Liberum Ventus Chapter: Act II – A Joyful Celebration

Paimon
It is almost time! Let’s go check our clothes with Ying’er. Paimon can’t wait to see how beautiful they are.

(In front of the Scent of Spring.)

Paimon
Huh? It’s closed? But why?

Traveler
She must have an important job.

Paimon
Surely… Oww, Paimon was looking forward to seeing the clothes. Guess it can’t be helped, we should wait till she comes back.

(Duo walks around the dock.)

Paimon

Hey look! It’s Beidou. Hi Beidou!

Beidou
Hm? Ohoho, hi there! It’s nice to see you two again.

Paimon
What are you doing?

Beidou
I brought a cargo that the Feiyun Guild ordered.

Paimon

Oh, it must be for Mian Feng’s wedding.

Traveler

Will you join too?

Beidou
Nah, I’ll pass. I wasn’t invited anyway.

Paimon
Huh? Why is that?

Beidou
Mian Feng is a nice guy, but when it comes to trades, he’s always watching me like an eagle ready to attack anytime. Just like Ningguang, they are fine as long as they are far for me. That’s why I’ll send my regards from afar.

Paimon
That’s a shame.

Beidou

I assume you two are attending the wedding. Send my regards too, eh?

Traveler

Of course.

Beidou

Oh! If you can, maybe you can bring me some wine too, eh?

(Hu Tao and Xingqiu arrive with a few people.)

Xingqiu

Greetings Captain, and Traveler and Paimon.

Beidou
Hi! You two must be the ones that ordered the cargo. Full package without any damage.

Xingqiu
Excellent!

Hu Tao
Thank you Captain, the other half of the payment will reach you in a few hours with Mister Zhongli.

Beidou
Great. And congratulations everyone. Me and my crew wish the new couple a happy life.

(Men carry the cargo away.)

Paimon
By the way, did you manage to get back the previous patch?

Hu Tao
Yup! They are all safe. Now we are getting ready to decorate the whole Yujing Terrace.

Paimon

Huh? Whole terrace!?

Xingqiu
It is where Rex Lapis passed away, but we shouldn’t visit there with bitter emotions.

Hu Tao
God or human, every life comes to an end. But before passing the bridge, it allows another life to flourish. May Rex Lapis rest in peace, and let’s celebrate the birth of a new love, bounded by a lifelong contract.

Paimon
Well said Hu Tao.

Xingqiu
We should bring the cargo to Lady Keqing now. Please excuse us.

Hu Tao
Actually, why not join us?

Paimon
Is it ok to have a peek?

Traveler
Maybe we can help too.

Hu Tao
Aww, you’re so kind. You are always welcomed to Wansheng Funeral Parlor’s organizations.

Paimon
Uhh, Paimon is not sure if she wants to come to all of them.

(Yujing Terrace, day time.)

Paimon
Wow! It looks beautiful. You can see so many decorations based on Liyue’s culture. And look over there! So many lanterns.

Hu Tao
Yup! They will be released during Yun Jin’s performance. They will cover the whole sky.

Keqing
Welcome everyone, you are right on time. We are almost done with the wedding decorations. Currently we are setting up the stage for Miss Yun Jin’s performance.

Paimon
It’s huuuuge!

Traveler
Stage looks perfect. You did a great job as always Keqing.

Keqing
Hehe, you’re flattering me. But it’s not done yet. We won’t be revealing the stage for three days. Here’s also where the couple swear their oaths and sign their contracts. So this stage is very important, and I want it to keep as a secret until the last minute.

Hu Tao

I can’t wait to see Guan Yin up on stage.

Keqing

Xiangling and Chef Mao have already prepared the cake, the orchestra is working hard and decorations are almost done. Everyone is putting their hearts to it. We all owe Mian Feng so much. It’s shameful to lower our men’s reputation but without him, Millileth wouldn’t be in its current state and power. He made great reforms and created a new army in less than a few years. He’s a genius. The peace era made us careless, and without his predictions, we could have lost during Osail’s attack. Of course Traveler’s help can’t be ignored, but without a proper army and plan, none of us could get out of that situation.

Traveler
I just helped out, I don’t deserve the whole praise.

Keqing

Hehe, humble as usual.

Yun Jin
Greetings everyone.

Xinyan
Hello there! It’s been a while.

Paimon
Xinyan, Yun Jin, hello.

Yun Jin
Are you here to check on preparations?

Paimon

We actually came to help but it seems like there’s no need for us.

Xinyan
You bet. As performers, everything is all ready. Just a few more practice and we are ready to hop on the stage, after the vows.

Paimon
Xinyan, are you getting on the stage too?

Xinyan

Of course. I’ll be the lead guitarist. Mister Mian Feng personally invited me to join Yun Jin on stage. There’s no way I could miss that.

Yun Jin
It’s like a dream come true to be able to perform with my friends.

Xinyan
Come now, I should be saying that.

Paimon
We are looking forward to the performance.

Hu Tao
Everything’s going so smoothly. I can’t be happier than that.

Xingqiu

As long as we put our hearts and support the couple till the end, nothing can go wrong.

Keqing
Indeed. This is a day to celebrate and enjoy. You guys can rest assured and leave here to me.

Traveler
Please don’t push yourself.

Keqing
Don’t worry, we are a team here. Also, just a little bit of tiredness is nothing.

Paimon
Oh, Paimon was almost forgetting it. We actually went out to get our clothes.

Keqing
Huh? What clothes?

Paimon
We ordered special clothes for the wedding since everyone seems to have one.

Hu Tao
How thoughtful of you. You needn’t to bother that much. You are always welcomed with or without fitting in the dress code.

Traveler
We wanted to fit in too, that’s all.

Paimon
We ordered them from Ying’er, but she wasn’t at the shop. Shall we return and check on her? She should be back till now.

Keqing
Very well. Let’s not keep you guys.

Yun Jin
Hahh, I can’t wait for the great day.

Hu Tao
Me too! After that day, we will be a big family. Sigh.

Yun Jin
What’s wrong?

Hu Tao
It’s nothing. I just wish that grandpa could also see this.

Xingqiu
He will be watching over you from the sky, and share your joy with you.

Yun Jin
Indeed. Maybe he might honor us with his present in another form.

Xinyan
You must love your grandpa dearly. And this love is not one sided, nor can die so easily.

Hu Tao
Thank you all. But why am I frowning? It's time to celebrate! Let’s enjoy and have lots of fun while we remember death and honor life once again.

(Paimon and Traveler return to the Scent of Spring.)

Paimon
Huh? She’s still not here. Oh, Paimon’s getting worried. Do you think something bad happened to her? Or perhaps, bad merchants came back and took everything including Ying’er!?

Guard
Are you looking for the shop owner?

Paimon
Oh, hi. Do you know where she is?

Guard
Yes. There was a sign this morning saying “I went to meet with Lady Ningguang”. Guess she has some important stuff to discuss. But the wind should have blown the sign away.

Paimon
Oh, so that’s what happened. Paimon got so worried.

Guard
Yes, I can see that. But don’t worry, if any suspicious action occurs, Millileth will take action immediately.

Paimon
Hearing that put Paimon at ease.

Traveler
Thank you for informing us.

Guard
Don’t mention it. Have a pleasant day.

Paimon
Meeting with Ningguang, that means they are in the Jade Chamber. Shall we go check on them? Paimon can’t help but want to know what they are talking about. Also we can ask about our clothes too.

(Jade Chamber, night time.)

Paimon
Huh? There’s no one here. Even the guards are gone. Oh, Paimon has a bad feeling about this. Let’s go check inside really quick.

(Inside the Jade Chamber.)

(No one can be seen, all lights are out. Only Ningguang’s room is enlightened. Paper rustling noises are coming from there, the door is slightly open. Traveler and Paimon take a peek inside and see a female Fatuus with a weird mask shuffling the papers.)

Paimon
Fatui!? Stop right there!

(Fatuus panics and drops everything. When Traveler gets ready to attack, she grabs a few papers and teleports with the power of electro to the main hall. She then starts to run out.)

Guard
Catch her! Don’t let her escape!

(Millileth soldiers and Traveler run behind the Fatuus but she jumps off of the Jade Chamber. A soldier shoots an arrow to her shoulder before she can teleport with electro and she starts to fall.)

Guard

What have you done? Come on, we are going behind her! Catch her before she falls down.

(Some soldiers slowly get down and some inform the support troops on ground. Fatuus tries to teleport but another Fatui agent catches her in the air.)

Fatui Agent

Are you alright?

Female Fatuus
Ugh…

(When Millileth and Traveler reached the area, the two had already escaped and disappeared in the darkness.)

Guard
Damn it! We missed them!

Ningguang
What is going on here!?

(Ningguang and Mian Feng comes.)

Paimon
Uh oh…

Ningguang
What is going on? Explain yourselves!

Guard
Lady Ningguang! We were on our positions, but then something happened an-

Mian Feng
Stop! I don’t want to hear any foolish excuses. Traveler, were you in Jade Chamber too? Can you explain what happened?

(They explain everything.)

Mian Feng
So what you are saying is, all these guards disappeared and a Fatuus took some important papers as it was nothing?

Guard
We are sincerely sorry. But the situation was out of our control. Before we could alarm the next guard, we were all teleported to the engine room and were locked there.

Mian Feng
Teleport?

Paimon
Yeah! That Fatuus girl has teleporting ability with the power of electro. That’s how she escaped!

Ningguang
This is unacceptable!

Mian Feng
Ridiculous. So all these armed men couldn’t stop one person because she had the power of electro, is that so?

Guard
We apologize, general. But one of us managed to shoot her on the shoulder. She can’t go too far. Even if she managed to hide, we can find her tomorrow-

Mian Feng
Tomorrow? Why can’t you find her tonight? Take your men and go search for the thief! No one’s resting until the culprit is found.

Guard
Yes, general!

(Guards on their search.)

Ningguang

And what were you two doing there?

Paimon
Um… We actually wanted to see Ying’er, but someone told us that she’s with you. So we decided to give you a visit. Then, we saw that Fatuus.

Traveler
Sorry for not being able to catch her.

Ningguang
Sigh. That’s alright.

Mian Feng
We should go check what they stole.

Ningguang
Yes. Please come with me.

(Inside the Jade Chamber, Ningguang’s room.)

Mian Feng
Hm… Windows are closed. No doors seem to be forced. So she can teleport through locked places too.

Ningguang
How can this be possible? You said you saw her teleporting. If she can be seen, that means she must have a physical form. How can she teleport through doors?

Paimon
She turns into an electro-cloud and moves around. She can freely move inside the doors like the entrance.

Mian Feng
That sounds like a Cicin Mage, but they are invisible when they teleport. This is a unique one.

Ningguang
Look at all this mess…

(Ninggunag kneels down and collects papers.)

Mian Feng
What did she stole?

Ningguang
…Traveler, please give us a moment. Mian Feng, come look at these.

Mian Feng
…Drat! Traveler, I need you to go back down.

Paimon
O-Okay…

(Surface.)

Paimon
They looked so mad. Paimon hopes Fatui didn’t steal anything so important.

Traveler
It looked like it was a government secret.

Paimon
Yeah, it’s terrible. But there’s one more thing that bothers Paimon. That Cicin Mage’s mask was different than usual. It was like there was a thick metal muzzle on her mouth, and her eyes looked so sad. It was so scary. Ugh! Why do they have to ruin everything just before something important!? Paimon just started to relax since everything was going smoothly. Hope they find that Cicin Mage soon.

Traveler
And the other guy.

Paimon
You saw it too, right? What was he!? And was he waiting for her? Oh, this can’t be a regular theft, they must have planned this. We also should help with the investigation! Let’s interrogate every Fatuus we encounter!

Traveler
I have a better plan.

Paimon
Really? What’s it?

Traveler
Let’s wait until tomorrow.

Paimon
Okay then… If you say so. But Paimon doesn’t think she can fall asleep tonight from anxiety.

(Next morning, Bubu Pharmacy’s steps.)

Paimon

Ok, now we will wait here and investigate every patient’s shoulders. Keep your eyes open. Do you see anyone with bandages on her shoulders?

Traveler
… Isn’t that Isabella?

Paimon
Wait what? Oh and him! What are they doing here? Let’s go interrogate them! They should know something about yesterday.

Baizhu
Here’s the prescriptions. Apply this ointment to your face, but be careful not to get it in your mouth nor eyes.

Isabella
Thank you Doctor Baizhu.

Paimon
There you are traitors!

Isabella
Huh?

Tartaglia
It’s nice to see you two, too(?).

Paimon
Oh, don’t play the nice guy role. This time you’re not fooling anyone.

Isabella
W-What happened?

Traveler
Last night a Cicin Mage broke into the Jade Chamber and stole some papers.

Isabella
A Cicin Mage? Are you sure of that?

Tartaglia
I didn’t give such an order. Also, why should I bother with Ningguang’s diary?

Paimon
Stop lying to us! We know you are responsible for Liyue. So it must have been your recruit.

Traveler
Start to explain yourselves.

Baizhu
Goodness. What is this fuss? Also, please don’t yell at my patients. You are scaring others.

Paimon
Baizhu, this is very important: Did anyone, a female, come here to show their injured shoulder?

Baizhu
Injured shoulder? No, no one came with such a complaint.

Traveler
Then what are you two here?

Isabella
As you can see, there are some cuts on my face from last night.

Paimon
Huh? How did they happen?

Tartaglia
Ehem!

Isabella
Um… M-Maybe I should tell you later.

Paimon
Huh? What?

Traveler
So your shoulder is fine, is that correct?

Isabella
Of course it is. And unfortunately I don’t know anything about last night’s incident. It’s the first time I heard about that from you.

Tartaglia
Another topic I should point to is I’m not the only Habringer who’s currently in Liyue. Remember, the whole Northland Bank is directed by another Harbinger, Pantalone. He has more control here than me. So accusing me like that will gain you nothing. I didn’t order anyone to steal some random papers from Jade Chamber, I have no conflict with Ningguang nor personal deal. Sure, after the Osial incident I might have caused a little conflict between her and Pantalone, but it’s their problem now.

Paimon
How are we supposed to believe you?

Tartaglia
Go ask him if you can. But yelling at me seems easier for you, doesn’t it? Or accusing her for every problem that happens around you.

Traveler
What’s gotten into you?

Paimon

Yeah, normally you would be excited to spear blades. What’s now?

Tartaglia
Look at her face! How can I stay calm?

Isabella
It’s okay, really. It doesn’t even hurt.

Tartaglia
There’s no way I can let this slide. Traveler, if you can manage to see Pantalone before me, tell him that I’m looking for him. Cuz I have a few words to say too.

Paimon
Did Pantalone do these scars on your face?

Isabella
It’s not a big deal.

Changsheng
Rest assured. If she uses the ointment we gave her properly, not a single mark will be left.

Baizhu

Indeed. Those are minor injuries, nothing to worry about. So please, don’t act with rage.

Tartaglia

Mmm! I still need to talk to him. No one informed me about that Cicin Mage. I also want to listen to yesterday's explanation.

Isabella
I-I also need to see Ganyu. Probably Lady Ningguang won’t listen to me, but Ganyu will.

(Isabella runs. Tartaglia leaves the area with fuss.)

Paimon
Oh boy. So they didn’t know anything.

Baizhu

You said a Cicin Mage entered the Jade Chamber, hm?

Changsheng
Unfortunately, no one visited the Bubu Pharmacy with a shoulder injury. But if anyone comes, we will let you know.

Baizhu
Normally there’s a policy that protects patients privacy, but this is an exceptional case.

Paimon
Thank you two. This is very important. Meanwhile, let’s go find Pantalone! We also have a few words to spare!

(Inside the Northland Bank. Ningguang, Mian Feng, Tartaglia and Pantalone are there.)

Paimon
Wow! Guess we are late to the party.

Ekaterina
Hush! Traveler, get out of here. It’s not the time-

Mian Feng

You are under arrest for theft, breaking into someone’s property and kidnapping!

Pantalone
Do you have any evidence to take me away? I’m just a mere businessman who works with his pride and honor. Your dirty little tricks to damage Fatui’s reputation won’t work this time.

Ningguang
Stop with your nonsense! Cicin Mages work for Fatui, that means she was working for you. Now tell me, what’s your intention on Natlan?

Paimon
Natlan? Were those papers about Natlan?

Ekaterina
Be quite!

Pantalone
Personally, I have a deal with everyone all around the Teyvat. It is normal for me to have interest in other nations-

Mian Feng
So you accept your crimes.

Pantalone
I didn’t say such a thing. As a businessman who’s interested in mora, if I don’t see any value in a thing, it’s nothing more than garbage. Like this cheap story of yours. According to the testimonies you have, the culprit was a girl with a mask. Whether she’s a Fatuus or not, there’s nothing else you can conclude I’m the real mastermind of this plan. This is only your prediction based on someone else’s words. Besides, I don’t specifically match with the culprit you described, so that means your accusations against me are nothing but empty words. If you can catch that girl and make her confess I personally gave her this order, I’ll gladly come with you, General. However, with your current evidence, there’s no reason for me to accept to follow you. 

Mian Feng
Ugh!

Pantalone
Without solid proof, you have no power to take me down. If you are done, I have more important and real cases to attend. Time is money, and every second I waste here is a loss for me. Ekaterina, please guide our guests outside.

Ekaterina
Y-Yes Lord Harbinger.

Ningguang
This is not over yet!

Pantalone
Oh please. You are always welcomed to Northland Bank, Lady Ningguang. I’d be glad to see you bow in front of all these people and beg for forgiveness for your false accusations. Farewell. Oh and General, I’ve heard the news. Congratulations. I wish you a happy life with your future wife.

Mian Feng
Grrr!

Ningguang
Let’s go.

Paimon
When did you come here?

Mian Feng
My men couldn’t find a trace of that girl. So the first thing we did was to come here and question Pantalone. But as he said, we lack evidence.

Ningguang
I sent one of my secreters to spy inside, but she also couldn’t find any clues. On top of that, the most reliable person inside is also missing.

Paimon
You have a spy inside the Fatui?

Ningguang
Let’s call her an ally. We have personal trades with Isabella all the time. She’s one of my VIP guests who is allowed to visit Jade Chamber anytime. But Bu’yun told me she hadn't talked to him since her last visit.

Mian Feng
When was her last visit?

Ningguang
Two weeks ago. We were discussing the evacuation of Fatui members from the Chasm. Qixing had already discussed the topic with Pulcinella. However, he refused to bargain and let us decide. Of course, we had no intention to save those men who tried to destroy our nation. But Isabella begged us to take them out and send them back to Snezhnaya. In return, she told me about every illegal trade that Fatui was plotting at the moment. Of course there are more topics like this we discuss all the time. An information for another one. I call it a golden trade.

Paimon
So she’s a two sided spy!

Mian Feng
That’s her job after all. She was raised by Sandrone to be a soldier, an assassin. Spying on people and selling information is nothing for her.

Ningguang
It’s a pity that we can’t find her today.

Paimon
Actually we saw her today. She was at the Bubu Pharmacy to get some ointment for her cuts.

Ningguang
Cuts?

Paimon
Um… Seems like Pantalone did something to her face, she had scars around her mouth. And the guy you saw inside, Tartaglia, was with her. When we gave them the news, she rushed to Ganyu to talk to her, since she was afraid that Ningguang might get mad at her.

Ningguang
I see…

Yelan
Lady Ningguang.

Paimon
Yelan? What are you doing here?

Yelan
I have some progress about the thief. But I can’t tell it here, so please follow me to the tea shop.

(Second floor of the tea shop.)

Yelan
I followed the traces after she fell down. As you said, she was catched by another person. Footprints belonged to a male, an agent’s shoes. Those are specially made in Snezhnaya and only given to male Fatui. She didn’t walk herself but was carried away since there were no other footprints in the area. I followed them until the abandoned house near the Golden House and found the arrow and some bandages.

Paimon
So that’s why no one visited Bubu Pharmacy. They dealt with the injuries themselves.

Yelan
They also left the uniforms in that house, probably disguised.

Mian Feng
If they walked into Harbor with ripped clothes, that would catch too much attention. So, has anyone seen any suspicious entrance to the harbor from that direction?

Yelan
Unfortunately, during the night, no one has entered nor left the harbor from that direction.

Ningguang
Thinking how she can teleport, we can assume that they could enter the harbor without catching any attention.

Paimon
But you could still see a cloud left behind.

Traveler
Also she was still injured and was not able to teleport even when she tried it.

Paimon
That means it’s the guy who teleported?

Yelan
Or he was just fast. Not around the entrance but kids who went outside to play said they saw a scary shadow monster that night.

Paimon
Yikes!

Yelan
Does this ring a bell?

Traveler
Sorry.

Yelan
Anyway, if we can find more clues about that monster, we can catch them easily.

Mian Feng
Any other clues?

Yelan
I’d like to add one more thing. One of my intels said the same night there was a meeting in Northland Bank. Isabella was also there but didn’t leave the bank the whole night.

Paimon
That must be when she got her scars.

Yelan
Scars? What scars?

(They briefly explained things.)

Yelan

I see. Poor thing. They might have kept her inside not to inform us.

Mian Feng
So we are looking for a shadow monster, huh? Haha, I can’t imagine myself explaining this to my men.

Ningguang
You can leave the rest to me. You have a wedding to get ready.

Mian Feng
How can I enjoy myself when people need me? No, the wedding can wait. We need to solve this case first.

Paimon
Mian Feng…

Traveler
It’s not an ordinary theft, right?

Ningguang
Indeed. But I can’t tell you what it’s about. It would take too long to explain everything since you don’t have any background.

Mian Feng
Nonetheless, it concerns some of our friends from Natlan. And by friends, I mean General Lozen. You can say it’s a political issue that ordinary people shouldn’t get too involved in.

Traveler
Now things are getting more concerning.

Yelan
…

Ningguang
Do you have something on your mind?

Yelan
No. Not exactly. I just need to think about it a bit more. That’s all I could confirm.

Mian Feng
More than enough. I’m preparing my men for patrol. Let’s hope to find them soon.

(Mian Feng leaves.)

Paimon
Aww, poor Mian Feng. And he was so excited for the wedding.

Yelan
…

Ningguang
It’s a shame that we have to encounter such misfortune. I should have been more careful. We got too careless with joy

Paimon
It wasn’t your fault. How could we know that Fatui would use this occasion as an opportunity?

Ningguang
Yes… Right now, I don’t feel well. Please excuse me.

(Ningguang leaves.)

Paimon
Oof, the atmosphere is getting heavier. What are we gonna do?

Yelan
Traveler, I have a few questions for you. You said that the Cicin Mage had a unique mask. Did it look like this?

(Yelan shows a photo of a mask.)

Traveler
Yes, that’s it.

Yelan
Unrelated question: When you saw Isabella at Bubu Pharmacy, was she able to use her arms?

Traveler
She didn’t intentionally not move her arm.

Yelan
I see.

Paimon
You were silent in front of Ningguang. Is it because you didn’t want to get Isabella into trouble?

Yelan
Yes… She is my friend; she helped me with my personal affairs besides dealing with Fatui’s schemes. I know her secrets, and so she does mine. Normally I don’t let anyone get too close to me outside the work. However, considering how good she is at finding secrets, it is best to keep her close, so that she will be obligated to tell me hers. This mask is called Scold's Bridle; it restricts the user’s sight and ability to talk. It’s a kind of punishment that is used in the Court of Fontain for indiscreets -specifically in government affairs. There’s a lock behind the neck and you can open it only with a key. It’s also very tight that those metal parts cause cuts on your face. They make you bite a sharp metal that whenever you want to talk, it slowly cuts your tongue and inner cheeks.

Paimon
That is horrible! Why would anyone do that?

Traveler

Are they using it on Isabella?

Yelan
This mask you see is specifically designed by Sandrone for Isabella -the design of the mask is different than the usual ones. After finding out that she’s leaking out information, they decided to punish her with this. Once, she had to wear this mask for a whole week, and she didn’t leave the house this whole time.

Paimon
T-Then, how did she eat or drink?

Yelan
She didn’t. Even breathing gets hard while this mask is on. Guess they send it to Pantalone for times like that.

Traveler
So it was Isabella. And she was very convincing.

Yelan
She’s good at lying, that’s her job at the end. But she couldn’t lie to me about the mask. Only I know the story behind it. Even if I explained it to Qixing, they wouldn't emphasize with her and arrest her right away. I trust Lady Ningguang’s judgment, but cannot trust her with this issue. The situation is beyond Isabella’s power and she can’t go against Fatui. When they put that mask on, the only thing she can think of is getting out of it. Her fear is too big that she can’t think straight, and her mind works in one way. This is a brainwashing technique they used on their recruits. So try not to face her with the mask on, cuz you won’t be able to stand a chance in a fight.

Paimon
Aww, poor Isabella. Paimon already felt bad about her but this is beyond sad.

Traveler
Fatui surprises me with their new schemes each time.

Yelan

I’m also thinking that the shadow monster was Tartaglia. I know he has a flashy armor.

Traveler

You mean his Foul Legacy form.

Yelan

To move faster than Millileth while carrying an injured person, he might have used it but got caught on his way. So, those clothes were just a disguise as Mian Feng said.

Traveler
And to protect Isabella, will we let them slide this time?

Yelan
Not so easy. Of course I’ll bring those papers back. However, I don’t want anyone to get involved in this. It’s always easy to negotiate with Isabella, and she’s one of the rarest people I enjoy having a deal with. Let’s just call her for tea, and she’ll spill everything. Traveler, can you bring her to me? Tell her that: Yelan wants to talk to you in private and she’s waiting at the tea house. She will understand what you mean and we will solve this case without warning anyone.

Paimon
We got this!

Traveler
But what if Fatui already seized those papers?

Yelan
Doesn’t matter. I just want to talk to her. We don’t need any solid proof or solution. Also, talking to her is just the first half of my plan. There’s more to do under the surface. We need to know the exact reason why they stole them in the first place. Then, we can proceed with resolving their secret plan and counterattack.

Paimon
Do we need to help?

Yelan
No, just bring her to me. I can deal with the rest. Also, on your way, please tell Mian Feng everything is under control. He needn’t worry. There are a few days left until the ceremony. He should get enough sleep and keep his energy for the big day.

Paimon
True. Both Mian Feng and Ningguang seemed super upset. Let’s cheer them up with good news!

(In front of Isabella’s house.)

Paimon
Oh Isabella! Can we talk for a moment?

Isabella
…What’s the matter?

Paimon
Yelan told us that she wants to talk to you and is waiting in the tea house.

Isabella
Is that so? O-Okay then.

Traveler
She said you’d know why.

Isabella
Oh… Uh, well. That means she talked to you too, huh?

Paimon
Yes. But we don’t blame you. How are your injuries?

Isabella
They hurt, but things will get better again. I don’t know how I can face Mian Feng again.

Traveler
He doesn’t know anything, and has no need for it.

Paimon
Yeah! It’s not your fault things escalated like that.

Isabella
Sigh. Still, Traveler, can you give my present on my behalf to Mian Feng? I-I don’t think I can show up in the wedding with this face.

Paimon
Isabella…

Isabella
Here are the presents. I should head to the tea house too. Take care.

(Isabella leaves.)

Paimon
Paimon is very upset that things took a bad turn. This was supposed to be a joyful day. But Fatui again ruined everything!

Traveler
Let’s go talk to Mian Feng and Ningguang.

Paimon
Yeah, at least let’s save the wedding before Mian Feng cancels anything.

(Traveler and Paimon talk to them.)

Mian Feng
If Yelan says so, I’m leaving the case to my men. Whatever she wants, Millileth will be in her command. Thank you for informing me… Now come to think of it, I think this was planned way before.

Paimon
How do you know?

Mian Feng
I was reckless to protect the Jade Chamber because all my attention was on Guan Yi. After she was kidnapped, I commissioned my men to protect her. And because of that, Jade Chamber’s defense got weakened. They planned to change my attention to somewhere else, and they succeeded.

Paimon
It’s not your fault that the enemy was faster. Now we have a chance to save the situation!

Mian Feng
You’re right. I’ll try to cheer now. Thanks for your help.

(Days pass and the wedding day arrives. Yujing Terrace, night time.)

(Whole terrace is full of lanterns and decorations. Kids running around and everyone is with their special clothes. Waiters are serving drinks and food freshly out from Xiangling’s stand.)

Xiangling
Welcome! Would you like to try some lobster and chicken? And here are some abalone and sea cucumbers. Oh, Guoba! Stop eating them!

Paimon
Oh no! We forgot to get our clothes from Ying’er!

Hu Tao
No need to worry. It’s not obligatory.

Paimon
Wow! Hu Tao, you look amazing!

Hu Tao
Hehe, thank you. As hosts of the wedding, we should leave a good impression on guests. Please, enjoy yourselves. Don’t stand at the entrance.

(Mian Feng is in front of the stage with some guests and a priest. Stage is hidden with red curtains.)

Paimon
Mian Feng hello!

Mian Feng
Welcome! I’m so glad you managed here.

Paimon
We were so worried that we got late.

Mian Feng
No no. We are still waiting for my beautiful wife. I mean, almost-wife.

Paimon
When can we see her?

Priest
Patience, little ones. Everything has a time. No need to rush.

Hu Tao

We are waiting for two more guests. Mian Feng wanted to see Isabella first before we start the ceremony.

Paimon
Uh oh.

Hu Tao
What’s wrong?

Traveler
She said she won’t be able to make it. So she sent her gifts with us.

Hu Tao
What!? Why?

Mian Feng
I see… It’s a shame, really. I was really hoping to see her.

Paimon
She was also afraid to face you after the Jade Chamber incident.

Mian Feng
Are you kidding? Why- Ugh. Tao, can we send someone to bring them? What an absurd excuse!

Paimon
So, you are not mad?

Mian Feng
Of course not! Not to her. She did nothing wrong.

Yelan

Don’t worry boss, I’ll go fetch her.

Paimon
Wow! Yelan, when did you come here? And you look gorgeous.

Yelan
Thanks. And I was here all the time. Don’t you worry, I’ll go get her. Meanwhile, you can start the ceremony.

Hu Tao
Then I’m calling the bride.

Mian Feng
I can’t believe she was blaming herself. There’s no way she can do such a thing nor would I accuse her. Why?

Paimon
Um…

(Traveler and Paimon stare at each other.)

Priest
It is almost time, everyone.

(Mian Feng gets on the stage before the curtains. Everyone stays still, facing the stage. Music starts to play behind the curtains. Hu Guan Yi slowly approaches the stage in her wedding dress and with others’ accompaniment. Everyone’s eyes are on her.)

Mian Feng
There’s my love…

(Guan Yi steps on the stage.)

Priest
Today we gathered to celebrate two young souls starting a new life together with a contract signed by love. By the authority vested in me, today, I will guide you on this journey.

Hu Tao
This is so exciting! Finally Guan Yi is getting married!

Xingqiu
Let’s not get overwhelmed and faint before their vows.

Hu Tao
Hehehe!

(Guan Yi and Mian Feng bow to each other, then to the crowd.)

Priest
Until death separates you, your contract has been sealed. May Rex Lapis protect this love from the heavens.

(Everyone applauds. The newly married couple gets off of the stage and sits down at a special table. Guests bring their gifts one by one.)

Ganyu
Here’s a humble gift from Cloud Retainer. We wish you a happy life.

Mian Feng
Thank you dear Ganyu.

Guan Yi
We appreciate it.

(Yao Yao and Qiqi get close. The couple stands up.)

Guan Yi
Welcome!

Yao Yao
Here’s my gift. I wish each time you feast together, my spices will bring you health and happiness.

Qiqi
Um… I forgot what day today was. So I picked a glaze lily on my way. Um, congratulations.

(Mian Feng kneels before Qiqi and takes the flower.)

Mian Feng
This is perfect. Thank you Qiqi.

(While Mian Feng sits back, Xingqiu bows with a gesture and presents the gifts that his men were carrying.)

Xingqiu
I brought my dear father’s regards and a few little presents which we thought might be good for your use.

Mian Feng
We can’t be more grateful, dear guild master.

Xingqiu
There is also another gift from the Guhua Clan I’d like to present.

(Hu Tao jumps to the bride and hugs her.)

Hu Tao
Guan Yi, congratulations! Here’s my gift, it’s for the baby! Isn’t it cute?

Guan Yi
Um… Is that a mini Funeral Parlor uniform?

Hu Tao
Of course! We need to pass the tradition to the next generation somehow. And your kids will be the perfect candidates for now.

Mian Feng
We will accept it. Thank you.

Zhongli
Director Hu, maybe we shouldn’t cut the line since everyone’s waiting to greet the couple. Even if you are their relatives, it’s rude to take their places. But since we are here, this is also my gift.

Mian Feng

Thank you Mister Zhongli.

Guan Yi
We are grateful for taking care of Tao.

Zhongli
Haha! Don’t mention it. It is always a pleasure to work with Director Hu.

Hu Tao
Hmph!

(Everyone presents their gifts. Mian Feng stands up after seeing a familiar face at the entrance and waves. Isabella and Tartaglia with their usual clothes wave at them back and slowly approach the table.)

Mian Feng

Please excuse me.

Isabella
Congratulations Mian Feng. Sorry for all the trouble we caused.

Mian Feng
Look around, everyone’s happy. I’m happy. You should be happy too.

Isabella
I’m happy for you and Guan Yi. We wish you a long, happy life.

Paimon

And here is the gift! We didn’t give it until you showed up.

Isabella
Oh right!

(They walk back to the table and Isabella presents the gifts.)

Isabella
I believe these will be useful in your daily lives.

Guan Yi
My goodness! This is beautiful.

Mian Feng
I will cherish this. Thank you my dear.

Tartaglia
Aaand this is mine. Maybe it’s not the time to give this but I believe this belongs to you.

(Mian Feng grabs the file and opens it.)

Mian Feng
Is that-

Tartaglia
I brought it back from Pantalone, but somewhere out there might be a few more copies of them.

Mian Feng
At the end, they returned to their original owners. How can I thank you?

Tartaglia
Don’t thank me. I did it only for her. Isabella’s happiness is my priority.

(Everyone gives their presents and returns to their original places. Ningguang and Keqing reach the table and present their gifts.)

Keqing
Mian Feng, Guan Yi, congratulations. I’d also like to thank you for everything you have done for Liyue. Compared to all your work, this gift is not worth your attention.

Mian Feng
What are you talking about? You gave me the best gift. The whole wedding ceremony could happen thanks to you. Keqing, I’m looking forward to continuing to work with you for longer years.

Keqing
It’s my pleasure.

Ningguang
I totally forgot to add that in my calculations. I guess I lost the best gift award this time.

Mian Feng
Please. We are co-workers. We are all friends. There is no need for such things. Knowing you is enough for me. Thank you for blessing the night with your attendance ladies. It means a lot to us.

(Drums change the rhythm and lights turn off. Stage curtains open, Yun Jin with her orchestra waites on stage for their performance.)

Xinyan
Welcome everyone! Now it’s time for the biggest show of the night. We congratulate the couple. Mister Mian Feng, your niece is incredible. Hope you like our performance.

(Orchestra starts to play a more traditional piece while Yun Jin sings. Then Xinyan hits her guitar’s strings and the atmosphere changs. The orchestra plays a song mixture of rock and opera. When the song ends, everyone applauds the performers.)

(Yun Jin and Xinyan leave the stage while the orchestra continues to play their songs.)

Mian Feng
Little Jin, thank you. This was incredible. I also thank you Xinyan.

Xinyan
Hehe, my pleasure. You can’t find such opportunities to perform.

Hu Tao
Oh that was perfect! Wish I could hear you two together more.

Yun Jin
Hopefully in the future we will have more opportunities like this.

Mian Feng
Thank you everyone for blessing the night with your existence. Let’s enjoy it until the end.

Crowd
Hurray!

(Extra. Traveler talks to some people.)

Yun Jin
I’m so happy we fulfilled my uncle’s wish.

Xinyan
It’s also our wish. Everyone liked it.

Yun Jin
Indeed. I’m looking forward to our next collaboration.

Ningguang
It’s so nice to see everyone having fun. I also invited Beidou but that stubborn narwhal kept refusing me. Such a shame. And look what we have here? Isn’t that her favorite wine? Guess it's all left to me.

Xiangling
Yun Jin and Xinyan were awesome! But wait until the cake arrives. I put my heart in it, it’s huuuuge! And don’t worry, I didn’t try something new this time. I used my old recipes.

Ganyu
You won’t believe it, but Vigilant Yaksha was just here to congratulate the couple, but he flew away after seeing the crowd. And I was thinking that he took a step.

Isabella
Thank you for helping me out. But are you sure you’ll be fine? I’m used to getting punishment, but if they find out you-

Tartaglia
Don’t worry, they can’t do anything to me. Also, seeing you upset is a thousand times worse than any physical punishment.

Isabella
… Please promise me to be careful.

Tartaglia
I will, don’t worry.

Qiqi
Mian Feng, is a nice guy. And the princess was pretty.

Yao Yao
She isn't a princess Qiqi, she is the bride. But yes, she is soooo pretty!

Yelan

Traveler

They might be behind Isabella for stealing the file back.

Yelan
True. But as long as that Harbinger is with her, no one can touch her a single hair strand. Don’t worry.

Mian Feng
I’m so happy. Can you hear my heart?

Guan Yi
There’s not enough words to describe how joyous I am. Mian Feng, I love you with my whole heart.

Mian Feng
I love you too, my life.

Guan Yi
Even after death, let me be yours.