Chapter 93: Lantern Rite Festival (2)

Paimon's eyes sparkled with excitement as she glanced at the crimson hairpin on Rosalyne's head, then at the massive sword in Childe's hands, before eagerly opening the gift box in front of her.

"Wow, what's this?!" Paimon exclaimed in surprise, staring curiously at the jar before her.

She leaned in to sniff it gently. A rich aroma of grapes blended with a faint hint of alcohol wafted up, intoxicating her senses.

Shajin smiled and explained, "This is a bottle of vintage grape wine I went through a lot of trouble to buy from a vineyard."

"Though it's called wine, the alcohol content is very low—more like a beverage you can enjoy without worry."

Paimon clapped her hands happily, eyes full of eager anticipation.

"Can I drink it now?" she asked impatiently.

Shajin nodded with a smile, giving her permission.

However, Paimon suddenly reconsidered, pursing her lips.

"Actually, maybe not. We still have the party tonight, right? Let's save it for then and share it with everyone."

Shajin chuckled softly, understanding her choice.

"Don't worry, Paimon. There'll be plenty of drinks at the party, but this bottle is a special gift just for you. You deserve to enjoy it."

Paimon scratched her head, her eyes narrowing in delight as she giggled, "Alright then, I won't be shy!"

She quickly uncorked the jar, releasing a thick wave of grape wine fragrance that immediately enveloped her, making her lightheaded with pleasure.

Nearby, Lumine shook her head in mild disbelief.

But seeing her own spot on the table still empty, she bit her lip with a hint of disappointment as she looked at Shajin.

Noticing this, Shajin stepped forward and gently patted Lumine's small head in comfort.

"Don't worry, Lumine. I haven't forgotten about you. But your gift will have to wait until the party tonight."

Lumine's previously downcast expression instantly brightened, nodding enthusiastically.

"Okay! Okay!"

Shajin glanced around, silently planning his next moves.

It seemed there was only one last thing left to handle.

"Vlad."

A Fatui member stepped forward quickly.

"Lord Gambler, any orders?"

Shajin waved his hand, and a stack of envelopes appeared before Vlad.

He hurriedly reached out to catch them, afraid they might fall.

But as he looked down at the top envelope, a surprised exclamation slipped out.

"Huh?"

His gaze locked on the envelope bearing his mother's signature.

His hands trembled slightly, a mix of emotion and puzzlement flashing across his eyes.

Shajin waved his hand again.

"Gather all Fatui operatives within Liyue, including those still on missions in the Chasm."

"Have them assemble at Base 140. I've already arranged the venue—food, drinks, and entertainment all taken care of."

"When everyone's there, distribute these letters. They're from their loved ones."

"Everyone gets one."

"Also."

Shajin paused.

"Tonight, firewaters are unlimited. I want you all to drink your fill."

Vlad choked back emotion but straightened up.

"Yes, Lord Gambler!"

The other members of the Northland Bank shouted in unison.

"Thank you, Lord Gambler!"

Shajin shrugged.

"You get to indulge just this once. Tomorrow, it's back to business as usual. Understand?"

"Yes, Lord Gambler! I'll complete my tasks promptly!"

Vlad saluted respectfully and turned to leave.

"Hey hey, Lumine~"

Paimon, now tipsy, slumped over Lumine's head, mumbling nonsense.

Lumine sighed and gently lifted Paimon off, a faint black line of exasperation on her face.

"Who would've thought Paimon could get drunk on grape wine?"

Shajin stepped forward and pinched Paimon's soft cheeks, smiling.

"She's pretty cute when asleep."

Lumine raised her head proudly.

"Paimon's always been adorable, you know?"

Then she carefully placed Paimon on a nearby intact sofa.

Looking at the clock hanging on the wall, Lumine turned to Shajin.

"The party's still some time away. What shall we do now?"

Tartaglia raised his hand.

"When I was scouting for geovishaps outside Liyue, I stumbled across a big one—some ancient geovishap, I think? Want to check it out?"

Rosalyne snorted.

"You just want to go fight it, don't you?"

Shajin shook his head.

"Nah, I'm not interested in all that fighting nonsense."

Tartaglia pouted.

"Well, guess I'll go alone then. That big guy looks tough—perfect to test out the great sword you gave me."

After Tartaglia left, Shajin stretched his neck.

"Can't think of anything else. Let's take a cruise on the sea—check out your next stop, Lumine—Inazuma."

Shajin tapped the Serenitea Pot.

"With Baqiu around, we can be back before the party starts."

Lumine's eyes lit up.

"Sounds great! But what about Paimon?"

Shajin pointed at the Serenitea Pot.

"Simple. Just put her inside."

"Oh right!"

Lumine placed Paimon in the little house inside the Serenitea Pot and led the way out of the Northland Bank.

Shajin put on his sunglasses and hat.

"Let's go, Rosalyne. Let's see where we'll be working in a few days."

Rosalyne took a coat from the hanger and draped it over her shoulders.

"Alright. Nothing better to do anyway."

"Greetings, Lord Gambler!"

"Lord Gambler, welcome!"

"Lord Gambler, want to try some freshly baked Mora Meat?"

After Shajin publicly stated his dislike for being the center of attention, people began to keep a respectful distance instead of rushing over.

Yet they still greeted him warmly, and he responded with a smile.

…..

Lying on the deck chair atop Baqiu, Rosalyne couldn't resist teasing Shajin.

"You really have become a celebrity, Adventurine."

Shajin rolled his eyes.

"I don't want to be that kind of public figure."

Lumine excitedly ran around on Baqiu's back, suddenly pointing.

"Look, Shajin! Is that the thunderstorm Raiden Shogun summoned to seal off Inazuma?"

Squinting, Shajin nodded.

"Yes. The Raiden Shogun, seeking eternity, unleashed a thunderstorm strong enough to seal off Inazuma, which is an island nation at sea."

"With scarce resources and heavily dependent on imports, plus the resentment caused by the Archipelago's demons, the people are suffering terribly."

_

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