Down we go, descending Mt. Yougou like the absolute champions we are. Wind in our hair, sakura petals fluttering like anime confetti, and me—humming like an idiot.
"Time to see the little cutie again, la la la la la~" I sang, hands behind my head like some carefree adventurer who definitely hasn't just threatened the pet of a national deity. "Time to pet her head, la la la la la~"
I even did a little spin.
Paimon floated beside me, her expression slowly morphing from curiosity to that classic, judgmental look she does so well.
"Shigeru, Paimon's curious... why do you treat Ayaka differently?"
Huh?
"Like, you're always hitting on every girl we see! Keqing, Lady Ningguang, that Nilou girl you keep dreaming about when you're asleep—"
"She dances divinely!" I argued.
"—AND you even tried your luck on that scary Harbinger, Signora!" Paimon pressed.
"I agree," Lumine said, casually walking ahead. "You flirt worse than Kaeya, but you leave Ayaka alone. Why?"
Now that made me pause.
For once in my dumb little life, I actually paused to think.
I scratched my head. "Hmm... Maybe because she's cute and beautiful, yeah, sure—but for me, that's it. She's waifu material, that's true... but she feels more like... a little sister I wanna pamper all the time."
That's right. Ayaya's like the cinnamon roll in the middle of a battlefield. You protect that.
As we reached the Kamisato Estate, I lifted a finger dramatically. "And look at this!"
We peeked inside like nosy neighbors. Ayaka was talking to Thoma—laughing, smiling like sunshine had decided to cosplay as a girl.
"See that?" I whispered. "They're so cute together. I don't wanna ruin that. I know she sees Thoma as a brother, but... who knows? Things might grow into something special. And if it does, I'll support them like a proud big brother with a camcorder."
Paimon looked touched. "Aww... Paimon thinks that's kinda sweet."
We stepped into the estate.
I immediately sprinted up to the cutie little Ayaya like a rocket fueled by sibling affection.
"AYAYA!" I yelled. "The missions are done!"
I ruffled her hair with both hands like a golden retriever that discovered affection was a personality trait. She blushed and looked down, clearly flustered. Hehe, so cute!
SMACK.
Lumine karate-chopped my head.
"Stop that. You're making her uncomfortable."
Ayaka looked at Lumine and gave a tiny, grateful nod. "Thank you, Traveler."
Then she coughed and straightened up like a proper lady. "I have heard all about how you helped our three friends. My sincerest thanks to you."
"Aww, shucks! It's no biggie—"
"You didn't do anything," Lumine and Paimon said in deadpan unison.
I placed a hand over my heart. "That hurts. Right here."
Lumine rolled her eyes. "All you did was wander around making people uncomfortable."
"Hey, hey, hey!" I held up my hands. "I may not have done much physically but spiritually? Emotionally? I have made deals that will help us in the long run! Probably. Maybe. Don't quote me."
Lumine rolled her eyes and looked back at Ayaka.
"Actually, we didn't really help at all... The damage done by losing a Vision... can't be completely undone."
Paimon sighed. "Yeah... it's like a part of their soul is just... gone. Paimon thinks the only way to truly help is to get their Visions back."
Ayaka grew quiet, her expression solemn. "You have now witnessed the pain of those deprived of their Visions... What are your feelings on what you have seen?"
I leaned back, hands in pockets.
"Well, I didn't see it firsthand like they did," I said, jerking a thumb at Lumine and Paimon. "But I know what they've gone through. I've seen the aftermath, the hollow looks, the broken spirits. And I'm still dead set on my mission: Beat the hell out of your Archon and stop this stupid Vision Hunt Decree."
Lumine crossed her arms. "It's a fate worse than death..."
Paimon nodded. "It really is... and Paimon hopes they can all be free from their suffering."
Ayaka sighed and gazed out the window, her tone distant.
"Perhaps... in the eyes of a deity such as the Almighty Shogun... our lives are inconsequential. Thunder's roar. Lightning's flash. Wind's assault. Rain's descent... all these things take place with no regard for the feelings of the common people. But you... you understand what they must endure."
I looked at her.
Then gave her a soft smile.
"Yeah. I do. We all do." I said as I looked at Lumine and Paimon who just remained quiet.
I looked at her again, and for once, I didn't crack a joke.
"But don't worry," I said. "Just like what we promised, soon, the only thing you'll hear is the ass-whooping I'm going to give to that bully you guys call Archon."
I gave her a faint but genuine smile.
Because deep down... I meant it.
I know what it's like to be powerless.
To be ignored, to be seen as less, to be thrown aside like you're some disposable extra in someone else's story.
I remember it all.
The orphanage. The cold meals. The silence of the halls at night. No one to talk to, no one to miss you if you vanished the next day. People stared at me like I was broken. Like I was defective. Just another mouth to feed.
They say kids are resilient. Maybe. But even resilient kids get tired.
And when someone did finally see me... they left... All of them... Left behind by someone I thought would never leave.
So yeah.
I get it. I really get it.
That's why I can't sit still when I see others going through that same crap. Whether it's the people of Inazuma losing their spark, or Lumine, who's been separated from her brother and has to keep smiling like it's fine.
We're all broken in our own way, I guess.
But maybe—just maybe—I can help fix a piece or two. Not the whole world. But enough.
Maybe not all of it. Maybe not in one go. But I'll punch and annoy and yell and charm my way through every wall until something gives.
Because if I'm here now—if I've been given a second chance to live in this ridiculous, beautiful, anime-ass world called Teyvat—
Because I'm not just a visitor anymore.
I'm a citizen of Teyvat now.
Then I might as well make a difference.
And I'm gonna make damn sure it's a better place.
Even if I'm the idiot doing it.
And while I was too busy having my moment, the Househusband of the Kamisato clan had his entry.
Thoma. The golden retriever with a spear. The man's got that perfect blend of reliable older brother and overly polite golden boy energy. So naturally, when he smiled and said,
"Congratulations, Milady. You've gained such wonderful allies. It seems like you were right all along..." —with that satisfied little sigh of his—I felt like someone had just sprinkled sugar on my trauma cake.
Ayaya giggled. GIGGLED. Like a sparkle anime sound effect should've gone off. My heart exploded. I forgot I was supposed to be moping about my dark and broody orphan past.
Fuck it. Ayaya and Thoma being cute together? That's what I live for now. This is my personality.
Ayaka did that smug little look she does when she tries to act cool but ends up looking like an excited kitten.
"Of course," she said with the pride of a thousand cherry blossoms. "I knew I placed my trust in the right people."
Cue me grinning like the idiot I am. I lunged in.
"That's right, Ayaya! We'll do our best for you! Ain't that right, gang?"
Boom. Instant blush. Ayaka.exe has stopped responding. Someone get her a reboot button.
Paimon floated up beside me and gave me a squint. "He really looks like an older brother to her. It's... kinda rare."
Lumine snorted. "At least he's not flirting with her for a change."
SMACK!
Ah yes, the sacred Lumine Chop to the Skull. I have grown immune. It no longer does damage, but it still wounds my pride.
Ayaka, once again, gave her signature Lumine Appreciation Nod. "Thank you, Traveler."
RIP me.
Ayaya coughed into her hand and stood a bit straighter. "Now then, given that the remainder of our discussion pertains to matters of a more… confidential nature… perhaps we could move to the Komore Teahouse? We ought not to involve other members of the Yashiro Commission."
And ofcourse, the ever idiot we were (Except for Ayaya ofcourse) agreed to her immediately.
And so we five idiots walked to the Komore Teahouse.
Well, four idiots (Thoma included) and Ayaya.
Along the way, I resumed my noble quest: pestering Ayaya with all the love of a clingy golden retriever.
"Ayaya~ Here, have a dango!"
"Look, Ayaya, this snack's shaped like a bunny!"
"Ayaya, what if Thoma and you had matching umbrellas, huh? Huh??"
She was clearly uncomfortable.
But... slowly getting used to it.
She even smiled a little. Ayaya.exe is adapting.
Paimon flew ahead of us, arms crossed like a floating annoyed mom. "He's so weird..."
You're not wrong, floaty.
Finally, we reached the teahouse.
Paimon flailed her arms. "Here we are again..."
Thoma turned to us with that smile that could calm a rampaging boar.
"Please, continue without me. I'll keep watch."
And off he went to go play Guard Dog Extraordinaire.
Paimon, ever the curious blob of floating chaos, asked, "So, what's the deal with this place anyway? What makes it your favorite meeting spot?"
Ayaka gave one of those elegant nods like she was about to drop ancient royal knowledge.
"This is a land that was gifted to the Yashiro Commission by the Shogun. The Kamisato Clan has exclusive rights to plan, build, and repair any property here—and even allow or deny access."
Wow. Imagine being that powerful and still being this adorable.
She explained how it's their private zone for serious stuff. VIP tea-sipping with extra secrets.
Paimon looked impressed. "Paimon gets it now—gotta keep a bit of mystery, right?"
Ayaka giggled and nodded.
Honestly, this girl is just—
Wife material.
...But also cinnamon roll material.
Dual-classing, I swear.
She sat down properly and looked at us with poise. "In any case, we can talk freely here. I presume you have a few questions you wish to ask me?"
Lumine shook her head lightly. "Actually, Shigeru already explained the gist of it. That's why we're trying to help you. He may not look like it, but he's very reliable."
Record scratch.
"Excuse me? Not look like it? I look like someone trustworthy, right Ayaya?"
Ayaka nodded and smiled like I just gave her a perfectly wrapped gift.
I grinned. "SEE?! Ayaya approves! It's 100% legit!"
Paimon and Lumine sighed in stereo. Disappointment was the harmony.
But I wasn't done yet.
"I still haven't told them about the Resistance, though. You know? Watatsumi, Kokomi, that whole part of the anime arc. But I'll get there. You've got something for us to do first, right?"
I looked at Ayaka with a softer grin now. Not the usual teasing one. The kind where I'm actually dialed in.
Sometimes, you have to switch gears. Even a clown has his serious numbers.
"But first…"
I muttered it low.
Then looked at her seriously.
"Stop distributing the men with counterfeit Visions… Or should I call it Delusions."
Boom. The air shifted.
"It has lasting side effects," I continued. "You must trust me. Never… and I mean never use Delusions or make any of the army use them at any cost."
There are moments when laughter dies. When even the biggest fool knows that words carry weight. I felt it in my chest—the responsibility, the cost, the future I didn't want them to step into. I could see it in their eyes, too. The doubt, the concern, the what-ifs.
Ayaka looked at me, surprised by the sudden shift in tone.
"Even if I have to fight the entire Shogunate Army on my own," I said, voice low and firm. "Just don't make them use those things."
She stared at me for a long moment… then nodded.
"I trust you."
And just like that—BOOM—we're back.
I puffed my chest out and pointed toward the heavens.
"Alright! So! Shall we break that Master Masakatsu of yours out of prison?!"
I grinned like a moron.
Because I may be an idiot.
But I'm an idiot with a big, dumb, loyal heart.
And if I can save a nation, a cinnamon roll, and a bunch of traumatized citizens while cracking jokes and collecting snacks—
Then dammit, I'll do it.
Because that's what idiots with hearts do.
And honestly?
I wouldn't have it any other way.
__________________________
End of Chapter 50
Quests Completed:
*Have a monologue about your tragic backstory like an anime protagonist.
*Earn Ayaya's genuine approval through loyalty, honesty, and teasing that borders on emotional terrorism.
*Relocate to Komore Teahouse for a serious and private briefing.
*Deliver heartfelt monologue about the dangers of counterfeit Visions (Delusions).
*Witness at least three cinnamon roll behaviors from Ayaka in a single scene. (Giggle, Graceful nod, Trusting smile )
Rewards:
*+10 Relationship Point: Kamisato Ayaka
*+1 Bunny-Shaped Snack (Cuteness +5, Useless in combat)
* +1 Memory Unlock: Past Life Flash (Faint)
*+1 Komore Teahouse Loyalty Pass
*A sight of a cute blushing Ayaya
*+1 Warning Mark: Delusion Awareness
Achievements:
"Idiot With A Heart"
-Your jokes may be dumb, but your loyalty is legendary.