Ritou, after all, wasn't private enough.
Though the System-provided base hadn't drawn attention, to keep Thoma and the others from discovering my activities, I chose to have Buck meet the merchants in my stead while I secretly followed.
Both Buck and I could hear the System.
Thus, the System became an emotionless communication tool.
Mondstadt's alcohol industry spanned the continent; trade routes were inevitable.
I changed out of my long kimono, opting for a starkly different black sleeveless top, black tapered pants tucked into black boots, and bandaged hands. As for my face—I applied war paint and wore an eyepatch.
I revealed my scarred arms.
"Well? Do I look like a villain?" I traced my arms, satisfied with the mirror's reflection. "I like scars. They remind me how resilient I am. See? I'm so cool."
Buck donned an overcoat; I bought him a cane.
"Good. Now you look like a boss."
［I think you should change your weapon］
"The Debate Club isn't that rare, is it?"
［Not if you hadn't been carrying it everywhere—'Miss Ryuguu, the Uncle Skewerer'］
Fine, convinced again. I pulled gloves over my bandaged hands, throwing a few empty punches. "Then I'll go weaponless. These fists are reliable enough. Even Tyson couldn't knock me out with one punch now."
"Boss, it's almost time."
Buck called softly.
Inside the tavern, the bar and shelves were stocked with previously purchased items. The faint, persistent currents on the walls were concealed by oil paintings Buck had hung. As for Kettle—
I hadn't let her out for two days.
The dog was as listless as stepped-on dried seaweed.
"I swear I'll take you back to Inazuma City the day after tomorrow and play until you're exhausted, okay?" I walked over and took her paw. She looked at my current appearance, her golden eyes pained, and pushed me away with her other paw.
Me: ...?
"Perhaps the war paint smell is too strong."
Buck suggested, "Maybe use a mask next time. Kettle's nose is sensitive."
——
Mondstadt's climate was ideal for cultivating premium brewing ingredients, let alone Dawn Winery's wines—
"Mr. Buck, if your budget is sufficient, I believe Master Ragnvindr would be willing to cooperate."
"Thank you for discussing this with me in detail."
The brown-haired young man was instantly likable with his curved eyes. "Mondstadt's wines are renowned. As long as the price is fair, we won't skimp on funds."
Meeting Diluc Ragnvindr himself was a luxury. The Darknight Hero wouldn't travel this far just because an Inazuman wanted his alcohol. Relieved, I signaled Buck to sign the contract after verification.
The Yashiro Commission's reach couldn't extend to scrutinizing foreign merchants' contracts.
So Buck signed my name.
The reason? The other party was merely the head of Ragnvindr operations in Inazuma. Buck introducing himself as the Lavender Tavern's second-in-command didn't seem disrespectful. The discussion covered over a dozen alcohol types. Even a novice like me could recognize the quality of those ingredients.
"Mr. Buck's bodyguard seems quite young. That attire—are you a ninja?"
The Mondstadt representative unexpectedly turned his attention to me.
"—I'm a mercenary employed by Mr. Buck. I'm an adult, sir," I said. "I'm responsible for his safety."
See? Being short sucks.
I crossed my arms, making the scars more visible, which finally shut him up.
——
I was still bothered by the people Madam Nastalya mentioned—those serving the Snezhnayan Tsaritsa.
But my stealth skills were like a month-old tomato in the fridge, so I abandoned any thought of investigating.
After a day with Buck, we returned to the tavern that evening.
"Boss, should I let Kettle out?"
I was exhausted, waving him off.
But the data-being Buck was still energetically seeking tasks.
I instructed Buck to modify the basement into a hidden room, but the System silently altered the base's data, creating a space large enough for a bed and cabinet—now it just needed a hidden door.
"Are you competing with Buck for tasks?"
［Data modification is faster］
"Fine, but thanks."
［——］
Static crackled.
"We'll store a lot of alcohol here. If we use it as a cellar, we need an external skylight, just on the wall."
The System handled it instantly.
I felt it was trying to prove me wrong for calling it useless.
"Madam Nastalya will deliver the Fire-Water tomorrow. I need to return to Inazuma City tonight for two days. You'll have to move those barrels downstairs alone." I wiped off the war paint in the tavern's washroom while instructing Buck, who was organizing shelves outside. "Wait until I return to open. I still need to adapt to Miya Ryuguu's mixology memories."
That girl had excellent recall—she remembered everything Mother Minella taught.
But I wasn't Miya Ryuguu.
"Should I find some cocktail recipes?" Buck offered outside.
I slipped into my long kimono and stepped out.
"Absolutely."
——
Kettle was overjoyed, sprinting wildly.
Her paws pattered against the seawater, leaping about nimbly.
Thankfully, my earlier relentless work had earned me millions of Mora; otherwise, I couldn't have quit adventuring so soon. Renovating the tavern alone cost over a hundred thousand Mora.
Money really didn't last.
The nighttime Inazuman sea breeze carried a unique chill. I swiftly caught a few striped eels poking their heads out, planning tomorrow's dinner. The peaceful atmosphere lifted my spirits. Once I reached my seaside cottage, I could sleep until dawn—
［Important character detected: Naganohara Yoimiya］
Huh?
I looked up. A crimson light soared into the sky as I raised my head, bursting into a massive, glowing gold-red fish—stunningly brilliant.
"It's her setting off fireworks."
Children's laughter echoed from the fireworks display in the distance. They called for "Big Sis Yoimiya," chasing each other with sparklers. The girl's vibrant laughter filled the air.
Various unfamiliar fireworks followed, small-scale—likely tests.
I paused to watch.
Suddenly, memories surfaced.
"I was an only child—" I mused, speaking to the System though more like thinking aloud. "But I had four male cousins and five female cousins. When they were young, they'd call me 'big sis' and chase me everywhere."
"Back then, Mother never let me play with them."
"—I was the eldest child. I had to set a good example, she said daily, hoping I'd be as strong-willed as her."
"But she left so early."
"Never once did she praise me before she died. Did I do well? Was she proud of me for supporting the family?"
My mother was always stern, upright, and powerful—diligent until she collapsed the day before New Year's.
And I only loved myself. I only wanted to escape.
［She would be proud of you］
"Really, saying such strange things again." I dismissed it. "Did you download some emotional intelligence chat package? It sounds really weird, you know."
The System didn't respond.
——
I found a barrel with leaves and a long tail at my cottage door.
［Important character detected: Sayu］
Sayu wasn't even trying to hide, crouching blatantly at my doorstep. I approached, hearing her faint snores. Kettle sniffed her; the moment her wet nose touched the girl, she woke up.
Poof! A cloud of white smoke—
"Ugh... Miss Miya, you're back so late." Sayu hugged her head, startled but relaxing upon seeing me. "Waited too long... So sleepy."
I resisted the dangerous urge to pat her head.
"Come in. What brings you here so late?"
Sayu followed me to the door but hesitated, not entering. Something felt off.
"This... My superior asked me to deliver it to you."
"—Inviting you to spend the Irodori Festival together... Uh, I didn't memorize the rest."
The girl rummaged around, producing what looked like an invitation or letter. Even from a distance, I recognized the terrifying name at the top.
That dreaded surname—Kamisato.
——
I had no experience with the Irodori Festival. I'd heard it would appear in a future version before being dragged into this simulation. I had no idea what to expect.
Little Sayu seemed ready to leave after delivering the message, but I pulled her inside and made her drink two cups of tea. She truly knew nothing more—now sleeping soundly in my chair, hugging Kettle. The position looked uncomfortable, but she slept deeply.
I had no value for them to exploit.
Perhaps invited merely as Thoma's family?
Were we even family? Just relatives with a good relationship?
［Attending a festival—shouldn't you change outfits?］
"Wah! Aren't you afraid I'll be chewed to the bone?"
［The invitation is from Kamisato Ayaka］
"With a brother like that, how dare I go!"
［The Traveler turned out fine］
"—" I choked.
Kamisato Ayato—from the moment I realized he was secretly observing me, everything he did only made me awe him. I wanted nothing to do with him. He was terrifying—overly clever people were always frightening.
"Maybe I'm demonizing Kamisato Ayato too much. Perhaps he's enjoying my anxiety right now."
He sounded like a sadist.
［You're acting like when you first met Thoma］
"To me, Thoma represents Kamisato Ayato at times." I rolled around on the bed. "But unless the Yashiro Commission is threatened, Thoma won't act."
Thoma sold me favors from a familial perspective, openly—not scary.
But Kamisato Ayato sold me favors without my knowledge. By the time I realized, I was already indebted. How to repay? When? Probably all part of his plan.
I covered my face and sighed heavily.
"Whatever. System, what color outfit do you think would suit me?"
［Rococo-style large hoop skirt with gold thread beading, ruffles, plus lard ship-shaped headdress with bird feathers］
［Suggest pink-blue color scheme］
"—Go die."