Chapter 64

Early the next morning, the team from Liyue split into two groups.

One group would stay at Dawn Winery to wait for the goods, while the other would accompany Jiang Ning and Shenhe to Mondstadt City.

Most of the Millelith remained at the winery—after all, they were entering someone else's territory, so just a few guards for formality's sake would suffice.

Taking too many would seem like a show of force.

Diluc accompanied them, mounted on a black stallion.

"So, Master Diluc, you also own a tavern in Mondstadt City?" Jiang Ning, who had never been to a tavern, asked curiously.

"May I take a look?"

Diluc replied, "Guests from Liyue are certainly welcome, though you're not quite old enough to drink alcohol. You could try Mondstadt's apple cider instead—that's juice, not alcohol."

Jiang Ning nodded, "Alright."

He was mainly curious about the atmosphere; as for alcohol, Jiang Ning respectfully declined.

"Also, Master Diluc, have you heard of the Reconnaissance Company Captain, Eula Lawrence?"

Diluc frowned slightly: "Eula Lawrence? Yes, I know of her. Why are you looking for her?"

Jiang Ning said, "Well, a friend of hers from Liyue asked me to deliver something to her."

Diluc pondered for a moment: "The Reconnaissance Company usually operates around the Dornman Port area, which is quite a distance from Mondstadt City. However, they do occasionally return to the city for rest and supplies..."

"Regarding Eula Lawrence, I suggest you seek out a Outrider named Amber in Mondstadt City."

Jiang Ning finally heard a familiar name. Amber, Baron Bunny's master—wasn't she his tutorial teacher who gave him the wind glider?

That wind glider exam had completely baffled him at the time.

He finally passed it only after calling his roommate for help.

Yes, Jiang Ning was that kind of gaming novice.

Huixin chimed in appropriately: "If you have other plans, feel free to go ahead. I can handle the official business myself."

Jiang Ning's face lit up immediately: "Thank you for your hard work, Sister Huixin."

Huixin smiled and said, "No need for thanks. Lady Ganyu and Lady Ningguang already instructed me before we departed."

Ganyu had said that this trip was mainly for her two disciples to experience the customs of a different nation.

It was also a chance for them to take a break, and perhaps deal with some troublesome enemies.

She would handle the main business matters.

The road to Mondstadt City was far from peaceful.

Monsters would occasionally emerge, including Hilichurl Chieftains and Fatui.

Especially the Fatui.

There were so many of them.

And they were brazenly attempting robbery.

Diluc's face grew increasingly dark at the sight.

He directly intervened, slaying these miscreants.

Afterward, Diluc returned to the group while wiping his claymore.

"My apologies for the unsightly scene."

"Why are there so many Fatui in Mondstadt?"

Diluc snorted, his tone carrying disgust and anger: "You'd have to ask our Knights of Favonius about that."

Sensing the sensitive topic, Huixin gave Jiang Ning a meaningful look, and he fell silent.

The atmosphere grew somewhat heavy as they continued.

After passing through some mountainous terrain, they could see the towering windmills reaching into the clouds and the classical city walls in the distance.

"That's Mondstadt City. Let's go, we're almost there," Huixin said.

However, even in this final stretch, just a few kilometers from the city, there were still treasure hoarders and monsters.

And they hadn't seen a single Knight of Favonius yet.

This left Jiang Ning increasingly confused.

Wait, this Mondstadt City... isn't this a bit ridiculous? They don't deal with the monsters? And where are the guard posts?

This should be the main road, right? How can treasure hoarders just claim it as their territory?

The main road... wasn't even properly maintained, full of potholes...

Seeming to sense Jiang Ning's confusion, Diluc's expression grew even darker.

This was truly embarrassing in front of foreign guests.

Only at the city gates did they finally see two knights standing guard.

Yet Jiang Ning still couldn't understand. During their approach, he had observed that Mondstadt City was surrounded by what they called Cider Lake, with only a small dock on one side and the main bridge.

If they didn't station guards at the bridge, what would happen in case of an attack? The enemy could just seize the bridge, destroy it, and block off the dock.

The people inside wouldn't even be able to escape...

But this thought quickly passed—it wasn't his business how they managed their affairs.

As they approached the gate, Diluc's face darkened further.

Of the two knights, one was half-asleep, and the other reeked of alcohol...

"Mondstadt truly is... a city of freedom," Jiang Ning couldn't help but comment sarcastically.

Diluc said, "My apologies for the embarrassment. Please, follow me."

He completely ignored the two gate guards as he walked into the city.

"Huh? No inspection or anything?"

Jiang Ning noticed the knights merely glanced at their group before returning to their slack duties.

How had Mondstadt survived until now?

A Dawn Winery steward explained from the side:

"Our master's appearance and reputation are well-known to all, so if you're his guests..."

"Send word to Jean," Diluc interrupted the steward abruptly. "Come here."

The steward hurried over, and after Diluc whispered something in his ear, he apologized and rushed off.

"Come, let's sit at my tavern for a while. Someone will come to take you to see Jean later. You should rest after such a long journey."

Diluc's tavern, called Angel's Share, was one of the finest in Mondstadt City.

The establishment was simple yet stylish, with a sign and notices at the entrance, along with some outdoor tables and chairs.

Opening the door released the aroma of wine. Directly opposite was the bar counter and wine cabinet, with numerous tables beyond and a second floor above.

Though it was daytime, the tavern, famous for its wine and poetry, was already bustling with activity.

Jiang Ning saw many Mondstadt citizens, and... huh? Knights in armor??

Ignoring the knights, Diluc said, "Charles, prepare some of our finest vintage, and an apple cider as well."

Charles, a tall man, beamed upon seeing Diluc:

"Yes, Master Diluc... These must be our distinguished guests from Liyue! While in Mondstadt, you simply must try our local wines!"

With that, he began preparing drinks for the honored guests.