Chapter 230

"Of course, as long as there's no dereliction of duty, I won't interfere with the gods' relaxation time.

"Look at Barbatos; he doesn't stay in Mondstadt all day."

Nahida put her index finger to her lips thoughtfully. "Is that so?"

Takumi picked Nahida up and gently bit her elf-like ear. "Of course it is." Even when Phanes was still unreasonable, he wasn't so strict.

Just after the Demon God War ended, Barbatos turned into a thousand winds and traveled throughout the entire Teyvat continent after arranging the 'Millennial Concert' in Mondstadt. At that time, he brought wine to Zhongli, who thought he was in trouble.

Nahida let out a cute sound, her cheeks turning slightly red when Takumi nibbled her ear.

Takumi became even more excited when he heard Nahida's voice. "Nahida, call me by my name."

"Lord Tenri?"

"Change the name."

"Husband?"

"Say it a few more times."

"Husband, husband, husband..." Nahida felt like a kitten being pampered, her face flushed.

Takumi licked Nahida's cheek. "Ah, Nahida is so adorable, especially because it's legal now. The thrill of bending morality like this is really exhilarating."

Nahida blinked her four-leaf clover-shaped eyes. "Is it because of my child-like appearance?"

Takumi's smile widened. "Not just that—it's the thrill of finally achieving everything I ever wanted. There's something so exciting about that."

"Of course, doing something improper with someone like you is only permissible because it's legal. Otherwise, it would be truly wrong."

Nahida blinked. "Is this acceptable? Husband, do you not wish to reproduce with me?"

"Humans form couples to reproduce. Does the same apply to you, husband?"

Takumi shook his head. "If I ever do something like that with you, it won't be now. It's more likely with Bu'er."

"After all, you and Bu'er are the same."

Nahida nodded. "I learned a lot from the Great Aranyaka, and I understand my body type... Hmm..."

Takumi quickly covered Nahida's lips with his finger. "Alright, alright, if you keep talking, justice from the heavens might punish me."

Nahida blinked, her confusion evident. The Great Aranyaka was right. When it came to emotions, she was simply imitating. She truly didn't understand.

---

**Mondstadt - Angel's Share**

Barbatos returned to Mondstadt, filled with excitement after finishing his duties in the dark world. He had used all his divine power, much like when he reshaped the terrain of Mondstadt during the Demon God War.

This time, he had a true understanding of how far his power could extend. Though the world level played a part, in Teyvat, he couldn't achieve such feats due to its material, spatial, and rule constraints.

But that wasn't the most important part; what mattered was that his long-cherished wish from the Demon God War period was about to be fulfilled. Though his friend's "Seat of Fate" had vanished long ago, Master Takumi had assured him that his friend, an ordinary mortal, could be resurrected. If Barbatos—the best bard in the world—could bring his friend back, how could he not celebrate by drinking?

Not just any wine, but the finest, most expensive wine in Mondstadt's most exclusive tavern. And, of course, he would drink it with his friend.

So, he poured out all the earnings he had accumulated from selling songs and performances since he awoke.

"Master Diluc, bring me a bottle of the best wine in Mondstadt!"

Venti confidently pushed a pile of Mora onto the bar, then leaned forward and whispered, "If it's not enough, can I owe the rest? I'll pay you back once I make more from singing."

Diluc glanced at the dusty pile of Mora on the bar, his expression unreadable. He looked at the 'Wind God' staring at him eagerly, his face filled with anticipation. After a moment, Diluc turned around and took out a bottle of Dawn Winery's finest wine from the cabinet, placing it on the bar.

"This bottle is sixty years old. It costs 400,000 Mora, and you'll need an IOU for 310,000 Mora."

Venti's mouth watered. "No problem, no problem."

Diluc regarded the 'Wind God' skeptically. He didn't believe for a moment that the 'Wind God' lacked divine power. Experience had taught him that those who appeared harmless were often the strongest. When he had infiltrated the Fatui base, Diluc learned just how deceptive appearances could be.

For this god, who had protected Mondstadt for thousands of years, Chenxi Winery would gladly offer a few bottles of wine as tribute. However, he knew that if he didn't charge him, Venti wouldn't bother to drink.

Venti happily hid the wine, then began performing in the tavern, trying to earn drinks from patrons. The guests greeted him cheerfully.

"Hey, the bard's back to tell stories!"

"What kind of story do you have for us today, poet?"

"Tell us something new, maybe from another country!"

Venti rubbed his hands together. "Well, friends, what kind of story would you like to hear today? If it pleases you, could you buy me a glass of fruit wine?"

At that moment, a familiar voice rang out.

"If you tell a good story, little bard, I'll cover all your drinks for a year!"

Venti quickly turned to see two familiar figures in the corner of the tavern.

Even though the figures had disguised themselves to blend in, Venti recognized them instantly—it was Lord Takumi, and beside him, the one with a similar stature to Klee was Sumeru's little Lucky Grass King, Nahida.

There was no panic. Venti knew Lord Tenri was coming and quickly began to flatter.

"Oh, isn't this the daughter of Master Takumi and Sumeru's young goddess? What an honor to see you here."

Nahida was astonished by the sycophantic Wind God. This renowned god of wind, disguised as an ordinary citizen, lived among the people and even performed for them. Was this what Liyue referred to as a "private visit" by a noble?

Takumi smiled. "Bartender, give the bard a good drink so he can wet his whistle."

Venti beamed. "Oh, I'm flattered! What story does Master Takumi want? I promise to deliver it perfectly."

It seemed that he had performed well enough to earn another reward from Lord Tenri.

Takumi continued, "There's a legend from over two thousand years ago. The first Flower God's birthday festival was held on the birthday of Sumeru's Great Aranyaka, and many gods came to celebrate. Among them was Barbatos, the God of Mondstadt."

"So, bard, polish this mythical story with vivid colors."

The tavern guests were amazed.

"Wow! A story from Sumeru."

"The Flower God's birthday festival too!"

"I've heard of this festival, but I don't know how it began."

"Sounds like a tough story to tell."

"Yeah, not something you'd hear from anyone but the God of Wind."

Diluc, who had been polishing a glass, quickly glanced over. The idea of the Wind God telling the story of another god's birthday festival was startling.

He inhaled sharply. This was no ordinary visitor—definitely not from Mondstadt. The way Venti knew their names, his flattering attitude... Diluc understood that Venti might be shameless, but he didn't flatter people without reason.

Could it be... that the visitor was a god even greater than the Wind God?

Diluc knew about the 'World Devouring Plan,' but he had yet to receive a notification. If Mondstadt needed him, he would serve without hesitation.