Chapter 50: Seamus Pegg, Archbishop of the Church of Favonius

With Diluc's announcement that the banquet had officially begun, the atmosphere reached its peak.

Servants streamed in, carrying trays of fine wine and exquisite dishes to the guests.

Unlike the guests, the servants wouldn't be able to partake in the festivities, but they were motivated by the promise of a private party hosted by Lord Diluc after the banquet. Even the head maid, Adelinde, who rarely made public appearances, was overseeing the event herself.

Interestingly, Adelinde bore a striking resemblance to Katherine, the receptionist at the Adventurers' Guild—a thought that made some people feel slightly uneasy.

"It's been a long time, young Master Diluc. Quite the splendid evening you've arranged. Oh... but I suppose I should call you Lord now, considering Crepus is no longer with us. Hahaha."

"..."

Crepus, Diluc's father.

Klober's words were like pouring oil on a fire, causing the slight smile on Diluc's face to vanish into an expression of displeasure. According to his investigations, there was some connection between his father's death and the Fatui—specifically, this very man, Klober.

For the past three years, Diluc had repeatedly sent Klober invitations to his banquets, hoping to extract some information about what really happened back then.

"And your archbishop is here too, isn't he? I have something to discuss with him. Bring him to me!"

If Klober had come here alone, he wouldn't have dared to act so brazenly. The Archbishop of the Church of Favonius was not someone a small fry like him could summon at will—he was one of the most respected figures in Mondstadt.

"If your arrogance comes from the Fatui, then I, as the master of Dawn Winery, will personally throw you out to feed the slimes, Mr. Klober."

There was a cold anger in Diluc's ruby-red eyes, though he maintained a measure of restraint. He hadn't invoked Mondstadt's name in his threat, making it clear that he was acting as a private individual, not as a representative of the city.

Klober's previous arrogance vanished instantly under Diluc's cold gaze.

"O-Of course, I'm not the one requesting to see Archbishop Seamus."

Realizing the vast difference in power and influence between himself and Diluc, Klober quickly backed down. He stepped aside and introduced Bai Luo.

"Young Lord Diluc, allow me to formally introduce you to this esteemed guest: the Guardian of the Continent, the Twelfth Harbinger of the Fatui, and our revered Master Instructor."

Normally, Klober would have used this opportunity to spout a long list of titles to inflate Bai Luo's importance. Unfortunately, Bai Luo's past involved a lot of work done in the shadows, and after becoming a Harbinger, he hadn't yet performed any grand feats worthy of fame.

The only title Klober could mention was "Harbinger of the Fatui," but even this was enough to make Mondstadt's representatives take the situation seriously.

"A pleasure to meet you."

Diluc frowned slightly, his gaze becoming wary as he looked at Bai Luo again.

Although Mondstadt was far from Snezhnaya, Diluc knew more about the Harbinger than Klober might expect.

He understood that someone like Bai Luo in Mondstadt was a disaster waiting to happen.

If he targeted any high-ranking officials...

The consequences would be unimaginable.

"There's no need to trouble yourself, Lord Diluc, Mr. Klober."

As Diluc hesitated over whether to allow a meeting between the Archbishop and such a dangerous individual, the man in question, Pegg, emerged from the crowd. Known as the "Cardinal of Daybreak," Seamus was the highest-ranking official in the Church of Favonius.

That's right, his surname was Pegg.

By the way, he was also the father of Jean and Barbara.

As the Archbishop of the Church of Favonius, Seamus was naturally on Diluc's guest list.

"Archbishop."

Diluc cast a questioning look at Seamus, his brow still furrowed.

Seamus simply shook his head, signaling that everything was under control. As the head of the Church, he certainly didn't need a winery owner's protection.

"I've heard much about the newly appointed Twelfth Harbinger of the Fatui. It's an honor to meet you in person. However, given that we are guests at Lord Diluc's banquet, I wouldn't want to steal the spotlight. Otherwise, I'd offer you a more formal welcome and a generous gift."

"A... a generous gift?"

Klober couldn't help but gulp at the thought. A gift from the head of the Church would surely be worth a small fortune, right?

"You're too kind. Among the Harbingers, I'm merely the most insignificant."

Bai Luo gave a slight bow, adhering to the customs of Snezhnaya.

However, his humility only heightened the wariness in Diluc and Seamus. As Alice once said, "When a madman learns to be polite, he becomes truly terrifying."

In their minds, Bai Luo's threat level had just risen significantly.

"If the Master Instructor himself has come to visit, I'm sure there's important business to discuss. However, discussing such matters here might disrupt the festivities. Perhaps we could borrow a more private space, with Lord Diluc's permission..."

Seamus adjusted his glasses and looked over at Diluc.

Before Diluc could respond, Bai Luo spoke up.

"Archbishop Simon, Lord Diluc, I believe there's been a misunderstanding."

Casually picking up a glass of wine from a nearby table, Bai Luo continued with a smile.

"I came to Mondstadt to attend the Windblume Festival. My presence at this banquet is purely for enjoyment. There's nothing urgent that needs discussing. If anyone has business with you, it should be Klober."

Diluc: "..."

Seamus: "..."

Klober: "???"

What the hell! He sold me out!

As Bai Luo made his intentions clear, Klober nearly collapsed in shock.

He was accustomed to using Bai Luo's presence to bolster his own image, relying on the Harbinger's reputation to maintain his composure in front of people like Diluc and Seamus. But now, Bai Luo had utterly abandoned him.

"M-Master Instructor, the mission! Don't forget the Doctor's mission!"

Klober hurried to Bai Luo's side, whispering in a voice only they could hear. He was trying to use the Doctor's name to pressure Bai Luo into helping him.

"I'm aware. But I have my own tasks to complete, and the Doctor didn't say anything about me assisting you. Or... are you trying to give me orders?"

As Bai Luo uttered the last sentence, a trace of killing intent flickered in his eyes.

If it weren't for his desire to avoid causing a scene, Klober would likely have wet himself in fear.

"Thank you again for the invitation, Lord Diluc. Please, go ahead with your discussions. Don't mind me; just treat me as any other guest."

Bai Luo waved his hand dismissively, then casually walked back into the crowd, sipping his wine. He had already spotted his next target—a knight sitting alone in a corner, drinking in silence, seemingly avoided by most of the other guests.

After Bai Luo left, Seamus let out a sigh of relief. Being in the presence of a Fatui Harbinger, especially one skilled in assassination, was no small matter.

Now that Bai Luo was gone, Klober was at their mercy.

"Mr. Klober, I understand you wished to speak with me? Please, let's move to the discussion room Lord Diluc has kindly prepared for us."

Adjusting his glasses, Seamus's confident smile returned.

As for Klober... he was beginning to regret his earlier arrogance.