Star Rail: Starting with a Lyre, Living off Busking

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"Not joining the celebration?"

Nahida asked in a deliberately oblivious tone.

"..."

As she had expected, Mimiya fell into a heavy silence, eventually turning her face away as if sulking, refusing to meet her gaze.

Already understanding what weighed on the girl's heart, the elven princess—amused by the opportunity to tease her—let out a soft chuckle.

"You know, you used to treat me like a child. Now, it feels like you're the one acting like a child."

"I'm not! I'm over a thousand years old!"

Mimiya instinctively retorted, much like a misunderstood child protesting against an unfair accusation.

Nahida moved to sit beside her, the gentle scent of flowers accompanying her presence.

"I know. You're wondering why I didn't take you on this adventure."

"...It's not that. I understand your reasoning, and I'm not like that foolish princess, throwing tantrums all the time."

Mimiya answered awkwardly, referring to the elf archer who had impulsively joined halfway through the journey. As the archer's elder sister, Mimiya herself was far from an ordinary forestfolk.

So, despite her small sulks, no one held it against her during the grandeur of this celebration.

"Hmm, hmm. I know. I heard from the captain of the cavalry upon my return that everyone worked hard to protect the village, even defeating the monsters that tried to take advantage of the chaos."

Nahida's flower-like eyes gleamed with warmth as she looked at her.

"Even if everyone's attention is elsewhere tonight, believe me—the forest remembers everything you've done."

"...Do you really think so? Or are you just pitying me?"

The forestfolk girl couldn't help but voice the fear that gnawed at her heart.

"Of course not. And I've told you before—when we're alone, you can call me whatever name you prefer."

The petite girl offered a soft smile.

"I... don't know if I deserve that. Even this title of 'princess' is something I forced onto you."

"Realizing that only now? A bit late, isn't it?"

"Nahida!"

"Alright, alright. Don't get so worked up. No need to be so anxious, especially when I, the one involved, haven't even started complaining."

Patting the downcast girl lightly, Nahida spoke with an air of calm.

"Though I struggled at first, I have to admit, I've learned a lot from this role. In terms of growth, the trouble has been worth it."

"Then... you truly don't blame me?"

"Honestly, you're making it seem like I've been bullying you."

Rolling her eyes playfully, Nahida swung her slender legs, radiating an unshakable sense of ease.

"Hasn't anyone ever taught you this simple truth? Sometimes your mind can deceive you, making you believe you're not good enough or that everything is hopeless."

Mimiya stared at her, puzzled. The cool night breeze rustled through the grass, brushing Nahida's bare feet, bringing a ticklish sensation as her rounded toes curled reflexively.

"But let me tell you this: you are loved. You are important. You bring something unique to this world. So, be patient with yourself."

Under Mimiya's dazed gaze, Nahida turned her eyes to the night sky, where two moons glowed softly.

"At the very least, without you, I wouldn't be here in this form, sitting under the moonlight. That crisis we resolved? It wouldn't have been avoided. Instead of celebrating, people might now be fleeing for their lives, their homes destroyed by monsters."

"I... really matter that much?"

"Of course. Look at the happy faces over there. All these precious moments are the result of a fortunate misunderstanding."

As Mimiya began to relax, Nahida stood, brushing stray grass seeds off her skirt. She extended her hand toward Mimiya with a warm smile, inviting her.

"So, stop sulking. Let's go create some joyful memories together."

"...Okay."

The unease in the girl's heart gave way to a sense of forgiveness, and the ever-present guilt that had haunted her seemed to loosen its grip.

For this night, at least—

Her destiny felt like one that was cherished.

A gift from a princess who wasn't truly a princess.

---

The Next Morning

Nahida was awakened by Mimiya, who seemed unusually energetic, though her expression carried a hint of alarm.

"Nahida! There's trouble!"

"Hmm?"

Still groggy, Nahida yawned, her voice tinged with an adorable nasal tone.

"The queen's royal guard has arrived at the Forest of Kings. They're insisting you depart for the Golden Forest immediately!"

"...Eh?"

Nahida's lingering sleepiness dissipated almost instantly.

She tilted her head, about to ask a question, when the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway.

Moments later, March 7 burst through the door, brimming with excitement.

"Oh, you're awake! I thought I'd be the first to see you, but it looks like Mimiya beat me to it."

"We're here to tell her something else, March," Stelle said, appearing behind her with a resigned sigh.

"Oh, right!" March 7 scratched her cheek awkwardly before grinning again. "Nahida, you've gotta come downstairs and check this out! There's a whole group of amazing forestfolk warrior ladies who've just arrived, and Dan Heng's trying to handle them all by himself!"

"Already?"

The transportation methods in this world were still fairly primitive, reliant on foot or carriages. While Nahida hadn't expected the elven court to delay, it had only been two days since her arrival.

Even traveling non-stop, it shouldn't have been possible to reach here this quickly—at least, not with conventional means.

Sensing her confusion, Mimiya quickly offered an explanation.

"They used magical scrolls to travel here and asked me to relay a message. The queen wishes for you to return to the Golden Forest immediately and complete the succession ceremony as soon as possible."

"No, no, I distinctly remember saying before that I don't know enough about the forestfolk to—"

Before Nahida could finish, a commanding yet melodious voice called out from the hallway.

"You jest, Princess!"

Standing at the doorway was a forestfolk woman clad in gleaming mithril armor.

She carried herself with the poise of a seasoned general, exuding an aura of authority and gravitas rarely seen among the forestfolk.

"Even as a newcomer, you assisted the Forest of Kings in resolving the Breakflow anomaly, tamed the Mokra M'bembe as your mount, and eradicated a hidden threat to the forest, averting an apocalyptic crisis. Last night, you blessed the union of newlyweds—"

The armored woman listed Nahida's accomplishments in a single breath, her gaze growing even more fervent.

"To say you lack understanding of the forestfolk would mean we, too, do not understand ourselves."

"These weren't achievements I accomplished alone..." Nahida began to protest.

"Ah, so not only can you perform these feats single-handedly, but you also humbly share the glory with your companions. Such wisdom and grace will surely be immortalized in song and celebrated across all realms."

Is this... the famed royal guard of the queen? Nahida thought, her lips twitching awkwardly. Being surrounded by people like this every day would make anyone feel dizzy from the constant praise.

Noticing Nahida's mild discomfort, the woman wisely chose to halt her stream of compliments. Instead, she dropped to one knee, bowing with elegance.

"My apologies for being overwhelmed by your radiance and achievements earlier. I failed to introduce myself properly, bringing shame upon the queen's court. Please forgive me."

"There's no need for such formality. Please, just speak to me normally. You are...?"

"You may call me Cernia. I am the captain of Her Majesty's royal guard, tasked with personally escorting you on the queen's orders."

Rising gracefully, Cernia smiled, her expression dazzling as she looked at the princess she would soon serve.

"From now until the succession ceremony is complete, allow us to serve as your protectors."

"Ah... I already figured there'd be no convincing you otherwise, but is there really no time to prepare?"

"You jest, Your Highness. We would never force your hand. However, the people have long awaited your return, and Her Majesty eagerly looks forward to meeting you. Such a historic moment cannot be delayed."

With this response, Cernia stepped closer to the room, her gaze warm as she regarded the others, who seemed overwhelmed by her presence.

"Still, as you've only just woken, it would be impolite to rush you further. Please, take your time to dress and prepare. Once you're ready, come to the main hall downstairs—we'll depart at your convenience."

With that, Cernia departed as swiftly as she had arrived. Though her words left Nahida with no real choice, her straightforward demeanor made it hard to see her as insincere.

The forestfolk, long-lived as they were, might consider a few days to be a mere blink of an eye. Yet their sense of urgency today spoke volumes about how much they valued this moment.

Might as well get this over with, Nahida thought.

After a quick wash, accompanied by Mimiya, she joined March 7 and Stelle for breakfast. By the time they headed downstairs, they found Dan Heng in conversation with several forestfolk.

He nodded to Nahida, his gaze conveying reassurance: They can be trusted.

"Well, as much as I'll miss you all, duty calls. We'll have to say goodbye for now," Nahida said, addressing the elf archer sisters and the newlywed forestfolk chieftain.

With their goodbyes exchanged, a burst of violet light enveloped the group as the teleportation scroll activated, whisking them away.

This time, it was Mimiya who accompanied them, leaving the elf archer behind with a wistful expression.

"You're not going with them this time?"

The forest princess, her voice melodic as a song, glanced at her younger sister, who seemed reluctant to stay behind.

"Stop making me sound like a tagalong," the elf archer replied with a wry smile.

"Oh? But aren't you? You never cared for singing or embroidery, and you followed me into the woods for hunts every chance you got."

The forest chieftain, wearing his shining helm, teased her mercilessly.

The elf archer responded with a sharp stomp on his foot and a defiant pose.

"That's because I wasn't interested in those things!"

"Now, now... Finding what you love is a good thing," he amended quickly, catching a warning glance from his wife.

"Speaking of which, since you're not following the princess's entourage, why not stay here? Your adventurer party has disbanded, hasn't it?"

"Who said we've disbanded?"

The elf archer pulled out a pristine letter.

"They wrote yesterday, asking for my help with a specific commission in the City of Water."

"So you're sticking with being an adventurer?"

The forest princess's expression softened with a hint of worry.

"Adventurers face constant danger. You've seen those the princess saved, haven't you?"

"Of course I have. I led them back myself."

She recalled the horror vividly: humans, forestfolk, and halflings, penned like livestock in filthy cages. The blood of dismembered companions stained the ground a permanent brown.

Yet amid this nightmare, one memory stood out.

The "princess" had descended from the heavens, radiant and serene.

"She will always come for me if I'm in trouble. I believe that."

---

In the Golden Forest

The Trailblazers arrived in the heart of the Golden Forest, where an elven queen in a flowing silver gown greeted them.

Before Nahida could react, the queen swept her into a tight embrace.

"At last, you're here, my beloved daughter—"

"Eh?"

Nahida barely managed to gasp before her face was smothered against the queen's overly ample chest, the weight almost suffocating.

---

Greetings, esteemed Readers,

Your steadfast support throughout this journey has been as constant as the tides and as enduring as stone. In the spirit of gratitude, I am pleased to announce the release of bonus chapters, a reflection of your unwavering dedication and enthusiasm.

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With utmost sincerity,

— Zhongli