"Why Are There No Adventurers in the Adventurers' Guild?"

If there was one thing to be said about the Dawn Winery, it was how impeccably well-informed they were. Early the next morning, Diluc was already waiting at the alchemy workshop's doorstep, breakfast in hand for Shen Qin and Sucrose.

"Thank you, Master Diluc!" Sucrose took her share and headed to the library to research Stormterror's Lair, while Shen Qin munched on his meal and chatted with Diluc.

"What grand scheme are you plotting now? Every adventurer in Mondstadt is on the move, and a sizable crowd's already camped outside the Lair, just waiting for the Knights to clear out the monsters so they can rush in and complete their commissions." Diluc sighed. Sometimes, he felt perpetually one step behind Shen Qin's plans.

"I've acquired a three-thousand-year-old city."

Shen Qin recounted the Knights' lease of Stormterror's Lair and his plans for the research base.

Diluc's lips twitched. The whole thing sounded slightly absurd.

"Judging by your current actions, it seems you're aiming for more than just a research base?"

"Exactly. Originally, I just wanted a modest plot of land for the base. I never expected Jean to hand me the entire Lair. With such resources at my disposal, I can't let them go to waste—I need to plan carefully and utilize the ruins fully." Shen Qin rubbed his temples. The Knights' generosity had thrown many of his arrangements into disarray.

Dilux did some quick mental math. "Developing the entire Lair would require staggering amounts of time and funding. You can't shoulder that alone. Our current business ventures are minuscule in comparison."

No kidding! If there was one industry capable of mobilizing vast capital, real estate development was undoubtedly a top contender.

Shen Qin: "My idea is to draft a comprehensive development plan first, prioritizing core facilities in the initial phase. Then, we'll fund the rest step by step with earnings."

"Plus, I don't plan to finance it solo. The Dawn Winery, the Knights, even Liyue's merchant guilds—all could invest in the Lair's development. Returns might take time, but long-term, it's a guaranteed profit."

Diluc nodded. Projects like this indeed had extended breakeven periods—five, maybe ten years—but the eventual returns would be substantial.

And anyone could see that once profitability kicked in, the gains would be astronomical.

"Count the Dawn Winery in for investment." After multiple collaborations and witnessing Shen Qin's miracles firsthand, Diluc trusted him implicitly—and his own judgment.

"Thanks! You'll be first in line for profitable ventures."

The two shared a knowing smile.

True to their word, the Knights spent two days thoroughly purging Stormterror's Lair of monsters. Then, thousands of adventurers swarmed in like a tidal wave.

Honestly, even with nearly every Mondstadt adventurer gathered here, the Lair's vastness made them seem like pebbles dropped into the ocean—barely noticeable.

The only real casualty these days was the pile of unattended commissions back in Mondstadt.

Katheryne stood dutifully behind the counter, offering apologetic smiles and explanations to frustrated clients.

After seeing off another group, Cyrus smacked his forehead in regret. "My fault for posting all those commissions at once. Now there's not a single adventurer left in the Guild."

Katheryne giggled behind her hand. "The rewards were simply too enticing. Even I was tempted to register as an adventurer and earn a fortune."

"Don't joke, Katheryne. They don't know better, but you do. None of them have been to Stormterror's Lair, they think these tasks are easy. Only when they arrive will they realize the commissions are anything but. The effort-to-reward ratio is no different from regular assignments."

Cyrus had set the Lair's commission prices himself. Well-traveled and experienced, he knew exactly how daunting these tasks were, scouring a wilderness three times the size of Mondstadt City for specific objectives was a Herculean undertaking.

Yet, for equal pay, most adventurers preferred one high-difficulty mission over dozens of trivial ones.

Just then, a couple stepped into the Guild, blinking at the deserted hall before approaching Katheryne.

"Ad Astra Abyssosque. Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild. How may I assist you?"

"We'd like to post a commission. Is that possible?" the man asked.

"Of course! Though it may take a few days before an adventurer becomes available."

"Why? Last time we posted one, it was accepted within an hour. What's changed?" The man frowned.

Cyrus stepped in with an apologetic bow. "As you can see, sir, madam, the Guild is… currently out of adventurers. They've all left the city for assignments."

Ahem.

"Why, Cyrus, why are there no adventurers in the Adventurers' Guild? Is the Guild going under?" Kaeya strolled in, a squad of Knights at his back.

The couple turned, faces lighting up. "Captain Kaeya!"

"Well, if it isn't Glory and Godwin." Kaeya tipped his hat, then waved at Katheryne and Cyrus.

Cyrus groaned. "Captain Kaeya, spare me the teasing. You know exactly what's happening."

"Of course I do. That's why I brought the Knights to serve as temporary adventurers and handle the backlog." Kaeya smirked. "Just make sure the pay's fair."

With a snap of his fingers, the Knights lined up before Katheryne and the staff, ready to accept commissions.

Overjoyed, Cyrus pumped Kaeya's hand, then slung an arm around his shoulders. "Drinks at Angel's Share after your shift—my treat!"

"You're on!" Kaeya's eyes gleamed at the prospect of free alcohol.

Once business was settled, Kaeya turned to Glory and Godwin. "Here to post a commission?"

"Yes, Master Kaeya." Godwin wrapped an arm around Glory's waist. "We'd planned to travel to Liyue or Sumeru, but the dragon crisis derailed everything. Now that it's over, we were hoping to join an adventurer caravan heading to Liyue—pay our way as traveling companions."

"If you're in a hurry, the Knights can escort you. Otherwise, wait a few days for adventurers to return."

"No rush, no need to trouble the Knights! But… why did all the adventurers leave at once?"

Kaeya's eyebrow arched. "Ah, for that, you'll have to ask your 'benefactor', Shen Qin."