Ellin's words and expression were gentle, like warm winter sunshine, soothing Fischl's unease and guilt.
She liked Ellin so much. Precisely because she cared so deeply, she could not forgive herself for nearly getting Ellin killed.
The more fun she had with Ellin, the heavier her guilt became. Finally, after a whole day of playing together, she could no longer suppress the guilt that had built up over the past few days.
"I don't want you to live with guilt because of me. As your best friend, I want you to be happy every day."
Ellin's gentle words made her realize that her good friend had never blamed her. All this time, the only person who had blamed her was herself.
"Ellin..."
Tears glimmered in Fischl's eyes, but a heartfelt smile graced her lips.
She patted the grass beside her, inviting Ellin to sit down.
"Ellin, close your eyes. I have something for you."
A rustling sound reached her ears. With her eyes closed, Ellin felt her hair being lifted and something like a necklace being placed around her neck.
"All right, you can open your eyes now."
Fischl spoke softly.
Ellin opened her eyes and looked down to find a beautiful pendant around her neck. Its aqua-blue gemstone had been carved into the shape of a Large Cryo Slime. It was adorable.
Judging by the gemstone's quality, the design, and the carving alone, Ellin knew this pendant must have cost a fortune.
"Did you take that commission to gather Wolfhooks in Wolvendom just to buy this pendant for me?"
"Yes..." Fischl lowered her head. "I wanted to surprise you, so..."
Most people might have said something like, "Don't do anything that dangerous for me again."
But Ellin knew that saying something like that now would only make Fischl feel guilty again and fail to honor the thought she had put into her gift.
Instead, she gave a sweet smile, gently hugged Fischl, and spoke into her ear.
"Thank you, Fischl. I love this gift. I'll always wear it from now on."
Listening to Ellin's soft voice and feeling her warmth, Fischl felt overwhelmed by immense happiness. In that moment, everything she had done was worth it!
Ding! Congratulations, Master, on becoming best friends with Fischl! Weapon Inventory locks updated! Artifact locks updated! World Map feature unlocked! Congratulations, Master! Having become best friends with Fischl, you have received an Electro Vision identical to hers!
A string of system notifications echoed in Ellin's mind.
At the same time, before Ellin and Fischl's astonished eyes, a Vision appeared out of thin air amid violet lightning and dropped into Ellin's hand.
"Ellin... that's!!!"
Fischl's eyes went wide as she stared at the Vision in Ellin's hand in disbelief.
"An Electro Vision! Ellin, that's an Electro Vision!"
"Why? We both already have Visions, so who does this Electro Vision belong to?" Fischl was both shocked and confused.
"Perhaps it belongs to me."
Although Ellin had imagined obtaining a second Vision countless times, she was still utterly astonished when it actually appeared.
The Electro Vision made her hand tingle slightly. The moment she received it, Ellin could clearly sense the flow of Electro in the air.
She opened her palm, and Electro immediately gathered, forming darting serpents of electricity at her fingertips.
"You really can control Electro! This Electro Vision really does belong to you!"
"Ellin, you're amazing!"
As her good friend, Fischl was naturally happy to see Ellin gain a new power. Yet alongside her happiness, she was deeply puzzled.
"But everyone in Teyvat knows that a person can only have one Vision. Why can you have two, Ellin?"
Seeing the confusion on Fischl's face, Ellin could not help smiling fondly.
She winked and said, "Perhaps it's because even the gods approve of my friendship with little Fischl!"
At those words, Fischl's eyes lit up, and her expression became as radiant as a Cecilia.
"Yes! That must be it!"
"A Vision represents the gods' recognition. Our friendship must have earned their approval, so they made an exception and gave Ellin a second Vision!"
"My friendship with Ellin has the gods' blessing!"
Fischl's eyes curved into crescents, her face glowing with a happy smile.
Looking at Fischl's smile, Ellin suddenly thought of something and asked, "Fischl, could you close your eyes?"
"Sure!" Fischl immediately closed her eyes. She trusted Ellin without reservation.
"No peeking! You can't open your eyes until I say you can!"
Once Fischl had closed her eyes, Ellin immediately opened the system, and a screen of light appeared before her.
Without another word, she opened the Weapon Inventory. Sure enough, three more slots had been unlocked.
"All right, you can open your eyes now!"
After a long while, Ellin's voice rang out.
Fischl opened her eyes expectantly, only to find Ellin holding out a large bow to her.
"Ta-da! This is my gift to you. Do you like it?" Ellin smiled sweetly.
Fischl lowered her gaze and carefully examined the large bow before her.
The bow was predominantly purple and black, its overall shape resembling a pitch-black Night Raven with its wings spread. It was strikingly cool, as though it had been made just for her!
"This bow bears the power of condemnation and fantasy. Its name is [Mitternachts Waltz]. Today, I bestow it upon my dearest friend, the Prinzessin der Verurteilung!"
Ellin struck a melodramatic pose, then thrust the bow into Fischl's hands without waiting for her to speak, as though afraid she might refuse.
"Thank you, Ellin!"
Fischl cradled the Mitternachts Waltz as though it were the most precious treasure in the world.
"I'll treasure it!"
Fischl smiled happily. Today, her friendship with Ellin had been affirmed.
Ellin had received a new Vision, while she had received the Mitternachts Waltz.
Night had deepened, and the moon and stars shone at their brightest.
After a long silence, Fischl patted the grass beside her.
"Ellin, come a little closer."
"Could I ask you to close your eyes again?"
"What is it? Do you have another gift for me?"
Although puzzled, Ellin closed her eyes.
"You can't open your eyes without my permission!"
Seeing that Ellin had closed her eyes, Fischl silently closed hers as well, then slowly leaned toward Ellin.
As she drew closer, her warm breath brushed Ellin's face, making Ellin's heart race...
The moonlight stretched Ellin and Fischl's shadows long across the ground.
With her eyes closed, Fischl summoned her courage and gently kissed Ellin's cheek...
The kiss felt like a powerful electric current coursing through Ellin's entire body, making her eyes fly open.
"Fischl! You..."
Ellin was about to say something, but Fischl pressed a finger to her lips.
"Shh...!"
"Don't say anything. Don't ask anything. Just quietly savor this moment. Please don't let the courage I worked so hard to muster go to waste."
Fischl gazed at Ellin, a gentle light shimmering in her eyes.
She abruptly stood and struck a melodramatic pose.
"I am Fischl, the Prinzessin der Verurteilung! Here at Cape Oath, I swear before the moon and stars to enter into a covenant of friendship with the Immortal Sovereign Who Hears All Cries, Answers All Hearts, Quells Demons, and Delivers from Calamity, and to remain her best friend for all our lives!"
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