Chapter 35: Mondstadt's Best Bard

Regarding Wang Daoyi's statement, Albado couldn't help but smile wryly.

He was the chief alchemist of the Knights of Favonius. When making an item, the first thing to consider was whether it could be popularized within the knights.

On the other hand, Wang Daoyi had the classic "entrepreneur" mentality. If people couldn't afford it, it must be because of the consumers, not the cost of the product.

Without commenting on Wang Daoyi's statement, Alberto turned the design of the Elemental Shield Generator he had just designed into blueprints.

"This is the blueprint I promised you. I've made notes on various designs in it. If you need this kind of item in the future, just follow the blueprint to make it!"

Alberto handed the blueprint to Wang Daoyi, then looked towards Klee, who was making bouncing bombs on the other side.

"Next, I will inform Sucrose and Timaeus. They will lead the alchemists to help make this item. Before you set off, you can deliver it to the knights."

Saying this, he tossed the shield generator on the experimental platform to Wang Daoyi.

"As for this prototype, consider it a memento for you!"

With that, he no longer paid attention to Wang Daoyi, walking towards Klee on the other side.

"Klee, have you finished making the bouncing bombs? We're leaving here soon!"

"Okay, Klee finished quickly!"

Klee replied and adeptly placed the explosives into the cute bouncy balls, completing a bouncing bomb.

"Klee made a smokeless enhanced version of the bouncing bomb today. We'll definitely escape Captain Kaeya's pursuit!"

The little girl put the bouncing bomb in her backpack and hopped over to Alberto's side.

Not caring about Alberto's indifferent attitude, they weren't close anyway, and it wasn't like in the game where a few words made you good friends.

Wang Dao Yi, who had received the new blueprints, was very satisfied. Holding the improved shield generator and tucking the blueprints into his chest, Wang Daoyi followed Alberto and Klee in tidying up the laboratory, then left.

Leaving the library, Wang Daoyi remembered that besides the new equipment for the Knights, there was another matter he needed their help with.

"Lord Alberto, I have something to discuss with Captain Kaeya. I'll take my leave for now!"

"Alright, goodbye."

"Big brother, goodbye, remember to play with Klee next time!"

After bidding farewell to the two, Wang Daoyi returned to Kaeya's office.

Kaeya was still handling official business, this acting Grand Master always had endless tasks.

"It's you, Lord Wang Daoyi. How did the experiment go?"

Seeing Wang Daoyi enter, Kaeya politely inquired.

"Lord Alberto's alchemical knowledge is amazing. The experiment was very successful, and the new Elemental Shield Generator is excellent!"

"That's good. Lord Wang Daoyi, do you have anything else to discuss with me?"

Upon hearing of the successful experiment, Kaeya's tone lightened.

Wang Daoyi scratched his nose embarrassedly.

"Well, it's like this. Both Xiangling and I arrived in Mondstadt not long ago and don't have flying licenses yet, so we don't have the Wind Gliders."

"I think, dealing with the Anemo Hypostasis, Wind Gliders are essential. So I'd like to ask Captain Kaeya for help, to provide Wind Gliders for both of us first, and after the expedition, we'll make up for the exams."

Kaeya nodded after hearing this. It was a reasonable request. Dealing with the Anemo Hypostasis without Wind Gliders would be futile.

"Alright, I'll make arrangements. Wind Gliders will be prepared for you by then. But until you obtain the license, you cannot use them within Mondstadt."

"No problem, Captain Kaeya. Then, I'll take my leave!"

Solving the issue of Wind Gliders, Wang Dao yi left the Knights happily.

Leaving the Knights, a melodious sound of a lyre reached Wang Daoyi's ears.

Turning around, he saw that the music was coming from the plaza next to the Knights of Favonius.

"Could it be him?"

Wang Daoyi pondered briefly and, without much thought, headed towards the plaza.

Arriving at the plaza of the Anemo Archon Statue, a green figure was playing the lyre under the huge statue, singing beautiful poems.

Many citizens who were worshiping at the Mondstadt Cathedral surrounded the area.

Approaching a bit closer, Wang Daoyi could hear the poems sung by the bard.

It was the story of Vanessa.

"Oh, drinkers of Mondstadt, drink without stopping,

To freedom, to the Anemo Archon!

To Vanessa, the first knight!

Descendants of Mondstadt, do not forget the grace of the Archon.

Freedom is not given, but fought for.

········

In the prison cell sits a maiden,

She comes from the southern wilds,

Born free, yet burdened with chains.

Though her body is imprisoned by the tyrant,

The devout maiden never ceases her prayers.

For her people, for Mondstadt, for the illusory freedom."

The bard's melodious voice sang out Vanessa's legendary story, earning rounds of applause from the surrounding citizens.

Many even threw scattered Mora into the bard's hat.

Receiving the citizens' rewards, the bard became even more enthusiastic.

Vanessa's legendary tale was told vividly, attracting more onlookers.

Unable to squeeze into the crowd, Wang Daoyi could only listen to the story from the outside.

As the first knight to oppose the old aristocracy, Vanessa's story was well-known throughout Mondstadt.

However, whenever there was a bard singing this story, Mondstadt citizens would still gather around. They always admired and longed for this great knight.

Except for a man in the corner of the square.

"Damn Vanessa, damn traitor. Just wait, wait until I hand over the city defense plans to the Fatui Harbingers. Mondstadt will eventually return to the hands of our nobles!"

The man glared fiercely at the crowd listening to the story, then left the square without attracting anyone's attention.

While the bard continued to sing, the citizens continued to cheer, and Wang Daoyi continued to listen from afar.

After a while, as the story came to an end, the citizens began to disperse.

Wang Daoyi finally saw the green figure clearly.

Sure enough, it's you, the fishy guy, the green-haired youth with white stockings, the Anemo Archon Barbatos whose name cannot be disclosed.

After a moment of consideration, Wang Daoyi felt there was no need to get acquainted with Venti now. After all, in a few days, they would still be going to deal with his relatives together.

Shaking his head as if he were a tourist reminiscing about the story he just heard, Wang Daoyi left the square.

Picking up the hat on the ground, Venti happily looked at the rewards he received, considering that he might have a few more drinks at Angel's Share tonight.

Then he noticed a familiar yet unfamiliar aura.

"This aura, it's a bit like the old man's scent."

Puzzled, he glanced at where Wang Daoi had stood, then dismissed the thought.

"Hehe, today's income is really good. I can go to Angel's Share for a few more drinks. I hope Diluc will kindly give me a discount!"

After collecting the Mora rewarded by the citizens, Venti happily headed towards Angel's Share tavern.

As for why he didn't go to Cat's Tail, well, our Anemo Archon is allergic to cat hair.

Leaving the square, Wang Daoyi found himself with nothing to do. Since coming to Mondstadt, he either spent his time in the Knights' library or accompanied Xiangling in experimenting with new dishes.

Having such leisure time like today was rare.

"Should I go to Cat's Tail for a few drinks? Diana won't bite me, right!"

Thinking of Diana's fierce yet adorable expression, Wang Daoyi shook his head. Forget it, I'll just go home and read.

(End of Chapter)