7 Familiar faces 1

After completing the second commission, Lumine and I went to the Adventurer's Guild to collect the rewards for our two commissions. Additionally, the third commission was issued by the guild, and we needed to obtain the necessary supplies.

Similar to yesterday, the line was very long. I looked around once more, searching for anyone familiar, and this time I noticed someone. Escorted by armored knights, a brown-haired woman was being led by Katheryne into one of the rooms. If I remember correctly, she should be a member of the Knights of Favonius in Mondstadt.

'Why is she here?' I wondered.

The woman was Hertha, one of the captains of the Knights of Favonius, and her expression seemed complicated.

Glancing at Lumine beside me, I sighed. As expected of the protagonist, troubles always seem to find them, even if they don't seek them out.

Although I disliked trouble, I had decided to accompany Lumine, so I had to be prepared for unexpected challenges. In this world, I didn't have the advantage of knowing the future because it was different.

"Ad Astra Abessosque! Welcome, Adventurers," Katheryne greeted us professionally.

"Hi, Kath. We'd like to receive our commission rewards and the third commission," I handed her my Adventurer card.

"Certainly. Here are the commission rewards: 40 level 1 Primogems, 8,677 Mora, and 12 Fine Enchantment Ores. Your Adventurer Level will be updated to level 2," Katheryne handed over the commission rewards. "This reward is for both of you. I've already calculated the amount. Plus the rewards for your level up, 20,000 Mora, 6 Enchantment Ore, and 10 Wanderer's advice."

"Eh, so many Primogems? Wanderer's advice?" I exclaimed.

"Wanderer's Advice can help you level up. Should there be experience points, this one will help it raise it." Katheryne answered my doubts. So this thing also existed. 

"Ronan, you can take the Primogems and half of the Mora and Enchantment ore," Lumine said.

"But you can exchange them for artifacts, you know?" I said.

"We can acquire artifacts in domains and chests. I have plenty of them," Lumine whispered.

I nodded. "In that case, I'll gladly take them. You can have the wanderer's advice. I have a feeling it cannot help me."

With the extra 5 Primogems, I now had a total of 45. This would level me up to level 40, with 13 left. If I recall correctly, levels 41 to 50 would require double the amount, meaning I needed 16 Primogems each level up.

"As for your third commission, please follow me," Katheryne led us to the back where the supplies were kept.

As we were guided, we saw a group of Knights of Favonius guarding a door. The door opened, and Hertha, Katheryne, and an old man walked out.

"Guild Master, the Knights of Favonius will depend on you for this matter," Hertha said solemnly.

"We will do our best," the old man replied.

"Speaking of recruitment, Guild Master, I have some people to recommend," Katheryne, who had accompanied Hertha and seemed to be the Guild Master, spoke up.

"Do you?" Hertha inquired.

"I do, but I need their permission first."

"That would be helpful. Who are they?" Hertha asked, relieved to find potential recruits.

"I cannot disclose their information without their respective permission," Katheryne stated.

"Even if I order you?" The old man became interested.

"Yes," Katheryne replied without showing any emotion.

"Then, please inform us of their decision," the old man nodded, recognizing Katheryne's position.

Even Hertha understood that she couldn't force Katheryne to reveal the information, despite her high position in the Knights of Favonius.

I overheard everything and exchanged glances with Lumine. There was something off about this Katheryne.

The Katheryne who was guiding us to the supplies looked different, but I couldn't quite pinpoint it. I had limited information about this woman, having only played the game up to Inazuma and not completed the main quest. I preferred exploring Mondstadt and Liyue, completing their map explorations and storylines.

Wait a minute, I had my phone. I recently installed the Genshin Wikipedia app. Maybe it would still work. I decided to give it a try later.

"These are your supplies, and here are the

coordinates for the delivery," Katheryne pointed to the box. "Now, I'll return to my position."

As Lumine and I were about to leave the Guild, someone was waiting for us. It was Katheryne.

"Did you forget something?" Paimon asked.

"No, I'm not the Katheryne who was with you today. I was the one who accompanied you yesterday. I'm here for a specific reason. Would you like to hear it?" Katheryne bowed lightly and smiled.

Something felt wrong, and Lumine and Paimon seemed puzzled.

"We'd like to hear it," I replied.

"Please follow me."

She guided us into one of the private rooms designated for important discussions.

"Please, have a seat. Would you like coffee or tea?"

"I'll have tea," I said, turning to Lumine and Paimon. "What about you two?"

Paimon and Lumine remained silent.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Did you notice, Ronan? There's something off about this one," Paimon pointed at Katheryne, who was smiling.

Lumine nodded in agreement.

I shrugged. "Doesn't matter."

Katheryne chuckled, "Don't worry, everyone. I know you have many questions, but I'm not your enemy. Please don't be hostile. I'm just very curious."

Lumine asked, "Why did you call us?"

I had an idea, but I wanted Lumine to have a say first.

"Recently, a horde of Hilichurls has been spotted near some ruins. Dozens of Mitachurls and some elemental Hilichurls were seen. The Knights of Favonius are recruiting strong adventurers. In this city, we lack strong fighters to deal with this horde. That's why I want to recommend both of you," Katheryne got straight to the point.

"What do you think, Lumine? If we accept, our journey to Mondstadt will be delayed," I said to Lumine.

Lumine became silent for a while and then said, "We'll accept. Right, Ronan?"

"Of course. I can't wait to try out my Claymore."

"Then that's settled. We will accept your request. I also cannot be left behind." Lumine looked at Katheryne. She then turned her head to me when said the latter part. 

After absorbing the Primogems, my level went up to 40. Lumine was level 44. It seems she is feeling a little bit competitive. That's a side of hers worth remembering. 

She's quite a silent girl in the game. However when facing her in reality. She's just like any other girl, but more extraordinary. 

"That's great! I will not delay this matter. If I'm not wrong, this Quest is related to your third commission. Ma~ what a coincidence." Katheryne covered her mouth with her fair hands. Her eyes squinted but I rolled my eyes, seeing her acting like that. 

"You planned it well huh." I snickered. 

"Oh my~ What are you talking about? Ronan-kun." Kathyrene turns her head to the side, pretending. 

'kun? What are you an older Japanese female next door or what is commonly known as Milf?' I berated in my mind. However, I'm still shaking my head. This woman is very suspicious. She ain't normal after taking that oath. 

"Kun?" Lumine and Paimon asked confusingly. 

"Don't ask," I said. 

We were led by Sus Katheryne to the upper floor where the Guild Master resides.