"Hi hi, you're back? How was the trip?"
Venti, as if drawn by the scent, was the first guest to arrive as the Cat's Tail tavern reopened for business.
"We're alright, Venti. We heard about what happened a few days ago. Are you okay?"
Along the way, Feng Yi had overheard the Mondstadt residents chatting about the eighth-ranked Fatui Harbinger, the Lady, who had come to Mondstadt, publicly beaten the bard Venti, and then left.
"Hm? What happened? Uh... I won't lie, being beaten in front of so many people was devastating for me. If I don't have at least ten special blend masterpieces today, I feel like I can't go on..."
Venti blinked, then clutched his chest, feigning a heartbroken expression.
However, his acting was so over-the-top that even Paimon couldn't stand it.
"You're just trying to get a drink, aren't you? Considering you took us to the Golden Apple Archipelago, Paimon will treat you to drinks today. The bill will be on Feng Yi..."
Paimon crossed her arms, indicating that Venti should stop pretending. She had seen through his act.
Feng Yi: ???
Why is the bill on me?
Has it only been a few days since I last spanked her? Is she getting restless again?
Just wait. When we get back tonight, I'll teach her a good lesson.
However, seeing Venti still chatting and laughing, Feng Yi knew that Venti wasn't taking that incident to heart. Being beaten and handing over the Gnosis was purely his performance to go easy.
"Ehe~"
Cornered by Paimon, Venti felt no shame or annoyance. He chuckled. As long as there was wine, he was happy.
He rarely saw Paimon being so generous. Even though it was feigned generosity, Venti was still very pleased.
During subsequent idle chat, Venti learned that Lumine and Paimon would be traveling to Liyue the next day. He raised his cup and drank it down in one go, wishing them a smooth journey in advance.
In the evening, Feng Yi closed the tavern early and returned to their accommodation with Lumine, preparing a sumptuous dinner to see Lumine and Paimon off.
After the meal, they each retired to their rooms to rest.
In the middle of the night, Lumine covered the sleeping Paimon with a blanket and then gently knocked on Feng Yi's door.
They would be parting ways soon, and she wanted to confide some things in Feng Yi as a final farewell.
Feng Yi opened the door and saw Lumine in a sheer nightgown, bathed in the pale moonlight. He knew he would be up all night again.
Brain: Hey, kidneys, wake up, don't sleep. Time to work overtime!
Kidneys: Don't do this to me, boss. I've already been working overtime for seven consecutive days. Can I rest for a bit?
Brain: Stop complaining. Just hold on a little longer. I'll give you some "Water of Life" later.
...
After a night's work, Feng Yi helped Lumine get dressed and woke up the sleeping Paimon, and they all enjoyed breakfast together.
In front of the Mondstadt city gate.
"Have a safe journey. Don't worry about us. We'll see each other again before long."
Feng Yi waved goodbye to Paimon and Lumine.
"That's a promise. We'll be waiting for you in Liyue. Don't make us wait too long..."
Paimon giggled and waved back with Lumine.
They had accepted an escort mission from the Adventurers' Guild to accompany a merchant caravan from Mondstadt to Liyue.
It was on the way, and they could earn some travel expenses. It was killing two birds with one stone.
Watching Lumine and Paimon gradually disappear with the caravan, Feng Yi stretched. After working so hard these past few days, his kidneys could finally get some rest.
"Feng Yi, you're back?"
Just then, Eula, who had just returned to the city to rest and resupply after completing a guerilla mission, spotted Feng Yi at the city gates.
"Eula, long time no see..."
Feng Yi: Oh no, my kidneys are in danger!
Kidneys: What about the promised rest? This isn't how overtime should be!
Feng Yi and Eula walked together, chatting and laughing as they headed towards the Deer Hunter's Restaurant.
"Look, it's someone from the Lawrence family..."
"Shh, keep your voice down. Don't let them hear."
"What are you afraid of? The Lawrence family are all irredeemable scoundrels, plotting to restore the autocracy of the old nobility. Not a single good one among them..."
Hearing the hushed whispers of the Mondstadt residents on the street, the smiles on Feng Yi and Eula's faces instantly faded.
"Ahem, Eula is Eula, and Lawrence is Lawrence. If Eula wasn't constantly leading the guerilla teams out to clear monsters and protect Mondstadt's safety, do you think you'd still be standing here making snide remarks?"
Feng Yi frowned. Although he had helped Eula clear her name once before, the stigma of the Lawrence family was still difficult to erase from the hearts of the Mondstadt people.
Eula fought in the wilderness for extended periods, silently protecting Mondstadt. Her accomplishments were unknown to the Mondstadt residents. As time passed, the effect of clearing her name waned, and many Mondstadt residents began to harbor prejudice again, associating Eula with the Lawrence family.
'Bah! Others carry the burden to ensure your peaceful lives, not for you to gossip about them!'
Feng Yi felt indignant on Eula's behalf, wishing he could throw all these gossips outside the city to fight monsters, to see if their skills were as sharp as their tongues.
"Greetings, Honorary Knight. However..."
The person wanted to say more, but was immediately pulled back by their companion.
"Thank you, Feng Yi. Don't mind them, let's go."
Eula was accustomed to such gossip. Arguing wouldn't solve anything. She would one day prove herself through her actions and dispel the prejudice the Mondstadt people held against her.
However, when Feng Yi stood up for her, Eula felt a warmth in her heart. At least, someone she cared about cared about her feelings. That was enough!
Feng Yi sighed and said no more, following Eula away.
Shen Gongbao was right. Prejudice was indeed a mountain that was difficult to move.
Seeing Feng Yi's low spirits, Eula gently took his hand. The way he had spoken up for her just now was incredibly cool.
However, issues of prejudice couldn't be resolved with a few words. Otherwise, Acting Grand Master Jean and Grand Master Dandelion would have done so long ago.
Feng Yi met Eula's gaze and smiled faintly. He had intended to comfort Eula, but instead, he was comforted by her.
Eula's understanding demeanor was heartbreaking.
"Greetings, Honorary Knight, Lord Eula. Acting Grand Master Jean requests that the Honorary Knight immediately come to the Knights of Favonius headquarters for an urgent matter..."
As they were walking, a Knight of Favonius quickly ran up to them, stood at attention, saluted, and delivered Acting Grand Master Jean's command.
"Acting Grand Master Jean is urgently looking for you, so she must have encountered some trouble. You should go quickly. I'll go resupply, and I'll meet you at the Cat's Tail later..."
Eula hugged Feng Yi and whispered in his ear.
"Okay, see you later..."
Feng Yi squeezed Eula's soft, tender hand and then quickly followed the Knight of Favonius to the Knights' headquarters.