Chapter 66

"System, why don't you try issuing some faction-based tasks?" Jiang Ning suggested.

"Like assigning tasks after I choose a faction? See if that works."

For instance, if he chose the Liyue faction, the tasks would be self-serving ones like bullying the Fatui or extorting the Treasure Hoarders.

[Not bad, Host. You're even better at finding loopholes than me. Let me see...]

Then the system fell silent.

"System?"

Jiang Ning asked, puzzled.

The system replied somewhat sheepishly: [Well, Host...]

"Hmm?"

[I... skipped over the tutorial section about faction selection... Tasks are supposed to be assigned based on your chosen faction's interests... They don't necessarily have to be evil deeds.]

"So you're saying..."

[I'm sorry!] The system practically kowtowed.

Jiang Ning felt utterly defeated.

He had helped that elderly lady cross the street only after dropping a banana peel and manipulating circumstances so others couldn't help her in time.

Sure, it improved his reputation while completing the task, but it felt rather petty.

"Whatever, just set me to the Liyue faction..." Jiang Ning felt mentally exhausted.

Then he muttered: "So, that task about betraying my master and the one about usurping power should... Wait, why are they still there?!"

[Well, technically, these tasks should have been removed... unless they somehow benefit your chosen faction...]

Jiang Ning fell silent. So apparently, becoming his master's wife and usurping Morax's position would benefit Liyue? How did that make any sense?

His head was spinning.

Or was Liyue actually a den of thieves??

Well, might as well make the best of it.

"Let me confirm this. So the tasks have three attributes."

"First, they benefit our faction, right? We can see this from the slight increase in faction affinity."

[Correct.]

"Second, they harm factions that oppose ours in that particular task?"

[Yes.]

"And third... the methods don't matter in terms of morality or bottom lines? Any means are acceptable?"

[Theoretically, yes...]

Jiang Ning sighed. If only you'd said this earlier, he wouldn't have had to do all those undignified tasks.

"Junior Brother?" Seeing Jiang Ning inexplicably sink into gloom, Shenhe asked with concern.

Jiang Ning managed to say: "It's nothing, just a bit hungry..."

Shenhe nodded: "Then let's go get something to eat..."

Jiang Ning wanted to change his mood, but... where were they exactly?

Jiang Ning realized they were lost, and at this moment of need...

He remembered a certain character.

Jiang Ning took a deep breath, then shouted to the sky:

"NO! EL!"

Shenhe frowned, sensing something odd. Wasn't that a girl's name?

The next second, a petite figure rapidly approached, followed by the sound of landing.

A charming young girl appeared before Jiang Ning and Shenhe.

"I'm here! You can count on me for anything!"

Shenhe observed the girl before them – white short hair adorned with a rose, eyes bright as jewels, and a figure still blossoming beneath her outfit that seemed a mix of maid uniform and armor.

She was quite an endearing young lady.

Jiang Ning said: "So the legend of Mondstadt is true – when you need help, just shout 'Noelle' and the omnipotent maid knight will appear."

The girl called Noelle's face turned bright red, and she said bashfully:

"The l-legend isn't that dramatic... Besides, I'm just a knight-in-training, working hard to become a proper knight..."

Noelle looked at the two of them, noting their attire. Visitors from Liyue?

And this lady was so beautiful and elegant... As for the young man, although it might be improper to say, he was really cute.

Noelle felt that just looking at these two naturally lifted her spirits.

Realizing she might be being impolite, Noelle coughed lightly, then lifted her skirt in a curtsy:

"Welcome to Mondstadt City, travelers from Liyue. May the Anemo Archon protect you... How may I be of assistance? You can rely on me for anything."

Jiang Ning said: "Well, we seem to be lost. Where's the Good Hunter restaurant?"

Noelle brightened: "Ah, lost travelers! For the Good Hunter, please follow me."

Noelle led the way while Jiang Ning followed, asking:

"Is everything in Mondstadt City this hard to find?"

Noelle replied: "As a classical city-state, Mondstadt can be confusing if you're not familiar with its streets, but it becomes easier once you get used to it."

Jiang Ning nodded. Indeed, the game had simplified things for memory constraints – how could a nation's capital really be so small?

Besides, looking at the map, crossing a country in just twenty-some kilometers? That wasn't possible.

However, under Noelle's guidance, they quickly arrived at the Good Hunter.

This was a place Jiang Ning had long wanted to visit.

The restaurant from the tutorial, recommended by the starter guide Amber.

He really wanted to try their honey-roasted carrots with meat.

Having reached their destination, Noelle bowed respectfully: "We've arrived. If you need any further assistance in Mondstadt, please don't hesitate to call for me. May your journey in Mondstadt be pleasant."

With that, Noelle hurried away.

Someone else could be heard calling her name in the distance.

"She seems very busy," Shenhe said.

"That's Noelle for you, always bustling about helping others. Though I wonder why she never passes the Knights' examination..."

A server in Mondstadt attire approached, carrying menus.

"I'm Sara, a waitress at Good Hunter. What would you like to order?"

Jiang Ning said: "Hmm, two orders of honey-roasted carrots with meat, two sparkling waters, one vegetable salad, and one Windblume soup."

Sara smiled: "I see the guest is quite familiar with Mondstadt cuisine. These are all our specialties... Very well, your food will be ready soon! Please wait a moment!"

She took the menus and returned to the kitchen.

Jiang Ning said: "Senior Sister, you should try these. They're definitely good."

After all, they were recommended by the starter guide Amber.

Shenhe nodded slightly.

Anything her Junior Brother recommended must be good...