The smell of paper and hot tea lingered in Galehaven Comics. Harlan leaned against the counter, arms crossed, watching the Lady sit quietly in her usual corner. Her crimson cape had lost its dramatic flair, now bunched limply behind her. In front of her, the eyepatch and golden contact lens from the system glinted under the lantern light—items she clearly didn't want.
Across the shop, Luke and Daryl stood near the door. Luke held onto his red skirt, its lace trim brushing against his armor, still unsure what to make of it. "What's her problem?" he asked, nudging Daryl. Daryl, inspecting his Li Syaoran sword again, answered with a shrug. "Probably didn't like the comic."
"She looks pissed," Luke added. "Like someone fed her fake intel."
He wasn't far off. The Lady's fists were clenched, the crackle of Cryo energy faint around her fingers. She had expected power—real, tangible power like Fischl's display. Instead, she got props. A fake eye. A costume item. No energy surge. No technique. No new spell. Just accessories and a chant.
She'd believed Harlan's setup. She'd trusted the comic would unlock something great. But now she saw it clearly: Fischl had been playing a role, not casting a spell. The entire act was just that—an act. Her anger wasn't at the comic. It was at herself for falling for it.
She stared Harlan down, but he didn't flinch. He could see the shift in her. Her usual cold, controlling demeanor was cracking. Harlan's system blinked with a new message:
[Customer 'Lady' completed Chuunibyou Demo Koi ga Shitai!—Reward: Chuunibyou Syndrome.]
[Chuunibyou Syndrome: A condition marked by over-the-top theatrics, inflated self-image, and delusions of grandeur. Common in those with strong egos and vivid imaginations.]
Harlan blinked. "She got chuunibyou?" The absurdity nearly made him laugh. A high-ranking Fatui officer cursed with exaggerated self-importance and theatrical flair. She'd joined Fischl in the same category of over-dramatic weirdos.
Just then, a golden beam cut through the ceiling and bathed the Lady in light. The shop quieted. Luke leaned in. "Is it the Evil King's Eye again?" Daryl held his sword tight. The newcomers at the reading table paused their comics.
The Lady stood slowly. Her presence changed. The anger faded, replaced by something else—confidence, conviction, flair. She looked to Harlan and said, without a hint of irony, "O keeper of Galehaven Comics, voyager of star-seas and weaver of myriad fates, I offer my gratitude for this gift."
Luke's jaw dropped. "That's awesome!"
Daryl nodded. "Beats the skirt."
The Lady continued. "From this day, I, Rosalyn, claim a new mantle: the Dark Flame Envoy!"
There was a moment of silence. Then murmurs. Then applause from the trio of readers. Even Luke clapped, skirt and all.
Harlan raised an eyebrow. "Your reward is chuunibyou syndrome," he said evenly. "No power. Just drama."
Rosalyn didn't even blink. "No—this is truth. This is vision. This world shall burn in black flames!" She raised her hand, sparks of Cryo energy forming around her glove. A show. But convincing.
Harlan just stared. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. She'd fully committed to the role. Luke whispered, "Think she'll do the chant?"
"If she does, we're locking the tea shelf," Harlan muttered.
Rosalyn spun and addressed her Fatui underlings. "Luke. Daryl. Witness the rise of the Dark Flame Envoy!"
Luke saluted awkwardly. "Sure thing, ma'am."
Daryl sighed. "Just don't torch the sleeping bags."
And with that, she marched out of the shop like she owned the moon, cape flaring behind her. The Fatui duo followed in confused silence.
The shop settled again. The trio of Mondstadt readers approached the counter to claim their rewards. The system flared.
[Digimon Reader: Teacup]
[One Piece Reader: Binoculars]
[Yu-Gi-Oh Reader: Comb]
They didn't care. Each item was received with excitement. "Even the teacup feels magical!" one said. They left in high spirits.
Harlan sank into his chair as the system blinked again:
[Task 1: 11/10 Completed – Draw available]
[Task 2: 17/30 Completed]
He exhaled slowly. "Eleven customers in one day. At this rate, I'll hit thirty in no time."
He briefly considered removing the Chuunibyou comic. But the image of Jean, cape twirling, shouting about black flames made him laugh. "Nah. Let it ride."
He tapped the draw button.
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Reflection:Rosalyn, after mocking Fischl's theatrics, has now adopted the exact same mindset under the influence of "Chuunibyou Syndrome." Her shift introduces unpredictable behavior within the Fatui ranks, potentially affecting their field operations. Meanwhile, the system's rewards are increasingly chaotic, attracting diverse personalities from across Mondstadt. With 11 customers served, Harlan's shop continues gaining attention—and power.