A Riddle Amidst the Crowds

A Riddle Amidst the Crowds is the second act of Windblume's Breath during the Windblume's Breath event.
==Steps==
# Wait until the appointed time (08:00 – 12:00 two days later)
# Talk to Sucrose
# Talk to Collei
# Go to the library and find Lisa
#* This occurs if the player leaves the Knights of Favonius Headquarters.
# Find Lisa
# Head to the Mondstadt bulletin board
# Go to Stormbearer Mountains
#* This occurs if the player leaves the area.
# Find someone that matches the prophecy
# Go to Starsnatch Cliff
# Go to the alchemy crafting bench
# Go to Good Hunter
==Gameplay Notes==
* During Steps 5 and 8, the active party will be limited to a trial version of Sucrose and Collei.
==Trial Character==
===Sucrose===
===Collei===
==Dialogue==
;(Pass time)
: Paimon: Today's the day! Let's go meet up with Sucrose!
;(Talk to Sucrose)
: Paimon: Sucrose, we're here!
: Sucrose: Oh, Traveler, Paimon! I only just arrived myself, so I'm still getting ready.
: Sucrose: Ah, and Collei just passed by a moment ago. She said she had some things to sort out at the inn where she's staying, but she'll meet up with us when she's done.
: Sucrose: Apparently, Tighnari and Cyno both went out, but she stayed behind because she wanted to help us.
: Understood. How has progress been on your end?
: Sucrose: Not too bad. After reviewing it again with fresh eyes, I came up with a new theory which seems to hold some water. I'll attempt to explain it as simply as I can...
: Sucrose: I believe that each of the four things in the prophecy refers to a different field of knowledge. So in a way, the prophecy is a test of the reader's intelligence...
: Sucrose: But it's unlikely for any one person to have expertise in all these different areas, so I suggest that we seek out one expert from each and get their opinion.
: Sucrose: Also, in two out of the four areas, the prophecy seems to want us to find specific people. It may even turn out that the people themselves are the answers.
: Paimon: Hmm, so it sounds like we should put our heads together and list out the people who can help us!
: Sucrose: Exactly. I think we can go through each riddle in turn and generate four groups of names to match the four questions.
: That makes sense.
: Paimon: Alright, then let's start from Group 1! The first riddle was... "a flower that is not of this world."
: Sucrose: Personally, I would still go with Albedo for this one. Alchemy is the most likely to have to do with otherworldly things, and he is by far the leading expert in this regard.
: You'd count as an expert too, you know.
: Paimon: Exactly! You're the creator of the Tetratanic Sweet Flower. Who knows, maybe that's the flower we're looking for!
: Sucrose: Huh? You really think so? Hehe...
: Paimon: Oh, but what about Tighnari? He's a Forest Watcher and knows all about plants. If it's a flower we're looking for, maybe he's the man for the job!
: Sucrose: Alright. I'll add him to the list as well.
: Sucrose: On to Group 2. This subject is... "a guide who will never get lost."
: Paimon: Hmm, that's kind of abstract... Does it just mean someone who never loses their way?
: Sucrose: Wait, but they have to be able to guide others, too, so it's not quite as simple as that...
: Perhaps... an astrologer, then?
: Paimon: Oh, you mean Mona? Yeah, she'd definitely count!
: Sucrose: Mona... Yes, she certainly seems very confident, and she can use her astrology to guide people.
: Paimon: Would Bennett count?
: Huh? Why him?
: Paimon: Well, his luck's so bad that as long as you go in the opposite direction from him, you'll always be going the right way, right?
: Sucrose: Hmm, I see... I—I suppose I can't argue with that logic...
: Paimon: Add him to the list! Finding everyone won't take long, so one extra person won't hurt.
: Sucrose: Ah, I know! Would Outrider Amber be a valid candidate for this category as well?
: Paimon: Yeah, she would! She's got a great sense of direction, after all. As a matter of fact, when the Traveler and Paimon first came to Mondstadt, she was actually the one who gave us directions.
: Sucrose: Yes, she's certainly a good guide.
: Paimon: Is there anyone else?
: Sucrose: Let me think... Ah yes, I believe there may be one more.
: Sucrose: Albedo once made a set of equipment for Mika from the Reconnaissance Company. He's their surveyor, and an exceptional pathfinder.
: Sucrose: He's even instructed others in the discipline of surveying before. So in my view, he's highly unlikely to lose his way and would be very good at helping others find theirs.
: Paimon: Cool. Another one for our list.
: Sucrose: ...Wait, Collei should've been here by now. Wonder what's taking her so long? ...Sorry, could we continue our chat somewhere else?
: Paimon: Oh, you wanna go see how she's doing, right? Sure, let's all go!
----
;(Approach Collei)
: Sucrose: Hi Collei, hope we're not intruding or anything... Is everything okay?
: Collei: Ah! Sucrose! I, uh... I was preparing some... stuff...
: Collei: Is it time already? Oh no, I—I'm sorry...
:: (Collei seems to be wrapping gifts, and now she's frantically trying to hide it. I wonder who they're for?)
: Sucrose: Don't worry, the Traveler and I only just met up. We were just worried that you might get lost along the way, so we thought that we'd come get you.
: Collei: Thank you. I'm ready to join you now! Um, how's that thing going?
:
: Sucrose: So let's pick up where we left off.
: Paimon: Next up is the third line: "one who would never lie"... Hmm, anyone spring to mind?
: Maybe... Diluc?
: Paimon: Uhh... you really think so? Seems like it would be pretty difficult for someone in his position to avoid having to lie.
;(If the player has sufficiently progressed through )
::: (Ah yes, his secret alter ego: the Darknight Hero. He must have to deny it if anyone asks. In that sense, he has a complicated relationship with the truth.)
: Collei: Then what about Kaeya? He's the Cavalry Captain and a rather popular figure, but...
: Paimon: You think there's something fishy about him too, huh? Yeah... he's definitely a sneaky one! Bet he lies all the time.
: Collei: Hmm, I can't help but agree with you there...
: Paimon: There's the Tone-Deaf Bard... Uh, but on second thought, he wouldn't qualify either. He talks way too much nonsense. Hmm... is there anyone else we're missing?
: Sucrose: Acting Grand Master Jean? She has a good name in that regard... but from what I know, she sometimes covers up the truth out of concern for those around her...
: Sucrose: For example, when Lisa loses track of time in the library and misses her patrol shift, Jean'll come up with some excuse, like "Lisa's ill today."
: Sucrose: Also, she sometimes makes up stories to get Klee to behave. Like the one about the big monster that comes to catch naughty kids who don't go to bed on time... D'you think that rules her out?
: Paimon: Hmm, white lies are still lies... But do we really have to reject her because of some harmless fibs? It's not like she had evil intentions.
: This prophecy seems very strict...
: Paimon: No, we're the ones being strict!
: Sucrose: Rosaria doesn't strike me as the type of person to lie.
: Sucrose: Ah Collei, you probably haven't met her yet, have you? She's a sister from the church who looks, um... a little scary and not very sociable.
: What gives you that impression?
: Sucrose: She stopped by the alchemy bench once, a long time ago, and asked me about Albedo.
: Sucrose: I thought maybe she was trying to find him, for work or something. But when I asked, she just said that she was curious about him because he was so intelligent, and wanted to talk to his assistant to find out what he was like.
: Sucrose: A lot of people might have given a more tactful justification, but I could see in her face that she wasn't trying to hide anything. She was just very direct and straightforward.
: Sucrose: That's why I don't think of her as the lying type.
: Paimon: Rosaria doesn't look like the sort of person you'd want to get into a fight with... Maybe she just fights her way out of situations that some people might lie to get out of?
: Sucrose: I can definitely see that! I've also heard the other sisters say that Rosaria doesn't even make excuses when she skips choir — she just doesn't show up.
: Paimon: She's a tough cookie, huh. Let's put her name down.
: Collei: In that case, I think Cyno fits in this list, too!
: Paimon: Ah, true. Lying's probably more trouble than it's worth for someone like him — kinda like with Rosaria.
: Paimon: Oh, and Paimon also nominates Razor! Bet he couldn't lie to save his life.
: Sucrose: I've also got someone else in mind, Noelle, the trainee knight! She's a very honest person. I don't think she'd tell a lie.
: Paimon: Alrighty, write her name down too!
: Sucrose: ...Wait, there's one more person... You know, our long-standing staffer at the alchemy bench...
: Paimon: Huh? You mean... Timaeus?
: Sucrose: Yes, him. Um, truth be told, he's been lovestruck recently.
: Sucrose: He swore that he wouldn't say a dishonest word or slack off until he succeeds in getting the woman he loves.
: Paimon: Timaeus has a crush!?
: Sucrose: Yes, that's right.
: Paimon: Well, who is it? Do you know her?
: Sucrose: I've never met her. All I know is that she's from Liyue... Timaeus says that she's fun, has a great personality, and is very, very good-looking.
: All great qualities, but that says nothing about her identity...
: Sucrose: Since we're on the topic — helping Timaeus win the lady of his dreams was also one of my goals for this Windblume Festival!
: Collei: But how can we help with that?
: Sucrose: I dunno, make sure he uses nice paper and a fancy envelope when he sends letters to her, help him pick a nice gift and wrap it properly... That sort of thing.
: Collei: Yeah, yeah, yeah! I had the same situation once in the Avidya Forest. I helped another Forest Ranger out by delivering a love letter to the coworker she likes...
: Sucrose: Yep, that sort of thing, exactly! Oh, also, I helped him with some of the groundwork for one of his research projects. He must have appreciated it, because he gave me a refrigeration device that he's been developing as a thank-you gift.
: Paimon: Is it any good?
: Sucrose: Uh... I mean, it looks nice...
: Collei: Sounds like a "no."
: Paimon: Hmph, alright, guess we'll put lover boy down on the list then.
: Sucrose: Okay, so last of all, we have "a legend that never ends." Anyone come to mind for this particular line?
: Paimon: Lisa, perhaps? A librarian understands books best... and aren't most legends written down somewhere?
: Not necessarily, but you have a point.
: Sucrose: When I think about "legends," fairy tales and picture books come to mind.
: Paimon: Maybe Collei! She read a lot of fairy tales when Tighnari was teaching her to read.
: Collei: Oh... Do I count?
: Sucrose: Of course you do. I'll put you on the list.
: Are you eligible for this one, Sucrose?
: Sucrose: I prefer to read things like "An Illustrated Analysis of Alchemical Substances and Their Uses," "The Fascinating Principles of Crafting," and "Hypotheses of Life"...
: Paimon: Point taken... Paimon didn't quite understand any of those...
: Sucrose: Hmmm. Klee might be a good choice. Her mother, Alice, is a renowned traveling author, so I'll bet she's been exposed to all sorts of myths and legends.
: Paimon: Alright then, Klee makes the shortlist!
: Sucrose: Well, that should just about do it. Next up, we should go and ask the people on the list about the prophecy.
: Collei: Do we have to ask absolutely everyone on the list? It seems like a lot of people...
: Sucrose: It is, so I was thinking that perhaps we should split up? That might make our search more effective.
: Paimon: Okie-dokie!
: Sucrose: Also, I've thought of a method of gathering feedback...
:
: Paimon: No problem, we can do that.
: Sucrose: You and are practically joined at the hip, so you two can go together. I'll pair up with Collei.
: Paimon: Capable Collei and Sensible Sucrose... sounds like a winning combination!
: Collei: ...Okay, I promise I'll help! Capable Collei... yeah, I got this!
: Paimon: Rest assured that the unbeatable and Paimon will do our part too! Off we go!
:;(Sucrose and Collei reach the Knights of Favonius Headquarters)
: Sucrose: I plan on starting from the person with the most defined stronghold, so let's go to the library. Lisa should be there.
: Collei: "Stronghold," That's an, uh... interesting word to use.
: Sucrose: Umm... maybe "den"? No, that's even worse...
: Collei: How about... "lair"?
;(Enter the library)
: Sucrose: Here we are! Lisa's lair!
: Collei: (Oh no, that was a bad word choice. Now Sucrose is using it and it's all my fault...)
: Sucrose: Lisa, might I ask if... Huh?
: Albedo: Sucrose? Collei? What are you doing here?
: Cyno: I can only "Sucrose" that they were "Collei"-ng in on someone. At "Lisa," that's as far as "Cyno."
: Tighnari: Please... Just stop it with these puns, I beg you. Are you trying to win worldwide fame for unfunny jokes?
: Collei: Um, is Lisa not here at the moment?
: Albedo: Surprising, isn't it? She went out. I'm afraid it's just us here looking for information.
: Cyno: Except me. I'm not here for information. Like you, I came here on an abortive search for the librarian, who is also my Akademiya senior.
: Sucrose: Oh, so you studied in the same Darshan as Lisa?
: Cyno: That's right. Her mentor in Sumeru was also my benefactor. We were both Spantamad students.
: Sucrose: Wow, that's cool... But wait, we're getting sidetracked! We came here to look for some information — Collei and I are investigating a prophecy, and we were hoping you all might be able to help.
: Albedo: Oh? What sort of prophecy?
:
: Cyno: I see... You want to ask them about the "flower that is not of this world," and me about the "one who would never lie."
: Collei: But there's no rush! You don't need to answer right away! We're just here to tell you about the situation. You can take your time to think it over, and submit any thoughts you have in written form to the Sucrose Mailbox.
: Cyno: The Sucrose Mailbox?
: Sucrose: Yep. I was thinking about it on the way, and although these seem like trick questions, there's a lot to mull over once you get down to the details. A quick answer off the top of your head might not go into enough depth.
: Sucrose: So, I decided to place a mailbox next to the alchemy crafting table. Everyone can submit their written answers there when they're ready.
: Sucrose: We don't have to call it the Sucrose Mailbox, though. It could just as well be called the Sucrose and Collei Mailbox, or even the Sucrose, Collei, Traveler, and Paimon Mailbox...
: Collei: Haha, I think in this case, we CAN just go with your quick answer off the top of your head...
: Tighnari: Sounds like a good solution. Certainly more reliable than verbal discussion alone.
: Cyno: Agreed. Certainly when it comes to discerning whether someone is a liar or not, you cannot simply take them at their word.
: Albedo: Understood. Once we've had a look into it, we'll place our replies into your mailbox.
: Collei: Thank you all so much. Okay, let's tick them off the list, and carry on working our way down...
: Sucrose: Mm-hmm. Already done.
:;(Sucrose and Collei leave)
: Tighnari: I'm pleasantly surprised to see those two introverts getting along so well.
: Cyno: Do you get the feeling that Collei's return to Mondstadt has emboldened her more contrarian side?
: Tighnari: Yes, I'd noticed that too.
: Albedo: Traveling and meeting old friends are both good for the body and soul.
: Albedo: And isn't rediscovering one's youth while revisiting old haunts a worthwhile pursuit?
: Cyno: ...When I first met Collei, she'd never known happiness or youth.
: Cyno: But things are different now. Her Eleazar being cured was a huge milestone in her life.
: Tighnari: Collei is a very sensitive and introverted child. I'm sure you must have noticed that too, Albedo.
: Tighnari: From the time she's been in my care, I've observed that she's actually a very lively character by nature... but she had a very rough start in life, and it changed her.
: Albedo: So might I assume that your respective claims of looking for plants and artists in Mondstadt were just pretexts?
: Cyno: I wouldn't say that. Both Collei and Genius Invokation TCG are very important to me.
: Tighnari: Would it really kill you to just say "yes" in this situation?
: Cyno: Fine. Yes, we came out of concern for Collei. She's been back to Mondstadt of her own accord several times, but it has led to no significant improvement in her mood.
: Albedo: Well, it won't hurt to give her some more time. I believe that Sucrose might be able to help her.
: Tighnari: Sounds like an extension of your own self-confidence as her teacher.
: Albedo: You could say that. In a similar vein... I've heard that Sumeru's scholars often build their social relationships based on their academic ones. Is that true?
: Tighnari: I suppose it might look like that from your perspective. Sumeru's society is something of a special case — the reason it is known as the city of learning is because all of its resources are in some way linked to academia.
: Tighnari: As such, academic resources equate to social capital. It is not unheard of, for example, for people to build a family in order to pursue further studies.
: Tighnari: But the relationship between the three of us is not an academic one turned social. We've never even worked on a paper together, for starters.
: Albedo: Oh, so the academic paper is the nexus of the academic family? Interesting.
: Cyno: I would think of us more as siblings. An equal and pure relationship, unaffected by academic considerations.
: Tighnari: As much as I'd prefer not to admit it, that statement is not inaccurate.
: Albedo: I can understand that position. I have a younger sister myself, and it's only natural for me to be protective of her.
: Albedo: What you described fits the idea of a city of learning as I imagine it. The family is where all social relationships intersect... as such, a family founded on common goals may actually be more stable.
: Albedo: By the way, who's the eldest between you?
: Tighnari: Let's not go down this rabbit hole, please.
: Cyno: In terms of age, I'm the eldest, of course. He just doesn't want to admit it.
: Tighnari: But your mental age is younger than that. I daresay even by enough to be the youngest sibling. Perhaps I could bring Collei into this happy family to be your elder sister?
: Cyno: No... You will never see me admit to being the youngest sibling! Except perhaps as a last-ditch effort to turn the tables in a game of cards.
:
: Paimon: Guess we'll leave Collei and Sucrose to it. Fingers crossed all goes well for them! Now then, where should we go first?
: Paimon: Let's try our luck at the bulletin board, shall we?
: Paimon: A lot of people tend to show up there at some point in the day — maybe we'll get lucky!
----
;(Approach the bulletin board)
: Paimon: Nice! Just as we hoped, there's a load of people here!
: Paimon: Huh? Even Lisa's here?
: Hi everyone, long time no see.
: Bennett: Hey there, and Paimon! It's been a while. How've you been?
:
: Paimon: We've been doing pretty well!
: Lisa: You look surprised, cuties. Is it because of me?
: Razor: Teacher is... not at the usual place.
: Lisa: Oh please, it's not as if I'm glued to my chair. I like to get out for a little fresh air every once in a while.
: Lisa: Mika's here today, so I thought it'd be a good time to introduce him to Bennett and Razor. They're all out and about quite often, so it's helpful for them to get to know one another.
: Mika: Hello, everyone. My name is Mika.
: Hi, Mika. Good to see you again.
: Hello, Mika. Nice to meet you.
:
: Mika: I—I look forward to working with you...
: Bennett: No need to be so formal! We've known them for ages, they're cool!
: Razor: Windblume... fun?
: Paimon: Actually, we haven't gotten to the fun part yet! We've been busy investigating a prophecy.
: Bennett: A prophecy? What kind?
: Mika: A good one, or a bad one?
:
: Lisa: Gosh, that all sounds quite fascinating.
: Bennett: I can't believe I made it onto your list of names... You really think I'll be able to help?
: Razor: Believe... in yourself!
: Mika: Right, believe in yourself! You're a first-rate adventurer, Bennett.
: Bennett: Okay, then in that case, I'll step up and present my thoughts on the matter! ...Uh, except I forgot I'm not really good at organizing my thoughts... Oops...
: Paimon: There's no need to tell us all of your thoughts right here and now! Sucrose said she'll put a mailbox next to the crafting bench, so you can just write down your thoughts when they come to you, and drop them there.
: Lisa: A meticulous and efficient plan. Yep, that sounds like Sucrose.
: Razor: I will think also. Give me some time.
: Bennett: You still have other people on your list that you need to go see, right? We should leave you to it! Don't worry about us, we'll drop off our letters at the mailbox as soon as we're done.
: Paimon: Okay! Bye for now!
: Paimon: Let's head over to Starsnatch Cliff next! Maybe we'll be able to find some people there.
: Paimon: And even if we don't find any familiar faces... You can see really far from up at the top. Maybe we can find people that way!
: Lisa: Aw, you're working so hard. Do be sure to get some rest when you can. If you get tired, you know you're always welcome to visit me for a break and a cup of tea.
:
: Collei: Where to next...? Let me check my notes... Ah, this way!
: Sucrose: Got it! Collei, please follow me.
----
;(Approach Amber, Eula, Klee, and Noelle)
: Sucrose: Oh, it's our lucky day! There are several people over there.
: Collei: Amber!? Wow, and Eula's with her too...
: Klee: Hmm? Oh, it's Sucrose! And Klee also spies... the girl with the long scarf!
:
: Amber: Collei, we were just talking about you! Ah, right, I don't think you've been introduced to Noelle before. Collei, this is Noelle, maid of the Knights of Favonius.
: Noelle: Nice to meet you, Collei. I missed you the last few times you were in Mondstadt, so I'm glad to finally meet you in person.
:
: Collei: Oh! Uh... N—Nice to meet you too, Noelle! My name is Collei... but you already knew that.
: Eula: Relax, you two. There's no need to be so courteous — we're not on some kind of diplomatic mission here.
: Sucrose: Klee, what are you doing here? Are you planning to blast some fish?
: Klee: Nope! Klee's on patrol with the other knights.
: Sucrose: Huh, now that you mention it, it looks like everyone here's a Knight of Favonius except for Collei and me...
: Collei: I'd heard that there was a very young knight in the ranks, but it's still a surprise to see with my own eyes...
: Klee: Collei, what do you do?
: Collei: I'm a Trainee Forest Ranger in the Avidya Forest.
: Klee: Trainee...?
: Collei: It means I'm not officially a fully qualified Forest Watcher yet. I'm still learning.
: Noelle: Oh, you're just like me! I'm still working towards becoming a fully qualified knight.
: Eula: Technically, though the distinction is hardly relevant right now. This isn't a very formal patrol... we're just chatting.
: Collei: (Whew... Don't panic, Collei, just pick a topic and join the conversation! Don't panic, whatever you do, don't panic... It's just Amber and her friends. There's no need to be nervous...)
: Sucrose: Let me guess... were you chatting about the new guests in town?
: Amber: Yep! A few folks from Sumeru have come to visit, so we're brainstorming a few nice surprises for them...
: Eula: Amber!
: Amber: Ah! Sorry, I... uhh...
: Amber: Hehehe, at least I didn't say anything about what the surprises are...
: Collei: (Oh nooo, how am I supposed to join this conversation now? What do I say to that...)
: Sucrose: Speaking of nice surprises... we've actually had a fairly big one recently.
: Klee: What kind of surprise? Tell me! Tell me!
: Collei: (Ahh, I'm saved, Sucrose has given me a lead-in. Now, I just need to follow on from what she's already started talking about...)
:
: Noelle: Hmm. What an interesting prophecy... I have no idea what the answers could be, though.
: Eula: So essentially, you're gathering information to help you solve the riddles, correct? I'll do my best to help.
: Collei: Thank you so much, Eula.
: Eula: Any time.
: Sucrose: There's no need to answer right away. We'll put a mailbox next to the Crafting Bench for people to drop us a note once they've thought of something.
: Klee: I'll drop something in there for sure!
: Eula: Nice idea, I think we can all commit to writing a note. We'll see what we can come up with.
: Amber: Yep, don't worry, you can count on us! But we do have to finish our patrol first.
: Sucrose: What route are you taking today?
: Amber: We started in the Stormbearer Mountains, and we'll end at the city gates. You'd be very welcome to join us, but it sounds like you're pretty busy with all this.
: Sucrose: ...
: Sucrose: No — there's always next time. We'll join up with you after we're done working through this prophecy.
: Collei: Oh... yeah, so, um... We'll be on our way for now! Hehe...
: Noelle: See you later! Have a safe trip back.
:;(Sucrose and Collei part ways with the Knights of Favonius)
: Sucrose: Are you okay, Collei?
: Collei: Uhh... was it that obvious?
: Sucrose: No, no, not at all. It just looked like you had something on your mind.
: Collei: Ugh, so that means it was obvious... *sigh*
: Sucrose: Whatever's bothering you, you can talk to me about it if you want. I'm happy to help.
: Collei: ...Thanks, Sucrose.
: Collei: Well... the truth is, I don't really know how to act around Amber and the others.
: Sucrose: Really? I thought you two were good friends.
: Collei: We are... Amber's a really important friend to me...
: Collei: ...I don't know. I guess, if I'm being completely honest, the problem's probably with me...
: Collei: The first time I came to Mondstadt, I was really immature. I didn't wanna let people in, and I was generally pretty awful to everyone... Amber was the one person who didn't give up on me. If it wasn't for her persistence, I wouldn't have found a friend at all.
: Collei: Without Amber, I might not even be here today. And because of that, I really look up to her. I think of her as my role model, and hoped that maybe one day, I could learn to be like her...
: Collei: ...But after trying and failing for several years, I think I've finally realized... I'm no Amber, and I never will be.
: Collei: Looking back, it seems silly that I ever thought like that. We're nothing alike at all... My personality's so... weird. I always get so anxious and I overthink everything...
: Sucrose: Aw, Collei... don't say that.
: Collei: ...
: Collei: Um, Sucrose, would it be okay if I... told you a bit about my past?
:
:
: Sucrose: ...
: Sucrose: (I already knew bits and pieces about her, but still... Why did she have to go through all that?)
: Collei: I'm sorry, we've only just met and I'm already dumping all of this on you... This is why I get so frustrated at myself. I'm always doing this... I get into a spiral of self-doubt, and then I end up having to find somewhere to vent it all out...
: Sucrose: No no no, it's fine! I—I'm really glad that you're willing to tell me all this.
: Sucrose: People don't open up about their deepest feelings unless they really trust the other person. Don't you think? At least... I think it's kind of an honor.
: Sucrose: And I mean... Umm... You've probably noticed by now, but I don't have the best social skills either. I always just end up talking about the things I'm interested in, and going on and on...
: Sucrose: But even so, you still listen to me when I talk my head off about alchemy. It's a relief to listen to you talking about yourself for once.
: Sucrose: If you hadn't told me all of those things, I never would have guessed that you struggle so much. Honestly, I feel like we're very similar people.
: Collei: ...R—Really?
: Sucrose: Yeah! Everyone has their own problems to deal with... I certainly do!
: Sucrose: All the feelings that you talked about just now... I totally get it. It takes so much more effort for us introverts to fit into a crowd.
: Sucrose: When you were saying about how you try to think about what to say in advance, and you're constantly terrified of saying the wrong thing and making things awkward... I relate to that so much! Oh, and also that part about studying under a genius...
: Sucrose: In fact, before meeting you, I'd never met anyone who seemed so similar to myself.
: Collei: Oh...
: Sucrose: Um... I'm not very good at giving words of comfort or anything, and I'm not gonna tell you to just get over it or stop worrying about it. How about we just sit here for a little while? We don't have to force a conversation if we can't think of anything. We can just... sit here together.
: Collei: (Sucrose has stopped talking, but for some reason, this doesn't feel awkward at all. Maybe she's right, and we're more similar than I realized.)
: Collei: (In Sumeru, I always like to find a quiet place to just sit and watch the scenery, but it's always by myself. I never thought there'd be a day when I could do this with someone else by my side...)
: Collei: (...Mondstadt's breeze is so gentle and soft.)
: Sucrose: Hey, Collei... see that cloud over there? Doesn't it look like... one of my test tubes?
: Collei: Um... uh... I don't think so... Sorry...
: Sucrose: Hehe, then maybe we're not quite on the same wavelength on everything... at least, not when it comes to looking at clouds in the sky.
: Collei: ...
: Collei: Thank you, Sucrose. I feel much better after talking to you...
: Sucrose: Yeah, it helps a lot, doesn't it? I also vent to my flasks sometimes. The next time we get the chance, I have to show you my Tetratanic Sweet Flower and my Tetratanic Windblume...
: Collei: Your Tetra-what??
: Sucrose: Two of my favorite things I've made. They're really cool. I think you might like them.
: Collei: O—Oh, okay! Yeah, you'll definitely have to show them to me sometime!
: Sucrose: I brought some crackers with me, you want one? There's cheese flavor or tomato flavor.
: Collei: Sure! Hmm... I'll try the cheese one!
:;(The Knights of Favonius watch from a short distance away)
: Amber: ...Aw, look! They're enjoying the scenery together!
: Klee: Shall we go play with them?
: Eula: No, it's fine. Let them sit for a while.
: Amber: We're not what Collei needs right now. She needs a new friend — someone different, who's never met her before.
: Klee: I don't get it... Is there a difference?
: Amber: There is! You'll understand once you're a little older, Klee. People can draw different kinds of strength from different kinds of friends, and right now, Collei needs someone that's just not the same ol' me!
:
----
;(Approach the marked area)
: Paimon: Starsnatch Cliff, we made it! Paimon hopes we find someone we need here...
: ???: Heeeelp! I beg you, please don't let go!
: ???: Tsk.
: Paimon: Who's that yelling? Let's hurry and take a look!
:;(The Traveler and Paimon rush forward)
: Paimon: Timaeus!? And we also have... Rosaria and Mona!? What kind of mishmash ensemble is this...
: Mona: Good question. What kind of a motley crew is this?
:
: Rosaria: It's been a while, Traveler.
:
: Greetings, everyone. And happy Windblume Festival.
: Mona: You two are looking pretty good. I trust you've been well?
: Paimon: Yep... we're definitely faring a lot better than this poor guy on the ground...
: Timaeus: Hey, please don't rub salt in my wound! I really have been trying my best!
: Mona: You're one to talk! If this sister hadn't grabbed you in time, then you'd have been seriously hurt, if not dead!
: Timaeus: I know, I know... I really am grateful, Miss! I can't thank you enough...
: Rosaria: Don't mention it. Just lending a hand.
: Mona: Quite literally. And had she not lent him a hand and pulled him up, he would've gone tumbling down the cliffside...
: Paimon: What happened? Did Timaeus almost fall off the cliff?
: Timaeus: Uh, well... So what actually happened was... I came to Starsnatch Cliff today to pick some flowers, and ran into Mona on the way. She took a look at her scryglass, and advised me to turn back, because it would be dangerous...
: Paimon: But you still came up here anyway...?
: Timaeus: ...Yes, I did, because there's something I just had to do!
: Mona: *sigh* I hardly think giving flowers to your crush is worth throwing one's life away for...
: Rosaria: It's rare to run into someone with a death wish in this area.
: Timaeus: I don't have a death wish! I just... didn't think it would really come true... I mean, when Mona said "it would be dangerous," I thought I'd be fine as long as I watched my step cautiously. I'm sorry, okay? I was wrong.
: Timaeus: I'm telling you, I'm just here chasing the love of my life. Lovestruck Mondstadters is what the Windblume Festival's all about!
: Paimon: Okay... That explains you, but why is Rosaria here?
: Rosaria: I was looking for a quiet place to escape the crowds. I wasn't planning on having to save a life along the way.
: Mona: ...So that's why the scryglass just showed "danger" instead of "fatal danger."
: Timaeus: Ahaha, very funny... Anyway, and Paimon, what brings the two of you to Starsnatch Cliff?
: Paimon: Just trying our luck! We've got a lot of people we need to see today, so we've been all over the place. Actually, you're some of the people we were looking for!
: Timaeus: Huh?
:
: Rosaria: I see. So all we'll need to do is to find some clues, make a note, and drop it off at the mailbox?
: Timaeus: I can't believe there's a prophecy like this... Let alone that I have a part to play in it!
: Timaeus: I guess this means everyone will find out about my crush now... Hehe...
: Timaeus: I came here because I wanted to give some Cecilias to the girl I love. They'll really suit her. She's—
: Mona: No, no, no one asked. Please do not subject us to your gushing about your girlfriend.
: Timaeus: Oh... You saw right through me...
: Mona: You said you need clues, right? In that case, Mona Megistus the Astrologist will provide you with a personally handwritten letter. Just wait for it to show up in your mailbox!
: Rosaria: You can be on your way, now. We won't keep you any longer.
: Paimon: Alright, then let's head back for now and meet up with everyone else!
: Bye for now, everyone! Timaeus, please try to stay safe.
: Timaeus: Will do! Ugh, this is all so embarrassing... Thank you both!
----
;(Approach Collei and Sucrose)
: Paimon: We're back! Aw, but it looks like you two beat us.
: Collei: Welcome back! Did everything go well?
: Paimon: Yep, we managed to find and talk to everybody!
: Sucrose: We got back a little early, so we took some time just now to put the mailbox together.
: Sucrose: We really got lucky today — the vendors were feeling super generous, so we didn't even need to pay for the materials! It's just a shame that Collei got a splinter...
: Collei: Ah, don't worry about me! I'm used to working in the rainforest — I get splinters all the time. I've already taken care of it.
: Sucrose: We've already wrapped up everything on our to-do list for today, so all we need to do now is wait for everyone's letters to arrive.
: Sucrose: , Paimon, why don't you get some rest while I keep an eye on the mailbox?
: Paimon: You're definitely your master's student, Sucrose! As long as you or Albedo are around, Paimon can relax and know that everything's taken care of.
: Sucrose: Ah, stop, you're embarrassing me...
: Paimon: Wait, actually, there's one thing that still needs taking care of... Paimon's starving! Hey, Traveler, you wanna get dinner? Your treat?
: Alright, I guess I'd better go get Paimon some food.
: Collei: I'll go with Sucrose to return the leftover materials to the vendors. You two, go get a proper meal — we can't have anyone going hungry!
: Sucrose: Yeah, now would be a good time for a break. Once everything is ready, let's meet up here again and collate all the information we've gathered.
:;(An unknown eavesdropper nearby leaves)
: Paimon: Sounds like a plan!
;(Approach Good Hunter)
: Paimon: Paimon will have this one... And this one, and this one...
: Hear that? ...It's the sound of Mora pouring out of my wallet...
: Paimon: Hey, Paimon's really hungry! And don't forget, Paimon's also ordering for you, too. It's not like Paimon's gonna eat everything by herself!
:
:
: Paimon: Whew! Paimon is super full...
:: (It feels pretty good to just relax and take in the scenery after all that great food.)
: Beatrice: Is everything packed up and ready? What do you think about meeting up at five to go to my house?
: Quinn: Yes, everything's ready. I've packed some great wine and smoked ham — your parents will love it.
: Beatrice: Ahem... Ham? Look, we've known each other for quite some time now. Don't you think it's been long enough for you to remember that we only eat bacon in my house?
: Ellin: Hmm... I must remember to get some milk today on my way home...
: Margaret: Please feel free to pay a visit to Cat's Tail any time.
: Venti: Enjoying the scenery?
: Paimon: Oh, Tone-Deaf Bard! Are you here for some food as well?
: Should we order something for you?
: Venti: Oho, I can put something on your tab? Well, that's a pity, I already had a few drinks before coming here.
: Venti: I shall take you up on your kind offer another day! There should be no shortage of opportunities in the future.
: Venti: Anywho, you should be getting ready to thank me, I come bearing good news!
: Paimon: Hmm? What kind of good news?
: Venti: Behold!
:: (It looks like...)
:: (A paper with a simple map and something like an incantation on it.)
: Paimon: What is it?
: Venti: It's what you need the most right now — the answer to the prophetic puzzle~
: !!!
: Venti: Simply head to the location marked on the map, and you'll find the lantern you've been looking for. However...
: Venti: If I were you, I wouldn't just go and reveal the secret right away. As you've seen, a lot of people have been laboring hard to uncover the answer.
: Venti: A secret is like a well-aged brew. The aroma from the bottle is sweetest when revealed in the company of friends.
: ...I understand.
: Venti: Then it's settled. I'll leave you to your business for now. Feel free to find me for a chat again once you're done working through the prophecy!
: Venti: Hehe, also, if you have some time, we could organize another fast-track love poem class.
: Paimon: You're starting that up again?
: Venti: I sure am! Nobody else has signed up this year though, so the duty to learn falls on you.
: Venti: Anyway, see you later!
:;(Venti leaves)
: Paimon: Venti always looks so relaxed whenever we run into him. Paimon can't help but be jealous...
: ???: Excuse me. If you don't mind... could I chat with you for a moment?
:;(The eavesdropper from earlier approaches Traveler and Paimon)
: Paimon: Oh? Who are you?
: Scarlett: You may call me Scarlett.
: Scarlett: Just like you, I'm a traveler, visiting Mondstadt from another land.
: Scarlett: Mind if I buy you a drink?
: I'm not drinking today. But thank you for offering.
: Scarlett: Leaving the door open for another time, I see. I can tell that you've dealt with a lot of people during your travels.
: Paimon: You can tell? Well, we ARE very experienced adventurers, after all!
: Scarlett: I can. That's why I tried to strike up a conversation with you in the first place.
: Scarlett: I was on my way to go shopping earlier when I overheard your conversation next to the Crafting Bench. From what I could gather, you are trying to investigate a bizarre prophecy?
: Paimon: Yep! Bizarre is definitely the word...
: Scarlett: Don't you think it sounds just like the kind of story that would happen in Mondstadt? Anyway, that's why I wanted to ask you a favor... If and when you manage to unravel the answer to the prophecy, could you let me know what it is?
: Are you interested in it too?
: Scarlett: Not so much the prophecy itself, but Mondstadt as a nation. That's what I'm interested in.
: Scarlett: I was born in a distant land, but I have family and friends who once lived in Mondstadt for a long time. They said that it's a great place full of fairytales and romance, and recommended that I come for a visit.
: Scarlett: As it happens, someone I know has an anniversary coming up soon, so I figured this would be a good time to come here and see all the sights that she once saw.
: Paimon: What do you think about Mondstadt so far?
: Scarlett: It certainly lives up to its name as the city of romance and freedom.
: Paimon: Hehe, we think so too!
: Scarlett: So. About the prophecy...
: No problem.
: I'll let you know if we find the answer.
: Scarlett: Thank you. You're very friendly, it's been a real pleasure to meet you.
: Scarlett: I'll leave you to it, then. Hope you continue to enjoy the city, and have a wonderful day.
:;(Scarlett leaves)
: Paimon: She definitely isn't dressed like a local, huh. Where do you think her hometown could be...?
: ...
:;(As Scarlett walks away)
: Scarlett: "Please find me a flower that is not of this world, and a guide who will never get lost."
: Scarlett: "Find me one who would never lie, as well as a legend that never ends..."
: Scarlett: ...
: Rosaria: ...
: Scarlett: I never thought I'd have someone secretly following me even in a free city like Mondstadt.
: Rosaria: ...
: Scarlett: Good day to you, Miss.
:;(Obtain )
==Post-Quest Dialogue==
After completing this quest, Cyno and Lisa can be found in the open world. They disappear upon completion of Step 4 of the next quest, Joy Above the Clouds.
;(Talk to Cyno or Lisa in the Knights of Favonius Library)
: Lisa: Why, if it isn't my underclassman, Cyno. What a pleasant surprise it is to see you in Mondstadt during the Windblume Festival.
: Cyno: Greetings, Lisa. Though I'm sure you've been aware of my presence in Mondstadt for some time already.
: Lisa: Oh dear, looks like you've seen right through me. But I was in no hurry. I knew we'd see each other sooner or later.
: Cyno: Yes. It's just as Professor Cyrus said — shared aspirations always have a way of bringing people into each other's orbit.
: Lisa: Hehe, he always has such a poetic way of wording things. I suppose that's the one respect in which I've taken after him, while in your case...
: Lisa: Yes, it's his wit and eccentricities that have left their mark on you.
: Cyno: Hmm. I'm not sure that describes me very aptly these days, given that I'm now the General Mahamatra. Still, if we're going to talk about ways with words, I think my deadpan humor is far superior than our professor's.
: Lisa: Is that so? Strange, I heard that you're just Cyno the Adventurer when you're in Mondstadt.
: Cyno: ...You make a good point.
: Lisa: What do you think of Mondstadt during this time of year? It's quite nice, isn't it?
: Cyno: Yes. It's very nice. I think I'm starting to understand your reasons for leaving the Akademiya.
: Lisa: Hehe. I've always prided myself on making wise decisions, and that was certainly one of them.
: Cyno: If our professor had been as sensible as you, he would have had a much easier time in his working life. Being stubborn doesn't help anybody.
: Lisa: Well, if even you feel comfortable criticizing him now that he's retired... it really goes to show how much he's changed.
: Lisa: Stubbornness is an all-too-common vice among scholars. I hope that never rubs off on you. I'm always happy to see you visit Mondstadt, and experience the feeling of freedom for yourself.
: Lisa: I heard the latest news about Collei, too. No doubt the traumas of her childhood will persist for a while to come, but I have to say, she appears to be doing quite better this time than on previous visits.
: Lisa: I suppose you're something of a mentor to her, aren't you? Now that I think about it, the two of you aren't so dissimilar. The power of Hermanubis once brought you great suffering.
: Cyno: That's all in the past now. Besides, Professor thankfully didn't treat me like a test subject for the priest's power like the higher-ups had hoped, even though I was a desert-dweller.
: Cyno: Instead, he gave me the tools I needed to lead the life I have today. He adopted me, educated me, taught me how to fit into society... I am very grateful to him.
: Lisa: You are very gifted, and sometimes that can become its own curse. But he has reason to be grateful to you, too — without you as his son-slash-student, he may never have changed his stubborn ways.
: Lisa: As a fellow student of his, I couldn't be happier for the two of you. ...Ah, look at how quickly this developed from small talk to a deep and serious conversation. That's one thing I do miss about my Akademiya days.
: Cyno: By virtue of being another of his students, you are as much a part of professor's family as I. It's perfectly natural for a daughter to inherit her father's conversation style.
: Lisa: If you say so... I suppose that means I get to call you "baby brother" from now on.
: Cyno: ...Um... I—I'd rather you didn't...
: Lisa: Hahaha, yes, there's the baby brother I remember.
NPC 3.5 Event Location Cyno and Lisa.png|Cyno and Lisa's Location
NPC 3.5 Event Location Cyno and Lisa Context.png|Additional Context
==Other Languages==
==Change History==
es:La profecía entre el mar de gente
pt-br:Uma Charada Entre as Multidões
ru:Загадка средь людей