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The Dead do not Suffer the Living to Act

Summary:

One week had passed, but the memories of that day, or what felt like multiple undending, tortuous days, still haunt those who lived it.

But it seems fate has decided that such a spectacle cannot continue as a private event any longer.

AKA

Screens of light appear all over Teyvat, showing Act II of Chapter VII of Genshin!

Notes:

(See the end of the work for notes.)

Chapter 1: The Stage is Set

Chapter Text

Traveller: ...It’s been a week since then, huh?

 

Looking up at the clear sky, they could see the sun, towering high within the boundaries of the omnipresent illusion.

 

It was around 1 in the afternoon now, since they’d gone to lunch about an hour before, but time seemed to slow down as thoughts of that ghastly series of events continued to–

 

Paimon: HEY! What’s the hold up?! Paimon almost lost you in the crowd!

 

Pulled back to reality, the Traveller now turned to face their companion, hands at the side of her hips while giving a slight pout.

 

Traveller: -Ah! Sorry, Paimon. Was just lost in thought.

Paimon: Were you now? That’s been happening an awful lot lately. Even during lunch I saw you with that same look!

 

Traveller: Oh, hadn’t realized I did it that much. Uhh…that’s embarrassing, I promise I won’t do it again.

 

This wasn’t something they could exactly promise, but it did reflect a true desire to not be an inconvenience to their travel companion.

 

Paimon: ...Has something been bothering you lately? You don’t need to tell Paimon about it if you don’t want to, but if you do, you know I’m all ears, right?

 

Traveller: I know, I know. It’s all in the past so don’t worry, okay?

 

Paimon: Alright, alright. Let’s just go see Oddette, then. Seems like today’s gonna be a pleasant day to be with friends!

 

The little celestial being happily bounced in place.

 

And so, the march of the pair resumed and…

 

The clock struck 1:04.

 

…

 

All over Teyvat, the people of the light realm went about their daily rituals.

 

Whether human, adepti, fae or any other sort of species, all inhabitants of the light realm thought this would be like any other ordinary day.

 

Then, they all looked up, for the open sky had been covered above them.

 

Big and small, wide and compact. In rectangular shapes and sizes, projections of light manifested about anyone with the consciousness to understand them.

 

For those in the towns and cities, the size of the phenomenon corresponded to the size of the local population, and it hovered high above. Not exactly reaching into the skies, it still displayed its imposing presence.

 

The small and isolated settlements, meanwhile, saw a much smaller display appear near them, the same being verified with the hermits of the world.

 

All 6 archons, as well as the dragon-sovereign of Hydro and the Tri-Lunar Goddess, immediately took notice of the event, almost calling their powers to them. And yet, they did not.

 

More so than surprised, they were puzzled. This seemed like an enemy attack, yet no malice or darkness could be felt from those shapes on high. Still, they kept their guard up while scanning the populace around them.

 

It was as one would expect. Murmurs floated between soldiers, civilians, merchants, aristocrats and farmers, while those who were suspicious of the strange shape waited for what would happen next.

 

Among all of these people, a select few can be highlighted as of now.

 

…

 

Torgov and Soboleva had both been feeling the mounting pressure from the Northland Bank and her new family members, respectively.

 

Needing a place to wind down, they’d found themselves at the same high-class cafe in uptown Snezhnograd. They had catched a glimpse of one another at one point, but far from being close, they merely went about their business, until gasps around them brought the attention somewhere else.

 

…

 

Alyosha and Vodyanitsa had long been early risers, quickly dispatching a hearty breakfast before practicing their hunting and singing throughout the morning until lunch hour came.

 

Rendezvousing in the revitalized Rankova Zorya, the two friends were enjoying each other’s company while planning for the rest of the day…

 

Alyosha: …V-Vodyanitsa. You might wanna turn around.

 

Until a new development pushed the schedule anyone had in mind to the side.

 

…

 

Valeriy: I’m afraid you’re not going anywhere else today, Mr. Mitya.

 

Seizing the opportunity, the disciplined soldier seized his target by the central plaza of the capital.

 

Mitya: H-Huh?...OH!

 

With a resounding thud, Mitya slapped his own forehead.

 

Mitya: I lose focus for one second and you’re able to catch up. There’s really no fooling you Mr Valeriy.

 

The genius scientist couldn’t lie, he was a tiny bit annoyed at having been found before the time he’d decided at.

 

Valeriy: I would normally find myself grateful at whatever allowed me to catch up, but it so happens that this strange light is the same reason for my added caution and resolve to find you.

 

Mitya: Well, at least I have a trusted friend at my side while observing what that floating shape will do.

 

…

 

As the chilly morning gave way to the pleasant midday heat, the Korolesvkiy Theatre saw the stage and backstage alike empty themselves as the staff sought whatever restaurant they fancied that day.

 

Only three people remained behind.

 

Odette: Thanks again, you two. I know keeping me company during lunch isn’t the most pleasant thing.

 

Kulish: Nonsense, Miss Odette. Someone’s gotta stay behind to watch over the building, and we just happened to not have any commitments today.

 

Rampana: Besides, making time with you is far from bothersome!

 

The Prima Ballerina nodded, turning to head inside. She prided herself in following her schedule to a T, and her practice was to resume in about 5 minutes-

 

Rampana: What the--?! M-Miss Odette, you might wanna see this!

 

Confused, the woman spun her head.

 

Odette: …Depending on what that is, practice might have to wait.

 

…

 

A heavy sigh escaped a man’s lips as he sat upon his balcony.

 

Though far from the cramped abodes of the downtrodden of society, his apartment was still relatively modest compared to the luxury of the snezhnayan elite.

 

Chugunov: So it’s been a week already…It feels like a huge burden was lifted since then, but…I can’t help but see this peace as a bit dull.

 

The former capitalist looked to the distant theatre, clearly visible to his left.

 

The thought of returning there shook him deeply, and yet, for some unknown reason, he felt a simultaneous pull to once again roam its hallowed halls.

 

Chugunov: I wonder how all those youths have been doing since then. Heh I’m even wondering about Lelek. Heard she’s been disavowed by the Rokot, but knowing her that probably won’t do much.

 

Suddenly, the birds resting in the nearby railings and roofs flew off, swiftly spooked.

 

Looking to investigate, the man found himself taken aback.

 

Chugunov: What in the Tsaritsa’s name is happening??

 

…

 

Paimon: Waaaahh!! W-What’s happening all of a sudden?!

 

Traveller: …This is weird, I haven’t seen anything like this since arriving here.

 

Paimon: ‘Here’? As in…Teyvat?

 

Hesitantly, Paimon asked while looking back and forth above and towards her companion.

 

Traveller: Yeah. I can confirm it’s not a weapon or threat of any sort, but still, who did this, and for what reason is this thing visible from most of Snezhnaya?

 

A few short seconds passed, until the mysterious light changed at last. As if putting on a puppet theatre play, moving images were manifested from it, but these ones much too real for mere play pretend.

 

A bridge. A path of carved stone, covered in snow while a light blizzard seemed to be picking up speed.

 

Footsteps were heard, their author quickly appearing onto the scene.

 

The Traveller braved the frost with leisure, walking towards the ‘camera’.

 

Traveller: It’s…me? When did this happen? It doesn’t seem like Dragonspine.

 

…

 

Across the nations, those who recognized the hero found a pleasant surprise in their appearance.

 

Though maintaining the recently issued order to stand ready, Jean, Ningguang, Kujou Sara, Cyno, Navia and Illuga at least saw a comforting facet in the foreign object.

 

…

 

Fatui Soldier: Her Majesty, the Tsarista!

 

Hurrying through the throne room, the ordinary trooper kneeled before his Archon.

 

Sat upon her throne, she’d watched as the brilliant shape appeared in the middle of the vast hall.

 

Vesna and the rest of her attendants almost immediately drew weapons, but a wave of her arm directed them to stand down.

 

Fatui Soldier: Another of these light projections has appeared above Snezhnograd! A-And our garrison atop the walls is also seeing more in the distance atop each major settlement.

 

Tsaritsa: …Have the Druzhna stationed in each location where they are present. If the people start to ask questions, respond that an unnamed ally of Snezhnaya has decided to share information in an unorthodox way.

 

With orders issued, her majesty turned her attention back to the front.

 

Tsaritsa: Is this some sort of play by the Heavenly Principles following the recent attack on Glupov? Well, I’m already seeing a face I don’t recognize.

 

The blonde figure stepped onto a set of stairs, and the view at last panned out to show the entrance to a snow-capped majestic structure.

 

Traveller: What…why does this look like…

 

Paimon: T-Traveller, what’s the matter? You look like you’ve just seen a ghost…?

 

A short fade to black revealed the following words.

 

The Korolevskiy Theatre, Snezhnograd, Snezhnaya

 

The following events occurred a few days ago, as of now.

 

Alice: Well, this is most unexpected.

 

The witch mused to herself, currently in the company of Barbeloth and Nicole for a tea party.

 

Barbie: Even with this projection being a simple lightshow, seeing fate take such a turn is a surprise even for me.

 

Nicole: It seems our little Traveller is taking center stage again, I’m eager to see what happened after they arrived in Snezhnaya.

 

Kulish: It sure is cold today. I wonder how much heavier the snow’s gonna get…

 

The current Kulish was taken aback all of a sudden.

 

Kulish: Well, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised seeing myself next to the theatre, but it’s kinda…weird that everyone is seeing ‘me’...

 

Upon verifying the Traveller’s tickets, they’re let inside, as the storm shows no signs of calming down.

 

Traveller: I think I’ll leave the Lelek question until after the show’s over. Then, I’ll go find Odette.

 

Lauma: Hmm? ‘Lelek’?

 

Nefer: I believe our friend here has already gotten themselves involved in something shady.

 

Jahoda: Yeah, I don’t doubt that, boss. Feels like every second time I see them, they’re next to a harbinger or someone worse…

 

Lauma: C’mon Nefer, have a little faith.

 

The latter let out a quiet chuckle.

 

Traveller: Childe said he was originally going to come with Tonia…So I’m guessing Tonia’s already here somewhere

 

In the middle of Morepesok, a harbinger visiting his family was suddenly scratching his head.

 

Childe: Huhhhhhh…

 

Tonia: You’re really fond of causing trouble for others, huh?

 

Childe: I already said I was sorry before…

 

Teucer: Hmph, big bro! I don’t get the full picture, but you can’t just bail on people just cuz you’re a great toy-salesman!

 

Scanning the audience, Tonia isn’t found amidst the small crowd.

 

Still, Mr. Chugunov, as well as Mitya and Valeriy are spotted.

 

It doesn’t take long for the remaining theatre goers to join the Traveller in terrified awe.

 

Odette: W-What??!

 

Rampana and Kulish: Huh?!

 

…

 

Mitya: A-Am I seeing this right?!

 

Valeriy: …I’m…afraid so, Mr. Mitya.

 

…

 

Chugunov: T-This can’t be…!

 

…

 

Alyosha: Wait…’A few days ago’? You don’t think–

 

Vodyanitsa: Don’t tell me it was that day…

 

Deciding to catch Tonia after the show, the Traveller takes a seat by Dymov.

 

Odette comes onto the stage, performing with flawless grace.

 

The wider population is pleasantly surprised. Some take an issue with seeing such a display without having needed to pay, but most find themselves enjoying this beautiful regional dance.

 

Collei: Waow…it’s so pretty!

 

Nilou: Mhm. It is. I can see the determination in her expression. We may have different methods and styles, but her passion is noticeable throughout her movements.

 

…

 

Amber: Whoa…Uh, what’s with that look, Eula?

 

In a slightly teasing manner, Amber called out to the completely enthralled Lawrence.

 

Eula: …! Ahem I was merely appreciating the diligence of a fellow dancer is all.

 

As the show continues, the one named Mitya seems to realise something, moving to jot it down on his notebook.

 

Ayaka: Sigh Is it that hard to pay attention for a short while?

 

Thoma: C’mon now, my lady, give’em a break. Maybe he has a good reason?

 

Ayaka: Even still, Hmph!

 

…

 

Mitya: …Shit.

 

Valeriy: Do check your language, Mr. Mitya…even if I do not blame you in this instance.

 

Seemingly due to the storm, the lights went out for a brief moment, causing Mitya to forgo his thoughts, but they soon came back on as Dymov shivered.

 

For most watching, this was merely as it seemed. A short incident that required no further attention.

 

For those then present, however, they understood. Whether experiencing the whole incident first-hand or being told of it after the fact, they knew this was the start of it.

 

…

 

Soboleva got up and quietly exited the cafe.

 

Torgov: Uhh-Excuse me, gentlemen, but I must be on my way. I’ll foot the bill next time.

 

The aristocrat left the premises, scanning the crowd along the street, most citizens of the prestigious area wore a plain look while engrossed in the story shown above. Well, there was also a fascinated reporter woman frantically writing everything she saw, but whatever.

 

A short while later, Torgov spotted the introspecting woman.

 

Torgov: Hey.

 

Soboleva: …What do you want?

 

Torgov: Hey, what’s with the tone?

 

Soboleva: Why do you think? Do YOU know why this is happening?

 

Torgov: …Of course I don’t. The others said we’d died briefly, but the whole thing feels like a long dream.

 

Soboleva: Sigh At least there’s someone here who understands. We might as well see why exactly this is happening.

 

Rampana introduces herself, asking the audience to take a picture with all of them to commemorate the occasion.

 

Dymov and the others get in position…CLICK!

 

Charlotte: Oooo! Nice! Lighting could use a little work, but it’s just a souvenir anyways.

 

Furina: It looks like the gathering of a theatre troupe playing to their characters, how amusing.

 

…

 

Paimon: Oh. Did you dislike this photo that much? You don’t have to be so scared of it, y’know?

 

Traveller: N-No. That’s not it, Paimon…How am I gonna explain this? Should I even try to? I’ll just sound crazy until Paimon sees for herself.

 

Immediately after, Mitya and Valeriy meet up, the former attempting to banter…to little effect.

 

Mitya: Eh, working hours and non-working hours are just a social construct. Human technology can never advance if we’re too rigid in our thinking, Sarge.

 

Kaveh: Heyy! SOMEONE understands where true inspiration comes from, huh?

 

Alhaitham: Are you…expecting me to congratulate you for agreeing with someone who skirts work?

 

Kaveh: I-You KNOW that’s not the point I was making!!

 

The two go on their way as our view shifts to an anxious small girl.

 

Traveller: …That has to be her. She’s the only person in the audience around Tonia’s age.

 

Sandrone: Hmm, for how much Childe talks about her and his other siblings, this is my first time seeing her.

 

Sipping her tea, Arlecchino squinted her eyes just slightly. It wasn’t like Childe to leave his young sister by herself.

 

…

 

Chugunov: P-Ptashka…

 

In a hushed voice, the shaken man spoke. He believed he’d never even hear that name again, much less see the young girl’s visage.

 

Talking to Tonia, our protagonist let her know they’d come in her brother’s stead.

 

Tonia: Oh, okay. Sorry for the trouble.

 

Unbelievable. And Tonia thought she couldn’t get more frustrated with her brother.

 

Tonia: Look at that. Now both the traveler and this girl both have the wrong idea.

 

Tartaglia visibly shrunk.

 

Tonia: cough…cough…

 

Traveller: What’s wrong? Are you sick?

 

Tonia: cough…No, I’m fine, it’s nothing…

 

Traveller: Maybe she caught a cold on the way here because of the weather?

 

Even with how far apart they were, Baizhu, Barbara and Tighnari all reacted with worry, even knowing they couldn’t exactly do much.

 

Unlike their nations, where a cold could only come from recklessness or poor luck, the lands of the north carried it as a risk at all times.

 

The doors of the theatre opened, revealing…pure white.

 

Chugunov: …I haven’t seen snow like this in a long, long time. It’s most unusual.

 

Dymov: I know, it’s completely white out there–you can barely see a thing. I’ve never seen such heavy snow in my life.

 

As focused as he was, Kulish’s attention couldn’t help but be grabbed but something else in his field of vision.

 

Kulish: Huh? Who’s tha-Dymov?!

 

Dashing across the pavement towards his goal, Dymov panted as he finally arrived at the theatre.

 

Dymov: Pant…Pant…M-Miss Odette! Sorry for the delay!

 

Odette: Don’t apologize, what’s the matter?

 

Dymov: Well, the rest of the staff don’t exactly know what’s going on, so I hurried to go check if any of you did.

 

Rampana: Nope, we’re just as confused as you.

 

Dymov: I see…and what about the rest of the day’s practice?

 

Odette: Hmm, I’m not anyone’s boss, but it’s not really feasible to focus while this is happening. I think the rest of the troupe should take the day off…They’re gonna need it.

 

Rampana: Very well. I’ll get everyone’s things packed.

 

Kulish: Let me help you with that.

 

Dymov: Al-pant-right, me too.

 

Odette: I’ll keep watch, then.

 

Shram: Let’s wait it out for now. You’d be lucky not to freeze to death in this weather, let alone find your way. 

 

Chugunov: Sh-Shram…I-I…Good grief, are you really gonna cry, old man?

 

Wiping the small tears that had already come out, Chugunov steadied himself.

 

…

 

???: Hrk!

 

???: H-Huh? What’s wrong, auntie?

 

In a humble abode deep within Snezhnaya, an elderly water imp, being visited by members of her extended family, was deeply shaken by the person she was currently staring at.

 

???: Auntie?? Auntie Ozerova??!

 

Shaking her head after some time, the lady attempted to sort herself.

 

Litiya: I…I’m sorry, my dear. This young fellow just reminded me of someone I knew a long, long time ago is all. Just treat this as an old lady’s nonsensical imagination.

 

???: Jeez, don’t scare me like that, auntie!

 

Assuring her niece, the water imp turned back to the show that had recently appeared in the middle of her small community, telling herself to stop dreaming already.

 

Mitya: Well, look at that. Maybe we shouldn’t be in such a rush to get back after all. What do you think?

 

Valeriy: …Let’s wait and see.

 

Mitya: Ugh, why do you need to take it so seriously? Fate has given us this wonderful chance to take a break. We owe it to ourselves to make the most of it.

 

Layla: Sigh I wish something like this would happen just once so I could get a good night’s rest…

 

As it happened, many other overworked folks across the nations were thinking the same thing.

 

Dymov: Come to think of it, there’s a small inn not far from it that always keeps plenty of extra blankets on hand for guests.

 

After no major pushback from the others, the staff member left to brave the storm.

 

The four who remained by the end of this incident, Traveller, Mitya, Odette and Chugunov, cursed to themselves as they witnessed this moment.

 

…

 

Iansan: WHAT?! Is that guy INSANE??

 

Mualani: Even if he knows where to go, that theatre is built on top of a major drop. Even with railings in place, getting disoriented there cannot end well…

 

Chugunov: What a kind gentleman. Very good–my wife and daughter are waiting for meat home, so I shall be heading back as soon as I get my blanket.

 

Fischl: To be willing to brave the uncertain and uncaring storm in front of oneself, for the sake of one’s most cherished-Ah! How venerable!

 

Oz: Most certainly, Mein Fräulein. Love is a compelling force, indeed.

 

Mitya: Um, so…are you expecting us to go back to the armory palace wrapped in blankets, too?

 

Valeriy: Don’t worry about that. I made arrangements in advance: Should I not return to the armory palace within three and a half hours after Operation Showtime begins, an armed squad will be sent to collect us. They will escort us back. You are one of our key military personnel, so any weather-related risks must be eliminated.

 

Mitya: Operation Showtime…? So wait, every single time you drag me back to work when I sneak out, it’s a whole official operation? I gotta say, you’ve really turned this into quite a moral dilemma for me…

 

Over in Liyue, a secretary found herself flabbergasted at this conversation.

 

Keqing: Wha-HUH?? You mean they have a whole protocol to babysit one person? I don’t know if I pity this Mitya or Valeriy more.

 

Ganyu: Oh Rex Lapis, I’m just imagining the amount of work that is required every time this takes place.

 

After confirming that Tartaglia would come for Tonia, the Traveller moves to go backstage.

 

Traveller: Time to get to work…I should head backstage and find Odette. I need to look her in the eye and ask her about Lelek.

 

A flashback of sorts follows, showing the snippet of a conversation between the Traveller, Alyosha and Vodyanitsa, as the former learns of the Rokot and Lelek.

 

Cyno: Oh, well that was informing. Who knew we’d be participating in a seminar on Snezhnayan internal politics today.

 

Tighnari: Please don’t–

 

Cyno: Let’s hope it won’t ROKOT the boat too much!

 

…

 

Traveller and other theatre goers: Wait…won’t Lelek be discovered if this keeps going??!

 

Talking to Kulish, the Traveller is denied entry into the backstage, electing to wait for her while the storm’s up.

 

“An hour goes by, but the snowstorm shows no signs of stopping…”

 

Itto: Yeesh, one whole hour?! Even if it’s out of the ordinary, I don’t think I’d be able to stay cooped up inside that long.

 

Torgov: What happened to the gentleman who went to fetch the blankets? How has he still not returned?

 

Jeht: Ah, shit Benben. Unless that guy has the blessing of a god or something, he’s gone for sure after a whole hour.

 

Having just returned from a mission into inhospitable terrain with her company herself, Jeht knew when someone MIA was most likely already gone.

 

Shram: I was thinking the same thing. It’s still snowing very hard. Do you think something might have happened to him?

 

Chugunov: Whatever the reason for his delay, I must say, I hate nothing more than people who make empty promises and fail to deliver…Well I have to treat my employees like that on occasion, but that’s different…

 

Anyone somewhat opposed to authority or resentful towards the rich quickly raised their eyebrows, giving a collective “...Uh Huh.”

 

Growing anxious at the tardiness of the planned escort, Valeriy voiced his frustrations, prompting Mitya to goad him into letting him out of his sight. This, again, failed.

 

The soldier integrating the escort corps knew better than anyone else that they would never fail to execute an order by the Sergeant. And yet, the mere prospect of him believing they’d done so sent more shivers down their spines than any snowstorm could.

 

Soboleva: This doesn’t look like an ordinary snowstorm to me…That guy who left earlier…it looked like he just vanished into thin air. Either that, or my eyes were playing tricks on me…

 

Alyosha: In retrospect, that wasn’t a bad catch.

 

Vodyanitsa: Yeah, just weird to think how something so unbelievable was the case.

 

Shram: A “man-eating snowstorm”? Come on, night hasn’t fallen yet. Spare us the ghost stories.

 

Hu Tao: OOoo can you imagine it, Mr. Zhongli? A thick storm covering the land, each flake the remnant of a lost person, searching for a living soul to possess!

 

The owner of the Wangsheng parlour gleefully wondered out loud.

 

Zhongli: Please, do not speak of such things, director. I do not wish to have nightmares through the foreseeable nights.

 

Alyosha meets up with the Traveller, growing shocked at the sheer gravity of the snowstorm. Apparently not even he’s seen something this bad.

 

Traveller: If even Alyosha thinks snow like this isn’t normal…could it have anything to do with that monster people have been talking about?

 

Vesna: So, the monster was still active as of this event? Then this was, at most, exactly seven days ago.

 

Most of Snezhnaya that was informed of the Tsaritsa’s incursions arrived at that same conjecture.

 

After giving a warning to the audience members, Alyosha readies himself to go out as well.

 

Shram: Heading out, my man? Be careful. I’ve been told this snowstorm eats people alive.

 

The scene faded to black, and as quickly as he left, Alyosha was back…

 

Alyosha: …Phew.

 

Alyosha: …So here I…died, wasn’t it? My decision to leave caused you all a lot of trouble, sorry about that.

 

Vodyanitsa: Hey, stop blaming yourself when you did nothing wrong! I swear I’m surrounded by people who do this way too much. Y’know what, let’s go see Odette and the others. Maybe together we can figure out why this is being shown.

 

Alyosha: I’ve no reason to disagree.

 

…

 

Odette, Mitya, Chugunov and the Traveller simultaneously sneered at the projection.

 

They had met the being behind the entire event face-to-face, and knew of its callous uncaringness, how it had claimed the young hunter’s identity for its own use.

 

Soboleva: He’s back, he’s back! How was it? What’s going on out there?

 

Valeriy: Did you see any soldiers patrolling the area?

 

Alyosha: Something about this storm isn’t right. There’s no one out there–I didn’t see a single soul. And something in the air gives me the creeps.

 

Heizou: Wait, that can’t be. Unless he’s talking about how no one’s roaming the streets, which is a given, then there should be no reason for an entire city to disappear. Then again, this is just one person’s testimony…

 

With that, Alyosha recommends everyone to remain in the theatre, to Torgov’s brief skepticism.

 

Mitya: Sigh This just turned from a minor delay into a major hassle. 

 

Shram: We can only hope that our friend who went to fetch the blankets just ditched us and went home.

 

Beidou: Damnit, don’t tell me the poor oaf has bit the dust?

 

Kazuha: I pray that a kind soul was able to find him before he passed out…

 

Chugunov: Is it really that bad? But my daughter…I won’t be able to read her a bedtime story tonight…

 

Chugunov: ...Sigh

 

...

 

Klee: Aw, Klee feels so bad for the mister’s daughter…

 

The remaining staff then arrives at the entrance and is notified of the situation.

 

Vodyanitsa: On the bright side, the theatre’s always well stocked with supplies. If the snow still doesn’t let up as we get into the evening, you can spend the night here, everyone. At least, I assume that’s alright? Odette?

 

Odette: Fine by me.

 

Valeriy: This seems like a sensible backup plan under the circumstances. My thanks to the theatre for being so accommodating.

 

Xiangling: Oh thank goodness! Almost thought we’d be seeing a crowd eating only nuts mixes and whatever else was brought that day until they went mad!

 

Xingqiu: Hehe, that was your biggest concern?

 

Xiangling: Emergency food is no laughing matter!

 

Shram: What are you staring outside and praying for, my man? You anxious to get home too?

 

Torgov: Wait…Oh…Oh no.

 

…

 

Varka: Morale growing low already, huh? Feel sorry for the guy.

 

Torgov: O, your majesty the Tsaritsa, I beg you, please do not let tonight’s snowstorm stop. This is a golden opportunity to spend the night under the same roof as the two top stars in all of Snezhnaya! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

 

Varka: …Nevermind.

 

Safe to say, Torgov became the enemy of the opposite gender for most of Teyvat.

 

Even those who’d earlier chastised Chugunov to themselves wished to retract their statement.

 

“Think I prefer a family man with some sense of self-reflection, rather than this type” a LOT of minds thought.

 

Odette: I think I’ve changed my mind.

 

Vodyanitsa: Sir, if you so much as look at us funny, you’ll be seeing stars in a whole other way. Behave yourself, or you’ll be begging for that blizzard.

 

Both the past and present version of the same individual fell to the floor.

 

Torgov: …My life is over.

 

Soboleva: That’s not far off.

 

Alyosha: It’s getting colder. We need to keep the indoor temperature up. Close the door and lock it tight. Let’s head somewhere warmer.

 

Vesna: …Okay. At this point I feel like we’re all thinking the same thing, right?

 

Speaking past the ruler of her nation, the Druzhna captain side-eyed Danica.

 

The peoples living in other nations or in the territory of Nod-Krai had no way of knowing, but all who were present in Snezhnaya not long ago had found and obvious discrepancy with this display.

 

Dania: Correct. There was no occasion of a snowstorm, as shown here, having been generated by that beast. Something is wrong.

 

The grand doors of the theatre were slammed such, and accompanying them appeared the title of the continent-spanning presentation.

 

Chapter VII: Act II

Wraith’s Nocturne