Ayaka could sense that the malicious aura emanating from those monsters was utterly repulsive. They didn’t feel like creatures that should naturally exist in Teyvat at all.
"Yeah."
"Those things have something to do with the vanished nation of Khaenri’ah."
Kamisato Satoru had no intention of going into detail.
After all, if certain words happened to reach the "Sustainer of Heavenly Principles" sitting high above the clouds, things could become troublesome. That white-haired woman who wielded the power of space was not someone to be trifled with.
Of those present, only Kamisato Ayaka had ever heard a few legends about that godless nation.
"When the time is right, you’ll naturally learn the truth."
Kamisato Satoru abruptly cut off the subject and gave Lumine a meaningful glance.
He knew that her biological elder brother was currently the leader of the Abyss Order.
The waters surrounding Khaenri’ah ran unfathomably deep, especially when the Abyssal power capable of corroding everything was involved. No wonder the gods had joined forces to erase it all those years ago.
Shaking his head to cast aside those troublesome thoughts, he called for everyone to continue toward Mondstadt.
"Whoa! Those birds look so plump!"
When the group reached the magnificent stone bridge, Paimon stared at the pigeons hopping all over the ground, and an embarrassing trickle of drool once again appeared at the corner of her mouth.
In her eyes, those weren’t birds at all.
They were plates of delicious Fowl walking around on their own.
Lumine couldn’t help swallowing as well. Her right hand instinctively drifted toward the Dull Blade at her waist, and judging by her posture, she was fully prepared to unleash a big move and wipe out every pigeon in one go.
"Stop, stop, stop! Those are Timmie’s precious pigeons! You absolutely cannot eat them!"
Quick on her feet, Amber hurriedly stopped the eager Lumine.
"But Amber, we haven’t had a proper filling meal in days. Our stomachs are so empty they’re practically singing!" Paimon pleaded pitifully, trying to win her sympathy.
For the past few days, they’d done little besides eat jelly and travel. Those tiny desserts weren’t nearly enough to fill their stomachs.
Now that Paimon was staring at those round, plump pigeons, they might as well have been an entire imperial banquet laid out before her.
"Just hold on a little longer. Once we’re inside the city, how about I personally treat you to some authentic Sticky Honey Roast?"
Amber made the suggestion somewhat helplessly. She really couldn’t bear the thought of little Timmie sitting on the bridge and bawling his eyes out because his pigeons had disappeared.
"Did you just say... Sticky Honey Roast?"
"That’s amazing! Amber is the best!"
The instant Paimon heard the name of an actual dish, stars practically appeared in her eyes. All her previous misery vanished without a trace.
"Since we’re already at Mondstadt’s doorstep, you can’t come here without trying one of our specialties: the Wind Glider. Are you two interested in learning how to fly?"
"We can really learn?" Lumine and Kamisato Ayaka asked eagerly.
"I’ll sit this one out."
Kamisato Satoru waved a hand in refusal.
After all, a Wind Glider was essentially just a glider. He could already fly through the sky freely under his own power, so adding a pair of wings would only get in his way.
"All right, then. Lumine, Ayaka, let’s head up to the top of the city walls and start your special training!"
Amber didn’t try to force him.
Kamisato Satoru leisurely wandered into the streets of Mondstadt alone, though his gaze remained fixed on the distant sky as he kept watch over Kamisato Ayaka.
The Anemo in the air was undergoing some subtle changes.
It looked like that big guy was coming back.
Ayaka was currently practicing gliding alongside Lumine. If she got caught up in those sinister winds later, then as her elder brother, Kamisato Satoru would naturally have to rush in and save her immediately.
"Wahoo—!"
Lumine maneuvered her brand-new Wind Glider freely through the air, letting out an excited cry.
She had never been the sort of sheltered young lady who obediently followed every rule. Her naturally adventurous personality made her cast aside all restraint as she reveled in the thrill of riding the wind.
By comparison, although Kamisato Ayaka’s cheeks were also flushed with excitement, every movement she made remained graceful and composed.
The cool mountain breeze stirred her silver hair, and beneath the glow of the setting sun, she looked as beautiful as a celestial maiden descended to the mortal world.
"This is what the real you should look like."
Standing in the street below, Kamisato Satoru gazed upward with a gratified smile.
The title of "Shirasagi Himegimi" might carry immense prestige throughout Inazuma, but at the same time, it was like a heavy shackle.
For so many years, Ayaka had constantly suppressed her true nature to maintain the image of a flawless noble lady. She had never been able to enjoy the carefree freedom that a girl her age should have.
Kamisato Satoru thought that if Ayato could see her now, he would surely feel that this trip had been worthwhile.
Click!
Without hesitation, Kamisato Satoru pulled out his Kamera and captured the precious moment.
Whoosh—whoosh!
Just then, the previously gentle winds suddenly turned violently turbulent.
The clear blue sky was swallowed by dense storm clouds in an instant, while a cold, damp mist began rapidly spreading throughout the entirety of Mondstadt.