8 Chapter 8: Knights of Favonius

"Alright, after over a month of hunting, the beast numbers in Whispering Woods and Stormbearer Mountains returned to normal levels, and won't skyrocket again in the short term. I need to take a good rest and then have a big drink after a month of consecutive work. From now on you'll have to rely on yourself!"

The light of the setting sun, caressing the emerald green of the earth, colored Teyvat in an intoxicating golden hue.

Draff, who kept his moustache and stubble neatly trimmed, once more sold off today's spoils. Standing at the end of Mondstadt Bridge, he heartily patted Nolan's shoulder and said earnestly.

Regardless, Nolan was a junior that followed him a whole month. Draff still hoped he could make something of himself whether as hunter or adventurer.

"Don't worry Sir Draff, I won't disappoint you."

After a month's growth, Nolan felt much more self-assured compared to when he first arrived lost and confused. His words turned relaxed too.

"Haha, great! Visit me at Springvale Town when you've time."

Draff guffawed loudly and waved, getting ready to leave. His fellow hunting buddies back in town waited impatiently.

"I'll be sure to. And I'll have Good Hunter's best bartender mix their finest liquor over!"

Nolan smiled while calling out to Draff's departing back.

Sure enough, Draff shuddered instantly upon hearing that, hastily turning back and urging:

"No no, never bring Cat's Tail's drinks!"

Nolan looked at him puzzled.

Realizing his lapse in composure, Draff lightly coughed and smoothed it over.

"I mean their liquors don't quite suit my taste. Angel's Share's grape wines fit me better...yes, that's right."

If Nolan bought Cat's Tail mixes saying they were for Springvale's village chief, his daughter Diona would surely erupt again over her 'most hated drunkard dad' business.

He clearly knew his daughter stood as Cat's Tail's best bartender.

"Hahaha, very well Sir Draff, safe travels!"

Nolan lightly laughed and waved.

Draff turned around and said, "Fine. In the future, if you want to learn the hunting from me remember to bring wine!"

Due to a full month of continuous hunting, it had been long since he heartily drank to their hearts' content with the townsfolk.

After all alcohol affected cognition. Not staying clear-headed in the wilderness was dangerous.

With work done now was precisely time to celebrate back home. Thinking of that, Draff's footsteps lightened considerably.

Under the golden sunlight, on the grassy path, the hunter hummed a tune. The evening breeze gently lingered. Gaze following long after the senior willing to help him, and the youth felt truly grateful.

Returning citizens trickled back to Mondstadt in pairs and threes. Unharmed adventurers safely back even gathered at Angel's Share over drinks, toasting the Anemo Archon's blessings.

In over a month at Mondstadt, Nolan kept a low profile. Perhaps due to his personality, he didn't befriend many. But that wasn't because he was introverted or socially awkward, it was just a way of his lifestyle.

Even so, his understanding towards Mondstadt's various facets grew much deeper now, perfectly integrating himself into the city.

Nolan didn't head back immediately, instead walking towards the Knights of Favonius' direction.

Time to return the money owed to Amber. This past month she frequently dropped by the relief shelter to check on him, even asking if he lacked funds. Her thoughtfulness truly touched Nolan.

So with no monetary woes for now, he should return Amber's money soonest. Nolan disliked owing others.

Mondstadt's layout was rather special. Walking in from the gates, the terrain elevates with higher areas further in. The lowermost section were residential and commercial districts for citizens.

Midway up was where the Knights of Favonius Headquarters lied, quite a distance needing stairs to reach, honestly quite tiring.

At the peak was the plaza with an enormous Barbatos statue. People liked strolling here during their free time. Any events or announcements also generally held here.

And at Mondstadt's utmost summit was the Cathedral of the Anemo Archon—displaying Mondstadters' respect for Lord Barbatos. After all it resembled nations on Earth with "Divine Right of Kings".

Except for the "King" here was the Anemo Archon himself. His sole management philosophy for Mondstadt was "My people are free to do as they please."

Outstandingly hands-off, sounded nice when phrased as freedom. Actually, he was too lazy managing anything.

Thus the Knights of Favonius managed most affairs under normal circumstances, doing quite a decent job too. Though a darker age of aristocrat rule did exist long ago.

Amidst these meandering thoughts, Nolan finally arrived before the pale stoned three-story Knights headquarters. Two Favonius guards stood stationed at the entrance.

Seemed around shift ending time judging by their spirits. One wore glasses while the other didn't.

Nolan frequented this location often when playing, but no longer recalled any names beyond key characters. Most players cared not for minor NPCs after all.

Nolan could directly enter the inner headquarters. Mondstadt's greatest library lies inside, open to the public, and managed by Librarian Lisa.

Though routine inquiries still occurred to prevent vandals, despite the low probability. After all, this was the stronghold of Mondstadt's mightiest warriors. Only lunatics would think to kick up trouble here.

Just picture it - newly entering the great hall, Lisa's office on the left, library on the right. The notorious "Witch of Purple Rose" as librarian right there.

Those two tended to stay put daily for work. Imagining potential scenarios already felt dreadful.

"Hello there." Nolan got intercepted by the guarding knight Porthos, who first performed the Favonius salute and greeted him, then asked:

"What business brings you to the headquarters? If you wish to borrow books from the library, I'm afraid Librarian Lisa already went off work during this break period."

Visitors during this break time surprised Porthos somewhat. "Irregularities" always demanded extra awareness.

Moreover, the guest dressed as some Liyue hunter.

Things weren't too peaceful lately. First Captain Kaeya spotted suspicious people at Stormterror's Lair beach. Then Outrider Amber brought back a Liyue youth attacked by Treasure Hoarders from Whispering Woods.

There had always been an ominous feeling something would happen. He should diligently fulfill his duties.

Though that robbed Liyue young man couldn't possibly be you, right? Porthos scrutinized Nolan while thinking silently.

(End of Chapter)

To be continued...