“Second Watch – Wangshu Inn”
A heavy drowsiness weighed me down, making me almost stick my face to the old wooden table in the small room. Yawning repeatedly, my eyes burning from rubbing them, I managed to pour hot water from the porcelain teapot into a teacup. The wisps of steam rose, blowing a hot sensation on my face, but the faint, gentle aroma was like a jolt, awakening my weary senses.
- Sigh, finally, some quiet time to piece everything together.
What was the name of that Sumeru quest again? I squinted, trying to remember, and a vague memory flashed in my mind. Ah, right, it was something like ‘A Part of the Kingdom Below the Earth’. I wasn’t sure about the specific dialogue of each NPC, but the main plot was deeply ingrained in my memory. It was one of the few side quests that I truly loved.
It was a story about the Traveler accompanying a poet from Mondstadt—an old student of Khemusanta. Through the student’s troubled narration, the player gradually understood his true purpose: to uncover the truth behind the rumors about his respected teacher.
That journey led them to the burning sands of the Sumeru desert, where they discovered the ancient book, “The Vanity of the Wind,” and the shocking secret hidden within it—the ‘gold dust’ technique.
From what I remember, this was a type of technique quite common in Khaenri’ah around five hundred years ago, a method for secret communication with the outside world. The special ability of ‘gold dust’ was to conceal the true content of a message, only when it was dispelled would the real words appear.
Khemusanta on an expedition to the mysterious caves beneath the Sumeru desert, accidentally stumbled upon this secret.
The moment the ‘gold dust’ technique was dispelled was also when the bitter truth was revealed. Khemusanta was not a man who sold his honor to write a worthless work, as rumored.
At that time, about eleven years ago, a reactionary faction was secretly operating in Mondstadt. They sowed seeds of instability, deliberately creating animosity and spreading malicious rumors to tarnish the image of the free nation in the eyes of other countries. They even threatened the lives of Khemusanta’s family, forcing him to write to their specifications.
For the safety of his loved ones, the man had to swallow his pride and sell his honor. He was imprisoned for four long years, living in darkness and solitude to complete the “rubbish masterpiece” they demanded. But what the reactionaries could never have guessed was that Khemusanta had secretly applied a sophisticated layer of ‘gold dust’ to the pages, concealing another, deeper meaning.
After getting the book, the faction quickly spread a rumor: “Khemusanta, one of Mondstadt’s most famous writers, became discontent with the corrupt government and wrote a fierce critique of the free nation.”
Recognizing the potential danger from the book’s contents, the Knights of Favonius intervened, quickly shutting down all publishing houses and issuing a permanent ban on the circulation of “The Vanity of the Wind” throughout Mondstadt.
- That’s why ‘The Vanity of the Wind’ only has one original copy left here.
But from what I remember, the Knights of Favonius around eleven years ago were also going through a period of crisis. The noble spirit of chivalry had faded in the hearts of some high-ranking knights, and the organization’s structure showed signs of decay from within.
Instead of standing up to protect and help an innocent citizen like Khemusanta, those corrupt individuals heartlessly shifted all the blame onto him, deceiving the people that he was a traitor, a greedy man who had sold his conscience and honor.
From then on, the malicious rumors about Khemusanta spread relentlessly, tainting his reputation.
Tiredly rubbing my temples, I tried to clear the chaotic thoughts swirling in my mind. The huge amount of information flooding in one after another made my head spin a little. I quickly grabbed a lotus seed pastry made by Yanxiao, and the sweet, gentle taste melting on my tongue helped me feel a bit more alert.
- In summary, the true content of the book is Khemusanta’s tearful diary, recording the whole truth about what he had to go through.
- But why didn't he reveal anything about the ‘gold dust’ technique? There’s not a single line about how to dispel it, is there?
- That’s the most important thing I need to know right now.
Frustrated, I slumped my head back onto the table, my eyes vacantly following the warm, orange-colored lamps floating outside the window. A strange sense of peace filled the space, but my heart was still heavy with an indescribable feeling.
- It’s beautiful. It’s like a tiny torch that can illuminate every dark corner and burn away all evil things.
- …Wait, burn away all evil things?
I think I’ve heard this phrase somewhere before. I rummaged through my fragmented memories, and after a long time lost in thought, I finally found the answer—it was a line from Dainsleif in the Traveler’s story quest, when asked about the meaning of fire.
- Dainsleif: In my homeland, fire represents purification and liberation. It can burn away evil and bring purity.
The phrase echoed in my ears, a persistent reverberation. If fire is purification, burning away all evil… a bold idea suddenly flashed in my mind.
- If we consider the ‘gold dust’ technique a curse, or a form of dark magic, then wouldn't it be…
My eyes involuntarily turned to the old book on the table. A slight nervousness rose in my chest, but my resolve grew stronger. With a trembling hand, I tore a small corner off a yellowed page and carefully held it over the flickering oil lamp next to me.
- Huhu, sorry, Elzer. But you wanted to burn it anyway, right? Let me do a little test for you first.
The small piece of paper slowly burned, the tiny sparks dancing before they went out. Ashes… No. Instead of cold ashes, what appeared before my eyes were faint characters, gradually becoming clear on the charred paper. A secret! Witnessing this magical sight, my eyes widened in surprise, and a radiant smile involuntarily spread across my face.
- Got it!
---
“At the same time – In a room on the top floor of Wangshu Inn”
Silence enveloped the small room, so thick and heavy that the faint clink of the porcelain teacup on its saucer created an echoing sound, breaking the stillness. The pale moonlight from outside the window only barely reached in, highlighting the tension clearly visible on each person’s face.
Verr Goldet had a serious expression, her scrutinizing eyes glancing at the two distinguished guests sitting opposite her. In contrast to his wife’s tension, Huai’an still wore a bright smile, but the eyes behind his slightly narrowed lashes were silently observing.
Huai’an gently poured more tea into a cup, the gurgling sound soft and low. As he poured, he spoke:
- Huai’an: This is premium tea my wife brought back personally. Please, make yourselves at home.
Elzer replied with a polite smile and his usual courteous tone.
- Elzer: Haha, Wangshu Inn’s hospitality is truly a legend.
Verr Goldet maintained her serious expression, unwavering.
- Verr Goldet: Two distinguished guests have traveled so far, surely it’s for the collaboration we discussed?
Diluc didn’t hesitate, his eyes fixed on Verr Goldet.
- Diluc: You are right, ma’am, we are here for exactly that.
- Verr Goldet (a wave of suspicion rising in her heart, she thought): He came all this way himself… could it be because I didn’t agree to Elzer’s proposal last time?
Huai’an lightly chuckled, dissolving some of the tension in the air.
- Huai’an: Haha, in any case, this collaboration should be discussed thoroughly. We shouldn’t drag it out any longer.
- Diluc (his voice calm): Then, regarding the collaboration we mentioned before, what are your thoughts?
Upon hearing the question, Huai’an subtly assessed the young man in front of him.
- Huai’an: Diluc... is not a simple man. Is this collaboration truly just about business? Or is there another, deeper plan hidden within?
- Verr Goldet (frowning slightly, her expression still thoughtful): You’ve presented a very appealing proposal, but I still have some reservations. A major deal like this needs to be carefully considered.
- Huai’an (nodding and continuing, his eyes looking at Diluc and Elzer with a probing gaze): As you can see, Wangshu Inn values tranquility and safety. This place is a stop for many travelers, and we don’t want any unnecessary troubles to occur.
- Elzer (replying courteously and with genuine goodwill): We completely understand your caution. That’s precisely why we have a professional plan for the transportation and preservation of goods.
- Elzer: “We will take full responsibility for any security issues that may arise.
At that moment, Diluc set his teacup down on the table with a decisive clink that echoed in the silent space. He looked directly into Huai’an and Verr Goldet’s eyes, as if he understood the deep-seated worries hidden behind their words.
- Diluc: I understand your concerns. Perhaps you have dealt with merchants who only think about immediate profit and ignore other factors, but I am not one of them.
- Diluc: I value the reputation and integrity of Dawn Winery above all else. This deal is not just about economic profit for us, it is also an important strategic move.
- Verr Goldet (her eyes still full of doubt, she spoke): The road from Mondstadt to Liyue is very long, Master Diluc. If the goods are unfortunately lost or damaged along the way, your winery’s reputation may be harmed, but the inherent tranquility of Wangshu Inn will also be severely affected.
- Verr Goldet (emphasizing each word): So who will be responsible for those risks?
Hearing this, Elzer quickly spoke up, wanting to ease the innkeeper's concerns.
- Elzer: We have accounted for all possible risks, and all goods will be fully insured…
- Diluc: No need for insurance.
Diluc unexpectedly cut off Elzer. His gaze remained firm on Huai’an and Verr Goldet. His voice was deep and resolute.
- Diluc: The tranquility and safety of Wangshu Inn are priceless. If any trouble arises here due to our collaboration, we, the Dawn Winery, will bear full responsibility and compensate for the damages twofold.
Diluc’s weighty words and self-assurance took both Verr Goldet and Huai’an by surprise. Verr Goldet quietly looked over at her husband, her eyes silently asking for his opinion. Huai’an just smiled faintly, his sharp eyes never leaving Diluc, as if wanting to scrutinize this confident man a little more.
- Huai’an (speaking slowly, his tone calm):
Your words indeed carry a lot of weight.
- Huai’an: However, to come to a final decision, we will need a detailed plan, a clear contract with all the terms. And we will also need a certain amount of time to review it thoroughly.
- Elzer (smiling with a sincere expression): Of course, we will send the most detailed plan to you both as soon as possible.
- Verr Goldet (nodding slightly, her eyes a little softer now): Then, with your permission, we will give you our final answer two day from now.
Diluc stood up, his expression as calm and confident as when he first arrived.
- Diluc: Very well, I will await your answer.
In another room of the inn, the space was eerily silent, with only the faint, steady breathing of the two familiar guests. After sipping a hot cup of tea, Diluc was the first to break the silence. He tilted his head slightly, looking over at Elzer with a scrutinizing gaze.
- Diluc: Is something on your mind?
After a moment of silence, Elzer finally spoke, his voice sounding a little downcast.
- Elzer: That girl’s words... they’ve left me very confused, sir.
He looked out the window, where the night sky covered a vast expanse.
- Elzer: If my father truly was wronged… then back then, was there anyone who believed him and stood up for him?
Diluc was silent for a moment, then his deep voice quietly answered.
- Diluc: Perhaps…
That brief phrase pulled him into a stream of memories buried deep from many years ago, back to the time when he was still a young Knight of Favonius.
---
The image of a resolute young Diluc, his crimson eyes filled with indignation, stood facing a few high-ranking Knights. His voice rang out, unable to hide his frustration.
- Diluc: What are you saying, sirs!?
- A middle-aged Knight with a cold expression replied: It’s clear as day, yet you still don’t understand? Stop this useless investigation now, and let things settle down.
Diluc clenched his fists, his voice choked with anger.
- Diluc: Do we have any proof that Khemusanta took money from the reactionary faction!? Why are you rushing to a conclusion like this!?
- Another Knight, looking a bit tired, spoke up: For the stability of Mondstadt, we cannot let the Knights’ reputation be affected by groundless rumors.
- Eroch (his eyes sharp, looking directly at Diluc): Diluc, sometimes the truth is not the most important thing. You’re about to have your coming-of-age ceremony; don’t give Crepus any more to worry about.
When he heard those cold and calculating words, Diluc felt like an invisible hand was squeezing his heart. He was stunned, unable to believe what he had just heard.
Weren’t the Knights of Favonius founded to protect the freedom, peace, and happiness of the people of Mondstadt? Diluc’s faith in the organization he had always respected was now more fragile than ever, like a glass vase about to shatter.
Without another word, Diluc clenched his hands so tightly that his knuckles audibly cracked. Gritting his teeth, he turned and left the room, his steps heavy as if carrying a whole sky of disappointment. Before closing the door behind him, he just quietly uttered a single sentence, his voice bitter, like a lament.
- Diluc: Is this the ‘ideal of Vennessa’ that you are always spouting about?