When he heard that Cartis had died—and that his belongings were being passed on to him—Bennett could no longer hold back his tears. They came pouring down like a waterfall.
He cried hard, sobbing with both tears and snot running down his face, but still tried to keep his voice down, forcing himself not to wail too loudly.
He had been just a baby when an old adventurer rescued him from a domain. He had no idea who his real parents were. Several elderly adventurers in Mondstadt who never had children of their own raised him as their own.
Cartis wasn't quite one of those older adventurers—he had no children, but he wasn't that old either. Not exactly a father figure.
Maybe it was out of sympathy for Bennett's background, or maybe it was genuine appreciation for his spirit, but whatever the reason, this senior adventurer had looked after him. He'd taught him all sorts of knowledge and survival techniques for exploring Dragonspine.
When things were quiet, Cartis would often come visit, bringing him food or medicine, always reminding him to be careful and stop getting hurt so often.
And now, this kind and supportive elder… was gone. Leaving behind only a box of his personal effects.
How could Bennett not grieve?
Jiang Bai handed him a packet of tissues and gently patted his shoulder. "Cartis had no regrets when he left. He fulfilled his final wish."
Bennett blew his nose hard, eyes still brimming with tears. "Really?" he asked, his voice thick with emotion.
"Of course. He accomplished something no one ever has before. Adventurers all across Teyvat will sing his story and remember his name," Jiang Bai said with conviction.
"That's… that's amazing!" Bennett burst into a smile through his tears, his face now a messy mix of snot and tears.
Jiang Bai then took out a pouch of Mora, several knives, a pair of ice claws, a thick, warm fox-fur hat, goggles designed for snowy conditions, and a handful of other miscellaneous items.
"These are the things he wanted to pass on to you."
He also pulled out the formal contract and showed it to Bennett, making it clear that nothing had been hidden or held back.
Bennett didn't examine it too carefully. He only gave it a quick glance—his tear-filled eyes couldn't really make out the words anyway.
He didn't feel the need to doubt Jiang Bai. After all, why would someone go to all this trouble to deceive him?
The dead can't argue. If someone were truly unscrupulous, they'd pretend the contract never existed. Who would enforce it?
And as for whether Jiang Bai might be holding something back?
That thought didn't even cross his mind.
First of all, Bennett had no idea how much stuff Cartis had left behind. And besides, this sort of situation came down to trust. You had to believe in the person handling things.
And Bennett did.
The man in front of him had brought word of Cartis' passing, had collected his remains, and had delivered his belongings without delay.
He even told him that Cartis had fulfilled his dream.
"Just do a quick check, and if everything looks right, sign here. Once that's done, the transfer's complete," Jiang Bai said.
He handed over a pen and flipped the contract around for Bennett to sign.
Bennett nodded and skimmed through the items. The pouch held about fifty thousand Mora—which made sense. Adventurers rarely carried large sums on expeditions.
The blades were familiar. One was a long sword used to fight off monsters. The two short ones were meant for preparing food or kindling fires.
Cartis had commissioned a blacksmith to forge these specifically. They were high quality and had seen many years of use.
Bennett sniffled, wiped his hands, and signed his name.
"Thank you, both."
Hu Tao poured him a glass of water so he could calm down a bit.
Once he'd composed himself, he said, "We still need to visit Cartis' home. Would you mind showing us the way?"
"Of course." Bennett nodded, cradling the items in his arms.
Jiang Bai turned to Venti. "Venti, let's part ways here. We still have things to take care of."
If Venti had only followed them this far, Jiang Bai could chalk it up to curiosity. But if he kept tagging along past this point, Jiang Bai would have to question his motives.
After all, what came next involved an unspecified amount of Mora. He couldn't afford to be careless.
"Then I'll see you next time!" Venti waved cheerfully, showing no intention of following them further.
It had been a chance encounter—this was far enough. Any more would've been overstepping.
"Goodbye!"
As he watched them leave the Adventurers' Guild, Venti's smile didn't waver—but his eyes curved slightly, as if smiling with them.
...
Once outside, Jiang Bai and Hu Tao followed Bennett through the winding streets of Mondstadt until they reached a modest little building.
Most Mondstadt homes were standalone structures. Wealthier families had two or three stories. Poorer ones had only one.
Cartis' house wasn't his own—it was rented.
Though he came from one of Mondstadt's noble families, he was part of a distant branch. Aside from the surname, he had little to do with the main household.
After confirming this was the place, Jiang Bai took out the key Cartis had given him and opened the door.
The house was small and cluttered. Items were strewn about haphazardly. Empty wine bottles littered the coffee table in the living room.
"Sorry about the mess. Uncle Cartis wasn't exactly the tidy type," Bennett said as he set the things down and picked up a broom to start sweeping.
"Director, have a seat. I'll go check if the stuff Cartis mentioned is actually here." Jiang Bai was trying to discreetly send Hu Tao away so he could retrieve the Mora himself.
"What stuff?" Hu Tao didn't know what he was planning, but something told her she shouldn't let him go alone.
Seeing her unwilling to sit down, Jiang Bai got a little flustered.
Just as I thought… if she came along, this was bound to happen.
"Cartis said he left me a token of gratitude. It's in his room."
Jiang Bai made sure to emphasize the words for me.
A gift given to me, Director. You're not going to snatch it, are you?
"Oh?" Hu Tao raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Her body language made it clear, though.
We'll see about that.
Bennett, broom in hand and completely oblivious, let them into Cartis' bedroom without question.
There wasn't much inside—just a bed, a wardrobe, a bedside table, a desk with a lamp, and a wooden chest.
Jiang Bai's eyes immediately landed on the chest.
By all logic, that's where the Mora would be. It even had a lock on it.
Rubbing his hands together excitedly, Jiang Bai forced it open, expecting to see golden Mora glittering inside.
But the reality was far less kind.
There were no Mora. Just miscellaneous junk.
Unwilling to give up, Jiang Bai dug deeper—but not even a single coin turned up.
"What… how?" he muttered in disbelief.
Cartis had clearly said there was still some Mora at home. He wouldn't have lied.
Jiang Bai began searching the rest of the room, turning over every drawer and container.
Hu Tao leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching calmly as Jiang Bai tore the place apart in a frenzy.
In her hand, she held a small coin pouch—one she'd just found tucked beneath the pillow.
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T/N: LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO