In which Lumine was writing a story.
It was late at night and Lumine was still sitting at the table. Her pen flicked the strokes over the white paper, swiftly filling from page to page. Lumine paused for a moment, carefully tapping the hilt of her pen on her chin in deep thoughts.
Her story was almost finished; only a few more elements remained. She turned to her companion in search of new ideas. Paimon had fallen asleep, next to the dango plate which was empty and left a trace on her mouth.
Lumine sighed. And she said that they were going to write a story together! Seeing Paimon eating well and falling asleep, Lumine realized that it was late at night and she hadn't eaten properly yet. She and Paimon had bought some food to take back to their room, but now it seemed that there was only one onigiri left. Lumine was about to grab the final roll of onigiri on the table's corner when she flinched. A furry, black hand emerged from the shadows and took the food.
“W-What was that?...”
Lumine took a step back. Had she been writing youkai stories for so long that she had started seeing things? The round face of a bake-danuki was then revealed behind the edge of the table. It looked to be grinning before dissipating into thin air.
Lumine blinked. For a moment, she chased the bake-danuki shadow out. She wanted to get her late-night food back, as well as to ask the youkai some questions. Lumine was penning a story about a bake-danuki warrior with the ability to shapeshift, but her words about the youkai's transformation were unconvincing. So meeting a true bake-danuki here was a triumph for her.
But Lumine quickly lost track of the youkai. The surroundings were so deserted that there was only the sound of her footsteps. Suddenly, there was a rustle nearby. A rustling might be heard nearby. Lumine spun around, ready to strike if she was in danger.
“Who goes there?”
There was no reply. Behind the sakura tree appeared a shadow cast on the grass. He walked out in the light and Lumine immediately realized who it was.
"Childe?"
“Hey there, ojou-chan!”
He stated this with a smile and a pleasant wave of his hand.
Lumine was relieved; because, while Childe was a Fatui Harbinger and she didn't completely trust him, she could see that not all of his deeds were terrible. Unless he's plotting something in the middle of the night like this…
"Well, my ship returning to Snezhnaya was delayed, so I still have a few days to visit Inazuma a little more. I was strolling around the neighborhood when I noticed you chasing something."
Sightseeing at night? That sounded pretty shady. Lumine reminded herself to keep an eye on him quietly.
"Well... I'm chasing a bake-danuki."
"A youkai? What did this youkai do that made you chase him?"
Childe seemed intrigued. He must have been interested in youkai as well.
"Not a lot. I'm working on a book..."
"The tale of a youkai? I had no idea you were a writer either."
Lumine sensed her cheeks warming up a little. She replied”
"Not really… It’s simply a way for more people to learn about youkai in a more creative and approachable manner."
"How thoughtful of you, Traveler!" Childe made a remark. "You've always had a unique perspective on things."
"Unfortunately, while I'm here talking to you, I've just lost track of the bake-danuki..."
Childe scratched his head. "Well, it's my fault then. I'll help you find the bake-danuki, is that alright?"
"Are you sure?" Lumine tilted her head a little. "It's really late right now."
"Not a problem at all. I simply hope you'll give me the honor of being the first reader to read your story, maybe?"
"You must promise not to laugh at it!"
Childe chuckled:
"Do you think I'll laugh? I intend to purchase all of your books from Yae Publishing House and have you autograph each one!"
Lumine crossed her arms, faking a stern gesture:
"I'm not here to joke with you. I have a bake-danuki to chase!"
When Lumine turned away, Childe was certain that he saw a grin from her lips.
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Inspired by "Tales of the Youkai" event.
