Genshin Impact: I am a scholar in Xumi

“Really? Hehe, aren’t you surprised?! Kavi said that Harold and his group are the youngest sages in the history of Sumeru, even though they are acting as agents.” Paimon raised his head, put his hands on his hips, and looked quite proud.

“Well, when I first heard it, it was a bit surprising, but thinking about it carefully, it doesn’t seem so strange. Harold always manages to do things that leave people speechless. Murtada and the others said that Harold’s mentor praised him highly when he was still in the Order of the Church, always saying that he had the appearance of a ‘great sage’,” Dixia said.

Dina Zede smiled and said, "It seems that Mr. Harold's mentor has a real talent for being a prophet."

Dishia: "Yes, I don't like the Order of the Church and its sages, but if it's Harold—"

"So, does that mean Dixia is willing to enroll in the Order Academy? I really want to see you dressed as a scholar; I think you'd look great," Dina Zede asked with a smile.

"Then forget it. I'm more suited to being a mercenary. This vast world is where I belong." Dixia shook her head repeatedly.

"Let Desia enroll in the Order Academy? It feels a bit hard to imagine..." Paimon's gaze lingered on Desia's muscular arms and thighs, then he rested his chin on his hand and muttered to himself.

"Hey, I just don't want to, not that I lack the ability. If I want to do something, there's nothing I can't do."

With her arms crossed, Dixia said quite heartily, "Do you know? I was Harold's assistant several years ago. In terms of seniority, I've been learning from Harold for much longer than Murtada and Elias."

Harold also said he would recommend me to his teacher so I could also become a special admission student to the Faculty Academy. Of course, he was joking, haha, but it was also a recognition of my abilities.

"Huh?! So you're not Harold's bodyguard?" Paimon said in surprise.

"You think he needs my protection?" Dixia asked, equally surprised.

“Uh…it seems we don’t really need to…” Paimon stammered, recalling Harold’s heroic performance against the Fools.

Dixia laughed and said, "My main job there was to infuse the pollen of the 'Frost Liar' and 'Electric Liar' into elemental power, disguising the pollen of the 'Fiery Liar' as pollen of the 'Burning Liar', and then using them to pollinate the 'Burning Liar.' It wasn't an easy job; I almost broke down at first."

Looking back now, it was truly a rare experience. How many mercenaries are as lucky as I was to have access to such unique research?

“Oh, it’s that deceptive flower hybridization experiment! Cole mentioned it to us!” Paimon exclaimed.

Dixia: "Hmm? You've already met Cole? She even told you this? It seems Cole and Harold trust you both a lot."

"Although I felt a little dizzy after listening to it, hehe..." Paimon scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

“That’s right. The research Harold does is something most people wouldn’t even dare to dream of, but his inspiration seems to never run dry. I really don’t know how his brain works,” Dixia exclaimed.

Kong: "He is indeed quite different from ordinary scholars."

Dixia nodded in agreement: "I wonder how he is now... So much has happened at the Order of the Church these past few days, and I still haven't seen him in person. His students are very worried and have sent me several letters urging me to ask when he will return to the research institute..."

What on earth has he been busy with? Has he completely forgotten about us now that he's become the acting sage? Hmm... I'm definitely going to give him a good talking to tonight!

Kong thought to herself: Harold has been taking care of me at Nasita's request...

Paimon: "Okay, see you tonight!"

Kong approaches Desia and Dinaze again:

【dialogue】

“We already know about the banquet, and we will definitely attend on time. Go and inform the others, traveler.” After saying this, Dixia turned her head away.

Kong then led Paimon towards the Grand Bazaar, heading straight for the Zubair Theater, where several theater staff members were talking:

Sheikh Zubayr: "Is everything arranged?"

"It's finished, Mr. Zubair. Look at this stage, how magnificent! It will definitely give those gentlemen an unforgettable night!"

Sheikh Zubair: "Well, this is a banquet prepared for our great hero Sumeru, so we must ensure that everything goes perfectly—test the lights again."

"Ok!"

"Hehe, are we the great heroes they're talking about?" Paimon said joyfully to the sky.

Kong returned a smile, raising his index finger to his lips to signal Paimon not to disturb everyone.

“Oh!” Paimon nodded in understanding.

"Oh, travelers!" Nel, who happened to be walking by, saw the two and exclaimed in surprise.

"Sh-!"

Sora and Paimon simultaneously raised a finger, and Nel's eyes widened as she instinctively covered her mouth with both hands.

"Don't let anyone know we're here!" Paimon said in a low voice.

null:

1. "Let's save the surprise for tonight."

2. "Everyone is busy, so we won't bother you any longer."

Nilu smiled and said, "Okay, traveler, I understand what you mean. See you tonight."

"Okay, see you tonight!" Paimon waved to Nilu.

[Task: Invite everyone to the banquet tonight (6/6) (Completed)]

[New quest received: Please drink the celebratory wine (attend the banquet at the Grand Bazaar)]

Press ESE to set the time to 19:00.

Paimon's cheerful voice echoed in the traveler's ears: "It's time! Let's hurry to the Grand Bazaar!"

Kong and Paimon entered the Zubair Theater together, where Harold, Kavi, Elhesen, Setare, and others were already seated.

Paimon: "Everyone's here. We're the last ones to arrive."

“Here you are.” Seno said in a calm voice, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Coming, coming!" Nilu repeated cheerfully.

"You two are a little late. Quickly find a seat, or the food will get cold," Dixia said with a smile.

"You guys came too early!" Paimon retorted. "Uh... it shouldn't be cold yet, right?"

“It’s getting cold, because the night is ‘cool’ now,” Sino said.

“...Here we go again.” Tinari rolled his eyes.

“Surprise.” Harold rolled his eyes.

Everyone else seemed used to it, but Paimon and Kong's thoughts simultaneously stalled.

Paimon: "Uh..."

null:...

"...What is he saying? I don't understand?" Paimon whispered in Kong's ear.

"Hmm? Didn't you understand? Because the night is getting 'cool,' the food will get 'cool,'" Seno explained considerately.

Paimon scratched his head, still puzzled.

"Alright, come over here! See what delicious food our friends at the Grand Bazaar have prepared for us! We can eat and chat at the same time." Dixia skillfully ignored Seno and beckoned to the Traveler and Paimon.

“There will also be song and dance performances, but I’m not the performer today,” Nilu said somewhat embarrassedly. “Mr. Zuber said that I should sit here too, so today the other people in the theater will put on a show for everyone.”

"Wow! There's so much delicious food! I can't wait!" Paimon took a deep breath and swallowed hard when he saw the exquisite dishes on the table.

Kong sighed helplessly and rubbed his forehead.

The group sat down together to enjoy the local specialties of Sumeru and watched a song and dance performance prepared by the Zuber Theater. After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere of the banquet reached its peak, and everyone began to speak freely...

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P.S.: Many readers have already noticed that this story is nearing its end. Yes, it's almost over. I was also conflicted, wondering if this ending would feel rushed. However, since Harold's life is now completely settled, I've always felt that the most interesting part of a farming story is the protagonist's journey from nothing to something. Once the protagonist has everything, and all that's needed is to add the finishing touches, the story enters a stable phase, and the fun factor drops significantly. This is my opinion, both when reading and writing. Therefore, I think it's perfectly acceptable to wrap it up. Some unresolved issues will be addressed in the epilogue.

For those of you who have read this far, feel free to leave a comment about what kind of side stories you'd like to see! The confirmed side stories include: "The Unfortunate Adventure of the Sumeru Scholar" (including previous and new projects), which is the side story I mentioned on my homepage; three forum events (divided into two types: one focusing on Harold's storyline as part of the Genshin Impact main story, and the other on her storyline as part of Genshin Impact 2); and Harold and Kavi's academic exchange trip to Liyue.

The next story is "I'm a Detective in Sumeru," which will still be plot-driven. Regarding pairings, if the protagonist is male, the pairing will be Navelette; if the protagonist is female, the pairing will be the servant. That's right, the protagonist's gender isn't decided yet, but I've already roughly planned the plot direction. Since this part is relatively small compared to the main story, you can comment with which pairing you'd like to see, and I'll write accordingly. However, if the pairing is Water Dragon, it will most likely be a bad ending or an E-game, because the protagonist isn't a traditionally good person and will definitely be recruited by the Fatui Clan in the end.

It'll most likely be summer break before I start writing this, because I've been incredibly busy lately with work and exams. I'm completely overwhelmed and simply can't write anything complex or intellectually demanding. I can manage some lighthearted fluff and rambling stories though, so please bear with me.

Author's Closing Remarks, Thank You to All My Readers for Your Support (One reader has been sending me free gifts almost every day for a year, which really touches me; I honestly can't even do that for myself!), and a preview of my new story will be posted after the main story is finished. Thank you all again for your continued support! (kiss~)