Chapter 72 FBI! open the door!

In the Angel's Gift bar, Diluc was engaged in conversation with a mysterious female adventurer in a private room. This woman, who went by "Ye Lan," had previously communicated with Kujo Tsumugi through a bracelet.

"I'm puzzled. Why do you need information about a drunk poet?" Ye Lan asked, handing Diluc a piece of paper. "This is everything we've uncovered about him in the past few days. I really don't understand what's up with him."

"I need his information for a specific purpose," Diluc replied, tucking the paper into his coat.

Ye Lan was a senior leader of a covert intelligence organization known as "Shadow." Though Diluc also held a significant role within this organization, he was unfamiliar with the identities of his colleagues or the organization's leader. He only knew that "Shadow" worked to secretly combat the Fatui and the Cult of the Abyss. For Diluc, utilizing this network was crucial for protecting Mondstadt.

"Hey, Grandpa Diluc, tell me about the second daughter of the Kujo family."

Diluc was surprised by the sudden shift in topic. "Why are you interested in her?"

"The higher-ups seem to place great importance on her. I was dispatched here specifically after her arrival in Mondstadt."

"Really? They sent someone just for her?" Diluc raised an eyebrow. This kind of special treatment was unprecedented, even among Fatui executives.

"But you might be disappointed. I've only had one transaction with her and don't know her well."

Diluc shared all the information he had about Kujo Tsumugi. As a member of "Shadow," he was obligated to provide updates. Over the years, he'd observed that "Shadow" genuinely fought against the Fatui and the Cult of the Abyss, earning his trust.

Listening carefully, Ye Lan mulled over the details.

"Whether this information is accurate or not, if true, it clarifies why the higher-ups value her so highly."

"But she claimed the drunk poet, Venti, is Barbatos, the god of wind... Do you actually believe that?"

"Confirming Venti's true identity would significantly bolster the credibility of the information from Kujo Tsumugi," Diluc said, sipping his tea.

"Indeed..." Ye Lan nodded thoughtfully. "From the current behavior, it seems Kujo Tsumugi's visit to Mondstadt was just to make Mora. But why is there such serious attention from above?"

Diluc decided it was time to leave. "It's not worth overthinking. For now, just consider the situation. I need to head downstairs to greet the guests."

As evening approached, the pub was about to fill with patrons.

Diluc reached the bar just as a man dressed as a samurai entered.

"Are you Grandpa Diluc? I'm a subordinate of Miss Kujo Tsumugi. She asked me to deliver a message."

"Oh? What's the message?"

"The Fatui will make their move tonight, targeting Wendy."

Diluc's expression turned serious. "Tell Miss Kujo that I'm aware."

"Also, our lady wants to purchase a jar of wine from you."

"Miss Kujo Tsumugi does enjoy her drinks. It's true that appearances can be deceiving." Diluc clapped his hands, and bartender Charles promptly brought out a jar of wine.

"This is the fine 'Firewater Wine' from the Kingdom of Snezhnaya. I believe Miss Kujo will appreciate it. Consider it a gift to her. I hope our future cooperation remains smooth."

The samurai thanked Diluc on behalf of the young lady and left, the wine stored in the Vision's space.

Diluc pondered. Was Miss Kujo Tsumugi trying to aid Mondstadt, or was she trying to incite conflict between them and the Fatui?

Regardless, with the knowledge that the Fatui were planning an attack on Venti, Diluc couldn't remain passive.

"Charles, you're on duty tonight as usual. I have an urgent matter to attend to."

"Understood, Grandpa Diluc."

...

Aeolus Square was bustling as usual in the evening. It was a popular spot for Mondstadt's residents to unwind, and many bards showcased their talents there. The rumor was that impressing the wind god Barbatos with a song could earn one a Vision, though this was just a local legend.

Among the crowd, a young man in a green hat, green cloak, and white silk stood by the Wind God statue.

"Tonight, I'll sing the tale of the pure white knight who was stained with blood and the beloved girl."

The bard's melodious voice began a touching love story.

As the song concluded, the audience erupted in applause.

"Hehe, I am the greatest bard in all the land. Dear listeners, support me with Mora if you can, or just your presence if you can't!"

The boy enjoyed performing at Aeolus Square in the evening due to the large crowds and the generous tips he often received. He sang from dusk until late, usually earning a substantial amount of Mora.

With a heavy purse of Mora, the boy stumbled into the Angel's Gift Tavern. Though most were heading to bed, the night was just beginning for the inebriated.

This staggering, burping boy was none other than Venti, the god of wind worshipped by Mondstadt.

"No wonder they don't believe he's the Anemo Archon. If I weren't reincarnated, I wouldn't believe it either."

In mid-air, Kujo Tsumugi, who had been observing Venti since her performance at Aeolus Square, felt a pang of frustration.

Where was Diluc? Diluc, come save him! Venti's Wind God's Heart is at risk!

Finally, Diluc, watching from a shadowy alley, decided to act.

"Here, judgment is passed!"

A massive flaming bird, over ten meters in size, soared into the air, heading straight for the lady.

Despite the sudden attack, the lady remained composed. An ice wall immediately formed, and the two Thunder Firefly Warlocks behind her activated their shields and summoned Thunder Fireflies to defend.

Diluc, wielding his flaming sword, emerged from the alley to confront the lady.

Kujo Tsumugi, seeing this unfold as expected, was relieved. He left a trace of consciousness to keep an eye on the battle while focusing on the puppet Tsumugi.

On the opposite side of Mondstadt, the puppet Tsumugi, accompanied by Thomas and a squad of hunters, arrived at the Mond branch of the North Country Bank.

The puppet Tsumugi kicked in the bank's door.

"FBI! Open up!"

Despite Teyvat's medieval-like civilization, the North Country Bank operated 24/7 due to its business nature. The puppet Tsumugi's entrance startled the night shift staff.

"Everyone, stay put! We're professionals. We only steal money, not people!"

"Ha, someone actually dares to cause trouble here?"

Two Fire Debtors from the second floor rushed down, but were quickly subdued by the hunters behind the puppet Tsumugi.

"Tell me the location of the vault within ten seconds, or face death."

The puppet Tsumugi placed a samurai sword against a bank employee's neck.

"In the basement! The safe is in the basement, but I don't know where the key is." The terrified employee revealed what he knew.

"That's fine, just the location is enough."

With a group of Vision users on hand, opening the vault was a breeze.

Thomas and the hunters proceeded to the basement, using an overload reaction between lightning and fire elements to blow open the vault door.

"Hurry up, fill the Vision's space with all this Mora," Thomas directed. Despite suspecting the puppet Tsumugi's plan, he acted swiftly.

Ten minutes later, the vault was empty, save for a few rats scurrying in the corners.

The puppet Tsumugi, meanwhile, reviewed the North Country Bank's account books, noting the relatively modest total reserves of Mondstadt's people: 2 billion Mora.

With Thomas and the hunters returning from the basement, the puppet Tsumugi handed over the bank account book.

"Thomas put this in the Vision's space and take the team back to the hotel."

"Understood, but…" Thomas hesitated, glancing at the huddled bank employees.

"It's fine. We don't need to hide our identities," Tsumugi Kujo said, shaking her head. "Just count how much Mora we've taken when you return."

"Yes, Second Miss. I'll handle it," Thomas replied, bowing before leading the team out. With the puppet Tsumugi's permission, he used her proper title again.

After the departure, the puppet Tsumugi threw a Fatui lieutenant's seal into the bank as a warning to the employees and then headed to the Knights' headquarters.

"Where's Grandmaster Jean? I need to see Grandmaster Jean!"

Shortly after, Kaeya, the dark-skinned, eye-masked captain of the Knights' cavalry squad, emerged.

"Grandmaster Jean is out. I'm Kaeya, the cavalry squad captain. What's the matter, Miss Kujo?"

Kaeya was surprised. Was this considered... robbing oneself?

Regardless, Kaeya quickly dispatched a team to find Captain Jean and then led a squad to the North Country Bank.