Of Orchids and Inteyvats (A Yelumi fic)

Chapter 6: The Mission (Part 2)

These chapters are getting longer and longer I swear- at this point Yelan's story quest is a sad excuse for shipping because I basically remodify it to fit and I know it may seem lazy but I swear there's going to be actual content after the story quest-

Anyways, on with the chapter!

"Oh? So you two are the assessment officers, are you?" Qianwei said, observing the two women sitting at the table, crossing his arms. This was a nice way to start the interview, Lumine already wanted to kick him in the stomach. At least this brought her back to the real world, away from her thoughts about Yelan who were becoming more frequent and annoying, like an itch that wouldn't go away no matter how much she scratched at it.

"I had assumed that given the great import of this situation, Lady Ningguang would perhaps be assessing us in person. I certainly hadn't imagined I'd be seeing two entirely unfamiliar faces." He continued, completely oblivious to the bitter stare Lumine was giving him.

"I trust you've read through my manifesto? I'd be more than happy to clarify any details you found difficult to grasp — it was written with an expert audience in mind, after all." The man spoke, in this stuck-up tone that made the traveler boil from the inside.

She noticed that Yelan was also getting impatient, her vision starting to glow a blueish light, as if it was going to explode at any moment. Lumine had always been interested in visions. It seemed as if they were in sync with their bearers, and would glow in response to strong emotions. Whenever Lumine felt these strong emotions, like an incredulous amount of anger and annoyance, none of what reflected her current element was glowing like a bomb ready to explode, which would greatly help her, because not many people believed her when she was truly exasperated.

"Mind your tone, mister!" Paimon exclaimed, also as angry as Lumine.

"Relax, it wasn't intended as a personal slight against anyone in particular. I was simply stating a fact." Qianwei tried to justify himself, though not sounding convincing enough.

"Man, your communication skills... did you learn them from Cloud Retainer?" The traveler finally spoke up, seeing an opportunity to express her annoyance and taking it without question.

"Cloud Retainer... you know this adeptus? Oh... Yes, I remember now. You must be the traveler that people are constantly talking about." He said, seeming bothered by the fact that Lumine was here and not off adventuring somewhere. She tried to take in a deep breath, but she obviously failed, as she felt anemo energy slowly accumulating in the palm of her hand. One more snide comment, and she would swirl him to Enkanomiya or the Spiral Abyss. Not many things could tick off Lumine, but haughty people were the thing that got to her first.

"With your sterling reputation, you must have a respectable level of erudition. Perhaps you will be able to understand the concepts I have put forward... although I shouldn't get my hopes up." Qianwei continued, not attempting to hide the fact that he probably considered the traveler as a bumbling idiot that had no idea what diplomatic business was about. Strangely enough, he didn't make any comments about Paimon nor Yelan. Paimon was too bubbly and cute to be hated by anyone, and Yelan radiated a general aura of dominance, and it was clear that anyone who got on her wrong side would be taught a lesson they would never forget.

Lumine already felt the sphere of anemo energy in her hand double in size, though it completely disappeared once she looked at the blue haired woman next to her, who had noticed the elemental energy's glow. She stared at her with a visible expression of disappointment, instantly making the traveler's bottled up anger dissipate. Now she just felt extremely guilty, and upset at herself for losing her temper so easily. Why was she like this? She was usually great at keeping her thoughts and feelings in check, but now she was losing herself completely.