20 Correspondence

She couldn’t help but start paying attention to the enforcers who patrolled past. Then she realized they were not exceptions, nor was the fruit vendor unique.

Whether old or young, child or adult, whoever stopped them for help, the patrolling enforcers always stood straight and serious, then saluted respectfully.

—they were genuinely expressing kindness toward the civilians.

In that instant, Pei Nana developed a deep fondness for the city and an unexpected trust in its administrators and rulers.

She involuntarily recalled the young man who had helped her, remembering his handsome, doll-like face.

(Could it be that I misunderstood? Is this city truly filled with such humanistic care?)

(No, no, no. I mustn’t jump to conclusions. If I trust the wrong person, it will be disastrous.)

(But I also can’t dishearten those who mean well.)

(Before turning away, I should repay their kindness properly.)

(But… what can I do? Surely I can’t just help with flower arranging? Please, that’s clearly them giving me a way out…)

Pei Nana pondered deeply, racking her brain for ways she could repay them, but no matter how she thought, she came up empty. Setting aside Diluc’s wealth, good looks, and numerous servants, even she herself depended entirely on others for food and necessities. She had nothing of her own to offer.

Suddenly, a famous line flashed through her mind: “With nothing to repay, I offer myself…”

Pei Nana: “…”

Pei Nana: “…”

Pei Nana slapped herself hard across the face. “Ugh! Stop watching all those brainless TV dramas!”

…

The next morning, after breakfast, Pei Nana spoke softly to Haili, “I’m a bit bored alone. Does the shop have any books I could read? Preferably about Mondstadt’s history. It’s such a beautiful and grand city, clearly marked by ancient traces. I’m very curious about its past; there must be many stories.”

“Of course!” Haili’s expression brightened with pride, happily replying, “Master Diluc’s study holds a good number of books, including several on Mondstadt’s history. He’s a tolerant and kind employer and doesn’t mind if we borrow some occasionally.

“Miss Nana, please wait a moment. I’ll bring some to you right away!”

She hurried off and soon returned carrying several books.

Pei Nana took them and flipped through the pages, delighted to find she actually recognized some of the characters.

Haili smiled sheepishly, “I heard Miss Nana is from Liyue, so these are Liyue translations.” She scratched her head in puzzlement. “It’s strange — you can speak Mondstadt’s language but don’t recognize its script…”

(I can’t! I’ve been communicating entirely in Mandarin! This is obviously a built-in translation from crossing worlds!)

Pei Nana was startled by Haili’s casual remark, sweat trickling down her back. She forced a smile and thanked her, then quickly urged, “You should get back to your work. If I need anything, I’ll call.”

With that, she returned to the balcony, giving Haili a sweet smile before decisively shutting the door with a click.

The innocent young maid was dazzled by the charm of that smile, only to find herself facing the locked wooden balcony door.

Haili: “…”

She felt as if Miss Nana suddenly didn’t want to see her anymore. Could it be her imagination?

She thought it over but couldn’t figure it out. Scratching her head, she remembered what Master Diluc had arranged yesterday. She turned and left the room, returning shortly with a flower basket.

*Knock knock.*

She knocked on the balcony door. “Miss Nana?”

After a moment, the door opened, revealing the poised and elegant beauty behind it.

Haili instinctively brightened her smile, lifting the basket to her face, her tone lively and cheerful. “Miss Nana, I saw the flower basket you made yesterday. It was really beautiful! You must really like these things to create such wonderful work! Here, look at what I arranged. I spent a long time yesterday. May I give it to you?”

Pei Nana looked at the basket and accepted it. “Very beautiful. I like it.”

Haili’s smile grew even brighter. “That’s wonderful! I won’t disturb you then. Have a pleasant morning!”

Just as she was about to leave, a voice called out behind her, “Wait!”

Haili: “?”

Pei Nana hesitated before saying, “Yesterday, I promised Master Diluc I’d arrange some fresh flowers in the tavern as decoration, but I don’t have many flowers here. Could you help me find some beautiful ones with auspicious meanings? And please ask about any flower taboos in Mondstadt culture.”

Haili patted her chest confidently. “No problem! Leave it to me!”

That afternoon, when Master Diluc awoke from a nap and checked reports as usual in his office, he found a bottle holding a neatly arranged, vibrant bouquet of cornflowers on his desk. Nestled among the fiery red petals was a small card.

He paused and gently pulled out the card, reading a line of delicate Liyue script: “May the ever-blowing wind carry away all your worries and pain.”

Diluc smiled wryly, glancing around, then noticed a small clump of glowing lampgrass in a corner flowerpot.

This was a uniquely Mondstadt plant, charming in shape, which emitted a soft glow at night. Many residents kept a few pots at home as nightlights.

Quite delightful.

He plucked a single stalk of lampgrass, sat at his desk, and took out a sheet of paper. Thinking of the girl’s timid unease, he wrote with a quill: “Thank you. The night will not last forever; dawn will come. Until the shore of freedom and peace arrives, may the faint glow of lampgrass dispel the confusion and darkness before you.”

He found a fine envelope in his drawer, placed the note inside, lightly scented it with a subtle fragrance, and left it by the door of Pei Nana’s temporary room.

Outside her door was a small table for miscellaneous items like guest supplies and food trays. Diluc placed the letter on it and secured it with the stalk of lampgrass before quietly leaving.

A return gift is customary, but more than that, he sincerely hoped this ‘little princess’ from another world could soon return home and end her anxious journey—for everyone’s sake.

The next day, a small pot of unopened dandelions appeared in the office. Diluc unfolded a folded note nestled among the soft stems.

Encouraged by yesterday’s response, taken as a friendly gesture, she had become bolder. The note was much longer:

“Thank you for your blessings. I will remember and act accordingly. May you never be lost nor drown in darkness.

“Yesterday, I asked Haili about flower taboos in Mondstadt and learned that dandelions are the most beloved flower there. Today, I asked her to bring back an extra pot.

“It has yet to bloom and needs time to grow. Perhaps you might open a window and place it where it’s warm. Please be patient; all waiting is rewarded. One day, you may be surprised to find it transformed into a soft, fluffy puff, like a cloud or a delicate dream. A gentle breeze will carry it away from its bonds, fluttering off to unknown places.

“Perhaps that is freedom.

“I do not know if that freedom is what Mondstadt people long for, but I hope you too can break free from worldly chains. Let this small, fluffy dandelion carry your dreams of freedom, flying with the wind in all directions.”

Diluc: “…”

He suddenly realized that when not speaking face to face—only through writing—this young lady was truly… very bold!

She really dared to say what she thought.

A young man in his prime, rarely smiling or joking, often gloomy, obviously marked by misfortune and still immersed in it.

But this was the first time someone had spoken so directly to his face.

And thinking back to the times she had been alone with a grown man, boldly flirting…

(She looks so timid and shy, yet does all these reckless, audacious things without restraint?!)

What started as a bit of amusement now made Diluc somewhat angry.

(I must give her a warning!)

He stared expressionlessly at the note for a long while, his aura growing darker as he read.

(Otherwise, next time, who knows who she might run into.)

Others might not be as kind as he was.