As evening approaches, the crowds around their stall start to thin. When the large clock at the top of the building chimes five times and Albedo gently shoos any stragglers away, Sucrose feels like crying with joy.

She expected their stall to be busy, as it is every year, but today's crowds were particularly excessive. Albedo was just as confused about this as her, since their showcase this year was no more exciting than the last's. In fact, they both think it's rather underwhelming, owed to Albedo's corruption scare that threw off their plans and had them scrambling for an adequate experiment to present. Sucrose unfortunately didn't have anything to showcase from her research, but Albedo came through at the last moment with an alchemical technique that, though useful, has limited applications.

But the truth quickly revealed itself when many of the alchemists gave Albedo well-wishes and bloviated about his speedy recovery. Apparently, her teacher's 'sudden illness' — which was the cover story about why they ran across Liyue like headless chickens in order to heal Albedo's corruption, fighting against a Fatui Harbinger along the way — and subsequent narrow recovery made it through the grapevine, and now every alchemist of note felt it was their duty to congratulate him on staying alive. This whole affair would be heart-warming if only the well-wishes weren't often accompanied by thinly veiled invitations for her teacher to join Sumeru Academia, which 'takes proper care of their brilliant minds'.

Honestly, the worst part was coming up with different ways of politely refusing them and praising the Knights of Favonius's response. They spent less time going over their research and more playing social chess.

"Have you seen Klee?" Albedo asks her as he puts back some of his implements in his bag. "I caught a glimpse of her heading into the machine showcase section, but that was hours ago."

Sucrose shakes her head. She was barely able to see over the crowds for most of the day. But just as she's about to offer to search for her, Klee rounds the corner with a yelled greeting. Sucrose waves at her with a smile, which morphs to an uncertain grimace as Klee is holding the sleeve of someone behind her.

"Albedo! Sucrose!" Klee exclaims as she runs at them, dragging the stranger along. They're a bit hunched over, so Sucrose can't get a good look at their face, but they seem young. They're dressed in what looks like traditional Inazuman clothing, which, though clean, is a bit frayed at the edges. "I made a friend!"

Albedo stands up and stares at the newcomer as Klee hops to them.

"Greetings," the stranger says with a timid smile. Now that Sucrose can take a better look, he seems like a handsome young man, with short dark hair, and soft, fair features. "I came across her at the anatomical exhibition and was a bit worried to find her unaccompanied, so I kept an eye out."

"Yeah, we saw all the weird bones!"

"Oh. Thank you," Albedo says to the stranger with a softening expression before he looks at Klee. "You stayed within the building, correct?"

"Yeah, but I saw everything in here and I didn't understand most of them," Klee says with a pout. "But now that you're free, can we see the other exhibits? Please?"

Sucrose and Albedo share a look. Their duties are still not done for the day. They have a 'social mixer' to attend, where they could bring Klee along, but…

Sucrose dreads the social mixer as far as anyone, and she doubts Klee will find it fun either. It'll be nothing more than a continuation of today, only with the attendants getting drunker and more impolite by the hour. Sucrose can't handle big crowds already, and it's so much worse when she's squashed in with other academics whose names she doesn't know but who probably hold more alchemical experience in their little pinkie, asking her about obscure details of her research she doesn't have answers for. Plus, they'll have to suffer through all the 'jokes' about being from Mondstadt yet not fancying alcohol…

"Ah, before that," the young man speaks up, fortunately breaking Sucrose out of her despairing thoughts. "I know you're supposed to pack up, but I've heard news of your exhibition and wanted to catch a glimpse of it since morning."

Oh no, not him as well… His outfit doesn't suggest he's another academic…

Sucrose glances at Albedo, who gestures to a stack of papers he's not yet put away. "We still have some handouts available that go over the details, and we will be here throughout the fair."

The young man gives them a sheepish smile. "Actually, I know very little alchemy, despite my interest… But I should introduce myself first." He gives them a small bow, which Albedo and Sucrose reciprocate with a nod. "I'm Kunikuzushi, a vagrant from Inazuma who travels with the Seven Nations Troupe. We're stationed in the performing arts section of the Fair."

Sucrose perks up at that. Their stuffier colleagues degrade the performing arts section of the Expo as nothing more than a glorified circus meant to appeal to the lower classes. But in the few times Sucrose has visited that section, she had so much fun and she always got inspiration for future experiments, such as engineering flowers with non-toxic fluorescent petals.

Klee lets out an awed gasp and looks at Kunikuzushi as if they just met. "You're from the circus?!"

Sucrose grimaces at her comment. Just as academics have their pride, so do performers, and many take exception to being put on 'the circus section'.

But Kunikuzushi gives the girl a small laugh. "Sort of, yes, but I prefer the term troupe."

Klee quickly nods, then looks up at Albedo and Sucrose with an expectant look.

"How come you're interested in our stall?" Albedo asks Kunikuzushi. "Surely there are other showcases which are just as interesting, but with fewer people?"

Kunikuzushi lets out a sheepish laugh. "That's true! To be honest, I found one of your discarded handouts when I was wandering about the area. I tried to read through it, but owing to my lack of knowledge I couldn't make heads or tails of it, even though it sounds very exciting!" He rubs his neck. "Then again, this section is reserved for alchemists, so I shouldn't bother you—"

Sucrose quickly shakes her head. "No no no, we're thankful for looking after Klee and honoured you came out of your way to visit us! Right, Mr. Albedo?"

Albedo nods at her words. "Sumeru's World Fair is about promoting all arts and science and encouraging interdisciplinary approaches to life's complex problems." He sighs. "Or rather, it's supposed to. Most people tend to stay within their disciplines and spread gossip. Your visit here is only a testament to your intellectual curiosity. In comparison, Sucrose and I are planning to spend all our time confined within our fields."

"Ah, there's nothing wrong with staying within your discipline," Kunikuzushi quickly says. "Especially if it's something as complex as alchemy. You can't exactly figure out the world's secrets through a dance."

"I would disagree. Art is necessary for the soul and lets us glimpse truths of the world that we cannot realise by science alone."

Sucrose nods at her teacher's words. Though she doesn't have an eye for art, she still finds landscape paintings calming, and spends many a night winding down with her favourite novels. "In any case, we'll be happy to explain our research to you," Sucrose says to Kunikuzushi. "But we may have to… hurry a little."

Kunikuzushi gives her an encouraging smile. "I understand, I also need to go practice for my performance later tonight…" Kunikuzushi's eyes momentarily widen, and he gives them a grin. "Tell you what, I have an idea. I can give you free tickets to my show later tonight since you're going out of your way to help me."

Klee gasps and starts insistently tugging at Albedo's sleeve. Sucrose shares her excitement, but thankfully suppresses the urge to do something similar.

Attending another event will be a perfect excuse not to attend the social mixer. It's one thing for them to go out of their way and purchase tickets but being invited is another matter entirely. And instead of being stuffed into a pub, they could enjoy a show… Sucrose hasn't seen any shows by the Seven Nations Troupe, but she's heard they showcase many dances and performances from all of Teyvat's nations.

Though Albedo's expression remains neutral, she's sure her teacher must be on a similar line of thought, though that's because he grows bored with social events instead of dreading them.

Kunikuzushi must take their silence for hesitation, for he sheepishly asks: "Unless you have something more important to do tonight?"

"No," both Albedo and Sucrose simultaneously say, as he quickly clears the table for a practical demonstration while she takes out a blank piece of papers to guide Kunikuzushi along the process.

\*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*/

An hour later, Albedo, Klee and Sucrose are walking by the so-called Carnival District, led by Klee who's jumping all over the place. Sumeru's warm breeze ruffles his hair, as the whole exhibit is not housed in any of the buildings but is in a demarcated open-air area of the exhibition grounds. Tarps have been placed all over the floor, with popcorn and pieces of caramelised apples stuck in between.

Honestly, stumbling upon Kunikuzushi has been a bright spot of a frustratingly stressful period. From his now chronic issue with the corruption, to the usual stress that comes with attending the World Expo with its all-day poster sessions, attending all sorts of talks (very few of which interest him), the endless socialising disguised under 'networking'... Some days, Albedo wonders if attending the Fair is truly worth it. But there is the occasional showcase that catches his interest, the usefulness of connecting with the wider alchemic academia when it comes to procuring materials, and Sucrose needs all the networking she can get as an early-career alchemist.

Not to mention all the other non-alchemy exhibits, such as the one they're walking through now. Albedo reminds himself to thank Kunikuzushi properly. Though the man seemed more than content at hearing Albedo and Sucrose talk through their exhibit, his eyes seemed to glaze over here and then, and he may not have fully taken everything in. Plus, Albedo still owes him a favour for looking after Klee, even though she is more than capable of protecting herself at the expense of everyone around her.

As Kunikuzushi's performance is still an hour away, the three of them go through the various stalls carrying food, games and everything else anyone would expect to find at such a fair. Unlike the alchemical section's methodical and formal approach to its showcases, the performing arts section is full of narrow labyrinthian paths of linked tents surrounded by smaller stalls. Each troupe advertises its performance with big, colourful signs that, after an initial dizzying exposure, blur in with one another.

Over the next hour, the three of them share a large portion of chocolate-covered churros from a stand; Klee tries their hand at a few of the games, though Albedo has to stop her from using her Jumpy Dumpties to win; Sucrose gets enraptured with a mirror display which bends the light in strange ways that, according to her, 'could affect plant growth'. Albedo wishes they had more time to take in the scenery, as he would like to sketch it. For now, he tries to commit as many sights as he can to memory.

They are almost late to the performance; the map of the premises is useless as the paths are interspersed by a myriad of likely illegal stalls — though a possible necessity for the different groups hoping to make some extra cash — that obscured any landmarks. Plus, each troupe is performing at different tents on different days, in some nonsensical arrangement that was likely because of administrative issues.

Fortunately, they find themselves in front of a big tent with a bent sign advertising 'The Seven Nation Troupe! Witness the seven art forms performed across Teyvat!' minutes before the performance starts. The ticket checker quickly lets them in and directs them to their seats. Said seats are small, rickety things, yet there's a genius to their arrangement as Albedo finds himself with a perfect vantage point of the stage, and he suspects the same holds true for the rest of the audience. Since Klee is too small, she's provided with a high seat, but she still chooses to stand on Albedo's thighs where she can be just a bit taller.

The crowds murmur in excitement when the lights drop, only to brighten up again as a plump, extravagantly dressed man strolls on stage.

"Ladies, gentlemen, dear audience, welcome to the Seven Nations Troupe!" he announces, to much applause. "Performing arts is a misunderstood art form, often seen as lesser than visual artBut tonight, my dear audience, we will put such notions to rest as we blow your minds away with feats of the human body you have never seen before!"

The announcer briefly pauses, allowing for even more applause. Albedo is surprised by how clear and loud his voice is. The man's natural dramatic talent aside, his voice must be enhanced by the tent's good acoustics. Another point of genius in the design of this seemingly simple structure.

"Each of our performers is the master of an art form from one of the regions of Teyvat! We will have seven acts for the seven nations, each performed with great respect for the original and, as always, with reverence to the Archons for their continued protection and bestowed prosperity!"

The announcer pauses again, and alongside with applause, some audience members throw quick praise at the Archons, though their individual phrases are barely audible over the brief cacophony.

"Without further ado, our first act is acrobatics from Fontaine! Our performers are masters of their craft and will perform death-defying stunts before your very eyes! In this performance, audience participation is expected, so clap and holler to your heart's content!"

After a deep bow, the announcer leaves as the lights dim once more. The audience whispers amongst themselves, the murmurs intensifying when the lights come on to reveal two groups of people in ruffled leotards and capes. Two fair-haired twins lead the performance, starting with a bow before beginning their routine, accompanied by frantic music.

Albedo watches as the performers jump, flip and somersault on beat with the music, increasingly enraptured by the performance. He wishes he could freeze to sketch the fluid movements that bent and tested the extremes of the human body, the performers' bodies trembling in exertion yet with bright smiles as if it's child's play.

Next to him, Klee's smile is as wide as it gets. Sucrose is just as enthusiastic, though she only manages some clapping, unlike the absolute ruckus from the rest of the crowd when the performers adopt seemingly physics-defying poses. Their routine culminates in two human towers, which have them and the rest of the audience break into rapturous applause. Finally, the performers land gracefully one after the other, form a line, and bow, earning even more applause.

The lights dim again as the announcer's voice echoes: "An amazing performance by our Fontaine group! But, we have much more to show you!"

The announcer speaks slowly, placing emphasis on every other word. Albedo guesses the delay leaves more time for the new performers to set up, as he spies many figures moving about the dark stage.

"Thanks to a collaboration with the Yun-Han Opera Troupe, we present to you an opera from Liyue! Get ready for an audio-visual feast of music, dance, theatre, and poetry! We also kindly ask that you hold your applause for when the music stops."

The lights come on and, unlike the minimal set of the earlier performance, the new set is an explosion of colour and detail, a windowed wall overlooking the peaks of Jueyun Karst. However, the stage design pales before the performers' layered and vibrant outfits, alongside elaborate headdresses and equally distinct face paint.

A young woman with dark hair dressed in purples, whites and pinks and blues gracefully walks to the front of the stage. She is accompanied by a large group of performers, as they sing and re-enact a myth of a young, isolated woman having to suddenly host an Adeptus and her struggles to live up to her imagined high standards. The story is told through equally impressive vocal performances and music, often making the use of percussion instruments at the end of sentences or monologues, with performers and dancers moving in and out as the story develops.

Albedo has trouble keeping track of the plot, more absorbed with the details of the actors' costumes. The Yun-Han Opera Troupe… he will have to ask Xingqiu if it's possible to attend one of their performances in Liyue.

He's so absorbed in his plans he almost misses the last of the play, his thoughts broken when everyone around him starts clapping. He claps along as the lights dim once more.

"A big applause and a heartfelt thank you from one troupe to the other for this stunning performance!" the announcer says, earning even more applause. "And keeping on our topic of storytelling, our next performance is ballet from Snezhnaya! As before, we ask that you hold your applause until the end of the performance."

The lights return to reveal a new set, a painted visage of an extravagant castle, gold upon white. A large group of performers enters the stage, their movements fluid and elegant.

The music starts in a slow, quiet violin melody that, as the performance proceeds, mixes in flutes and trumpets, with the occasional drums and cymbal and other instruments Albedo doesn't recognise. The performers move in sync with the music and with themselves, retelling a story without words, that halfway through the performance Albedo recognises it as one of the fairytales he sometimes reads at Klee. He relays that information to his little sister, who, previously confused by the performance, starts watching much more attentively. He too goes back to staring at the dancers, their elegant, occasionally tip-toe movements hiding the physical strain they're putting their bodies under.

As the last dance ends and all the performers gather on stage, the announcer praises their efforts and announces a short break. Albedo is surprised when the announcer says that two hours have passed.

The three of them stay in place, not hungry or thirsty. Klee chatters at them both at how cool everything was and how she's looking forward to the next ones, with Sucrose nodding along while glancing at the top of the stage, muttering about all the mechanisms they must have at play to quickly change sets. Albedo quickly takes out his notebook and lays out a few quick sketches to complete later.

The break passes as quickly as the performances themselves, and soon the lights dim, as is custom now.

"We hope you gained back some of your energy, dear audience, because our next show will light a fire under your boots — quite literally! Please give a warm welcome to our fire dancers, who came all the way from Natlan to show you the art and might of the Pyro Archon! For this performance, clap and holler to your heart's content!"

The audience follows the announcer's instructions as the music starts, a frantic tempo of drums and percussion, but the lights don't come on. Instead, a single performer holding what looks to be a torch runs on stage. The fire barely illuminates her as she walks to the front of the stage and starts her performance with hypnotising slow movements, staring at the fire as if facing a feral animal.

But just as suddenly as she appeared, she starts spinning her torch, only pausing to transfer the fire with her hands to the other end of the stick. The audience whoops, then whoops even harder as she gains a second stick, twirling them both in frantic but precise movements, only stopping to hold the fire uncomfortably close to her body. The stage remains dimly lit, so only what is illuminated by fire is visible to the audience. The drums' tempo slows as her performance comes to a close, and she bows, accompanied by much applause.

However, when she leaves the stage, a new performer runs in, and the cycle begins anew. Unlike the last performer, the new one's routine resembles that of a juggler, holding up to five sticks at one point and never dropping one. When his performance ends, Albedo thinks this should be over. But a third performer comes in, and she uses her pyro vision for far more spectacular feats, breathing fire or making it coil around her frame like a snake, then circling around the audience, so close that Albedo can feel the flame's warmth on his face.

By the time she's done, Klee is positively ecstatic, jumping up and down as she yells. Albedo makes a mental note to check she doesn't start setting her pencils on fire in imitation.

"Wow, what an intense performance! Isn't that right, dear audience?!" the announcer says to, once again, enthusiastic applause. "You've felt the primeval instincts spurned on by fire! Now get ready for something more grounded, comical even! From our dear host nation, Sumeru —!"

The announcer pauses when his voice is drowned out by a cacophonous cheering, which makes sense as a lot of the expo's visitors, particularly in this section, are locals.

"Ah, just goes to show that despite the world's wonders, the heart remains fondest of home!" the announcer continues when the cheering dies down. "But without further ado, from Sumeru we bring you a shadow puppet theatre play, with a plot that may hit too close to home!" he says with a laugh. "Though we ask that you keep relatively quiet during dialogue, feel free to cheer and laugh to your heart's content!"

Unlike other times, a large white canvas has been placed at the very front of the stage, illuminated by lights brighter than usual. The audience murmurs as Klee leans back and gives Albedo and Sucrose a confused look.

But any confusion quickly dissipates when scenery unfolds and rises across the canvas. The majority of the set is black, as the paper on the other side of the canvas must be completely solid. But there are small splashes of uniform colours in some cut-out areas, and Albedo suspects that's achieved through the use of very thin stained glass.

His puzzling over the mechanisms behind the shadow puppets are further enhanced when humanoid figures appear through the set and the play properly starts. Because of their oversized cut-out heads, Albedo initially thinks the characters were oversized paper puppets, but their size and fluid and lifelike movements suggest there are actual actors behind the canvas, along with elaborate headdresses. Moreover, the headdresses must have multiple sides to them, each slightly different so as to impose a different expression on the puppet…

Though intrigued, Albedo spends most of his time trying to understand the mechanisms behind the play rather than following the plot. From what little he catches when his attention is broken up by laughter and clapping, the story is about a lost traveller ending up in a World Fair and her ensuing misfortunes as she visits each exhibit. The plot is obviously an excuse to satirise Sumeru's Expo, poking fun at everyone with characters such as disorganised staff buried under bureaucracy, overworked performers, haughty alchemists who 'explained their research' using a nonsensical combination of jargon — he and Sucrose had a laugh at that — and many, many others.

The story ends with some vague didactic statement about teamwork that has Klee clapping as the canvas lifts to reveal the actors in elaborate props and headdresses.

"And now," the announcer says as the audience's laughter dies down. "For something a bit more sombre, though no less entertaining! Representing Inazuma is a recent member of our troupe, a sword dancer combining traditional elements with a modern twist! As is customary, we ask for your silence and attention, and applause should be held until the end of the performance."

"That's Kunikuzushi!" Klee claps.

"Sword dance?" Sucrose whispers to Albedo.

"I haven't heard of that either," Albedo whispers back. The term should be self-explanatory, but he can't quite picture what a sword dance will entail. Inazuma is famed for its distinct and powerful sword styles, and Albedo, as a sword user himself, is interested in what techniques Kunikuzushi will use.

"Maybe he sets his sword on fire!" Klee says, throwing her hands up, but goes quiet when the lights go on and leans closer to the stage.

Kunikuzushi stands alone at the centre of the stage, with no other performer or prop in sight. His clothes are more elaborate and well-cared-for traditional Inazuman outfit, a sword sheath by his side.

The music starts slowly and interspersed with silence. Kunikuzushi's movements are equally slow and careful as the music as he unsheathes his sword and begins his performance.

The next few minutes are taken up by elegant, careful movements as Kunikuzushi moves and strikes empty air. Some people around Albedo grow bored, but he watches intently. Kunikuzushi's performance is not what Albedo would personally describe as a 'dance', but he is biased from Mondstadt's frenetic concept of it. Kunikuzushi's movements are very precise, and Albedo feels like he is getting a textbook demonstration of Inazuma's different sword styles.

The music comes to a slow stop, Kunikuzushi's movements slowing in tune until he freezes in place. Some people in the audience hesitantly start clapping, thinking the performance is over.

Albedo is about to join them when Kunikuzushi sheaths his sword with a yell as he turns around and the music restarts. Unlike its previous deliberate tones, the new melody is much more dramatic, intensifying when a group of performers enters the stage and surrounds Kunikuzushi, all wielding swords. Unlike Kunikuzushi's garments, their clothing is more ragged and torn. Are they meant to represent bandits?

The group moves closer and closer to Kunikuzushi until one of them makes a grab for Kunikuzushi. However, Kunikuzushi ducks under the hold in a fluid movement which takes his outfit off to reveal a ragged undergarment, loosely tied and with a bandage-like cloth visible underneath. Kunikuzushi grabs his attacker's sword sheath and draws the sword from it, a much rougher blade, as the rest of the group descends on him.

And the performance completely changes. Unlike the meticulously precise movements from before, the performance becomes so dynamic and complicated that Albedo can't quite follow everything.

The bandits take out their swords, but Kunikuzushi effortlessly twirls his blade to deflect and attack. He seemingly hits his first attacker with the butt of his own sword before clashing blades with everyone else, the bandits fluidly moving in and out of battle with the much smaller man. A few of them are 'hit' with what must be the dull edge of the sword and fall dramatically to the ground before quickly retreating into the darkness. From the loud clangs when two blades collide and the newly torn patches of cloth when one of their swords narrowly misses Kunikuzushi, the weapons are quite real.

Eventually, the last bandit is dispatched and scurries into the darkness, but the music keeps its intense melody. A drum beats with an increasing tempo as another bandit shows up, a large man who may also act as the troupe's strongman. His frame is so big that his outfit is comically undersized.

The new bandit unsheathes his large Inazuman broadsword before charging at Kunikuzushi with a yell. Kunikuzushi readies his sword as well and the two clash, blades striking at each other in tune with the music.

Though the large bandit's movements lack any sort of technique, his strikes are powerful. Kunikuzushi seemingly tries to evade, but when he tries to block an incoming strike with his sword, his blade cracks and his stolen sword is cut in two.

The few kids in the audience gasp and yell when the sharp end of the broken blade impales the ground. Klee too jumps up and down with small noises of excitement she can't contain, even as she covers her mouth. But the announcer doesn't seem to mind, and neither do the performers if Kunikuzushi's smirk is anything to go by.

Amongst alarmed yells by the audience, the bandit raises his sword again, but Kunikuzushi draws his faster. Using the same movements showcased in the beginning, only much faster and with a lot more flourish, Kunikuzushi quickly beats back the bandit, cutting strips off the big man's clothing until he's almost in his underwear. Each of Kunikuzushi's attacks is punctuated with a yell, though they're barely heard over the climaxing music.

Finally, the large bandit falls back to a purely defensive stance, and Kunikuzushi unleashes a series of careful strikes that cut the man's sword in half. Though Albedo doubts the authenticity — the broken swords are probably salvaged from blacksmiths as to keep costs down — breaking even a damaged blade is no small feat. Unfortunately, he is unable to express his enjoyment as he is a bit preoccupied with Klee jumping up and down, yelling encouraging words along with the rest of her peers.

Though Kunikuzushi's face remains neutral, the strongman comically overacts as he looks between his broken sword and the small man. Kunikuzushi feints an attack and the bandit stumbles and falls down, his hat dropping off his head between his splayed legs.

Stepping back, Kunikuzushi turns his back and walks away as the music's tempo slows and the bandit lets out an exaggerated sigh which has the kids laughing.

But when at the edge of the stage, Kunikuzushi suddenly throws his sword in the air, and backflips. The heel of his foot connects with the sword's pommel and sends it flying blade-first, where it hits dead-centre of the bandit's hat, splitting it in two.

With an exaggerated yell, the bandit stands up and runs offstage. The intense music drifts back to the initial careful notes as Kunikuzushi slowly walks to his sword and carefully sheaths it, mirroring the beginning of his performance.

The moment the music stops, the audience breaks into raucous applause, Albedo, Klee and Sucrose joining in. After Kunikuzushi's initial bow, he is joined by the other 'bandit' performers, and the applause re-ignites when they bow again.

"Marvellous, marvellous," the announcer says as the performers walk offstage, Kunikuzushi picking up the two pieces and waving them at the crows, earning him a final wave of cheering and laughter. "Last but not least is our final performance, but this time you will be joining us onstage as well dear audience! Needing no introduction, let's all enjoy Mondstadt's folk dances!"

The audience cheers once more, Klee joining in with a whoop, but Albedo and Sucrose stare at each other with newfound despair.

"Come on folks, don't be shy, come right up!" the announcer eggs them on as a jaunty tune starts, a few performers dressed in Mondstadt's traditional outfits and adorned with flower crowns run onstage and wave them over.

Albedo and Sucrose try to stay in their seats, but they're pushed towards the stage by the crowd, Klee not helping matters by dragging them by the sleeve. Strings and flutes join in the lively violin melody as the few performers on stage wave their hands and form long chains of people.

Somewhere along the chaos, one of the performers recognises Albedo and Sucrose as being from Mondstadt and asks them to lead lines on their own. The two try to refuse as much as is polite, but the performer has no such qualms. Over the next few minutes, Albedo has completely lost sight of Sucrose, and is stuck trying to lead a line of hollering men who merrily push and pull at him, as well as asking him to teach them the legwork. Klee, fortunately, is within sight, his little sister leading a circle of other small kids with her childishly clumsy movements.

"Mind if I cut in?" comes a barely audible but familiar voice, and Albedo whips his head around as Kunikuzushi joins their chain by his side. From the corner of his eye, he spies the other performers of the troupe joining in, including the leader of the opera troupe leading a line of her own.

At the mercy of the crowd and overeager musicians, Albedo lets go of the stranger's shoulder he's been holding onto and lets Kunikuzushi join, glad to have a buffer between him and utter chaos.

"You're quite an expert in this," Kunikuzushi says after a few moments as he copies Albedo's movements.

Albedo shakes his head. "It's impossible not to learn them when living in Mondstadt." Miss Alice certainly made sure of that, as she kept dragging him into any such festivities before she left. "Your performance was much more praiseworthy."

As Albedo looks over the crowd, hoping to locate Sucrose and drag himself and her out of this torture, Kunikuzushi's pleasant laughter rings in his ear. "I hope so! I'm the one performing here, after all!"

\*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*/

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