Side story: What self-respecting person keeps a diary?
XX month XX day
Rosalyne died, and her death was very sudden.
I still can't quite define how I feel about her. Arrogant and domineering, ruthless and fierce, like a thorny, fiery rose—dangerous yet dazzling. But she isn't truly evil, at least not compared to some of the other Fatui.
However, her departure did give me a signal: people will eventually die.
Even the Doomsday Witch, who lived for over four hundred years, eventually met her end. I only know the general outline of her past, but for such a powerful being to be defeated by Traveler, and even less powerful than a single blow from a god, seems to have given me a new understanding of the combat strength of a demon god.
Peruere was indeed heartbroken for a while, but as a "father," she couldn't bring such negative emotions to her children, so she vented them all on me.
Those three days were probably the shortest period of lucidity I've ever experienced in my life.
Not long after, the Ragdoll cat sent another invitation to the tea party, Pepe dragged me along.
I used to resist setting foot in Snezhnaya, always feeling that the banner of rebellion against the Heavenly Principles raised by the Tsaritsa was too grand, too distant, and had nothing to do with me.
But along the way, I have seen and felt with my own eyes and my own body that all the Fatui were willing to sacrifice their lives for the Tsaritsa's ideals without hesitation.
After Rosalyne also died for her great cause, I suddenly became incredibly curious about what the cause she devoted herself to was all about.
I'm more interested in understanding what kind of power she possesses that would make countless people willing to risk their lives and follow her to the very end.
I can also bring the Five-Nut Nightfall Cakes I bought in Liyue and share them with those people. I bought too many in Liyue, but oh well, they have a 10-box half-price deal.
Most importantly, I absolutely, positively will not allow my Pepe to become the next Rosalyne.
XX month XX day
I finally truly understand that the cold of Snezhnaya is a cold etched into one's very bones.
Now I truly understand the weight of the word "Hearth" in the House of the Hearth. There is no warmth to speak of on this frozen land. If it weren't for the fireplace protecting those frail children, they probably wouldn't have survived the long winter and would have frozen to death in the blizzard.
The Tsaritsa has been away from the palace for the past few days, and it will be a few more days before I can see her. I'll take this time to learn about the local customs and traditions of Snezhnaya.
... I must say, the local customs here are truly tough; even in this freezing weather, there are still people swimming shirtless in the winter.
I also saw a muscular man wrestling with a bear, and they were evenly matched.
Then he suddenly pointed both fingers to the sky and shouted, "You still owe me so much blood!" Then he performed a flying spiral sit-up that knocked the bear unconscious.
It's hard to imagine that in Teyvat, a world where elemental forces are used, someone could fight beasts on equal terms using only raw power.
XX month XX day
Are people this good at drinking in Snezhnaya?
I find kerosene extremely spicy, even just a sip, but these people can chug it straight from the bottle?
And are the people here stronger the more they drink? I saw a group of troublemakers in a restaurant in the Ash District, but one of the diners gulped down four mouthfuls of alcohol and then took care of them all by himself, saving me the trouble of lifting a finger.
I later chatted with him and learned that he was of mixed Liyue Mondstadt descent, and that he lived in Snezhnaya.
No wonder, the people from the three countries that can drink the most have their buffs stacked up.
XX month XX day
There's a show at the Krolvetzki Theater today, and I heard that Odette, the apprentice of "The La Signora," is making her stage debut today.
I must say, she's very special. I heard about her past from Pepe, and it's hard to imagine that a child could endure it.
I remember in the story of The Xiaomei that I told to children, there was a scene where the Xiaomei paid a terrible price to be able to walk on land, and every step she took was like dancing on swords.
This child's story gave me this feeling in a different way.
She dedicated half her life to dance and the other half to the blade.
Simultaneously undergoing two rigorous training programs is an intensity that no child could possibly withstand.
She endured the pain of injuries, broken bones, and torn tendons—pain that is painful to even write about.
How much has Rosalyne contributed to her becoming who she is today?
Perhaps I should talk to this child sometime in the future.
What impressed me most was "The Mountain and the Sparrow" sung by Vodyanitsa.
The melodious singing accompanied the dramatic plot, gentle yet poignant, striking straight to the heart and bringing tears to my eyes.
Most importantly, during this performance, Pepe suddenly leaned in gently, rested her head on my shoulder, and quietly nestled in my arms as we watched the performance together.
You don't usually see her like this.
Even for a fleeting moment, everything is worthwhile.
XX month XX day
Compared to other deities I've encountered, the Tsaritsa seems to possess a more commanding presence and imposing aura befitting an emperor. (So this is what a proper deity is like?)
This does not stem from cumbersome court interests or flamboyant performances and affectations, but rather from the confidence and decisiveness of those in power.
From the livelihood of people in small border towns to strategies that defy the laws of Heavenly Principles, she simply made decisions, issued orders, and made arrangements one by one, as if everything was handled with ease and composure.
The meeting with the Tsaritsa went fairly smoothly. In addition to my usual work at the House of the Hearth, she found me a good job—to safeguard the Tsaritsa's memories and research Transcription Prism.
She gave me maximum freedom of movement. I suppose this was not only a sign of trust in me, but also a subtle reminder that the entire Snezhnaya was not entirely safe.
She had a lot of confidence in me, as if she was certain I would agree. And indeed, I found it hard to refuse such a reward, whether it was researching Transcription Prism, or... the Tsaritsa's own sealed memories.
Although I don't know why the remains of that Third Descender can do so many things, to be honest, they are really useful. At least I have finally found an item that can store memories stably for a long time.
It's hard to imagine that in Teyvat, even memories can be altered. If even one's own memories are no longer trustworthy, then there is nothing left in this world to rely on.
I took out a small piece of the Transcription Prism, poured a fragment of my memory into it, and stretched the prism to the size of a small mirror. After she finished examining the prism, a rare hint of surprise flashed across her face, which was as cold as ancient ice.
It seems my abilities have pleased the Tsaritsa.
Speaking of which, isn't this thing called Light Cone? I suddenly miss Lin a bit; it's a pity she disappeared without a trace after leaving me with her last message.
Wait a minute, if Teyvat can alter the rules and memories like that, wouldn't the pen in my hand and the paper in front of me also be altered?
Then why should I keep a diary? What decent person keeps a diary?