Chapter 12: Nine Rules of Carnivorousness

"Hello, may I ask what happened here?"

That night, after finishing her work on the simulation system, Tsumugi Kujo was shopping in Mondstadt's bustling shopping street with Shinobu Kuki. She noticed a group of Knights of Favonius rushing hurriedly in one direction and stopped a passerby to inquire.

The passerby eyed Tsumugi's clothes curiously and replied, "Is this lady from another country? It's not a big deal. Someone seems to be causing trouble at the Cat's Tail Tavern. Drunkards can be quite unpredictable."

Tsumugi nodded, agreeing with the passerby's assessment. She knew well enough to avoid alcohol, especially strong drinks. Mondstadt's dandelion wine was already considered strong for her.

"Sister Shinobu, please head back to the hotel first. I have something to take care of."

Shinobu looked puzzled. "What is it? Are you planning something scandalous again?"

"Scandalous?" Tsumugi retorted, "I simply want to meet some potential business partners."

Shinobu's teasing continued. "I remember when you were leading the hunting team in Inazuma, you sometimes invited captured Cicin Mages or Mirror Maidens into your tent. Then… well."

Before Shinobu could finish, Tsumugi quickly covered her mouth with a petite hand. Her face flushed red as she blushed.

"There's no need to go on. At worst, I'll take you with me. Just stop talking." Tsumugi's embarrassment was evident.

Despite her petite figure, Tsumugi had a strong desire to experience everything she could. Having arrived in Teyvat, she couldn't resist trying everything it had to offer.

"Well, if you're so discreet, I'll pretend I don't remember what happened," Shinobu said with a shrug.

"Who told you about that? Thomas? Or one of the hunters?" Tsumugi whispered, worried that her secrets were out. She had tried to be careful, but after numerous incidents, she wondered how her activities had been leaked.

Frustrated, Tsumugi realized she couldn't get more out of Shinobu and decided to move on. She reminded Shinobu not to tell her sister, Kujo Sara, about this; otherwise, she'd be in big trouble.

"Forget it. Just follow me," Tsumugi said, knowing she wouldn't get any more information from Shinobu.

The two arrived at their destination: Angel's Gift, Mondstadt's largest tavern. Tsumugi believed that Diluc, the richest person in Mondstadt who controlled the wine industry, would be a key business partner. The Knights of Favonius were far less significant in comparison.

Angel's Gift was bustling with activity in the evening. As they entered, the noise of the crowd overwhelmed them. Both Tsumugi and Shinobu frowned at the commotion.

"Hello, ladies. Welcome to Angel's Gift," the bartender, Charles, greeted them with a professional smile.

"I'm here to see Master Diluc. Is he here today?" Tsumugi asked directly. Diluc sometimes worked as a bartender, so she hoped to catch him there.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. Master Diluc had to leave Mondstadt a few days ago for urgent matters," Charles responded politely.

"Please give him this letter when he returns. Tell him that the second young lady from the Kujo family of Inazuma wishes to discuss business with him," Tsumugi said, handing over a prepared letter before leaving with Shinobu.

"See? I told you I wouldn't do anything out of the ordinary," Tsumugi said as they walked back to the hotel. "You don't need to follow me all the time. I'm twenty years old and can handle myself."

Shinobu didn't say anything but gave Tsumugi a skeptical look.

Tsumugi's sister, Kujo Sara, was a good friend of Shinobu, so despite their limited interactions, Shinobu was well-acquainted with Tsumugi's devious ways. Tsumugi was known for her cunning and ruthlessness, and if she weren't working for Inazuma, she'd be more feared than the Fatui.

"Well, if you don't believe me, that's fine," Tsumugi said, shrugging and changing the subject as they continued their walk.

Later that night, as the stars dotted the sky and the moon cast a silver glow over Mondstadt, Tsumugi quietly opened her eyes.

"Ha, it's really hard to shake off Kuki Shinobu's tail…"

She approached the hotel window and, after ensuring no one was watching, opened it. Two pairs of black wings appeared behind her.

Kujo Tsumugi and her sister, Kujo Sara, were not human but a type of Tengu unique to Inazuma. They had only received their surname "Kujo" when adopted into the core of Inazuma's power.

With the cover of darkness, Tsumugi glided through the air toward the Goth Grand Hotel. This hotel, once the largest and most luxurious in Mondstadt, had been taken over by the Fatui after Grandmaster Varka's expedition.

In Inazuma, she would have taken immediate action against the Fatui, but here in Mondstadt, she had to control her anger.

"Hmm? What's that?"

As Tsumugi prepared to land, she noticed a Fatui Cicin mage opening a window on the second floor of the Goethe Hotel.

A sly smile crept across Tsumugi's face as she silently flew towards the open window.