Chapter 83: A Horse for Lumine

Shao Yun stepped out of the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, warm sunlight breaking through the clouds and casting a golden glow around him like a divine halo.

He took a deep breath, savoring the free-spirited air of Mondstadt. It cleared his mind.

After only a few steps, he spotted Kaeya standing not far ahead, speaking in hushed tones to Noelle.

Noelle looked tense, clutching her hands to her chest, clearly in the middle of receiving an important assignment.

Shao Yun smiled faintly and approached, curious to hear what outrageous task Kaeya had cooked up this time.

"Miss Noelle, I have a critical mission—one that concerns the very survival of Mondstadt. I've decided to entrust it to you."

Kaeya's voice was low and mysterious, as though something monumental was about to unfold.

Noelle immediately straightened up, eyes wide with nervous excitement. "Yes, Captain Kaeya! Please tell me!"

Shao Yun sighed inwardly at the sight of Noelle being hoodwinked once again.

If Kaeya dared assign her to tile the city walls again, Shao Yun swore he'd hang him from the cathedral's bell tower to "bask in the dew of the heavens and absorb the light of sun and moon."

"Morning, Miss Hardworking Noelle and the Silver-Tongued Pirate Captain," Shao Yun greeted loudly.

Noelle turned, startled, and broke into a delighted smile. "Ah! Mister Shao Yun, long time no see!"

Kaeya spread his hands in mock protest. "Why am I the lying pirate captain again?"

Shao Yun clapped a hand on Kaeya's shoulder and leaned in to whisper.

"Because your mouth either spits wine foam or tall tales. You sound like a drunk pirate searching for the mythical El Dorado."

He turned to Noelle. "Miss Noelle, I need to settle a score with Kaeya. Let's put saving Mondstadt on hold for now."

Kaeya felt the pressure of Shao Yun's grip and chuckled bitterly.

"Miss Noelle, why don't you take a break for now?"

Noelle glanced between the two of them, a little puzzled, but said nothing. She offered a maid's curtsy. "Of course. Captain Kaeya, Mister Shao Yun—goodbye for now."

With that, she left.

Shao Yun and Kaeya exchanged a knowing look.

"Mister Shao Yun, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Kaeya asked, half-curious, half-unbothered.

Shao Yun took a deep breath, determination in his eyes.

"Kaeya, Lumine and I are leaving for Liyue. I came to say goodbye. As for asking Noelle to step away—I just didn't want her getting too emotional over our departure. You understand."

Kaeya nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Wishing you both safe travels. But this 'score' you mentioned—what's that about?"

Shao Yun held up two fingers and began counting.

"First, thanks to you, Noelle and I spent an entire day scrubbing the city walls. I swore then I'd settle that debt one day!"

Kaeya scratched the back of his head, a bit embarrassed.

"So that chill down my back that day… was your grudge forming."

Shao Yun ignored the joke and went on.

"Second, the night the Fatui rebelled—as the cavalry captain, you failed to maintain order. Noelle witnessed all that bloodshed. Don't you think that's on you?"

Kaeya looked away, clearly caught off guard by how well Shao Yun remembered.

"I admit, I was wrong. I'll make sure to assign her gentler duties from now on. Just don't hit me, okay?"

Looking around to make sure no one was watching, Kaeya quickly pulled out a small pouch of Mora and stuffed it into Shao Yun's hand.

Shao Yun blinked, weighing the pouch. "Kaeya, I didn't come to extort you. I came to teach you a lesson."

Kaeya gave him a look that said "Sure, sure", and chuckled.

"You misunderstand! I just didn't want you two to go broke on the road. No other reason. Besides, this was my drinking money for tonight—that's punishment enough, right?"

Shao Yun looked at the pouch, then at Kaeya's cheeky grin, and shook his head.

"You lying pirate..."

He handed the pouch back, his tone turning serious.

"I only take from people who deserve it. I'm a ruthless outlaw, not some greedy treasure hoarder. Stop giving Noelle those 'emergency missions.'"

After a pause, he offered a better idea—something tailor-made for Noelle.

"If she's got too much energy, let her burn it in the library. Reading's better than roaming outside. There's enough books in there to keep her busy for weeks. A girl her age needs stillness, not action."

Kaeya instantly latched onto the suggestion.

"Mister Shao Yun, you're a genius."

Just as Kaeya was admiring Shao Yun's wisdom, Shao Yun snatched the pouch of Mora right back.

"I don't give advice for free."

He stuffed it into his backpack and walked away.

Kaeya stood there stunned. This was daylight robbery—legitimized. In the end, the money still ended up in Shao Yun's pocket.

…

Shao Yun only visited Jean, Kaeya, Lisa, and Noelle. The rest were either not close enough or too busy. Visiting would just be a bother.

There would be plenty of time to meet others later.

Humming a tune, Shao Yun returned to Amber's doorstep. Just as he reached for the key, a system notification popped up.

[You've received the Dutch Warmblood: Buell.]

Oh! He'd been so busy, he'd nearly forgotten this big event.

He quickly opened his system panel to inspect the ivory-gold Dutch Warmblood.

Only the finest for a seasoned warrior!

The color was perfect for Lumine—and it had the courage to face monsters head-on.

Overjoyed, Shao Yun burst into Amber's house.

"Girls, I'm back!"

But the scene before him made him pause. The house was completely empty, silent enough to freeze the air.

He scratched his head. "Where is everyone? Don't tell me they left me behind?"

Sitting down on the sofa, he pulled out a cigar, but then remembered—this is Amber's place. He put it away.

Just then, familiar voices sounded from outside. Amber, Lumine, and Paimon returned.

Paimon, rubbing her belly, said, "So full..."

Her voice was full of satisfaction, clearly from a good meal.

As the three entered, they saw Shao Yun on the sofa—and he looked back at them.

Seeing the greasy corners of their mouths, Shao Yun raised an eyebrow, pretending to be mad.

"Really? You went out to eat without me? What, am I that easy to ditch?"

Amber and Lumine exchanged a look and sighed. His expression didn't look angry at all.

But Paimon panicked. She took a packed meal box from Lumine and floated over with an apologetic look.

"Hehe, don't be mad! I bought you some Sweet Madame—it'll cheer you up, right?"

Shao Yun looked at the food, then at Paimon trying to act cute, and pretended to relent.

"Paimon spending money on me—now that's rare. Alright, I'll accept it."

…

At Mondstadt's city gate, sunlight bathed the world, and a soft breeze stirred the air.

Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon were ready. A new journey awaited.

Amber had come to see them off, her face glowing with warmth.

Waving gently, her eyes were filled with fondness and blessing.

"I'll stop here. Safe travels. Mondstadt's gates will always be open for you. Don't forget to come back and visit us sometime!"

Her voice was gentle and firm—like a breeze brushing their hearts.

Paimon's face showed a trace of sadness. She nodded, her voice slightly choked.

"Don't worry—we'll be back. I'll miss Mondstadt's sights and people."

Shao Yun leaned close to Lumine and whispered, "Did Paimon forget to mention 'food'?"

"Let it go. For once, she didn't talk about food. Don't ruin the moment."

…

Crossing the great bridge that connected Mondstadt to the outside world, Shao Yun turned to them with a bright smile.

"Lumine, Paimon—same old routine!"

Lumine frowned slightly, hesitant.

"Uh… can't we walk this time? Riding behind you isn't a journey—it's punishment."

Shao Yun shook his head, smiling mysteriously.

"Walk? We'd reach Liyue next decade. Besides, this time I'm not the one carrying both of you. Don't worry—same old routine, but with a twist."

Paimon tilted her head, confused. "You're not riding? What, Lumine's riding and you sit behind?"

Shao Yun laughed but didn't answer directly. "No more questions. Just wait—I promise it'll blow your minds!"

Lumine and Paimon closed their eyes in anticipation.

In Teyvat, horses were a rare sight—let alone two top-tier steeds summoned from the system's stables.

Two magnificent horses appeared before Shao Yun.

"Open your eyes."

A pale pink Andalusian stood gracefully, its steps like a blossom dancing in the wind.

Beside it, the ivory-gold Dutch Warmblood shone in the sunlight, regal and refined like a sculpted masterpiece.

Paimon opened her eyes and was instantly captivated by "Buell."

Circling the majestic horse in awe, she exclaimed, "Wow! This is amazing! I've never seen such a beautiful horse!"

Shao Yun, full of pride, pointed to Buell.

"This is your surprise. He's not just beautiful—he's gentle, perfect for Lumine. And look at that color—one of a kind."

Lumine walked up and gently petted Buell's neck.

The horse, sensing her kindness, lowered its head and nuzzled her hand. She smiled with delight.

"He's gorgeous. I love him. What's his name?"

"Buell," Shao Yun replied. "What do you think?"

Paimon perched on Buell's neck, grinning. "Great name! Honestly, I thought you'd go with something like 'Sweet Flower'."

Shao Yun carefully lifted Lumine into Buell's saddle, adjusting the stirrups to make sure she was stable.

He handed her the reins. "Alright, Lumine—like I taught you. Hold the reins, give him a ride."

Lumine nodded softly, adjusting her posture to fit the saddle. The slight motion beneath her made her heart flutter with excitement.

She handled Buell with ease.

Paimon sat in front, swaying gently with the horse's rhythm, eyes wide with curiosity.

Everything was perfect—except for one thing.

"My skirt's a little in the way," Lumine noted.

Shao Yun frowned. He had overlooked that.

After thinking for a moment, he said, "When we reach Liyue, let's find a tailor to make you something suitable for riding—like what I'm wearing. Sound good?"

Lumine hesitated.

"I'm not used to other clothes…"

She'd worn the same dress for so long, changing felt strange.

"Try it. Having another outfit won't hurt."

Shao Yun swung onto his own horse, "Carrot," pulled out a map, and slid his finger across it.

"There are three routes to Liyue Harbor. All scenic. Your call."

"Tell us about them," Lumine said with a smile, voice filled with anticipation.

Shao Yun nodded and began with the first.

"This one goes through Springvale—beautiful views, fresh air. Then we pass Diluc's Dawn Winery, cross a canyon, and reach Liyue's Stone Gate. If it gets late, we can rest there."

He continued, "After Stone Gate, we'll head through Dihua Marsh—lush reeds and stunning landscapes. At Wangshu Inn, we'll eat and rest. Then it's through the ancient ruins of Guili Plains, and finally—Liyue Harbor."

He described the other routes—one through Dragonspine, snowy and challenging; another northward to Dornman Port, then by sea to Liyue Harbor.

Each had its charm, but Lumine had made up her mind.

"The first one. It's the main trade route—probably the safest."

Shao Yun nodded in agreement and patted Carrot's neck.

"Alright, that's the one. With luck, we'll make it before the Rite of Descension. Plenty of time to explore the city."

At their command, the two horses reared up, and the three set out for Liyue Harbor.