Diluc did not accept Barbatos's invitation. Instead, he walked to the center of the inn and fixed his piercing, crimson gaze on Li Mo, the storyteller on stage.
In a heavy voice, he said, "I've read the story about my father's life. The truth of what happened back then is exactly as told. That's why I'm here."
"I want to know—is the reincarnation in these stories real? Or did you make it all up?"
As he spoke, his gloved hands clenched into fists. He didn't know how the storyteller had learned of his father's story. Was it because reincarnation truly existed? Or had the storyteller simply heard the tale by chance?
If it was the former, Diluc would be glad and wait for his father's return. If it was the latter, he would not tolerate anyone twisting his father's story into something to be laughed at over tea. He would throw a punch and knock the storyteller's head off.
On stage, Li Mo sipped his tea and looked at the familiar face before him. Still as handsome, still as aloof.
But before he could answer, the audience erupted.
"Coming in here with that kind of question?"
"The storyteller has already told thirteen lives—how could it be made up? Every life has been proven real!"
"As for how the storyteller knows these stories, that's still a mystery."
"Either way, reincarnation definitely exists!"
"Young Diluc, just find a seat and wait for your father to return."
"Poor Diluc!"
"Don't you see? Miss Shenhe, Miss Hu Tao, Lady Signora, and even the Raiden Shogun and the Anemo Archon are all waiting. No need to ask such a foolish question."
Having listened to thirteen lives, the audience had long since accepted reincarnation as fact. So when Diluc questioned it, they quickly shut him down.
But Diluc ignored them. His sharp gaze remained fixed on the storyteller, waiting for an answer.
On stage, Li Mo looked at the serious young man and spoke slowly. "It's real. Reincarnation truly exists. And the fallen Mr. Ragnvindr will return."
Li Mo himself was Crepus Ragnvindr—Diluc's father. Of course he could confirm it. But he couldn't just suddenly say, "I'm your father." Though it was true, it would be too abrupt. Even if he said it, Diluc wouldn't believe him—it might even provoke him.
Hearing Li Mo's answer, Diluc thought for a moment and pressed further. "When will my father return?"
Though he still didn't fully trust the idea of reincarnation, a new hope flickered within him. If reincarnation was real, if his father could truly return, he was willing to bet on it.
Seeing Diluc's emotions settle, Li Mo replied, "After all the reincarnation stories have been told."
Diluc frowned. "How long will that take?"
Li Mo said calmly, "A few days, maybe a month, maybe a few months. But I promise it will come soon."
Li Mo knew that excluding this current life, there were exactly ninety-nine lives to tell. Only after finishing all ninety-nine would his mission be complete, and he could end the cycle and embrace a new life.
Diluc considered this for a moment. Slowly, he unclenched his fists and relaxed his brow. He decided to stay at the inn and listen. He would wait for his father's return while learning about the other reincarnations and understanding more of his father's cycle.
He spoke slowly. "Remember what you said."
With that, he turned sharply and walked toward the corner where Barbatos sat. When he reached him, his brow furrowed once more.
"They all say you're the Anemo Archon. Is that true?"
To be honest, when he first heard that this drunkard bard was the Anemo Archon, Diluc hadn't believed it. Or rather, he hadn't wanted to believe it. How could the great Anemo Archon of Mondstadt be such a sorry figure? Busking for Mora to buy wine? Mooching off Dawn Winery? It was beneath the dignity of the Anemo Archon and completely at odds with the image the people of Mondstadt had of him.
Barbatos looked a little embarrassed. "Eh heh, how can you doubt my identity? Do I not look like an Anemo Archon?"
Diluc: "…"
Barbatos grinned. "Hehe, don't forget—we're friends! No matter who I am, it won't affect our friendship. So you don't have to call me 'Lord Anemo Archon'—just call me Venti."
Even with his identity exposed, Barbatos was determined to stay on good terms with Diluc. That way, when he returned to Mondstadt, he could still mooch wine from Dawn Winery. Mooching wine—what a wonderful thing.
Diluc: "…"
He had held a grudge against Barbatos for failing to protect Mondstadt and letting his father die at the hands of Ursa the Drake. But looking at Barbatos's harmless, grinning face, he couldn't bring himself to stay angry. He could only snort and turn away.
Seeing this, Ei couldn't help but laugh. "Barbatos, your creditor is standing right in front of you. And you still say you're not a lazy, irresponsible god?"
Barbatos looked wronged. "I had no choice back then. Little Kusanali invited me to Sumeru to teach her about governing."
In truth, the newly ascended Lesser Lord Kusanali had sent invitations to all the gods, asking them to visit Sumeru. But only Barbatos had actually gone, teaching her his "hands-off" approach to governance.
Ei snorted. "Hmph. Fortunately, little Kusanali isn't foolish enough to listen to your nonsense. Otherwise, Sumeru would be ruined by now."
Barbatos: "Eh, that's too harsh! My methods are excellent—all the people of Mondstadt praise them. Just ask Diluc."
Diluc: "…"