Chapter 231

"Flower God's Birthday Festival..." Nahida's four-leaf clover-shaped eyes flickered as she looked at the Wind God dressed as a bard. The day she was born was also the Flower God's Birthday Festival. The birthday of the Great Dendro Archon was also her birthday. Was Venti going to tell the story of the Great Dendro Archon from over 2,000 years ago?

Venti took off his hat and bowed in a very gentlemanly manner: "Then, I, the humble bard, shall tell the story of that year... Oh no, the story of the Flower God's Birthday Festival for the Great Dendro Archon of Sumeru."

Venti's humor instantly made everyone in the tavern laugh.

"Hahaha, if someone offered to buy wine for me, I'd take on any challenge too."

"If the challenge is successful, there will be a vintage wine."

"Oh, I'm so jealous."

"Come on, bard!"

Venti said calmly, "Thank you, friends, for supporting me." With that, he took the lyre from his belt.

"Now, Mondstadt's best bard is about to begin. Friends, please listen carefully."

The melodious sound of the lyre filled the room, bringing a sense of peace to quiet the once-noisy tavern.

"This is a story from two thousand three hundred years ago.

"Legend has it that the Great Dendro Archon celebrated her thousandth birthday and invited gods from across the world to join in a grand feast. However, due to the chaotic times, not many gods could attend.

"The people of Sumeru offered preserved fruits and fine wine to celebrate the birthday of their goddess. They formed long queues, cheering to welcome the gods from all over who came to bring their blessings.

"Among them was Mondstadt's God of Wind, Lord Barbatos.

"'Let's celebrate, be joyful, come together and honor the God of Wisdom's birthday,' they sang.

"The Red King came from the desert, sending a lamp to light the dark night.

"Marikata, the Goddess of Flowers, appeared among the blossoms, performing a dance that enchanted even the birds, who dared not blink.

"The Geo Archon descended from the sky in the form of a rock dragon, bringing with him a goblet carved from Yebo stone.

"And our Wind God, Lord Barbatos, arrived on a thousand winds, playing the sweet music of the lyre and offering his sincerest blessings.

"The joyful feast lasted for seven days, but even the happiest of feasts must end.

"The Red King drove away in his grand chariot.

"The Goddess of Flowers left the rainforest adorned with Padisarahs, ensuring her presence remained there forever.

"The Geo Archon and the King agreed to meet again in Liyue in a time of peace.

"And Lord Barbatos, after enjoying the fruit wine, left with satisfaction.

"From then on, every year on this day, the people of Sumeru held a celebration for their goddess, imitating the first Flower God's Birthday Festival."

Venti sang the ballad gracefully, and when the sound of the lyre ended, the tavern was filled with warm applause.

"Wow, amazing!"

"Venti, you sang that hymn beautifully!"

"Yes, it was like being there."

"If you have this much talent, show it off more often!"

"It was fantastic. I felt like I traveled back to ancient times to witness an event with the gods."

"You're an incredible poet. If you'd shown us earlier, I'd have bought you a drink sooner."

Venti smiled and welcomed the applause: "Thank you, friends, for listening." The lyre's melody carried the blessings of the thousand winds, providing an immersive experience.

Today, since Lord Tenri had requested he sing, he gave it his all.

Takumi nodded with satisfaction: "Not bad, not bad. It's indeed a beautiful story. You shall be rewarded."

A Mora coin from the Solstice Bank appeared in his hand, and he tossed it to Diluc, who quickly caught it.

"This is 100 million Mora from the Solstice Bank. I'm covering the poet's drinks for an entire year."

Diluc looked at Takumi deeply and nodded. He knew the God of Wind had used his power. This stranger was clearly someone even more powerful than the Wind God. And that young girl with him—if she wasn't a deity herself, she was surely the descendant of one.

"Whoa! A hundred million Mora for a year's worth of drinks."

"So generous."

"He must be a big merchant from Snezhnaya."

"Even if you soaked yourself in the best wine for a year, you couldn't drink 100 million Mora worth of it!"

As the guests in the tavern exclaimed over the wealthy young man, the little girl beside him curiously asked, "Bard, why did all the other gods bring gifts for the Great Dendro Archon's birthday, but the Wind God just took wine from Sumeru?"

Pfft!

Some of the drunk patrons choked and spat out their drinks.

"Hahaha, little sister's focus is different from adults'."

"But she makes a good point. It seems our Wind God didn't bring a gift, but even took fruit wine back with him."

"Bard, you didn't tarnish our Wind God's reputation, did you?"

Venti's face turned awkward: "No, no, I would never! I just enjoy my drink, that's all. How could I possibly slander our lord? This is the story as recorded in Sumeru. I just happen to know more details."

Oops, why did I mention that Barbatos left with the unfinished fruit wine from the feast? How could I be so careless?

Nahida blinked and asked curiously, "So Barbatos just went for the party?"

Venti's expression twisted in a grimace. "Hey, little Lesser Lord Kusanali, why are you focusing on me so much?"

The fruit wine of Sumeru was precious—unlike Mondstadt, which only had "Herb Wine" brewed from seeds. When he heard that the Great Dendro Archon was hosting gods from all over, with preserved fruits and wine as offerings, he couldn't resist attending. After all, he had only recently become an Archon at the time.

Still, there's no way he'd admit it. That would be too embarrassing.

"Of course not. Lord Barbatos' gift was the beautiful sound of the lyre. Music is essential to any celebration."

The patrons in the tavern nodded.

"You're right. Without music, the celebration wouldn't be as festive."

"As expected of our Wind God, always thoughtful."

"Yeah, I didn't know our Mondstadt deity participated in Sumeru's celebrations. Makes me feel proud."

Nahida smiled. "I see, that makes sense."

Venti nodded. "Exactly." He discreetly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. Being embarrassed in front of an elder was one thing—but in front of a young fellow Archon? How could he lose face like that?

Takumi laughed, amused. "Haha, well done. I'm very satisfied. Let's head outside to discuss the next matter." He rose, taking Nahida's small hand in his.

Venti quickly followed, rubbing his hands together eagerly. "Oh, of course. Sure thing!"

The tavern filled with sighs.

"Ah, looks like the poor poet found himself a rich patron."

"I'm so jealous. I wish I had such talent."

"So much wine to drink..."

Only Diluc remained deep in thought, processing the conversation.