Chapter 74: Surprise Gift?

Shao Yun stood on the steps of the cathedral, a gentle breeze brushing against his face, carrying with it the uniquely fresh scent of Mondstadt.

Surveying the people in the plaza below, he recalled Lumine's words—Miss Vile should be somewhere nearby.

But just as he was about to take a step forward, a hostile gaze struck him like a needle.

He immediately turned back toward the solemn cathedral. No one was in sight, yet the feeling of being watched was unmistakable.

Paimon's earlier warning echoed in his ears—his instincts hadn't been wrong. Someone was watching him, and it wasn't that man named Rudolf.

Shao Yun descended the steps, his pace now firm and deliberate.

This time, he didn't linger in the plaza. After silently counting to three in his mind, he suddenly broke into a run, vanishing from sight.

The mysterious observer hadn't expected such a sudden move. After a brief pause of surprise, they gave chase.

Thus began a pursuit through the winding streets of Mondstadt.

Shao Yun moved swiftly and precisely through the alleys, leading the pursuer toward a secluded area.

After a fierce chase, he finally lured the mysterious person into a narrow alley—and then disappeared.

Standing in the shadows, the figure muttered to themselves in confusion.

"So strange… where did he go?"

Just as the figure was steeped in bewilderment, the crisp click of a revolver's hammer echoed from behind.

Their body froze, heart pounding violently. A surge of danger flooded every nerve.

"Hands up," came a calm yet commanding voice near the ear.

Feeling the cold steel of a gun pressed tightly against the back of their head, the figure didn't dare move.

They took a slow breath, raising their hands in cautious compliance.

A girl's voice emerged, questioning with a note of confusion. "When did you notice me?"

"When you watch someone, don't wear your emotions on your face. Besides, your tailing skills aren't exactly top-tier."

Shao Yun's tone carried a hint of mockery. Keeping the revolver trained, he slowly guided the figure into the light and had her turn around.

As the sunlight fell upon her, her appearance became clear.

Pale skin, wine-red short hair tucked beneath a thorn-crowned, silver-trimmed violet headscarf, bangs parted to obscure her left eye.

A white high-collared backless top adorned with a ruby at the chest, cinched at the waist by a black and red sash, its edges spiked like her scarf. Over her long white gloves were silver metal finger guards, and below she wore black shorts and leather leggings.

Not a white slime. Tch. Rosaria, huh?

Despite the gun aimed at her, Rosaria showed no trace of fear.

"I'm Rosaria, a nun of the Church of Favonius," she said matter-of-factly, then added, "Could you please lower your weapon?"

Hearing she was a church nun only deepened Shao Yun's irritation. He furrowed his brow and said, "Seriously? I did steal your Holy Lyre, but I returned it already."

Rosaria stared at him impassively and gave a faint snort. "Even if you'd burned the Holy Lyre, I wouldn't be chasing you over something that trivial."

Shao Yun raised a brow. So, it's not about the Holy Lyre—then what the hell do you want?

"Then what is your deal?"

Rosaria's eyes narrowed, her voice cool with a tinge of displeasure and wariness. "You, alone, killed a lot of hilichurls and Fatui. Isn't it reasonable for me to be wary of a potential threat, Tacitus Kilgor..."

She paused, then added solemnly, "Or should I call you Mr. Shao Yun?"

The gun remained trained on Rosaria. Shao Yun's gaze was unwavering and cold, his words like a frigid wind slicing through her defenses.

"I'm no threat to Mondstadt—for now," he said grimly. "But if you piss me off, the mess I make won't be easy to clean up."

Rosaria's brows creased, exhaling sharply through her nose.

"Relax, I didn't come here to pick a fight."

Shao Yun stepped back, out of grabbing range, his expression one of disdain and detachment.

"My friendliness doesn't extend beyond those two girls. You're not included."

He gave Rosaria a once-over, quickly assessing her strength and threat level.

"So, why were you following me?"

Rosaria replied flatly, "No reason. Just watching you. That's all."

Shao Yun let out a cold laugh. He holstered his revolver and muttered, "You're seriously bored, huh."

Seeing the weapon stowed, Rosaria also lowered her guard. She took a deep breath and explained, "Caution is a virtue. If someone potentially dangerous were near your companions, you'd do the same."

It sounded like a half-hearted justification.

Shao Yun shook his head and corrected her sharply. "If someone like that got anywhere near Lumine, I wouldn't let them near. I'd kill them."

A dangerous edge bled from his words.

Rosaria, hearing this, mentally raised his threat level again.

Shao Yun dusted himself off, clearly uninterested in prolonging the conversation.

He remembered Lumine's request—he had a task to finish.

"I've got things to do. I'll let this slide. But next time, watch those eyes of yours. A careless look turns a hunter into prey."

...

Shao Yun returned to the plaza by the Anemo Archon statue. With the help of the system, he quickly located Mondstadt's information dealer, Vile.

He stood before her, locking eyes with this sharp-witted and well-connected woman.

"You're Miss Vile, the informant in Mondstadt?"

Vile looked up at him, eyes gleaming with curiosity and cunning. She smiled. "Well well, if it isn't the legendary Mr. Shao—Tacitus Kilgore. What brings you to me?"

Shao Yun frowned slightly. He wasn't in the mood for flattery. Lumine's mission was the priority.

"Names are trivial. I'm here to ask you something."

Vile perked up at the mention of business, though her face remained composed. She replied breezily, "Standard procedure. You ask your question, I quote a price, you pay, then I answer."

Shao Yun nodded. Sounded fair. He thought a moment, then said, "I don't think this'll cost much."

Vile smiled slightly. "Go ahead then."

Shao Yun explained the situation calmly and clearly.

"Mr. Rudolf wants to give his wife a gift but doesn't know what to buy. I wanted to ask if you had any ideas."

A cunning glint flashed in Vile's eyes—it was as if a small scheme had just hatched.

She clapped her hands and beamed. "Rudolf's wife? You mean Sister Jilliana from the Church of Favonius?"

Shao Yun noticed her sudden enthusiasm but nodded anyway. "Yes, that's her."

Vile's smile turned sly, as if she'd seen through some amusing secret. "Ah, you've come to the right person. I'm the best in Mondstadt when it comes to picking gifts!"

Without another word, she began rummaging through items, talking to herself as she worked.

"Let's see… Rudolf… Jilliana… oh right, and their adorable daughter, Lili…"

Her movements were fluid. She grabbed a fine gift box and, like performing a trick, began placing various items inside. She murmured as she worked.

"Books? Flowers? Toys? Let's throw them all in. And of course, there's got to be a surprise..."

Lastly, she placed in something unremarkable-looking, then quickly and neatly wrapped the box, handing it to Shao Yun.

He accepted it, eyeing her suspiciously. "What was that last thing you put in?"

Vile smiled mischievously. "That's the special surprise I prepared!"

She winked, as if everything was perfectly under control.

Shao Yun, still wary, examined the box, shaking it near his ear.

"If you stuffed something dangerous in here, I swear, the next time you want to use your limbs and head, they'll need to talk through sticks."

Vile raised her hands in mock surrender, nervously assuring him, "Relax, relax! I know your reputation. I promise it's safe. Just a surprise!"

Her awkward grin did little to ease Shao Yun's suspicion. He considered opening it.

But then shrugged. Not like it's for Lumine. If it explodes, it's their problem. Why should I care?

"Whatever. It's not mine. If it blows up, that's on them. How much?"

Vile quickly waved him off. "No charge! Just deliver it already!"

Shao Yun narrowed his eyes. Nothing's free. If someone offers it for nothing, they're up to something.

He pulled out a pouch of 5,000 Mora and tossed it at her.

"Free stuff's always the most expensive. You know that."

Vile caught it, a bad feeling creeping up her spine.

"A guy who won't even take a freebie…"

Shao Yun ignored her muttering. He turned and walked away, calling back, "If this thing explodes in my hands, and I survive it, I'll make time to come back and remove your head. Bye."

Vile shouted after him, "Hey! Make sure you give it directly to Miss Jilliana!"

Shao Yun stopped, glanced back, and replied coolly, "I'm just handing it to Mr. Rudolf. When and how he gives it is his business."

With that, he resumed his stride toward the cathedral.

He pushed open the freshly repaired doors of the Church of Favonius. (The last set had been kicked in by him a few days ago. Acting Grand Master Jean had let it slide.)

A faint scent of candles filled the air. He strode past rows of pews, eyes locked on Mr. Rudolf sitting with his daughter.

Shao Yun pulled the elegantly wrapped gift box from his bag and handed it over.

"This is the gift for your wife."

Rudolf took it, surprise gleaming in his eyes.

He ran his fingers over the wrapping and couldn't help but praise, "By the Anemo Archon, this looks exquisite!"

Shao Yun leaned against a bench, stretching lazily. "Bought it from Miss Vile. Cost me 5,000 Mora."

Rudolf nodded and pulled out a pouch, handing it to him. "Thank you. Here's 5,000 Mora."

Just then, Lumine and Paimon returned. Paimon happily floated over, clutching a food box, and exclaimed, "We got a specialty meal from Miss Sara!"

Rudolf took the still-warm box, a wide smile blooming across his face.

He breathed deeply, seeming to savor the aroma through the packaging. He looked at Lumine and Paimon with gratitude. "Thank you both so much. How much was it?"

Paimon blinked, then scratched her head awkwardly. "Miss Sara didn't say…"

She smiled sheepishly, though her delight quickly returned.

Rudolf furrowed his brow, thinking. Then he said, "That won't do. I'll count it as 5,000 Mora. Here."

He handed Paimon a pouch, still smiling warmly.

Holding both boxes, Rudolf's eyes sparkled with expectation. He could already imagine the joy on his wife's face. His heart was full of warmth and happiness.

Shao Yun, seeing the job was done, took Lumine's hand to leave.

"Let's not disturb them. Wishing your family happiness."

Rudolf looked at the trio with heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you. Truly, thank you all."