Chapter 63

When the convoy from Liyue arrived at Dawn Winery, they were greeted by a female maid with golden hair, dressed in traditional Mondstadt maid attire.

The maid carried herself with natural grace and elegance, immediately making a favorable impression on everyone.

However, for some reason, Jiang Ning felt that this maid was no ordinary person—as if she had... taken lives before?

"Greetings, esteemed guests from Liyue. I am Adelinde, the head maid of Dawn Winery. Someone will guide you to the carriage parking area. For other guests, please wait a moment. Our master is temporarily away, so I will be hosting you all."

Huixin said, "Thank you for your consideration."

Then, Huixin turned to address the Millelith soldiers and other personnel behind her:

"Please unload the goods ordered by Dawn Winery first. I'll handle the negotiations for the remaining wine purchases."

Adelinde said, "You must all be tired from your long journey. We have prepared rooms and food for everyone to rest."

Noticing that the Liyue visitors were being escorted by the Millelith rather than adventurers commissioned by the Adventurers' Guild, Adelinde's eyes flickered briefly.

It seemed this visit wasn't just about regular business negotiations—there must be diplomatic matters involved as well...

Adelinde cast a subtle glance at Jiang Ning and Shenhe, who were curiously looking around.

These two carried themselves with unusual dignity, and they were unfamiliar faces... She needed to inform Master Diluc quickly.

Though these thoughts raced through her mind, her expression remained unchanged as she carried out her duties as head maid, hosting the distinguished guests while her master was away.

"Sister Huixin, may Shifu and I look around the area?" Jiang Ning had little interest in business discussions.

Huixin looked toward Adelinde: "Would that be alright?"

Adelinde smiled and said, "Of course, please feel free. If you'd like to try our winery's grapes, help yourself to picking them. This is the season when the grapes are sweetest and most juicy."

Then, while Huixin and Adelinde entered the manor, Jiang Ning and Shenhe wandered through the vast grape trellises.

The grapes were indeed delicious, even attracting small elemental creatures like Anemo Crystalflies.

"Shifu, try this—these grapes are really good."

Jiang Ning tried one first, then picked another, wiped it on his clothes, and handed it to Shenhe.

Shenhe ate it and said, "Delicious..."

Dawn Winery was enormous, and its architectural style was completely different from Liyue's.

If Liyue's architecture represented classical homeland style, then Mondstadt's buildings had a European flair, complete with large windmills that didn't exist in Liyue.

Within Mondstadt's borders, there wasn't the thick, reassuring Geo element, but rather the peaceful and free-flowing Anemo element that filled the air.

For Jiang Ning, who had always stayed in Liyue Harbor, this was quite a novel experience.

Time flew by during such sightseeing, and before they knew it, it was dinner time.

The sky gradually darkened, and fireflies began to twinkle between the grape trellises.

Jiang Ning and Shenhe came indoors, where for some reason it was very quiet, giving off a somewhat desolate feeling.

This made Jiang Ning, who was used to lively atmospheres, feel somewhat uncomfortable.

However, footsteps soon echoed from the staircase—more than one person's.

Huixin descended with a handsome young man, while the head maid they had met earlier respectfully followed behind.

The young man had long, flame-red hair that was as brilliant as fire itself. His face was handsome yet stern, and he wore black leather clothes and a coat that made him look very capable.

This is... Jiang Ning wondered.

[This is the master of Dawn Winery, from one of Mondstadt's three most prominent families, the Ragnvindr clan. The young noble of Mondstadt, Diluc Ragnvindr.]

The system helpfully introduced.

Jiang Ning thought to himself, so this is who they needed to negotiate with...

Seeing Jiang Ning, Huixin said, "Jiang Ning, let me introduce..."

Jiang Ning said, "Master Diluc, pleased to meet you. I've heard much about you."

Upon seeing Jiang Ning, Diluc's typically calm eyes showed a slight ripple of interest before he slowly said:

"Jiang Ning... the rising star of the Yuehai Pavilion, disciple of an adeptus. I've heard much about you as well."

Huixin said, "Since you both know of each other, that saves us the introductions. Master Diluc, regarding our earlier discussions..."

Diluc said, "Rest assured, Dawn Winery will deliver on schedule. During your stay in Mondstadt, Dawn Winery will cover all your expenses."

Huixin replied graciously, "We have complete faith in Dawn Winery's reputation, and having cooperated with the Ragnvindr family for so long, we certainly have such patience."

Diluc nodded slightly: "We've prepared a modest feast at the winery. I hope our guests from Liyue will honor us with their presence to celebrate our successful negotiation... Please."

Huixin said, "Thank you, please lead the way."

Jiang Ning followed behind.

He observed Diluc, feeling that this young man was far from ordinary.

Though not particularly muscular, he possessed a panther-like strength.

Moreover, there was a faint sense of intense heat around him—probably a Pyro Vision holder... but where was his Vision?

Additionally, he had immediately known some information about Jiang Ning, who hadn't even been in Liyue Harbor for a year. This man's intelligence network was clearly extraordinary.

But what struck Jiang Ning most was... how tall this person was.

[In my opinion, he's not as cute as you, host. Besides, being that tall is useless—makes you an easier target and you might lack oxygen up there.]

The system commented.

Jiang Ning's face darkened: "Please be quiet."

The system promptly fell silent.

After being seated, Jiang Ning surveyed his surroundings. This dining room was like something out of a castle in movies—quite fascinating.

Diluc said, "Not knowing your preferences, I took the liberty of preparing some Mondstadt specialties. I hope they suit your tastes."

What followed was a time of toasts and business pleasantries.

Everything was handled by Huixin, with Jiang Ning occasionally adding a few words.

Overall, he wasn't used to this atmosphere, and it seemed Diluc also didn't particularly enjoy these masked business exchanges, so he simplified and shortened the process.

After dinner, following some further discussion of cooperation details between Huixin and Diluc, everyone retired to rest.

Being in an unfamiliar place, Jiang Ning didn't share a room with Shenhe tonight.

Jiang Ning climbed out the window to sit on the roof, gazing at Mondstadt's stars.

But gradually, he noticed something strange about these stars... Why weren't they moving? They showed no signs of twinkling, and the occasional shooting star seemed somehow perfunctory.

He decided he must be too tired, shook his head, and returned to his room to rest.