and Barbara change into tropical outfits.
Yep—Lisa's "mysterious strategy" was just these clothes...
Lucian, of course, doesn't hold back, drawing gorgeous illustrations of the two.
However, the two women are nothing but embarrassed. Though the outfits aren't revealing, the thought of being seen by nearly all of Teyvat is a bit too much for them.
"The image of the Knights of Favonius..." Jean sighs, facepalming.
"Ah... Shikikan even knew about these outfits...?" Barbara exclaims in amazement.
Albert, meanwhile, can't stop praising Lucian—"Not only can you predict the future, but you're also an amazing artist. Truly impressive."
Ignoring Jean and Barbara's distress, the group in the story eventually finds Dodoking.
[Klee: "Dodoking, Klee's here to see you! You can... uh... con-con... hm?"]
Klee turns to Jean, her eyes pleading—she's forgotten her lines.
[Paimon: "Condemn!"
[Klee: "You can condemn Klee now!"]
It's clear Klee has no idea what this even means, and Dodoking doesn't respond.
Seeing that Dodoking is ignoring her, Klee apologetically says:
["Did Klee come too late and make you angry? Then... sorry!"]
Readers can't help but gush—"This little girl is just too adorable! What do we do? Paimon doesn't seem as appealing anymore..."
Meanwhile, Jean notices that this "Dodoking" looks suspiciously like an automaton from Inazuma.
But Inazuma is still under lockdown—how could an automaton end up overseas?
Readers are shocked—"I thought this was just a simple story, but now you're dropping Inazuma foreshadowing?!"
The group discovers a pile of stones with flowers stuck in it, as if commemorating something.
This proves that even in these distant waters unclaimed by any nation, there are traces of human activity.
Upon learning this, Jean and Barbara change back into their original outfits to better handle potential combat situations.
As they investigate further, they spot a plume of white smoke—signs of someone nearby.
Approaching, they find none other than Mondstadt's "Ice and Fire Duo"—Kaeya and Diluc.
[Klee: "It's Big Brother Kaeya and the weird grown-up!"]
Kaeya's presence here means the role of "substitute Acting Grand Master" has now been delegated to Lisa.
And since both he and Diluc arrived by riding Dvalin, the dragon has truly become public transportation.
In fact, they aren't the only ones who came via Dvalin—Razor and Albedo are also present, though they've gone elsewhere for now.
Kaeya explains the truth behind the white smoke—it's the result of him freezing the ocean's surface, only for Diluc to step on it and vaporize it.
Now they're literally the Ice and Fire Duo.
The group moves together to search for Albedo—and finds him on a neighboring island.
[Upon meeting Albedo, Kaeya says: "We should thank you for leaving us on the neighboring island."
[Albedo: "No need. I simply provided some chat space for those who enjoy conversation."]
Readers can't help but laugh—"By 'those who enjoy conversation,' do you mean Diluc?"
The group shares their intel—turns out, they all received letters from "Dodoking" that brought them here.
Albedo's letter read: "Your sister is in my hands. If you want to save her, come to the Golden Apple Archipelago."
[Paimon: "That's straight-up a threat! Dodoking is blackmailing you!"
[Albedo calmly agrees: "Indeed. Clearly, I am being blackmailing."]
Readers note that Albedo always manages to say the most absurd things with a straight face—"Is this why he gets all those bad jokes?"
[Kaeya chimes in: "Mine was easy to understand—'Shipwreck treasure and a priceless antique vase await on the uninhabited island.'"
"Seems someone found out about my grandfather's legendary eyepatch inheritance."]
Diluc stands silently behind Kaeya. Though he knows Kaeya is spouting nonsense, he doesn't call him out.
Paimon, however, has no patience for it—["Kaeya's spouting nonsense again!"]
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice – Klee: About Summer? Islands? A Grand Adventure!
"Klee read it! Hehehe, Klee loves this story! It lets Klee see Mommy again!"