Could it be she felt obligated to bring me back since she took me away?
Standing there, deep in thought, Yae Miko could only conclude this. Otherwise, she truly couldn't fathom why the little girl hadn't acted as she'd expected. But regardless, she certainly wouldn't question the little girl again. After all, doing so would surely invite a barrage of 'little fox,' 'old fox,' and 'stinky fox' remarks.
"I'm so sleepy. After breakfast, I'll come back and continue sleeping."
"All you ever do is sleep. You went to bed so early yesterday, and yet you're still tired?"
"But at least I woke up. Kaito's still sleeping at this hour. Who knows what he was up to yesterday."
***
As Yae Miko was still mulling over matters concerning Wendy, she suddenly overheard a conversation. One of the voices sounded somewhat familiar.
The voice felt a bit familiar...
Lost in thought, Yae Miko looked up toward the source of the voices. There, she saw the little one from yesterday, accompanied by a blonde girl.
It was the little one from yesterday... And the girl beside her must be one of Mei's companions, right?
"It's Sister Miko!"
As Yae Miko watched the two, Paimon spotted her as well.
Sister Miko? Isn't that the person who came looking for Kaito yesterday?
Suddenly hearing Paimon call out 'Sister Miko,' Lumine also noticed Yae Miko nearby.
"Hello there."
Yae Miko had already walked over and greeted the two. She had been wondering how to get some alone time with this little one to discreetly inquire about Mei. Now, the opportunity had presented itself, even with an extra person.
"Good morning, Sister Miko!"
Waving her small hands vigorously, Paimon greeted Yae Miko with great enthusiasm.
"Hello, Yae Miko."
As Lumine wasn't familiar with her—this was practically their first meeting—she simply gave a slight nod. Lumine figured the other must be here for Kaito or Acheron.
But at this hour, wasn't it a bit early?
"Alright, alright. But I don't even know your names yet?"
After a nod, Yae Miko began asking for their names. Regardless, the first step was to learn their names before proceeding with anything else.
"I'm Paimon, and she's Lumine."
Yae Miko had barely finished her question when Paimon, on the other side, quickly answered.
Lumine and Paimon... Nice names.
"Got it. So, are you two heading out for breakfast? Why not join me?"
After gaining some information, Yae Miko initiated her plan. Though she had already eaten breakfast in Mondstadt, for the sake of her objectives, she didn't mind a second round.
"Aren't you here for Kaito or Acheron?"
Surprised that Yae Miko intended to have breakfast with her and Paimon, Lumine asked out of curiosity. After all, neither she nor Paimon knew Yae Miko well. It seemed very odd that Yae Miko would specifically seek them out for breakfast.
"No, I just finished handling some business with that little brat Wendy and came back. How is it that you didn't see her return to the inn?"
As she spoke, Yae Miko looked at the two with some puzzlement. Logically, Wendy, on her way back to the inn, should have crossed paths with Lumine and Paimon, who were out for breakfast.
"Wendy? No, we didn't."
Unable to resist, Paimon glanced back toward the inn and shook her head.
"I see. Well, never mind that then. Shall we all go grab breakfast together?"
Though greatly puzzled as to why Wendy hadn't encountered Lumine and Paimon, Yae Miko knew this wasn't the time to dwell on it.
"Sure! Sister Miko, do you have any recommendations? We're not familiar with the place... whines."
"Yes, yes, plenty! Follow me."
Seeing that the two had effectively agreed, Yae Miko immediately took the lead.
"Yay!"
This Kaito guy... how does he know pretty girls everywhere he goes...? Trailing silently behind, Lumine couldn't help but think this. Aside from Mondstadt, where Kaito had arrived first, they had journeyed to the other two nations together. Yet, in every new land, pretty girls would invariably seek Kaito out. It truly baffled her.
Whatever... no more thinking about it... so hungry...
Lumine subconsciously rubbed her stomach; she was beginning to feel hungry.
Afterward, led by Yae Miko, the group left the vicinity of the inn.
***
*Wendy's room.*
This Yae Miko... she definitely wants to get information about Acheron or me from Lumine and Paimon...
Lying in bed reading a book, Wendy silently considered this. The reason Lumine and Paimon hadn't encountered her earlier was because Wendy had wanted to return to her room quickly, thus accelerating her pace. To Lumine and Paimon, this increased speed simply registered as a gust of wind passing by, explaining their failure to notice her.
Whatever... let her ask...
Flipping to the next page of her book, Wendy dismissed thoughts of Yae Miko. After all, even Lumine and Paimon were unaware that they were all, in fact, the same individual, so other details were inconsequential. Moreover, the two didn't know much else anyway.
***
"Speaking of which... you two and Mei, and Kaito..."
"...and Wendy."
Before Yae Miko could finish her sentence, Paimon, who was eating, quickly interjected.
"Paimon, eat your food!"
"It's fine; I was going to mention her anyway."
Yae Miko hadn't originally intended to bring up Wendy, but now she was obliged to. Continuing, she said, "Actually, I'm just a bit curious: how long have you known them?" Having spoken, Yae Miko, who hadn't touched the food before her, watched the two intently.
"How long have we known them? Hmm, Lumine, do you remember?"
Paimon looked to Lumine beside her after a moment's thought; she couldn't recall.
"We met on our journey—not that long ago."
After a moment of thought, Lumine provided this vague answer. For some reason, Lumine couldn't shake the feeling that Yae Miko was attempting to extract information from them.
"Journey?"
"Yes! We first met in Mondstadt, then journeyed through Liyue, and now we've arrived here." Paimon, nodding while eating, briefly outlined the nations they had visited.
This Paimon... couldn't she be a little more cautious? If she gets sold, she'd even help count the money... Glancing silently at Paimon, Lumine thought this with a sense of helplessness. Lumine truly wished Paimon would become a little smarter and more discreet someday, instead of revealing everything.
___
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