"I know that Higi Village became a ruin, but I don't know exactly what happened, because it was before I was stationed here."
"Mm-hmm..."
After listening to Gorou's narration, Yae Miko frowned and didn't ask any further questions, only offering comfort in a relaxed tone.
"Thank you for the information. Rest assured, this crisis will pass soon."
Gorou looked at Yae Miko with some suspicion.
"Soon?"
Yae Miko nodded matter-of-factly.
"Yes, very soon."
Then she turned her head to a large tree behind her and called out with a smile,
"I'm not wrong, am I?"
"Ara? I didn't expect to be discovered so soon after arriving in this area."
"What?!"
The familiar tone immediately sent a chill down Gorou's spine. Upon seeing the figure emerging from behind the tree, Gorou's eyes widened. He forgot all about his composure and fearfully hid behind Yae Miko, muttering,
"She, she, she... Why is she here?!"
Seeing Gorou's reaction, Yae Miko's gaze on Yae Miko deepened with observation.
Hmm... Although this woman is indeed terrifying, she shouldn't be able to scare someone this much, should she?
"Hehehe~ Staring at me like that, aren't you afraid your sister will get jealous?"
Hearing Yae Miko's teasing, before Yae Miko could speak, Lumine, who had just arrived behind her, quickly replied,
"Please just answer Yae Miko's question directly. You don't need to worry about my sister's situation."
Yae Miko shook her head helplessly.
"Yare yare~ You are truly boring."
"Never mind. Seeing that you don't look worried at all, I won't keep you in suspense any longer."
Though she said that, Yae Miko walked slowly with a leisurely pace to Yae Miko's side. Only after Yae Miko casually repelled another wave of monster attacks did she slowly begin to speak.
"If I'm not mistaken, there should be less than half an hour until the reinforcements I called for arrive here."
Paimon was the first to raise her little hand and ask in confusion,
"Wait a minute, isn't everyone in Inazuma almost mobilized now? Where are the reinforcements coming from?"
"Hehehe~ What a little fool."
Yae Miko chuckled and tapped Paimon's head.
"Inazuma can't spare more reinforcements, but that doesn't mean other countries can't~"
Hearing this, Paimon couldn't help but retort,
"Uh... but isn't Inazuma in a state of isolation?"
Paimon also chimed in,
"Putting aside whether what you said is true or not, if they really come, how will they face the thunderstorms near Inazuma?"
"And even if, hypothetically, the Electro Archon agrees to help before the duel ends and lifts the thunderstorm blockade, after being isolated for so long, how can you and that guy have the connections to be sure they'll help you?"
After Paimon finished her questions, Yae Miko's lips curled up. She walked to Lumine's side, put an arm around her shoulder, and said with a smile.
"Hehehe... If it were my own connections, it would naturally be impossible. So, this plan requires a slight borrowing of your little identities~"
This obvious hint made Lumine's lips twitch involuntarily.
"Uh... You wouldn't have asked for help in my name, would you...?"
Yae Miko triumphantly raised her finger, her expression of smugness growing even more pronounced.
"Ah, ah, after investigating, I discovered that the Traveler is the honorary knight of Mondstadt, and has even helped Liyue fight against Archons. To think that I've only just learned of such an esteemed status, and to have treated you as I did before, please forgive me~"
Lumine: ...
This demeanor gave no hint of fear at all...
And who would believe she's only just found out now...
"I see!"
Yae Miko exclaimed, slapping her little hands together.
If it was confirmed that Lumine had made the request, then they would have no reason to refuse, morally or legally.
Of course, if they did refuse... they could just become unacquainted in the future~
With this thought, Yae Miko clenched her fists and asked Yae Miko,
"Hey, since they're arriving soon, does that mean you don't need me anymore?"
"Mm-hmm?"
Yae Miko looked at Yae Miko meaningfully, then replied with a smile,
"Actually, you resolving the Fatui Harbinger already suffices. What follows are bonus questions, which you can do or not do~"
Yae Miko nodded.
"Well then, I'll leave this bonus question to you all. I need to go solve another hidden question."
Saying that, Yae Miko looked at Lumine's face and cheerfully reassured her,
"Don't worry, I'll be back soon."
After speaking, Yae Miko flickered and vanished from her spot.
Lumine stared blankly for a moment before coming back to her senses and shaking her head helplessly.
"I really can't do anything about her..."
...
Not long after, Yae Miko arrived in a lush forest. After looking around, she couldn't help but frown and impatiently call out loudly.
"Doctor, stop hiding. I know you're here."
"Oh my, isn't this Yae Miko? It's been a while. What? Could it be that you miss your savior~"
As a sinister laugh echoed, a man dressed in neat clothing suddenly appeared on a treetop. The contrast between his attire and the surroundings was stark, even giving one an involuntary chill.
Yae Miko did not reply to the Doctor's greeting. Her eyes coldly fixed on the seemingly friendly man in front of her, and she asked in a cold voice,
"Where are the residents of Higi Village?"
"The residents of Higi Village? Ah... you mean those kind people? What happened to them?"
The Doctor replied with a smile, his face full of playful mockery.
"Don't play dumb with me. You must have something to do with this."
"Heh, you still love making jokes~"
The Doctor interrupted Yae Miko's questioning with a laugh and added,
"As I recall, you recently just killed a younger version of me. You didn't attack me, a murderer, and even chatted openly with me. There aren't many good people like me in this world~"
Hearing the Doctor's attempt to change the subject, Yae Miko pouted and said with contempt,
"Hah... Drugging a girl, he deserved to die."
Saying that, Yae Miko's eyes became serious. She said, word by word,
"I'll ask you one last time. What happened to the people of Higi Village? If you continue to play word games with me, I'll consider sending you to meet your youthful avatar."
"Tsk tsk tsk... You used to be so gentle with me."
The Doctor sighed helplessly, pinched his chin, and pretended to think hard.
"I'm just curious, how far will you go for the villagers of Higi Village, and with the power of the Traveler and that mascot..."