Chapter 28

"Waaahhh, I'm going to tell my dad and have him teach you a lesson, waaahhh…"

Timmie tried to spit out the fowl he had eaten, but after several attempts, he failed. Feeling wronged, Timmie ran toward the Mondstadt Cathedral, seemingly to find someone?

"Timmie's going to find Sister Grace."

Jean shook her head, not daring to imagine how much trouble these two mischievous gods would cause if they stayed in Mondstadt.

"So, Famas, are you still going to stay with us?"

Just as everyone was enjoying a cozy lunch break, Paimon asked a very pointed question.

"You're… an adult now. You can't sleep with Lumine anymore!"

Paimon kicked her little legs in the air, swaying her body.

Hearing Paimon's words, Lumine suddenly blushed. She swallowed the Mondstadt Hash Browns in her mouth and shyly lowered her head.

"I think I even helped Famas wipe his body before… Wait, was I wearing a bathrobe?"

Lumine's heart skipped a beat, and she didn't dare to look up at Famas.

"Alright, I wonder if I might have the honor of staying at the Knights of Favonius headquarters?"

Famas glanced at Lumine's expression, then at Jean, who was smirking.

"It's rare to see Acting Grand Master Jean with that expression, huh?"

Venti also gave a strange smile, and everyone looked at Famas and Lumine.

"Of course, the Knights of Favonius' dormitory welcomes Lord Famas."

After everyone got familiar with each other, they realized that the legendary Anemo Archon Barbatos and the Pyro Archon weren't as aloof as they had imagined. Gradually, they started joking around with the two.

A faint smile appeared on Famas' lips.

Meanwhile, in Stormterror's Lair, a young man stood on a high point, gazing at the ancient palace shrouded by a barrier of wind. Behind him, two Abyss Mages bowed respectfully.

Stormterror Dvalin flapped its wings and soared into the sky, then disappeared into Stormterror's Lair.

"Your Highness… Your servant has brought you another victory… When your kingdom returns to this world, we shall share its glory."

The young man turned around, revealing a face that unmistakably belonged to Aether, who had been taken away by the gods countless years ago.

"Victory?"

Aether, wearing a mask over half his face, spoke to the Abyss Mages behind him.

"This… was all under our control, but a blonde girl and a red-and-white-haired man appeared, completely disrupting our plans."

The Abyss Mage spoke respectfully to Aether.

"Blonde…"

Aether fell silent for a moment, his gaze drifting into the distance.

"It's fine, as long as it doesn't affect the bigger picture."

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"Now that we're full and satisfied, why don't we go check out your dormitory, Famas?"

The group stood up. Master Diluc had already left early to return to the Dawn Winery and contact his informants to gather information about the Abyss Mages and Dvalin.

Lumine and Paimon also bid farewell to Jean, saying they were going to the Adventurers' Guild to take on a few commissions to earn some Mora. If they didn't start earning soon, Lumine and Paimon would soon be unable to afford food.

Of course, the most unreliable of them all, Venti, had already gone to the Cat's Tail Tavern to drink. From the sounds coming from inside, it seemed he was busy flattering the catgirl Diona.

"Alright."

Famas, now back in his usual attire, walked up to Sara, seemingly wanting to pay the bill. But as soon as he reached into his pocket, he froze.

"The universal currency across the seven nations of Teyvat is Mora, minted in the Golden House using the Geo Archon's power."

"This is the currency that circulates across the continent, a universal language understood by all, a precious metal recognized by everyone. At the same time, Mora is a catalyst for many reactions."

Seeing Famas freeze, Jean guessed that he wouldn't have any Mora on him, so she stepped forward to explain. Then she turned to Sara and said, "Please charge today's meal to the Knights of Favonius' account. Miss Hertha will settle it later."

After saying that, Jean turned back to the silent Famas.

"Your relationship with the Geo Archon of Liyue…"

Famas tilted his head and waved his hand.

Realizing she had spoken out of turn, Jean nodded and led Famas toward the Knights of Favonius headquarters.

Since arriving in this world, Famas had never used money except when eating with Lumine. In Natlan, he and his people believed in war and plunder. Of course, they didn't harm their own people, but when it came to things from other nations or gods, Famas' approach was usually to either take them by force or start a war.

"What is Natlan's creed now? Battle and… pursuit?"

Famas looked in the direction of Venti. The unreliable Anemo Archon had once told him that the current ruler of Natlan, a Pyro spirit, had inherited Famas' original ideals but had made them more restrained, turning war into battle and plunder into pursuit.

"Pursuit…"

As Famas was lost in thought, the two of them entered the Knights of Favonius headquarters. Today, the headquarters seemed unusually quiet. Whether it was Kaeya or Amber, it seemed they had all gone out on missions.

Leading Famas to the second floor, as if making up her mind, Jean took Famas to a door at the end of the hallway.

Jean unlocked the door with a key, and what greeted them was a room decorated in the style of Natlan's deserts and flames. A coffee table carved from the roots of a Pyro Regisvine, a leather sofa made from boar hide, flame-patterned totems and decorations, pale yellow walls, a large bookshelf, and a massive weapon rack that could only be found in Natlan.

Famas stepped into the room in amazement, feeling as if he had returned to Natlan a thousand years ago. The design and decor were completely consistent with Natlan's style from that era.

"This is the room of the former Lionfang Knight, the undefeated gladiator, and the Lady of Mondstadt, Vennessa."

Jean followed Famas into the room, watching as he picked up a framed photo from the bookshelf.

The photo showed a tall, copper-skinned red-haired girl dressed in gladiator attire.

"After the fall of Old Mondstadt, the Lawrence family were the warriors of Mondstadt's pioneering era. They were skilled with bows and used their strength and wisdom to conquer this land. But after a thousand years, they forgot the teachings of the Anemo Archon and descended into rule and corruption driven by endless desire."

"Later, Lady Vennessa and the Gunnhildr family rebelled against the aristocracy and finally established the free city-state where no one claims kingship. Thus, New Mondstadt began."

Jean explained from behind Famas.

"I know."

Famas nodded. "So, I'll be staying here from now on?"

"If you don't mind…"

Jean said gently.

"Lady Vennessa never wavered in her faith in the flames. According to Grand Master Varka, Lady Vennessa left Mondstadt to search for you."

Jean spoke with admiration. "The flames never die, and life never ends. Lady Vennessa always believed that the God of War, Famas, was still alive."

Holding the photo, Famas sighed softly, unsure whether to feel moved or sad. He had thought that only the generals who had risen with him in war would support him. He hadn't expected that even in distant Mondstadt, there were believers in the flames.

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