Good Night, Sumeru City, May You Have Sweet Dreams Tonight

(Two chapters combined)

"You've come to Xingsu. By the way, what's wrong with Lyney? He looks listless and his complexion seems off..."

Xingsu glanced at Paimon in the direction of his gaze and said indifferently, "Oh, it's nothing. I haven't been spending much time with the kids in Sumeru lately, so I've been checking on them a bit more."

"Oh, I see. You'll have to take good care of them then." Paimon nodded, quickly putting the small matter out of his mind and getting straight to the point, "By the way! How exactly do we find the true owner of this dream?"

"Dreams are not illusions born out of thin air; they are extensions that sprout from memory and imagination together."

Everything we see in our dreams is inseparable from the dreamer himself; every image contains a reflection of himself and is closely connected to the memories accumulated in his heart.

The scenery we've seen, the words we've heard, and the obsessions hidden in our hearts will all break free from the framework of reality and be rewoven into dreams after we fall asleep.

To give an example, a person who is always kind-hearted will have mostly tender memories, so even in dreams, the people around them will mostly be gentle and friendly.

Those who are accustomed to scheming have memories filled with wariness and gamesmanship. Even if they enter a dream, they will find it difficult to experience pure and beautiful joy.

Dreams are like an inward-facing mirror, crumbling sealed memories and rearranging them through imagination. They don't send completely unrelated stories out of thin air; the world in dreams is a microcosm of the dreamer himself.

Paimon's head was spinning. He scratched his head, looking completely bewildered. "Uh... I didn't understand. Could you summarize it for me?"

"It's very simple, what is the theme of this dream?"

"The Sabzeruz Festival?"

"That's right." Xingsu nodded. "Since the dream is based on the Sabzeruz Festival, the dream's owner must have an extremely close connection with the Sabzeruz Festival."

Next question: Did you have fun at the Sabzeruz Festival?

"Although I didn't get to see Nilou's Dance of Sabzeruz, and there were a few unpleasant little incidents, overall it was still quite enjoyable."

"This is a beautiful dream, which suggests that the dreamer is very likely a kind person."

"It's closely related to the Sabzeruz Festival; you're kind-hearted... aren't you still yourself?"

"... If I were the master of this dream, I would have already used it to expose the conspiracy of the Akademiya and Dottore."

"Uh, just kidding. I think I know pretty much who to go find."

"That's good. I'll have to trouble you two with this matter."

"Hey? Aren't you coming with us?"

"There are more important things for me to do. You must extricate the people from this dream world so that I can ensure my actions do not harm the ordinary people within it."

"You're going to hurt ordinary citizens?! What dangerous thing are you planning to do?!"

"So hurry up and finish the mission, you two." Before he finished speaking, a layer of shimmering light appeared around him, and he disappeared before their eyes.

"This guy! Forget about him, let's hurry up and find the owner of this dream. Traveler, we must have the same idea!"

"Looks like we're on the same page." Looking at the Eremites before her, Dehya drew her greatsword. "I also think that since reasoning doesn't work, let's see whose fist is harder!"

"Alright, then let me see how much skill the infamous ' Blazing Beasts ' leader, Dehya, still has left after her comfortable days in the rainforest!" The leading member of the Eremites sneered and drew his scimitar from his back.

"Dehya! And... Dunyarzad." Paimon and Luminous suddenly appeared from behind.

Dehya paused slightly, then immediately turned to urge the Traveler to safety, "Traveler! You've come at the right time. You take the young lady away first, and I'll take care of these people—"

Ying did not respond, but silently drew her Dull Blade and stood beside Dehya, side by side.

Without needing to say more, Dehya instantly understood her meaning. A glint of light flashed in her eyes, and she smiled slightly, "Alright! In that case, these people are really in for a world of trouble today!"

"Hmph! Overestimating yourself! No matter what, it's four against two, the advantage is in our hands! Brothers, let's attack!"

Unfortunately, it was clear that the group was as small and powerless in the face of Dehya and the Traveler as Chlothar was in the face of the Titan of the Negative World.

"Phew, I didn't expect you to be so skilled."

"Just not bad?" Ying put her hands on her hips and looked at Dehya with disdain.

"Alright, alright, she is indeed very strong!" Dehya chuckled helplessly, then immediately turned to look at the silent Dunyarzad behind her, "Miss, are you alright? Were you frightened?"

"It's nothing, I'm fine." Dunyarzad remained expressionless, her voice devoid of any emotion.

"Um, Miss... what's wrong with you today? Are you angry?"

"I'm fine, don't worry."

"This doesn't look like anything good..."

"Dehya, Dunyarzad, she..."

Ying reached out, interrupting Paimon: "Dehya, bring Dunyarzad and come with us. We'll go to the Grand Bazaar to see Nilou's Dance of Sabzeruz."

Dehya shrugged and nodded in agreement. "Okay, if that will make you happier, Miss."

"I'm so happy! This is the first time I've witnessed such a grand and perfect Sabzeruz Festival! The renovated Grand Bazaar is so beautiful, the exquisite stage, the vibrant Padisarah, the lively crowds—every single detail is breathtaking!"

"Hehe, as long as you're happy!" Paimon said with a smile. "Nilou, do you have any other wishes?"

Nilou gently shook her head. "No, I'm already more than satisfied with what I've accomplished."

"Then... um?" Paimon's prepared words suddenly stuck in his throat.

"I feel like I'm dreaming. Everything is so dreamlike. This Sabzeruz Festival is so beautiful, the stage is so gorgeous..."

"Nilou, what if I told you that you're in a dream right now?"

"Then let this dream continue!"

Ying, Paimon: "???"

Is this script correct?

The Sabzeruz Festival is not like this!

Paimon panicked instantly and hurriedly waved his hands. "No, no! We can't do this! Nilou, you can't stay in the dream!"

Seeing their flustered appearance, Nilou looked puzzled and asked, "Hmm? What's wrong? Traveler and Paimon, you two seem a bit strange today."

"We..." Ying was about to explain when a commotion suddenly broke out in the crowd.

"Ah~ the Great Sage has arrived." A chorus of whispers rose and fell from the crowd, and the atmosphere instantly became heavy.

"What, the Great Sage?"

Dressed in the magnificent robes of the Akademiya, Azar walked out slowly with a retinue of servants, his expression cold and dignified, his gaze sweeping over the noisy celebration scene.

"The Order of the Akademiya: No celebrations may be held without authorization. Are you blind or have ears implanted?"

"But we..."

"No buts. If you continue to insist on this, we will have no choice but to order an investigation into all the organizers of the Sabzeruz Festival."

"But... how can it be like this? How can it end here..."

"Great! Oh, no, no, not at all, Traveler, surely we can convince Nilou in this situation!"

Ying didn't answer, but slowly stepped forward and softly called, "Nilou."

She gently held the Damselette's slightly trembling hand. "Don't be afraid of him. In this dream, you are the protagonist."

"Main character?"

"That's right," Ying soothed softly, "Close your eyes, okay?"

"Hmm? Is it some kind of surprise? Okay..." Nilou covered her eyes with her hands.

Ying took a deep breath and walked up to Azar.

The next second, a crisp, clean sound rang out!

With a crisp palm strike, the arrogant and powerful Great Sage fell to the ground like the Marionette with its strings cut, instantly becoming motionless.

Slap me across the face! I'll slap you until you're dead!

"Ahhh! Sarilang!" Nilou heard the commotion and secretly separated her fingers a little, then saw the Great Sage lying on the ground.

Ying immediately turned back and firmly grasped her hands. "Don't be afraid, Nilou. Now close your eyes and try to imagine that the Great Sage and his attendants have never appeared before."

The Damselette, still shaken, nodded obediently, "Okay, okay."

Now, open your eyes.

As Nilou slowly opened her eyes, the great sage and his entourage, who had just been in the center of the square, had vanished without a trace, as if they had never been there.

"They're really gone!" Nilou exclaimed in shock. "How did you manage to do that?!"

"It wasn't us who did it," Ying said earnestly, looking into her clear eyes. "It was you, Nilou."

"Me?" Nilou looked at herself in disbelief. "Am I really dreaming?"

"Nilou, look around you, the cheering crowd, the brand-new stage, the vibrant Padisarah —it's all the most wonderful family from your dreams."

"Is this a blessing from the Dendro Archon, or...?"

"It's a result of our joint efforts."

"I see."

She slowly took a few steps back and stood in the center of the flower-covered stage, her skirt fluttering gently in the wind.

"Since this is a dream, then let the Dance of Sabzeruz in this dream bloom in its most beautiful form."

As the evening breeze swept through the Grand Bazaar, thousands of flower lanterns swayed gently, and layers of gilded lights flowed, making the Damselette's figure appear both gentle and dazzling.

Nilou stretched her body and danced lightly. Her slender waist swayed gracefully, and her flowing skirt was like a blooming water lily. Every turn, every movement of her hands and feet was light, agile, and exquisitely beautiful.

Her dance steps were both gentle and passionate. She raised her hand to embrace the evening breeze, twirled around to embrace the blooming flowers, and her graceful figure moved among the shimmering sea of flowers. Where her skirt swept past, it seemed as if tiny starlight was falling.

In this dreamscape built from her gentle heart, she dances freely with passion, her eyes bright and her steps captivating.

Flowers bloom in profusion for her, and fireworks light up the city for her.

Yingwei held her breath, her gaze fixed on the Damselette dancing in the center of the stage, completely mesmerized.

The lamplight fell on Nilou's relaxed brows and eyes, creating layers of soft light as she spun around. Every time she raised her wrist or spun around, it was as if all the tenderness hidden in this dream was spread out in the evening breeze.

At least for now, she can set aside all the schemes and crises around her and quietly gaze at this unique Dance of Sabzeruz.

Just then, a slight movement occurred to him out of the corner of his eye.

A slender figure appeared beside Ying without her noticing. It was Dunyarzad, the gentle face of someone who should have been hers.

She didn't speak, but lowered her eyes slightly, a faint smile on her lips, and together with Ying, quietly watched Nilou dancing gracefully on the stage, accepting this belated Dance of Sabzeruz.

At the very edge of the crowd, in the shadows far from the lights and cheers, Xingsu stood quietly.

He saw the magnificent dance on the stage, and the two figures gazing at each other side by side below. So he slowly raised his hand and gently waved. There was no sound, no dazzling light, just a quiet farewell.

Ying seemed to sense something and looked this way, but his outline was like ink soaked in warm water, slowly spreading and dissolving among the floating flower shadows.

The dream began to slowly dissipate from this moment.

The dazzling light around us gradually softened, and the noisy crowds and blooming Padisarah slowly faded away.

A beautiful dream that has come to a satisfying end is slowly shedding its illusory veil.

The illusory outlines gradually became clear, and the shackles of illusion that bound everyone loosened with the lingering rhythm of the dance.

The lively atmosphere of the Sabzeruz Festival still exists, but it is no longer an illusion woven from obsession. The dream has returned to memory, leaving behind a gentle legacy.

As the dance ended and I turned back, the dream had transformed into a wisp of light, drifting floral mist, dissipating into the evening breeze.

Goodnight, Sumeru City, may you have sweet dreams tonight.

The last glimmer of light from the dream faded away little by little from Xingsu's clothes.

The bustling marketplace of Sumeru was no longer there; instead, a hazy, layered sea of light stretched out before us—the dreams of countless onlookers intertwined, and all sorts of phantoms drifting leisurely in the distance.

Xingsu wandered alone through the gaps in this dreamscape, all the illusory scenes flowing past him. He continued forward, passing through one semi-transparent dream shadow after another, until a house that seemed out of place stood quietly in front of him.

The heavy ebony wall panels, the low eaves, and the quietly closed paper sliding doors exude an air of seclusion, coldness, and detachment, as if they were taken directly from some forgotten corner next to Grand Narukami Shrine and placed in this space pieced together from countless dreams.

Xingsu stopped in front of the door, raised her hand, and gently placed her fingertips on the door.

"Squeak--"

The wooden door slid open slowly with his force, and dim, soft light seeped through the cracks, falling on his shoes.

The room was sparsely furnished, containing only a table and a bed, and an atmosphere of solitude and silence permeated the air.

In the center of the room, a figure sat quietly.

Xingsu raised her eyes, her gaze falling lightly on the other person.

"Found you, Scaramouche."