Chapter 32: Fischl

"Oz, my loyal familiar."

"What is it, my lady?"

Fischl sighed wistfully. "Last night, I dreamt of my homeland, conversing joyfully with my past self in the Immernachtreich. Now that I have awakened, I feel an inexplicable melancholy."

"Did my lady have a pleasant dream?" the obsidian raven replied warmly.

"That was no mere dream, but a rendezvous with my own essence. Truly, my past incarnation lives up to the honor of the Prinzessin der Verurteilung."

Fischl recalled the events of the previous night—no, it was not a dream. She had encountered a version of herself identical in appearance, save for differences in attire and hairstyle. This being was an amalgamation of her past memories, bearing the lost recollections of the Prinzessin der Verurteilung.

Though Fischl still remembered her noble identity upon arriving in this world, much of her memory had faded. This other self embodied what she had lost. Yet, to Fischl's regret, her past incarnation had become an independent entity. To merge with it and reclaim her memories would mean destroying it—an act forbidden by the dignity of the Prinzessin.

After careful consideration, Fischl declared:

"My past self, I, the Prinzessin, grant you permission to coexist with me in this realm."

This was no dream.

No, certainly not.

Reassuring herself, Fischl proceeded to prepare breakfast. However, as soon as she sat down at the table, she received a message from the Adventurers' Guild: Katheryne had a mission for her, the guild's investigator.

To clarify: As the Prinzessin der Verurteilung, sovereign of the Immernachtreich, Fischl bore a grand destiny.

All light and beauty would inevitably decay into ruin through the irreversible march of entropy. The universe's end would be her future dominion—the Immernachtreich, where all illusions would perish.

This was the fate of the cosmos, of all worlds, of every soul.

The destiny of the Prinzessin and her steadfast ally, Ozvaldo Hrafnavirs—the raven who "severs day and night"—was to strike down the "Beast of the World" that devours dreams.

At the end of causality, they would sanctify gathered souls, preserve all beauty and virtue within their hearts, and purge all malice with holy judgment.

The Prinzessin would burn her own heart.

From its ashes, a new universe would ignite with eternal radiance.

—But before that final act, the Prinzessin would traverse countless realms, witnessing a million wonders.

Thus, though Fischl now served as an investigator for the Adventurers' Guild in this "backward" world, it was but a fleeting interlude in her royal pilgrimage, in no way diminishing her majesty.

With that clarified, let us return to the guild's request.

The previous night, a meteor shower had rained down.

The meteors' reach was vast, affecting Mondstadt, Liyue, and their surroundings.

The fallen stars emitted strange energy, plunging those who touched them into comatose slumber. The Adventurers' Guild deemed this a dire threat, one beyond ordinary means. Thus, they humbly beseeched the Prinzessin to intervene and save the people.

As royalty, Fischl could hardly refuse her subjects' earnest pleas. After learning of the crisis, she finished her breakfast with regal poise and set off for the guild.

Upon arrival, she spotted a blonde traveler and a creature resembling Oz speaking with Katheryne—likely about the same mission.

Guessing their identities, Fischl strode forward and proclaimed: "Katheryne! Subject of the Immernachtreich, was it you who devoutly summoned the Prinzessin's noble name?"

Katheryne turned, visibly relieved. "Ah, here she is!"

Oz greeted politely, "A pleasure to see you again, Miss Katheryne."

Paimon gasped, "Whoa! That raven can talk?!"

Oz chuckled, "Hahaha! Why such astonishment, my friend?"

Fischl studied the traveler with interest. "Ah, loyal subject! Your troubled visage betrays the wicked forces encroaching upon Mondstadt's peace once more."

Katheryne introduced the pair: "Traveler, this is Fischl, a senior member of the Mondstadt Adventurers' Guild. Fischl, Oz, this is the traveler I mentioned."

Fischl crossed her arms, appraising Lumine. "So, it is you? Hmph. Your gaze is commendable."

Oz, ever the translator, clarified: "Honorary Knight of Favonius and her companion Paimon, we've heard much. A pleasure to meet you."

Fischl continued, "Wayfarer, do you too seek to confront the abyssal crystals of darkness?"

Paimon blinked in confusion. "Confront... what darkness? Dark what-now?"

Equally puzzled, Lumine glanced at Katheryne. "Katheryne, that's not what you said earlier."

Oz intervened again, "The Prinzessin refers to the meteorites."

Katheryne nodded. "The guild has yet to determine the cause or effects of the meteor shower. We ask adventurers to form pairs for safety. Traveler, Fischl, please watch over each other."

Fischl smirked. "Since loyal Katheryne implores, the Prinzessin shall acquiesce. Rejoice! To tread the path of destiny with Fischl, Prinzessin der Verurteilung, is an honor to cherish for eternity!"

Oz provided context: "This is my liege, Fischl, Prinzessin der Verurteilung of the Immernachtreich. I am her familiar, Oz."

Paimon whispered, "Wow... she's really something..."

Paimon then introduced themselves: "I'm Paimon, and this is Lumine! Nice to meet you!"