Lumine glanced sideways at Jiang Chen.
What kind of line was that?
It sounded like some embarrassing slogan from a strange food commercial.
Amber, however, simply accepted their identities and shifted to business.
"Did you three see what happened deep inside Whispering Woods yesterday?"
"Can you describe it to me?"
"I'm investigating that incident."
Her expression was serious.
Jiang Chen and Lumine exchanged a look—
and once again, Lumine decided to let the man with the nonsense-mouth do the explaining.
Even Paimon wisely stayed silent this time.
Jiang Chen sighed at the two pairs of expectant eyes.
"We were the ones involved."
"What do you think?"
Amber blinked.
"Huh?"
They were the ones involved?
Jiang Chen began recounting the "truth," completely straight-faced.
"Yesterday we encountered a dragon."
"It roared at me."
"And I don't tolerate being yelled at—so I picked up my weapon and charged."
"When I knocked it out of the sky, a guy wearing very little clothing appeared.
Called himself Barbatos."
"He said the dragon—Dvalin—was some kind of Mondstadt guardian."
"He thanked us for beating the corruption out of Dvalin and restoring him."
"And after he healed the dragon, the two of them flew off."
"Oh, and before he left, he said—
If we run out of money while traveling in Teyvat, we should go to the Knights of Favonius for support."
At that last line, Lumine and Paimon almost choked on air.
That's not what he said at all!
This was fraud!
Scamming!
Extortion!
Paimon was just about to protest when Lumine shot her a deadly glare.
Paimon shut her mouth at once.
…But the little floating mascot was deeply worried.
Was this really okay?
Amber… looked like she actually believed it!
"Lord Barbatos… really appeared?" Amber's voice trembled with excitement.
"That wind barrier really was his work! I knew it!"
"This is amazing—Mondstadt has his protection again!"
She didn't doubt a single word.
In fact, Jiang Chen's story aligned perfectly with her assumptions from yesterday.
And the "Knights giving support" part?
Well… they owed these travelers a huge favor.
Giving them some Mora wasn't strange at all.
Amber straightened.
"Everyone!"
"We'll return to Mondstadt immediately!"
"Please follow me—I must bring you to Acting Grand Master Jean at once!"
"She needs to hear this news."
Without hesitation, she turned and headed down the path in a brisk stride.
Jiang Chen smiled and gestured for Lumine and Paimon to follow.
As Amber marched ahead, the trio trailed behind.
Finally, Paimon couldn't hold it in anymore.
"Jiang Chen, you're lying!!" she whispered furiously.
"Barbatos didn't say any of that!"
Jiang Chen shot her a sideways look.
"You want to keep eating good food every day or not?"
Paimon froze.
"Of course I want to!! ALWAYS!!"
"You're going to treat me?!"
"Nope. I'm broke."
"And so is Lumine."
"If we don't get some Mora, how exactly do you plan to eat and sleep in Mondstadt?"
"Dig through trash cans?"
"We're not that poverty-ridden Traveler from certain memes."
Paimon's mouth opened—
and closed.
He wasn't wrong.
"And future traveling costs Mora too." Jiang Chen added calmly.
"This is the perfect time to cash in on that 'favor.'"
Paimon fell silent.
For the sake of future meals… she conceded.
Lumine looked at Jiang Chen, then nodded approvingly.
"Yes. Good idea."
"Let's split it 50–50."
"No problem," Jiang Chen agreed immediately.
"And later… we'll find more ways to earn."
"Since we're living in this world, we need a solid financial foundation."
"Though if only I had Golden Rule, I wouldn't need this."
Lumine tilted her head.
"More ways to earn?"
Jiang Chen glanced toward Amber's distant figure and whispered:
"I'll tell you later."
"And you'll get your share."
Because he knew very well—
Windrise…
had treasure buried underneath.
Alcohol.
Lots of it.
If they dug it up and sold it in Liyue?
Instant profit.
Not to mention…
Northland Bank.
With a good opportunity, he could rob them and set all three up for life.
After all—
most original capital in history was… a little bloody.
He internally apologized to Barbatos.
Don't blame me, it's for survival. I'll bury some new wine later as repayment.
Meanwhile—
In an unknown ruin, Venti suddenly sneezed.
"…Why do I feel like something bad is going to happen?"
He sensed the winds—but found no answers.
"The Fatui?"
Venti frowned.
"Are they planning something again?"
Worried, he hurriedly comforted Dvalin, made sure the dragon was stable—
then turned into a breeze and rushed back to Mondstadt.
He had also overheard Jiang Chen and Amber's conversation.
Those brats are using my name to get money?!
Unacceptable!
If they're earning, he wants a cut.
Otherwise, how's he supposed to pay for his wine?
Meanwhile, Jiang Chen, Lumine, and Paimon reached Mondstadt before sunset.
They had pushed their speed the entire way.
Still, making it this fast was impressive.
Advance Chapters available on Patreon