When Cranes Take Form

(Talk to Kanou)

Kanou: Oh! (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍)!

Kanou: I'm here hunting for the perfect moment. If I could just catch the cranes gathering together, it would make a splendid scene for my Eight Seasonal Views of Cranes Among Bamboo and Stone.

Kanou: Alas... the cranes won't land. So the artist must learn patience.

(After the dialogue)

Paimon: Hmm... but it might take a long time for the cranes to come down, wouldn't it? Why don't we think of a way to lure them down instead?

Paimon: You know, I seem to recall now that cranes are fond of fish...

(After placing Fish ×1 into one of the bowls)

Paimon: That reminds Paimon — we seem to have seen many pictures with cranes on them earlier... Might those be Kanou's discarded drafts?

Crane #3

(Approach Castiglione)

???: Kanou, why don't you stop scurrying about and finish that folding screen for now? You'd better figure out how you'll paint that waterfall first. For Egeria's sake, who on earth would use scattered perspective to paint a waterfall...

???: ...Hmm? Oh, my apologies. A new face, I see. I thought you were Kanou from the sound of your footsteps.

What are you doing here?

???: Painting, as you can see.

???: But let's get one thing straight before you get the wrong idea: I may be skilled at painting animals, but the animals I paint are not meant for eating.

???: Wait, so you're saying we can eat your art!?

???: The people I paint appear in the flesh, and so the beasts in my paintings may as well be on the plate... *sigh* That said, I do hope you won't be like that Miss Jinggui from Liyue, who keeps pestering me to paint nothing but fish fillets.

???: Art — venerable Art! Regardless of the era, its core purpose should be the salvation of the human soul and the cultivation of one's character. It should guide us toward a higher spiritual realm with Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.

???: For instance, when one stands atop the highest mountain peak, the view is naturally clear and true. Such is the art I strive for.

???: Hmm... I'm afraid you won't get a real sense of it. Words can only go so far. How about this — let me paint a floating platform for you. Go ahead and step onto it to experience my words for yourself.

(Restore the painting)

(Follow the path to the top of the mountain)

(Restore the next painting)

(The crane flies away)

After attracting all 3 cranes

(Talk to Kanou)

Kanou: Hehe! See? Now the cranes are all coming over!

Kanou: To think it could be solved like that... Truly remarkable.

Paimon: Hehe! Waiting around won't get you anywhere!... That sounded pretty insightful, didn't it?

Kanou: My thanks, (‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍), and to you as well, Paimon. I've had a change of heart. A painting that shows only cranes would be far too plain, the sort of subject one puts on a folding screen.

Kanou: Yes... I know what this piece must be: "(‍TravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler‍) and Paimon Summoning the Cranes." Ah, I can already see it taking shape on the scroll! Please, accept these humble gifts.

Paimon: Wait a second! That's still about cranes!