Chapter 72: Helping a Nun Out

Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon were sitting at an outdoor table of the Good Hunter restaurant, basking in the peacefulness of a quiet afternoon.

The sun today was pleasantly warm, making it feel exceptionally comfortable.

The aroma of food wafting from the table was tantalizing, greatly enhancing everyone's appetite.

Paimon ate with relish, her tiny face glowing with a satisfied smile.

She patted her round belly and lazily said, "Today's meal was absolutely delicious, and we even got to meet the ever-charming Miss Sara!"

Miss Sara, busy clearing the dishes, looked up at Paimon's compliment with a smile. "Even if you keep flattering me like that, Paimon, I still can't give you three a free meal."

Paimon chuckled, winking as she replied, "We're not asking for a free meal! It's just that Miss Sara is truly lovely—this praise comes straight from the heart!"

Holding a stack of dishes, Miss Sara smiled warmly. "Thank you, Paimon. I'm really happy to hear you enjoy my cooking at the Good Hunter and speak so kindly of me."

Shao Yun watched the interaction between Paimon and Miss Sara, shook his head with a helpless smile, and said, "Paimon, just eat as much as you like. Don't worry about the money. As long as I'm around, I won't let you two go hungry."

Paimon scratched her head, a little embarrassed, and giggled, "Hehe, I was just joking. You're the best, Shao Yun—you'd never let me starve."

With a light tone, Shao Yun teased Paimon.

"Unless you can eat Mora raw, I guarantee you'll be full."

Paimon rolled her eyes and muttered, "That joke wasn't funny at all, Shao Yun!"

Just as the trio were immersed in the joy of a good meal, a nun dressed in a black habit was seen anxiously looking around, seemingly searching for something.

Shao Yun noticed her and turned to Lumine, asking, "Is that a sister from the Church of Favonius?"

Lumine looked up, nodded, and said, "Looks like Sister Victoria."

Hearing it was a nun—and that she was looking for someone—Paimon immediately grew nervous and hid behind Lumine, whispering,

"Could it be that they found out about the Holy Lyre?"

Shao Yun chuckled and shook his head to comfort her. "Don't worry, Paimon. We didn't damage the Holy Lyre when we borrowed it. Even if there's a problem, it's not on us. Come on, sit down and enjoy the food."

Just then, Sister Victoria spotted Lumine. She hurried over, grabbed Lumine's hand, and her face lit up with joy.

"Finally found you, Honorary Knight!"

Shao Yun saw the situation and thought, Oh no, this dumb blonde's about to get dragged into something again! Are all you Mondstadters useless or what?

Seeing the desperation on Sister Victoria's face, Lumine sighed and asked wearily, "Sister Victoria, is something wrong?"

Sister Victoria began explaining the situation in detail.

"Didn't I ask you to help us drive Mr. Albert away yesterday? Well, he's back again today. Please, help us once more."

Lumine looked troubled at the request and hesitated. "This..."

Seeing her reluctance, Shao Yun decided to intervene.

"Wait a minute! Why do you want to drive him away? Is this Albert guy going to blow up the church or destroy a statue or something?"

Noticing the disapproval in Shao Yun's tone, Sister Victoria composed herself.

"No, it's not that. The problem is... he keeps pestering our Deaconess Barbara, and it's seriously affecting her work and daily life."

Shao Yun pointed toward the direction of the Knights of Favonius and said, "Then just report him to the Knights and have him locked up."

Sister Victoria's face turned troubled at the suggestion.

"I've thought of that too, but... Mr. Albert, annoying as he is, helps with the cleaning and all sorts of church chores very diligently. It's hard to be too harsh with him..."

Shao Yun rubbed his fingers together and made a practical suggestion.

"Then pay him for his work. That way, you're squaring things off with clear reason, and you'd have every right to ask him to leave."

Sister Victoria looked troubled after hearing this. She replied, rather sheepishly, "Emmm... we want to pay him, but he refuses to accept anything..."

From your tone, it sounds more like you just don't want to pay him. Haven't you heard the saying—never take something for nothing?

Looking at Lumine nearby, Shao Yun softened his words.

"Things that come free are always the most expensive. And considering Mr. Albert has been helping out, asking Lumine to drive him away really isn't fair."

Sister Victoria didn't seem to grasp his implication and, with a bitter expression, said, "But we really can't take it anymore! He shows up every day, and we can't get any work done!"

This time, Shao Yun raised his hand, firmly rejecting her.

"We're adventurers, not security guards. If you need someone kicked out, get an official Knight of Favonius. Now, please don't disturb our lunch. Thank you!"

Paimon whispered on the side, "But Sister Victoria came to us personally, we..."

Shao Yun looked at Paimon and said in a low voice, "Paimon, this is a messy situation where both sides have valid points. There's no need for us to get involved."

Seeing her request fail, Sister Victoria turned to leave, her head hanging in defeat.

Suddenly, she seemed to remember Shao Yun's earlier words—money and adventurers.

She turned back and, as if issuing a commission, said, "How about I pay you Mora? Just help persuade Mr. Albert—just enough so he doesn't interfere with Deaconess Barbara's duties."

Seeing that her demands were more modest now—and there'd be payment—Shao Yun's attitude shifted.

"How much?"

Sister Victoria gestured with her fingers. "Eight thousand Mora—is that okay?"

Shao Yun squinted meaningfully. "What do you think?"

Eight thousand? That's really low...

Seeing his reaction, Sister Victoria clasped her hands together and bowed earnestly. "Eight thousand five hundred and twenty-seven Mora. I can't offer more! Please, I'll even pray to Lord Barbatos for your safe journeys!"

Are all nuns in Mondstadt this broke? But her sincerity was acceptable. It's not like he had anything better to do—might as well walk it off after lunch.

"I'll go with you after I finish eating. Let Lumine rest a bit." Shao Yun nodded, accepting the commission.

"We'll go too," Lumine said. "Perfect time to walk off the meal." She leaned toward Shao Yun and whispered, "I'm afraid you'll beat Albert to death—I have to come with you!"

It was a valid concern. Shao Yun had no rebuttal and could only nod in agreement.

After finishing their meal, the three followed Sister Victoria to the Church of Favonius. Bathed in the golden afternoon sunlight, the grand cathedral exuded solemnity and serenity, the air around it filled with a peaceful calm.

Shao Yun quickly spotted Mr. Albert hiding in the bushes. He held a bottle of juice, eyes glued to the cathedral entrance, as if waiting for someone.

Following Shao Yun's gaze, Sister Victoria saw him too and shouted, "Mr. Albert!"

Startled, Albert jumped up. Seeing it was Sister Victoria, he stepped out of the bushes, looking a bit embarrassed.

"Ah! Hello everyone. Nice weather today, huh..."

Sister Victoria frowned. "Stop being so sneaky—you'll scare the kids!"

Albert scratched his head, looking aggrieved. "I just wanted to surprise my idol, Miss Barbara! I stayed hidden, I didn't interfere with church business at all!"

Lumine remembered the last time and repeated her previous warning. "Leave now, or I'll report you to the Knights!"

Startled, Albert raised his arms to shield his face. "Don't be so harsh!"

For some reason, Shao Yun found Lumine's threat completely lacking in intimidation.

Seeing her hesitate, Albert relaxed a little and turned to plead with Sister Victoria.

"Sister Victoria, I really just want to help Miss Barbara. I'm not a nuisance—I clean, I help the elderly and orphans. You've seen it! I just care about her—is it wrong to help someone?"

Albert's words were not without reason. Surprisingly, Sister Victoria looked moved, unsure of what to do.

Watching from the side, Shao Yun silently shook his head.

He knew Lumine had no authority, and Sister Victoria was too soft.

Looks like it was time for him to step in!

He smiled and waved Albert over.

Curious, Albert approached.

Shao Yun patted his shoulder and spoke warmly and sincerely. "Mr. Albert, I can tell you really want to help Miss Barbara, right?"

Albert nodded enthusiastically, eyes lighting up.

"Yes! I dream of helping her!"

Shao Yun smiled slyly, eyes gleaming. He began spinning a tale.

"Then I think you should join the Church of Favonius and become a cleric. That way, you could work with her every day—and help her as a colleague, fair and square!"

Albert froze, pointed at himself, then looked at the cathedral with a miserable expression.

"What? Me, a cleric? You're joking, right, Mr. Shao Yun? I'm not cut out for that!"

Shao Yun turned his head toward the cathedral. "Right now, you're just a well-meaning civilian. Seeing Barbara is a dream. But if you joined the church, you'd see her daily."

Albert's brows furrowed, and he broke away, shaking his head.

"Mr. Shao Yun, I sincerely want to help, but I don't want to join the church. I've heard the rules are strict—I'm not built for that."

Shao Yun nearly slapped him then and there.

Then what the hell are you doing?!

But with Lumine's eyes fixed on him, he bit back his anger and smiled instead, switching tactics.

"Mr. Albert, I get it. If you don't want to join the church, there's another way."

Albert perked up. "Really? What is it? Please, tell me!"

Shao Yun's words flowed like poetry, filled with wisdom and insight.

"Mr. Albert, there's a saying in Liyue—'The flower that's forced won't bloom, but a willow planted by chance will thrive.' The more desperate you seem, the more likely you'll annoy Barbara."

"Instead, focus on volunteer work. Lighten her load."

"Think about it—your effort gives her more rest. When she sees your hard work and praises you... isn't that better than seeking her out directly?"

Albert's eyes sparkled. Shao Yun's words had touched something in him.

"You make a lot of sense..."

Seeing that, Shao Yun kept going, painting vivid pictures of the future.

"Same effort, but instead of bothering her, you ease her burden. And when she notices and says, 'Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Albert'—isn't that far better?"

Albert, thoroughly convinced, looked enlightened.

Though the glow in his eyes was less epiphany and more... eye gunk.

He grabbed Shao Yun's hands. "You're so wise! I'll do exactly as you said!"

Watching his shining, idiotic expression, Shao Yun muttered to himself,

Don't mention it, you're just that easy to fool, you fool.

Albert turned to leave, shouting, "Sister Victoria!" His heart was now full of future hopes.

When Albert was gone, Shao Yun walked up to Sister Victoria and bluntly said, "Problem solved. Now pay up."

Sister Victoria looked helpless. She sighed, "What a half-baked idea… Now he's even more obsessed."

Though she voiced frustration, it was clear she was resigned and worried.

But Shao Yun didn't mind her complaint. He raised three fingers.

"One, your church gained a free laborer. Two, Barbara won't be disturbed. Three, Albert's happy. Win-win for all."

Sister Victoria looked at the now-busy Albert, then back at Shao Yun, sighing.

She handed over a small bag of Mora.

"You... sigh, well, at least he's not bothering Barbara anymore. Here's the agreed payment."

Shao Yun took the pouch, grinning. "Much appreciated!"

As Sister Victoria walked away, Shao Yun began pondering what to do next.

At that moment, Paimon tugged his sleeve and whispered, "Paimon just realized something..."

Shao Yun looked down, curious. "What is it?"

Paimon pointed to a corner by the wall, looking uneasy. "Why is that guy staring at us?"

Shao Yun followed her gaze and indeed spotted a middle-aged man in the corner, eyes locked on the three of them.

Even when caught, he didn't look away.

Shao Yun's smile faded. He furrowed his brows and murmured to Lumine and Paimon, "I'll go check it out."