Chapter 249

***

Before Lumine teleported them all away, Yomite used his ability to examine Rex Lapis's corpse and discovered that it was only a husk and that Zhongli was still alive somewhere.

'The likelihood that Millelith and Ningguang will detain us is quite high...I don't know what that guy is thinking, but he's put me in a difficult position once again. Damn Zhongli!'

"Everyone! You need not worry; I will vouch for our innocence on behalf of everyone present! No harm shall befall my friends!" Hu Tao stated sincerely.

"That sounds like nonsense to me...don't you remember how infamous you are...I'm pretty sure it will have an opposite effect..." Yomite retorted.

"Hey! You're being rude! Either way, I think the old man is still alive."

"Hoh? Why is that?" He replied with curiosity.

Besides himself, he did not believe anyone else had noticed.

At the very least, the person in charge, Ningguang, remained unaware and deceived.

"I would be able to see him, then!"

"Ah, right...forgot about that..."

The fact that she could see spirits was always a bit... unnerving...

Simply allow the imagination to run wild...

During a shower, during sex, during masturbating, during taking a shit...

At any moment, a spirit could be watching and no one other than her would know...

It was a scary world out there...

'I really should ask her each time we start making out if there are any spirits watching...cuz it would be hella uncomfortable if we're being watched...'

Setting up some sort of barrier against ghosts within his home would also be a good idea.

"So...what exactly happened back there? If I may ask? Did the esteemed Archon Rex Lapis... actually die?" Barbara inquired while cocking her head in confusion.

On the subject of death, it was pretty unbelievable for an Archon that strong to die...

'If someone as strong as him simply died...then there would be something stronger that managed to kill him...which sounds pretty absurd simply because of the fact his titles were insane...' Yomite concluded.

"Barbs, everyone." He started "I'm not entirely sure what we should do. If we run, we would be seen as potential murderers, if we stay we would be detained and endlessly questioned and I don't think they would release us..."

His words drew the attention of his companions.

They exchanged doubtful glances.

However, they made a decision in their mind.

Hu Tao was the first to act.

And her response was...

"Let's juuuust run! I am as free as a butterfly! No one shall restrict me!"

Fairly disappointing, wasn't it...?

"I would rather stay with you on the run, than be detained in a different cell...Yum-Yum...Ah...A tragic love story...how wonderful..."

Barbara also seemed to have shared that sentiment.

"...I need to find my brother as soon as possible...to do that, I need to get stronger...I cannot waste time in a prison..."

Lumine's answer was just as straightforward. Even in Mondstadt, she did everything she could to not get caught once they stole the Holy Lyre Der Himmel.

As for Paimon...

"No! Paimon doesn't wanna go to a prison! Paimon heard you barely get anything to eat! And no sweets either! That's like hell! W-We shall run!" She despaired when the idea presented itself and gave a straightforward answer.

Iris would follow Yomite just as always so there weren't any issues with her.

"I guess we're running back to Mondstadt then? We can ask Jean to resolve this situation for us. I believe she's smart and trusts us and her little sister to a certain degree." Yomite proposed, but soon noticed that Barbara's face was filled with irritation.

"Is something the matter? Barbs? You don't look too happy with this idea."

"...No, it's fine. I'm sure my big sister wouldn't just ignore our request..." she answered while shrugging with a disappointed sigh.

'I knew their relationship wasn't the best...but right now it seems like Barbara doesn't trust Jean anymore...'

There were still two things bothering Yomite at this exact moment.

One, the fact that Fischl was near the outskirts of Liyue, sleeping at the inn.

"I forgot about one thing...I need to get Amy since she's still basically in Liyue..."

"Amy? Who's Amy?" Barbara had never heard him mention that name before.

"Ah! You know! It's Fishy-Fishy! Fischl!" Hu Tao exclaimed.

"Ah..."

Barbara recalled their most recent encounter as a bow and arrow were aimed at her.

However, they got along reasonably well later on.

"Let's see. I'll travel with Lumine and teleport to Liyue, then return with Fischl."

As Lumine appeared somewhat confused, he waved at her to get her attention before pointing out the location of the inn on the map he received from the Adventurer's Guild a long time ago.

"Do you have any of those teleports near this location?"

"Yes, there's one right there." She gestured with her thumb on the map, pointing to a location not far off the mark.

"Great, then let's go."

The second thing that bothered him was that an unknown woman was currently staring at them from the distance.

She was sitting on a wooden fence, as if she had been anticipating their arrival from the very beginning...

Black tights that adorned her appearance were the first thing he laid his eyes onto the moment he glanced at the girl. The sight was mesmerizing enough he could hardly keep himself from staring.

His eyes then trailed along until they landed on her face, taking in every detail of the beauty that surrounded her.

Her emerald eyes shone with pride and determination, her lips parted slightly as she took a deep breath and released it in a huff, as if preparing herself for some great feat she was about to accomplish.

She had long, dark purple hair, and her face was so pale it appeared as though she hadn't eaten in several days.

When he observed her mischievous grin, a frown appeared on his face.

"You've finally arrived. I was tired of waiting."