Chapter Text
wind blew gently through Lumine’s hair as they continued their journey.
“We’ll be there soon,” Paimon said, her voice brighter than usual. “Paimon can’t wait.”
Lumine smiled a little and nodded. She looked down at the ocean below.
“Paimon, you brought the map, right?” she asked.
“Of course! Paimon still has it,” her little friend replied.
They chatted about small things as the ship slowly approached the dock.
The warm air gradually turned cooler, and at the same time, Lumine felt something—
the flow of phlogiston in her body was fading.
A few hours later, the ship came to a stop. People began to get off, including Lumine and Paimon.
As soon as Lumine stepped onto the pier, Paimon—too excited—almost bumped into several things around her.
They headed to Nasha Town and briefly visited the Adventurers’ Guild, not staying for long.
“Paimon wants to look around Nod Krai first, so let’s go for a walk!” she said, quickly grabbing Lumine’s hand.
Lumine gently tapped Paimon’s shoulder, and the little fairy turned to her.
“So… my reliable guide, where should we go?” Lumine asked playfully.
Paimon quickly opened the map. “Uh… that way,” she said, pointing down the road.
Lumine followed the direction Paimon pointed. They passed a few turns and road signs, until—without realizing it—the street grew quieter.
“Paimon, wait.”
“Huh? Why did you stop?” Paimon asked, confused.
The path felt quiet, with only a few small animals moving through the bushes.
“Oh, great, Paimon. Even the greatest guide in Teyvat can make a mistake,” Lumine said with a small laugh.
Paimon was about to reply when—
“Excuse me.”
A voice from behind startled them both.
They turned at the same time.
“You seem to be lost,” he said. “Allow me to help.”
He pointed to another path. “The road to the city is that way. The path you’re on now… isn’t used very often.”
Lumine glanced at Paimon. She quickly looked away, as if she knew what Lumine was thinking.
“Ooh… that’s why it feels so quiet,” Paimon said, a little nervous.
“If you don’t mind, I can guide you to the next intersection,” he offered.
They followed him without saying much. Their steps stopped when he turned back.
“You’ve reached a safer route, one that is often used,” he said.
He paused for a moment.
“I apologize, I haven’t introduced myself. My name is Kyryll Chudomirovich Flins, one of the Lightkeepers of Nod Krai.”
“Ky-Kyryll Chu—uh…” Paimon gave up halfway.
He didn’t seem bothered. “You may call me Flins.”
Lumine stayed silent for a moment.
“We haven’t introduced ourselves either. My name is Lumine, and this is my friend, Paimon. It’s nice to meet you, Flins.”
“I’ll take my leave now. I hope you have a pleasant day.”
“You too, Flins!” Paimon waved as he walked away.
Paimon quickly turned to Lumine, looking a little upset. “You were about to laugh at Paimon, weren’t you?”
Lumine didn’t answer. She just tried to hold back her laughter.
After a few seconds, she sighed and started walking again, with the little fairy floating beside her.
“It was just a small mistake!” Paimon suddenly said.
“A small one? Really?” Lumine chuckled, leaning slightly toward her.
“Uh… yeah, just a small one,” Paimon muttered, scratching her head. “His name was too hard to say! Paimon couldn’t even pronounce it.”
“That’s why he told us to just call him Flins.”
They continued walking.
“Haha… Paimon’s hungry,” she admitted, looking away.
“Alright. Let’s go back to town and get something to eat.”
“Yay!” Paimon looked excited, and Lumine couldn’t help but smile at her.
They took another route. On the way back, Paimon kept talking about food, while Lumine simply listened with a small smile.
The buildings of the city slowly came into view. They made their way to Speranza and stopped to buy some food.
“Four Nod Krai hot dogs, please!” Paimon said, pointing at the menu. “What about you, Lumine?”
“I’ll have this one,” she said, pointing at another item.
After that, they sat at a table. Paimon immediately started eating, while Lumine watched her.
“Hmm… Lumine,” Paimon said while chewing. “Didn’t he say he’s part of the Lightkeepers? What are they?”
“I’ve heard of them before. They’re like guards of Nod Krai,” Lumine replied.
“Guards? Paimon feels like she’s heard of them too… but Paimon forgot.”
“As far as I know, they keep certain areas safe for people to pass through.”
“Oh… that makes sense. That’s why Flins knew that path.”
Lumine nodded, then continued eating.
After they finished, Lumine stood up and walked away, with Paimon floating beside her.
They arrived at The Flagship not far from there. Lumine booked a room, and after getting the key, they went inside to rest.
Lumine sat at the edge of the bed, while Paimon had already curled up.
It felt like just another normal day—traveling, making a small mistake, and having a brief encounter with a stranger.
Lumine didn’t think much of it.
At least, not yet.
But somehow, that meeting felt… too perfect to be just a coincidence.