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Author Note:
[ ] = When Twilight is speaking.
{ } = When talking through Telepathy.
' ' = When thinking in your mind.
<< >> = When talking with your Pokémon or Tamed Beast.
--- --- = When describing a certain period OR Another place.
** ** = Point Of View, i.e., POV
/// /// = In Call
" " = System and when talking to it.
「 」 = Thoughts being heard
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Ganyu: Well…that's...…I understand.
Seeing that Primis didn't even bother to give some thought to their requests and directly rejected them. The Half-Qilin let out a sigh and obliged.
'Ganyu: We have been taking care of these documents since yesterday, and they didn't show any sign of stopping. On the other hand, Your Majesty took care of 80% of them right away... If only we could be as decisive as him.'
Taking a deep breath, she focused on the one in her hands.
'Ganyu: Forget it. We are not Your Majesty. As the council member, we must read all of the people's requests, give them some thought, and discuss them among ourselves before coming to an answer.'
Putting those thoughts away, she returned to her work. Fortunately, now that most of the documents are finished, the remaining work proceeded faster.
Whenever they came to the ones asking for a transfer or more points, Ganyu and Primis directly put the rejection stamp on them and didn't waste time reading the rest of it.
Hours went by.
By now, only two piles of papers were left.
'Primis: Oh, this. Huh.'
Raising one of his brows, Primis checked the request about Tavern that Diluc put in. While Primis did say that he would look into it, the red-haired still put it so that people wouldn't think Your Majesty favored one over the other.
Primis: Here, little Cocogoat, check this out.
Hearing his words, Ganyu stopped what she was doing and took the paper from Primis before going through it.
After reading this, she narrowed her eyes.
Ganyu: This is...…
Primis: Unexpected, right?
Ganyu: It is.
Nodding, she looked at the bottom of the paper and checked the signatures.
Ganyu: They want to buy that Tavern in installment. Below are the signatures of other Knights, too. They want to confirm if they can combine all their current points and make the first payment. They even said we can deduct their points for the next months until all the payments are done.
Primis: So, what do you say about how We answer?
Ganyu: ...…I think it's okay to accept it, Your Majesty.
Primis: Is that so?
Ganyu: Um. There are more than ten signatures here. This means if we combine all their points, the total will be more than 1,000.
Raising her head, she looked at Primis and continued.
Ganyu: The cost of Tavern is 10,000 points. 1,000 is 10% the amount. So...if they are willing to pay like this, I think agreeing will be fine.
Primis: Indeed. We don't need to worry about asking them to pay every month, as they said we can deduct it independently. In other words, We don't need to give them a single point for the next 10 months.
Ganyu: Yes. Because of that, there is no loss for us.
Primis: We won't deny that.
Ganyu: So....
Primis: Let's wait. We have some other plans.
Ganyu: Oh, ok.
Instead of putting it on top of other documents, Ganyu placed it on the side for now. They then went through the rest of the papers before another document attracted his attention.
'Primis: Beidou. Huh. We completely forgot that she was also here.'
The former captain of The Crux's request was different from others. She indicated that she and her crew members were getting bored as they had nothing to do here.
Before, she and her crew sailed through the sea for adventures, but now it was as if they had lost some purpose. Though, seeing the boundless ocean here reignited that fire within.
Hence, instead of asking for more points, she wanted permission to create a new vessel so that they could sail through the sea in search of mysteries.
Primis: Interesting.
He muttered slowly. However, because the room was silent, Ganyu heard it and looked at him in confusion. Instead of answering, Primis just passed the paper to her to see.
After her eyes went through everything, a surprise appeared on her face.
Ganyu: Amazing. She has already thought of everything. So, right now, she only wants permission to have the plan in motion.
Primis: Yeah. Below are the signatures of all the crew members. With all of them combined, it's not that hard for them to create a ship.
Ganyu: Yes. They knew buying a brand-new ship was too expensive, so they wanted to purchase the materials to make one themselves. Still….
Reading something, she spoke.
Ganyu: I didn't know we could buy the blueprints from the shop.
Primis: That is something you need to explore yourself to find.
Nodding, she went through them one last time before putting it down.
Primis: So…
Ganyu: I think we should...reject this.
Instead of feeling surprised, Primis smiled. Seeing this, the Half-Adeptus understood that he also had the same thought.
Primis: We also think the same.
Taking back the paper, he spoke with his eyes still on it.
Primis: While this plan is feasible, Beidou and her crew only have the knowledge and experience about how the ship works. They know nothing about how to build one.
Ganyu: True. Just because someone knows how to use brick and cement doesn't mean they are architects.
Primis: Um.
Ganyu: This is very risky. The ship they will make will be full of dangerous elements. There's a high possibility that it wouldn't be able to handle the long journey. And if they faced a storm, their fate would be decided.
Agreeing with her, Primis put it aside along with the previous one.
Ganyu: Your Majesty?
Primis: That request gave Us some idea.
Hearing this, she accepted it and didn't ask further before returning to her work.
Another hour went by.
With his gaze still on the manuscript in his hand, he spoke.
Primis: Enter.
Once his words fell, the room door opened, and some people walked inside.
Jean: Your Majesty.
Lumine: Mr. Erste.
Acknowledging their bow, he didn't raise his head and focused on the work. Those people remained silent and just waited for him.
The ones who entered were the former Knights of Favonius, namely Jean, Kaeya, Albedo, Eula, Amber, Lisa, Diluc, Sucrose, and Noelle.
There were two more people: Lumine and Ei.
Both of their eyes filled with emotion. If the atmosphere had not been serious, Lumine would have jumped at Primis, demanding a hug and patting.
The same was true for Ei. During Primus's absence for a few days, she missed him a lot, and her longing for him increased even further.
An hour later.
During the whole time, no one made any noise to disturb him and his secretary.
He put a stamp on the document and placed it on top of the stacks on the table.
This time, instead of picking a new one, he chose the one he placed on the side.
Primis: Diluc.
Diluc: Yes, Your Majesty.
Primis: We have read your request for the tavern. To be honest, it's not a bad proposal. If it were only one person, We would have declined it outright. But seeing the support of other Knights, We had no choice but to think otherwise.
Diluc: Then, Your Majesty....
A flash of anticipation appeared in his eyes.
Primis: However....
Putting the paper down, he raised his head and looked at them.
Primis: There is no need for that.
Diluc: No need?
Rather than answering immediately, he moved his chair to the side and leaned back on it. His eyes were looking out of the window towards the horizon.
After a few minutes, he opened his mouth.
Primis: The people of Mondstadt were brought here one year before the people of Inazuma. So, by now, you all have accepted your new life, right?
This time, this question was directed not only to Diluc but also to other Knights.
Amber: Yes, I love moving around, gliding, and enjoying the wind.
Jean: Me, too. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the people and my sister really warms my heart.
Eula: Because of my background, everyone looks at me with contempt and hatred. But now, no one feels repulsive. They even approached me themselves for help. I am glad to find my place among the people.
Diluc: Even if I left the Knights of Favonius back then, Mondstadt was still my home. Hence, I always try to keep it safe from shadows from those with bad intentions. But now, I don't need to worry about it because I know everyone is safe.
Kaeya: I like seeing the soldiers practice in the training ground. Watching their spirit, will, determination, hard work, and enthusiasm reminds me of those Knights who once worked under me.
One by one, they spoke their mind while Primis listened in silence.
Once they were done, Primis spoke.
Primis: It's good to hear that you all now consider this world your home.
All of them smiled and nodded.
Primis: But the time of rest is over.
At this, all their smile vanished, and a serious expression appeared on their faces.
Primis: Since We were going to become Emperor, We needed Knights loyal to Us. That's why We took you under Us... But the plans have changed now.
Moving his head, he looked at them and continued.
Primis: in the future, We will have even more Knights. However, as the first Knights who swore their allegiance to Us, you all must be the one who stands above them. Guide them, teach them, show them your power, and become their goals. So now, it's time for you all to take the position that is rightfully yours.
When he was done speaking, their System window automatically opened in front of them.
Their attention was attracted to the new option that had appeared.
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Profile Shop Inventory Stairway to Heavens (new)
Balance: 100 points
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Everyone in the room was surprised to see that.
They all knew what "Stairway to Heavens" was—that tower that stood in the very middle of this world. They still remembered how fascinated they were when they saw it for the first time after arriving in this world.
By the way, everyone can see the windows of the Knights as they still didn't know how to hide it from others.
They then clicked this new feature.
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Stairway to Heavens
--> Trails of the Royal Knights
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**Trails of the Royal Knights**
Trail of Might
Trail of Authority
Trail of Perspective
???????????
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Primis: Once you complete all four trails, you will officially become Our Royal Knights.
'All Knights: Four Trails. Huh.'
Sucrose: What about the last one, Your Majesty? Why is it showing "??????????"?
Primis: By the time you finish the first three, the last one will reveal itself.
Sucrose: Ok.
He then looked at all the Knights and spoke.
Primis: You all will start the trail in 24 hours. So, take a rest and prepare yourself. Assemble here four hours before the Trails begin. We will brief you about your goals. Dismiss.
They had some questions, but still, they bowed their head to him and left. They all had a feeling that these trails wouldn't be easy.
Only four people were left in the room: Primis, Ganyu, Lumine, and Ei.
His gaze now fell on the Traveler.
Primis: Lumine, compared to others, you adapted to this world faster. The main reason is that you are used to traveling to different worlds before.
Lumine: Of course.
Hearing the praise, the blonde put her fists on her waist and raised her chest in pride.
Primis, who was watching this, had his expressions softened, and he nodded.
Primis: You have also mastered your current level of strength. We are very proud of you for this.
Lumine: Ehehe.
A light blush appeared on her face as she scratched her cheeks.
He let her enjoy herself for a minute before his expression turned serious.
Primis: However, there is a limit to how much one strength can reach. This is especially true for you who We have thought of many plans for in the future.
Putting her smile away, she asked.
Lumine: What is Mr. Erste implying?
Primis: It's time for you to make a team.
Lumine: Eh?
This answer from Primis caught her off guard. She never expected him to tell her to form a team.
She wanted to disagree but remembered Primis said there was a limit to one's strength a second ago. If it was anyone else, then she might think that person was looking down on her, but Primis was different as he was fully aware of her true power. And since he said such words, this means that in the future, her power alone won't be able to complete the task he would assign.
After becoming quiet for a moment, she opened her mouth.
Lumine: Then who should be worthy of joining my team? It's not that I am saying others here are weak, but the person who joins my team must not only be at least my level, but his or her growth should also match mine; otherwise, a power disparity will occur in the future.
Primis: We know. We also know who will meet all criteria.
He then looked outside again.
Primis: Let Us tell you something. We also added something else to the Stairway to Heavens when we created it.
Lumine: And that is?
Primis: Destroyed Worlds.....The Worlds you have met their ends long ago.
Lumine: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ganyu: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ei: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Primis: While these Worlds are dead, they had some things that can still be useful. And in one of these worlds, you will find your team.
When he stopped, Lumine's window appeared before her, and the "Stairway to Heavens" feature was unlocked.
Primis: Your team will consist of 15 people, including you... The remaining 14 members will be... Blood Maidens.
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**Blood Maidens**
Mary Skelter: Nightmares
Mary Skelter 2
Mary Skelter Finale
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*A/N: Please throw some power stones.
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