Chapter 28: Diluc Joins the Team

"So that's how it is. First, let me commend you," Diluc said with a look of admiration after hearing Venti's story.

"Hehe, you're making me blush," Paimon swayed slightly, her face showing a mix of embarrassment and pride.

"Earlier today, I saw you two running through the streets of Mondstadt. At first, I thought you were fools," Diluc paused.

"But now, it seems even fools like you are once-in-a-millennium fools."

"Hehe, we're once-in-a-millennium... fools? Hey! How can you say that? Ahhh, I'm so mad! Paimon's going to give you a nasty nickname!" Paimon, who had initially been flustered, now exploded in anger, stomping her tiny feet in the air.

"I'm curious, why did you steal the Holy Lyre?" Diluc asked with interest. Earlier at the Knights' headquarters, he had heard about the theft, but the Knights' efficiency was disappointing. They didn't even know how many thieves there were or what they looked like.

"Actually, we have a way to resolve the dragon crisis," Lumine, who had been silent until now, spoke up. With Paimon in a rage and Venti busy drinking, it fell to her to explain.

"Oh?" Even he, the Knights of Favonius, and the Church of Favonius couldn't solve the problem. How did they have a solution?

"The key lies in the Holy Lyre," Lumine explained what Venti had told her—using the Holy Lyre to call out to Stormterror and calm him. To add credibility, she even mentioned Venti's earlier conversation with Dvalin.

Since Venti trusted Diluc, Lumine decided to trust him as well.

"In that case, let's meet here tomorrow night. I'll use my network to track down the Holy Lyre. I'm sure we'll have results soon.

Additionally, I'll need to call in some help," Diluc said before leaving to make arrangements for the next day.

"By the way, Traveler, did we forget something?" Paimon, now calmer, scratched her head, feeling like she had forgotten something important.

"I think we did," Lumine propped her chin on her hand, glancing at Venti, who was already snoring.

The two seemed to realize something at the same time and turned to look at each other.

"Yun Fan!"

"Oh? So you forgot about me because you were busy with something else? And here I was, worried about you," Yun Fan pretended to be disappointed, sighing heavily.

"Um, Yun Fan, we, uh..." Paimon stammered, feeling guilty. After all, Yun Fan was their future travel companion and had even offered to improve their meals. He was a good person.

And yet, she and Lumine had completely forgotten about him because of that bard. It was really inconsiderate.

"Sorry, Yun Fan. This is our fault," Lumine also felt terrible. Yun Fan had prepared a room for them last night, waiting for them to move in, but they had completely forgotten.

He must have been worried sick when they didn't show up.

Thinking this, Lumine's gaze softened, and Yun Fan's status in her heart skyrocketed like a stock.

"Well, since you're apologizing so sincerely, I'll forgive you. Tell me, what happened yesterday?"

"Alright," Lumine didn't hide anything from her travel companion and explained their plan to meet tomorrow night.

"Then let me join you," Yun Fan looked into Lumine's eyes, speaking sincerely. "I can't let my travel companions go on an adventure alone."

"Yun Fan!" Lumine was deeply moved. Since being separated from her brother, no one had gone this far for her. They had just met, yet he was willing to risk himself for her.

"Alright, let's go together," Lumine smiled warmly, leaving Yun Fan momentarily stunned.

Shocking! Lumine actually smiled!

"Where... am I?" In the Goth Grand Hotel, the Fatui's base, Signora opened her eyes, her mind still foggy as she tried to recall her situation.

"Lady Signora!" A Fatui diplomat rushed to her side upon seeing her awake.

"What happened..." Fragments of memory flashed through Signora's mind—from her confrontation at the Knights of Favonius to nearly being killed, and then the Tsaritsa stepping in to save her.

"That damned Divine Lord!" Signora's face twisted with rage, her anger reigniting. Flames flickered around her body as the seal on her powers began to loosen.

"Cough..." The flow of elemental energy caused her severely injured body to ache unbearably, forcing her to suppress her anger.

She wanted revenge, but the memory of Yun Fan's overwhelming power and his confident demeanor even in the face of the Tsaritsa was like a bucket of cold water poured over her head.

Could she really defeat him?

Wait!

Signora suddenly remembered something and quickly turned to the Fatui diplomat.

"Did you complete the task I assigned?"

The diplomat was momentarily stunned, then reported, "Lady Signora, we have secured the Holy Lyre. It's currently stored at a base outside Mondstadt, guarded by Fatui soldiers."

"Move the Holy Lyre there and withdraw all soldiers! Also, order all Fatui in Mondstadt to cease all activities and go into hiding!" Signora commanded.

"Yes!" The diplomat didn't question the order. At her rank, she had no right to.

Besides, she had some insight. If Lady Signora had been injured to this extent, could it have been Barbatos, the Anemo Archon?

The diplomat left to carry out the orders, leaving Signora alone in the room. She struggled to sit up, opened a drawer, and took out a small box containing a badge engraved with a running wolf.

Clutching the badge, Signora lay back down.

"Rostam..."