Chapter 82: Farewell Before Departure

Before he knew it, half a month had passed. Every night, Shao Yun found himself recalling that poker game with the man in the top hat. Demons lie—that much he knew—but why didn't it draw a card?

The fear of the unknown was the real fear. And just like that, in a daze, the days slipped by until Lumine and Paimon finally decided it was time to head for Liyue.

…

In the early morning sunlight, Mondstadt seemed to be gently awakened by golden rays, appearing especially warm and full of life.

Amber stood at the door, clad in her familiar red knight outfit, looking at Lumine and Paimon.

The two were fully packed, ready to begin their journey to Liyue.

"You're leaving for Liyue already?" Amber's tone carried a mix of reluctance and anticipation.

Paimon nodded, her little face full of seriousness.

"It's about time. If we delay any longer, we might miss the Rite of Descension entirely!"

Amber frowned slightly, seemingly lost in the fond memories of the past days. She let out a soft sigh and said with feeling, "Time really flies. You've been staying at my place for quite a while."

Paimon gave a cheeky little laugh, her voice tinged with both playfulness and gratitude.

"Thanks for letting us stay, Amber. Sorry for the trouble these past days."

Amber shook her head, a warm smile curling on her lips.

"No trouble at all. Otherwise, this big house would be too empty with just me in it. Having you around made it livelier."

Then she looked around, a bit puzzled, and turned to ask, "By the way, where's Shao Yun? Haven't seen him since early morning."

Paimon scratched her head—she was the last to wake up today—and glanced at Lumine for an answer.

Lumine responded for her, "Oh, Shao Yun said he was going to buy some outdoor supplies. I also asked him to say goodbye to everyone for us."

Amber frowned slightly, seemingly confused by the word "goodbye."

"'Goodbye'? That sounds a little… too formal."

Lumine, as if poked at a sore spot, shrugged and explained.

"We've stayed in Mondstadt for so long. Leaving without a word just doesn't feel right. I'm not great at goodbyes, so I asked him to do it—to thank our friends on our behalf."

Amber nodded in understanding.

Given everything Lumine and Shao Yun had done, even a full-blown farewell party would feel like a small gesture. Something on the scale of the Windblume Festival or the Harpastum Festival would better reflect Mondstadt's gratitude.

But realistically, that would delay their journey.

"If that's the case, let me give you a farewell gift. I'll make you some Sweet Madame with honey-glazed carrots and meat. I've been saying I'd treat you forever. Now's the perfect time."

The moment Paimon heard "honey-glazed carrot meat," she remembered all the rich meals they'd had lately—and surprisingly felt a little queasy.

Still, seeing Amber's enthusiastic face, she didn't want to dampen her mood.

So, she nodded and forced a small smile.

"Yeah, okay. Thanks, Amber."

…

Elsewhere, Shao Yun was "looting" the Mondstadt General Goods store under Blanche's stunned gaze, nearly tearing down the building to haul it all away.

Right before her eyes, Shao Yun stored everything into the legendary Eastern backpack.

"Goodbye, Miss Blanche."

Blanche stared at the empty shelves, a warehouse so bare even a thief would feel embarrassed, and several bags of Mora left on the counter. She fell into deep thought.

And voiced the age-old question:

"How did all that fit into such a small bag?"

…

Shao Yun made his way through the bustling streets, climbed the steps, and arrived at the Knights of Favonius Headquarters.

He pushed open the heavy main doors, turned left, and stopped in front of Acting Grand Master Jean's office.

Taking a deep breath and composing himself, he gently opened the door.

"Good morning, Acting Grand Master Jean. Are you busy?"

His polite greeting broke the office's silence.

Jean looked up and was pleasantly surprised to see Shao Yun. She set down her documents and poured him a cup of coffee, smiling warmly.

"Shao Yun, what brings you here? Did something happen?"

Shao Yun sat in the chair across from her, took a sip of the steaming coffee, and said, "We're heading to Liyue. I came to say goodbye."

Jean instinctively glanced at the clock on the wall and sighed, "Time flies. You're really leaving already."

She paused, then asked with concern, "Do you need me to assign a squad of knights to escort you? The road to Liyue is long and not without danger."

If only Mondstadt's knights could ride horses—then Jean's idea would make perfect sense. But given how slow they were on foot, they'd probably only slow us down.

Shao Yun smiled and shook his head.

"That won't be necessary, Acting Grand Master. I can handle it. Besides, we don't want to divert your already-busy knights just for us."

Jean pursed her lips slightly, a hint of guilt crossing her expression—she felt like she hadn't been much help to Shao Yun and Lumine.

Thinking of Lumine, she glanced toward the door and asked curiously, "Speaking of which, where's the Honorary Knight? Why didn't she come with you?"

Shao Yun blew on his coffee and answered her question.

"Lumine's not great at goodbyes. And it's not like we're never coming back. So we decided to keep it simple and let me handle the farewells, so no one worries when we're gone."

Jean nodded in understanding, and they chatted briefly about recent events.

Then something came to Shao Yun's mind. He looked up and asked, "By the way, Acting Grand Master—what ended up happening with that 'Stormterror Bandit'?"

Jean blinked, then lightly traced her finger across her neck, signaling the bird's fate.

"We listed all his crimes—theft, robbery, murder… It was given a fair trial. Then we handed him over to Kaeya for the final arrangements."

Shao Yun frowned slightly. Why didn't they call me when it happened? He really wanted to see that thing die.

"When exactly was that?"

Jean looked out the window, her gaze complicated. "The day after Sister Jilliana returned."

Shao Yun couldn't help but admire Mondstadt's instinct to protect their own. The "bird" had been imprisoned all that time, but they only executed him the day after Jilliana's past came to light?

The Scrooge bunch were dead. Once the bird was gone too, the Treasure Hoarders in Mondstadt would collapse into chaos. No one would care about one missing member.

And as long as Jilliana denied everything, no one could trace her past—she'd be clean.

Shao Yun raised a brow and teased, "So, Acting Grand Master—was there a connection between that bird and Jilliana?"

Jean delivered her pre-prepared response smoothly.

"Jilliana is a nun of the Church of Favonius. She was unfortunately captured by the Treasure Hoarders. Thanks to your cooperation with the Church, she was rescued. For your bravery, I'm sincerely grateful, and would like to offer you a reward."

From her words, Shao Yun understood—they weren't going to pursue Jilliana's past. She was officially recognized as a pure nun. They hoped Shao Yun wouldn't dig deeper, and were even willing to pay him off.

"You really are a fine leader—diligent, kind, but never soft. But you don't need to reward me. Miss Vile already gave me something. If you insist, send it to Lumine through the Adventurers' Guild."

With that, Shao Yun drained his coffee and stood up.

"I've got a few more people to see. Please give my regards to your sister."

Jean rose with him and smiled.

"Safe travels to all of you."

…

Shao Yun pushed open the library doors. Lisa, bored at her desk, immediately spotted him.

Like she'd found the perfect way to kill time, she stood up and walked over.

"Oh my, tall and handsome sir, what brings you to me today?" Her voice was gentle and sweet, laced with a teasing charm.

In the past, Shao Yun might've smiled. But now? Not a chance.

He looked at Lisa's flirtatious glance without the slightest ripple in his heart.

"Lumine and I are heading to Liyue. Just came to say goodbye. That's all."

Lisa's eyes sparkled with interest, her voice full of yearning for travel.

"Oh? Traveling is wonderful—so many beautiful sights to see."

She then glanced toward the door, seemingly hoping for someone to appear.

When she saw that familiar figure wasn't coming, her face showed a trace of disappointment.

"And where's little cutie?"

Shao Yun shrugged with a hint of helplessness. "Lumine doesn't do goodbyes. So, I'm doing them for her."

Lisa studied Shao Yun's calm face, then, like a magician pulling a trick, took out the special tonic he'd given her earlier.

She gently swirled the bottle, watching the liquid inside, and smiled curiously.

"Well then, since you're leaving, could you finally tell me what's in this potion? Even Albedo couldn't figure it out. I really want to know."

Shao Yun raised three fingers, his face still calm, his tone casual.

"Healing, stamina recovery, mental clarity—basically those three effects. Mix the corresponding potions and you'll get something close."

Lisa didn't give up so easily. She slowly leaned in, her left eye twinkling mischievously, her voice sultry.

"If you tell me, I'll give you something quite… unexpected. How's that sound?"

Shao Yun frowned slightly, took a step back, and looked her up and down.

"I've got a girlfriend. That trick doesn't work on me. Save it."

"Really?"

Lisa leaned in even more, almost touching his shoulder.

Shao Yun's hand moved to his Schofield revolver at his waist—ready to defend his "reputation" if needed.

Suddenly, Lisa pulled out a gleaming brooch from seemingly nowhere. She raised an eyebrow and smiled meaningfully.

"This brooch—I had it custom-made at a luxury shop in Sumeru when I studied there. It's no ordinary trinket. If you'll tell me what's in the potion, it's yours. You could give it to your little cutie Lumine. I'm sure she'd love it."

Shao Yun paused, surprised. "I don't think I ever told you my girlfriend's name. You—"

Before he could finish, Lisa interrupted with a wink and a playful grin.

"Isn't Lumine the only little cutie around you? Or did you think I meant that tiny floating one, Paimon?"

…Fair point. Can't argue with that.

Lisa gave the brooch a gentle shake. Sunlight glinted off it, making it sparkle enchantingly. She looked at Shao Yun expectantly.

"Well? Do we have a deal? I really think someone like Lumine would adore this brooch."

Shao Yun fell silent. It wasn't that he was selfish—even if he told her the ingredients, she wouldn't be able to find them.

In the end, he shook his head, pulled a fresh bottle of tonic from his bag, and offered it.

"Let's compromise. I'll trade you this special tonic for the brooch. Sound fair?"

Lisa looked at the tonic, then the brooch, hesitating for a moment.

Eventually, she handed over the brooch with a resigned look.

"Sigh. Fine, if you're not going to tell me, so be it. Consider this brooch a blessing for you and Lumine."

One hand traded the tonic, the other accepted the brooch.

Shao Yun tucked the brooch into his backpack, ready to leave.

As he reached the door, Lisa called out with a meaningful tone, "Best wishes to you and your little cutie. Oh, and keep it quiet tonight—don't wake up little Paimon."

Shao Yun stumbled, nearly tripping over an imaginary threshold, and shot her a glare.

"Don't worry. I'll spike Paimon's drink with sleeping meds if I have to."