"Today we part, and who knows when we'll meet again. At this moment, let us raise our wine, celebrate the Lantern Rite, and hope for a chance to see each other again in the future."
In a dark corner, Diona stretched lazily. Why were all these people drinking? It was too much. The depravity here felt even worse than what she'd witnessed in the taverns.
Should she consider disrupting her own alcohol business?
"Never mind, never mind. It's a festival, no need to think about such things."
On the street, Bennett, Razor, and Fischl strolled leisurely. It was their first time venturing outside Mondstadt, and everything they saw was new and interesting, like the art of candy blowing.
"Razor, that thing looks so delicious. And they use their mouth to blow it? They can make all sorts of shapes, it's so strange, but it looks so tasty."
Razor shook his head, indicating he didn't know what it was. However, if Bennett wanted to try, he was willing to go along.
"Ahahaha, let my True Eye, along with my most noble sanctuary, discern this creation!"
"The Empress means she also wishes to try."
Without the black crow translating, they had no idea what Fischl was actually saying.
"Oh, I see! Then let's buy three. As for the money..."
Unlucky Bennett patted himself down and, as expected, the money he'd brought for the day had vanished.
"Ahhh, my money is gone..."
His bad luck was holding steady. Both of his companions had anticipated this and had brought some backup funds, otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to buy anything.
"It's okay, it's okay. If we all chip in, it should be enough."
They were aware of Bennett's misfortune, but they didn't shun him for it. Instead, they showed him even more care. This was true friendship, wasn't it?
After all, only true friends would care for you in such a manner.
Diluc and Kaeya walked through the streets, enjoying the rare holiday. The two brothers had reunited once more.
"Say, Master Diluc, when will you pour me another drink? I'm a little short on cash lately and can't afford it."
"Don't ask me, I don't know."
"But, but you're the owner of Angel's Share, how could you not know? I get it, you're just brushing me off, aren't you? You've disappointed me, boo hoo hoo..."
Seeing Kaeya like this, Diluc's anger flared instantly. He was helpless against him, so he simply quickened his pace, indicating he didn't want to participate in this pathetic conversation.
Meanwhile, in an open space, Sucrose, who had been wandering about, was called to find Klee. The explosion from earlier had been quite frightening.
Even the maid Noelle, who was not far away, hurried over, fearing Klee had done something mischievous.
As expected, she had blown up a fish pond. Although it was a small bomb and didn't cause significant damage, the houses were sturdy enough that no real problems arose.
"Klee, if you do this, you'll be locked in the confinement room by Acting Grand Master Jean tomorrow. Even I can't protect you if you go too far."
Noelle looked at her with a worried expression. She could already imagine Jean's interrogation.
The thought alone made her tremble.
"Sister Noelle, Klee... was too excited? Is it really not allowed?"
"No, it's absolutely not allowed. If you don't want to increase your sentence, don't cause any trouble."
"Okay."
On a rooftop, Rosaria silently gazed at the moonlit sky. She ultimately didn't belong in such lively places and found it hard to stay. However, this was Acting Grand Master Jean's order.
It felt like a rare day off, and it would be a waste not to rest properly, so she had to take advantage of it.
"Klee... you've done quite a job..."
On the street, Acting Grand Master Jean walked with a worried expression, followed by Lisa, who was watching the commotion with amusement. After all, such incidents were quite entertaining.
"Alright, calm down, calm down. If you get too angry, Mondstadt's future will be lost."
Hearing Lisa's exaggerated words, Acting Grand Master Jean's lips twitched.
"How can it be that exaggerated? What do you mean Mondstadt's future will be lost? Never mind, I won't say anymore. Let's just hurry over there."
Their footsteps quickened. Alas, poor little Klee was about to face Jean's wrath.
"Shopkeeper, can you make it a little cheaper? I'll take five, give me a half-price deal, how about it?"
Kamisato Household's housekeeper, Thoma, was bargaining fiercely. After all, arriving in a new region meant bringing back souvenirs. He admitted he might be bargaining a bit too aggressively.
"Fine, fine, I give up. Take them, take them. Consider it a holiday special. You've struck a good deal."
The shopkeeper couldn't hold out any longer and finally relented. After all, he still wanted to make money, and while this deal wouldn't bring much profit, it was still a profit.
"That's more like it. Thank you, shopkeeper."
Not far away, Kuki Shinobu was wandering the streets with three subordinates. As for their boss, Itto, he had already run off somewhere to cause trouble, as was his nature.
"You three in the back, hurry up and keep up! The fireworks are about to start, make sure you watch them closely. It's a rare sight, after all."
Across from them stood Gorou and Sangonomiya Kokomi. The two had traveled all the way from Watatsumi Island to celebrate the festival.
"Lady Kokomi, what do you think? Is this something we can learn from?"
"Mmm, I think we can..."
They silently observed the Millelith soldiers in the distance. Even during the festival, the Millelith remained vigilant. This was what an army should be, unlike some people who were clamoring for leave.
"When will our Watatsumi Island be able to hold such a grand celebration?"
"It will happen. We will definitely have the chance."
Sasayuri and Chiyo walked and talked merrily. It was their first time visiting a foreign land, and everything looked new and wonderful.
"Sasayuri, did you bring any money?"
"I don't think so... I never really had the habit before. Did you?"
"Naturally. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to buy many things this time. I wonder how much longer the Raiden sisters' gathering will be? Let's take advantage of this time to wander around more and buy more. I'll feel uneasy if I don't spend this money."
The two quickly visited many stalls, buying all sorts of accessories and snacks, to the point where they could barely carry everything.