Chapter 053: You Care About Lumine and Paimon, Don't You?

"In the end, I made sure none of them were left alive. By now, the cleanup should be finished."

Shao Yun's voice was eerily calm, as if he were discussing what he had for dinner last night.

Jean, hearing this, couldn't help but gasp. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Shao Yun, her voice trembling slightly. "You… you're saying you killed all the Fatui… the diplomatic personnel…"

At the mention of "diplomatic personnel," a flicker of anger flashed in Shao Yun's eyes, but he suppressed it, his tone still calm yet icy.

"They weren't diplomats. They took advantage of the chaos after I drove off the Hilichurls to seize the city's defenses and kill our Knights! I was acting entirely within the scope of your private commission."

He held up two fingers, speaking each word deliberately. "First, I protected Mondstadt's safety. Second, I didn't fire the first shot against the Fatui. I made sure they didn't get a chance to fire a second one!"

Jean sensed Shao Yun's anger and immediately realized her earlier words might have been misinterpreted as criticism. She quickly explained, "Shao Yun, I'm not blaming you."

Her voice was filled with sincerity and apology, hoping to clear up the misunderstanding.

Shao Yun crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow as he looked at Jean. "Then what do you mean?"

His tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction, clearly still bothered by Jean's earlier remarks.

Jean took a deep breath and spoke calmly. "What I mean is, I support your actions! You protected Mondstadt and upheld our dignity. But Shao Yun, you also need to consider the consequences."

Shao Yun, unfazed by the Fatui, replied confidently, "All I need right now is the Knights' support. Nothing else."

Jean shook her head. The situation wasn't that simple. In her mind, the Fatui's influence was vast and complex, not something to be taken lightly.

Out of caution, she asked, "Shao Yun, as you said, some things are better addressed openly. I'd like to have a proper conversation with you."

Shao Yun nodded, indicating he was ready to listen. Seeing how serious she was, he figured this might involve some important matters, so he decided to take it seriously.

Jean performed a knight's salute, making a solemn promise.

"Within Mondstadt's borders, the Knights will protect you."

At first glance, this promise seemed like a solid guarantee, offering Shao Yun and Lumine a strong backing. But given the Knights' current state, Shao Yun couldn't help but think it was almost laughable—we'd be protecting you instead!

Then Jean subtly probed further. "But do you and the Honorary Knight, along with Miss Paimon, plan to settle in Mondstadt?"

Shao Yun thought for a moment. Lumine was searching for her brother, and since she hadn't found him in Mondstadt, she'd undoubtedly move on to the next nation.

So he replied, "Of course not."

Jean then asked with concern, "As you said, you'll eventually leave Mondstadt. The Fatui's influence spans the entire continent. Do you understand what I'm getting at?"

Jean's implication was clear: while Shao Yun had every right to eliminate the Fatui in Mondstadt, the Fatui's retaliation wouldn't be bound by reason. Within Mondstadt, she could ensure the Fatui wouldn't threaten them, but what about outside its borders?

Shao Yun had already picked up on Jean's underlying message. He knew she was worried about him, as even a fierce tiger couldn't fend off a pack of wolves.

But for him, the Fatui coming for his life was no big deal. He'd kill as many as they sent.

"If they come to kill me, I'll be ready. I don't mind making the people of Snezhnaya feel true fear! I've only been holding back because I'm traveling with Lumine. Otherwise, the person I used to be… even I don't like to think about it."

His voice carried an unshakable resolve, making it clear to the three of them that he wasn't afraid of any retaliation.

Jean looked at Shao Yun, feeling a sense of melancholy. But she also understood that the situation was already set in stone—what was done couldn't be undone, and no amount of words could change that.

She took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Within Mondstadt, if the Fatui dare to target you, I'll deal with them. But outside Mondstadt… I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do."

Her voice carried a hint of helplessness.

Shao Yun nodded. He knew Jean was offering the most support she could.

"Thank you for your support."

Jean and Diluc left, but Venti, surprisingly, stayed behind, standing beside Shao Yun.

Shao Yun looked at Venti's carefree expression and couldn't help but feel curious. He asked casually, "Why aren't you leaving?"

Venti turned to him, his bright teal eyes studying Shao Yun with a mix of curiosity and amusement.

He said lightly, "I can sense a lot of resentment in you, so I thought I'd stay and keep you company."

Shao Yun took this as Venti's way of showing concern. After all, he had just wiped out the Fatui in Mondstadt the night before.

But Shao Yun didn't feel any different. Since Venti wanted to stay, he was happy to accept the company.

So Shao Yun pulled out a bottle of fine brandy from his bag as a thank-you gift and handed it to Venti.

"Thanks for keeping me company," Shao Yun said with a smile.

Venti initially tried to decline, putting on a show of politeness, but when he saw the tempting bottle of brandy, his eyes lit up with desire.

"Oh, what's this?" Venti said, pretending to be reserved, but his hand was already reaching for the bottle.

Shao Yun, seeing this, shoved the bottle into Venti's hands and chuckled. "Just take it. You're practically drooling."

Venti hugged the bottle of fine brandy, licking his lips as if he could already taste the rich aroma. He gave Shao Yun a grateful look and said cheerfully, "Thanks!"

Venti stashed the brandy away happily, then held up two fingers. "Since you've given me two gifts, I can grant you two wishes," he said with a playful wink.

Shao Yun's eyes sparkled as an idea came to him. He smiled and said, "I want endless Mora. Can you do that?"

Venti choked on his own breath, coughing violently.

"Cough, cough… uh…" Venti looked embarrassed, clearly unable to fulfill this simple wish.

If I had money, would I still be mooching drinks all the time? he thought.

Seeing Venti's awkward expression, Shao Yun burst out laughing and patted his shoulder. "Haha, just kidding."

Venti breathed a sigh of relief. His pockets were emptier than his face—he couldn't even afford a bottle of Dandelion Wine, let alone endless Mora.

Seeing Shao Yun laughing heartily, Venti joined in with a grin. "I knew you were joking. But hey, I can offer you some guidance."

Shao Yun, intrigued, felt he didn't need any guidance.

But sometimes, those in the thick of things couldn't see clearly, while outsiders could. Maybe Venti had some insight.

Shao Yun nodded, signaling for Venti to continue.

"You don't care about the Fatui's retaliation, but you do care about Lumine and Paimon. You're worried they'll get dragged into this, right?"

Venti spoke slowly, each word carefully chosen, gentle yet firm.

Shao Yun was caught off guard, his smile freezing.

Then he nodded silently, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

I'm a fugitive, but they're not.

Shao Yun was indeed worried that his actions might bring trouble to Lumine and Paimon, even putting them in danger.

Venti, seeing Shao Yun's silence, gently patted his shoulder. "Then talk to them openly. I think they'll support you without hesitation."

Shao Yun hesitated, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. He was afraid his thoughts and actions might make Lumine and Paimon feel uneasy or disappointed.

"I'm worried…" Shao Yun said softly, his voice filled with doubt and concern.

Venti nudged Shao Yun's arm lightly, winking and smiling. "What's there to worry about? The Fatui started this, not you! You're not some lunatic picking fights for no reason. I think you did the right thing."

Venti's words were like a refreshing breeze, instantly dispelling the dark clouds of worry in Shao Yun's heart.

Shao Yun took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his concerns lift. He then thanked Venti.

"Thank you."

In the distance, a golden figure and a white figure emerged from the forest.

Lumine and Paimon were back.

Venti stretched lazily, a satisfied smile on his face.

He looked at Shao Yun, a playful grin on his lips. "I won't disturb you anymore. You should have a good talk with Lumine."

With that, he turned to leave.

But after just a few steps, Venti suddenly stopped. He turned back, his eyes scanning Shao Yun up and down.

Shao Yun felt a bit uncomfortable under his gaze and asked, "What is it?"

Venti pointed at Shao Yun's clothes, pinching his nose lightly. "I almost forgot," he said with a hint of teasing. "Don't go meet girls looking all dirty. It's rude."

With a wave of his hand, a gentle breeze of Anemo energy swept over Shao Yun.

Shao Yun felt a cool sensation as the wind carried away the smell and bloodstains from his clothes.

He looked down in surprise—his previously bloodied and dirtied outfit now looked as good as new, as if it had just been bought.

Venti, seeing Shao Yun's astonished expression, nodded in satisfaction. "There, that's better. No wonder Lisa says you're a tall and handsome gentleman."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Shao Yun to wait for the two girls.

Shao Yun stared at his gunslinger outfit, stunned. The wind just cleaned it? What kind of logic is that?

---

Lumine and Paimon crossed the bridge into Mondstadt. When they reached the city gates, they found Shao Yun waiting for them.

Paimon flew over excitedly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and anticipation.

"Shao Yun, did you come to welcome us?"

Shao Yun smiled and nodded, though his eyes held a hint of apology. "Yeah, sorry I couldn't prepare any welcome gifts. A lot happened."

Paimon waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, that's nothing! You coming to meet us is the best gift."

Shao Yun's gaze then shifted to Lumine, his expression turning serious. "Lumine, there's something important I need to talk to you about."

Paimon blinked, confused. "What's so important that Paimon can't hear it?"

Lumine, sensing Shao Yun's seriousness, gently patted Paimon's shoulder. "Paimon, give us a moment."

Though reluctant, Paimon obediently flew off to a distance, leaving Lumine and Shao Yun alone.

Shao Yun took a deep breath and recounted everything—how he had wiped out the Fatui in Mondstadt.

Lumine listened quietly, her face showing no signs of surprise or anger.

After Shao Yun finished, Lumine looked puzzled. "Why are you telling me this?"

Shao Yun pursed his lips, thinking carefully about how to phrase his next words. He took another deep breath and spoke.

"Like I said before, if my actions cause problems for you, don't worry about feelings. Do what's best for you."

Lumine finally understood what Shao Yun was getting at. She suddenly felt a surge of anger and glared at him.

She gave Shao Yun a hard shove.

However, Shao Yun's tall and sturdy frame barely budged.

Seeing him unmoved, Lumine punched him in the stomach.

(TL/N: ah yes.. cringe friendship moment 🌜)

Shao Yun, seeing Lumine's furious expression, was momentarily stunned.

Lumine pointed up at Shao Yun's nose, her voice filled with frustration. "Listen, we're travel companions. If we're traveling together, we should look out for each other. If the Fatui come for revenge, we'll face them together, okay?"

Still fuming, she glanced at Shao Yun's shoes and stomped on them.

"Don't underestimate me just because I'm shorter than you. I've fought dragons, you know!"

Then she turned, her golden hair swishing as she called for Paimon to follow her into Mondstadt.

Without looking back, she said, "I'm taking Paimon to eat. We're starving."

Shao Yun could hear the indifference in Lumine's voice, and it filled him with relief.

Trust was mutual, and Lumine's fiery response made Shao Yun feel deeply reassured.

As Lumine and Paimon walked further away, Shao Yun snapped out of his thoughts and hurried after them.

"Hey, breakfast is on me!"