Chapter 17

The night sky was covered in stars, with the long Milky Way dividing Mondstadt's heavens.

Hiroshi's barbecue stand was still open, but tonight would be the last day he worked as the owner. Hearing the news, loyal customers gathered around, filling the tables and chairs, expressing their regret about Hiroshi's decision, yet wishing him well for his future. The honorary knight who had saved Mondstadt was about to take his first step into adventure, and as free citizens of Mondstadt, how could they not send their heartfelt blessings?

Hiroshi received a bouquet of dandelions from a little girl. He smiled, crouched down, patted her twin braids gently, and handed her a fragrant fruit skewer.

Long streaks of smoke drifted with the breeze into the distance.

"Thank you all for coming tonight. It's only because of everyone's love and support that I, a newcomer to Mondstadt, was able to make a living. I truly appreciate it," Hiroshi said, addressing the crowd gathered before his barbecue stand.

"Good luck, kid!" called a hunter with cat ears, laughing and waving his hand. "You're the honorary knight of Mondstadt. We all have high hopes for your future, so do your best!"

"Yeah! We're all counting on you! May the wind bless your future!" The crowd cheered.

Seeing the enthusiastic smiles of the people, Hiroshi smiled back warmly.

"May the wind bless you all," he replied.

As the crowd gradually dispersed, the moon was already high in the sky. Hiroshi waved his hand to store away the flowers he had received, then turned to the two figures standing behind him.

"Diona, Fischl, and Oz, good evening!" Hiroshi greeted, turning toward them.

He walked to his grill, taking out an assortment of skewers to start cooking. "Since you're here, have something to eat. Grab a seat over there, and I'll join you shortly."

Fischl and Diona exchanged a glance before heading over to sit at a nearby table. Hiroshi carried over two drinks, setting them down as he arrived.

Diona eyed the coconut milk in front of her with a hint of delight. She opened the can and took a sip, then looked at Hiroshi and asked, "Are you really not going to make your delicious spicy grilled fish anymore, nya?"

Seeing Diona sipping her coconut milk, Hiroshi was reminded of the little cat he used to raise that would beg for fish treats, though Diona could earn her own fish.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "You really like my spicy grilled fish, Diona. You were my first customer when I started, and since then, you've come by every day to visit my stand."

"It's just that tasty, nya!" Diona's ears twitched as her tail swished about.

"I'm glad you enjoy my cooking so much, Diona, but I have to move forward toward my goal," Hiroshi explained to her. "But as my friend, you're always welcome to visit me when you're on a break. It's only natural for a friend to prepare her favorite dish, right?"

Diona's tail shot straight up as she looked at Hiroshi in surprise. "Really? I can come visit your home? And can I have coconut milk too?"

"Of course!" Hiroshi gave her a thumbs-up, smiling. "Don't worry, there'll be plenty."

"Mhm!" Diona nodded enthusiastically, put down her empty drink, and stood up. She waved goodbye to Hiroshi. "Then I'll head home to sleep. Tomorrow, I'll definitely make the worst-tasting drink, nya!" She picked up the two bags of drinks beside her, hooked the grilled fish Hiroshi had packed for her with her tail, and wobbled away.

"Hiroshi, are you quite familiar with that young lady?" Oz asked in a deep voice. "I heard that Miss Diona is the best bartender in Mondstadt, and the drinks mixed by her hands are said to be the finest in the world."

"Oh, Oz, you sure know a lot!" Hiroshi said in surprise, glancing at the raven. He turned back to the grill, took a bite of a skewer, and explained, "I met Diona because she was my first customer after I opened, and she liked my cooking. She even helped spread the word, and thanks to her, I got many more customers, which helped me survive when I was still powerless. Over time, we became friends."

"The traveler from another world and the one who yields to its magic," Fischl declared dramatically after swallowing her food, covering her right eye with her hand. "This is the trajectory of your existence in this world, a bond witnessed by the Prinzessin der Verurteilung herself. In the name of the Prinzessin, I acknowledge your bond."

"Uh, milady, there's a piece of pepper stuck in your teeth," Oz said calmly from the table.

"Eek!" Fischl squeaked, covering her mouth and glaring at Oz in embarrassment.

"A-Anyway, tonight I, with the 'Eye of Judgment,' have witnessed you and your future. In the name of the Prinzessin, Oz's wings of blessing will shroud the sun, moon, and stars. Should ripples arise in your destiny, my midnight arrows shall bring violet lightning upon your foes! Oz, we are leaving!" she said, turning abruptly to leave before Oz could respond.

Oz flapped his wings helplessly, picked up the bag Hiroshi handed him, and flew after Fischl.

"Fischl, remember to come by my place sometime. Oz has my new address!" Hiroshi called after them.

After waving goodbye to Fischl, Hiroshi turned to the steps not far away. Several figures were approaching.

"Lots of visitors tonight. What can I get you?" Hiroshi asked.

Venti chuckled softly. "Hehe, same as usual."

"Alright, have a seat. It's my last night open, so I'll serve all customers. But Venti, make sure you settle your tab later," Hiroshi replied.

Venti, already fishing out a bottle of beer from the ice bucket, laughed awkwardly. "Oh, come on! Can't you just waive it for me, considering what I did at Starfell Lake? I'm just a poor bard without much money lately."

Rolling his eyes, Hiroshi sat at the table while everything else at the stand moved automatically, smoothly and orderly.

"Your way of paying off debts is really something. Fine, let's just say we're even now," Hiroshi said.

He turned to the group before him. "So, what brings you all to see me?"

Jean was about to explain when Paimon's voice interrupted.

"Hiroshi, can we talk while we eat? Paimon is starving!"

Paimon floated in front of Hiroshi with a pitiful expression, pointing accusingly at Venti. "This bard has been making us run around all day! Now we're both tired and hungry!"

Hiroshi glanced at Venti, who shrugged helplessly. Beside him, Lumine blushed, clearly wanting to grab Paimon back.

With a sigh, Hiroshi handed a few plates of food to Paimon, who eagerly took them.

Once Paimon quieted down, Jean began explaining why they had come.

"So, Captain Jean, you're hoping that I will join you to collect the tears of Dvalin and help Lumine purify them?" Hiroshi asked after she finished.

Jean nodded, looking somewhat helpless. "Because of diplomatic pressure caused by the Fatui, the Knights cannot openly show goodwill toward the East Wind Dragon, Dvalin. That's why I'm asking you all for help."

"Of course, if the purification fails and a battle ensues, I swear as the 'Dandelion Knight' to protect you all," Jean said solemnly as she stood up to make her vow.

"Captain Jean, please sit down. As the honorary knight of Mondstadt, I'll take on this task," Hiroshi quickly assured her.

Nearby, Venti took a big gulp of cold beer, sighing in contentment as he glanced at Hiroshi with curiosity. "Captain Jean, you don't need to worry about this kid. He's really strong now, much stronger than before. Honestly, I don't know how he got so strong so quickly."

Hearing Venti's words, Diluc, who had been examining the soda can, turned his attention to Hiroshi.

Hiroshi chuckled, making a small gesture with his fingers to indicate a tiny gap. "Just a little bit stronger, that's all."