The Small Lamp Grass is a unique plant native to Mondstadt. Its flowers emit a faint glow at night.
When cooked with other ingredients, it can enhance the flavor of the dish.
However, only a handful of people use it for cooking. Most prefer to hang it as a decoration on their balconies or desks.
But perhaps many travelers don't know that a certain Pyro claymore character also uses this plant as an ascension material.
If someone knows this, it's either because they're a true fan, or... it's a sad story.
You lost your 50/50.
Tonight, Lisa had deliberately put on her usual formal attire.
Because in her room, not only was her good friend Jean present, but also two "Forest Ice and Fire" characters.
Originally, Lisa hadn't wanted them to come, but Diluc felt that since he had dealt with the Instructor before, he was more suited to negotiate with him. So, with an "I'm not here on purpose" expression, he came to Lisa's house with Jean.
As for Kaeya... well, you always need four people for a dungeon run, right? He was there as the Cryo support.
With a healer, a Pyro main DPS, an off-field resistance shredder, and a Cryo support, this team should be able to handle a Fatui Harbinger... right?
Though they'd probably just drop a bunch of 4-star[Instructor]artifacts.
How pitiful. At least the seniors got 5-star artifacts, but the Instructor only gets 4-star ones.
"It's almost time."
Looking at her pocket watch, Lisa spoke. The time agreed upon with the Instructor was approaching.
Including Diluc, who had been meditating with his eyes closed, everyone's gaze was fixed on the door.
The ticking of the pocket watch was particularly noticeable in the quiet room, especially in this tense atmosphere.
And then...
"Crash—"
The Small Lamp Grass that Lisa had deliberately moved from the balcony to the windowsill was smashed by a uniquely shaped dagger.
The sound of wires retracting echoed as Bai Luo, holding Collei in one arm, practically right on time leaped in through the window.
Under the light, his pale white mask gave off an eerie feeling.
Lisa: "..."
"Sorry, everyone. This kid got a little carried away playing with her new friend, so we're a bit late."
Looking at the four people in the room, Bai Luo wasn't surprised.
He had only invited Jean, but Diluc definitely wouldn't let Jean meet with him alone, so he would naturally follow.
And if Diluc was coming, how could Kaeya be far behind?
"Didn't I tell you not to use the balcony anymore?"
Looking at the Small Lamp Grass, which had lost its last bit of glow, Lisa sighed.
Fortunately, it wasn't anything particularly valuable. You could find it near Mondstadt.
Otherwise, the damage would have been significant.
"I used the window, not the balcony."
Bai Luo replied matter-of-factly.
After so many years of assassination, he wasn't used to using the front door at night.
"..."
Is this how all Fatui think? So... unique?
"Let's cut to the chase, Instructor. I've already heard from Lisa about your plan, and we've verified those... things."
After exchanging a glance with Diluc, Jean took the initiative to speak.
This matter was of great importance to Mondstadt, so she didn't waste any time and went straight to the point.
"So? Do you accept my proposal?"
Glancing at the single-seat sofa Lisa had deliberately prepared for him, Bai Luo subtly pushed Collei onto it while shamelessly sitting down next to Lisa.
"Given your methods, I assume you've already noticed the letter I sent to Sumeru, right?"
Lisa didn't resist his behavior. Instead, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and asked.
Ever since the Fatui had entered Mondstadt, letters sent from here were more or less monitored by them.
But this time, her letter had been sent out without any issues. Lisa didn't believe Bai Luo hadn't tampered with it.
"So, you've accepted?"
Removing the mask that had been covering his face, Bai Luo revealed the gentle smile beneath.
Almost as soon as he took off the mask, his demeanor underwent a subtle change, giving off an almost surreal vibe.
"We only have one question. If you can answer it, I, as the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, will agree to your request."
Though she was technically the Acting Grand Master, Jean's current status was practically that of the Grand Master.
Since Grand Master Varka had begun planning his expedition, he had been intentionally strengthening Jean's influence within the Knights.
"Ask away. As long as it doesn't involve certain secrets, I have the authority to answer."
"Why are you doing this? According to our investigation, you and she met by chance, right? Why go so far as to betray the Fatui for her?"
After Bai Luo brought Collei back, Kaeya had used his connections to investigate this mysterious girl.
The results of the investigation had surprised them.
Because, according to their intelligence, this girl should have had a grudge against the Fatui. What she had done was similar to what Diluc had done after leaving Mondstadt.
During her travels across the seven nations, she had caused quite a bit of trouble for the Fatui.
But now, she was together with a Fatui Harbinger, and this Harbinger was willing to break the Fatui's long-standing plans for her.
"First of all, I haven't betrayed the Fatui. Otherwise, I wouldn't have spent two days working hard to set up those devices."
As Bai Luo said this, Collei, who had been listening intently, couldn't help but roll her eyes.
Were you the one working hard for two days? You were sleeping in the tent the whole time! It was me who did all the work!
Thinking about that time she got surrounded by Hilichurls because of a mistake, Collei shuddered.
"As for why I'm helping her... that's my personal matter. I've always been strict about separating work and personal matters. Setting up those traps for the mission and telling you their locations to save her don't seem to conflict, do they?"
"..."
This made sense, but at the same time, it felt a bit off.
"Let me ask you again, do you honestly have no other ulterior motives?"
Just to be safe, Jean asked again.
Perhaps realizing that her question was a bit rude, she deliberately added a respectful tone.
"Ulterior motives? Plans only work when both sides are on equal footing. If I wanted to cause trouble for you, wouldn't it be easier to just slaughter all of Mondstadt's leadership in one night? Don't tell me that would affect the friendship between our nations. As long as I don't admit it, what can you do to me?
Bai Luo said this with a smile, but it sent chills down everyone's spines.
Admittedly, there were people in Mondstadt stronger than Bai Luo.
But even lions take naps. How could Mondstadt's leadership remain vigilant against Bai Luo at all times?
If he really did this, the combination of daily busyness and nightly vigilance would drive them mad sooner or later.
It had to be said that while Bai Luo's combat strength might not be the best among the Harbingers, his threat level was even more terrifying than those with notorious reputations.
Sometimes, holding onto a trump card is more intimidating than playing it.