"I ended up killing every last one of them. Judging by the time, the cleanup should be done by now."
Shao Yun's voice was chillingly calm, as if he were merely recounting what he had eaten for dinner the previous night.
Hearing this, Jean gasped sharply. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at Shao Yun, her voice trembling slightly. "You... you mean, you killed the Fatui's... diplomatic personnel?"
At the mention of the word "diplomatic personnel," a flicker of fury passed through Shao Yun's eyes, but he forcibly suppressed his emotions. His tone remained even, though laced with a cold edge.
"They weren't diplomatic personnel. They tried to seize control of the city's defenses after I drove off the Hilichurls—and they killed a Knight! I acted purely on your personal request."
He held up two fingers and said word by word, "First, I ensured Mondstadt's safety. Second, I didn't fire the first shot at the Fatui. I made sure they never got the chance to fire a second."
Jean immediately sensed Shao Yun's anger and realized her words might have been misunderstood, as if she were blaming him. She quickly clarified, "Shao Yun, I'm not accusing you of anything."
Her voice was full of sincerity and apology, eager to dissolve the misunderstanding.
Shao Yun crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at her, asking, "Then what do you mean?"
His tone was tinged with dissatisfaction—clearly, Jean's earlier words had left a lingering bitterness.
Jean took a deep breath and replied calmly, "What I mean is, I support your actions. You protected Mondstadt and upheld our dignity. But Shao Yun, you must also consider the consequences."
Shao Yun didn't care about the Fatui's retaliation. With confidence, he said, "All I need is the Knights' support. Nothing else."
Jean shook her head. Things were not so simple. In her eyes, the Fatui's power and influence were vast and deeply rooted—not something easily dealt with.
With caution, she asked, "Mr. Shao Yun, as you said, it's better to lay things out clearly. I'd like to speak with you in private."
Shao Yun nodded, signaling he was all ears. Seeing how serious Jean was, he figured this might be an important topic and decided to give it his full attention.
Jean performed a Knight's salute and made a solemn pledge.
"In the territory of Mondstadt, the Knights of Favonius will protect you."
At first, this promise sounded like a solid backing for Shao Yun and Lumine. But given their current strength, they were the ones protecting the Knights, not the other way around. What a joke!
Jean then asked tactfully, "But do you, the Honorary Knight, and Miss Paimon intend to settle down in Mondstadt?"
Shao Yun thought for a moment. Lumine was here to find her brother, and since she hadn't found him in Mondstadt, they'd surely move on to the next nation.
So he replied, "Of course not."
Jean followed up with concern, "As you said, you'll be leaving Mondstadt. But the Fatui's influence stretches across the entire continent. Do you understand what I mean?"
Her implication was clear: while Shao Yun had valid reasons for killing the Fatui in Mondstadt, the organization wasn't known for playing fair. Jean could ensure their safety within Mondstadt's borders, but beyond that… they were on their own.
Shao Yun had already caught the deeper meaning in her words. He knew she was worried—after all, even a fierce tiger struggles against a pack of wolves.
But to him, if the Fatui wanted his life, so be it. He'd kill as many as came for him.
"If they come for me, I'll be ready. I have no problem teaching the Snezhnayans what fear truly means. I've already toned myself down to travel with Lumine. If I reverted to my old self... even I wouldn't dare to remember what I was like back then!"
His voice was filled with unshakable determination, making it clear to all three of them that he had no fear of revenge.
Jean looked at Shao Yun, a sense of melancholy rising within her. But she also knew that what was done couldn't be undone—no amount of words could change the facts.
She took a deep breath and said firmly, "If the Fatui target you within Mondstadt, I'll deal with them. But beyond our borders... I'm sorry, I won't be able to help."
There was a trace of helplessness in her tone.
Shao Yun nodded, understanding that Jean had already promised the most she could.
"Thanks for your support."
Jean and Diluc left, but surprisingly, Venti remained behind, standing next to Shao Yun.
Shao Yun glanced at Venti's mischievous smile and asked casually, "Why aren't you leaving?"
Venti turned and looked at Shao Yun with his bright turquoise eyes, shaking his head with a click of his tongue.
In a light tone, he said, "I just saw a heavy cloud of resentment hanging over you, so I figured I'd stay and keep you company."
Shao Yun decided to take it as Venti's way of showing concern. After all, he had just wiped out the Fatui in Mondstadt in one night.
Although Shao Yun didn't feel any different, if someone wanted to accompany him, he had no reason to refuse.
He pulled a bottle of fine brandy from his bag and handed it to Venti as a token of appreciation.
"Then thanks for keeping me company." Shao Yun smiled.
Venti looked like he wanted to decline politely, but the sight of the enticing bottle made his eyes gleam with desire.
"Aww, what's this supposed to mean!" Venti said with mock modesty, though his hand was already reaching for the bottle.
Seeing that, Shao Yun simply stuffed the bottle into Venti's hands and chuckled, "Take it already. You're practically drooling."
Venti hugged the bottle of fine brandy, licked his lips, as if already savoring the rich aroma. He looked at Shao Yun gratefully and said cheerfully, "Thanks a bunch!"
He stashed the brandy away and extended two fingers. "Since I've accepted two gifts from you, I'll grant you two wishes." He winked with a playful smile.
Shao Yun's eyes twinkled as an idea came to him. He smiled and said, "I want unlimited Mora. Do you have that?"
Venti immediately started coughing. "Cough cough... Uh..."
He looked troubled—clearly unable to fulfill that little wish.
If I had that kind of money, would I still be mooching drinks all the time? he thought bitterly.
Seeing Venti's expression, Shao Yun burst into laughter and patted his shoulder.
"Hahaha, I'm just joking."
Venti breathed a sigh of relief. Right now, his pockets were emptier than his wine glass. Forget infinite Mora—he couldn't even afford a regular dandelion wine.
Watching Shao Yun laugh heartily, Venti joined in and said, "I knew you were joking. Still, I can offer you some advice."
Shao Yun was intrigued. Advice? He didn't feel like he needed any. But sometimes, the observer sees more clearly than the participant. What if Venti saw something he hadn't?
He nodded, signaling for Venti to continue.
"Actually, you don't care about the Fatui's revenge. But you do care about Lumine and Paimon. You're afraid they'll be caught up in this, right?"
Venti's words were gentle yet firm, each one seemingly chosen with care.
Shao Yun's smile froze. Venti had hit the nail on the head.
He nodded silently, a flicker of complex emotion passing through his eyes.
I'm a fugitive, but those two aren't.
Shao Yun genuinely feared that his actions might drag Lumine and Paimon into danger, perhaps even put their lives at risk.
Venti saw Shao Yun's silence and gently patted his shoulder. "Then tell them everything—honestly. I think they'll support you without hesitation."
Shao Yun hesitated. He feared his actions and intentions might trouble or disappoint them.
"I'm worried..." Shao Yun murmured, uncertainty and worry in his tone.
Venti gave Shao Yun a playful jab on the arm and said with a wink, "What's there to worry about? It was the Fatui who started this, not you going around like some lunatic picking fights. I think you're in the right."
His words were like a breeze, blowing away the cloud of doubt in Shao Yun's heart.
Shao Yun took a deep breath, feeling much of his worry dissipate. He nodded in gratitude.
"Thank you."
From the forest in the distance, a golden figure and a white one gradually came into view.
Lumine and Paimon had returned.
Venti stretched lazily, a relaxed and satisfied smile on his face.
Looking at Shao Yun, he smiled and said, "I'll leave you two to talk."
Then he turned to go.
But just a few steps away, Venti stopped abruptly. He turned back, eyes scanning Shao Yun up and down.
Shao Yun felt a bit uncomfortable under the scrutiny. "What is it?"
Venti pointed at his clothes, pinched his nose, and said with a teasing tone, "Almost forgot—you really shouldn't meet girls looking like that. It's rude."
With a flick of his hand, a refreshing gust of Anemo blew past.
Shao Yun felt a cool breeze wash over him, and the bloodstains and odors on his clothes vanished.
He looked down in amazement—his once-filthy outfit now looked freshly laundered, good as new.
Venti, satisfied with the reaction, nodded and said, "That's better. No wonder Lisa calls you a tall, handsome gentleman."
With a spring in his step, Venti walked away, leaving Shao Yun to await the two girls.
Shao Yun stared at his spotless gunslinger outfit in shock. One gust of wind and it's clean? What kind of magic is that?
Lumine and Paimon walked across the bridge into Mondstadt. When they arrived at the gate, they saw Shao Yun waiting.
Paimon flew over excitedly, eyes sparkling with curiosity and joy.
"Shao Yun, did you come just to meet us?"
Shao Yun smiled and nodded, a trace of guilt in his eyes. "Yeah, sorry I didn't prepare any kind of welcome gift... things got complicated."
Paimon waved it off. "Pffft, that's nothing! You coming to meet us is the best welcome!"
But Shao Yun's gaze shifted to Lumine, and his expression turned serious.
"Lumine, there's something important I need to talk to you about. Alone."
Paimon blinked in surprise and asked curiously, "What is it that I can't know?"
Sensing Shao Yun's seriousness, Lumine gently patted Paimon's shoulder and said softly, "Paimon, give us a moment."
Though reluctant, Paimon flew off obediently, leaving Lumine and Shao Yun alone.
Shao Yun took a deep breath and recounted the entire story of wiping out the Fatui.
Lumine listened quietly, without showing shock or anger.
When he finished, her face showed a hint of confusion. She asked, "Why are you telling me this?"
Shao Yun bit his lip, searching for the right words. He took another deep breath and spoke again.
"Just like I said before—if I ever cause trouble for you, don't hesitate. Do what's best for you."
This time, Lumine understood. Her eyes widened in frustration, and she gave him a firm shove.
But Shao Yun, tall and solid, only swayed slightly.
Irritated, Lumine punched him in the stomach.
Shao Yun looked at her puffed-up expression, momentarily dumbfounded.
Lumine pointed a finger at his nose and said angrily, "Listen—we're travel companions. That means we take care of each other. If the Fatui want revenge, then we face them together!"
Still fuming, she glanced at his boots and gave them a sharp stomp.
"Don't look down on me just because I'm shorter than you! I've fought dragons, got it?"
She turned with a flick of her golden hair and called Paimon to join her.
Without even glancing back, she said, "I'm taking Paimon to eat. We're starving."
Shao Yun could hear the complete lack of concern in her voice. That brought him a sense of relief.
Trust goes both ways, and her feisty demeanor made Shao Yun feel truly comforted.
Seeing Lumine and Paimon walk off, Shao Yun snapped back to his senses and hurried after them.
"Hey—breakfast is on me!"