The labyrinth city of Orario sat at the far western edge of the continent. Though not directly on the coast, it was close enough to the sea.
Within this fantastical world, the concept of a New Year still existed.
However, the next New Year—known here as the Goddess Festival—was still over half a year away.
Renjiro didn't intend to dwell too much on the timing.
After all, the upcoming Lantern Rite Festival in Orario was ultimately about remembering the heroes who had long since fallen asleep.
It was worth noting that Orario already had a similar event called the Elegia Festival.
Thus, the Lantern Rite Festival carried another layer of meaning.
"Hopefully, through this festival, more people will ignite hope for the future and regain their strength."
As Loki had mentioned earlier, many people were merely holding themselves together. Outwardly, they seemed fine, but deep within, they were at their most fragile.
And such vulnerability wasn't unique to the Loki familia.
This time, the sacrifices and losses across all forces had been tremendous.
At moments like this, people truly needed an activity—seemingly superfluous—to help lift them from their despair.
Today, Renjiro awoke around six in the evening.
He was utterly exhausted.
Exhausted to the point of total physical and mental fatigue.
Truthfully, fighting Antares hadn't been this tiring.
But these recent endeavors were all necessary.
Fortunately, some acknowledged his actions.
Some—divine beings—were willing to join him in this seemingly pointless effort.
Yet, the price was…
"We're going to participate together in this Lantern Rite Festival."
Hearing that had happened several days ago.
At present…
"Heehee~"
The speaker, a girl with a mischievous smile, hooked her arm around Renjiro's right arm, leaning against his shoulder as they walked through the bustling streets.
Feeling the weight and touch of her arm…
"I say, Miss… Syr."
Renjiro glanced at the elegant figure beside him, helpless.
"If you keep this up, I might be killed by the looks from some people around here."
…Especially that tool-adept elf girl trailing behind, adept at parallel chanting.
And… a certain tall, aloof cat-person.
"Sigh~"
Renjiro sighed helplessly.
Despite the first girl's good rapport with him and the second being a reliable senior in the familia, why did it feel like everyone now viewed him with hostility?
Well, this was the "perspective shift" that came with multiple identities—Renjiro didn't mind it.
After all, if he hadn't had this personality, he wouldn't have awakened the Fourth Magic, Primordial Human.
As a side note…
"In this regard, my sister (Freya) and I are quite similar."
Yes, both liked using alternate personas.
However…
There was no doubt that his sister's alternate persona was immensely popular.
Even in the future timeline of this world, Syr Flova, even without revealing her identity as Freya, possessed ridiculously vast connections.
Renjiro understood that Syr was essentially the original form—or initial form—of the Goddess of Beauty.
As for now…
"What do you mean, Old Syr?"
The gray-haired girl's expression turned teasing.
She stopped Renjiro, rose on tiptoe, and whispered in his ear with her red lips…
"Little hint: From today onward, call me by my divine name."
"Uh… huh?"
Renjiro responded instinctively, only to realize something was off.
A divine name?
This phrase carried meaning only he and Freya could understand.
At that moment…
"Goddess Frigg?"
"Mm-hmm~"
The gray-haired girl lifted her head slightly.
"Come on, my first follower."
"Tonight… is our 'date'."
With excitement, she bounced ahead, tugging Renjiro along.
At that moment, the girl exuded the divine authority she had long suppressed.
It was as if she silently proclaimed…
"The (original) me… has returned~"
Tonight, the Lantern Rite Festival's main venue was at the heart of Orario: the Babel Plaza.
The centuries-old Babel was still under repair, with a recently completed floor that resembled a natural high platform… perfect for hosting tonight's festivities.
By nightfall, countless people had already gathered in the plaza.
Humans, beastfolk, elves, dwarves, and halflings alike moved in clusters, each holding a sky lantern.
Renjiro was no exception.
He was being pulled into the crowd by Syr, gazing toward the Babel—or more precisely, the half-repaired base-stage of the Babel.
A young Archon girl in a ceremonial dress had already appeared before the eyes of countless mortals and gods below.
"Welcome, everyone, to tonight's Lantern Rite Festival."
The girl wasn't from Liyue, but having accepted Renjiro's request, she was determined to make the festival perfect.
Although she believed that Ningguang, the organizer of the entire festival plan, would have been more suitable to oversee the event, she was trusted by the Traveler and took the responsibility seriously.
"Recently, many terrible and sad events have occurred."
"But we have worked together to overcome countless difficulties. I believe that through mutual support, we can continue to move forward."
"Of course, those who gave their lives for our present should also receive our blessings."
The opening speech was delivered skillfully by Barbara, the Archon girl.
Ningguang had also contributed behind the scenes.
According to her, time had been tight, and the prepared speech wasn't perfect.
Nevertheless, in recent days, Barbara had rehearsed for the festival while fulfilling her duties as a scribe.
This was her area of expertise.
Whether in this world or in Teyvat, she was undoubtedly one of the best.
This was why Renjiro—and even Ningguang—believed she should host the festival.
After all, words alone are never as powerful as music in touching the heart.
Tonight, Renjiro had chosen a song in the Koine to honor the heroes who had long since passed.
Its name:
"Moon Halo."
"With this song, may the flame of hope burn ever bright, until dawn breaks!"
=============
100 Power Stones = Bonus Chapter
140+ advance chapters available on P@treon(.)com/Veltoria