Chapter 154

La Signora's disrespect toward Barbatos was equivalent to a slap in the face for all of Mondstadt.

The joy of the Fatui's departure left Jean feeling dissatisfied.

However, Venti didn't seem to care.

Noticing Jean's expression, Venti smiled and said:

"Alright, it's over now."

"After all, I owed her something."

At this point, Venti sighed.

He knew exactly who La Signora was.

He had never expected things to turn out this way.

Giving her the Gnosis this time was simply a way to settle things.

Hearing Venti say that, Jean remained silent.

However, she had already made up her mind.

In that case, there was no need for Mondstadt to keep anything the Fatui had left behind.

She wouldn't forget their past and present grievances.

Jean hadn't forgotten what the Doctor had done to Mondstadt.

If she ever got the chance, she would take her revenge!

Thinking about this, Jean sighed.

Grand Master Varka had taken many knights with him on his expedition, leaving the Knights of Favonius with only limited strength.

Shaking her head, she decided not to dwell on it for now.

She was still curious about what Venti had said.

Owed her?

Did Venti have some kind of history with La Signora?

Jean couldn't help but wonder.

"I'm leaving."

"I only came to tell you I'm fine."

"See you later~~!"

With that, Venti disappeared without a trace.

Jean and Lisa exchanged glances.

He truly came and went like the wind.

Takumi and the others didn't think much about Venti's affairs.

Since he was fine, there was no need to worry.

Jean then resumed discussing the continuation of the road construction with Takumi.

She knew that the road to Wyrmrest Valley had been completed but had been temporarily halted due to the dragon disaster.

Now, they could continue.

Takumi and Jean talked until noon, discussing all sorts of things.

During this time, Klee got bored and ran outside to play.

Takumi didn't stop her. If Little Cutie wanted to have fun, she could go ahead.

Lunch was prepared and eaten at the Knights of Favonius.

Liyue would be handling the power grid installation and the construction of power stations.

They would also provide training.

Jean drafted everything in writing and calculated the costs.

Once the prices were set, both sides signed a contract.

The roadwork also resumed immediately.

In addition, Jean wanted to purchase the cement formula from Liyue.

Takumi had no objections and agreed on the spot.

Thus, a deal was struck between him and Jean.

As a result, Takumi received a large sum of money from Mondstadt.

Not just for the power grid and road construction, but also for sending people to Liyue to learn about urban development.

Another major deal was the importation of automobiles.

By the afternoon, Lumine had finally recovered.

She arrived at the Knights of Favonius headquarters in a hurry.

Rushing inside, Paimon shouted:

"Captain Jean! This is bad!!"

"Venti's Gnosis was taken!!"

Hearing this, Takumi gave them a strange look.

"We already know."

"Paimon, Lumine, you're a bit late."

"Our dear Anemo Archon has caused you some trouble."

Seeing how flustered they were, Jean felt a bit embarrassed.

It was undeniable—Barbatos was an unreliable god.

Seeing Lumine and Paimon's anxious expressions, she felt bad for them.

Hearing Jean's words, Lumine was stunned.

Why weren't they worried?

Takumi smiled and gestured for Lumine to sit down.

"Relax."

"Sit down first."

"We'll explain everything."

Lumine frowned.

She had a feeling things weren't as simple as they seemed.

Paimon, on the other hand, immediately complained:

"What?!"

"Your Archon was ambushed!"

"And you're not even concerned?!"

"Ugh!"

"We rushed over here for nothing!"

"This is so frustrating!!"

Too much!

Didn't they care about their own god?

Hearing Paimon's outburst, everyone burst into laughter.

"Barbatos is fine."

"He was just messing with you."

"If he was that easy to take down, he wouldn't be a god."

"So, little Paimon, you worried for nothing."

Takumi reached out and grabbed Paimon, pulling her onto his lap.

Then he began kneading her cheeks.

"Wahhh~~!"

"Let go of me!!"

"What are you doing?!"

Paimon was completely caught off guard.

Takumi ignored her resistance and continued pinching her soft cheeks.

"Wow, your face is so soft."

"It feels amazing."

Hearing this, Lisa's curiosity was piqued.

"Oh?"

"Let me see."

She reached over and joined Takumi in pinching Paimon's cheeks.

Lumine, watching the scene unfold, simply chose to ignore it.

Meanwhile, Paimon wailed in protest.

"Let go of me!!"

"Lumine, help me!!"

No matter how much she cried out, Lumine ignored her.

This glutton deserved to be teased.

What she really wanted to know was what exactly Venti had done.

Her gaze shifted toward Jean.

Noticing Lumine's questioning look, Jean finally tore her eyes away from Paimon.

Although she also wanted to pinch Paimon's cheeks, it was more important to explain things to Lumine.

"Fengshen was acting."

"He did it on purpose."

"Apparently, he willingly handed over his Gnosis."

To be honest, Jean didn't fully understand why Barbatos had done it.

But she chose to believe in him.

Though he was unreliable, he still knew what he was doing.

The Gnosis symbolized the gods.

There had to be a reason for such a transaction.

Lumine, however, was completely frustrated.

"What?!"

"We were tricked!!"

So it was all an act?!

Then what was the point of them running around so anxiously?!

And Barbara had even scolded her just now for stealing the Holy Lyre!

She had to take responsibility for that broken instrument!

This was too much!

Lumine felt like she had the worst luck ever.

Meanwhile, Takumi was satisfied with tormenting Paimon and handed her over to Lisa.

Lisa, naturally, didn't hold back and began examining Paimon with great interest.

She had long been curious about what kind of creature Paimon was.

This was the perfect opportunity to study her.

Takumi turned to Lumine and said:

"You don't need to worry about Barbatos."

"Just let it go."

"He's probably back at the tavern drinking already."

"No point in stressing over it."

Hearing Takumi's words, Lumine felt even more frustrated.

In the end, she had just been played.