Shao Yun rode away from the vineyard, heading southwest.
Along the way, he passed several wineries, each time thinking it might be Dawn Winery.
But unfortunately, none of them were.
The reaction of each winery's manager was the same as that of Drunken Moon Winery—first excitement, then disappointment, then reluctant persistence, and finally directions.
After getting the wrong place several times, Shao Yun couldn't help but feel irritated, furrowing his brows tightly.
Having learned from his mistakes, he began to check the signboard of each winery first before approaching.
He passed by a few more small wineries but still couldn't find Dawn Winery. Muttering in frustration, he said, "This is so weird. How can there be so many wineries in Windwail Highland? Just how big is this place?!"
Behind him, Lumine and Paimon both looked rather uncomfortable. Having eaten too much that morning and being unaccustomed to horseback riding, they were clearly suffering.
Lumine, leaning against Shao Yun's back, mumbled drowsily, "Thank goodness for your horse, Shao Yun. Otherwise, we'd be walking until midnight. Ugh…" She then retched slightly.
Paimon lay slumped over Shao Yun's shoulder with a miserable look on her face, grumbling, "I never want to eat that much again… this is horrible."
Hearing their complaints, Shao Yun turned to glance at them, feeling a little helpless.
Thankfully, he had slowed the horse's pace after visiting the first winery, giving them a chance to be somewhat comfortable. Otherwise, these two would've already thrown up by now.
A few dozen steps ahead, they encountered a member of the Adventurers' Guild transporting goods via hot air balloon.
Shao Yun quickly rode forward and asked, "Hello, can you tell me where Dawn Winery is?"
The adventurer stopped and pointed behind him. "Just up ahead. You're very close."
Hearing this, Shao Yun's heart leapt with joy. He quickly thanked the adventurer and urged the horse onward.
Finally, they were nearing their destination! Lumine and Paimon heard the adventurer's words as well and both looked visibly more excited.
They rode a little further, crossing a slope.
Shao Yun was stunned by the scene before him—fields and fields of violet carriages…
Pah! Fields and fields of vineyards, that's what it was. Lush grape trellises stretched across the hillsides, one plot after another, forming a majestic ocean of vines.
The sheer scale of it was awe-inspiring. Shao Yun marveled silently, Even if the two major farming families in Rhodes combined all their cultivated land, it still wouldn't be half of this.
Continuing down the road, they finally arrived at the entrance of the winery. Dismounting, Shao Yun saw a sign inscribed with four characters: Dawn Winery.
Excitedly, he said, "Yes, that's it. This is Dawn Winery!"
Standing before the gate, his gaze was drawn to the grand building ahead.
Carefully examining the mansion, he realized it was nothing like the other wineries they'd seen—Master Diluc's home looked more like a castle.
He sighed inwardly, 'Oh my heavens, Diluc must be loaded!'
The estate radiated grandeur, simplicity, and nobility. Its exterior walls were built of refined stone bricks, aged into a rustic and solemn elegance. Lush green vines climbed across the surface, adding a sense of life and vitality.
The architectural style resembled that of Mondstadt's residential areas—simple, yet refined.
Dark wooden doors and windows gave an impression of stability and class. The roof was tiled in a deep crimson.
Its architectural lines were smooth and understated, lacking excessive ornamentation but exuding a noble aura in every detail.
The spacious courtyard was filled with Mondstadt's native plants—windwheel asters and small lamp grass.
Shao Yun took in the layout with admiration and awe.
"This place is like a full-on castle."
It rivaled the grandeur of the Braithwaite Manor back in Rhodes. Unfortunately, that manor had burned down, and after taking the gold bars and brooch, he'd never returned.
Lumine and Paimon dismounted. The two had seen the place before when unlocking a teleport waypoint, and had also been stunned the first time. But now, on their second visit, the impact wasn't quite as strong.
Lumine held her forehead and commented, "It's definitely big, but maybe a bit smaller than the Knights of Favonius Headquarters?"
At that moment, a maid emerged from the estate, dressed neatly and wearing a kind smile. She greeted them warmly, "Welcome to Dawn Winery."
She glanced at Lumine and Paimon and added, "By your looks, you two must be the famous Honorary Knight and Paimon." Her gentle and pleasant voice immediately made them feel at home.
Then she turned to Shao Yun, studying him carefully before saying, "And you must be the man Master Diluc described as 'strong as a bear.' I didn't believe it at first, but now I'm convinced."
Shao Yun chose to take Diluc's description as a compliment.
"Didn't expect that's how Diluc described me…"
The maid looked at him with a faint, amused smile.
"Master Diluc rarely praises anyone. Strength is a mark of merit in a man." She spoke softly, her tone laced with a clear respect—and slight awe—for Master Diluc.
Her gaze then drifted to Shao Yun's horse, as if appreciating every detail of the animal.
"It's been a long time since I've seen such a fine horse. I'm genuinely impressed."
Her words were brief but full of admiration. Clearly, she had a discerning eye for horses—and maybe even a desire to buy it.
Shao Yun noticed her tone and replied with a smile, "Thanks for the compliment, but my horse's not for sale." His words carried deep affection.
The maid responded calmly, "Don't worry, I wouldn't take what someone treasures." Her voice was composed and assured, as if she had already seen through his thoughts.
She then pointed toward a rarely-used stable in the distance. "The stables are over there. I'll have someone take care of it."
After settling the horse, Shao Yun entered the house.
Inside, he saw the maids tending to Lumine and Paimon, who lay on the sofa looking a bit unwell.
One of the maids nodded at Shao Yun, signaling that everything was under control.
They weren't injured or sick—just carsick. Well, horsesick. Even the potions they prepared didn't help.
All they could do was rest in a quiet environment and recover on their own.
Still, with the maids' care, they would likely feel better soon.
So, Shao Yun sat on the couch beside them and waited quietly for Master Diluc's return.
…
Night fell, and lights flickered on around the winery.
In the darkness, Master Diluc finally appeared at the door.
He stepped inside and, seeing Shao Yun and the now-recovered Lumine and Paimon, remarked without much expression, "I thought you'd be back later."
Shao Yun stood up instinctively and complained, "Master Diluc, your winery's seriously far. Do you really travel back and forth every day like this?"
Diluc replied nonchalantly, "It's manageable. At full speed, I can get here in an hour." His tone showed he was used to the long commute.
Shao Yun couldn't help but admire him. "You're in incredible shape."
"You're not bad yourself."
The two exchanged some polite flattery before Grand Master Jean arrived at the winery.
The moment Jean walked in, she greeted everyone warmly. "Master Diluc, Honorary Knight, Paimon, and Shao Yun, hello everyone."
Diluc gestured to a nearby chair with an open palm. "Please, have a seat."
Jean nodded slightly and walked over with grace.
"Now we're just missing that drunkard bard."
A few minutes later, the door creaked open and Venti entered, trailing a faint scent of apple cider. He still held a half-full bottle, smiling apologetically. "Sorry I'm late."
Diluc looked mildly annoyed.
"Where were you off getting drunk this time?" he teased, though his eyes held no real blame.
Venti grinned and waved the bottle. "Well, I've figured out how to save Dvalin, so I celebrated a bit. Hehe."
With everyone gathered, Venti laid out his plan.
"In short, we need more of Dvalin's tears to restore the Holy lyre der Himmel's power. That's the key to saving him."
He pointed out three potential locations for collecting the tears.
First was the Temple of the Thousand Winds. Second, the Falcon's Gate Domain in Dadaupa Gorge. Lastly, the Hilichurl camp.
The first two were relatively safe, but the Hilichurl camp in Dadaupa Gorge was more dangerous—it was filled with large Mitachurl berserkers and Samachurl shamans.
A tough nut to crack.
Upon hearing this, Shao Yun immediately volunteered. "Then I'll go to the most dangerous one—the Hilichurl camp in Dadaupa Gorge. You guys handle the other two."
Just as Shao Yun declared this, Jean seemed to remember something urgent. She quickly called out, "Wait a minute."
Her eyes locked onto Shao Yun's, flickering with a complex emotion.
She pulled Lumine aside, and the two had a hushed, serious conversation.
Jean's brows were tightly knit, as though grappling with a thorny issue. Lumine listened carefully, nodding occasionally.
Shao Yun stood waiting, confused but patient. Something serious was clearly being discussed.
After a while, Jean returned, wearing an apologetic expression. "Shao Yun, I have something to ask of you."
"Go ahead, I'm listening." Though a bit puzzled, he remained composed.
Jean took a deep breath and spoke slowly.
"I discussed this with Lumine. First of all, your strength is undeniable—you caught the Stormterror Bandit yourself. This isn't about looking down on you. It's just that your combat prowess is… overkill. You shouldn't—"
Shao Yun, growing slightly impatient, remembered he'd once told Jean he preferred people to speak directly.
He kept his tone firm but calm. "I've said it before—just speak plainly. It's more effective."
That prompted Jean to get to the point.
"I have a personal request."
Shao Yun nodded, urging her to go on.
"Master Diluc, the Honorary Knight, and I will be away for a few days. With our absence, Mondstadt will be even more vulnerable. I'd like to ask you to protect the city while we're gone. I'm worried…"
Her eyes held deep concern—she couldn't bring herself to say it outright.
Shao Yun guessed what she meant and asked directly, "Afraid the Fatui might try to seize control while you're gone?"
Jean's gaze faltered. She bit her lip and whispered, "Yes… I'm not doubting you…"
She tried to soften the words, her voice trembling.
"Just like Master Diluc said, if the Fatui suddenly—"
Her voice trailed off, hesitant and afraid of Shao Yun misunderstanding.
But it made perfect sense. Someone had to stay behind. And if anyone should, it should be the strongest.
Shao Yun looked to Lumine, who nodded slightly in agreement.
"I understand. Leave it to me. But again—just speak clearly next time."
Jean visibly relaxed, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She exhaled slowly, feeling the tension ease.
But then, Shao Yun's tone turned sharp and cold.
"Let me be clear—I'm not some kind, patient man. If the Fatui tries anything, I will wipe them all out. Understand?"
Jean's eyes widened as she met his steely, killing intent-filled gaze.
For a moment, she regretted asking.
But then she reconsidered. If the Fatui did make a move, they wouldn't be diplomats—they'd be spies. And spies could justifiably be eliminated.
"Alright. But one thing—if the Fatui don't act first, you don't act either. That's my only condition."
That made perfect sense. It aligned with Shao Yun's thinking exactly.
"I won't fire the first shot. But I guarantee, they won't get a second."