Chapter 67: Strolling

Walking on the streets of Mondstadt, Leo fixed his hair as he looked at the Cathedral from afar. Its towering pillars and greyish-white motif pleased his eyes. Its magnificence was amplified by the huge statue of the Anemo archon standing on its doorsteps.

I wonder how much mora was used to construct them, surely it took a hefty sum.

People bustled through the streets. Adventurers strode past, weapons in hand, while others gathered items, likely fulfilling their clients' requests.

This place sure is busy. Leo watched in awe, his eyes drifting across different establishments. Polochko was right, this place does have a great atmosphere.

As he commented to himself, the memory of Polochko lingered, pulling his thoughts momentarily into a darker corner—remembering the events from earlier. Shaking his head, he dismissed his thoughts and swore to ask him about it later.

I'll ask Polochko about it later. No matter how much they pissed him off, killing them was just too much.

With his face turning bright again, Leo continued to wander around, his excitement returned with every turn.

Every shop he entered had new things to offer. Accessories, food, and even those not normally found in this region were displayed. A certain shop even had a gadget used by alchemists and people interested in the arcane.

I wonder if Albedo and Alice are here right now? It would be very shocking to see them, especially Alice. I wonder what her reaction would be seeing someone not from this world like her. He looked up towards the statue in the distance, I'm quite sure she's also not from this world. There's just no way she gave that much modern knowledge with just her intuition.

The noon strikes high as the sun bore its heat on his skin. Sweat poured down his thick clothes—a testament to his Snezhnayan origin.

Wiping his head, he murmured, "I should get a change of clothes, I'm getting fried," he looked at his guard and called for him, "Can you ask the locals where we find a clothing store?"

The guard nodded his head and reached for the closest civilian standing in front of a bulletin board. Leo observed from a distance.

"Excuse me, are you a local?"

The man looked at him from head to toe before assking in reply, "Yes, I am. But you don't look like you're from Mondstadt, and your clothes are... Are you perhaps from Snezhnaya?"

The guard nodded his head, "Yes, I am."

"Well then, welcome to Mondstadt, traveler. If a clothing store is what you need, then there would be one at the west of the Market district, from there you will see a red sign with a scissor as the logo."

"Thank you, kind sir." the guard bowed.

"It's no problem, if you need anything, just ask the locals, everyone here is willing to help..." the man paused and looked around warily before leaning closer and whispered. "Except the ones from the Fatui and the Lawrence clan, it would be best if you don't talk to them, they're a bunch of Hooligans."

Despite the effort for secrecy, Leo's ears weirdly picked up the sound of his voice.

Leo's eyes twitched. He stepped forward, hoping to pull the guard away. Knowing these guys, they would try to defend the Fatui's honor, which would be lost a few years in the future and they would be branded as terrorists.

"Um, mister, is everything alright?" Leo said innocently.

The two of them turned to look at Leo.

"Oh? Who are you, young man?"

"Hello mister, I am Leonid. Is my guard causing any trouble?"

The man chuckled, "Not at all." his eyes drifted towards his guards, "Are you perhaps a son of someone significant? It's not normal that we see someone, much more a child, having these many guards protecting them."

"Yes, I am. My father is a merchant in Snezhnaya and he sent me out to see the world for myself."

"Oh well," the man exclaimed and continued, "It'd be great to be born rich, alas I am not as fortunate as you are. Have fun out there young man! Enjoy the upcoming windblume festival, and welcome to Mondstadt!"

As the man left, Leo faced the guard who was shadowing the man with a scowl. The irritation in his gaze spoke volumes.

"So, what did they say, mister?"

"West of the market district, from there we'll see a red sign with a scissor as the logo."

"is there anything else?"

The guards took a moment before answering, "No, nothing more, young master."

I knew it, this guy wouldn't say anything.

Following the direction the man gave them, Leo and his guards arrived at the place. The shop stood below a windmill. Inside, a dozen people browsed through the catalog, carefully assessing the quality of the clothes.

"Let's get some clothes then get out."

The guards nodded as they entered the shop. Inside, the air was refreshingly cool compared to the warmth outside. A sense of comfort embraced Leo as he sat on a chair while his guards asked for the catalog.

Suddenly, a loud voice echoed across the whole shop. "Bring me the finest clothes in here now! In the name of the Lawrence clan, I order you!"

Immediately without any hesitation, Leo decided what to do, 'Yep, that's it, I'm out.'

He stood up and signaled his guards to leave. 

"Hey, you!" the man called. "You don't look like you're from Mondstadt."

Leo scratched the back of his head as he faced the man—knowing fully that storming out of the shop would only make him their target.

"Yes sir, I am not from Mondstadt." he innocently said.

"Does your parent know you're here?"

"Yes sir, my Father knows. We are just here to buy a few clothes to change into. We would not want to waste more of your time so please excuse us."

"Where's your etiquette?! Don't you have manners! And it's not "Sir" it's Lord Lawrence for you!"

Leo let out an exhausted sigh and bowed in front of him, "I'm sorry, Lord Lawrence if I have offended you. Please forgive me."

"Hah!" he scoffed, "At the very least you know how to appease a noble such as I, unlike these peasants." he turned back to the shopkeepers and arrogantly commanded. "Where are the clothes I asked to be bought in front of me!"

As Leo raised his head, he couldn't help but smirk. The guards circling Leo wore murderous gazes toward the Lawrence noble. Eyes full of hatred and indignation bore on his back like wolves hungry for prey. Yet despite all this, the noble kept on insulting the clerk of the shop with a satisfied look on his face.

I'm sorry for you old man, but even I can't stop these guys from doing anything to you.

Just then, the doors of the shop opened, and came in a young man with striking, deep-red hair that cascaded like flames. A crimson jacket, adorned with subtle golden details, draped over his shoulders. The greatsword strapped on his back had an imposing figure. He stepped forward with calm confidence, the faint clink of his sword's hilt brushing against his armor and behind, knights older than him followed.

"What seems to be the issue here, Mr. Lawrence?"