After the gathering.
Once, the land was as white as bone, a frozen world of ice and snow.
In the past, the Anemo Archon Barbatos used his divine power to disperse the blizzards and reshape the terrain, turning it into the verdant, fragrant land it is today, now even more prosperous.
The entire city of Mondstadt is built on a lake island, a massive, feather-like oasis. Within the city, the towering blades of windmills can be seen spinning leisurely.
The four seasons here are always accompanied by gentle breezes. On this peaceful afternoon, the waters of Cider Lake shimmer faintly, and the entire city is bathed in a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.
The environment here is pleasant, perfect for living.
Life in Mondstadt moves at a slow pace—in other words, everyone is a bit lazy.
But compared to the leisurely lives of the citizens, the atmosphere in the Acting Grand Master's office of the Knights of Favonius is anything but relaxed. Acting Grand Master Jean is still hard at work.
Unlike the strict and distant Geo Archon, the Anemo Archon does not issue annual divine decrees. His last appearance was five hundred years ago. Now, with Grand Master Varka leading the majority of the knights on an expedition, Jean is the highest authority in the city.
"The cats have gone missing again?"
"The roads are blocked by Hilichurl camps—urgent clearance needed."
"Windmill blades damaged, repairs required... Wait, was this done by Klee?"
The pile of documents on the desk speaks volumes about the Acting Grand Master's daily life.
"Jean, something's happened!"
The usually languid Lisa bursts into the office with hurried steps.
Jean feels a sense of foreboding but quickly stands to take the document from Lisa.
"Huh?"
No matter which nation it is, the topic of "divine cards" has recently exploded in popularity.
In Fontaine's court, there are tea merchants from Chenyu Vale, and naturally, there are also merchants from Liyue. The document in Jean's hands is an account from a Mondstadt adventurer who witnessed the scene in Fontaine's court.
This adventurer doesn't possess a Vision—just an unyielding passion. Yet, he set out on his journey regardless.
Mondstadters have never feared danger.
Because the people of Mondstadt believe that as long as they don't die in a windless place, their souls will be carried by the wind back to their homeland!
Perhaps this is why Barbatos often appears outside of Mondstadt?
After reading the document, Jean asks, "Is this a new novel? It's quite interesting."
Lisa sighs. "It sounds unbelievable, doesn't it? But it's true. I can hardly believe it myself."
Lisa once studied at the Sumeru Akademiya and is a top graduate.
Even she finds it hard to believe the adventurer's account of his experiences in Fontaine's court, but she has no choice but to accept it!
That adventurer clearly understands the saying, "Returning home without glory is like walking at night in plain clothes."
After obtaining his card, he immediately returned to Mondstadt to show off to his old friends over a meal, then pointed them in the right direction.
This guy is quite the character—he flaunts his success but doesn't forget to lend a hand to his friends.
"Our intelligence network might be a bit outdated," Lisa remarks.
Thankfully, an adventurer returned in time. Otherwise, with Mondstadt's intelligence capabilities... by the time everyone in Fontaine had ascended, Mondstadt would still be stuck in the dark ages!
Jean's expression darkens slightly.
Since Grand Master Varka led four-fifths of the elite knights on an expedition, the Knights of Favonius have been severely understaffed.
Those remaining in Mondstadt aren't suited for large-scale battles like expeditions. What kind of elite could they possibly be?
So, barely maintaining order in Mondstadt is already their limit.
Sigh—
The half-open window is suddenly blown wide by a gust of wind.
Lisa gasps.
Jean's expression shifts as a gust of wind swirls around her, causing her Anemo Vision to glow faintly, shimmering with light.
There's a divine presence in the wind?
"This is..."
Before Jean can react, a gentle voice whispers in her ear.
"Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, the world is entering a new era. Why not seize the opportunity?"
The voice doesn't command but offers a suggestion.
The wind resonates with her Anemo Vision, carrying a divine aura.
"Lord Anemo Archon!"
Jean solemnly performs a knight's salute.
There's no need to doubt—this wind is unique, unmistakably belonging to the Anemo Archon Barbatos.
Even though he hasn't been seen for centuries, his identity is beyond question!
This is Venti's way of proving his true identity.
The Anemo Archon doesn't respond further.
It's as if he only appeared to confirm the adventurer's account and offer his advice to the rulers of Mondstadt.
Jean's Vision stops glowing.
The wind scatters the documents on the desk, leaving the office in disarray.
Liyue, Ministry of Civil Affairs.
"Even Lord Barbatos has shown up to guide us," Lisa murmurs.
"I understand what needs to be done!"
Jean nods firmly. "Please call Kaeya over. I'm too busy here... If you're interested, you can go too."
"Me?"
Lisa smiles. "Of course, I'm very interested. But leaving you here to deal with all this alone?" As a close friend, she doesn't want to see Jean overworked.
"Oh—"
"Since the cards depend on luck, why not let Klee tag along?"
"Klee?"
Jean hesitates, shaking her head. "I'll think about it. This trip is so far away... I'm worried something might happen."
Klee isn't a naughty child, but at her age, she's full of energy and loves to play—often with explosives... It's too dangerous!
Dawn Winery.
"Master Diluc!"
Venti waves cheerfully from afar, his smile bright.
Entering the manor, he acts as if it's his own home. "What's up?"
Diluc crosses his arms, his expression indifferent.
"I've got some news for you—don't be too shocked!"
Venti lowers his voice mysteriously. "This news could shake all of Teyvat! Isn't that..." He rubs his fingers together, his meaning obvious.
"Are you talking about the divine card store?" Diluc asks flatly.
"Huh?"
"You already know?"
Venti scratches his head in confusion. "Wait, the Knights only found out today!"
Diluc smirks. "The Knights of Favonius?"
He doesn't know about others, but he certainly doesn't hold high hopes for the Knights.
Diluc has his own intelligence network and received the news yesterday. He's already made plans to visit.
"Master, everything is ready."
The head maid approaches softly.
"Mm." Diluc nods, then glances at Venti. "Anything else?"
"Nope, nothing."
Venti sighs, realizing his plan to exchange news for wine has failed.
"Wait."
He seems to know a lot?
A habitual drunkard?
Seems like another well-informed individual.
Diluc watches Venti leave, then turns to the head maid. "Prepare the Mora. Change our destination to the Liyue Ministry of Civil Affairs."
"Off we go! By the way, if you're heading to the Liyue Ministry, that's where Boss Lu's branch store is." Venti sighs, muttering to himself.
Diluc tosses him two 10,000-Mora coins. "Thanks."
"Hey!"
Venti happily pockets the coins. "Well then, I wish you luck in pulling a good card! I won't disturb you further. See you!"
"Mm."
Windrise, beneath the great tree.
Venti digs eagerly with a shovel, humming a tune.
After digging about a meter deep, the shovel hits something metallic. He unearths a small chest.
Brushing off the dirt, Venti opens it to find a pile of gleaming Mora.
No surprise there—when it comes to personas, he crafts his own!
Venti squats down, counting the coins with a grin.
After a while, he realizes that personas aren't always self-made—sometimes, they're based on reality.
"Two million Mora... what can I even do with this?" Venti mutters, scratching his head.
This two million Mora was buried during the era of Vennessa.
Not by him, but by Vennessa herself!
Vennessa believed her Archon was incapable of saving money and loved to drink, so she buried two million Mora here for him to dig up when times got tough.
Given Venti's personality, he'd never hold onto it.
"Vent my anger when I'm upset, act out scenes when I'm bored—that's my style!"
Unfortunately, too many things happened afterward. He spent most of his time asleep, never getting the chance to spend this money.
Now, it's finally coming in handy!
"Not even enough for one divine card..."
Venti scratches his head in frustration.
Then, his eyes light up.
"Hey~ Klee~"
Starfell Lake is off-limits.
Klee has no choice but to wander toward the sea with her backpack.
At that moment, a red figure streaks past like a shooting star.
Venti quickly stashes his Mora and transforms into a gust of wind, appearing by the roadside.
Startled by the sudden appearance, the little girl stops in her tracks, her face full of confusion. "Mister, are you calling for Klee?"
"Yep!"
Venti smiles warmly. "Is Klee going out to play?"
The little girl nods eagerly.
"Big brother knows a super fun game. Want to try it?" Venti's grin widens.
Klee tilts her head curiously. "What kind of game? Klee wants to know!"
"Just come with me!"
Venti winks.
Klee is tempted by the promise of fun, but she hesitates, waving her small hands. "Sister Jean said not to trust strangers..."
"But Sister Jean sent me to take you to play!"
Venti doesn't miss a beat. "Really?"
Klee's eyes sparkle like stars.
"Of course! Big brother never lies!" Venti says with a serious expression.
"Yay~!"
The innocent little girl doesn't stop to consider that she's actually an elf.
She senses no malice from Venti, and with Sister Jean's name invoked, she's instantly won over!
"Let's go!"
Venti scoops Klee up, tucking her under his arm, and dashes toward Liyue.
Meanwhile, Amber is scouting a Hilichurl camp in the distance.
She turns her head just in time to see a figure in a green cloak, grinning excitedly, sprinting past with a bundle under his arm.
"Eh?"
Was that Klee?
And the other one... doesn't look familiar.
That grin doesn't seem trustworthy either!
"Hey!"
"Stealing a child in broad daylight?!"
"Stop right there!!!"
Caught?
"Sister Amber, why is she chasing us?"
Still unaware she's been kidnapped, Klee is a little puzzled.
"It's a role-playing game! We're the bad guys, and Sister Amber is the righteous knight!" Venti explains quickly.
"Wow!"
Klee's eyes light up.
No further explanation is needed—she's already grasped the rules.
She clings to Venti's clothes, cheering. "Run faster, Mister Bad Guy! Bad guys can't get caught!"
"Don't worry, I've got plenty of experience!" Venti speeds up.
Knights of Favonius Headquarters, Acting Grand Master's Office.
"Acting Grand Master, I'm sorry, it's all my fault..."
"You're saying that guy who looked like a smug child trafficker was Klee's father?!"
Amber stands at attention, her face full of guilt. "Y-Yes..."
Jean rubs her temples.
What kind of absurdity is this?
"I understand. You may go."
Jean changes the subject. "I'll set off immediately. I'll keep an eye on Klee when I get there."
Kaeya smirks.
"Our Anemo Archon... is quite the character!"
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T/N:
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