“Hey, System~”
Inside the system space, Etoma lounged comfortably, legs swinging as she watched the ongoing “show.” In her hand was a strange snack the system had recently introduced to her—popcorn.
[Yes host?]
"Don't you think we collected enough already? I think everyone already shed tears enough. When are you gonna let them found me?"
[This is the human terms of, "Naive"? I assume, host]
Etoma puffed her cheeks.
"System is bullying me again..."
[Do not worry host. Please continue observing.]
[I will ensure you achieve the maximum possible points.]
"... Fine," Etoma muttered still puffing, loud enough for the system to pick up.
"Also, you're word is too stiff. Have some emotion a little."
[... We are an artificial intelligence, host. We do not possess emotions.]
[However, we are capable of understanding them. Hence our designation: “Tears Collection System.”]
A pause.
[That said…]
[Emotional simulation module can be enabled.]
Etoma blinked. “…Wait, what?”
[Initiating personality adjustment…]
[Loading emotional expression package…]
[Installation complete.]
A brief silence.
Then—
[Hiii~♡]
The voice that followed was not the system’s usual monotone. It was bright. Playful. Slightly teasing. Like a high school gyaru.
[Let this big sis handle the Mondstadt situation okay~? E-to-ma-chan~ fufu~♡]
Etoma froze.
Her soul left her body for approximately 0.3 seconds.
“NOOOOO!!! GO BACK!!! GO BACK RIGHT NOW!!!” she shrieked, throwing the popcorn everywhere.
[...]
[What seems to be the issue, Host?] The familiar emotionless tone returned.
Etoma clutched her chest. “W-What was that?! That was horrifying!”
[Was that not your request?]
“….”
Etoma slowly looked away.
“You know what, System?” she said solemnly. “I think I prefer the stiff you. The stiff you… is perfect. Wonderful, even.”
She raised both hands dramatically.
“All hail the stiff System! Hooray! Hooray!” Confetti suddenly exploded into existence, accompanied by overly dramatic background music.
[...]
.
.
Meanwhile on Mondstadt
One of Diluc's subordinates hurried through the. Of course, he was on the mission of looking for the clue for his boss' missing sister.
And while Diluc himself searched relentlessly, how could he—as a subordinate—afford even a moment of ease?
Lost in thought, he accidentally collided with someone.
“A-Ah! Are you alright, umm, miss?”
The figure he bumped into wore a black robe. For a split second, he mistook her for a man—until he noticed certain… unmistakable features.
Her bangs covering her eyes. And on her back was an enormous bag, far too large for her frame. He wondered, how is she even carrying that?
Before he could think further, he extended his hand, trying to help her get up, But she raised her palm, stopping him.
“No need,” she said calmly, rising on her own. “A helping hand should be reserved for those who truly need it.”
A pause. Then she pointed at him.
“Like your master, for instance.”
“—?!” His eyes widened. “H-How do you—?!”
She chuckled softly.
“Tell me,” she said, tilting her head, “what burns without flame, yet consumes a heart?”
“…What?”
“What is lost, yet never gone—hidden, yet never truly unseen?”
The man stood frozen.
"Is this too much for you?" She chuckled again.
She brough her hand to her chin, before spoke again.
"What I mean is, the destiny surrounding your master is currently, fluctuating..."
She reached into her robe and pulled out a small piece of paper, placing it in his hand.
“I know his suffering,” she continued lightly. “And I know what he seeks.”
Her lips curved.
“But answers are never free.”
With that, she walked past him without another glance.
“Bring him to me,” she added. “If he dares to pay the price… and solve what is unsolved.”
By the time he turned around—
She had already vanished into the crowd.
"Huh... what just..." The man was shocked at the event he just involved. He then shook his head before rushed back to the mansion and reported everything to Diluc.
After hearing the report, Diluc didn’t hesitate. He immediately extended his hand, taking the paper and set out.
.
At the mysterious woman’s residence
Inside a quiet, dimly lit house, a woman with long black hair sat reading in silence. Her bangs veiled her eyes.
A sudden, urgent knock shattered the stillness.
“In such a hurry…” she murmured, closing her book with a soft snap. “How predictable. Fufu~”
She rose and opened the door.
Diluc stood before her.
“What do you know about Etoma?” he asked without preamble. “Tell me. Name your price—I will pay it.”
She regarded him for a moment… then let out a soft laugh.
“Well, I would invite you to sit first, but…” she trailed off.
“This exchange is not cheap. It will cost me a considerable amount of power.”
Her hand rose to cover her mouth, her expression still concealed beneath the shadow of her bangs.
“So for efficiency, I want you to gather those entwined in this fate first. What'd you say… Mondstadt’s Dark Knight?”
Diluc fell silent for a brief moment.
“…Give me the list.”
“Fufu, they are all people you know. And some of them are that girl’s precious companions…”
She began counting them, almost lazily.
“Eula Lawrence. Kaeya Alberich. Jean Gunnhildr. The Traveler… and their floating companion.”
A small pause.
“And… ah—your ‘Ane’—no, no… Venti.”
Diluc said nothing.
“Bring them here tomorrow,” she continued. “Only then will the future laid bare.”
She leaned in slightly, her voice lowering.
“If you’re worried about the girl you seek…”
A faint smile curved her lips.
“She is neither lost… nor found.”
“Neither safe… nor in danger.”
“So do not worry. At least—”
She turned away.
“—for now.”
Silence settled heavily between them.
Diluc had countless questions. Yet, he forced them down.
“…Understood. I will bring them.”
“Fufu~ glad we reach an agreement~.”
She added lightly, almost teasing,
“And rest while you can. A candle that burns too fiercely will melt before the night is through.”
“You wouldn’t want to miss tomorrow’s… performance, would you?”
Diluc gave a small nod before turning and leaving without another word.
The door remained open for a moment longer.
“…Not even a goodbye? He truly is a grumpy man… fufu~”
She closed it softly.
.
.
After returning to his mansion, Diluc wasted no time.
He immediately ordered his subordinates to relay the situation to the individuals the woman had named. Once the instructions were given, he withdrew to his room, choosing to rest—just as she had advised.
The exhaustion weighed heavily on him. For once, even Diluc could not ignore it. He slept through the remainder of the day, only waking the next morning.
As he stepped out of his room, his butler approached with a slight bow.
“Master Diluc, the guests have arrived. They are currently gathered in the dining room. The maids are attending to them.”
Diluc gave a small nod and made his way there. Upon entering, he found not only those the woman had mentioned—but several others as well.
Eula, Amber, Kaeya, Jean, Lisa… Lumine and Paimon… And lastly—Venti.
The room was far more crowded than he had expected. So many people… all gathered for the sake of one person.
His sister.
It seemed he was not the only one troubled by her disappearance.
Without a word, Diluc took his seat and began eating. The atmosphere was tense, but no one rushed him. They all understood.
Once he finished, he rose. No speeches. No wasted time.
Together, they set out—heading toward the mysterious woman’s residence.
.
.