Chapter 27: Barbara's Excitement

"So that's how it is. Typical Fatui behavior, but this time they've messed with the wrong person," Diluc said with a hint of relief. His hatred for the Fatui was well-known, and he would do anything to make them suffer.

"But... isn't this a bit..." Barbara hesitated, worried. With Mondstadt's defenses so weak, a large-scale conflict could endanger even the civilians.

"Miss Barbara, you don't need to worry about that," Yun Fan leaned back on the sofa.

"The Fatui are cunning and calculating. As long as I'm in Mondstadt, they'll think twice before making any moves. After all,"

"The Tsaritsa paid a hefty price to get Signora back."

Hearing Yun Fan's words, the expressions around the room varied. Lisa and Diluc were deep in thought, Jean was shocked, while Amber and Barbara didn't have much of a concept of the Cryo Archon.

"Mr. Yun Fan, do you know Lord Barbatos?" Barbara clasped her hands together, her blue eyes filled with hope.

Seeing the girl's expression, Yun Fan felt a headache coming on. Venti, Venti... you lazy bum, skipping out on your duties, yet you still have such devout followers? Is there no justice in the world? If you don't want to take care of them, I can help!

"Barbatos... I have seen him since coming to Mondstadt. In fact, some of you have met him too. He's been living in Mondstadt disguised as an ordinary person."

"Really? So Lord Barbatos has always been watching over Mondstadt! Can you tell me where Lord Barbatos..." Barbara excitedly stepped forward and grabbed Yun Fan's hands.

So soft and cool!

This was Yun Fan's immediate thought. Barbara was now in close contact with him, and he could even smell her natural scent—like Cecilias.

Hmm? Why does it also smell a bit spicy?

"Barbara," Jean called out to her sister.

"Lord Barbatos must have his reasons for doing this. We shouldn't disturb him," Jean poured cold water on Barbara's excitement.

"Y-You're right, Acting Grand Master Jean. Lord Barbatos must have his reasons..." Barbara gradually calmed down, only to realize she was still holding Yun Fan's hands.

Instantly, a wave of shyness washed over her, making her feel dizzy. Her eyes turned into spirals. This was the first time she had been so close to a man other than her father.

Barbara quickly pulled her hands away and hid behind Jean, peeking out with just her head.

"Ahem..." Under everyone's gaze, Yun Fan awkwardly let go of Barbara's hands and cleared his throat to ease the slightly awkward atmosphere.

"Barbatos is hiding in Mondstadt to observe whether the Knights of Favonius are managing the city well. If necessary, he will step in."

As evening approached, Diluc walked out of the Knights of Favonius headquarters, gazing at the sunset and reflecting on the day's events.

Mondstadt truly was a city of troubles. First, Varka's expedition left the city's defenses weakened, allowing the Fatui to take advantage. Now, even the Divine Lord of Liyue had appeared, while Barbatos, the Anemo Archon, remained nowhere to be seen.

"To have such an Archon... truly..." Diluc returned to the Angel's Share. As he opened the door, greetings rang out.

"Master Diluc!"

"Good evening, Master Diluc..."

Diluc nodded in response, then walked to the bar and lightly tapped the counter twice.

Charles, who had been tallying the accounts, looked up and quickly stood to greet Diluc, handing over the ledger respectfully. "Master Diluc, here's today's ledger."

"Good work, Charles. Well done," Diluc reviewed the ledger and nodded in satisfaction before handing it back.

Normally, he wouldn't personally check the ledger, but since he was here today, it didn't hurt to take a look. After all, Diluc was quite approachable and occasionally worked as a bartender at the Angel's Share, though it was more likely to gather information on Mondstadt's current state.

"Is there something else?" After handing back the ledger, Diluc noticed Charles hesitating and asked.

"Well, Master Diluc, that bard who used to perform here said he has something important to discuss with you. He's waiting upstairs with a golden-haired woman," Charles said cautiously, watching Diluc's expression carefully.

"I see," Diluc decided to meet them. In his intelligence network, this bard stood out. He seemed to have appeared out of nowhere and often recited poems not even recorded in the Knights' library. He was clearly no ordinary person.

Moreover, today the Divine Lord of Liyue had revealed that the Anemo Archon was hiding in Mondstadt and might have already met them. Could this bard be...

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Diluc went upstairs and sat down at the table where Lumine and Venti were waiting. He ordered a few bottles of Dandelion Wine.

"Hehe, Master Diluc knows me well," Venti opened a bottle without hesitation and started drinking.

"Hey! There are three of us! Don't forget me!"

"Hmm? My apologies, I thought you were just a doll," Diluc finally noticed Paimon, giving her a curious look before turning his attention back to Venti, who was already gulping down the wine.

"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave," Diluc didn't like beating around the bush and gave them a clear ultimatum.

"Wait!" Paimon instinctively stopped him, then leaned close to Venti's ear and whispered, "Are you sure about this? Telling Master Diluc about the Holy Lyre?"

"Hehe, don't worry. Master Diluc was once one of the top figures in the Knights of Favonius! He's absolutely reliable."

Paimon's face was filled with shock. Are you serious? You're asking a former high-ranking Knight for help with stealing the Holy Lyre? Are you trying to turn yourself in?

"Master Diluc, here's what happened..." Venti explained their plan to steal the Holy Lyre and how it was taken by the Fatui. Meanwhile, Paimon was on the verge of despair. We're doomed! This bard is going to get us killed!