At dusk, the sun gradually sank behind the mountains, and the afterglow painted the Adventurers' Guild reception desk in Liyue with a warm golden hue.
In this quiet moment, Katheryne was methodically sorting through the day's commission slips.
She carefully reviewed each one, ensuring no important information had been overlooked.
Suddenly, her eyes caught sight of a figure—Shao Yun, that rare type of adventurer.
Because adventurers like Shao Yun, so lazy in nature, were uncommon. Still, as a receptionist of the Adventurers' Guild, Katheryne maintained her professional composure.
"Ad astra abyssosque, welcome to the Adventurers' Guild." Katheryne once again spoke the familiar greeting, her voice calm and warm.
Shao Yun placed both hands on the counter, wearing a friendly smile as he softly said, "Hello, Miss Katheryne."
Katheryne lifted her gaze to him and, using the false name he had registered at the guild under—Tacitus Kilgore—addressed him.
"Hello, Mr. Tacitus Kilgore. Are you here to take on a commission?"
Shao Yun shook his head, his tone light as he explained, "Not exactly. Lumine asked me to come see if you'd let me take on some good commissions in her place?"
Upon hearing this, Katheryne's mind nearly overheated, as if her CPU were burning out. She had heard of claiming rewards on someone's behalf, but never of taking commissions for them.
Katheryne furrowed her brow, thought for a moment, and then apologized, saying, "Taking commissions on someone else's behalf? I'm sorry, but that doesn't comply with our rules and regulations…"
Shao Yun hadn't held much hope to begin with, so upon hearing Katheryne's words, he merely shrugged, his face unconcerned as he said, "Oh, that's fine. This way, those two girls can get some proper rest."
With that, Shao Yun was about to turn and leave.
However, at that moment, Katheryne suddenly called out to him.
"Wait a moment, Mr. Tacitus Kilgore—or rather, Mr. Shao Yun. I actually have a letter here that needs to be delivered to you."
As she spoke, Katheryne turned around, opened a drawer, and produced an envelope, showing him the sender's details.
Shao Yun looked at the letter in surprise, unable to understand why someone would write to him.
"My letter? Who sent it?"
Katheryne carefully checked the sender's information, then explained, "Let me see… hm, it's from Miss Noelle of the Knights of Favonius in Mondstadt."
Hearing that name, Shao Yun froze, a faint look of tension flickering across his face.
He quickly asked, "What? Are you sure?"
Katheryne thought he hadn't heard her clearly, so she double-checked the envelope. After confirming, she replied, "Yes, it's Miss Noelle. This letter arrived two days ago. Since there's no account under the name 'Shao Yun' with the Adventurers' Guild, it was sent under Adventurer 'Lumine's' name instead. Originally, I was going to hand it to her when she came by, but since you're here, I can give it to you directly."
Shao Yun recalled the time back in the Chasm when the system had shown him that completely collapsed [Affection Interface].
Noelle had been ranked second on that affection list, right beneath Lumine.
If Noelle's situation is like Bonnie MacFarlane's, Shao Yun thought, then I really do need to have a proper talk with her.
His expression grew complicated.
He accepted the letter from Katheryne, carefully tearing open the seal while muttering under his breath, "Hopefully the contents of this letter aren't what I'm dreading. Surely it won't be that kind of thing…"
His heart was restless, uncertain, yet holding out hope that the letter would bring him good news.
…
The Letter:
Dear Shao Yun, Honorary Knight, and Paimon,
I hope this letter finds you well in your travels.
Since the last time you left Mondstadt, many things have happened here, and I can't wait to share them with you.
First, Marjorie of With Wind Comes Glory has brought in some new merchandise, including high-end spices from Sumeru and fine tea from Liyue.
She says these new items are very popular.
Miss Lisa gave me a packet, saying it was tea from Qingce Village in Liyue—it tastes wonderful.
The Cat's Tail tavern has also made some changes. Miss Margaret introduced a new cocktail, said to have a unique flavor, attracting many adventurers and patrons.
Though I'm curious, I'm not of drinking age yet, so I'll wait a little longer…
As for the Knights, everything has been running smoothly.
Grand Master Jean is still busy every day managing the affairs of Mondstadt. (This month, Jean has summoned "Prince" three times and dealt with twenty cases of unruly drunkards…)
Captain Kaeya, after work, is basically at the tavern. (Originally Jean would have had to handle even more troublemakers, but Captain Kaeya dealt with them first. Could this be Captain Kaeya's unique strategy—risking himself to infiltrate the enemy's camp?)
Miss Lisa has been studying an important subject with Master Albedo. (I've been helping Miss Lisa and Master Albedo gather many plants, though I'm not sure if they'll be useful.)
Our reconnaissance knight has often been going out with the "raiding squad" lately… (though many of the lines are crossed out, so it's hard to tell what she meant.)
I've spoken a lot, but the reason I'm writing this letter is because the Knights of Favonius are once again holding an entrance examination for new members.
I've signed up again, and I hope this time I can finally become a full-fledged knight.
All in all, I hope you can return for a while to witness my examination.
I know your journey must be busy, but if you have the time, I truly hope you'll come and cheer me on. Your encouragement means so much to me.
If not, that's okay too—please take care of yourselves.
May Barbatos bless your journey.
Your friend,
Noelle
…
After reading the letter, Shao Yun let out a long sigh of relief, thinking that at least it wasn't bad news. So, it was…
"Knight selection?"
He suddenly realized, isn't this related to Noelle's hangout event?
She had mentioned needing to prepare half a year in advance… but then again, for an exam like this, half a year of preparation did sound reasonable.
If it was just about cheering her on, then that was no big deal.
With that thought, Shao Yun couldn't help but laugh at himself for worrying too much, muttering, "Alright then, I'll just wait until Lumine comes back tonight, and I'll talk it over with her."
…
Leaving the Adventurers' Guild, Shao Yun originally planned to head straight back to his lodgings for a good bath.
But when he passed by Iron Tongue Tian's storytelling stall at Chihu Rock, a familiar voice called out.
"Mr. Shao Yun, hello! Might you have a moment right now?"
Hearing the voice, Shao Yun turned, and upon recognizing the speaker, a playful smile tugged at his lips.
"Well, well, Zhongli. Sneaking off to Iron Tongue Tian's stall again? Found yourself a good excuse to slack off, have you?"
Zhongli came back fast… well, not surprising, really.
Zhongli slowly set down the teacup in his hand, his gaze calm as he looked at Shao Yun.
"Master Hu has recently developed a keen interest in rock 'n' roll music and has been exploring its mysteries alongside a girl named Xinyan. As such, most of the duties at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor have temporarily fallen upon me, the consultant."
Shao Yun's expression shifted into one of sudden realization, his tone teasing as he said, "So what you're saying is, you gave yourself a holiday?"
Zhongli gave a faint nod, pondering for a moment before responding with his usual composed elegance. "Mm… you could say that. After all, the absence of unforeseen incidents is in itself a blessing."
Shao Yun shrugged, laughing helplessly as he turned to leave.
"Well, in that case, enjoy your rare vacation. I've got other matters to take care of, so I'll be off."
But just as he took a few steps, Zhongli suddenly spoke again to stop him.
"Won't you sit down and rest a while?"
Shao Yun halted, turning back to scrutinize Zhongli.
"Oh? And what reason do you have for keeping me here this time?"
From beneath the table, Zhongli retrieved a fine wine jar, the corner of his mouth lifting into a faint smile as he said, "I know you're not fond of tea, so I prepared some fine wine especially for you. How about it? Would you care for a taste?"
Shao Yun's eyes fell on the wine jar in Zhongli's hands. Though he had gotten himself in trouble drinking last time, just a little shouldn't hurt.
"Hope this isn't from Three Bowls But Can't Cross the Harbor. Don't want any watered-down junk."
At the mention of that tavern, Zhongli explained, "Ever since you smashed up that place, their goods have never again been short-weighted or adulterated. So… you should have some faith in them."
The implication was clear—yes, this was from Three Bowls But Can't Cross the Harbor.
Shao Yun considered a moment, then thought that since Zhongli was offering, he might as well accept.
After all, I gave his 'dear son' Xiao my last bottle of Special Miracle Tonic. Drinking a little of his wine is the least he can do for me.
"Alright then, waste not, want not. I'll help myself."
Shao Yun took a seat across from Zhongli as Iron Tongue Tian's storytelling provided a lively backdrop.
The story being told, Shao Yun had already heard many times, yet it still carried the same charm each time he listened.
Zhongli poured him a bowl of wine, gesturing for him to try it.
Shao Yun lifted the bowl and took a hearty swig.
"Ah, good flavor. Nothing watered down—this is the real deal."
Classical mechanics really does cure both symptom and cause, Shao Yun thought as he continued drinking.
Meanwhile, Zhongli refilled his own cup with tea, savoring its fragrance in silence.
"You're heading to Sumeru, aren't you?" Zhongli asked suddenly, breaking Shao Yun's thoughts.
At the mention of Sumeru, Shao Yun set down his wine bowl, replying slowly, "Mm… but before that, we might go to Mondstadt first."
Zhongli raised an eyebrow at the unexpected answer. "Mondstadt? What makes you want to go there all of a sudden?"
Shao Yun explained, "There's a girl named Noelle who's taking the Knights of Favonius' selection exam. She wants me, Lumine, and Paimon to go cheer her on. The kid's taken it many times already, right? No real suspense this time, I think. But since she invited us, no harm in going."
Zhongli nodded lightly, then steered the conversation elsewhere.
"Thank you for taking care of Xiao in the Chasm. When he returned to report the matter, he mentioned the aid you gave him. He also told me you gave him your last bottle of that miraculous tonic."
Shao Yun pulled a helpless face, chuckling bitterly. "If I said I was crazy, would you believe me?"
In truth, he had just wanted a backup plan.
After all, unlike the others, he hadn't fallen into that place by accident—he'd gone with a purpose. If he couldn't get out, that would have been a disaster.
Hearing Shao Yun describe himself as crazy, Zhongli replied with a meaningful calm, "Compared to those fools who kept a god imprisoned for nearly five hundred years, you're quite sane already."
Shao Yun responded evenly, "You must mean those scholars from the Sumeru Akademiya who read themselves stupid."
Didn't take long to get to the main point, Shao Yun thought. Zhongli's in a hurry this time.
Realizing Shao Yun already knew something of Sumeru, Zhongli didn't waste words, directly addressing the trouble they were likely to face.
"If you wish to meet the Dendro Archon, you'll face many obstacles. But even so, you'll find a way to see her, won't you?"
Shao Yun sneered, teasing, "Hah, our agreement was just to deliver messages for you, wasn't it? But now… maybe I regret it. Maybe I'll just take Lumine and skip the next nation altogether."
Zhongli knew Shao Yun was joking, but even so, he couldn't dismiss it lightly.
He sipped his tea thoughtfully, then gave a reason.
"The Dendro Archon, the God of Wisdom, may hold the insight and solution needed to defeat that one. If you can help her, you may also gain much in return. Haven't you noticed? That one's power is steadily growing stronger." Zhongli's gaze locked firmly on Shao Yun's eyes.
But Shao Yun only sighed, propping his chin lazily as he said with a strange humor, "Hah, trust me, the only way to defeat that thing is if God Himself shows up. And unfortunately, I haven't seen any God—only that creature."
Zhongli paused, surprised, then returned to his calm demeanor, pressing once more. "How do you know if you don't try? Will you really let yourself be watched and tormented forever by an enemy you cannot overcome?"
Shao Yun smirked coldly, thinking, Zhongli's confident, I'll give him that. But me? I have my doubts about that bird's true strength.
He drained the last of his wine, stood up, and said to Zhongli, "Fine, I'll deal with it when Lumine, Paimon, and I get to Sumeru."
"I'm off. Give Hu Tao my regards."
Seeing Shao Yun had chosen to end the talk, Zhongli simply nodded in quiet understanding and offered his blessing.
"May your journey be safe."
Shao Yun gave a brief nod in return. "Mm…"