Chapter 22: Venti’s Request

The sudden turn of events left Lumine stunned. By the time she regained her senses, she was already immobilized by Yun Fan. She struggled fiercely, trying to break free, but it was useless. Yun Fan's arm was like an iron clamp, holding her firmly in place.

The two were now in an extremely intimate position. The warmth and the distinct masculine scent coming from behind made Lumine's face flush. 'It's over. I'm done for today.'

Lumine gave up struggling. The entire Good Hunter was Yun Fan's territory. Even if she screamed, no one would come to her aid. As for Paimon, the little glutton who only knew how to eat, Lumine had no hope for her.

Paimon, who had been busy eating, finally noticed the situation. Her eyes widened in shock, and she opened her mouth to scream, but Yun Fan had already let go of Lumine and stuffed a chicken leg into Paimon's mouth.

"Mmmph...!" Paimon's scream was muffled. She glared at Yun Fan with resentment, biting down on the chicken leg as if it were Yun Fan himself.

Yun Fan remained unfazed. He returned to his seat, picked up a glass of Wolfhook Juice, took a sip, and then looked at the wary Lumine.

"Do you understand now? With your current strength, going after the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles is just asking for death."

Lumine finally understood and let out a sigh of relief. She had thought Yun Fan was going to do something to her. She glanced at Yun Fan cautiously—silver hair, golden eyes, handsome features, and a noble aura... It wouldn't be so bad, would it?

Lumine shook her head vigorously, trying to dispel the strange thoughts.

"I understand, but my powers were sealed by that woman."

"I know," Yun Fan nodded. Both Lumine and Aether's powers had been sealed by the Sustainer. However, when Lumine eventually reunited with Aether, his powers had been restored, even stronger than before.

From the game's storyline, Yun Fan knew that Aether had already completed a journey through Teyvat. It was likely that he had left his mark on the Irminsul, the World Tree, and regained his strength.

"I have a way to restore your powers."

"How?" Lumine's eyes locked onto Yun Fan.

"Travel through the seven nations, obtain the seven elemental powers, and leave your mark on the Irminsul."

"What's the Irminsul?" Lumine understood the first part, but the mention of the World Tree confused her.

"You'll find out later. As for how to reach Celestia, you might get your answer after meeting the Seven Archons."

"The first one is Barbatos, the Anemo Archon," Yun Fan swirled the glass in his hand, watching the candlelight through the liquid.

"I see. I hope you'll become my travel companion and journey through the seven nations with me," Lumine said earnestly.

"Oh? You trust me that much? I just did something like that to you," Yun Fan was slightly surprised. He had expected to have to propose the idea himself and had even prepared a whole speech, but Lumine beat him to it.

"No, if you really wanted to do something to me, you could have done it just now. There's no need to wait," Lumine shook her head. Her intuition told her that this man meant her no harm.

"Alright, I—" Before Yun Fan could finish, Paimon flew over.

"Wait, wait, Lumine, are you really going to let this guy travel with us?" Paimon was still upset about Yun Fan's rough feeding earlier. She had nearly choked on that chicken leg!

"Ah, what a shame. I was going to offer 100 million Mora to improve Paimon's meals as an apology. But since Paimon doesn't like me, I guess I'll have to forget about it," Yun Fan feigned regret, his eyes filled with mischief.

"O-One hundred million Mora?!" Paimon's eyes turned into stars, and she felt dizzy.

"One hundred million Mora? How many Sweet Madames could that buy?"

"At current market prices, about five million," Yun Fan estimated.

"F-Five million..." Paimon counted on her fingers.

"I agree to let you join us! I'll give you a nice nickname... Mora-kun!"

Lumine left, carrying a dazed Paimon. Since he had agreed to be Lumine's travel companion, Yun Fan naturally invited her to stay at the Good Hunter. Lumine went back to check out of her current lodging.

As for why Yun Fan didn't go with her, he had something more important to do.

From the moment Lumine arrived, Yun Fan had felt a faint gaze watching them. The owner of this gaze wasn't weak—if they were, Yun Fan would have noticed immediately.

In Mondstadt, the only one who could achieve this level of stealth was Barbatos, the Anemo Archon.

Yun Fan asked Sara to bring a few bottles of Dandelion Wine and placed them on the table. He then opened the window. "If you have something to say, say it face-to-face. I've prepared some good wine."

"Hehe, then I won't hold back," a gentle breeze entered the room, transforming into a green-clad figure.

"Hello, Mr. Yun Fan," Venti greeted first.

"What brings the Anemo Archon, Lord Barbatos, to seek out a mere mortal like me?" Yun Fan took out two clean glasses and poured wine for both of them. As for the leftover food on the table, he didn't bother ordering more. For this drunkard, wine was enough.

"Hehe, then I won't hold back," Venti took the glass and downed it in one gulp. He then studied Yun Fan. Golden eyes like Zhongli's, but with silver hair. Was he Zhongli's illegitimate child?

Seeing Venti's strange expression, Yun Fan was puzzled but didn't dwell on it.

"If there's nothing else, I'll have to ask you to leave."

"Ah, don't be so cold. You almost killed my Dvalin."

"It was just a little lesson. He's the one who damaged my restaurant. But if you're willing to pay for the repairs, I can apologize to your familiar."

"Let's see... two big holes. Since you're the Anemo Archon, I'll give you a discount—1 million Mora," Yun Fan smiled sincerely.

"Cash or Northland Bank check?"

"Ahem, let's forget about it. Dvalin can handle a little hardship," Venti scratched his head awkwardly. He spent all his Mora on wine—how could he afford a million Mora for repairs?

"Actually, I came here to ask for your help—"

"I refuse."