Chapter 209: Is This What They Call Instant Rapport?

 Liyue's Rite of Descension attracted tourists from many countries every year.

Every year, the Geo Archon would issue a divine decree to guide Liyue's direction for the coming year.

Because of this, the Rite of Descension was always Liyue's most bustling time. People from other nations also paid close attention to Liyue's situation—after all, these were the words of the God of Wealth, and no merchant could afford to ignore them. For businesspeople, their prospects for the next year depended on what was said in Liyue.

That's why the Rite of Descension became a time when merchants from all nations gathered in Liyue to discuss cooperation. For Liyue's people, it was also a time to make money—and a rare chance to see the Archon up close. With so many visitors, someone would always spend money. So this was the best time for business.

That's why Liyue was so lively now. The streets were crowded, the city full of life.

As Takumi and his group walked the streets, they drew a lot of attention—mainly because Takumi, March 7th, and Stelle's outfits were just too out of place. March 7th and Stelle were dressed like characters straight out of a game, and Takumi wore modern clothes. That made people wonder: which country were these folks from? What nation dressed like this? Everyone was extremely curious, but also found it oddly attractive. That was why they drew so many stares.

Many people greeted Zhongli as they passed, and Hu Tao, ever the social butterfly, was constantly exchanging greetings with former clients—though a lot of people still looked a little uneasy when they saw her.

March 7th and Stelle couldn't help but twitch their mouths at this sight. The group began wandering through Liyue.

"When does the Rite of Descension start?"

Strolling with Zhongli, Takumi couldn't help but ask.

"It begins tomorrow," Zhongli explained. "Today, we can just enjoy ourselves."

Takumi nodded. If it started tomorrow, there was no rush.

"Lumine, I want that—and that! That one looks tasty, so does this. Hurry up and buy them for me!"

At that moment, Takumi heard a distinctive voice in the crowd. He knew Paimon's voice far too well. Turning his head, he saw a blond girl with a floating child at a stall—it was Lumine and Paimon!

"What a coincidence," Takumi said with a smile. "Should we go over and say hi?"

Zhongli had seen them too, and looked at Takumi.

"Let's go!" Takumi said. "Of course we should."

So Takumi walked over.

"Hey, fellow countrywoman!" Takumi called out cheerfully to Lumine.

Lumine froze, turning to look at Takumi. When she saw his modern outfit, she was completely confused—such modern clothes?

Wait a minute.

"You're from another world?"

Did Takumi just call her 'fellow countrywoman'?

"That's right! I could tell at a glance you're not from here, just like me. Two wanderers meet and tears fill our eyes!"

"I'm Takumi. What's your name?"

Takumi happily stepped forward and grabbed both of Lumine's hands.

Lumine was stunned for a second by his words.

"Sky King covers the Earth Tiger?" she blurted instinctively.

"Captain Levi is one fifty!" Takumi replied immediately, without thinking.

"Emm... So you really are a fellow traveler."

"How did you get here?"

Lumine held Takumi's hand, her heart genuinely happy. Her usually calm face broke into a bright smile. To meet a kindred spirit in a foreign land—Lumine, who still hadn't found her brother, suddenly felt a rare sense of kinship in this unfamiliar world. Maybe she and Takumi weren't from the same world, but at least neither of them was native to Teyvat.

"I just zipped over here. Want to grab some tea together?"

Takumi invited Lumine with a grin.

Lumine nodded—she didn't refuse at all. It sounded good.

"Eh?"

Paimon was shocked. How did Lumine suddenly hit it off with such a handsome guy?

Lumine explained, "He's from another world, like me. This is Paimon, my travel companion."

Paimon stared curiously at Takumi, then glanced at Lumine's happy smile. Could Lumine have taken a liking to this guy?

"Hi there!" Takumi greeted. "This is Zhongli, a native of this world—and also an immortal."

When Paimon heard Takumi say Zhongli was an immortal, her eyes lit up.

"An immortal? Wow! A Liyue immortal?"

Paimon couldn't help exclaiming. The surrounding people turned to look at them, but in the next moment, it was as if nothing had happened—they all went back to their own business.

"Don't shout so loud," Takumi chuckled. "It wouldn't be good to attract attention."

"Ah, sorry. But what did you just do?"

Paimon had sharp senses. Something was off—why did the crowd suddenly act as if they hadn't heard anything?

Lumine was also puzzled. Though her powers were sealed, she could still sense a faint energy from Takumi that made people ignore them.

"It's nothing," Takumi replied with a smile. "Just altered their perception a bit. Please don't shout about Zhongli being an immortal."

He gestured for Lumine to follow, and she nodded without another word. An immortal, huh? She'd have to ask more later.

So Lumine and Paimon followed Takumi and Zhongli. Up ahead, March 7th and the others doubled back. Seeing the new faces, March 7th was surprised.

Stelle and Lumine locked eyes, and in that moment, it was as if they had discovered something remarkable.

"Hello!" they said in unison.

"I'm Stelle!"

"I'm Lumine!"

The two introduced themselves at the same time, then immediately shook hands.

"I feel a strange sense of familiarity from you."

"That's odd."

Stelle looked at Lumine curiously.

Lumine nodded in agreement. "Me too!"

How strange. This Stelle felt like an old friend.

Is this what they call instant rapport?