SailorStar9: After getting Chapter 77 out, this is Chapter 78 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 78: Teyvat Arc: Fleeting Colors in Flight, Part Three


The next day...

"Rest assured, all is quiet here in Qingce Village." Xingqiu informed Keqing, "Chongyun is guarding the outside, and I'm guarding the inside. Not a problem in sight."

"Good." Keqing nodded. "I've made some progress in my investigation as well."

"Is it time to strike?" Xingqiu asked.

"Perfect timing!" the Traveler entered the conversation.

"Traveler, Paimon, you are just in time." Keqing stated. "I looked everywhere, and I found some clues regarding the Treasure Hoarders. Besides wagon tracks, I also came across bits and pieces of fireworks packaging scattered on the road. Following those clues, I was able to finally locate the missing fireworks. But there was no sign of Treasure Hoarders."

"Did they run away?" the Traveler inquired.

"No, I think they might be just overly careless." Keqing surmised. "I seem to have found the location where they've been stashing all their stolen goods. They must have thought it was well-hidden and deemed it unnecessary to post any guards. The amount of fireworks they've amassed there is astonishing. Not only did they steal the ones in Qingce Village but also from other locations, too. They've gathered all the stolen goods there. I've asked the Millelith on guard at Qingce Village to report this to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. They will organize a search around that warehouse."

"Now that the Millelith is involved, you don't need to handle this yourself anymore!" Paimon pointed out.

"The Treasure Hoarders are notoriously cunning, and they may even have lookouts." Keqing reminded. "If they notice anything suspicious, they will move the fireworks and our single lead will be lost. I have to keep an eye on the situation."

"You're not really thinking that you can take all of them yourself, are you?" Paimon gasped.

"I am not that reckless." Keqing assured. "I just want to investigate the case thoroughly. But now that I have your help, the idea is feasible. Then there's no time to lose. Let's go."


At the designated spot...

"These Treasure Hoarders must have returned to check on the stolen fireworks." Keqing reasoned, she and the Traveler were watching behind a rock. "Please hide yourselves. Let's wait and see what happens."

"Boss, you think we have enough fireworks now?" Xiuyong asked.

"Are you kidding?" Xingxiu snorted. "This ain't nowhere near enough!"

"But Boss, if we want more fireworks, we'll have to steal 'em in the city!" Xiuyong reminded. "Ain't gonna be easy."

"You got a point." Xingxiu conceded. "Alright, then we steal those things that make a real loud bang but don't light up real pretty: what do they call 'em? Ah yeah, firecrackers! Those'll do the job! All we need to do is make some real ruckus. As long as we distract the Millelith, the other hoarders can do their end of the job. You get it?"

"Got it, Boss!" Xiuyong nodded. "I gotta hand it to ya, we're gonna hit the jackpot this time! But Boss, all our boys are out scouting around. Don't ya think we need a few more to guard the stash?"

"Don't worry about it." Xingxiu assured. "The Millelith are swamped with Lantern Rite, they won't have time to come out here. Alright, move it boys! Just a few more batches and we'll be..."

"Hey, Boss!" Junming ran in. "We've got trouble! The jig is up, Boss! If one of the boys hadn't set off a firework to warn us, we would've been completely blindsided! Boss, let's run! The Millelith are coming! And it seems they've already caught our scouts!"

"But how did the Millelith find out about us?" Xingxiu growled. "And so quickly too!? Fine! Leave the fireworks and let's split! They won't be catching us!"

"It's time to make our move!" Keqing told the Traveler. "Alright, so you want to do this the hard way." she huffed after she and the Traveler defeated the Treasure Hoarders.

"We surrender, Yuheng." Xingxiu conceded.

"Now, I want some answers." Keqing demanded. "What were you planning to do with the stockpile of fireworks?"

"We were gonna smuggle these fireworks into the city and ignite them during the Lantern Rite's opening ceremony." Xingxiu confessed. "The fireworks are really bright and loud and would definitely raise some havoc. We were gonna rob the city while everyone's distracted by the explosions. We didn't seem to have enough fireworks, so..."

"So, you mean you had more than one group of thieves stealing fireworks?" Keqing glared.

"Originally I had all the hoarders out stealing fireworks, but then one of them got caught by the Feiyun Commerce Guild and was arrested." Xingxiu sighed. "I really didn't get it! Why did the Feiyun Commerce Guild get involved? We were only stealing from the government. What I meant is... I was worried that the guy who got arrested would rat us out. If word got out, we could lose everything. So, I ordered most of our boys to come back. Who woulda guessed we'd end up runnin' into you like that."

"It appears that the Millelith managed to get the captured Treasure Hoarder to talk." Keqing surmised. "There may still be other Treasure Hoarders in the area. We should head elsewhere, just to be safe. Traveler, please escort the Treasure Hoarders back to Qingce Village and hand them over to the Millelith stationed there. I'll be there once I am finished inspecting this place."


Back in Qingce Village...

"This is the last batch of fireworks that I can get." Pengyi told Xingqiu and Chongyun. "Please ensure that there will be no further problems."

"Don't worry, the Yuheng will be taking care of this personally." Jingcheng assured. "And with us on guard, I assure you it'll be safe."

"Yes, indeed." Xingqiu agreed. "It appears the Traveler has returned.: And with two others, no doubt."

"They're the thieves who stole the fireworks." the Traveler informed.

"It's definitely dangerous to infiltrate an enemy area like that." Chongyun remarked. "If only I was there to fight alongside you..."

"Come now, we both know the Traveler is most capable."Xingqiu chided. "But who would've known we performed such a noble deed. We had arrested the Treasure Hoarder earlier by mere happenstance. It seems that justice always finds its way into the world. It is in fateful moments that miracles are born."

"Thank you very much, Traveler." Jingcheng nodded. "But may I ask, why has Lady Keqing not returned with you?"

"Lady Keqing was worried there'd be more Treasure Hoarders lurking about." Paimon explained. 'She wanted to conduct a full search of the area."

"Lady Keqing is quite thorough." Jingcheng mused. "A squad of Millelith came by just now. I believe they were sent by the Ministry of Civil Affairs. I also heard that most of the fleeing Treasure Hoarders have already been apprehended, hopefully that will be the end of this matter. Anyway, you may leave these Treasure Hoarders to us. I will escort them back to the city and make sure they stand trial with the others."

"And thus, our chapter has finally reached its timely conclusion." Xingqiu recited. "I am partial to fireworks myself, but I'm afraid we must also be leaving now."

"Why the hurry to get back to the Feiyun Commerce Guild?" Paimon was confused. "Don't tell us you have work to do, too."

"Inevitably, affairs do become busier around festive seasons." Xingqiu lamented. "But no need to worry, we have many attendants to assist us. And there's always Chongyun, too."

"You mean you're assigning more work to me?" the Cyro claymore user gave his best friend a look.

"'Tis only my duty as your dearest friend." Xingqiu grinned. "Work before play, as they say. I am sure you understand. As the saying goes, 'Many hands make light work'. As long as work is assigned to the right people, everything will proceed without a hitch."

"If you ask me, I think speaking eloquently is just a guise for assigning work to everybody else." Chongyun rebuked.

"Alright, alright." Xingqiu pacified. "I shall..." he leaned near Chongyun and whispered something into his ear.

"Xingqiu!" the flustered exorcist exclaimed.

"Farewell, Traveler." the grinning Xingqiu bade the Traveler goodbye.

"By the way, do you know when Lady Keqing will be back, Traveler?" Pengyi asked. "There are not many fireworks in the second batch that I brought, so I'm worried that we can't achieve the show's desired effect. I was hoping we could somehow retrieve the stolen fireworks."

"Did you hear that explosion!?" Paimon turned to hear the exploding fireworks in the distance. "Maybe it was fireworks? Or maybe more Treasure Hoarders!"

"It came from Keqing's location!" the Traveler realized.

"Oh no, maybe she ran into trouble!" Paimon gasped. "Let's go and help her!"


At Keqing's location...

"Oops, what did I do?" Keqing muttered.

"Keqing!" Paimon floated in.

"What Treasure Hoarders?" Keqing blinked.

"We heard an explosion and thought it might be Treasure Hoarders sending signals to one another again." Paimon explained.

"Sorry, that's not the case." Keqing related. "I saw a few sticks of fireworks on the ground, so I fiddled with them and sure enough, it seems I accidentally lit the fuse. Before I could react, the fireworks were already up in the air. I apologize, I didn't mean to alarm you. Fortunately, there are no more Treasure Hoarders in the area. It seems this matter has finally come to an end."

"The case of the stolen fireworks is finally solved, good thing we were able to get to the bottom of it!" Paimon beamed. "Otherwise, those beautiful fireworks would have gone to waste and the whole show would be ruined. By the way, Keqing, you're the one in charge of the fireworks show, which means you know the best viewing spot, right?"

"The best view should be from the Jade Chamber." Keqing revealed. "Don't worry, I haven't forgotten my promise. But first, I have to drop by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and close this case. Leave the rest of this to me, you've already been a great help. Why don't you go for a walk around the city and I'll meet you when I am done?"

"We'll be waiting for you!" Paimon reminded. "Keqing really is super busy." she sighed after Keqing left. "'I'll meet you when I am done.' How many times have we heard that already? Now Paimon gets why Lady Ningguang is so worried about Keqing. If she keeps working like this, she really will miss the Lantern Rite."

"Let's go find Zhongli." the Traveler suggested.

"We said we would meet him!" Paimon recalled. "And we've even collected a few opinions about taking a rest from work. Zhongli said he'd wait for us at Third-Round Knockout. Let's go find him!"


At Third-Round Knockout...

"Is that who Paimon thinks it is?" Paimon blinked, noticing Yun Jin sitting with Zhongli and Kazuha at the table.

"You are quite right, I shall take your wise words to heart, sir." Yun Jin nodded. "They will certainly be most helpful in my next performance."

"You are welcome, Ms. Yun." Zhongli returned. "Your willingness to hear suggestions is indeed impressive. It's no wonder your opera performance has only been getting better."

"I'm afraid that's not always the case." Yun Jin corrected. "Though I am still young, I can be quite arrogant at times. I do not always accept advice so readily, but your wisdom has spoken to me."

"Zhongli!" Paimon called. "We're back!"

"You've returned." Zhongli noted.

"Greetings Traveler, Paimon." Kazuha nodded. "We meet again."

"You are also acquaintances?" Yun Jin was surprised.

"We sure are!" Paimon declared.

"Not everyone gets the privilege of meeting someone so knowledgeable and discreet as Mr. Zhongli." Yun Jin related. "You are indeed well-connected, Traveler."

"I am flattered, Ms. Yun." Zhongli returned. "It is an honor for an ordinary person like myself to have met the Traveler."

"I'm sure you must have matters to discuss." Yun Jin made herself scarce. "I have an appointment with Xinyan, so if you'll excuse me, I'll take my leave."

"So, tell me, what have you learned from your trip?" Zhongli prompted after the Traveler took a seat.

"We asked around, and..." the Traveler started.

"I see." Zhongli mused. "Well, Traveler, what do you make of all their opinions?"

"I think we can weave them into a story." the Traveler concluded.

"Paimon already started creating her own story on the way here." Paimon cut in. "The goal is to convince Keqing to rest more with just a simple story, right? If that's the case, then Paimon thinks we can use food as our theme! Think about it, who doesn't like delicious food? And when it comes to eating, everyone has an opinion. It's the perfect angle for our story!"

"It always comes down to food for you, doesn't it, Paimon?" Kazuha chuckled.

"Hey!" Paimon huffed. "Paimon knows just what to write! Let's say there's a chef in Liyue who's very talented at cooking. He opens a massive restaurant in Liyue Harbor, and lots of customers come every day, so he's always super busy. Then, well... how should the story go from there?"

"The quality of his food began to decline." Kazuha offered, sipping his tea.

"That's good!" Paimon nodded. "But wait, didn't we say he's really good at cooking? That wouldn't make sense."

"There's no need to jump to the conclusion." Zhongli advised. "Why don't you elaborate more on the chef?"

"More about the chef?" Paimon echoed. "You mean both good and bad things?"

"To gain one's empathy, there must be familiarity." Zhongli reasoned. "I would like to understand this chef character of ours a little deeper."

"And since you've spoken with others familiar with the Yuheng, why don't we integrate their thoughts into your story?" Kazuha added. "That will allow it to become all the more convincing."

"Let Paimon think." Paimon pondered. "What did Cloud Retainer say? 'As one sows, so do they reap, and the joy of reaping is what one yearns for.' Now Paimon remembers! Cloud Retainer said that if she spends all her efforts working on a machine with no time to test the outcome. Then she'd be like a chef who doesn't get to try their own food. Problems are bound to pop up."

"Yes, it is most unwise to put the cart before the horse." Zhongli concurred.

"That's exactly what she said!" Paimon nodded. "So, let's make that happen to the chef in the story: he's great at cooking, but he can't enjoy his own food."

"And what is the reason he doesn't partake in the delicacies he makes?" Kazuha questioned.

"It's because he's super busy!" Paimon responded. "He receives the customers, he takes the orders, and he does all the cooking himself. That should keep him busy enough. He's so busy every day that he doesn't even have time to take a break, which obviously also means he doesn't have time to eat."

"The chef is unwilling to delegate tasks to others." Zhongli summarized. "He's overconfident about his own cooking abilities and tries to accomplish everything on his own."

"Paimon already kinda feels sorry for him." Paimon moaned.

"'Many hands make light work!'" the Traveler reminded.

"That's what the chef doesn't understand!" Paimon recalled Xingqiu's words. "And there's another saying... what was it, again? Oh yeah, 'A rested worker is an efficient worker!' That's what Yanfei said. So, the chef gets busier and busier. To the point where he can't stand up straight anymore and has big dark circles under his eyes. The customers tell him to take a few days off to get some rest, but the chef won't listen."

"His judgment is clouded by the chores before him." Zhongli mused. "He is oblivious to mountains in the distance, the bigger picture."

"Eventually, the chef falls ill, and his cooking becomes far worse than when he started." Paimon continued. "The customers can't convince him to rest, and they don't like his cooking anymore, so they stop coming to his restaurant."

"The consequences of not getting enough rest are pretty serious." the Traveler noted.

"Rest is always of great importance." Zhongli lectured. "Although we may come across various difficulties in our lives, pushing ourselves is never a good modus operandi."

"Indeed." Kazuha agreed. "This story is simple without embellishment, yet deeply meaningful. If our listener is sensible, then she should quickly grasp the meaning contained within."

"You're saying..." Paimon gaped. "Paimon made a good story!?"

"Sincerity can allow one to see clearly, and earnest advice can provide sound direction." Kazuha reasoned. "The story is indeed adequate."

"The Yuheng is an adroit leader." Zhongli reminded. "I am certain she will understand the message you are trying to convey. Given that the case involving the Treasure Hoarders has come to an end, she is inevitably tired. Now will be the ideal moment to speak with her. If all goes well, I think your story will be a success."

"Quick, let's go find Keqing!" Paimon urged.

"Was that the Traveler?" Mitsuko inquired, exiting the Third-Round Knockout, decked in her new cream-colored cheongsam with golden flora embroidery.

"Indeed it was." Zhongli replied.


At the Ministry of Civil Affairs...

"The matter has finally come to an end, but we mustn't lower our guard." Keqing warned Jingcheng. "Increase patrols around Qingce Village and coordinate our people at other fireworks locations to prevent any further theft. And by the way, the Ministry has requested the Millelith to increase security along travel routes. How is that proceeding?"

"It's all been taken care of." Jingcheng replied. "However, due to various reasons, there are still some blind spots in the city."

"Have we drafted a new patrol map?" Keqing asked. "Please give me a copy and I'll look it over when I have time."

"Understood!" Jingcheng nodded. "The patrol map is still being drafted, but it will be ready soon. Lady Keqing, your friends are here." he spotted the approaching Traveler.

"Keqing, still working?" Paimon whined. "Aren't we going to see the fireworks?"

"But I thought we'd meet at the Jade Chamber." Keqing blinked. "Why have you come here?"

"You told us to walk and have a look around." the Traveler reminded.

"We walked around the city just like you told us to, it's very nice." Paimon added. "But it would be even nicer if you could join us! Do you still have work to do?"

"It's nothing urgent, really, just some trivial matters." Keqing assured. "But I wish to get it done as soon as possible."

"You can leave it to us, Lady Keqing." Jingcheng informed Keqing. "You've been working hard for a long time, so you should get some rest. If I'm not mistaken, the Traveler is here to remind you to take a break."

"And we have something to tell you, Keqing." the Traveler added.

"In that case, Jingcheng, I'll let you take charge, thank you." Keqing let Jingcheng tie up any loose ends. "Traveler and Paimon, let's go to the Jade Chamber. The view there is nicer and it's much more private, perfect for talking."


At the Jade Chamber...

"Here we are." Keqing started, standing outside the Jade Chamber. "What was it you wanted to talk about?"

"We have a story to tell you." the Traveler replied.

"We want to tell you a story from this beautiful view." Paimon nodded.

"Alright, I'm listening." Keqing relented.

"So, it turns out we just heard some big news in Teyvat!" Paimon declared. "A very talented chef is in trouble!"

"Is the chef from Liyue?" Keqing blinked. "From Liuli Pavilion or Xinyue Kiosk, perhaps?"

"The chef is from Mondstadt!" Paimon fibbed. "And he's really, really good! He had a restaurant right next to the city gate. He was super efficient and his cooking was really delicious, so his restaurant had been getting more and more popular. In fact, he became so busy that the worker from the florist next door asked him, 'Sir, why don't you find someone to help you in the restaurant?' But the chef brushed the idea aside, saying that he's the only one that can turn top-quality ingredients into world-class dishes, no one could help him."

"Confidence is an essential trait for a good chef." Keqing mused. "He must be an excellent cook."

"That's what everyone was saying." Paimon remarked. "But surprisingly, after just six months, no one would dine in his restaurant anymore. Shocking, right? Do you have any guess why?"

"Maybe the chef had fallen ill, or..." Keqing guessed.

"Wrong answer!" Paimon retorted. "You tell her, Traveler!"

"Because he was too stubborn." the Traveler answered.

"Yep, it's because the chef was too stubborn!" Paimon nodded eagerly. "He would keep himself busy every day and try to make the most delicious dishes for all his guests. But he forgot that he's only human and needs time to eat and rest. He was so busy that he didn't even have time to eat and couldn't even taste his own cooking. He was unwilling to seek help even when he's tired, because he thought he's the only one capable of cooking the best dishes. Eventually, the people around him felt like they couldn't help him anyway, so they just left. And because he had forgotten the original taste of his dishes, he was no longer a good chef. In the end, his restaurant had no choice but to close for good."

"I see." Keqing pondered. "He's overly confident, which disappoints the people around him, and he's so impatient that he ends up losing sight of his original purpose. So, that's the whole story?"

"Yep, that's the whole thing." Paimon replied.

"How should I describe it..." Keqing tried to find the right words. "The story is very simple, and I suppose the ending isn't really surprising. Think before you act and don't overexert yourself. Of course, I understand these concepts in theory, but when tasks come to me personally, it is easy to lose sight of the bigger picture."

"It's as if 'your judgment is clouded', right?" the Traveler related.

"Yes." Keqing concurred. "Up in the mountains, we can see the mist in the clouds. Out in the ocean, we can see fog on the sea. That's why from time to time, we need to examine where we are, remove the fog, and feel our heart."

"So, how do you feel now, Keqing?" Paimon asked.

"Deep down inside, I wish I could slow down time." Keqing admitted. "That way, I could finally take the opportunity to walk around the city, see the people I wish to see, and watch the fireworks. Thinking back, I used to be even more impatient. My colleagues would resign after just three months of working with me. You're completely right. It's important to know your boundaries. But I am getting better! You can tell, can't you? And I did make a promise with you, didn't I? We agreed to enjoy the fireworks show together this year. So, Happy Lantern Rite, Traveler and Paimon, I'm very happy to be here and enjoy this moment together with you. I've poured all my best effort into this fireworks show. And now that we're here, I sincerely hope you will enjoy it. I feel very fortunate to be right here, enjoying the fireworks, and enjoying the view of Liyue Harbor."

"Happy Lantern Rite, Keqing." the Traveler returned.

"Lady Keqing," Baishi voiced from Keqing's back. "The item Lady Ningguang prepared for you has arrived."

"Traveler." Keqing started. "Wait here for a moment, don't go anywhere! Traveler, Paimon." she returned after a while, dressed in her Opulent Splendor outfit. "Ningguang had her personal tailor make it for me; said it's an imported style. Well? Do you like it?"

"It's beautiful." Paimon gushed.

"It's time." Keqing declared. "Traveler, please enjoy the grand finale of this year's Lantern Rite: the Fireworks Show!"

"Hey, check you out." Beidou looked over at Ningguang who was dressed in her Orchid's Evening Gown, Xinyan and Yun Jin had ran on forward. "Looking pretty fancy!"

"Only a true treasure catches the eye of Captain Beidou." Ningguang remarked. "Seems I've struck gold with this one."


In Liyue Harbor...

Madame Ping, Yanfei, and Ganyu were sitting at a table watching the fireworks. Then Ganyu stood up to join Shenhe at the railing.

Xiangling and Guoba dashed up to join Xingqiu and Chongyun.

HU Tao grinned teasingly as she watched Zhongli give Kazuha and Mitsuko a fond smile, the two Inazumans stared at the fireworks display in obvious awe.


At Mt. Aocang...

Cloud Retainer stood at the entrance of her abode when Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper trotted in.


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