Just as Shao Yun watched Barbara's figure disappear into the distance, the door to the interrogation room creaked open.
Kaeya stepped out, his usual relaxed smile in place as he spotted Shao Yun standing in the Knights of Favonius' main hall. He walked over with a casual gait.
"Oh, Mr. Shao Yun, you're still here."
Shao Yun turned to face him, his expression unreadable.
"Finished the interrogation?"
Standing side by side, Kaeya spread his arms with a teasing grin and recounted the farce that had unfolded inside.
"The moment I stepped into the room—before I even said a word—he spilled everything."
Shao Yun glanced at him. "Hmm? And what exactly did he say?"
Kaeya shot him a sideways look, the smile on his lips tinged with mischief. He folded his arms across his chest and said lazily, "You want to know? That depends on whether you have the patience to listen to me go on about it."
Shao Yun frowned. He wasn't here for a lengthy report.
"Keep it short."
Kaeya obliged with a smirk. "Everything except the Holy Lyre. Whatever I said, he admitted to it."
That outcome was about what Shao Yun had expected.
"Alright. So, what's the punishment?"
Kaeya didn't answer directly, instead brushing it off with his usual levity. "Ah, let's not worry about punishment just yet. I'm more interested in the Holy Lyre."
Faced with Kaeya's roundabout probing, Shao Yun answered in riddles, "That question's like asking a fisherman how to plow a field."
In other words: I don't know what you're talking about.
Kaeya smiled faintly. From that answer, he could tell Shao Yun likely knew more than he let on about the Holy Lyre.
With a hint of pressure in his voice, he continued, "Mr. Shao Yun, seems like you do know something."
But Shao Yun showed no sign of backing down. Calmly, he replied, "I'm not a Mondstadt criminal. Don't interrogate me. And again—I don't know what you're talking about."
Kaeya quickly shifted tone, patting him on the shoulder with a laugh. "Haha, just a joke, don't take it seriously."
Shao Yun chuckled dryly. "Great joke."
Better luck next time—Sean's jokes were actually funny.
Spending too much time around Kaeya was draining. Shao Yun decided to end the chat.
"If there's nothing else, I'm heading out."
Kaeya said nothing as he watched him walk away. Even if he pushed, it wouldn't work—better to let things play out and focus on his own duties.
Over the next two days, Shao Yun explored Mondstadt City thoroughly.
"Explored" mostly meant walking the streets and unlocking the map.
Compared to the primitive little town it used to be, the current Mondstadt was truly expansive.
Aside from numerous residential areas, there were historical estate zones—like Acting Grand Master Jean's ancestral home, the Gunnhildr Estate, and even the Lawrence Clan's old noble manor.
Once the map was revealed, he wore the pendant Lisa had given him and went herb gathering in the wilds to make supplements.
The only noteworthy event during those two days was a commission from a child named Timmie. Shao Yun helped him buy some wheat to feed the ducks—Timmie was afraid the river ducks would snatch the food from his pigeons.
This kid stood on the bridge every day feeding pigeons, rain or shine.
Really, the only land route into the city and you choose that spot? No wonder the pigeons keep getting scared off. And then you get mad at people for chasing them? If this weren't a game world, you'd have rejoined your dad ages ago.
…
Two days later, at dawn, outside the city gates.
Lumine, Paimon, and Shao Yun were checking their supplies. According to schedule, they were heading to Dawn Winery today.
Paimon contentedly patted her round belly, her face glowing with satisfaction and joy. In her usual cheerful tone, she asked, "It's time for the trip to Dawn Winery! It's a long way—everyone eaten their fill?"
Shao Yun, hearing her words, suddenly understood. He chuckled.
"So that's why you ordered so much food. I thought you were just being greedy!"
Paimon puffed her cheeks, hands on her hips, and protested, "Hey! Don't make me sound like a bottomless pit! We're going on a long trip—we need to replenish our energy!"
Despite her protest, her tone was playful.
After all, two Sweet Madames, one Smoked Fowl, three Radish Veggie Soups, and several Mondstadt Hash Browns had all been paid for by Shao Yun.
He smirked and recalled the morning.
"Don't act innocent. Good thing I woke up early today—or I'd have found another one of your 'we left first' notes."
Paimon looked a bit guilty, scratching her nose. "Hehe… we just didn't want to disturb your rest…"
As she trailed off, Lumine's expression flickered with faint unease—she seemed reluctant to bring Shao Yun along.
Shao Yun caught the change. It reminded him of what the system had said earlier—when the three of them were together, Lumine couldn't use teleport waypoints.
So that's why they avoid traveling with me.
He decided not to mention it.
Seeing Shao Yun let the topic drop, Paimon visibly relaxed and put on a bright smile.
"Alright, let's get going!" she said excitedly, looking toward the distant road as if she could already see Dawn Winery ahead.
"If we leave now, we'll probably reach it by dusk."
But the idea of walking all the way to Dawn Winery made Shao Yun pause.
"Ah, right—I forgot to mention something."
His tone carried urgency.
"What is it?" Lumine asked, turning to him.
Shao Yun reached for his system's mobile stable to summon his horse but noticed both Paimon and Lumine were staring at him with wide, curious eyes.
"You two, close your eyes. No peeking."
Hovering midair, Paimon tilted her head in confusion.
"Huh? Why would he want us to close our eyes?" she whispered to Lumine.
Lumine was equally puzzled but nodded. "No idea. But since he said so, there's probably a reason."
They exchanged a look and, though full of curiosity, obeyed. Lumine shut her eyes, and Paimon followed suit.
The air around them grew still as they waited in breathless anticipation.
Suddenly, a soft neigh broke the silence. Both Paimon and Lumine instinctively flinched, itching to peek—but they held back.
"All right. You can open them now," Shao Yun's voice rang out.
The moment they opened their eyes, they were greeted by the sight of a strong, majestic horse. It wore a rugged bear-hide Dakota saddle and stood proudly before them.
"This is…" Paimon gasped, jaw dropping.
She immediately flew around the horse in circles, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Shao Yun, when did you catch this horse?" she asked excitedly, too awestruck to even wonder how the horse appeared.
Shao Yun smiled wistfully, watching her reaction.
"This horse's been with me for a long, long time…"
Memories flooded his mind—challenges conquered with her, from ten-rider races to all kinds of mounted quests.
Lumine stepped forward and gently patted the horse's neck, feeling its strength and the steady thump of its heart.
"She's healthy… and strong," Lumine said admiringly.
Of course. Back then, even if I died, this horse never did.
Growing emotional, Shao Yun proudly patted her back.
"Her name's Carrot. She's gentle with friends."
Surprisingly, neither Lumine nor Paimon laughed at the name. They found it rather cute.
Then Shao Yun turned to Lumine. "Come on, hop on."
Lumine hesitated—clearly unfamiliar with mounting a horse.
Seeing this, Shao Yun walked over, gently lifted her by the underarms, and placed her firmly in the saddle.
He mounted as well, adjusted the saddle, and made sure everything was secure.
Turning back, he grinned. "Paimon, Lumine—hang tight. Time to fly!"
Paimon, still unimpressed, scoffed. "How fast can it really be—WAAAH!"
Before she could finish, Carrot reared up and burst forward in a gallop.
Paimon shrieked and clung to Lumine's cloak, terrified of being flung off.
Wind howled past them, and the scenery blurred around them. Lumine clutched Shao Yun tightly, exhilarated by the speed.
Paimon, on the other hand, screamed in panic. "Slow down!"
Her voice trembled in the wind—but Shao Yun had no intention of slowing.
"This is just the beginning! Hyaa!"
With a loud command, Carrot surged ahead even faster. Paimon clung for dear life, Lumine tightened her grip on Shao Yun, both swept up in the ride.
They passed Springvale, galloped through a canyon, and eventually reached a vineyard.
Vines stretched across the landscape like a green sea.
Shao Yun spotted a winery and assumed they had arrived at Dawn Winery. He pulled Carrot to a stop, intending to ask for directions.
A friendly steward emerged and greeted them warmly.
"Greetings! Looking to buy wine?"
Before Shao Yun could answer, the steward launched into a sales pitch.
"Our Drunken Moon Winery has excellent vintages—some of the finest grape wine in the region."
Shao Yun blinked, confused.
He glanced around—at the vineyards, the buildings, and finally the sign reading "Drunken Moon Winery." Wrong place.
He politely declined.
"Sorry, we're looking for Dawn Winery. Came to the wrong spot."
The steward's expression dimmed, though he assumed they were just following Dawn Winery's greater fame.
Unwilling to give up, he continued promoting.
"Dawn Winery is fine, sure. But our dandelion wine isn't the only thing we have—we've got Razzleberry wine, Hookfruit wine, and more! They're just as good!"
Clearly misunderstanding their intentions.
Shao Yun smiled awkwardly, waving off the suggestion.
"No, really—we're just here to meet someone, not to buy wine. Thank you, though."
The steward stared at him, trying to gauge the truth. Seeing Shao Yun's sincere expression, his shoulders slumped in defeat.
He pointed west-southwest. "Dawn Winery's further in, that way."
"Much appreciated," Shao Yun said with a nod, turning Carrot in the direction indicated.
Still, the steward made one last attempt.
"Are you sure you don't want just a little wine? Ours is really worth a try!"
Shao Yun chuckled and shook his head.
"No thanks. We're here for business, not drinks. But really—thanks for the directions."
The steward gave a resigned sigh, then waved them off.
"In that case, I won't keep you. Safe travels, and I hope you find who you're looking for."