SailorStar9: After getting Chapter 76 out, this is Chapter 77 of this fic. (Sighs) Guys and girls, is it too hard for you to leave a review, instead of just putting this fic up on your favorited list and story alerts?

Pairings: Albedo/Sucrose, Zhongli/Mitsuko/Kazuha, One-sided Diluc/Mitsuko, One-sided Diluc/Jean

Disclaimers: Genshin Impact and Sailor Moon belong to miHoYo and Takeuchi Naoko-sensei respectively. Me, on the other hand, own absolutely nothing, except the plot, I hope.

Chapter 77: Teyvat Arc: Fleeting Colors in Flight, Part Two


At the Jade Chamber later...

"You've arrived." Keqing greeted the Traveler. "I've made all the necessary preparations and even packed some handmade snacks. That reminds me, I've also prepared some launch tubes made by Pengyi. I hope the Adepti will like them. Is there anything else I should bring?"

"I think that should be everything." the Traveler gave the packed presents a look.

"In that case, let's first pay Madame Ping a visit in the city before heading out to Jueyun Karst." Keqing suggested.


Near Yujing Terrace...

"The festive season is upon us." Madame Ping chided Yanfei. "This is no time to be running hither and thither. You should relax and enjoy the season."

"I get it Granny, but you know, having lots of clients is a good thing!" the Pyro user declared.

"I'm sure it is." Madame Ping chuckled. "But really, child, who could be seeking your help during the Lantern Rite?"

"You'd be surprised." Yanfei giggled.

"Madame Ping!" Paimon waved. "Happy Lantern Rite!"

"Happy Lantern Rite." the Traveler added.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Madame Ping." Keqing greeted. "How are you?"

"Look who's here." Madame Ping crooned. "I am so glad to see you all in time for the festival."

"Hello, Traveler, long time no see." Yanfei greeted. "And Lady Keqing is here, too."

"The Qixing have prepared some small gifts for you to celebrate this festive occasion." Keqing explained. "There are some seasonal goods, two bolts of fine silk, and some exotic flower seeds which I picked specifically for you, Madame Ping. I've brought all the lighter gifts with me, but the silks are still on the way. I just submitted them for delivery, so I'm sure they'll arrive in good time. Please accept our humble gifts, I hope you'll find them to your liking."

"Those gifts sound marvelous!" Yanfei gushed. "Please be sure to thank the Qixing on our behalf."

"How very nice of you." Madame Ping smiled. "I'm sure the flowers will be most beautiful if you personally selected the seeds. Thank you very much, Keqing."

"Please enjoy them." Keqing gestured. "We intend to visit the other Adepti as well, so I'm afraid we must be going now."

"I presume you mean Cloud Retainer and the others?" Madame Ping noted. "They should be over in Jueyun Karst. By the way, I've heard that you designed all the street decorations yourself, Keqing. You decorated the city so beautifully, yet you don't even have the time to go and see it for yourself. What a pity. Yanfei really enjoys spending time at the festival, you'll find her wandering around there whenever she can spare a moment."

"Granny, I wasn't wandering around." Yanfei pouted. "I was providing essential consultation to my clients."

"Is that so?" Madame Ping teased. "Were you also holding consultations with clients while you stood in front of the Grilled Tiger Fish stand for all that time?"

"As a matter of fact, I was helping them calculate the prices." Yanfei defended. "It's not easy, you know. I had to check a lot of different items."

"So, you're working during Lantern Rite, too?" the Traveler was surprised.

"That's right." Yanfei nodded. "There are no holidays in my line of work. I have to be ready whenever my clients need me. Though there are no set holidays, I do get to decide on my own schedule. I can always budget some time to relax. Otherwise, I would always look exhausted in front of potential clients. It'd be hard to land new cases after leaving a terrible first impression. Besides, what's the saying: A rested worker is an efficient worker!"

"Have you been to the festival yet, Keqing?" the Traveler turned to the Electro user.

"I was there many times when I was supervising the festival construction, but I haven't been there since." Keqing admitted. "I was planning to go after I finish my work, but the work keeps piling up. I ended up completely forgetting about it."

"Let's go together once you're finished with your work." the Traveler offered.

"I should take the opportunity to show you around while you're here.' Keqing nodded. "But first, we should head to Jueyun Karst. If you'll excuse us, Madame Ping, we'll be leaving now."


On Mt. Aocang...

"The festive season is fast approaching." Cloud Retainer addressed her visitor. "What brings you to one's abode? Has the Ministry of Civil Affairs simply run out of work for you to do?"

"With Lantern Rite just around the corner, I decided it was a good time to take leave and pay you a visit." Ganyu replied. "Where are Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper?" she noticed the other two Adepti were missing.

"Them?" Cloud Retainer huffed. "Don't even get one started. Is that not the Traveler? And the Yuheng too." she noticed the Traveler and Keqing approaching. "A rare visitor, indeed."

"Happy Lantern Rite, everybody!" Paimon waved.

"Greetings, venerable adeptus." Keqing greeted. "And greetings, Ganyu."

"Lady Keqing?" Ganyu stammered. "I didn't expect to see you here."

The Yuheng of the Qixing? Cloud Retainer mused. Here? Most fascinating. "Most courteous of you to travel hither and pay your respects. What is the purpose of your visit, if one may ask?"

"It's the festive season and on behalf of the Qixing," Keqing related. "I'd like to give you our regards. Please accept our humble gifts."

"As the governing body of Liyue, the Qixing must be busy with a myriad of affairs." Cloud Retainer reasoned. "And yet, you still take the time to visit one in this mountain abode. Eminently considerate of you. What an amusing cylindrical device." she noticed the launch tube Keqing brought with her. "I wonder what that could be."

"This is a new type of firework which has been modified by the Ministry of Civil Affairs." Keqing explained. "I've heard that you are fond of gadgets, so I've brought one for your amusement." Cloud Retainer: although she is not outwardly opposed to us, she is still skeptical of Liyue being ruled by humans. Maybe she thinks humans are still too young to handle it. With time, our strength will become apparent enough. Before then, we should try to give her a good impression. Good thing I came prepared! Cloud Retainer has a great interest in gadgets, so she will certainly appreciate this gift. Ganyu has said that Cloud Retainer is very picky about food, so I made sure not to bring any snacks to avoid upsetting her. I've given everything thorough consideration, it should all go well.

Goodness me, whoever would have thought. An intrigued Cloud Retainer mused. My, how very interesting. "It is intricate, with ingenious design, and is aesthetically agreeable. Very good, one shall gladly accept this device. One surmises from Ganyu's words that you also wish to see Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper. Pity, your timing is most unfortunate. Those two old fossils... Moon Carver has been most anxious to see how Liyue Harbor fares. But the agreement was clear. Liyue is now in the hands of the Qixing, and he cannot simply roam into the city and begin supervising others' work as he pleases. So, one tried to persuade him otherwise, proposing that if he could not be placated, he could go to the city disguised as a human, and take a brief look around. Alas, he is too stubborn, too proud. He would have none of it. Thereafter, he left, claiming to have gone traveling. He has not returned since. Mountain Shaper, however, is more open-minded. But he said he wished to look for something new with which to defend the tranquility of his mountain. He told one that he was leaving in search of treasures, and one has not heard from him since... wait! Surely this is not a case of two old coots in cahoots, rusing to excuse themselves that they might venture behind one's back to scurry away and go traveling together!?" she suddenly realized.

"What's everybody doing here?" Shenhe approached.

"This voice..." Cloud Retainer turned. "Is it Shenhe?"

"Hello, everyone." Shenhe greeted.

"Shenhe, this is Ganyu." Cloud Retainer introduced. "You have most likely heard of her."

"I'm Ganyu." Ganyu returned. "I work at Yujing Terrace. I've heard that you've returned to Liyue Harbor recently, so if you need anything, please feel free to come to me."

"I will." Shenhe nodded. "Thank you. I brought some food from the city. I heard that during Lantern Rite, people in Liyue bring food to share with their friends, so here I am."

"And you even brought food for those two old fossils?" Cloud Retainer asked.

"That's right." a confused Shenhe blinked.

"After barely a few days in the city, you have learned so much." a relieved Cloud Retainer remarked. "Thank you for these delectable edibles, Shenhe. Everyone, you shall all be staying in Liyue Harbor in the future. One should like to think that you will all look out for each other. Is that understood?"

"This place is much livelier than I'd imagined." Keqing gawked.

"Sounds like it's time we change the topic!" the Traveler cut in. "Speaking of which, have you seen Xiao?"

"The Conqueror of Demons?" Cloud Retainer echoed. "One has not seen him of late."

"Then he's probably not in Jueyun Karst." Paimon concluded. "Let's go look for him in his usual spot at Wangshu Inn."

"In short, one is the only adeptus who has elected to remain in Jueyun Karst for the festival." Cloud Retainer concluded. "Had Ganyu not come to visit, one would likely have stayed firmly put in one's abode to resume research of gadgets and mechanics."

"I didn't mean to interrupt you." Ganyu stammered. "Please accept my profuse apologies."

"Why the sudden solemnity?" Cloud Retainer chided. "It would certainly not be the first time one has been interrupted on your account. As a youngling, you did so love to scurry around the place whilst one's attention was monopolized by mechanisms. You were especially drawn to a certain implement one had made."

"I'm sorry, Cloud Retainer!" Ganyu tried to find a reason to leave. "I just remembered there's something I must attend to. I should be going!"

"Why the sudden haste?" Cloud Retainer asked. "With the Yuheng present, why not settle this matter here and now?"

"It's something very important." Ganyu insisted. "In fact, I must see Lady Ningguang about it immediately."

"Ningguang and I have different scopes of work, you see, and Ganyu has to report to both of us respectively." Keqing came to Ganyu's defense. "It's indeed not easy for her."

"That's right!" Ganyu left hurriedly. "I'm very sorry, everyone. I will take my leave!"

"Gone already..." Cloud Retainer sighed. "That child... she has always been easily ruffled. One can sympathize, however. It is no simple thing to be a secretary. Nearly every matter in Liyue Harbor, momentous or trivial, passes through Ganyu's diligent hands. But even as an adeptus, she must never neglect her own health, lest she fall prone to exhaustion. Ganyu is an assiduous worker, apt to foregoing food and rest once she is busy. Please make sure she eats and sleeps properly whenever you see her."

"I will, Ganyu has always been a great asset to us." Keqing assured. "Her health is a priority, so I will take good care of her."

"The Yuheng, reliable as ever." Cloud Retainer praised. "It was indeed a wise decision to leave Liyue Harbor to you. As for these edibles, they do look delectable indeed. You may leave them here. Shenhe shall bring these into one's abode, and one shall pass them on to Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper once they have made their return. This firework has an intriguing design. One must conduct a thorough study of it. And one also wants to hear what Shenhe has learned in Liyue Harbor. Let us chat whilst one scrutinizes this device."

"Don't you rest during the holidays?" Paimon asked worriedly. "This is a festive season, after all!"

"One has long been living secluded in the mountains and no longer observes the holidays." Cloud Retainer waved the concern aside. "Worry not, one shall take appropriate care of oneself. Rest is crucial. If one is too devoted to one's research and falls ill, one shall be in no fit state to test the devices personally. As one sows, so do they reap, and the joy of reaping is what one yearns for. If one spends all that time working on a machine, yet forgets to test the outcome, that would be akin to a chef who never tries his own food. It is unwise to put the cart before the horse. Enough idle chatter, everyone. One must go and continue one's research. Come, Shenhe, this way."

"Traveler, Paimon, let's head to Wangshu Inn." Keqing suggested once they were left alone. "Perhaps we'll find the Conqueror of Demons there."


At Wangshu Inn...

"Baizhu Lao Shi, here are the herbs we picked today." Mitsuko handed over the herb collection pouches to her mentor.

"Splendid." Baizhu beamed. "Let me pack up and then Qiqi and I can be on our way."

"You guys!" Paimon called out. "What are you doing? Kazuha, what are you doing in Liyue?"

"Mitsuko invited me to join her and Zhongli for Lantern Rite this year." Kazuha replied.

"We're restocking up herbs for Baizhu Lao Shi." Mitsuko explained.

"Traveler, Paimon." Baizhu greeted. "And Lady Keqing! It's a pleasure to see you all. Bubu Pharmacy always runs out of digestive herbs during the festival season. With Lantern Rite just around the corner, I thought we should get prepared. Mitsuko and Kazuha came all this way to collect some herbs, and they've picked quite the assortment. Qiqi and I be on our way back to the pharmacy once the herbs are sorted. I certainly didn't expect to see the Yuheng all the way out here."

"I have some business to attend to here." Keqing answered.

"It's nearly time to celebrate Lantern Rite and you're still running errands." Baizhu mused. "Hardworking as always!"

"I appreciate the sentiment, Dr. Baizhu." Keqing related. "I'm just doing my job."

"I don't suppose you and Ganyu-dono would be amicable to another acupuncture session, would you, Keqing-dono?" Mitsuko asked.

"Hm." Keqing pondered. "Give me a week after Lantern Rite to tie up any loose ends. I'll book a joint appointment for me and Ganyu then."

"Of course, Keqing-dono." Mitsuko nodded.

"We shouldn't tarry here any longer." Keqing coughed. "Take care, you four... ahem, five." she corrected herself. "Traveler, let's go find Verr Goldet."

"Lady Keqing, what a surprise!" Verr Goldet greeted. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

"I'm just wondering if you might know where the Conqueror of Demons is?" Keqing inquired.

"We never inquire about Xiao's whereabouts." Verr Goldet admitted. "But if he's here, he would be up on the rooftop terrace. Please feel free to go up and have a look."


On the terrace...

"He doesn't seem to be here." Keqing looked around the empty terrace. "Perhaps we came at the wrong time?"

"Maybe he's out battling somewhere again." Paimon suggested.

"How can I help?" Xiao teleported in.

"Where did you come from?" a frightened Paimon exclaimed. "You scared Paimon!"

"Hello, I am Keqing, Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing." Keqing greeted the Anemo Yaksha.

"The Yuheng." Xiao recalled. "Yes, I saw you when we battled Osial. You are fierce with your blade."

"Anyway, we're here to give you some Lantern Rite presents!" Paimon informed. "See, there's lots of tasty food!"

"Don't waste your delicacies on me." Xiao huffed. "Eradicating demons is my duty. You don't have to thank me. Karma is harmful to humans. Even though your constitution surpasses that of ordinary mortals, it would be best if you didn't approach me so casually."

"Are you leaving?" Paimon gaped, noticing Xiao was about to make his exit. "Lantern Rite is almost here! Don't you want to take a break?"

"Like I said before, I have no liking for crowds." Xiao reminded. "I must remain vigilant of evil attacks, especially during the holidays. I will continue my patrol as usual. You should also exercise caution. And if there's any danger..."

"Yeah, we know." the Traveler nodded.

"Good." Xiao responded and vanished in a puff of smoke.

"We've completed our visits with all the adepti." Paimon noted. "Let's take a break downstairs before we head back into the city."


On the ground floor of the inn later...

"What should we do!?" a worried Pengyi was fretting. "Lady Keqing! I'm so glad to see you here!" he noticed Keqing and the Traveler. "Lady Keqing, let me explain. I had rearranged the fireworks layout and expanded the range to Qingce Village, just like you requested. My people finished setting up the fireworks and we left someone in charge to launch them for the show. But, the person we left in charge came back shortly after and reported that all the fireworks in Qingce Village had been stolen! I immediately reported the situation to the Millelith, and had another batch of fireworks made to be transported to Qingce Village under escort. However, everyone's short-handed during Lantern Rite. The Millelith are already stretched thin and don't even have enough people to fill their regular patrols. They can't spare anyone to look after the fireworks for us. We don't have many materials left, so if the second batch of fireworks gets stolen as well, we're done for. So, I was thinking of going to Qingce Village and have a look first. Which is when I bumped into you. Lady Keqing, what should we do?"

"According to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the number of guards on patrol has to be doubled and rotated continuously during Lantern Rite." Keqing recalled. "They must perform these extra measures in addition to their standard daily affairs. The only manpower they can muster during the festival would be the emergency response units. But those special units are intended only for backup. There are not many of them, and they cannot perform prolonged guard duty. If we wish to make use of them, we'll need to resolve the problem quickly. I'll handle this, Pengyi."

"We can help too, Keqing!" Paimon offered.

"Thanks, you two." Keqing nodded. "Actually, I have an idea. Let me make some arrangements. Pengyi, go back to Liyue Harbor and get the fireworks ready, then meet me in Qingce Village. Traveler, come with me. Let's ask around to see what happened."


In Qingce Village...

"Hello, Granny Ruoxin." Keqing addressed Granny Ruoxin. "We'd like to know more about the recent fireworks theft."

"Lady Keqing!" Granny Ruoxin was surprised. "I can hardly believe you came personally to investigate."

"It's no trouble at all." Keqing assured. "Please, tell us what happened."

"When they brought the fireworks, the children in the village were very excited, they were all gathered around watching the area for a long time." Granny Ruoxin related. "The workers piled up the fireworks and said they would go confirm the locations to set them off. That's when they left the village. Now let me remember... Ah yes, I recall that they left the fireworks in an open area, just next to a house down the old road. But, the very next day, all the fireworks were nowhere to be seen. The person in charge of the fireworks was so anxious that they went straight back to the city to find a solution. The villagers here are worried too. The fireworks missing can only mean that there are thieves about. There are elderly and kids in the village, you know. Although the Millelith are stationed here, no one dares to go out anymore."

"I understand." Keqing nodded. "Please help reassure the people in the village and tell them everything's going to be fine with the Millelith standing guard. Traveler, let's go investigate the place where the fireworks were stolen."


Around the fireworks storage area...

"This is the place." Paimon looked around. "The fireworks were stolen here."

"The thieves must think there are mostly elderly and children living in Qingce Village, all too weak to defend themselves." Keqing reasoned. "Otherwise, they would never dare commit such a blatant crime. This is absolutely awful. We cannot let such a matter go unpunished. Let's see if we can find any clues here before we plan our next step."


After following the footprints to the marked location...

"Sir!" a Treasure Hoarder pleaded, having been caught by Xingqiu. "Please, this is all just a big misunderstanding!"

"A misunderstanding, you say?" the Hydro user snapped. "If so, then tell me, why are you hiding here?"

"Please, good sir!" the cornered Treasure Hoarder begged. "This really is just a misunderstanding! I would never dream of getting anywhere near the Feiyun Commerce Guild's shipment!"

"Something's happening over there." Keqing noticed the commotion. "Let's go have a look."

"The Feiyun Commerce Guild?" Paimon blinked. "It must be..."

"Please, save your breath." Xingqiu rebuked. "Restrain this fellow! Tightly now, we mustn't let him get away."

"Yes, young master!" Hongxing responded.

"I was sure it was an evil spirit." Chongyun sighed. "Turns out it's the Treasure Hoarders again."

"Xingqiu and Chongyun!" Paimon greeted. "Hello!"

"Hello, dear Traveler!" Xingqiu beamed. "Our fates cross once again. What brings you here?"

"Excuse me, please tell me what is happening here." Keqing cut in.

"Allow me to explain." Xingqiu started. "It so happens that every year during the Lantern Rite, the Feiyun Commerce Guild transports supplies to various villages outside of Liyue Harbor. Family rules stipulate that the supplies must be personally escorted by a family member. Because my older brother went last year, the duties have fallen to me this time around. Chongyun happened to be visiting, so I cordially invited him to join us for the journey."

"But why did Chongyun say he thought there was an evil spirit?" Paimon was puzzled.

"I see that you are not familiar with the story of old." Xingqiu chuckled. "It is said that fireworks were once called firecrackers and were used to ward off evil spirits and the like. In ancient times, Liyue was plagued by evil spirits. As people gathered together to celebrate the annual festival, the yang energy would intensify, and evil spirits were thus attracted to the fringes of the city by the strong scent. Liyue Harbor was under the gracious protection of Rex Lapis, so the spirits dared not enter the city. However, they still lingered near the city gates and pestered the passersby. In order to drive the spirits away, people made firecrackers and lit them near the city gates. The flashes of light and loud noise successfully drove the spirits whence they came. This festival is now known as the Lantern Rite. It was my intention to travel around to see if there were any malicious spirits lying in wait for passersby. Since I happened to have a shipment of goods to deliver and our course was through the mountains, I naturally thought it best to have my thaumaturge friend traveling alongside me."

"Xingqiu said he learned the story about evil spirits from an ancient text." Chongyun added. "The text vividly describes the appearance and even the whereabouts of the spirits."

Xingqiu must be leading Chongyun along. The Traveler realized the swordsman was up to his usual antics.

"When we arrived at the area, Chongyun sensed an ambush about to take place." Xingqiu added. "Upon searching the area, we found a group of Treasure Hoarders. They tried to flee the moment we were upon them. Fortunately, I was swift enough to catch one of them. Your timing couldn't have been more fortunate, we were just preparing to send them to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. He insists the matter is merely a misunderstanding. But things seem quite clear as I see it."

"Good sir, just hear me out!" Kangsheng insisted. "Everyone knows the Feiyun Commerce Guild. Had we known it was your merchant caravan, we never would have dared to attack! The master of the Feiyun Commerce Guild is famous for his generosity and noble deeds. A true hero of the people. So, you see, this is nothing but a big misunderstanding! We didn't want any trouble with the guild!"

"What you mean to say is that you were targeting someone else, then." Keqing surmised. "Who was it?"

"Just trust me, we were definitely not trying to steal your goods." Kangsheng begged. "Please believe me!"

"Master Xingqiu, I would like to borrow a few of your staff to escort the thief to the Ministry of Civil Affairs." Keqing requested. "As for the bounty, we will pay you afterward."

"It is my humble duty to uphold justice." Xingqiu replied. "No remuneration shall be necessary. Come then, see that this thief to taken to the Ministry of Civil Affairs."

"Wait a second." Keqing stopped Hongxing. "Please also deliver this message to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. It's very likely that this thief is related to the recent fireworks theft in Qingce Village. Make sure they have someone question him thoroughly."

"Everyone, my intuition tells me that there could be more than one group of Treasure Hoarders in this area." Chongyun spoke up after Hongxing took the suspect off. "During our search, I found scattered sets of footprints differing from those on the road. There may still be other Treasure Hoarders waiting to ambush passersby. When I was chasing the Treasure Hoarders earlier, I noticed that they were nearly unarmed and very few in numbers. If they truly intended to ambush the Feiyun Commerce Guild, they must've overestimated themselves. If you ask me, they didn't seem to be staging an ambush, but rather, it appeared as if they were waiting for someone."

"It appears they may be the thief's accomplices." Keqing mused. "They were probably hiding here to wait for the stolen goods."

"What exactly are the stolen goods, if I may ask?" Xingqiu inquired. "Taking advantage of the elderly and children, what a loathsome group of criminals." he fumed after Keqing informed him. "Lady Keqing, don't fret about manpower. Chongyun, let's go lend them a hand in Qingce Village, shall we?"

"We can handle a bunch of thieves." Chongyun nodded.

"Thank you, that will help alleviate the crisis in Qingce Village." Keqing responded. "Unfortunately, the footprints we were following end here. I don't know where we should go next. It seems we were only a moment away from catching all the Treasure Hoarders. Master Xingqiu, I'll leave Qingce Village under your watch. The thieves who stole the fireworks haven't revealed themselves yet." she pondered, after sending Xingqiu and Chongyun to Qingce Village. "I'll go have a look around. Traveler, please go take a rest in Qingce Village. I've troubled you enough already. I can handle the rest of this matter myself."

"Keqing, are you planning to look for clues all by yourself?" Paimon gasped. "Somehow, that doesn't sound like a very good idea. You're in the Liyue Qixing! Why don't you ask some of your subordinates to help?"

"We are short-handed at the moment." Keqing replied. "I can handle these trivial matters myself. The fireworks that were transported to Qingce Village were quite bulky. They couldn't have gone far. The way I see it, if they were clever enough, they would conceal the stolen goods somewhere and then come pick them up later. All I have to do is find out where they hid the fireworks, and then return to the location with reinforcements. Don't worry, I am not reckless, and I won't carelessly alert the thieves. You can certainly trust me by now. Traveler and Paimon, please go get some rest. I'll go find you in Qingce Village when I'm done."


SailorStar9: Any OOC-ness is regretted. *Grins* Don't you just love plot bunnies sometimes? Reviews are much appreciated.