28: A Glimpse of Divinity

The glowing tether between the two women lasted only a moment before slowly fading away. The light dissipated, and peace returned to the room.

Both Rosalyne and Saphir opened their eyes at the same time, as if waking from a dream.

Rosalyne wasn't sure what had just happened—she simply looked at Saphir with a puzzled expression.

Saphir, however, now aware that another of her Celestial Stars had been awakened, felt a new clarity form in her heart.

"The gods love humanity. They guide, but they do not interfere with choice—that is divinity.

Humans follow gods, exchanging faith for protection, to satisfy their desires—that is humanity.

I will never become a god, because I cannot cast aside my desires.

And I'm no longer purely human, for I have stepped onto a path from which there is no return."

She spoke softly, almost to herself.

"Rosalyne," she continued, "I won't stop you anymore. But I won't abandon what I've chosen to do, either."

With that, she turned and left the room, not waiting for Rosalyne's response.

Lying in her hotel bed later, Saphir tried to sort through the current situation.

She had forged a new identity to protect the Fatui's interests in Liyue. Her negotiations with Zhongli had faltered not because she didn't understand what he wanted, but because she couldn't provide it.

If she wanted to meet his terms, she would have to usher in an era of mortal rule—and bring back Guizhong.

A sudden migraine stabbed through her skull. She clutched her forehead with one hand as visions assaulted her like a slideshow.

A tide of Archons waged war, hatred blanketed the skies, a brutal battlefield unfolded. Amidst the dying cries of mortals, the Adepti appeared—arriving too late—as if stepping out of time itself.

"So… even stone can weep.

I used to wish for any other expression on your face.

Now that I see it… should I be happy?"

Saphir awoke with a start, blinking at the unfamiliar ceiling.

Right. She was in Mondstadt now.

But what had that dream been?

A knock came at the door.

"Come in," she called.

The door opened and in stepped Anastasia, a Fatui advisor.

She knelt respectfully on one knee. "Lady Dark Shepherd, there is… a rather stubborn girl waiting at the hotel entrance. She says she's a friend of yours."

Saphir massaged her temples, still feeling the lingering effects of the vision.

"Bring her up," she finally said.

"Yes, ma'am." Anastasia exited promptly.

Moments later, the door opened again. This time, Lumine entered.

Anastasia closed the door behind her and quietly left.

Lumine stood before Saphir, who had changed into an outfit exuding quiet holiness—her Cleric Form, the one with divine presence rather than assassin's edge.

"I spoke with Lin Yi and Acting Grand Master Jean," Lumine said.

Saphir merely nodded. She didn't know how much they had revealed, nor what Lumine now thought of her. So she chose to listen.

"Sharp… no, Saphir. Can I trust you?"

There was no Paimon today. Lumine had come alone. She knew her little floating companion couldn't keep a secret—and there were things that couldn't be risked.

Saphir looked at her calmly. "That depends on what you mean by 'trust.'"

Sunlight filtered through the window, casting a warm beam of light between them. Lumine's silhouette glowed against the soft rays.

This was the first time Lumine had seen Saphir's face clearly.

She couldn't quite put it into words… but Saphir looked at her like a mother gazing at her child.

Warm, gentle… achingly kind.

"Lin Yi told me the Fatui raised a banner against Celestia. That it's better to cooperate than oppose.

But Jean warned me the Fatui have dangerous secrets. That I should stay far away."

Saphir wasn't surprised by either judgment. "And what do you think?" she asked.

"Who's right? Who's wrong? Why do they see things so differently?"

Lumine answered without hesitation: "Perspective.

Jean's perspective is rooted in Mondstadt. Even if she's a great person, her view is limited by her position—and I can tell she has some past conflict with the Fatui.

Lin Yi… is more objective. I think he doesn't plan to stay in Mondstadt forever. He sees from a higher place."

"You're perceptive," Saphir said. "Then tell me this—do you know why Lin Yi has stayed in Mondstadt this long?"

Lumine shook her head.

"…He's waiting for you.

So am I.

Everything that's happened, from our arrival here to your awakening—it's all because of you."

She walked to the window and opened it. A gentle morning breeze swept into the room, bringing with it the crisp scent of pine and dew.

"We knew you'd awaken in Mondstadt.

We even knew you'd meet Paimon at Starfell Lake."

Lumine's eyes widened.

Lin Yi hadn't told her that.

As the pieces clicked into place, a cold chill ran down her spine.

Was this… was this all planned?

"Are you afraid?" Saphir asked gently.

"…We've been waiting for you to wake because this world needs you.

There are truths to uncover. Tasks that only you can complete.

You're a clever girl. Deception won't win your trust.

So I won't lie.

Lin Yi and I—we're not of this world. That's why we needed a catalyst to intervene in this world's fate.

That catalyst is you."

"…I don't understand." Lumine's voice wavered.

This wasn't what she'd expected at all.

She'd braced herself for a confrontation—or even betrayal—but this?

Saphir patted her shoulder gently.

"You don't need to understand yet.

The answers will reveal themselves in your journey."

With that, she turned and walked to the door.

There was still work to be done.

The two of them arrived at Good Hunter restaurant.

Since they would be meeting Jean and Barbara, Saphir had already switched back to her assassin form—Sharp.

At the restaurant entrance, Paimon was already hovering excitedly.

Sara was nearby, preparing food. Judging by the eager sparkle in Paimon's eyes, she had definitely ordered something.

"Lumine! Sharp! You're here!" Paimon flew over, looking both relieved and annoyed.

She grabbed Lumine's hand tightly. "Don't ever do that again! I thought you left me behind!"

Lumine gave an apologetic smile. "I just let you sleep a little longer. I didn't want to wake you."

Saphir watched from the side.

Paimon… she was still a mystery.

But as long as she posed no threat to Lumine, there was no reason to interfere.

Sara soon brought over the food:

—One plate of Fisherman's Toast

—Two Sweet Madame (Honey Carrot Glazed Meat)

—A Skyward Stew

—And a Piled-Up Food Platter

"You spent more money again, didn't you?" Lumine tugged on Paimon's cheek.

"We're broke, remember?

That's like three C-rank commissions' worth of food!"

She had recently registered with the Adventurers' Guild on Lin Yi's suggestion.

Her adventurer uniform?

Safely stored in her inventory. She wasn't about to wear it—because as Lin Yi had bluntly put it:

"That thing makes you look like an NPC. A side character."

True adventurers like Fischl and Bennett would never be caught dead in it.

And Lumine? She wasn't anyone's background character.

As they enjoyed breakfast, Saphir nibbled at her stew while Lumine picked at her plate. Paimon, unsurprisingly, was inhaling food like a vacuum.

Saphir even brought out some rare Jueyun Chilies from Liyue and whipped up a spicy, foreign-flavored Mapo Tofu herself.

Though she said nothing, it was obvious who it was meant for.

Midway through their meal, a clear voice rang out behind them—

"Wow, what's that amazing smell? Did Good Hunter add new dishes to the menu?"

—And just like that, the next guest arrived.

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