Praecantator Chapter : Act I - Excursion Between Moments and Ley Lines

(Morning, in Mondstadt, in front of the Adventurer’s Guild. Traveler and Paimon are chatting.)

Katheryne
Oh Traveler, Paimon. Please come here.

Paimon
Hi Katheryne. What’s wrong?

Katheryne
You see, there is a new commission we just received. This one is from Knights of Favonious. It is quite a unique commission that it seems like the maid of the Knights of Favonius got very sick, and they are looking for someone to take care of the headquarters during her rest.

Paimon
Did Noelle get sick? How?

Katheryne
I don’t know the details exactly. But since she was in charge of almost everything, they seem to have some hard time in headquarters. They were currently short-handed capable people, so they asked for help from adventurers. Could you please go and check if you have time?

Paimon
Sure! We can ask Master Jean about Noelle's condition there too.

(Traveler nods.)

Katheryne
That’s great to hear. Thank you both. May your quest be an easy one. Ad astra abyssosque.

(Inside the Favonius Headquarters, in front of the library.)

Wyratt
Hello, how may I help you? Currently we are extremely busy at the Knights of Favonius Headquarters. So please wait patiently while we try our best to serve you.

Paimon
We are actually the adventurers you commissioned for. Katheryne said that you need a pair of hands.

Traveler
What can we do?

Wyratt
Oh! That’s great! Thank you for your assistance. Well, currently we need help inside the library. There are lots of books that need to be arranged. Since Miss Noelle is not here, Miss Lisa is having some problems all by herself.

Paimon
Do you know what happened to Noelle by chance?

Wyratt
Not exactly. Maybe it’s better if you ask Miss Lisa.

Paimon
Okay then. We are heading in now. (Turns to Traveler.) Paimon thought that Lisa was the only one who organizes the library. So Noelle helps her too. Uh… Paimon thinks that she forced herself too much and got sick. Let’s go ask Lisa about her condition.

(Lisa placing some books on the shelves. Yawns.)

Paimon
Hi Lisa!

Lisa
Shh! Be quiet! Oh, hey cutie. What are you doing here? Did you come to check on me?

Paimon

Actually we came to help with books.

Lisa
Oh my! It's very thoughtful of you. How did you know I was in trouble, my little knights? Well then, could you please place those books on the downstairs shelves? My back is killing me. I couldn’t get a proper rest ever since dear Noelle fell sick.

Traveler
Consider it done.

Paimon
By the way, Lisa, can you tell what happened to Noelle?

Lisa
Yes. The other day, she went to Dragonspine to find Flora’s toy. Seems like she catched a cold during her journey. So, the Acting Grand Master told her to rest. It’s not a big deal, don’t worry cutie. Think of it as a day off. She deserved it after all.

Paimon
Oh, so that was the case! We were so worried.

Traveler
Hope she gets better soon.

Lisa
She is really lucky to have someone who asks her. I’ll send her your great wishes when I visit her today. Here are the books. You can place them on the shelves downstairs in alphabetic order. It’s an easy task, don’t worry.

(Traveler gets the books downstairs and starts to place them.)

Paimon
Huff! There are so many of them. How did Lisa manage to place them all by herself?

???
That’s her job. She has nothing else to do anyway.

Paimon

Huh? Who was that?

???
Did I surprise you? Although I was right here this whole time.

(Guy stands up from his chair and sits at the table in front of the duo.)

Cailean
Sorry for scaring you little one. My name is Cailean. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

Paimon
Oh hello! Nice to meet you too. This is Traveler, and Paimon is… well, you got it.

Cailean
Sure I did. You must be the Honorary Knight that everyone’s talking about. It’s an honor to finally meet you in person.

Traveler
Nice to meet you too.

Paimon
What were you doing over there hiding?

Cailean
Since we are in a library, what do you think I was doing? I was not hiding, I was just simply being quiet -it’s very normal, isn’t it? When you consider where we are at.

Paimon
Oh, right. Sorry. Then, what are you reading?

Cailean

Ah, this? An insignificant pile of paper about leylines. This was written by a researcher from Sumeru Akademiya. I had great expectations on this one, but it turned out that this was also junk.

Paimon

Why? What it says?

Cailean
Lots of nonsense. Everything about this book is wrong. As expected from Spantamad, I shouldn’t have thought that would be actually useful.

Traveler

What do you want to learn about the ley lines?

Cailean

It’s better if you kids don’t know about it. Sometimes ignorance is a better method of defense. Although, for people like you, it’s very hard to ignore the call of knowledge -or shall I say gossip? Isn’t that so?

Paimon
Hey! Paimon is not gossipy!

Traveler
Could it be related to Abyss?

Cailean
My! You are smart, aren’t you? You must be interested in ley lines too.

Traveler
Not really, but I’d like to know more.

Cailean
Then my advice would be: don’t.

Paimon
But why? You are searching for them, why can't we?

Cailean
There is a reason why Celestia sent those monsters to Abyss. The only way to learn about Abyss, is to share the same doom as them.

Paimon
How do you know that? Besides, if there is a risk of learning about leylines, aren’t you afraid of sharing… the same doom?

Cailean
I’m not much interested in the Abyss but the ley lines. It is true that those ley lines are connected to Abyss at some point, but I don’t care about that part. What’s important is the secrets inside the ley lines. Well, maybe they are related, but at least I know where to stop to protect myself.

Traveler
Inside the ley lines?

Paimon
What kind of secrets are you talking about? Paimon is so confused.

Cailean
Aren’t you two here to help Lisa with books? You shouldn’t chat with me here. So why don’t you leave me with my book and continue your work?

Paimon
You are the one who started the conversation first!

Cailean
Good luck cuties.

(Cailean sit at a table far from them.)

Paimon
Ugh! He is so annoying!

Traveler
Don’t mind him. Let’s finish our work.

Paimon
You’re right. Let’s just ignore him. Paimon won’t even bother to give him an ugly nickname. Ugh… But Paimon got really curious about the book he read.

(Traveler and Paimon finish arranging books.)

Paimon
Wooh! That was tough work. Let’s go and tell Lisa we are done. Hm? He is still here. Is he still reading the same book? Paimon thought he didn’t like the book. Shall we go ask him?

Traveler

Sure.

(Duo gets close to Cailean.)

Paimon
So, dear sir. What are you reading this time? Still the same book?

Cailean
Actually, yes. Although most of this book contains misinformation, it was written based on research. So maybe I can go and check those places myself. Currently I’m creating a map to guide me.

Paimon
Wow! Just from words in that book?

Cailean
And this little map that showed every location to me. There’s no way I can draw a map from imagination myself.

Paimon
Ehehe! You’re right.

Traveler
Where’s the destination?

Cailean
Do you actually want to join? Heh, those adventurer’s. You don’t know where to rest.

Paimon
Could there be a treasure!?

Cailean
Huh? Oh! Well, if you consider knowledge as a treasure…

Paimon
So… no treasure?

Traveler
What do you want to learn from the information in this book?

Cailean
Are you really interested? Sigh. Very well then, I’ll teach you. Let’s meet outside the city gate at sunset. Meanwhile I’ll try to finish this map, deal?

Paimon
Will we get anything in return?

Traveler
We are the ones who asked to join.

Paimon
Oh, did we?

Cailean

Ahaha! Don’t worry little one. I can treat you to a meal later on.

Paimon
Yay! Free food! Come on Traveler, let’s finish our commissions in the library quickly! Paimon can already taste the delicious food in her mouth.

(They talk to Lisa)

Lisa
Oh? You are already done?

Paimon
Yep! Piece of cake!

Traveler
If you need any help again, just let us know.

Lisa
Thank you darling. Thanks to you, now I can visit Noelle. Poor thing must be so worried and forget to rest.

Paimon
Please send her our regards too. And don’t forget to lecture her about how to take care of herself better!

Lisa
Ohoho! Don’t worry I will. See you later then.

(In front of the city gate, during sunset.)

Paimon
Hi Cailean!

Cailean
Hello little ones. Are you ready to learn what I’m up to?

Traveler
Is it a kind of secret that you can’t tell anyone?

Cailean
You may say so. It’s not ordinary people’s business. Speaking of secrets, there is a place we need to visit first. There, I’ll explain everything from basics. Shall we? Consider this as a private lesson.

Paimon
Right behind you!

(Dragonspine, Albedo’s campsite.)

Paimon
What are we doing here? It’s a private area, we can’t just enter without permission.

Cailean
Oh, is that so? Then let me just ask the owner. Hello dear Albedo. How are you doing?

Albedo
Welcome Mister Cailean. Oh? Traveler and Paimon, what a great surprise. I didn’t expect you to come here. Are you guys together by any chance?

Paimon
Yup yup! We met in the library.

Cailean
They were very… curious. So I decided to invite them.

Albedo
I have no objections. Actually, if you ask me, it’s a great decision to bring them here. They are very capable adventurers in different areas. I’m sure they’ll help us a lot.

Cailean
Great. When is Sucrose coming?

Albedo
She went to bring the supplies from the city, I believe she’ll be here soon. Meanwhile, shall I serve you some tea?

Cailean
I can’t say no. Like usual please.

Paimon
Wait, is Sucrose also joining us?

Albedo
Of course. After all, she is my assistant.

Traveler
Does she need help?

Cailean
Don’t worry about it, they are actually tiny pieces. You don’t have to worry.

(Albedo starts to brew tea. Everyone sits on chairs then Albedo serves tea.)

Paimon
By the way, Paimon is curious but, how do you guys know each other? And why is Albedo so formal with you?

Albedo
It’s because Mister Cailean is my master’s friend. That means he is my elder and senior.

Cailean
I might look young, but don’t let it deceive you. I’m much older than you think.

Paimon
Wow! How much?

Cailean
Goodness gracious! It’s so rude to ask someone’s age.

Traveler
Where are your manners Paimon?

Paimon
Hey! Paimon was just curious, that’s all!

Albedo
Let’s say there’s a quiet age gap between us. Approximately a few hundreds.

Paimon
Huh!? Are you calling this quiet?

(Sucrose comes in with bags.)

Sucrose
Mister Albedo, I’m back.

Albedo
Welcome back.

Cailean
Hello cutie. Need help? Those bags look heavy. What did you bring so much?

Sucrose
No need, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. Oh, Traveler and Paimon. Sorry, I didn’t see you two.

Paimon
Hi Sucrose! And it’s ok. You look tired anyway.

Traveler
Let me help you.

Sucrose
Sorry to bother. As you said, I brought everything, but I didn’t expect Traveler and Paimon to come too, so we are short handed in supplies now. I just bought three of everything. A-And I might have bought some personal materials as well…

Albedo
That’s okay. They are surprise visitors.

Paimon
What are those things? Are they related to what you’re looking for?

Cailean
Of course they are. If it isn’t, why would we bother to take them..? Although I’m not sure if all of them are what I asked for.

Sucrose
M-Maybe I got too excited about the trip… And brought some extra materials for myself.

Albedo
Everyone, please take a seat. We will explain everything from the start to make it clear for everyone. Mister Cailean, please.

Cailean
Thank you gossoon. Sucrose and Albedo are already aware of my research, but since it’s the first time we met with Traveler, I will take it from the very beginning. I’m a witch- ehem! A wizard from an organization called Hexerzinkel.

Paimon
Oh! Paimon knows it! Mona’s master was also part of it, right?

Traveler
And Klee’s mother Alice.

Cailean
So you know them. Dear Alice was one of the elders who accepted me. Since I’m a male, I’m considered a wizard, not a witch. And unfortunately Hexerzinkel only accepts female witches. Thanks to some elders and my mother -who was also a part of the organization- I was the first and only accepted male in the organization.

Traveler
Your mother?

Cailean
Have you heard the name Ivanovna?

Albedo
Mmmh…

Paimon
It rings a bell. Oh, wasn't she Scarlett’s teacher?

Cailean
Well, in a way. But she is too young compared to me. Anyway, what we do is to search on the ley lines. Not only Hexerzinkel but in Sumeru Academia, there is a special branch that does research on ley lines too. I was also a student there before I got considered as a wizard, but I dropped out after a while. From my background, you can see what I’m interested in.

Traveler
You want to learn more about ley lines. But what exactly?

Cailean
Well, for years, I worked on every ley line, every tree and Celestial nails so I know a lot about them. Those branches’ roots reach to the Abyss, and they bless you with treasures if you can pass the exam. That aside, those ley lines are fed on elemental energies that can absorb memories. Imagine this as a memorial network accumulated inside Irminsul, a record of this world. Every living being in this world has a connection to these ley lines, even with or without a vision. After releasing the elemental energy that is inside of the ley lines, you can see people, other living beings and sometimes non living beings or places from any time and place. I was lucky to observe this event with my own eyes in Inazuma, from the Sacred Sakura. But that was so many years ago when my sight was much clearer -until I found a method to perform the same phenomenon myself. I found out that you can control this elemental energy that is coming from ley lines. You can allow it to come out or force it to stay inside. You can obtain a specific memory from a specific person at a specific place and project it. Unfortunately, you need an instrument to help you during the process. And this instrument is a vision. Luckily, Sucrose was able to create something else to control this elemental energy. I feel there is something dangerous inside those branches. So using our visions could be life threatening. I’m fine with danger, but I can’t let those youngsters risk their lives, even for the sake of alchemy. They still have a long life to live.

Paimon
So you say, using something beside the vision will protect them?

Cailean
Ley lines are manifestations of accumulated elemental energy in one place. How it appears and summons Abyssal creatures is of course makes people question: is it really safe? Not sure if you have ever been in Sumeru but there, a very similar but dreadful phenomenon occurs in the forests. They are called withering zones which are created in a very similar way to ley lines. Those are the areas that have been corroded by some sort of mysterious and ominous power from beneath the surface. There is also where the Irminsul is… Although their roots seem to be different… Ehem! Anyway, those withering zones are extremely dangerous to the health of every living being. Only an external force can slow down the harmful effect of these zones. That is only possible with a vision. Vision holders can endure the withering for a longer time, but that doesn’t make them immune to its effects. Same for ley lines, if they are coming from the same place, that means they might also be harmful for ordinary people. Even a vision might not be able to protect you. However, there is a device invented in Sumeru: Dendrogranum has an effect to keep those withering zones under control in Sumeru. If we can create something similar to use on ley lines, that might protect people from the possible side effects of Irminsul.

Sucrose
I tried my best to create a gadget that can work just like that for this case. My specialty is bio-alchemy, so creating a device is something I’m not familiar with. However, with the help of Mister Albedo and Timaeus, I was able to invent this. This tiny device allows you to absorb the existing elemental energy and control it. My job was to make this device usable. So I tested it on smiles in Springvale. Slimes are pure elemental beings, so they were perfect for this experiment. At the end, I was able to absorb everything on the slimes and recreated their attacks. However, unfortunately after one attack device exploded. On the other hand, when Mister Cailean used them on branches, it worked perfectly. With this device, we can control the elemental energy that carries memories in ley lines specifically.

Cailean
Since we have only three of this device, Sucrose, Albedo and Traveler will get one.

Traveler
That’s ok, Paimon doesn’t need it.

Paimon
Hey! Paimon also wanted to try it! But yeah, it’s better if you use it. Paimon is scared a bit, you know.

Sucrose
What about Mister Cailean?

Cailean
As I told you, I don’t need that device. I've been doing this for centuries. I was just worried about you two, that’s all.

Albedo
If that’s what you wish, then I can’t object. But please, be careful.

Cailean
Don’t worry little one, we’ll just look for a specific memory and then return.

Paimon
Paimon is curious. If you know so many things about ley lines already, why are you still working on them?

Cailean
I am looking for someone. It’s my mom. She has already passed away centuries ago. But I want to know how, and when. I want to know the reason why she was there.

Traveler
Maybe she went to the grocery to buy milk but lost her way?

Cailean
Haha! No, that’s not it. Because of her responsibilities, she can’t just disappear. She wasn’t acting weird either so that doesn’t fit. I was afraid that she was in trouble, but at that time I was too young to take action. Until now I was searching for the right ley line to find her memories. It was… weird that I couldn’t see her memories on any other ley lines. Those books I was reading were wrong about how ley lines work, but they contained very important information for me. They were actually talking about my mom. So I assume the ley lines there have my mother’s memories. And we are going to look at them.

Paimon
Where are these ley lines exactly at?

Cailean
I marked the location on this map. Since you are an adventurer, maybe you can take us there.

Traveler
I don’t know this place, but I’ll try my best.

Cailean
Great. Then let’s set off tomorrow.

Albedo
Wait a minute. If it’s alright, I’d like to know more about that book you read. Can I borrow it for tonight?

Cailean
Sure, I’ll give it to you. So you can read it yourself. Traveler, you can also take a look.

Traveler
I have another question.

Cailean
Oh? What’s that?

Traveler
Why do you want to keep this as a secret?

Cailean
You can’t say it’s a secret since there are lots of people who helped Sucrose. I just don’t want everyone to know about my plans. It’s none of their business anyway. Are you telling everyone about what you have eaten for lunch? Why would they be interested anyway?

Traveler

Who else knows?

Sucrose
While I was working on the gadget, an envoy from Fatui offered me help. She sent me lots of raw materials and already existing project drawings with some samples. At first, Mister Albedo told me not to trust her so quickly, but she was so kind! And… Even Master Diluc was getting along with her. So I thought we could trust her.

Paimon
Wait! So, did you work with Fatui!?

Albedo
Not exactly. She said her help was unrelated to Fatui. Everything she gave to Sucrose was a secret from other recruits -which is also suspicious itself. The schemas of gadgets were from a mechanic from Sumeru. They were very similar to those Dendrogranums.

Cailean
Usually, helping others without accepting anything in return is acceptable in science. However, considering her affiliation with Fatui, that was a bit… beyond belief.

Sucrose
B-But she is actually a good person, I can tell that. She didn’t interrupt my research or spy on me. Yet, whenever we came across, she asked me if I needed anything else and provided everything. During my breaks, she offered me some tea and cake too.

Paimon
Hmm. She actually might be a nice person. But if she’s a good person, why is she with Fatui? Paimon smells something fishy here. We should be careful on our way! They might try an ambush on us.

Cailean
No need to worry. She has other jobs to attend to while we’re off, so she won’t be able to follow us -at least that’s what Mona said. But when we return, I’d like to have a few words with her personally as a token of my gratitude.

Albedo
I’d like to be there with you. But for now, if we are done, let’s get ready.

(Next morning. Everyone collects their bags.)

Sucrose
Phew! That was the last bag.

Albedo
Um, Sucrose. Don’t you think you brought a bit… Too many bags?

Cailean
Indeed. Sucrose, honey, please keep only one bag, the rest will stay here. We have a long way ahead.

Sucrose
I know, but that’s a once in a lifetime opportunity! Thinking about all the raw materials I can collect… I-I guess I got a bit excited.

Cailean
I understand how you feel, but this is not that kind of trip. Don’t worry, I’ll give the map to you so you can go and visit there anytime you want.

Sucrose
Really? Would you do that? Thank you Mister Cailean!

Cailean
I understand your endeavor so it is always a reason of joy for me to help you. Anyway, Traveler, we trust you with the way. Seems like we are all ready.

Traveler
Sure, leave it to me.

Cailean
Here is the map. When we arrive there, we’ll know.

(Out of Dragonspine. Climbing up a hill.)

Sucrose
I’m glad I didn’t bring all those bags.

Albedo
Be careful, watch your steps.

Paimon
Paimon is curious, why would your mother leave you to come to a place like this?

Cailean
That’s what I want to know. The day she disappeared was an ordinary day. She put me to sleep and left to meet with other witches. But the next morning, she didn’t come back. Normally you need an invitation for tea parties, which she had that time. However, I don’t remember the exact location, they wouldn’t let me see. When I was old enough, I left our hometown to search for my mother. I even found every witch in the Hexerzinkel, but no one heard about my mother for centuries. Now my only hope is this tree.

Albedo
The scholar in the book wrote that they met a young woman around the tree. She looked so ordinary and lost. Seems like she didn’t expect to be there either. My theory was someone played a trick on her and called her to that location. Maybe at that time, there wasn’t even a tea party.

Sucrose
But, who would want to trick her? And why?

Traveler
Did she have enemies?

Cailean
Of course, everyone has enemies. Hexenzirkel was an organization of strong women who’d fight against Archons and beasts, so it is only natural for her to have enemies. But if you ask me who they are, I have no idea. The worst scenario is… Sigh, I don’t want to think about it.

Paimon
Do you think she’s…

(Traveler nods.)

Paimon
Ow… Poor Cailean.

Cailean
Enough chit chat! Let’s go.

(Cailean angrily walks ahead.)

(In front of the domain.)

Cailean
Here it is… Now tell me all of your secrets… That scholar didn’t enter the domain, so we have no clue what’s inside. In Sumeru Akademiya, scholars’ lives matter more. Thus, whatever we’ll see inside will be a big surprise for all of us. Stay cautious.

(Enter domain.)

Paimon
This domain doesn’t look different from any other domains. But it feels… more comfortable.

Sucrose
All those branches covering the walls must be connected to the tree. If we follow them, we might find where it is.

Cailean
That’s very nice Sucrose. However, don’t expect the domains to be easy. Irminsul trees reward only those who solve the puzzle and overcome all the difficulties. So be ready to fight.

Albedo
Hm? There are cracks on some branches.

(Albedo gets closer to cracked branches. A smoke comes out of branches and monsters appear.)

Albedo
Everyone, be careful! Those are not just memories!

Cailean
That’s what I was talking about. Everyone, get behind me!

(They defeat monsters.)

Paimon
How did those big monsters come out from that tiny branch?

Cailean
Just like how all those treasures come out.

Albedo
Those branches… there is a huge crack on them, and it continues on this way. The tree must be about to collapse.

Paimon
How do you know? A-And what happens if the tree collapses?

Cailean
That means it will be useless trying to control the memories inside the tree since there won’t be a tree anymore. And about monsters… They might all appear at the same time, who knows? Maybe we might have to fight a whole army.

Paimon
Yikes!

Cailean
Branches are going down.

Paimon
So, you mean… We need to go down!? It’s like we’re going inside our own tombs!

Cailean
The deeper, the stronger Irminsul is. It’s either to be directly connected to Abyss or Celestia. Since we can’t go up, the only way is down.

(Cailean touches to branches and smoke appears.)

Albedo
Mister Cailean!

(Smoke creates some memories of a young woman.)

Woman
It must be somewhere here. Hello? Is there anyone here? Huh, maybe it’s downstairs.

(Woman goes downstairs and smoke disappears.)

Paimon
Who was that woman?

Cailean
Mom... Come on, this way.

Albedo
Mister Cailean, we shouldn’t hurry. Please wait.

(Everyone goes downstairs.)

Cailean
Another broken branch.

Traveler
Allow me.

Cailean
Oh? You want to try the device? Please, be my guest.

Traveler
This way you can observe the memories better.

Cailean
Ohoho, thank you for your consideration. I appreciate it.

(Traveler uses the device to recreate the memory.)

Paimon
Gasp! It’s Fatui!

Women
What does this mean!? Explain yourselves!

Agent
Ma'am, please. We don’t plan to force you to do anything, of course. You are free to leave whenever you want. But I believe you would like to listen to what I’m about to say. Thank you for your patience. I’ll try to keep it short. Our majesty Tsaritsa’s great plan is to make a better world for us, humans. I know you might not find our methods the most appropriate, however, during war times we might need to take harsh actions. Of course, we don’t plan to act rude to you… But, with your powers on our side, don’t you think your son would live in a more peaceful place? We won’t force you to work with us… Just for this time, could you lend your power- uısokgewnf

Woman
…hagosne well. What should I do exactly?

Agent
Excellent. Just follow the instructions, and don’t worry about anything. We will assure your safety no matter what.

(Memories disappear and monsters attack.)

Paimon
Oh no! They are back!

Albedo
Traveler, get away from that branch!

Cailean
No. I must learn the whole truth!

Albedo
Mister Cailean wait!

Paimon
This is bad! We should protect him!

(Team defeats monsters while protecting Cailean.)

Recruits
Commander! They are everywhere!

Agent
Protect the witch at all costs!

(A war sound from smoke.)

???
Presumptuous mortals! Your actions will be punished!

Paimon
What is this voice!? Is she talking to us?

Sucrose
No, it’s coming from memories.

Albedo
Mister Cailean, please stop it!

(Monsters are eliminated, memory fog shows dead recruits and kneeling Agent with the woman.)

Agent
We yusaıf scerely sorry, but the… you… strisa… bunlphgn…

???
Enough! Humankind has already committed sins yu… puni… your act… ri’ah ex…

Woman
What are you talking about?

(Woman stands up.)

Woman
Do you really believe I would accept this fate?

Agent
Ma'am, maybe you should calm down and think about your son.

Woman
No! I’m not a pawn you c… wish. This… I don’t accept…

Agent
That woman! She is going to ruin everything. I must go and report majesty, but this woman is going to be the end of all of us.

???
This action will not be tolerated! You will receive the… ment!

Agent
Wait-

Woman
Aaaaa!

Agent
Drat!

(Harbinger’s memory teleports away.)

(Albedo covers Sucrose’s eyes, Paimon hides behind Traveler.)

Cailean
Hah… huh? What… Mom…

(Cailean breaks the branch with the power of cryo and a blizzard occurs. Freezing winds surround everyone.)

Albedo
Mister Cailean, please calm down!

Cailean
Pants, pants. How dare they… ALL OF THEM!

(Cailean turns the Irminsul tree into dust with his vision and causes a snowstorm, covering the domain into snow. Everyone is blown away. Because of the cold, Sucrose and Paimon can’t move. Albedo tries to create a shield. Traveler tries to move towards Cailean while ice particles and splinters from the tree hit them. Meanwhile, memories from the tree attack.)

Albedo
Traveler, watch out! Don’t go near him or the tree!

Cailean
I will make them all pay. They will all pay! Celestia… You will-

Traveler
Cailean!

(Traveler finally touches Cailean’s shoulder and hugs him. Cailean calms and the storm goes down. Both of them fall on their knees and Cailean starts to cry.)

Traveler
It’s alright. I know how you feel. They also took my sibling from me…

(Cailean hugs Traveler back and continues to cry. Albedo is very concerned but can’t leave unconscious Sucrose and Paimon.)

(Out of the domain, night time. Cailean sits aside next to Sucrose and Paimon.)

Albedo
Traveler, do you have a moment? Let’s keep everything we saw inside for us. No one has to know anything. However, I’m afraid that Mister Cailean might do something that… makes someone angry. He is in a very unstable mood now.

Traveler
I know how it feels to lose someone you love.

Albedo
Yes. What you did back then was very brave but careless. Please be more careful from now on. I will take Sucrose back to Mondstadt. I’m counting on you on your way back with Mister Cailean.

(Albedo leaves with Sucrose.)

(Traveler sits next to Cailean.)

Cailean
I’m sorry little one… I didn’t mean to put you in danger. I wanted to protect you from outside dangers while I was the one who was the most dangerous…

Traveler
Everyone has breakdowns. I don’t blame you.

Cailean
Thank you…

Traveler
What do you plan to do now?

Cailean
I don’t know… I need a break from everything that happened just now.

(Cailean stands up, looks back at the domain entrance and throws his vision there. Vision breaks into pieces and gets inactivated.)