Chapter 48: Mondstadt

"Instructor!"

Klober wasn't too surprised by Bai Luo's sudden appearance, descending as if from the heavens. After all, he had witnessed such abilities before. However, despite his lack of surprise, Klober was far from relaxed in Bai Luo's presence.

Those who were appreciated and praised by his master weren't necessarily the most talented, but they were always terrifying.

Especially considering the missions Bai Luo had completed before becoming a Harbinger. and merely standing near him made Klober's skin crawl.

Many of the people Bai Luo had "sent away" were individuals much like Klober himself.

"Let's go. Time to depart."

"Yes, sir!"

Mondstadt, the Free City of Teyvat located in the northeastern part of the continent, is often referred to as the City of Wind and Song. According to a certain nun who preferred to remain anonymous, the god they worshiped was named Bartobas.

As mentioned, this nation and its god represent freedom. Freedom to the extent that even the god refrains from binding his people, allowing them to develop on their own.

This behavior, which might seem like negligence, has a more poetic term—slacking off.

However, this lax attitude once plunged the nation into corruption and its darkest hour, during the era of aristocratic rule.

Under the leadership of Vennessa, the people rebelled against the tyranny of the Lawrence clan, leading to the abolition of nobility in Mondstadt.

Now, this nation without a god or a ruler is governed by the Knights of Favonius, an order founded by Vennessa herself.

Compared to Inazuma, Mondstadt's territory is relatively safe, despite being home to various monsters. The scenery here is beautiful, with a mild climate all year round. The winds of freedom carry the scent of dandelions across the expansive plains, sweeping over Cider Lake and blessing Mondstadt, a city situated on an island at the lake's heart, with the grace of the Anemo Archon, Barbatos.

Hmm? Wasn't it Bartobas?

Ahem...

For Bai Luo, arriving in Mondstadt was akin to returning to a beginner's village, in stark contrast to the nightmare that was Inazuma.

After sailing past the mist-covered Dragonspine and rounding the high cliffs of Cape Oath, the fleet finally landed near Falcon Coast.

The Mondstadt representatives, having been informed of their arrival, were already waiting.

After adjusting his attire, Thulz stepped forward. Following his master's instructions, he knew the people aboard this ship were important guests, and he had to handle them with utmost care.

Klober, who acted like an obedient lapdog in front of Bai Luo and the Doctor, immediately transformed into a high and mighty figure before the servants. With his expensive suit and meticulously groomed mustache, he really looks like a fine human.

"Mr.Klober, my master has prepared rooms for you at the winery and has sent me to extend his hospitality." Thulz greeted him.

As a known subordinate of the Doctor, Klober had earned a certain reputation in Mondstadt. Otherwise, Mondstadt wouldn't have sent an invitation all the way to Snezhnaya for the upcoming Windblume Festival.

The main reason is that Klober was renowned for being more persuasive than the typical Fatui member.

Upon hearing Thulz's words, Klober's eyes gleamed with greed. Not only was Thulz's master extremely generous, but the winery he spoke of also housed some of the finest wines, each bottle worth enough to buy a house in Mondstadt. During his last visit, Klober had acquired nearly ten bottles, which he sold in Snezhnaya for astronomical prices.

However, as soon as he noticed someone else disembarking from the ship, Klober quickly suppressed his greed.

"No need, but please convey my thanks to your master. We've already reserved rooms at the Goth Grand Hotel. If there's anything you need, you can find us there."

By "anything," he meant bribes, of course. But Klober didn't dare say that outright in front of Bai Luo, so he hinted at it indirectly to Thulz.

Thulz, however, was already focused on the figure standing behind Klober—Bai Luo. Unlike Klober, who wore an expensive suit, Bai Luo was dressed in a simple black coat, giving him a low-profile appearance—almost like a bodyguard.

But Thulz didn't underestimate him. It was clear that Klober, who had initially been full of arrogance, had subconsciously bent his back after Bai Luo disembarked. Klober was not as obvious as usual, even when hinting a bribe.

This indicated that the seemingly inconspicuous man was of much higher status than Klober. Perhaps he was the real guest of honor his master had mentioned.

"I understand. Please accept this, Klober."

Thulz, having realized the situation, withdrew his gaze from Bai Luo and handed Klober something resembling an envelope.

"Hmm?"

Klober's eyes lit up upon seeing the envelope. Perhaps this was a welcome gift from Thulz's generous master.

"This is an invitation to the Windblume Festival's pre-celebration banquet, which will be held at Dawn Winery. My master was concerned that you might lose your invitation, so he instructed me to bring you a spare."

Upon hearing this, Klober felt a surge of irritation. No bribe? And what was the point of this? Did they think he was so careless that he would lose the original invitation?

But before he could vent his frustration, a pale hand landed on his shoulder. Knowing that only one person on the ship would dare do this, Klober instantly broke into a cold sweat.

"Please extend my thanks to your master and convey my regards."

Bai Luo took the invitation from Klober and offered a friendly smile. Unlike the oblivious Klober, Bai Luo understood that the extra invitation was meant for him.

As if confirming Bai Luo's thoughts, Thulz took off his hat, bowed, and then left with his attendants.

"Ins...Instructor."

Klober forced a smile and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

During the days they spent at sea, Bai Luo hadn't done anything out of the ordinary, mostly sleeping or working on his latest novel in the cabin. His calm demeanor had almost made Klober forget that this was the same man who struck terror into the hearts of many Snezhnayan elites.

Bai Luo glanced at him, fully aware of Klober's greedy nature. He also understood why the Doctor had sent Klobber along. Someone as avaricious as Klober might cause trouble for the Fatui, but he was also the perfect bait to lure out the hidden sharks.

By giving him a little power and leaking some insignificant information, those sharks with a nose for blood would definitely take the bait, even if they knew it was a trap.

And when the big fish finally took the hook, the bait would no longer be needed.