DEMON SERGEANT

she glanced down to their shadows cast by the lights hanging overhead, the human's shape vastly different from Lumine's. being separated was... it had crossed Paimon's thoughts before, but so frightful the prospect she'd quickly sweep it aside and not let it sink in. something she'd rather put off and pretend was never an actual possibility some time in the future.

as long as she didn't think about it, they'd stay together forever.

The lady resembles someone that they knew but not the real deal.

"Excuse me, ma'am. Have you seen a girl with blonde hair that carries a sword?" It was merely her best to be nice knowing Ilsa was normally strict. The kind lady replied to her.

"A blonde girl with a sword? I have heard of her but i have no clue on where she is." The lady looked on a distance as Paimon might know her name, as asked. "You, the one floating creature. What was her name?"

"While I hesitate to judge without proof, it does seem fraudulent to some extent, don't you think?"

"Five of my Dust goes into their machines, and in exchange I get a pile of worthless shiny tokens. You don't suppose they're running a scam here, do you?"

This made Ilsa think bit deeper.

in turning to view the origin, the woman actually wouldn't have appeared out of place in Liyue — particularly among the Millelith's ranks. maybe she were one of their ranks and had been sent to investigate the white entity watching the spectacle. most wouldn't have known Xiao was in the area and taken it upon himself to handle any trouble if there was anything suspicious about her. but the fact remained this was the first Lantern Rite she'd seen, so the sight of what others might describe as a fairy or a child was still fairly new to the locals. the whole Rex Lapis passing debacle would still be fresh in their minds too.

Festives going on aside, there many that has the same description that Paimon is talking about. Knowing Liyue, it might be safe or unsafe to find her but information from locals is a must, if they ever last saw her.

Attracted by the clouds and angels motif of one of the "slot machines" at the Golden Resort and Casino, Aurelius had walked up for a closer look, paid the 5 Dust required to take one spin, and pulled the lever to see what would happen. After all, a human machine that promised "riches to make your life Heaven on Earth!" was too intriguing for him not to touch.

As a result, he hit the jackpot and now a flood of gold coins were spilling out of the thing, some clattering to the carpet below. Picking one up, he gave it a thoughtful look before catching the eye of a woman nearby watching the show.

"Excuse me, madam."

"A moment of your time? I don't think this is authentic metal at all."

He handed over the coin for her inspection.

Ilsa was aware that 'Dust' is the currency but what's with the coin? Perhaps exchange to some prizes? More dust? Well, she won't know as she checks out the coin.

even seox is here? what are the chances of that...gran will be on the lookout for him. with his skills, finding him would be quite difficult. man this whole thing is such a downer.

"I guess i can count on you for that one." Well, she does. If there is no Society at least he's here for comfort. Being alone in this place already stings enough right to the core.

       ❛❛   i was just thinking , isn't it funny how you're always there when i show up ?   ❜❜              SO THE SERPENT SAYS , nevermind the fact that erune was tasked to put a stop to his plans to start the world over––––         ❛❛   maybe it's FATE pulling us together ? say , if we turn out to be a fated pair ... what should we do ? shall we get married , or skip right to the wedding night ?   ❜❜

Was it actually fate? She's not even singularity material.

"W-Wait... skip to the-" Jumbled emotions pouring on the loner erune who doesn't have her compatriots but this, this was merely a shocker moment. "That's a bit way too forward coming from you..." From a fierce erune into a stumped one due to his charms.