Xilin tilted her head up slightly, a hint of confusion in her eyes. Had someone just looked at her with disdain? Or was she mistaken?
However, the images on the game console quickly drew her attention back down. It seemed she truly had the talent of a shut-in.
"Then I shall await good news from the shopkeeper. Tartaglia, let's go. No need to bother our esteemed shopkeeper any further."
Tartaglia twitched his lips. This wretched woman was ordering him around again. How outrageous! He really wanted to shoot her dead, but what should he do? Waiting for advice online, urgently...
After tidying up, Lu Ze prepared to head to Mondstadt City. Tomorrow was the day for the ranking rewards, and he wouldn't have time then. Today, he needed to quickly rent and renovate the shop. He hoped there would be enough time.
"Wendy, I'm going out to do some errands. Does anyone want to come with me? It's not good to stay cooped up at home all day. It's nice to get out and about."
Upon hearing Lu Ze's words, the four little ones immediately put down their game consoles and swarmed around him, their faces full of pleading expressions. My, these four moved so in sync, their actions so unrestrained; they were clearly seasoned pros.
"Take me out to play, please? Xilin hasn't been out in a long time. Take me out, okay?"
Xilin said, shaking his arm, while Beelzebub and Bella beside her also swayed his arm.
"Please take Queenie out for a stroll. Otherwise, she'll get addicted to games again. You need to help her burn off some energy. She usually stays up until one or two in the morning."
The two behind them, Wendy and Lilia, were the same. This situation made Lu Ze a bit apprehensive. However, he could only take one person out this time. If he took too many, what if they ran off?
Wait, running off? That shouldn't happen, right? Besides, Mondstadt was considered safe. Taking them all out shouldn't be a big problem. And his strength was so great, what was there to fear! If he couldn't find someone, he could just go to the Knights.
"Alright, alright, all four of you come with me. It's almost noon anyway, and we can grab a meal outside."
Upon receiving the answer, all four were quite happy. But Bella paused slightly, as if she hadn't actually said she wanted to go out.
No matter. Since he had said it, he quickly changed his shoes, locked the shop, and brought along Cabbage Head, as he had seen her working diligently these past few days.
"Cabbage Head, if you want to buy anything, go ahead. As the boss, I can't be too stingy. I'll arrange ten thousand Mora as spending money for you when we get back."
Cabbage Head, who had been feeling a bit down, suddenly perked up. Was this really the Lu Ze she knew? The Lu Ze of the past was a stingy boss! Not even as generous as Auntie Himeko.
"Really? You're not lying to Ai-chan, are you? You're really giving me ten thousand Mora?"
"Really, how could I lie to you? If there's anything you want to buy, just take it, and I'll pay."
After confirming repeatedly, Cabbage Head happily led the way. After all, this was a rare opportunity. She had to get some good stuff to take back.
The five of them soon arrived in Mondstadt City. Why five people? Because there was also a green, floating thing.
Entering the city gate and turning right, he first needed to find Lord Diluc to inquire about any available shops. He was quite knowledgeable about such matters and possessed an underground intelligence network.
He arrived at the tavern. Diluc wasn't on duty today, but Lord Diluc was upstairs tallying wine sales and revenue.
He went up to the second floor. Lord Diluc looked up in surprise, glancing at the four little ones behind him and the floating Cabbage Head. He said:
"What brings the shopkeeper to seek me out? It has been a while since we last met. I've been busy with the tavern's business and haven't had the time to experience the new version."
Lu Ze waved his hand, pulled out a chair, and sat down, gesturing for the four girls beside him to find seats.
"Cabbage Head, order whatever you want to drink. And don't order alcohol for the four young ladies. Simple beverages will suffice."
Ai-chan nodded and quietly browsed the menu, not daring to disturb the captain.
With arrangements made, the four little ones were also quiet, as they understood that something important was about to be discussed.
"Lord Diluc, how is your Herrscher Stigmata progressing? How has it grown?"
Lu Ze looked at the somewhat crimson Stigmata. It seemed to have grown a lot, even nearing max level. However, some breakthrough materials would need to be obtained from his shop, so he wasn't in a hurry.
It seemed that Lord Diluc wasn't just busy with the tavern's affairs lately, but also with clearing threats from Mondstadt. Otherwise, how could he have leveled up so quickly?
"Thanks to you, my combat power has increased significantly. However, the shopkeeper's changes have also been quite substantial. At least, I feel a sense of pressure from you, a pressure originating from your attributes."
Perhaps it was due to the core of the Herrscher of Ice that Diluc felt a bit of pressure, and this was without even fully activating it. It had to be said that the core was formidable! Truly, Honkai energy was omnipotent. Who needed elemental powers!
"Your Stigmata is close to reaching max level. When it does, come to my shop and buy some breakthrough materials. You can then advance further. As for upgrade materials, my shop also sells them, though they are a bit pricey. You can see if you need them then."
Diluc nodded. He had been wondering why the Stigmata's progress was slowing down, and why it was becoming redder. So, it was about to break through. He would check it out later.
"You must not have come here just to discuss these matters. Get straight to the point. As long as I can help, I will certainly assist you."
Lu Ze chuckled lightly. It truly was Lord Diluc, how surprising.
Mini-theater: Figure Release Event (2)
"Ah, Lord Rex's plushie is so cute. What should I do? I really want to buy one and take it home. If I hugged it to sleep at night, I bet my dreams would be sweet."
Keqing looked at the newly released Rex plushie pillow, her desire to purchase it becoming unbearable. She immediately took out Mora and bought it.
A certain adeptus happened to pass by and saw the Rex plushie pillow. Her feet seemed to move on their own, stopping her in her tracks. It was as if she had a mind of her own, and she walked step by step to the stall.
"Give me one, please!"
Keqing turned her head, wondering who would be buying a Rex plushie like her.
"Ganyu? Why are you buying this? Although I know you deeply revere Morax, it's not to this extent, is it?"
"Even you, who doesn't worship gods, bought one, right? This fully demonstrates its importance, so it's perfectly fine for me to buy one."
"Ah, this..."