"W–What?!"
Lumine's mentality nearly collapsed.
The penalty itself wasn't the issue—but losing 20 Primogems outright felt like her heart was bleeding.
Amber stepped forward with a friendly smile.
"That outfit… you're from Liyue, right? Welcome to Mondstadt. I'm Amber, an Outrider of the Knights of Favonius. I'll escort you all to the city."
Hearing this, Cael nodded politely.
"Much appreciated."
"But," Amber continued, "I still have urgent business to handle. I need to clear out a nearby hilichurl camp first. Once that's done, I'll take you to Mondstadt."
Paimon immediately popped out.
"Let us help! Lumine's really strong!"
Then she turned to Cael.
"What about you, Cael? Are you helping too?"
Cael waved his hand.
"Nope. Paimon, I'm very weak—I can't beat anyone. I'll just stay behind you."
Lumine nodded in agreement.
"Then stay close. I'll protect you."
Paimon tilted her head, studying him, then nodded seriously.
"Yeah… looking at you, you do seem pretty fragile."
"..."
Why don't you look at yourself first, with that one–fifth-of-a-boar combat power?
Amber enthusiastically grabbed Lumine's hand and led her toward the hilichurl camp.
Cael and Paimon stayed behind, spectating.
"Hey, Cael, what are you eating?"
Paimon stared curiously as he casually cracked open sunflower seeds.
Cael chuckled.
"A Liyue snack. People usually eat these while watching opera."
Paimon's eyes lit up.
"Then this snack is perfect for Paimon! Gimme some!"
Her little hands reached out—
And grabbed nothing.
"Hmph! You're so stingy!" Paimon pouted.
Cael put on a mischievous, uncle-like smile.
"If you let me pat your head… I'll give you all of them."
"Huh?!"
Paimon froze, then immediately covered her head, glaring at him.
"You're plotting something! My head is only for Lumine to touch!"
Well—suddenly she's sharp.
Cael sighed theatrically.
"What a shame."
Then, without warning, he tossed the entire bag of seeds to her.
"I can't finish them anyway. They're yours."
Paimon hugged the bag, stunned for a second, then immediately hid it behind her.
"Y–You said it! No take-backs!"
And so she began cracking seeds like a pro.
Thus appeared a strange scene:
Cael and Paimon sat on the ground, leisurely snacking, shells scattered everywhere—
while not far away, two hardworking heroines fought bravely.
Paimon got more and more into it, legs swinging happily.
Eventually, the hilichurl camp was completely cleared.
The two girls wiped sweat from their brows, looking a little tired.
Amber looked at Lumine with surprise.
"Didn't expect you to be this capable."
Lumine smiled.
"You're impressive too."
It was Lumine's first real combat using Anemo—still rough, but good enough.
Then she glanced at the two loafers nearby and sighed.
"We look more like hired labor."
Which, technically, she was.
Seeing how relaxed Paimon looked, Lumine's hand itched a little.
Amber didn't mind and clapped her hands.
"Since that's done, let's head out."
Mondstadt City
The streets were quiet. Many shops were closed, and the city felt unusually desolate.
Amber noticed Lumine's expression and spoke softly.
"Sorry… Mondstadt's suffering from the dragon crisis right now. Stormterror has been attacking, so the city isn't as lively as before."
Lumine nodded thoughtfully.
"Alright—enough of the heavy stuff," Amber said, brightening up.
"Lumine, to thank you for helping me earlier, I want to give you a gift."
At the word gift, Paimon instantly perked up.
"A gift?! Is it Honey Roast Carrots?!"
"Hehe, guess~ Come with me. And Mr. Cael—would you like one too?"
Cael shook his head.
"No thanks. I want to take a look around Mondstadt."
"I see… alright then."
Before leaving, Cael stepped up to Lumine and placed 60 Primogems into her hand.
"Your payment."
Lumine blinked.
"Huh? Didn't you deduct 20 earlier?"
She might want money—but principles mattered.
Cael smiled.
"You protected me well just now. Call it making up for it."
With that, he turned and walked away.
Paimon suddenly flew up and shouted after him:
"Cael! Will we see each other again?!"
He waved without turning back.
"Very soon. Don't worry."
Not long after parting ways, Cael arrived at the Cat's Tail.
Half because he was thirsty.
Half because he wanted to meet a certain catgirl.
The moment he stepped inside, a sharp, hostile gaze locked onto him.
The tavern was empty due to the dragon crisis.
That gaze belonged to the bartender—a petite cat-eared girl.
It was Diona.
Grinding her teeth through sheer professionalism, she snapped:
"Wel–come–in!"
Cael ignored the hostility, walked to the counter, pulled up a tall stool, and sat down.
He picked up the menu and skimmed through it.
Diona glared at him, tail practically bristling.
So young, and already drinking alcohol…
This guy must be awful!
Cael noticed her stare and offered a polite smile.
That only made things worse.
What's with that look?!
Then she saw him frown, put the menu down, and—feigning outrage—say:
"Lizard Tail Cocktail? Frog Brew? Are you serious? Aren't you worried you'll destroy Mondstadt's entire wine industry like this?"
"…Eh?"
Diona froze.
Her mind went blank.
He… he figured out my dream just by looking at the menu?!
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