Chapter 26

On the bridge, a young boy was scattering something on the ground. In front of him, a flock of gray pigeons pecked at the food, with a few even hopping close to the boy's feet, showing no fear at all.

"Those pigeons seem really close to that little boy, huh? They're not scared of him at all."

Paimon, who had been unable to join the conversation earlier, also noticed Famas' gaze. The pigeons on the bridge were different from those in other places—they seemed to get along with people, or at least with this little boy.

"That's Timmie. He often comes to this bridge to feed the pigeons, so they're not afraid of him," Venti quickly explained, steering the conversation away from his own slacking habits.

"Ah, right. Please don't hurt those pigeons! After Timmie's father left, these pigeons became his companions. If anything happens to them, Timmie will be heartbroken," Jean added nervously, noticing the mischievous glint in Famas' eyes.

On the way here, Jean had noticed that Famas seemed to have an intense passion for combat and hunting. 

He hadn't spared any living creature they encountered, whether it was a boar or a pigeon. 

If it weren't for Venti flying them through the air, Jean was certain that wherever Famas passed would be left barren, just like Starsnatch Cliff after their battle.

"Lord Famas, although you seem to enjoy hunting, please don't harm these pigeons. Timmie would be… Hey! What are you doing?!"

Jean, who had been about to warn Famas, suddenly noticed that he had already drawn a red spear from the ley lines and was even channeling a bit of Pyro energy around himself.

"Wait! Famas!!"

Jean shouted.

But it was too late.

In the next second, Famas shot forward like an arrow, Pyro energy surging around him. Before anyone could react, he had engulfed the entire flock of pigeons in flames, turning them all into roasted fowl.

"This… Ah!!"

Timmie, who had been smiling as he fed the pigeons, froze in shock. The flash of red that had swept past him left him staring in disbelief at the scene before him. The pigeons that had been pecking at the grains just moments ago were now nothing but charred meat, emitting a faint aroma.

"Waaahhh!!"

Witnessing the brutal slaughter of his beloved pigeons, Timmie's young heart was shattered. He burst into tears.

"Famas, you… sigh. You're such a battle maniac. You were cuter when you were a slime."

Venti finally reacted, walking over to Famas and patting his shoulder.

Then, Venti noticed something strange—Famas' outfit had completely changed to green. His fiery red coat and golden patterns had been replaced with a matching set that looked suspiciously like Venti's own outfit.

"What's going on?"

Paired with Famas' innocent smile and confused expression, it was hard for anyone to believe that this green-clad figure had just unleashed a torrent of Pyro energy to wipe out the pigeons on the bridge.

"Hey! Famas, didn't we already hunt enough fowl in the wild? Why did you have to kill those pigeons? They were Timmie's friends!"

While Venti was still stunned by Famas' instant wardrobe change, Paimon didn't care about gods or demons. She crossed her arms and started scolding Famas.

After learning why the pigeons were so close to the little boy, Paimon had felt sorry for Timmie and thought the scene of him feeding the pigeons was heartwarming.

But in the next second, Famas had wiped out the entire flock. The sudden burst of flames had not only shocked Timmie but also scared Paimon, who had instinctively hidden behind Lumine.

"Waaahhh… You big meanie! Why did you kill my pigeons?"

Timmie was still crying loudly.

But.

His target didn't seem to be the green-clad Famas.

"Kid, it wasn't me who killed the pigeons."

Diluc, dressed in his signature red and black outfit, looked helplessly at Timmie, who was jumping up and down, seemingly ready to hit him.

He finally understood why Famas had changed his clothes.

Among the group by the bridge, only Diluc was wearing red and black. The young Timmie hadn't been able to see the attacker clearly amidst the Pyro energy, only catching a glimpse of a red figure. After looking around, Timmie's gaze naturally landed on Diluc.

"You owe me my pigeons, you big meanie."

Famas walked up to the crying Timmie and said to Diluc in a calm tone.

"Hey, Diluc! You should apologize to Timmie! If Sister Grace finds out about this, she'll come looking for you herself."

Famas struggled to hold back his laughter, putting on a serious expression as he nodded at Diluc.

"It wasn't even me…"

The usually cool and mysterious Diluc was completely caught off guard. But he couldn't bring himself to point out to Timmie that the green-clad guy in front of him was the one who had killed his pigeons.

"Are all gods this unreliable?"

Jean sighed, facepalming.

Hearing Jean's words, Famas finally turned to the sobbing Timmie. After a moment of thought, he walked up to the boy.

"Hey, kid, how about I treat you to a big meal at the Good Hunter? Can you forgive this red-haired meanie?"

The green-clad Famas gently patted Timmie's head, using Pyro energy to convey a warm feeling.

"No! I mean… okay…"

Timmie initially wanted to refuse, but his resolve wasn't strong enough. Famas took Timmie's hand and, without waiting for the others, headed straight into Mondstadt.

"Hey, Famas, wait! You haven't registered your identity in Mondstadt yet!"

Jean watched the two leave and quickly chased after them, with Lumine and Diluc following closely behind. Venti trailed at the back, quietly collecting the fowl Famas had just hunted.

"Ahem, can't let it go to waste."

Venti nodded, then suddenly thought of something and chased after the group with a smile.

A/n - Read chapters ahead on my patreon.com/nneol